cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure and function of serotonin GPCR heteromers

Abstract Serotonin (5-HT) receptors play a prominent role in the central nervous system, as they modulate various neuropsychological processes. 5-HT receptors and transmitters are key drug targets for many brain disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, and migraines. All 5-HT receptors (except for 5-HT3) belong to family A of the G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. Here, we review current knowledge on the structural and functional characteristics of 5-HT homo- and heterodimers. GPCR dimerization is thought to involve interactions between extracellular domains via covalent bonding, between transmembrane domains, and/or between intracellular domains or C-terminal tails. Diverse experimental approaches suggest that 5-HT receptor heteromerization affects receptor trafficking, pharmacology, and function. Homodimerization occurs during protein synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum or during protein maturation in the Golgi, ensuring proper protein folding. Heteromerization alters ligand binding and may affect the pharmacological profiles of ligands. Heteromer biased ligands selectively activate another signaling pathway than the one they would activate when binding the receptor monomer. In the D2R/5-HT2A heteromer, biased agonist action of the 5-HT2A agonists DOI and LSD leads to an active conformational state of 5-HT2A, which induces an allosteric D2R/5-HT2A interaction that augments D2R signaling. Functional cross talk between protomers of a heterodimer can lead to the modulation of both G protein–dependent and G protein–independent signaling pathways. In the 5-HT2A/mGluR2 complex, which is linked to schizophrenia, 5-HT2A agonists reduce the affinity of mGluR2 agonists, whereas mGluR2 activation increases the affinity of 5-HT2A agonists. While serotonin receptor heteromerization is well established, most studies have been performed in vitro. Further in vivo studies of these GPCR interactions are needed to fully assess their physiological roles and potentially lead to the development of new therapeutic agents.
Near infrared spectroscopic assessment of loosely and tightly bound cortical bone water

Water is an important component of bone and plays a key role in its mechanical and structural integrity. Water molecules in bone are present in different locations, including loosely or tightly bound to the matrix and/or mineral (biological apatite) phases. Identification of water location and interactions with matrix components impact bone function but have been challenging to assess. Here, we used near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to identify loosely and tightly bound water present in cortical bone. In hydrated samples, NIR spectra have two primary water absorption bands at frequencies of ∼5200 and 7000 cm-1. Using lyophilization and hydrogen-deuterium exchange assays, we showed that these absorption bands are primarily associated with loosely bound bone water. Using further demineralization assays, thermal denaturation, and comparison to standards, we found that these absorption bands have underlying components associated with water molecules tightly bound to bone. In dehydrated samples, the peak at ∼5200 cm-1 was assigned to a combination of water tightly bound to collagen and to mineral, whereas the peak at 7000 cm-1 was exclusively associated with tightly bound mineral water. We also found significant positive correlations between the NIR mineral absorption bands and the mineral content as determined by an established mid infrared spectroscopic parameter, phosphate/amide I. Moreover, the NIR water data showed correlation trends with tissue mineral density (TMD) in cortical bone tissues. These observations reveal the ability of NIR spectroscopy to non-destructively identify loosely and tightly bound water in bone, which could have further applications in biomineralization and biomedical studies.
Awareness, Understanding, and Action: A Conceptual Framework of User Experiences and Expectations about Indoor Air Quality Visualizations

With the advent of new sensors and technologies, smart devices that monitor the level of indoor air quality (IAQ) are increasingly available to create a healthy home environment. However, little has been studied regarding design principles for effective IAQ visualizations to help better understand and improve IAQ. We analyzed Amazon reviews of IAQ monitors and their design components for IAQ visualizations. Based on our findings, we created a conceptual framework to explain the process of facilitating an effective IAQ visualization with a proposed set of design considerations in each stage. The process includes helping users easily understand what is happing to IAQ (awareness), what it means to them (understanding), and what to do with the information (action), which results in two outcomes, knowledge gain and emotional relief. We hope our framework can help practitioners and researchers in designing eco-feedback system and beyond to advance both research and practice.
Transnational Legal Orders and Global Health

