cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The BATmobile: towards a Bayesian automated taxi

The problem of driving an autonomous vehicle in normal traffic engages many areas of AI research and has substantial economic significance. We describe work in progress on a new approach to this problem that uses a decision-theoretic architecture using dynamic probabilistic networks. The architecture provides a sound solution to the problems of sensor noise, sensor failure, and uncertainty about the behavior of other vehicles and about the effects of one's own actions. We report on advances in the theory of inference and decision making in dynamic, partially observable domains. Our approach has been implemented in a simulation system, and the autonomous vehicle successfully negotiates a variety of difficult situations.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene expression in EBV-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas.

Abstract Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA has been detected in peripheral T-cell lymphomas. In this study, analysis of the EBV termini indicated that the infection was clonal and nonpermissive. Analysis of viral expression detected the processed, spliced mRNAs representing EBNA1, LMP1, LMP2, and BamHI A transcripts in all EBV-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas. The LMP1 protein was detected by immunofluorescence in a single specimen. In contrast, neither the EBNA2 protein nor the spliced EBNA2 mRNA were detected. These data indicate that EBV-infected T-cell lymphomas are clonal expansions of a single EBV-infected cell with a pattern of gene expression which is distinct from that detected in Burkitt's lymphomas or posttransplant lymphomas but similar to viral expression in nasopharyngeal carcinomas.
Influence of purines and pyrimidines on cold hardiness of plants. IV. An analysis of the chemistry of cold hardiness in alfalfa when growth is regulated by chemicals.

Abstract The development and retention of cold hardiness and associated metabolic alterations in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) plants which had their growth regulated by guanine, cytosine, 2-chloroethyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride, or gibberellic acid were studied. Cold hardiness could be developed or retarded regardless of the amount of top growth produced. It was concluded that the increased cold hardiness resulting from guanine or cytosine treatment was not due primarily to retardation of growth, but rather to an alteration of metabolism which resulted in a higher concentration of water-soluble protein. Guanine or cytosine generally increased the concentration of nucleic acids and had no consistent effect on the concentration of soluble sugars. Effect of 2-chloroethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or gibberellic acid on growth was not consistently related to their effects on the development or retention of cold hardiness. Even though metabolism during dehardening was markedly different from that associated with hardening, the same relationship existed between cold hardiness and the concentration of water-soluble protein or sucrose.
A role for membrane potential in the biogenesis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit II, a mitochondrial gene product.

Abstract Subunit II of yeast cytochrome c oxidase is synthesized on mitochondrial ribosomes as a precursor containing a transient NH2-terminal presequence and is inserted into the mitochondrial inner membrane from the matrix side. Using an optimized in vitro mitochondrial translation system (McKee, E.E., and Poyton, R. O. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 9320-9331), we have examined the requirement for an electrochemical potential (delta mu H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane during subunit II biogenesis. When mitochondrial gene products are synthesized under conditions that prevent formation of a normal delta mu H+, accumulation of unprocessed subunit II (pre-II) occurs. The majority of pre-II generated in this way is inserted into the lipid bilayer, as judged by resistance to extraction with 0.1 M Na2CO3. Therefore, it appears that a delta mu H+ is required for the normal biogenesis of subunit II, and that the delta mu H+ is required for a function other than the insertion of pre-II into the lipid bilayer of the inner membrane.
The effects of oral administration of bile salt hydrolase on the partition of fatty acid and glucose oxidation in Zucker fatty rats (585.8)

Conjugated bile salts take part in micellar formation, a critical step for dietary lipid digestion and absorption. Bile salt hydrolases (BSHs) catalyze the conversion of conjugated bile salts to bi...
TIDGET mayday system for motorists

The development of an effective motorist mayday system for travelers in rural and urban parts of the United States and Canada has been hampered by the lack of an infrastructure to receive and process emergency requests and by the inability of most motorists to precisely define the location of their vehicle. The development of intelligent vehicle-highway systems and an expanded network of computer-switched radio systems will greatly improve the ability of highway agencies, both public and private, to respond to emergency requests. The missing element is still an inexpensive and reliable means of determining the location of vehicles in distress. GPS has been proposed as a potential method of providing location in support of a mayday service. NAVSYS has developed a low cost GPS sensor, the TIDGET, for a GPS mayday service. The TIDGET sensor does not track the GPS signals, but instead captures a brief "snapshot" of raw GPS sampled data. This "snapshot" is transmitted to the emergency dispatch facility where it is processed to compute the location of the motorist. The processing also includes aiding data from a map database to allow the vehicle's location to be determined when fewer than four satellites are in view of the sensor. In large quantities, the TIDGET sensor cost is reduced to less than $50 a unit (not including the communications link). The sophisticated software used to process this message at the dispatch center allows the solution to be derived in many cases when only two GPS satellites are in view. The paper includes a description of the TIDGET mayday system and presents preliminary test results. >
(1+1) genetic algorithm fitness dynamics in a changing environment

We analyze the fitness dynamics of a (1+1) mutation-only genetic algorithm (GA) operating on a family of simple time-dependent fitness functions. Resulting models of behavior are used in the prediction of GA performance on this fitness function. The accuracy of performance predictions are compared to actual GA runs, and results are discussed in relation to analyses of the stationary version of the dynamic fitness landscape and to prior work performed in the field of evolutionary optimization of dynamic fitness functions.
Shock-induced bubble jetting into a viscous fluid with application to tissue injury in shock-wave lithotripsy.

