cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impulse-control disorders in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The aim of this study was to examine current prevalences, clinical correlates and patterns of co-occurrence of impulse control disorders (ICDs) in children and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). We examined rates and clinical correlates of comorbid ICDs in 70 consecutive child and adolescent subjects with lifetime DSM-IV OCD (32.9% females; mean age = 13.8 ± 2.9 years). Comorbidity data were obtained with structured clinical interviews using DSM-IV criteria. OCD severity was assessed with the Child Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. All variables were compared in OCD subjects with and without current ICDs. 12 (17.1%) subjects met criteria for a current ICD. Pathological skin picking and compulsive nail biting were the most common ICDs with current rates of 12.8% and 10.0%, respectively. OCD subjects with current ICDs were significantly more likely to have a co-occurring tic disorder (66.7% vs. 20.7%; p=.003). Although having an ICD was associated with greater numerical scores of OCD symptomatology, these differences were not statistically significant. There were no sex-specific patterns of ICD occurrence in children and adolescents with OCD. Certain ICDs are common among children and adolescents with OCD. Better identification of ICDs in children and adolescents with OCD is needed, as are empirically validated treatments for youth with co-occurring ICDs.
Quantitative force comparison of polyacrylonitrile fibers with skeletal muscle

The possibility of using certain polymer gels as artificial skeletal muscle was investigated due to its ability to shorten or contract when saturated in acidic or basic solutions, respectively. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber is such an example of a polymer gel. Mechanical performance characteristics of PAN fibers were studied and compared to voluntary muscle mechanical properties. The experimental methods used to determine the mechanical properties of the PAN fibers were modeled after A.V. Hill's classic experiments of the force-length (F-L) and force-velocity (F-V) properties of voluntary muscle. In addition, the force-molarity (F-M), length-molarity (L-M), and force-time (F-T) characteristics were measured for the PAN fibers. These characteristics were quantitatively and qualitatively compared to voluntary muscle properties when relevant and used to determine the feasibility of implementing PAN fibers as artificial skeletal muscle in modeling movement across the human elbow joint. The results indicated qualitative similarities with the mechanical characteristics of voluntary muscle, especially force-velocity property. The force capabilities of the PAN fibers were at the lower end of voluntary muscle force generation. (i.e. 20-200 N/cm 2 ) Activation-contraction time was also substantially larger than skeletal muscle. Based on these data, it was concluded that using PAN fibers as artificial muscles in modeling the human elbow joint is feasible only under certain conditions. Additional characterization studies are needed to determine if individual PAN fibers can generate higher forces using a different experimental protocol or a different architectural arrangement of the fibers.
Clinical response to glatiramer acetate correlates with modulation of IFN-γ and IL-4 expression in multiple sclerosis

Objective To determine whether glatiramer acetate (GA)-induced lymphoproliferation and IFN-γ and IL-4 modulation correlate with the clinical response in multiple sclerosis (MS).Background GA therapy involves the induction of anti-inflammatory cytokine shifts. However, it is not known whether this response correlates with the clinical outcome.Methods Thirty-six relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients were treated with GA for at least two years, and classified clinically as GA-responders (GA-R=22) or hypo/non-responders (GA-HR/NR = 14). Proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to GA and Tetanus toxoid (TT), as well as IL-4 and IFN-γ ELISPOT, were performed.Findings There was no difference in PBMC proliferation to GA or TT between GA-R and GA-HR/NR before and during treatment (P>0.05). The mean number of IFN-γ ELISPOTS in unstimulated, TT and anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMC was lower among GA-R (unstimulated: GA-R =10.1±6.21 (n=22) versus GA-HR/NR=17.8±12.7 (n=14), P=0.04; TT-GA-R =12.2±4.06 (n=...
Inositol 1,3,4-Trisphosphate 5/6-Kinase Associates with the COP9 Signalosome by Binding to CSN1

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is a complex of eight proteins first identified as a repressor of plant photomorphogenesis. A protein kinase activity associated with the COP9 signalosome has been reported but not identified; we present evidence for inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase (5/6-kinase) as a protein kinase associated with the COP9 signalosome. We have shown that 5/6-kinase exists in a complex with the eight-component COP9 signalosome both when purified from bovine brain and when transfected into HEK 293 cells. 5/6-kinase phosphorylates the same substrates as those of the COP9 signalosome, including IkappaBalpha, p53, and c-Jun but fails to phosphorylate several other substrates, including c-Jun 1-79, which are not substrates for the COP9-associated kinase. Both the COP9 signalosome- associated kinase and 5/6-kinase are inhibited by curcumin. The association of 5/6-kinase with the COP9 signalosome is through an interaction with CSN1, which immunoprecipitates with 5/6-kinase. In addition, the inositol kinase activity of 5/6-kinase is inhibited when in a complex with CSN1. We propose that 5/6-kinase is the previously described COP9 signalosome-associated kinase.
Genital papillomatosis in sperm whale bulls.