As defined by Peer Zumbansen, transnational law provides a methodological approach “through which connections between ‘domestic’ legal ordering and ‘transnational’ governance can be made visible and subject to normative scrutiny.” Importantly, an examination of a transnational legal order (TLO) provides the opportunity to examine the role of multiple players that decenter the state as the primary site of governance. This chapter applies these insights to the governance of public health. Public health law refers to the regulation of individuals through formal and informal governance mechanisms with the goal of ensuring healthy populations. The study of public health law frequently centers the state, this chapter argues, however, that by utilizing a transnational law methodology, scholars are able to see beyond the state to examine the many international, regional, domestic actors that shape national lawmaking on health. A transnational analysis allows for the assessment of the factors, including the broader socio-political and economic forces, that inform lawmaking and domestic actors as they are subject to intersecting layers of governance emanating from national, international, and transnational governance. This work draws on insights from the field of transnational law to interrogate the influence of the United States (U.S.) government on national level laws pertaining to gender, HIV/AIDS, and abortion through U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. government plays a central role in the governance of HIV and abortion, making its influence on transnational governance a necessary object of study. First, as the largest bilateral and multilateral donor on family planning, reproductive health and HIV, the U.S. government plays an oversized role in global law and politics impacting these fields. Second, the U.S. government utilizes foreign aid to export American ideas about gender and sexuality. Utilizing conditions on aid money including rules on how funding can be used, the U.S. mobilizes funding mechanisms to spread “American values” in national legal systems. In the case of AIDS and abortion, the U.S. government achieves its goal with limitations on the types of laws that can and cannot be advocated for by advocates and others receiving U.S. funds. These funding conditions impact the trajectory of the investment of state actors on legal reforms and national non-governmental actors as they advocate for their constituencies. Applying a transnational law frame allows for an examination of how formal and informal governance mechanisms outside the state function to shape state level activism, lawmaking, and health outcomes.
Extracting Turbulence under Breaking Waves in the Surf Zone

AbstractSeparating turbulence from orbital motion under breaking waves in the surf zone is essential to understanding wave-energy dissipation. In this study, velocity data under monochromatic and random waves in the large-scale sediment-transport facility were analyzed using ensemble averaging (EA), high-pass filtering (HPF) and moving averaging (MA) to extract breaking-induced turbulence. Moving averaging provides a simple method for extracting turbulence from velocity measurements under random breaking waves collected at a reasonably high frequency. Various MA time intervals were examined. Three approaches were used to evaluate the ability of MA to extract turbulence, including (1) testing the ability of MA in extracting turbulence from artificially synthesized signals, (2) comparing turbulence strength of monochromatic wave case using MA and EA, and (3) comparing turbulence strength obtained from MA and Butterworth HPF for the random-wave case. The results indicate that approximately 30–42° phase angle...
An interview with Maryse Condé: Is “I” still another?

(1997). An interview with Maryse Conde: Is “I” still another? Sites: The Journal of Twentieth-Century/Contemporary French Studies revue d'etudes francais: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 543-549.
On the declarative semantics of inheritance networks

Usually, semantics of inheritance networks is specified indirectly through a translation into one of the standard logical formalisms. Since such translation involves an algorithmic aspect, which is usually complex, these approaches to inheritance are not truly declarative. We provide a general framework for specifying a direct semantics of inheritance networks. Because the networks are not expressive enough to capture all intuitions behind inheritance, a number of significantly different semantics have been proposed. Our approach allows us to give direct semantics to a number of different proposals found in the literature, and clarifies the relationships among them. It also provides a yardstick for measuring adequacy of translation into logical formalisms of various intuitions about inheritance.
Acyl Derivatives of Homoserine as Substrates for Homocysteine Synthesis in Neurospora crassa, Yeast, and Escherichia coli

Abstract "Activated" forms of l-homoserine have been shown to be more readily utilized as substrates than homoserine for the homocysteine synthetases (enzymes which catalyze the formation of homocysteine from homoserine and sulfide in the presence of pyridoxal phosphate) of Neurospora crassa, yeast, and Escherichia coli KB. This substrate preference is shown by the increased specific activities of the enzyme reactions. Specificity for the type of acylated derivative of homoserine is apparent. Enzymes from the fungi preferentially utilize O-acetyl-l-homoserine, and the enzyme from the bacterium requires O-succinyl-l-homoserine. Methionineless mutants of Neurospora contain homocysteine synthetases with specific activities nearly equivalent to those of the wild type when the substrate is O-acetylhomoserine. End product feedback inhibition by l-methionine on the homocysteine synthetases, when the substrates used were acyl derivatives of homoserine, is described for the enzymes from Neurospora and yeast, but was not demonstrated with the enzyme from E. coli. O-Acetyl-l-serine is a required substrate for cysteine synthesis by an enzyme from E. coli KB. Some preference for O-acetylserine was exhibited by the enzyme from yeast; however, cysteine synthetase from Neurospora showed no marked preference for this compound over serine.
CFD Study on Effect of Branch Sizes in Human Coronary Arteries

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. The link between Wall Shear Stress (WSS) and CAD development is well established, with studies indicating the accumulation of lesions in regions of low WSS, flow separation, and in the regions where there is departure from axially aligned unidirectional flow [5]. It has been well established that blood flow patterns are highly affected by branch flows, as bifurcations are one of the leading locations of plaque accumulation [5]. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an important tool for quantifying hemodynamics.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Transient CNS responses to repeated binge ethanol treatment.