Shock waves in liquids are known to cause spherical gas bubbles to rapidly collapse and form strong re-entrant jets in the direction of the propagating shock. The interaction of these jets with an adjacent viscous liquid is investigated using finite-volume simulation methods. This configuration serves as a model for tissue injury during shock-wave lithotripsy, a medical procedure to remove kidney stones. In this case, the viscous fluid provides a crude model for the tissue. It is found that for viscosities comparable to what might be expected in tissue, the jet that forms upon collapse of a small bubble fails to penetrate deeply into the viscous fluid “tissue.” A simple model reproduces the penetration distance versus viscosity observed in the simulations and leads to a phenomenological model for the spreading of injury with multiple shocks. For a reasonable selection of a single efficiency parameter, this model is able to reproduce in vivo observations of an apparent 1000-shock threshold before wide-spread tissue injury occurs in targeted kidneys and the approximate extent of this injury after a typical clinical dose of 2000 shock waves.
Airborne visualization and quantification of discrete methane sources in the environment

Abstract Airborne thermal-infrared (TIR) imaging spectrometry techniques have been used to detect and track methane and other gaseous emissions from a variety of discrete sources in diverse environmental settings, and to enable estimation of the strength of each plume. The high spatial resolution (1–2 m) permits attribution of chemical plumes to their source, while the moderate spectral resolution (44 nm across the 7.5–13.5 μm TIR band) enables identification and quantification of the gaseous plume constituents, even when one is present in considerably greater concentration than the others. Raw imagery was quantitatively analyzed using matched filtering and adaptive coherence techniques. Experiments under controlled conditions demonstrated successful detection of methane point sources at release rates as low as 2.2 kg/h (~ 1 dm3/s at NTP).
Estimating and mapping chlorophyll‐ a concentration in Pensacola Bay, Florida using Landsat ETM+ data

The purpose of this study was to develop algorithms for estimating chlorophyll‐a concentration in Pensacola Bay using Landsat 7 ETM+ data. The techniques used were band ratioing and regression modelling. Pensacola Bay is located on the west end of the Florida panhandle. As one of 39 estuaries located on the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Bay is impacted largely by rivers. The Landsat ETM+ data were first geometrically rectified. Then brightness values were converted to reflectance through the radiometric correction process. For the regression models, logarithmically transformed chlorophyll‐a was used as the dependent variable. Single bands, band ratios and logarithmically transformed band ratios were the independent variables. R 2 values were computed and evaluated. Results from the study indicate that the ratio of ETM+1/ETM+3 was the most effective in estimating chlorophyll‐a. Using this model a chlorophyll‐a map was generated for Pensacola Bay.
Dynamic changes in conjunctival dendritic cell numbers, anatomical position and phenotype during experimental allergic conjunctivitis.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a subset of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that are involved in the initiation and control of the immune response to antigens present at the interface with the environment. A limited number of groups have studied DCs in human and animal conjunctiva but no data is available concerning the different DC subsets present in the conjunctival tissue. The aims of this study are to characterize the phenotypes and numbers of DCs present in the murine model of allergic conjunctivitis using the technique of immunohistochemistry so as to aid the understanding of the mechanisms involved in allergic eye disease. A double immunofluorescence method was used to analyze the phenotypic distribution and density of DC subsets in the mouse conjunctival tissues of the allergic model using a panel of antibodies: CD11c, as a general marker of DCs, coupled with another DC subset marker such as Langerin for Langerhans cells (LCs), CD11b for myeloid DCs (mDCs) and mPDCA-1 for plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). In the naive conjunctiva, mDCs were consistently detected in the subepithelial layer and substantia propria. In the epithelium and the subepithelial layer, very few LCs and virtually no pDCs were observed. Following allergen challenge, there was a marked influx of mDCs and pDCs, but no LCs, into the subepithelial layer and throughout the substantia propria. These results indicate that conjunctival DC subsets may play an important role in the immune-regulatory processes involved in the inflammatory component of allergic conjunctivitis.
Neurocognitive impairments in MDMA and other drug users: MDMA alone may not be a cognitive risk factor.