Examination of 31 male sperm whales (Physeter catodon) caught off the western coast of Iceland revealed three cases of genital papillomatosis involving the unsheathed penis. One subadult and two sexually mature bulls were affected. Gross lesions resembled papillomas common in terrestrial mammalian species. Transmission electron microscopy of these lesions revealed nonenveloped intranuclear virus particles 28–40 nm in diameter and round to hexagonal in shape. In two cases immunoperoxidase staining was negative for group-specific papillomavirus antigen. These findings indicate that the spectrum of animal species affected with virus-associated genital papillomatosis includes at least one globally distributed species of the order Cetacea (whales, dolphins, and porpoises).
Low-affinity interactions of BODIPY-FL-GTPγS and BODIPY-FL-GppNHp with Gi- and Gs-proteins

BODIPY-FL-guanosine 5'-[γ-thio]triphosphate (B-GTPγS) and BODIPY-FL-guanosine 5'-[β,γ-imido]triphosphate (B-GppNHp) induce fluorescence changes upon binding to purified Gs/Gi-proteins and were suggested to serve as probes for monitoring receptor-mediated G-protein activation. However, B-GTPγS and B-GppNHp bound to receptor-Gαs/Gαi fusion proteins expressed in Sf9 cell membranes with 1,100- to 5,600-fold- and 17- to 55-fold lower affinity than GTPγS and GppNHp, respectively. The affinity of B-GTPγS/B-GppNHp for Gs/Gi-proteins was considerably lower than the affinity of N-methylanthraniloyl (MANT)-substituted GTP analogs for Gs/Gi-proteins. B-GTPγS/B-GppNHp were much less potent than GTPγS/GppNHp at regulating adenylyl cyclase (AC) via Gs- and Gi-proteins. B-GTPγS/B-GppNHp were similarly efficient as GTPγS/GppNHp at activating Gi, but less efficient at activating Gs. In contrast to MANT-GTPγS/MANT-GppNHp, B-GTPγS/B-GppNHp were inefficient at directly inhibiting AC. In conclusion, the bulky BODIPY group strongly reduces the affinity of GTPγS/GppNHp for G-proteins, limiting the use of B-GTPγS/B-GppNHp as fluorescence probes.
Profiles of emission lines in Be stars. II - Interpretation of the long-period V/R variation.

Investigation of the long-period V/R variation in some Be stars studied by McLaughlin (1966) and others, based on the assumption that the variation is caused by the apsidal motion of an elliptical ring in which the emitting atoms revolve around the star according to Kepler's laws of motion. The results indicate that the behavior of the V/R variation depends upon both the eccentricity and the lateral extent of the gaseous ring. However, if the ring is narrower than a certain limit, the dependence on the width is negligible. In such a case, the eccentricity of the ring can be determined by the observed amplitude of the V/R variation. Based on this model, the radial-velocity curves of both emission edges and central absorption are derived. It is found that they all have the same amplitude, which also depends on the eccentricity, and that all are changing in phase with the V/R variation.
The High-Resolution Doppler Imager: status update 12 years after launch

The High Resolution Doppler Imager (HRDI) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) has been measuring winds in the stratosphere, mesosphere and lower thermosphere since November, 1991. The winds are determined by measuring the Doppler shift of emission and absorption lines in the O2 Atmospheric Band that are located between 630 and 762 nm. HRDI is a triple-etalon Fabry-Perot interferometer that has a resolution of ~0.05 cm-1 and very good white light rejection. A multi-channel detector with 31 channels is used to examine a spectral region 0.5 cm-1 wide and an adjustable filter wheel permits the selection of any one of 13 spectral bands. The long life of this instrument has presented many challenges in keeping the calibrations current and in compensating for inevitable degradations in instrument and spacecraft performance. Some of the problems with the UARS spacecraft the affect HRDI operations are: limited power due to the solar array drive failure; loss of data resulting from a failure of the tape recorders, and loss of attitude knowledge caused by the failure of the star trackers. HRDI has shown little loss in capability over the years with only a decrease in the azimuth rate of the telescope motor a significant sign of aging. This paper will discuss some of these challenges and how they have been met.
Circulating cortisol levels after exogenous cortisol administration are higher in women using hormonal contraceptives: data from two preliminary studies

AbstractExogenous cortisol administration has been used to test the influence of glucocorticoids on a variety of outcomes, including memory and affect. Careful control of factors known to influence cortisol and other endogenous hormone levels is central to the success of this research. While the use of hormonal birth control (HBC) is known to exert many physiological effects, including decreasing the salivary cortisol response to stress, it is unknown how HBC influences circulating cortisol levels after exogenous cortisol administration. To determine those effects, we examined the role of HBC on participants’ cortisol levels after receiving synthetic cortisol (hydrocortisone) in two separate studies. In Study 1, 24 healthy women taking HBC and 26 healthy men were administered a 0.1 mg/kg body weight intravenous dose of hydrocortisone, and plasma cortisol levels were measured over 3 h. In Study 2, 61 participants (34 women; 16 were on HBC) received a 15 mg hydrocortisone pill, and salivary cortisol levels ...
Fermentation Process Monitoring through Measurement of Aerosol Release