The effects of ethanol (EtOH) on in vivo magnetic resonance (MR)-detectable brain measures across repeated exposures have not previously been reported. Of 28 rats weighing 340.66 ± 21.93 g at baseline, 15 were assigned to an EtOH group and 13 to a control group. Animals were exposed to five cycles of 4 days of intragastric (EtOH or dextrose) treatment and 10 days of recovery. Rats in both groups had structural MR imaging and whole-brain MR spectroscopy (MRS) scans at baseline, immediately following each binge period and after each recovery period (total = 11 scans per rat). Blood alcohol level at each of the five binge periods was ~300 mg/dl. Blood drawn at the end of the experiment did not show group differences for thiamine or its phosphate derivatives. Postmortem liver histopathology provided no evidence for hepatic steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis or alcoholic cirrhosis. Cerebrospinal fluid volumes of the lateral ventricles and cisterns showed enlargement with each binge EtOH exposure but recovery with each abstinence period. Similarly, changes in MRS metabolite levels were transient: levels of N-acetylaspartate and total creatine decreased, while those of choline-containing compounds and the combined resonance from glutamate and glutamine increased with each binge EtOH exposure cycle and then recovered during each abstinence period. Changes in response to EtOH were in expected directions based on previous single-binge EtOH exposure experiments, but the current MR findings do not provide support for accruing changes with repeated binge EtOH exposure.
Ileal distention relaxes the canine colon: A model of megacolon?

Abstract Background/Aims: Reflex relaxation is a mechanism whereby the colon can show short-term dilatation in the absence of mechanical obstruction. This study investigated the tonic response of the canine colon to ileal distention and its pharmacological control. Methods: In four dogs, the tone of the proximal colon was recorded by a barostat during distention of the terminal ileum. Results: Ileal distention inhibited ileal motility and relaxed the colon. Adrenergic blockade by propranolol plus phentolamine, nicotinic blockade by hexamethonium, and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N gw -nitro-l-arginine methylester significantly increased resting tone of the colon but did not inhibit relaxation induced by ileal distention. Muscarinic blockade by atropine completely relaxed the colon, and no further decrease in tone was observed after ileal distention. The neurokinin 2 antagonist SR48968 did not alter colonic tone. Conclusions: The barostat was able to monitor resting tone of the canine colon, which was shown to be under inhibitory control by adrenergic, cholinergic-nicotinic, and nitric oxide-like transmitters. Inhibition of colonic tone by ileal distention was not mediated solely by adrenergic, cholinergic-nicotinic, or nitric oxide mechanisms. Reflex relaxation, possibly predisposing to acute colonic dilatation, may be activated by multiple mechanisms that may differ from those controlling resting tone.
Assessing Fishers' Support of Striped Bass Management Strategies

Incorporating the perspectives and insights of stakeholders is an essential component of ecosystem-based fisheries management, such that policy strategies should account for the diverse interests of various groups of anglers to enhance their efficacy. Here we assessed fishing stakeholders’ perceptions on the management of Atlantic striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and receptiveness to potential future regulations using an online survey of recreational and commercial fishers in Massachusetts and Connecticut (USA). Our results indicate that most fishers harbored adequate to positive perceptions of current striped bass management policies when asked to grade their state’s management regime. Yet, subtle differences in perceptions existed between recreational and commercial fishers, as well as across individuals with differing levels of fishing experience, resource dependency, and tournament participation. Recreational fishers in both states were generally supportive or neutral towards potential management actions including slot limits (71%) and mandated circle hooks to reduce mortality of released fish (74%), but less supportive of reduced recreational bag limits (51%). Although commercial anglers were typically less supportive of management changes than their recreational counterparts, the majority were still supportive of slot limits (54%) and mandated use of circle hooks (56%). Our study suggests that both recreational and commercial fishers are generally supportive of additional management strategies aimed at sustaining healthy striped bass populations and agree on a variety of strategies. However, both stakeholder groups were less supportive of harvest reductions, which is the most direct measure of reducing mortality available to fisheries managers. By revealing factors that influence stakeholders’ support or willingness to comply with management strategies, studies such as ours can help managers identify potential stakeholder support for or conflicts that may result from regulation changes.
Remembering and Disremembering in Africa

In remembering the attainment of political emancipation, post-independence African countries have learned to narrate the official national narrative and to forget other stories. Commemoration of the nation’s past almost always goes hand in hand with officially decreed national amnesia. Therefore, the story of the nation has to be narrated and remembered by forgetting certain aspects of the colonial past. By implication the dual act of remembering and forgetting sets the pattern for how the postcolonial African nation narrates itself in the postcolonial moment. Focusing on Kenya as an example, this paper argues that the national commemoration of political emancipation from colonial rule tends to silence narratives of opposition and political incarceration that emerge in the postcolonial moment. The outcome is a remembering-and-forgetting battle that has implications for how diverse individuals conceive of themselves collectively as a nation and how they forge or fail to forge a coherent collective memory.
The surface density criterion and its application to linear/circular boundary detection and planar/spherical surface approximation

The authors introduce a validity measure called surface density, and develop an unsupervised shell clustering algorithm for the detection of circles in intensity images and for spherical approximation of surfaces in range images. The algorithm can be used when the number of clusters is unknown. Unlike existing algorithms, the new algorithms can handle the degenerate case of lines and planes, and are more robust in the presence of noise. >
Influence of the diatonic tonal hierarchy at microtonal intervals.