Background: MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; “Ecstasy”) is an amphetamine derivative with mild hallucinogenic and stimulant qualities. MDMA leads to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) neurotoxicity and has been linked to cognitive impairments. It remains unclear whether these impairments are due to MDMA versus other drug use. Method: Neurocognitive functioning was measured in a sample of abstinent polydrug users (n = 52) with a range of MDMA use and healthy nondrug controls (n = 29). Participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and self-report measures of drug use. Results: Polydrug users performed worse than controls on spatial span and spatial working memory (ps < .05). Among polydrug users, lifetime marijuana use significantly predicted verbal learning and memory performance (p < .01), while MDMA use was not predictive of cognitive impairment. Conclusions: This study and our previous report (Hanson, Luciana, & Sullwold, 2008) suggest that moderate MDMA use does not lead ...
Family of origin environments in two clinical samples of survivors of intra-familial, extra-familial, and both types of sexual abuse

OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that survivors of ongoing childhood sexual abuse (CSA) tend to have been reared in ineffective family environments that render them particularly vulnerable to maltreatment and which foster psychological difficulties beyond those accounted for solely by their abuse. If this conjecture is valid, one would expect that the family of origin environments of CSA survivors would be disturbed whether their abuser was intra-familial or extra-familial. To assess this hypothesis, two studies compared the childhood family of origin environments and supportive parenting characteristics of a clinical sample of women sexually abused by family members only (the intra-familial group), by non-family members only (the extra-familial group), and by both family and non-family members (the "both" group). METHOD: Study 1 compared the three groups (total N = 213) using the Family Environment Scale (FES). Study 2 compared groups (total N = 86) on the positive parenting scales of the Exposure to Abusive and Supportive Environments Parenting Inventory (EASE-PI). RESULTS: In Study 1, multivariate analyses indicated significant differences on the independence, cohesion, and conflict subscales of the FES. Pairwise comparisons revealed that the extra-familial group reported significantly higher levels of family independence and lower levels of conflict than the other two groups. In addition, the extra-familial group reported higher levels of cohesion than the intra-familial group. However, the effect sizes of these comparisons were extremely small. In Study 2, multivariate analyses revealed no group differences on the EASE-PI scales. CONCLUSIONS: Low effect sizes on the three significant FES scales, non-significance on the remaining seven FES scales, and non-significance on the EASE-PI scales suggest that there is considerable similarity in the family of origin environments of adult female CSA survivors seeking therapy regardless of whether their perpetrators were family members, non-family members, or both family and non-family members. Language: en
An in vitro system for the study of myelin synthesis.

Abstract— A system for the study of short-term myelin synthesis in spinal cord tissue in vitro with [U-14C]glucose as a lipid and protein precursor is described. The rates of lipid and protein incorporation into myelin are age-dependent, but do not appear to behave similarly. Uptake of labelled carbon is most rapid in monophosphoinositide and lecithin, and slowest in cerebroside sulphate. Myelin protein seems to retain more metabolic activity than does the lipid. These findings are interpreted as support for the unit membrane hypothesis for myelin rather than the subunit model.
Monte Carlo calculations for a gamma ray telescope

Abstract A gamma ray directional detector using long and narrow plastic scintillators was designed. Its angular resolution and its efficiency have been calculated by alloting randomly the components which determine the paths of the electron-positron pair and calculating the amount of energy dissipated in the scintillators. This was done with a fast computer, using Monte Carlo methods. The results show that for a certain configuration of scintillators an angular resolution of 1.5° and an efficiency of 10% can be achieved. An estimation of the counting rates and background is given for certain celestial objects.
GraphPad: a CS2/CS7 tool for graph creation

This poster demonstrates a web-based software tool called GraphPad designed to facilitate interactivity in a CS2/CS7 course in which Tablet PCs or WACOM tablets are available. Using one of these devices users can use their own handwriting to construct graphs just as naturally as they would on paper without restrictions or limitations. For example, if a student would like to draw a node they would simply draw a circle on the screen followed by the label they would like to add to the node. Then a clean Circle and formatted text will appear in the place of the user's handwriting. Drawing edges is accomplished in the same intuitive way. By drawing a line or arrow between nodes, an edge forms between the two nodes. These edges may also have weights/labels added to them. This freedom is important for our academic applications of this software. It allows teachers to get a good sense of how students might write answers on quizzes or tests. GraphPad allows teachers and students to interact in a number of unique ways. Instructors may conduct a synchronous exercises or different asynchronous exercises.
Multiscale biosystems integration: coupling intracellular network analysis with tissue-patterning simulations

In order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of complex biological systems, researchers must develop new techniques that incorporate key features of the system across all relevant spatial and temporal scales. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics have generated a wealth of experimental data that provides details with respect to gene-expression patterns and individual gene and protein functions, but integration of this information into meaningful knowledge of the complete system is a challenge borne by a new scientific era dependent on computational tools. In this paper, we review new computational techniques, developed to reconstruct single-cell biochemical networks for generating quantitative descriptions of network properties, and agent-based models designed to study multicell interactions important in tissue patterning. We also discuss the challenges and promises of combining these approaches in a single quantitative framework for advancing medical care for diseases that arise from a multitude of factors.
Lead exposure alters the drug metabolic activity and the homeostasis of essential metal ions in the lenticular system of the rat.