Fermentation involves many complex biological processes, some of which can be difficult to monitor. In this study, aerosol measurement was explored as an additional technique for monitoring a batch aerobic fermentation process using Escherichia coli strain W3110. Using this technique, a small aerosol extraction flow from the fermentor was continuously dried in-line and analyzed with an aerosol size spectrometer and an aerosol photometer, used to measure the size-integrated aerosol concentration. The results of the measurements demonstrated that the bacterial growth rate and the aerosol number concentration changed in a similar fashion: the effluent aerosol number concentration increased during the exponential growth phase and subsequently decreased after the bacterial cell concentration had reached a stable level. This aerosol concentration increased sharply approximately 1 h after initiation of growth. Thus, this increase in aerosol concentration suggests that the release of aerosols changes as a function of the microbial product formation activity. The products may change the rheological properties of the liquid, especially if surface-active compounds are produced. The increase in aerosol concentration corresponds to a decrease in the values of the measured surface tension during the same time frame. Furthermore, the aerosol size spectrometer and the photometer showed similar time traces of the effluent aerosols. The size distributions of the solid residues from the fermentation broth remained relatively constant, while the concentrations changed with the phase of fermentation. As the photometer is inexpensive, it appears promising as a convenient instrument for monitoring fermentation processes.
Serials Staffing for the Twenty-First Century and Beyond

This article provides an overview of the technical services issues relating to the future of serials staffing, particularly for serials catalogers. Trends in cataloging procedures, technical services reorganizations, and the changing roles of professional and paraprofessional employees affect present and future responsibilities of serials work. The author also examines major technological innovations that have affected staffing needs, including journals in electronic format, vendor-supplied holdings data, automatic generation of bibliographic records, and the potential implications of proposed serials cataloging rule changes on the way in which serials will be managed in libraries. Serials Review 2002; 28:195–200.
Learning how to learn: The significance and current status of learning set formation

In honor of the memory ofHarry F. Harlow, this paper reviews the current status of learning set formation, the discovery of which represents one ofHarlow's major contributions to behavioral science. Learning set formation or “learning how to learn” refers to the learning of visual and other types of discrimination problems progressively more quickly as a function of training on a series of such problems. The general procedure thatHarlow used, his original learning set finding, and its significance are described first. A brief review of theories of learning set formation follows. Lastly, the attempt to use learning set formation as a tool for studying comparative behavior is discussed.
CD30—Governor of Memory T Cells?

CD30 is well recognized as a marker expressed by a heterogeneous group of lymphomas and in several immune and autoimmune disorders. However, the function of CD30 in theses diseases or in the normal immune response has remained unclear. Studying gene expression patterns induced by stimulating CD30 signals on a large granular lymphoma cell line, YT, with an agonistic anti-CD30 antibody, we found that CD30 signals affected proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes, regulated cytotoxicity, and controlled molecules regulating T cell traffic. Creating CD30-L deficient mice and studying CD8 CTL activation and memory responses, it was observed that the absence of CD30-L resulted in diminished primary clonal expansion of CD8 cells. In addition the absence of CD30-L abolished clonal contraction after primary expansion and interfered with secondary expansion upon boosting. The studies suggest that CD30 regulates CD8 CTL function and survival during memory responses and is important for clonal contraction.
IL-12: the role of p40 versus p75.

Interleukin (IL)-12p75 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of the product of two different genes that specify p35 and p40 subunits. The prevailing view is that IL-12 acts as a proinflammatory cytokine that bridges the innate and adaptive immune responses and skews T-cell reactivity toward a TH1 cytokine pattern. Though the terms IL-12 and IL-12p40 are often used interchangeably, and measurements of the p40 chain are often interpreted as measurements of the intact p75 heterodimer, such interchangeable usage may be incorrect. In the following discussion, I will delineate an alternative hypothesis for the roles of the p40 and p75 proteins, suggesting specifically, that: (1) in vivo, secretion of free p40 precedes that of p75 in response to pathogens; (2) induction of p40 is a T-independent response by antigen presenting cells (APCs) to early host–pathogen interactions; and (3) IL-12p75 is a late product, whose induction requires T-dependent signals. It is made as a result, rather than as a cause, of TH1 differentiation. Thus, it is the p40 protein, either alone or paired with other polypeptides, rather than p75, that acts as an interface between the innate and adaptive immune responses.
Enhancement of curcumin oral absorption and pharmacokinetics of curcuminoids and curcumin metabolites in mice

Purpose Curcumin has shown a variety of biological activity for various human diseases including cancer in preclinical setting. Its poor oral bioavailability poses significant pharmacological barriers to its clinical application. Here, we established a practical nano-emulsion curcumin (NEC) containing up to 20% curcumin (w/w) and conducted the pharmacokinetics of curcuminoids and curcumin metabolites in mice.
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Nearly all organisms exhibit a near-24 h (circadian) rhythm in physiology and behavior, which in humans is best reflected in the daily pattern of the sleep and wake cycle. These intrinsic rhythms are genetically regulated through a complex transcription–translation feedback loop of specific clock genes. The master pacemaker that generates circadian rhythms is located within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus. The timing and strength of the oscillation of circadian rhythms can be manipulated by strategically timed administration of light and melatonin. Circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders can result either from endogenous dysfunction of the internal circadian clock, or through exogenous environmental disruption. Treatment of these disorders relies on a combination of specific timing of light and melatonin, along with structured physical and social activity and maintaining a regular sleep–wake schedule.
Trace analysis of organics in air by corona discharge atmospheric pressure ionization using an electrospray ionization interface.