Previous studies have shown that listeners’ perceptions of tones within a musical context are influenced by a hierarchy of tonal functions. This study investigated the influence of this hierarchy on the perception of microtones finer than the chromatic tones. Following the probe tone method introduced by Krumhansl and Shepard (1979), listeners rated each of the 48 eighth tones that occur within an octave interval according to how well that tone fit in with a major scale played just before the tone. Listeners discriminated in their preferences for tones separated by quarter-tone—but not eighth-tone—intervals, and their rating patterns conformed to a hierarchy of tonal functions extended to the quarter tones. A Fourier analysis of the data showed that listeners’ rating patterns over the 48 eighth tones were necessarily and sufficiently estimated by a Fourier curve generated by the subset of 24 quarter tones, and that ratings for all tone frequencies not probed could be justifiably interpolated from this curve.
Assessing Factorial Invariance in Ordered-Categorical Measures

The factor analysis of ordered-categorical measures has been described in the literature on factor analysis, but the extension of the analysis to the multiple-population case is less well-known. For example, a comprehensive statement of identification conditions for the multiplepopulation case seems absent in the literature. We review this multiple-population extension here, with an emphasis on model specification and identification. The use of the method in the study of factorial invariance is described. New results on identification are given for a variety of factor structures and types of measures. Two widely-available software packages, LISREL 8.52 (Joreskog & Sorbom, 1996) and Mplus 2.12 (Muthen & Muthen, 1998), are applied in simulated data to illustrate the method. The two programs are shown to have different model specifications for this method, leading to different fit results in some cases. The final section discusses some remaining problems facing researchers who wish to study factorial invaria...
Reduced order model compensator control of species transport in a CVD reactor

We propose the use of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) techniques as a reduced basis method for computation of feedback controls and compensators in a high-pressure chemical vapour deposition (HPCVD) reactor. In this paper, we present a proof-of-concept computational implementation of this method with a simplified growth example for III–V layers in which we implement Dirichlet boundary control of a dilute Group III reactant transported by convection and diffusion to an absorbing substrate with no reactions. We implement the model-based feedback control using a reduced order state estimator based on observations of the flux of reactant at the substrate centre. This is precisely the type of measurements available with current sensing technology. We demonstrate that the reduced order state estimator or compensator system is capable of substantial control authority when applied to a high-order system. In principle, these ideas can be extended to more general HPCVD control situations by including multiple species with gas-phase reactions and surface reactions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow Separation Side Loads Excitation of Rocket Nozzle FEM

Modern rocket nozzles are designed to operate over a wide range of altitudes, and are also built with large aspect ratios to enable high efficiencies. Nozzles designed to operate over specific regions of a trajectory are being replaced in modern launch vehicles by those that are designed to operate from earth to orbit. This is happening in parallel with modern manufacturing and wall cooling techniques allowing for larger aspect ratio nozzles to be produced. Such nozzles, though operating over a large range of altitudes and ambient pressures, are typically designed for one specific altitude. Above that altitude the nozzle flow is 'underexpanded' and below that altitude, the nozzle flow is 'overexpanded'. In both conditions the nozzle produces less than the maximum possible thrust at that altitude. Usually the nozzle design altitude is well above sea level, leaving the nozzle flow in an overexpanded state for its start up as well as for its ground testing where, if it is a reusable nozzle such as the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), the nozzle will operate for the majority of its life. Overexpansion in a rocket nozzle presents the critical, and sometimes design driving, problem of flow separation induced side loads. To increase their understanding of nozzle side loads, engineers at MSFC began an investigation in 2000 into the phenomenon through a task entitled "Characterization and Accurate Modeling of Rocket Engine Nozzle Side Loads", led by A. Brown. The stated objective of this study was to develop a methodology to accurately predict the character and magnitude of nozzle side loads. The study included further hot-fire testing of the MC-l engine, cold flow testing of subscale nozzles, CFD analyses of both hot-fire and cold flow nozzle testing, and finite element (fe.) analysis of the MC-1 engine and cold flow tested nozzles. A follow on task included an effort to formulate a simplified methodology for modeling a side load during a two nodal diameter fluid/structure interaction for a single moment in time.
Some Properties of the Correlation Matrix of Dichotomous Guttman Items.