Abstract Potential lead exposure to the eyes as a result of the use of traditional cosmetic Kohl in Asia, Africa and the Middle East has been a subject of recent debate to the scientific community. In continuation of our earlier work we therefore examine in the present study, the drug metabolic activity and the homeostasis of essential metal ions in the lenticular system of adult rats exposed to long term low level lead (lead acetate 0.1% w/v). The results of our investigation demonstrate that long term low level lead exposure impaired the phase I & phase II metabolic activity of the lenticular system when assessed by aminopyrine demethylase, benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase, aniline hydroxylase and UDP glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), respectively. A more pronounced decrease (55%) in GST was noticed compared to UDPGT, aminopyrene demethylase, benzo[a]-pyrene hydroxylase and aniline hydroxylase (20–30%). Increased lead concentration in the lenticular system of the rats as monitored by atomic absorption spectroscopy resulted in a significant decrease (15–35%) in the levels of Ca, Cu, Zn and Fe, along with a progressive loss in body weight. Respective increase in blood lead level was also monitored parallel to increase in lenticular lead concentration at different time points in lead treated rats. The present investigation, therefore, demonstrates that long term low level lead exposure to rats results in a profound impairment in the homeostasis of essential metal ions, lenticular drug metabolizing enzymatic activity and significant loss in body weight when compared to untreated control rats. Whether such a decrease in these functions reflects an inhibition of protein synthesis at transcriptional/post transcriptional levels or gene regulation at molecular level remains to be established.
REPRESSION OF GROWTH, AND SUBSEQUENT ADAPTATION, OF A PARENTAL STRAIN TUMOUR IN GENETICALLY COMPATIBLE F1 HYBRID MICE.

Repression of Growth, and Subsequent Adaptation, of A Parental Strain Tumour in Genetically Compatible F1 Hybrid Mice
SU‐E‐J‐115: Graticule for Verification of Treatment Position in Neutron Therapy

Purpose: Until recently the treatment verification for patients undergoing fast neutron therapy at our facility was accomplished through a combination of neutron beam portal films aligned with a graticule mounted on an orthronormal x‐ray tube. To eliminate uncertainty with respect to the relative positions of the x‐ray graticule and the therapy beam, we have developed a graticule which is placed in the neutron beam itself. Methods: For a graticule to be visible on the portal film, the attenuation of the neutron beam by the graticule landmarks must be significantly greater than that of the material in which the landmarks are mounted. Various materials, thicknesses, and mounting points were tried to gain the largest contrast between the graticule landmarks and the mounting material. Results: The final design involved 2 inch steel pins of 0.125 inch diameter captured between two parallel plates of 0.25 inch thick clear acrylic plastic. The distance between the two acrylic plates was 1.625 inches, held together at the perimeter with acrylic sidewall spacers. This allowed the majority of length of the steel pins to be surrounded by air. The pins were set 1 cm apart and mounted at angles parallel to the divergence of the beam dependent on their position within the array. The entire steel pin and acrylic plate assembly was mounted on an acrylic accessory tray to allow for graticule alignment. Conclusion: Despite the inherent difficulties in attenuating fast neutrons, our simple graticule design produces the required difference of attenuation between the arrays of landmarks and the mounting material. The graticule successfully provides an in‐beam frame of reference for patient portal verification.
The stimulus familiarization effect as a function of stimulus similarity

Following a stimulus-familiarization phase, children responded in a button-pressing task to a familiarized stimulus (FS) and to three nonfamiliarized stimuli (NS1, NS2, NS3). The nonfamiliar stimuli varied in degree of similarity (color) to the FS; NS1 was the most similar and NS3 the least. A stimulus-familiarization effect (SFE) was obtained, with greater start speeds to NS3 than to FS. Analysis of start latencies produced a comparable effect (ie., FS>NS3) and also a “generalized” SFE (NS2>NS3). The results were interpreted within an OR-habituation hypothesis. The discrepancy between the speed and latency findings was discussed.
Changes in Local Wall Thickness Correlate with Pathologic Lesion Size Following Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: An Intracardiac Echocardiographic Imaging Study

INTRODUCTION: High-resolution intracardiac echocardiographic (ICE) imaging can accurately assess wall thickness during radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation procedures. This study investigated the correlation of changes in wall thickness at the ablation site with pathologic lesion size. METHODS AND RESULTS: ICE image-guided 31 RF applications (30-50 W, up to 120 sec) were performed in five anesthetized closed chest swine (n = 5, body weight 35-60 kg). Twenty-four lesions were delivered in the right and left atria with standard RF; seven lesions were delivered in the left ventricle (LV) with irrigated (30-40 ml/min) RF. Wall thickness and tissue echo density measured by ICE imaging (pre- and 1-minute post-RF delivery) with increased focal echo density following RF deployment in the atria (4.5 +/- 1.5 vs 2.3 +/- 1.0 mm pre-RF) and the LV (9.8 +/- 2.3 vs 6.8 +/- 2.2 mm pre-RF; P < 0.01). The observed changes in wall thickness (DeltaWT) following ablation in the LV were greater than in the atria (3.0 +/- 1.4 vs 2.2 +/- 1.2 mm; P < 0.05). A significant correlation between DeltaWT and lesion depth (ventricular: r = 0.85, P < 0.05; atrial: r = 0.82, P < 0.01) was demonstrated at all ablation sites. Local wall thickness measured post-RF also significantly correlated with lesion depth (r = 0.89, P < 0.01), especially with that of transmural lesions (r = 0.95, n = 23, P < 0.001) at atrial and LV sites. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic RF ablation results in mural swelling and increased echo density. These changes can be detected by ICE imaging and correlate with pathologic lesion size. ICE imaging may be useful in online quantification of lesion size, especially for transmural lesions during clinical catheter ablation procedures.
Molecular Modeling of Slip Supposed to Occur in the Shock Initiation of Crystalline PETN