A corona discharge ion source operating at atmospheric pressure in the point-to-plane configuration was constructed by reconfiguring the ion source of a commercial electrospray ionization (ESI) quadrupole mass spectrometer. This new source allows direct air analysis without modification to the mass spectrometer. Detection and quantitation of semi-volatile compounds in air is demonstrated. The analytical performance of the system was established using the chemical warfare agent simulants methyl salicylate and dimethyl methylphosphonate. Limits of detection are 60 pptr in the negative-ion mode and 800 pptr in the positive-ion mode for methyl salicylate and 800 pptr in the negative-ion mode and 3.6 ppb in the positive-ion mode for dimethyl methylphosphonate. A linear response was observed from 60 pptr to 8 ppb for methyl salicylate in air in the negative-ionization mode. Cluster ion formation versus production of analyte ions was investigated and it was found that dry air or an elevated capillary interface t...
Charge and spin ordering in insulating Na0.5CoO2: effects of correlation and symmetry.

Ab initio band theory including correlations due to intra-atomic repulsion is applied to study charge disproportionation and charge and spin ordering in insulating ${\mathrm{Na}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{CoO}}_{2}$. Various ordering patterns (zigzag and two striped) for four-Co supercells are analyzed before focusing on the observed ``out-of-phase stripe'' pattern of antiferromagnetic ${\mathrm{Co}}^{4+}$ spins along charge-ordered stripes. This pattern relieves frustration and shows distinct analogies with the cuprate layers: a bipartite lattice of antialigned spins, with axes at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} angles. Substantial distinctions with cuprates are also discussed, including the tiny gap of a new variant of ``charge-transfer'' type within the Co $3d$ system.
Nitroglycerin Dinitrate Metabolites Do Not Affect the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Nitroglycerin in the Dog: A Preliminary Report

Studies were carried out in conscious dogs to determine the effects of 1,2-glyceryl dinitrate (1,2-GDN) and 1,3-glyceryl dinitrate (1,3-GDN) on nitroglycerin (GTN) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In the first set of experiments, steady state plasma levels (Css) of either 1,2-GDN or 1,3-GDN in three dogs were rapidly achieved by giving an iv bolus (77 micrograms/kg), followed immediately by an infusion (50 micrograms/min) of the same GDN. A single iv bolus dose of GTN (0.025 micrograms/kg) was given 50 min after beginning the GDN infusion and compared with plasma concentrations following a similar GTN dose in the absence of dosed GDNs. No significant differences in GTN AUC (p > 0.9) and CL(app) (p > 0.7) were found. In a second set of experiments, an infusion of nitroglycerin was begun in each of 4 dogs and continued for 160 min at an infusion rate of 100 micrograms/min. Steady state concentrations of GTN were achieved within 100 min, at which time the dog received, simultaneously, an iv bolus dose (5.14 mg) of one of the GDNs and an infusion dose (100 micrograms/min) of the same GDN. For both dinitrate metabolites no significant differences (p > 0.5) were found between control and interaction arterial and venous clearances, although venous GTN clearances tended to decrease in the presence of dosed GDNs. Steady state systolic blood pressure during GDN infusions could be further reduced when GTN doses were administered; however, the steady state systolic blood pressure decrease caused by GTN could not be further reduced by the GDN infusions. Results suggest that the GDNs do not inhibit nitroglycerin metabolism or hemodynamics at the dose levels studied here.
A 10–15-Yr Modulation Cycle of ENSO Intensity

Abstract This study examines the slow modulation of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) intensity and its underlying mechanism. A 10–15-yr ENSO intensity modulation cycle is identified from historical and paleoclimate data by calculating the envelope function of boreal winter Nino-3.4 and Nino-3 sea surface temperature (SST) indices. Composite analyses reveal interesting spatial asymmetries between El Nino and La Nina events within the modulation cycle. In the enhanced intensity periods of the cycle, El Nino is located in the eastern tropical Pacific and La Nina in the central tropical Pacific. The asymmetry is reversed in the weakened intensity periods: El Nino centers in the central Pacific and La Nina in the eastern Pacific. El Nino and La Nina centered in the eastern Pacific are accompanied with basin-scale surface wind and thermocline anomalies, whereas those centered in the central Pacific are accompanied with local wind and thermocline anomalies. The El Nino–La Nina asymmetries provide a possible m...
Binocular disparity and perceived relative distance: an examination of two hypotheses.

Abstract One hypothesis states that the ratio of the perceived depth interval between two points to the perceived distance from the observer of the nearer point depends on the perceived distance of the farther point as well as the disparity between them. The second hypothesis states that this ratio depends on disparity alone and is proportional to the disparity. Three experiments are described in which observers set lights at various fractions of the distance from themselves to a fixed light. The results favor the second hypothesis, but suggest that a modification of it may provide a better description of the data especially at short distances. The results are also consistent with the hypothesis that it is the disparity between each point and the farthest point in the configuration which is critical in determining perceived relative distances.
BN/GRP-like peptides and receptors in small cell lung cancer.