Both the elements and the eigenvalues of the Pearson correlation matrix of dichotomous Guttman-scalable items can be expressed as simple functions of the number of items if the score distribution is uniform and there is an equal number of items at each difficulty level. Even when these special conditions do not hold, the correlations can often be expressed in a simple form by assuming a particular score distribution.
Sponsorship and design characteristics of trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov

Abstract Objective We examine the extent to which ClinicalTrials.gov is meeting its goal of providing oversight and transparency of clinical trials with human subjects. We analyzed the ClinicalTrials.gov database contents as of June 2011, comparing interventions, medical conditions, and trial characteristics by sponsor type. We also conducted a detailed analysis of incomplete data. Results Among trials with only government sponsorship (N = 9252), 36% were observational and 64% interventional; in contrast, almost all (90%) industry-only sponsored trials were interventional. Industry-only sponsored interventional trials (N = 30,036) were most likely to report a drug intervention (81%), followed by biologics (9%) and devices (8%). Government-only interventional trials (N = 5886) were significantly more likely to test behavioral interventions (28%) and procedures (13%) than industry-only trials (p Conclusions Industry-sponsored studies differ systematically from government-sponsored studies in study type, choice of interventions, conditions studied, and completeness of submitted information. Imprecise study design information, incomplete coding of conditions, out-of-date or unspecified enrollment numbers, and other missing data continue to hinder robust analyses of trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov.
Erratum to “State-scale evaluation of renewable electricity policy: The role of renewable electricity credits and carbon taxes” [Energy Policy 39 (2) (2010) 950–960]

Erratum to ‘‘State-scale evaluation of renewable electricity policy: The role of renewable electricity credits and carbon taxes’’ [Energy Policy 39 (2) (2010) 950–960] Todd Levin , Valerie M. Thomas , Audrey J. Lee c a School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 765 Ferst Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0205, United States b School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, D.M. Smith Building, Room 107, 685 Cherry Street, Atlanta, GA 30332-0345, United States c Office of Policy and International Affairs, United States Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585, United States
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, short-term trial of ropinirole in restless legs syndrome.

Abstract Background and purpose Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition characterized by an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by lower limb paresthesias. These symptoms worsen at rest, are relieved by activity, and are worse at night. Previous studies have suggested that dopaminergic drugs such as L-dopa and dopamine agonists, as well as benzodiazepines and opioids, can treat RLS successfully. The purpose of this study was to test the clinical efficacy of ropinirole, a D2/D3 agonist, in the treatment of RLS in a double-blind, short-term, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients and methods After undergoing successful open-label titration and dose adjustments with ropinirole for RLS symptoms over a period of 4 weeks, 22 RLS patients (mean age=50.8; mean duration of symptoms=26.1 years) were randomized to receive either placebo (n=13) or ropinirole (n=9) for 2 additional weeks. Outcome measures included assessment of periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS) recorded with nocturnal polysomnography and RLS symptoms as assessed with the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes included sleep macroarchitecture. Results Results indicated that relative to placebo, ropinirole, at a mean dose of 1.4 mg HS significantly decreased PLMS and RLS symptoms. Sleep macroarchitecture did not change. Side effects were typical of all dopamine agonists and were dose related. The majority of patients elected to continue treatment with ropinirole upon study completion. Conclusions Ropinirole successfully treated long-standing RLS and can be considered a viable short-term treatment for this condition.
G-Quadruplex DNA Bound by a Synthetic Ligand is Highly Dynamic

Using single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer, we investigated the interaction between a quadruplex-binding ligand and the human telomeric G-quadruplex. The binding of quinolinecarboxamide macrocycle to telomeric DNA was essentially irreversible and selectively induced and favored one quadruplex conformation. The ligand−quadruplex complex displayed intramolecular dynamics including quadruplex folding and unfolding in the absence of ligand association and dissociation. We report that the G-quadruplex can be stabilized without preventing the intrinsic intramolecular dynamics of telomeric DNA.
Group Duality and the Kubo-Martin Schwinger Condition. II*

Let ω be an invariant state of theC*-system {\(\mathfrak{A}\),G, α} on a locally compact noncommutative groupG. Assume further that ω is extremal τ-invariant for an action τ of an amenable groupH which is ω-asymptotically abelian and commutes with α. Denoting byFAB,GAB the corresponding two point functions, we give criteria for the fulfillment of the KMS condition with respect to some one parameter subgroup of the center ofG based on the existence of a closable mapT such thatTFAB=GAB for allA,B∈\(\mathfrak{A}\). Closability is either inL∞(G),B(G) orC∞(G), according to clustering properties for τ. The basic mathematical technique is the duality theory for noncompact, noncommutative locally compact groups.
Roadmap to embryo implantation: clues from mouse models

Implantation involves an intricate discourse between the embryo and uterus and is a gateway to further embryonic development. Synchronizing embryonic development until the blastocyst stage with the uterine differentiation that takes place to produce the receptive state is crucial to successful implantation, and therefore to pregnancy outcome. Although implantation involves the interplay of numerous signalling molecules, the hierarchical instructions that coordinate the embryo-uterine dialogue are not well understood. This review highlights our knowledge about the molecular development of preimplantation and implantation and the future challenges of the field. A better understanding of periimplantation biology could alleviate female infertility and help to develop novel contraceptives.
Excited state distortions in a charge transfer state of a donor-acceptor [2]rotaxane.