Some molecular modeling of slip using both rigid and flexible molecules of PETN in perfect, but finite, lattices has been performed. Studies of rigid displacement show slip on (001) to be relatively unhindered. The shock orientation with a maximum resolved shear stress in this direction would, therefore, be expected to be insensitive. Molecular mechanics calculations have also been performed. The results show that it is likely that molecular deformations occur and have an important effect in determining the shear strength of crystalline PETN.
Micromachined, flip–chip assembled, actuatable contacts for use in high density interconnection in electronics packaging

Abstract Using flip–chip assembly, micromachined contacts can be used to create a high density, actuatable electronics packaging technology. Internal residual stress is used to press bimorph beam connectors upwards against a device chip. The connectors’ actuation behavior is described, including appropriate mathematical models. The electrostatically actuated beams will disconnect when driven by a 53 V signal and will reconnect when voltage falls below 43 V. Analytic models, which account for the non-linearity present in a curved cantilever beam, are presented. When switching signals, reconnection occurs in as little as 5.8 μs, disconnection occurs in as little as 4.0 μs. A microconnector’s current carrying capability can be as high as 285.3 mA and its maximum power dissipation as high as 1.47 W.
Desensitization with an aphasic patient.

Abstract Systematic desensitization was utilized to relieve anxiety in an aphasic man whose speech problem became magnified when he was confronted with certain anxiety-provoking situations. The need to look for variables which may be disabling a patient other than the actual physical disorder, and the feasibility of attempting behavioral procedures with rehabilitation patients is discussed.
Ca2+ Facilitates TRPC4 Activation by Gi/O Signaling in Both Calmodulin Dependent and Independent Manner

TRPC4 is a member of the Canonical Transient Receptor Potential family of non-selective ion channels and is regulated by a set of intracellular and extracellular factors including G protein coupled receptor activation, calcium and membrane phospholipids. Sodium (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) influx through the active TRPC4 channel elicits membrane depolarization and intracellular Ca2+ signaling in neurons, vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells. Uniquely, TRPC4 is maximally activated only when two separate G protein pathways, Gq/11 and Gi/o, are co-stimulated, making it a coincidence detector of Gq/11- and Gi/o-coupled receptor co-activation. This function may be important for coordinating the actions of sympathetic (e.g. adrenergic) and parasympathetic (e.g. cholinergic) innervations. While a direct interaction between Gi/o-alpha subunits and the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of TRPC4 has been suggested to underlie the activation mechanism by Gi/o proteins, the PLC-IP3-IP3R pathway is thought to be critical for the action of Gq/11. Using electrophysiological recordings of HEK293 cells heterologously expressing mouse TRPC4-beta, we examined the interdependence of Gi/o and Gq/11 pathways on TRPC4 activation. We show that whereas Gi/o (but not Gq/11) stimulation is necessary, it does not fully activate TRPC4 unless accompanied by a simultaneous rise in intracellular free Ca2+, which may or may not require activation of the Gq/11 pathway. Paradoxically, inhibiting calmodulin also facilitated TRPC4 activation by Gi/o signaling, but not to the full extent as that facilitated by increasing intracellular Ca2+ levels, indicating an inhibitory role played by calmodulin on TRPC4 activation and a calmodulin-independent positive regulation by Ca2+. Our findings indicate that TRPC4 is a coincidence sensor of (A) Gi/o stimulation and (B) intracellular [Ca2+] rise that can be triggered by receptor-PLC pathways, lysosomal Ca2+ release, ER Ca2+ store release and plasma membrane Ca2+ influx mechanisms.
An in vitro model of fibroblast activity and adhesion formation during flexor tendon healing

We studied fibroblast activity during tendon healing with an in vitro tendon culture model. Tendons were embedded in a translucent collagen gel matrix whose porous nature permitted free nutrient diffusion, fibroblast migration out of the tendon, and microphotographic documentation of fibroblast activity. Experiments were performed using one or more tendons cultured in the same collagen gel. We identified three zones of fibroblast activity in the gel. Zone I was an area of randomly dispersed cells directly adjacent to the tendon where collagen synthesis and remodeling were probably taking place. In zone II, spindle-shaped fibroblasts were aligned pointing away from the cut tendon end forming a sunburst-like aggregate of cells. Zone II fibroblasts were responsible for formation of migration trails by exerting a mechanical force on the collagen matrix, which was evident as a local gel contraction. Zone III was the leading edge of the sunburst populated by the fastest moving fibroblasts, which responded to guidance by other cut tendon ends. We speculate that the collagen gel used in the culture system may help maintain a chemotactic concentration gradient that allows fibroblasts to locate other distal cut tendon surfaces also embedded in the collagen gel.
Seedling recruitment failure following dipterocarp mast fruiting