BN/GRP-like peptides are produced in high concentrations in SCLC cell lines and in low concentrations in β-lymphoblastoid cell lines. The BN/GRP-like peptides are secreted from SCLC cell line NCI-H345 by stimuli which elevate the intracellular cAMP levels. These stimuli include theophylline, PHI, secretin and VIP. Also, elevated plasma levels of BN/GRP-like peptides are found in patients with extensive SCLC. In these patients the levels of BN/GRP-like peptides can be increased further approximately 5-fold after secretin infusion. Because SCLC cells make and secrete BN/GRP-like peptides, they may function as regulatory peptides in this disease.
Characterization of rabbit kidney and brain pancreatic polypeptide-binding neuropeptide Y receptors: differences with Y1 and Y2 sites in sensitivity to amiloride derivatives affecting sodium transport.

Abstract Sites sensitive to human and rat pancreatic polypeptides (hPP and rPP) accounted for more than 30% of the specific binding of [ 125 I](Leu 31 ,Pro 34 ) human peptide YY (LP-PYY) in particulates from rabbit kidney cortex, and about 10% of the specific binding in membranes from rabbit hypothalamus. The binding of [ 125 I]hPP or [ 125 I]rPP showed a high-affinity displacement with either hPP, rPP, LP-PYY, neuropeptide Y or peptide YY (K i below 50 pM for all), while being quite insensitive to Y 2 -selective ligands. The PP binding had a high sensitivity to alkali cations and inhibitors of phospholipase C, very similar to that of LP-PYY binding ‘masked’ by excess cold hPP. However, as different from the Y 1 -like LP-PYY binding, but similar to the binding of the Y 2 -selective ligand [ 125 I] human peptide YY(3–36) (hPYY(3–36)), the PP binding showed a low sensitivity to guanosine polyphosphates. The PP binding was much more sensitive to N5-substituted amiloride inhibitors of Na + transport than the binding of LP-PYY, or that of hPYY(3–36). The inhibition of PP binding by N5-substituted amilorides was not enhanced by guanine nucleotides or by phospholipase C blockers. However, pairing of N5-substituted amilorides disproportionately increased the inhibition of hPP binding. Thus, in rabbit kidney or hypothalamus, the high-affinity PP-responding sites share some of the basic properties of the Y 1 and Y 2 sites, but are distinguished from both by a high sensitivity to compounds affecting sodium transport. These PP/NPY receptors could associate with membrane structures involved in the control of ion balance and osmotic responses.
Targeting the hydrophobic pocket of autotaxin with virtual screening of inhibitors identifies a common aromatic sulfonamide structural motif

Modulation of autotaxin (ATX), the lysophospholipase D enzyme that produces lysophosphatidic acid, with small-molecule inhibitors is a promising strategy for blocking the ATX-lysophosphatidic acid signaling axis. Although discovery campaigns have been successful in identifying ATX inhibitors, many of the reported inhibitors target the catalytic cleft of ATX. A recent study provided evidence for an additional inhibitory surface in the hydrophobic binding pocket of ATX, confirming prior studies that relied on enzyme kinetics and differential inhibition of substrates varying in size. Multiple hits from previous high-throughput screening for ATX inhibitors were obtained with aromatic sulfonamide derivatives interacting with the hydrophobic pocket. Here, we describe the development of a ligand-based strategy and its application in virtual screening, which yielded novel high-potency inhibitors that target the hydrophobic pocket of ATX. Characterization of the structure-activity relationship of these new inhibitors forms the foundation of a new pharmacophore model of the hydrophobic pocket of ATX.
Optimum inspection planning for minimizing fatigue damage detection delay of ship hull structures

Fatigue is one of the main factors which can produce cracks, and lead to failure of ships. For these structures, damage occurrence and propagation due to fatigue are affected by the action of sea water waves and the sea environment as well as operation, fabrication, and modeling of ship structures under uncertainties. In order to efficiently maintain the safety of ship structures, an optimum inspection plan should be made by considering these uncertainties using a probabilistic approach. In this paper, such an approach is presented and applied to ship hull structures subjected to fatigue. The resulting inspection plan is the solution of an optimization problem based on the minimization of expected fatigue damage detection delay. Damage detection delay will produce the maintenance delay which, in turn, is likely to endanger the serviceability and even the survival of the structure. The formulation of the expected damage detection delay includes uncertainties associated with damage occurrence, propagation, and detection. The effects of the quality and number of inspections on the optimum inspection planning are investigated. A well-balanced inspection planning is considered as a solution of an optimization problem with two conflicting criteria. This well-balanced inspection planning provides optimum inspection types and times. Furthermore, the cost-effective inspection plans are designed to provide the optimum strategy either by considering a single type or multiple types of inspections.
Inelastic response of space frames to dynamic loads