The charge transfer excited state of a mechanically interlocked [2]rotaxane (R4+) with a donor 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) unit in the rod and the acceptor cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT4+) ring component, along with the analogous non-interlocked [2]pseudorotaxane (P4+), is studied by resonance Raman spectroscopy and electronic absorption spectroscopy. Resonance Raman excitation profiles are obtained, calculated quantitatively using time-dependent theoretical methods, and interpreted with the assistance of DFT calculations. The active vibrational modes are consistent with an electron transfer from the HOMO centered on the DNP unit to the LUMO on the CBPQT4+ ring. Displacement vectors of highly distorted modes agree with the bonding changes predicted from the MO nodal pattern. Subtle changes in the frequency of some modes in the free components compared with those in R4+ are observed. The largest distortions are found for modes involving ring breathing in the DNP unit of the rod and the paraquat units of the CBPQT4+ ring. The individual mode contributions to the vibrational reorganization energy, as well as the total vibrational reorganization energy, are calculated. Very similar values of λv for R4+ and P4+ are calculated (∼2910 cm−1), indicating that the mechanical stoppers in the interlocked system do not significantly affect the excited state properties of R4+ compared with P4+.
PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF RANITIDINE (R) IN PEDIATRIC ULCER DISEASE (PUD)

(PUD) is no longer a rare problem. Despite various claims for efficacy, there are few objective data available to support any treatment regimens for PUD. We are prospectively evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of R(R), a new H2 antagonist in the treatment of PUD. Nine children (C) (3.5-6.5yrs) who presented with complaints of epigastric pain (8), vomiting (8), nausea (7), hematemesis (3) and melena (1) have been studied. Six C had chronic complaints (>3 wks) and 2 C had a hx of recent ASA use. All C (5M:4F) had endoscopically proven ulcers (5 gastric, 2 pyloric, 2 duodenal). Therapy was designed to achieve gastric acid suppression and ulcer healing. After basal acid output (BAO) was determined a R infusion was given to achieve 90% suppression of BAO. Individual pharmacokinetics were determined and an effective serum concentration 22.6 ng/ml (9-65 ng/ml) was required to achieve 90% suppression. Once C were eating and placed on oral R, dosage was adjusted to account for individual differences in bioavailability. Weekly followup revealed no clinical, biochemical, hepatic or renal abnormalities. Eight C were asymptomatic within the first 3 wks of R therapy. One child has shown steady symptomatic improvement but nausea persists. Complete ulcer healing has been endoscopically documented after 6 wks of therapy. An oral dose of 0.5 mg/kg q 12h is effective in healing ulcers healing in C. R appears to be a safe and effective drug for the treatment of PUD.
Influence of infectious dose upon productive replication and transynaptic passage of pseudorabies virus in rat central nervous system.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a neurotropic swine alpha herpesvirus that characteristically invades the nervous system and replicates within synaptically-linked populations of neurons. The invasive characteristics and ability of this family of viruses to replicate in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) have been exploited to map functionally related populations of neurons in a variety of systems. In this report, we examined the effects of strain and concentration on the ability of PRV to infect retinal ganglion cells and pass transneuronally through central visual circuits. We find that the ability of virulent (PRV-Becker) and attenuated (PRV-Bartha) strains of PRV to produce a productive infection of visual circuitry is directly dependent upon the infectious dose of the injected virus. Injections of at least 105 total plaque forming units produce 100% infectivity, whereas lower infectious doses substantially reduce the percentage of animals exhibiting productive infection via this route of inoculat...
Automated verification of safety properties of declarative networking programs

Networks are complex systems that unfortunately are ridden with errors. Such errors can lead to disruption of services, which may have grave consequences. Verification of networks is key to eliminating errors and building robust networks. In this paper, we propose an approach to verify networks using declarative networking, where networks are specified in NDlog, a declarative language. We focus on analyzing safety properties. We develop a technique to statically analyze NDlog programs: first, we build a dependency graph of the predicates of NDlog programs; then, we build a summary data structure called a derivation pool to represent all possible derivations and their associated constraints for predicates in the program; finally, properties specified in first-order logic are checked on the data structure with the help of the SMT solver Z3. We build a prototype tool and demonstrate the effectiveness of the tool in validating and debugging several SDN applications.
A Brunswikian Evolutionary Developmental Theory of Preparedness and Plasticity.