Many rain-forest trees in South-East Asia, including the dominant canopy family Dipterocarpaceae, reproduce in gregarious mast-fruiting events once every 2-11 y (Ashton et al. 1988). The dominant hypothesis for the evolution of masting is that predators are incapable of consuming mast seed crops, so that natural selection has favoured parent trees that fruit in synchrony (Janzen 1974, 1976). Mast flowering and fruiting are visually spectacular and quantified in harvest records for dipterocarp species producing large, oil-rich tengkawang seeds (Curran et al. 1999). Seedling recruitment following a mast is less obvious and has no immediate commercial value. However, a number of pulses of recruitment have been documented (Ashton et al. 1988, Chan 1980, Fox 1972, Liew & Wong 1973). These, together with general acceptance of the satiation hypothesis, have led to the widespread assumption that masts reliably increase seedling density and generate distinct seedling cohorts (Whitmore 1998). Indeed, foresters in Malaysia and Indonesia often recommend harvesting only after a mast, to ensure high densities of seedling regeneration. But evidence from Indonesian Borneo suggests that human activities may be disrupting predation during masts (Curran et al. 1999). Logging and forest fragmentation appear to have intensified the activities of nomadic, vertebrate seed predators in the remaining patches of primary forest. It remains possible, however, that even a small fraction of seeds escaping seed predation could survive well after germination and contribute substantially to recruitment. In a study of the effects of density dependence on the dynamics of dipterocarp regeneration, we measured seedling recruitment per capita adult in a common canopy species (Shorea quadrinervis Sloot.). The density of seedlings (< 25 cm
Protein prenylcysteine analog inhibits agonist-receptor-mediated signal transduction in human platelets.

Abstract Signal transduction components, including the Ras superfamily of low molecular weight GTP-binding proteins and the gamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins, are reversibly carboxyl methylated at C-terminal prenylcysteine residues. We have previously shown that the prenylcysteine analog N-acetyl-S-trans,trans-farnesyl-L-cysteine (AFC) inhibits carboxyl methylation of these proteins in human platelets. Here we show that concentrations of AFC that inhibit Ras carboxyl methylation (10-50 microM) also block responses to agonists such as ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid, U46619 (a stable analog of prostaglandin H2), thrombin, and guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate. AFC does not inhibit aggregation induced by effectors such as ionomycin, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, and bacterial phospholipase C that bypass G proteins to activate platelets at the level of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and protein kinase C. These findings indicate that AFC inhibits agonist-receptor-mediated signal transduction in human platelets.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Estimated Right Atrial Pressure and Size Predicts Mortality in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

BACKGROUND Elevated mean right atrial pressure (RAP) measured by cardiac catheterization is an independent risk factor for mortality. Prior studies have demonstrated a modest correlation with invasive and noninvasive echocardiographic RAP, but the prognostic impact of estimated right atrial pressure (eRAP) has not been previously evaluated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS A retrospective analysis of 121 consecutive patients with PAH based on right-sided heart catheterization and echocardiography was performed. The eRAP was calculated by inferior vena cava diameter and collapse using 2005 and 2010 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) definitions. Accuracy and correlation of eRAP to RAP was assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis by eRAP, right atrial area, and Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL Registry) risk criteria as well as univariate and multivariate analysis of echocardiographic findings was performed. RESULTS Elevation of eRAP was associated with decreased survival time compared with lower eRAP ( P 15 mm Hg vs eRAP ≤ 5 mm Hg). Univariate analysis of echocardiographic parameters including eRAP > 15 mm Hg, right atrial area > 18 cm 2 , presence of pericardial effusion, right ventricular fractional area change 15 mm Hg was the only echocardiographic risk factor that was predictive of mortality (hazard ratio = 2.28, P = .037). CONCLUSIONS Elevation of eRAP by echocardiography at baseline assessment was strongly associated with increased risk of death or transplant in patients with PAH. This measurement may represent an important prognostic component in the comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation of PAH.
Adaptive Fourier estimation of time-varying evoked potentials

In this estimation procedure the evoked response is modeled as a dynamic Fourier series and the Fourier coefficients are estimated adaptively by the least-mean-square algorithm. Approximate expressions have been developed for the estimation error and time constant of adaptation. A procedure for optimizing the estimator performance is also presented. The effectiveness of the estimator with simulated as well as actual evoked responses is demonstrated. >
Joining of Alumina via Copper/Niobium/Copper Interlayers