Abstract A numerical method for the analysis of three-dimensional frames loaded dynamically into the inelastic range is developed in this study. The elasto-plastic force-deformation behaviour at the ends of the frame members is represented by an equation which corresponds essentially to the inverse of the Ramberg-Osgood representation. The system stiffness matrix is formulated as a tangent stiffness by taking into account P - Δ effect. The inelastic interaction of biaxial end moments and axial force is included for the elasto-plastic behaviour of the frame members. Since the accuracy of the solutions depends on the finite size of time step used in the numerical solutions, in order to obtain results of an acceptable accuracy with reasonable machine time; a method of modifying the system stiffness matrix is developed. The methods proposed in this study are incorporated into the computer program and several results are produced.
Electrophysiological properties of auditory neurons in the superior olivary complex of echolocating bats

1. Electrophysiological properties of the neurons in the superior olivary complex of the bat,Myotis lucifugus, are studied. Evoked potentials (N3) and single unit responses are recorded. 2. The peak latency of N3 is between 2.0 and 2.4 ms. The latencies of 173 tonic on-responding units are between 2.2 and 2.8 ms. 3. The shapes of amplitude function of N3 and impulse-count function of single units vary as a function of the location of a sound source. 4. Threshold curves of N3 potentials are similar to those of N4 potentials (Grinnell, 1963 a) and are broadly tuned to frequencies from 10 to 100 kHz. 5. Threshold curves of 76 single units have triangular shapes. 13 units have broadly tuned threshold curves with Q10dB values less than 4.2. Threshold curves of the remaining 63 units are sharper, with Q10dB values between 4.5 and 41.0. 6. Responses of 10 units to a downward-sweeping FM stimulus are studied. The lowest threshold of a single unit for a FM stimulus is always higher than the minimum threshold of the neuron measured with a pure tone stimulus of the same duration. 7. Evidence for the existence of binaural neurons is presented and discussed.
Collagen matrix influences the morphologic features and steroid secretion of human granulosa cells

Steroid secretion and structure of granulosa cells on floating collagen gels were compared with those of cells grown on plastic. Granulosa cells from follicles of gonadotropin-treated women were plated either onto dishes coated with type I collagen or onto plastic dishes. Medium containing serum was removed after 24 hours, defined medium was added, and the gel was floated. Medium was changed daily for 3 days, after which the granulosa cells were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Cells grown on collagen secreted significantly more estradiol and progesterone than those grown on plastic during the 3 days of culture. The round multilayered granulosa cells on collagen had abundant mitochondria and lipid droplets and they formed numerous intercellular junctions. On plastic surfaces, flat granulosa cells grew as a monolayer with few junctions and less abundant mitochondria or lipid droplets. We conclude that growth on floating collagen promotes structural changes of human granulosa cells that enhances cell interaction and secretion of steroid hormones.
A Computerized Approach To Trickle-Process, Random Assignment

The random assignment of indivcduals to treatment conditions is often corrupted in field studies. The typical result is nonequivalence between the treatment groups and a corresponding reduc tion in the study's credibilety. The corruption of the assignment process seems to be particularly common in studies involving trickle processing, wherein the research participants appear and are assigned to treatments one at a time over an extended period Several procedures for safeguarding the integrity of random assignment with trickle processing have been proposed. The present article describes a computer-based, alternative method
Abstract P5-09-13: HDAC inhibition re-sensitizes acquired hormone resistant cells to the cytotoxic effect of tamoxifen

Breast cancer still continues to be a major cause of cancer related deaths in women, second only to lung cancer. Administering anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors, both in the adjuvant and metastatic settings, in estrogen receptor (ER) positive disease, is one of the most effective treatment strategies. However, prolonged exposure to these drugs leads to the emergence of resistance in about 40% of those who initially respond. Hence, the emphasis of a multitude of studies is to understand the underlying mechanisms of this acquired resistance and implementing means to overcome it. Recent studies have implicated epigenetic modulation of gene expression in the development of resistance to the anti-estrogen tamoxifen. A clinical trial conducted by our group has demonstrated the efficacy of combining the HDAC inhibitor vorinostat with tamoxifen in patients who had progressed on prior anti-estrogen therapies and showed a total 40% clinical benefit (19% objective response and 21% stable disease for more than 6 months). In an effort to identify patients most likely to benefit from this novel therapy, we sought to elucidate the mechanism behind the clinical efficacy of this combination. To this end, we have generated an in vitro tamoxifen resistant cell line (TAMR) by long-term exposure of MCF7 cells to 4-hydroxy tamoxifen. Significantly reduced anti-proliferative effect of tamoxifen and other anti-estrogens in TAMR compared to the sensitive MCF7 cells demonstrates the establishment of resistance to anti-estrogens in this cell line. In TAMR cells, addition of an HDAC inhibitor reverts resistance to tamoxifen. Although estrogen receptor (ER) expression in TAMR cells appears unaltered, the classical genomic signaling of ER in these resistant cells is suppressed and unresponsive to ligands, as deduced from transcription of ER response genes and luciferase assay of an ERE-luciferase construct. However, the ER remains important, since siRNA mediated depletion of ER inhibits cell growth in TAMR cells. Treatment with the dual EGFR/Her2 kinase inhibitor or an AKT inhibitor significantly inhibits the growth of these cells only when combined with tamoxifen, indicating the importance of crosstalk between pathways. Furthermore, Akt and mTOR protein and activities are down regulated by HDAC inhibition, which are further reduced when combined with tamoxifen. SiRNA mediated depletion of ER leads to reduced Akt and mTOR activities which suggests that ER may act as a driver, possibly through its non-genomic function at the plasma membrane activating members of the growth factor signaling pathways. Studies are ongoing to further characterize the interaction of HDAC and ER inhibition on these signaling pathways and to determine their significance to resistance. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-09-13.
Blends of a siloxane/urea/urethane-segmented copolymer with an IPDI-based polyetherurethane