The domain-independent and domain-dependent approach to the evolution of cognition have been taken by separate groups of researchers who have focused exclusively on either the formal properties or the distinct cognitive demands of tasks. We express the view that synthesizing the two approaches could lead to a more complete understanding, and propose such a comprehensive model of cognitive evolution and development. First, we discuss how Egon Brunswik demonstrated the importance of the relationship between the organism and the environment, and how his research and that of others has led to the domain-independent and domain-dependent views. Second, we use Brunswikian concepts to propose a two-parameter evolutionary model of cognitive development that specifies how particular behaviors come to be characterized by independent levels of biological preparedness and developmental plasticity. Our theory incorporates both a domain-independent organizing principle and the importance of domain-dependent processes. Third, we briefly discuss one unique prediction arising from the Brunswikian Evolutionary Developmental theory and describe preliminary supporting evidence.
Postmortem evaluation of reintroduced migratory whooping cranes in eastern North America

Reintroduction of endangered Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) in eastern North America has successfully established a migratory population between Wisconsin and Florida. Eighty birds (47 males, 33 females) were released between 2001 and 2006, and all birds were tracked following release with satellite and/or VHF monitoring devices. By the end of 2006, 17 deaths (12 males, five females) were recorded from this population. Postmortem findings and field data were evaluated for each bird to determine the cause of death. Causes included predation (n=8, 47%), trauma (n=2, 12%), and degenerative disease (n=1, 6%); the cause of death was undetermined for 35% (n=6) of the birds. Based on physical evidence, the primary predator of the birds was the bobcat (Lynx rufus). Limited roosting habitat availability or bird behavior were likely prime factors in the occurrence of predation. Traumatic injuries and mortality were caused by gunshot, electrical utility lines, and an unknown source. The lone case of degenerative disease was due to chronic exertional myopathy associated with translocation. Available postmortem testing did not indicate the presence of infectious disease in this limited sample.
A multisubunit acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase from soybean.

A multisubunit form of acetyl coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase (ACCase) from soybean (Glycine max) was characterized. The enzyme catalyzes the formation of malonyl CoA from acetyl CoA, a rate-limiting step in fatty acid biosynthesis. The four known components that constitute plastid ACCase are biotin carboxylase (BC), biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), and the α- and β-subunits of carboxyltransferase (α- and β-CT). At least three different cDNAs were isolated from germinating soybean seeds that encode BC, two that encode BCCP, and four that encode α-CT. Whereas BC, BCCP, and α-CT are products of nuclear genes, the DNA that encodes soybean β-CT is located in chloroplasts. Translation products from cDNAs for BC, BCCP, and α-CT were imported into isolated pea (Pisum sativum) chloroplasts and became integrated into ACCase. Edman microsequence analysis of the subunits after import permitted the identification of the amino-terminal sequence of the mature protein after removal of the transit sequences. Antibodies specific for each of the chloroplast ACCase subunits were generated against products from the cDNAs expressed in bacteria. The antibodies permitted components of ACCase to be followed during fractionation of the chloroplast stroma. Even in the presence of 0.5 m KCl, a complex that contained BC plus BCCP emerged from Sephacryl 400 with an apparent molecular mass greater than about 800 kD. A second complex, which contained α- and β-CT, was also recovered from the column, and it had an apparent molecular mass of greater than about 600 kD. By mixing the two complexes together at appropriate ratios, ACCase enzymatic activity was restored. Even higher ACCase activities were recovered by mixing complexes from pea and soybean. The results demonstrate that the active form of ACCase can be reassembled and that it could form a high-molecular-mass complex.
Delamination growth and buckling in an orthotropic strip

Abstract This study presents an analytical solution to the problem of delamination growth and buckling in an orthotropic strip. Growth of an initially imperfect delamination located in the midplane of the strip is addressed when the applied stress is below the bifurcation point. The results for the buckling stress are also provided in the case of perfect delamination surfaces. Delamination growth and buckling is a commonly observed failure mode in laminated structures; this type of failure mode may cause structural degradation or stiffness reduction and leads ultimately to premature failure at stresses well below the design levels for an undamaged laminate. Under compression loading, the nature of the delamination response, which involves the interaction of delamination growth and buckling, is addressed by employing the governing equations of clastic stability under plane strain assumptions. Solutions to the problem of an orthotropic strip with a through-width delaminalion subjected to uniaxial compression are obtained by using mathematical techniques appropriate for mixed boundary value problems.
Cyanide induces Ca2+-dependent and -independent release of glutamate from mouse brain slices