Alumina has been joined at 1150 degrees C and 1400 degrees C using multilayer copper/niobium/copper interlayers. Four-point bend strengths are sensitive to processing temperature, bonding pressure, and furnace environment (ambient oxygen partial pressure). Under optimum conditions, joints with reproducibly high room temperature strengths (approximately equal 240 plus/minus 20 MPa) can be produced; most failures occur within the ceramic. Joints made with sapphire show that during bonding an initially continuous copper film undergoes a morphological instability, resulting in the formation of isolated copper-rich droplets/particles at the sapphire/interlayer interface, and extensive regions of direct bonding between sapphire and niobium. For optimized alumina bonds, bend tests at 800 degrees C-1100 degrees C indicate significant strength is retained; even at the highest test temperature, ceramic failure is observed. Post-bonding anneals at 1000 degrees C in vacuum or in gettered argon were used to assess joint stability and to probe the effect of ambient oxygen partial pressure on joint characteristics. Annealing in vacuum for up to 200 h causes no significant decrease in room temperature bend strength or change in fracture path. With increasing anneal time in a lower oxygen partial pressure environment, the fracture strength decreases only slightly, but the fracture path shifts from the ceramic to the interface.
Enzymatic determination of the major serum lipids with a common indicator reaction

Abstract Enzymatic, colorimetric assays for serum cholesterol, choline-containing phospholipids, and triglycerides were developed with the intent of being able to specifically determine these individual lipids after isolation of serum lipoproteins by a technology such as ultracentrifugation that is already developed, electrophoresis that is already available for cholesterol and awaits the other lipid stains, or chemical fractionation. Once the relative amounts of the lipids in each lipoprotein fraction are known, the absolute amounts in each separated fraction can then be calculated using the total serum concentrations. As a secondary purpose, the measurement and arithmetic summation of serum cholesterol, choline-containing phospholipids, and triglycerides concentrations appears to provide a close estimate of the major serum total lipids. This summation technique results in apparent lower serum total lipids values than are obtained by a conventional turbidimetric method. This bias appears to be due to a combination of overestimation by the turbidimetric method and underestimation by the summation technique. However, this summation technique appears to be able to provide more information for specific lipid measurements on chemical, ultracentrifugal, or electrophoretic separation of lipoproteins by revealing which lipid class(es) is/are present in an abnormal concentration. It could also prove useful in providing major total lipid information for nonspecific staining of electrophoretic zones where fat-soluble stains such as Sudan black B are presently used. In the latter case, cholesterol and triglycerides are already determined and only the choline-containing phospholipid assay is additional.
In situ remediation of arsenic in simulated groundwater using zerovalent iron: laboratory column tests on combined effects of phosphate and silicate

We performed three column tests to study the behavior of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) materials to remove arsenic under dynamic flow conditions in the absence as well as in the presence of added phosphate and silicate. The column consisted of a 10.3 cm depth of 50:50 (w:w, Peerless iron:sand) in the middle and a 10.3 cm depth of a sediment from Elizabeth City, NC, in both upper and lower portions of the 31-cm-long glass column (2.5 cm in diameter) with three side sampling ports. The flow velocity (upflow mode) was maintained at 4.3 m d(-1) during the 3-4-month experiments. As expected, dissolved As concentrations in different positions of the column generally followed the order: column influent > bottom port effluent > middle port effluent > top port effluent > column effluent. The steady-state As removal in the middle Peerless iron and sand mixture zone might be attributed to the continuous supply of corroded iron in the form of iron oxides and hydroxides that served as the sorbents for both As(V) and As(III). Consistent with previous batch study findings, dissolved phosphate (0.5 or 1 mg of P L(-1)) and silicate (10 or 20 mg of Si L(-1)) showed strong inhibition for As(V) and As(III) (1 mg of As(V) L(-1) + 1 mg of As(III) L(-1) in 7 mM NaCl + 0.86 mM CaSO4) removal by Peerless iron in the column tests. The presence of combined phosphate and silicate resulted in earlier breakthrough (C = 0.5C0) and earlier complete breakthrough of dissolved arsenic relative to absence of added phosphate and silicate in the bottom port effluent. Competition between As(V)/As(III) and phosphate/silicate forthe sorption sites on the corrosion products of Peerless iron seems to be the cause of the observations. This effect is especially important in the case of silicate for designing a PRB of zerovalent iron for field use because dissolved silicate is ubiquitous in terrestrial waters.
A PRELIMINARY NOTE ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PHOSPHORUS INTAKE IN THE DIET AND BLOOD PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATION, IN THE EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION OF CARIES-IMMUNITY AND CARIES-SUSCEPTIBILITY IN THE RAT.