A series of copolymer blends have been prepared using a poly(ether urethane) and a poly(siloxane–urea–urethane). The copolymers were prepared by a hardsegment first, two-step polymerization method. The hard segments of the copolymers were derived from isophorone diisocyanate (IP) and 1,4-benzenedimethanol (B), and the soft segments were based on polytetrahydrofuran (PTMO, Mw = 2000), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, Mw =27,000), respectively. The siloxanecontaining copolymer, PDMS27K-IP-B2 (2 moles diol chain extender/mole PDMS27K), was used as the minor component (1.6, 2.5 and 6.0 wt%) in a series of blends. These blends were found to preserve the mechanical properties of the poly(ether–urethane) as well as the surface properties of the poly(siloxane–urea–urethane).
An absorption model of GAS/Particle partitioning of organic compounds in the atmosphere

An equation that can successfully parameterize gas-particle partitioning is Kp(m3μg−1) = (F/TSP)/A, where Kp is a partitioning constant, TSP (μg m−3) is the concentration of total suspended particulate material, and F (ng m−3) and A (ng m−3), respectively, are the particulate-associated and gaseous concentrations of the compound of interest. By itself, this equation does not indicate whether the partitioning is primarily adsorptive to surfaces, primarily adsorptive into some phase(s), or some combination thereof. Much past research has indicated that plots of log Kp vs log pLo (compound vapor pressure) tend to be highly correlated, with slopes near —1. Such correlation is consistent with (though not proof of) adsorption. The governing equations are now developed for absorptive partitioning into an organic material (om) phase making up part of the TSP. The equations indicate that absorptive partitioning could well be an important sorption mechanism in the urban environment. Plots of log Kp vs log pLo are predicted to be linearly correlated when the sorption is absorptive, just as earlier theoretical work predicted such correlatability when the sorption is adsorptive. In the general case, observed Kp values may contain contributions from both mechanisms. Regardless of the relative importance of adsorptive vs absorptive partitioning in any given situation, a plot of Kp values vs log pLo values will be correlated with a slope of near —1.
Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia: historical overview and a new definition

Acute leukemia with a mixed phenotype is a rare disease and comprises 2-5% of all acute leukemias. These disorders have been known historically by a variety of names, such as mixed lineage leukemia, bilineal leukemia and biphenotypic leukemia, and the criteria for diagnosis have often been arbitrary. The scoring criteria proposed by the European Group for the Immunological Characterization of Leukemias represented a major attempt to define this disorder. However, the relative weight given to some markers and the lack of lineage specificity of most markers have raised questions regarding the significance of this approach. In 2008, the World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors proposed a simpler diagnostic algorithm, which relies on fewer and more lineage-specific markers to define mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). MPAL with t(9;22) and MLL rearrangement have been separated. Several studies have suggested that patients with acute leukemia of mixed phenotype have a worse clinical outcome when compared with matched controls with acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Further studies are needed to confirm the significance of MPAL as currently defined, to determine a standardized treatment approach and to better understand the biological and clinical aspects of this disease.
Role of interleukin-2 in depressed T-cell mitogenesis after allogeneic marrow transplantation in man

Proliferative responses of mononuclear cells in liquid cultures to phytohemagglutinin, a T-cell mitogen, are depressed for a long time after allogeneic marrow transplantation. We examined the role of interleukin-2, a lymphokine important in T-cell mitogenesis, in the impaired phytohemagglutinin responses early after marrow transplantation. We found that interleukin-2 production, upon optimal stimulation, was impaired for mononuclear cells of most recipients early after marrow transplant. Further, we found that exogenous interleukin-2 did not restore depressed phytohemagglutinin responses of marrow transplant recipient mononuclear cells to normal. We hypothesize that early after allogeneic marrow transplant the helper T-cell pool is defective both in numbers, as shown by previous phenotypic studies, and in functional capabilities. There appear to be defects in both interleukin-2 production and interleukin-2 responsiveness in this system early after marrow transplant.
Sensing and environment perception for a mobile vehicle

Experimental results for the detection of the navigable space surrounding a mobile vehicle using a compact optical 3-D range sensor are presented. A first prototype of the optical sensor, which is based on the use of a double aperture mask in place of the diaphragm of a standard camera lens to acquire panoramic images of a room, is shown. Preliminary experiments concerning the integration of multiple acquisitions and creation of a map of the immediate free space environment around the vehicle, when the sensor is used in an exploratory mode, are presented.
Bias in Eyewitness Accounts: The Effects of Question Format, Delay Interval, and Stimulus Presentation