The effect of cyanide-induced histotoxic hypoxia on endogenous glutamate release from mouse cortical, cerebellar and hippocampal slices was studied. Incubation of slices with cyanide over a 30 min period resulted in extracellular accumulation of glutamate which was decreased in the absence of Ca2+ in the incubation media. When glutamate release was continuously monitored by fluorometry, cyanide initiated a rapid release of glutamate. This initial release was found to be independent of extracellular calcium. Depolarizing concentrations of potassium chloride produced a predominantly Ca(2+)-dependent release. It is concluded that cyanide exposure induced a rapid release of endogenous glutamate mediated by both Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent mechanisms.
Inheritance of Body Weight in Japanese Quail

Abstract Two generations of Japanese quail were weighed in order to estimate genetic parameters of body weight throughout the growth phase of the life cycle. Sexual dimorphism became evident at the age of sexual maturity. This was due to an acceleration of weight gains by females just prior to laying their first egg. Body weight at 1 day of age reflected a large maternal influence which rapidly declined with age. Unrealistic estimates of the heritability of female body weight were obtained at the time of sexual maturity. At other ages heritability estimates of body weight were generally moderate to high. All phenotypic correlations between weights at various ages were positive, with the magnitude generally decreasing as the interval between weighings increased. Genotypic correlations were larger and followed the same general trends as phenotypic correlations with certain exception, namely when one of the ages was day 1 and when the ages involved maturity of females.
Imaging and spectroscopy of ionized shells in M33 and M31

This paper extends an examination of the spectral signature of the interaction of massive stars with the surrounding interstellar medium to the nearby spiral galaxies M33 and M31. H-alpha images and low-dispersion spectra have been obtained for eight giant ionized shell structures in M33 and two in M31. These structures are believed to be the result of the encircled groups of stars blowing holes in the gas through winds and supernova explosions. The emission-line ratios are compared to those of giant and supergiant shells in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Generally, the shells in M33 and M31 follow the same trend lines outlined by the shells and H II regions in the LMC with the M31 shells being offset to higher metallicity. However, unlike shells in the LMC, the M33 shells have some emission-line ratios that are not particularly distinct from those of H II regions in the same galaxy. Nevertheless, like the shells in the LMC, the emission-line ratios imply that the emission from the shells in M33 and M31 is dominated by photoionization processes. Upper limits to (O I)/H-alpha are consistent with this in most cases.
Imaging with Phase-Sensitive Light

We show that almost all the characteristics of quantum optical coherence tomography and quantum ghost imaging are due to phase-sensitive cross correlations, and hence are obtainable with classical phase-sensitive sources.
Multifunctional triblock copolymers for intracellular messenger RNA delivery

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a promising alternative to plasmid DNA (pDNA) for gene vaccination applications, but safe and effective delivery systems are rare. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was employed to synthesize a series of triblock copolymers designed to enhance the intracellular delivery of mRNA. These materials are composed of a cationic dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) segment to mediate mRNA condensation, a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) segment to enhance stability and biocompatibility, and a pH-responsive endosomolytic copolymer of diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) designed to facilitate cytosolic entry. The blocking order and PEGMA segment length were systematically varied to investigate the effect of different polymer architectures on mRNA delivery efficacy. These polymers were monodisperse, exhibited pH-dependent hemolytic activity, and condensed mRNA into 86–216 nm particles. mRNA polyplexes formed from polymers with the PEGMA segment in the center of the polymer chain displayed the greatest stability to heparin displacement and were associated with the highest transfection efficiencies in two immune cell lines, RAW 264.7 macrophages (77%) and DC2.4 dendritic cells (50%). Transfected DC2.4 cells were shown to be capable of subsequently activating antigen-specific T cells, demonstrating the potential of these multifunctional triblock copolymers for mRNA-based vaccination strategies.
Fatal Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma γ/δ Subtype (Cutaneous γ/δ T-Cell Lymphoma): Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a distinct type of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, which has gained recognition over the past decade. The disease presents complex clinical, pathologic, and immunohistochemical features, which warrant awareness by dermatologists, dermatopathologists, hematopathologists, hematologists, oncologists, and internists. SPTCL was initially included as a provisional entity in the Revised European-American Lymphoma classification, followed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification as a primary cutaneous lymphoma, and subsequently as a distinct entity by the World Health Organization classification. It is known that patients diagnosed with SPTCL usually respond poorly to therapy, and the tumor progresses aggressively. Data from recent studies in a series of cases of SPTCL by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Cutaneous Lymphoma Group have further identified SPTCL as a heterogeneous disease entity, which comprises an alpha/beta subtype (SPTCL-AB) and a gamma/delta subtype (SPTCL-GD). The latter has recently been included in the entity of "cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma" by the World Health Organization, Pathology and Genetics of Skin Tumours. The clinical, histologic, and immunophenotypic data, treatment, and prognosis, appear different in the 2 subtypes of SPTCL. We report a case of fatal SPTCL-GD (cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma), with detailed clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical studies, treatment, and clinical course. In view of its aggressive behavior, identification of this disease is critical for proper management and treatment.