(1) Estimations of the phosphorus content of diets reported to produce caries in rats indicate that rations containing 0.4802 grams of phosphorus per 100 grams of diet, or less than 0.4802 grams of phosphorus per 100 grams of diet, tend to induce dental caries in rats if Ca intake is 0.3424 per cent. (2) Estimations of the phosphorus content of diets reported to produce rats immune to dental caries indicate that such diets contain 0.5282 or more grams of phosphorus per 100 grams of diet and 0.4012 or less grams of calcium per 100 grams of diet. (3) Experimental evidence is presented which indicates that the level of phosphorus in the diet is an important factor in producing caries-susceptibility and caries-immunity in rats. (4) We have also found that a relation exists between blood composition (phosphorus) and the incidence of dental caries in rats. Caries arises in rats whose blood phosphorus falls below a critical level (about 10.5 +/- .5 mg(6) of phosphorus per 100 grams of serum), while those rats whose blood phosphorus concentration is 10.5 +/- .5 or above are immune from dental caries. (5) It is indicated that this blood figure is dependent upon the level of phosphorus, calcium and vitamin ingested in the diet. In a forthcoming paper we shall present the results of an extensive review of the recorded observations of our own and other laboratories on the relation between diet and susceptibility to dental caries in the rat and our conclusions from examining these data in the light of the working hypothesis (blood phosphorus critical level) here presented.
Exploring the relationship between child welfare intervention and juvenile corrections involvement

This study of school-age children reported for maltreatment investigated whether child welfare services moderated the risk of later juvenile corrections entry and what factors explained juvenile corrections entry among children who received child welfare services. Non-White children who received in-home child welfare services had a lower risk of juvenile corrections than those receiving no services. Among children who received child welfare services, those also receiving mental health services were at higher risk of juvenile corrections entry.
"Vibrio vulnificus": Death on the Half Shell. A Personal Journey with the Pathogen and its Ecology

Vibrio vulnificus is an estuarine bacterium which occurs in high numbers in filter-feeding molluscan shellfish, such as oysters. In individuals with certain underlying diseases, ingestion of the bacterium, e.g., in raw or undercooked oysters, can lead to a rapid and extremely fatal infection. Indeed, this one bacterium is responsible for 95 % of all seafood-borne deaths. In addition, the bacterium is capable of entering a preexisting lesion or cut obtained during coastal recreational activities, resulting in potentially fatal wound infections. This brief review, which comprised a presentation made at the Gordon Research Conference on "Oceans and Human Health," reflects over 35 years of research on this bacterium in the author's laboratory. It describes some of the known virulence factors and why males account for ca 85 % of all V. vulnificus cases. It notes the two genotypes now known to exist and how this pathogen enters a dormant, "viable but nonculturable" state during the winter months. Finally, the review discusses how global warming may be causing worldwide increases in the frequency and geographical extent of Vibrio infections.
Fabrication of 3-D Silicon Microneedles Using a Single-Step DRIE Process

Fabrication of 3-D microstructures is one of the most challenging aspects of silicon micromachining. In this paper, we present a novel microfabrication method using one single-step deep reactive ion etching process with gray-scale e-beam lithography mask that offers deeply etched (>350- $\mu \text{m}$ deep) dual-angle 3-D microneedles with control over the height and shape of the structures. Moreover, we found that the shape of the e-beam lithography patterns can determine the general configuration and features of the final etched microneedles, and that the etching process parameters have the most impact on the microneedles’ shape, such as size and vertical base angle. Large arrays of $20\times 20$ microneedles with height uniformity of better than 3% are fabricated. [2014-0209]
Neuropsychological functioning predicts community outcomes in affective and non-affective psychoses: a 6-month follow-up.

Introduction: Neurocognitive dysfunction is a major symptom feature of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A prognostic relationship between cognition and community outcomes is well-documented in schizophrenia and increasingly recognized in bipolar disorder. However, specific associations among neurocognition, diagnosis, state symptomatology, and community functioning are unclear, and few studies have compared these relationships among patients with affective and non-affective psychoses in the same study. We examined neurocognitive, clinical, and community functioning in a cross-diagnostic sample of patients with psychotic disorders over a 6-month follow-up interval.Method: Neurocognitive, clinical and community functioning were assessed in participants with schizophrenia (n = 13), schizoaffective disorder (n = 17), or bipolar disorder with psychosis (n = 18), and healthy controls (n = 18) at baseline and 6 months later.Results: Neurocognitive functioning was impaired in all diagnostic groups and, despite reductions in primary symptoms, did not recover on most measures over the follow-up period. Neurocognitive impairment was not associated with diagnosis or clinical improvement. Several neurocognitive scores at baseline (but not diagnosis or clinical baseline or follow-up scores) predicted community functioning at follow-up.Discussion: In one of the few studies to longitudinally examine neurocognition in association with clinical and outcomes variables in a cross diagnostic sample of psychotic disorders patients, neurocognitive deficits were pronounced across diagnoses and did not recover on most measures despite significant reductions in clinical symptoms. Baseline neurocognitive functioning was the only significant predictor of patients' community functioning six months later. Efforts to recognize and address cognitive deficits, an approach that has shown promise in schizophrenia, should be extended to all patients with psychosis.
Interpreter and Spanish administration effects on the WISC performance of Mexican-American children

Abstract A study was conducted to ascertain whether the use of an interpreter and/or a regular examiner in administering the WISC would affect the test results of a group of Mexican-American children. A covariance analysis of the results indicated that the use of English in the administration of some subtests of the Verbal Scale and a Spanish administration of some scales of the performance test are likely to elicit optimum performance of Mexican-American children.