ABSTRACT One of three representations of a staged automobile collision was shown to 180 students from introductory psychology classes. We then questioned the students about details of the accident, using either marked or unmarked modifiers. Half the students were questioned immediately after viewing the stimulus material and half after a 20-min delay. The results indicated that estimates of the magnitude of a number of aspects of the collision were significantly greater when unmarked modifiers were used in phrasing the relevant questions. Students who were questioned after the 20-min delay gave significantly greater estimates of monetary damage than the students who answered immediately after viewing the representation. The nature of the stimulus material had inconsistent but significant effects.
Carbon nanotubes in wood soot

Multiwall carbon nanotubes were observed in a small fraction of soot collected by thermophoretic precipitation from Texas pinon pine wood burning in air. Transmission electron microscopy showed the carbon nanotubes to be aggregated with other fullerene-like nanoforms and graphite fragments. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Extremal dependence measure and extremogram: the regularly varying case

The dependence of large values in a stochastic process is an important topic in risk, insurance and finance. The idea of risk contagion is based on the idea of large value dependence. The Gaussian copula notoriously fails to capture this phenomenon. Two notions in a process or vector context which summarize extremal dependence in a function comparable to a correlation function are the extremal dependence measure (EDM) and the extremogram. We review these ideas and compare the two tools and end with a central limit theorem for a natural estimator of the EDM which allows drawing confidence bands comparable to those provided by Bartlett’s formula in a classical context of sample correlation functions.
The role of separate molecular domains in the structure of phytochrome from etiolated Avena sativa L.

The spectral properties of peptides generated from etiolated-Avana, 124-kDa (kilodalton) phytochrome by endogenous protease(s) have been studied to assess the role of the amino-terminal and the carboxyl-terminal domains in maintaining the proper interaction between protein and chromophore. The amino-terminal, 74-kDa chromopeptide, a degradation product of the far-red absorbing form of the pigment (Pfr), is shown to be spectrally similar to the 124-kDa, undegraded molecule. The minimum and maximum of the difference spectrum (Pr-Pfr) are 730 and 665 nm, respectively, and the spectral-change ratio is unity. Also, like undegraded, 124-kDa phytochrome, the 74-kDa peptide exhibits minimal dark reversion. These data indicate that the 55-kDa, carboxyl-terminal half of the polypeptide does not interact with the chromophore and may not have a role in the structureal integrity of the amino-terminal domain. The 64-kDa chromopeptide can be generated directly from the 74-kDa species by cleavage of 10 kDa from the amino terminus upon incubation of this species as Pr. Accompanying this conversion are changes in the spectral properties, namely, a shift in the difference spectrum minimum to 722–724 nm and a tenfold increase in the capacity for dark reversion. These data indicate that the 6–10 kDa, amino-terminal segment continues to function in its role of maintaining proper chromophore-protein interactions in the 74-kDa peptide as it does in the undegraded molecule. Conversely, removal of this segment upon proteolysis to the 63-kDa species leads to aberrant spectral properties analogous to those observed when this domain is lost from the full-length, 124-kDa molecule, resulting in the 118/114-kDa degradation products. The data also show that photoconversion of the 74-kDa chromopeptide from Pfr to Pr exposes proteolytically susceptible sites in the same way as in the 124-kDa molecule. Thus, the separated, 74-kDa amino-terminal domain undergoes a photoinducible conformational change comparable to that in the intact molecule.
Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) Activity and Sinoatrial Nodal Pacemaker Cell Energetics

UNLABELLED : Ca(2+)-activated basal adenylate cyclase (AC) in rabbit sinoatrial node cells (SANC) guarantees, via basal cAMP/PKA-calmodulin/CaMKII-dependent protein phosphorylation, the occurrence of rhythmic, sarcoplasmic-reticulum generated, sub-membrane Ca(2+) releases that prompt rhythmic, spontaneous action potentials (APs). This high-throughput signaling consumes ATP. AIMS We have previously demonstrated that basal AC-cAMP/PKA signaling directly, and Ca(2+) indirectly, regulate mitochondrial ATP production. While, clearly, Ca(2+)-calmodulin-CaMKII activity regulates ATP consumption, whether it has a role in the control of ATP production is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We superfused single, isolated rabbit SANC at 37°C with physiological saline containing CaMKII inhibitors, (KN-93 or autocamtide-2 Related Inhibitory Peptide (AIP)), or a calmodulin inhibitor (W-7) and measured cytosolic Ca(2+), flavoprotein fluorescence and spontaneous AP firing rate. We measured cAMP, ATP and O2 consumption in cell suspensions. Graded reductions in basal CaMKII activity by KN-93 (0.5-3 µmol/L) or AIP (2-10 µmol/L) markedly slow the kinetics of intracellular Ca(2+) cycling, decrease the spontaneous AP firing rate, decrease cAMP, and reduce O2 consumption and flavoprotein fluorescence. In this context of graded reductions in ATP demand, however, ATP also becomes depleted, indicating reduced ATP production. CONCLUSIONS CaMKII signaling, a crucial element of normal automaticity in rabbit SANC, is also involved in SANC bioenergetics.