cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peptide nucleic acids targeted to the amyloid precursor protein.

The depositing in brain of amyloid β peptide (Aβ), which is formed by the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), is likely an etiologic factor in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Of the different forms of Aβ, Aβ(1–42) causes fibril formation and increases aggregation at elevated levels, which can lead to neuronal death. It is hypothesized that if the levels of Aβ, particularly Aβ(1–42), were reduced, then the onset of AD would be slowed or possibly prevented. Therefore, we are using peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) targeted to APP, as well as other key proteins, to try to decrease plasma and brain levels of Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42). This research project was designed to utilize the expertise of our laboratory in the use of PNAs, a third-generation antisense or antigene molecule, to knock down proteins in brain. Antisense compounds specifically knock down the expression of a particular protein by inhibiting translation at the level of mRNA. On the other hand, antigene compounds knock down expression at the level of transcription. For experiments involving antisense strategies, there are several advantages to using PNAs as opposed to the traditional oligonucleotide molecules. We report here the ongoing studies with mice and rats with PNAs targeting APP, as well as BACE.
Cell Swelling and Depolarization in Hemorrhagic Shock

Although an increase in intracellular water volume (IWV) in hemorrhagic shock has been inferred from measured changes in transmembrane potential, it has not been measured directly. We have described the presence of a circulating protein that appears in hemorrhagic shock [circulating shock protein (CSP) 70] that depolarizes numerous cell types. To determine if this substance produced a concurrent increase in intracellular water, cells were incubated with CSP 70. Then we measured IWV as the difference between the 3 H water space and the [ 14 C]mannitol space. CSP 70 increased IWV 9% in rat red blood cells (RBCs) (n = 8, p < 0.05), 22% in rat H9c2 cells (n = 7,p < 0.05),11% in dog RBCs (n = 10, p < 0.005), and 31% in dog white blood cells (n = 8, p < 0.005). The results indicate that a protein that circulates in hemorrhagic shock depolarizes cells and increases intracellular water. This suggests that the changes in transmembrane potential observed in hemorrhagic shock are accompanied by movement of extracellular fluid into cells and may account for the inability to restore blood volume after large hemorrhage.
Methodological problems in the comparative analysis of international marketing systems

This article investigates the methodological problems relevant to comparative studies in the field of international marketing. The comparative method is defined as a search for similarities and differences which can be found in various foreign marketing systems.
Regulation generation: the suppressive functions of human regulatory T cells

Proper regulation of immune homeostasis is necessary to limit inflammation and prevent autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Many autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, are driven by vicious cycles of activated T cells that are unable to be suppressed by regulatory T cells. Effective suppression of auto-reactive T cells by regulatory T cells (Treg) is critical for the prevention of spontaneous autoimmune disease. Psoriatic Treg cells have been observed to a defect in their capacity to regulate, which clearly contributes to psoriasis pathogenesis. A challenge for translational research is the development of novel therapeutic interventions for autoimmune diseases that will result in durable remissions. Understanding the mechanism(s) of dysregulated T cell responses in autoimmune disease will allow for the development of future therapeutic strategies that may be employed to specifically target pathogenic, proinflammatory cells. Several reports have demonstrated a pathogenic role for Thl and Thl7 cells in psoriasis as well as other autoimmune diseases. Similarly, several laboratories have independently demonstrated functional defects in regulatory T cells isolated from patients with numerous divergent autoimmune diseases. One primary challenge of research in autoimmune diseases is therefore to restore the balance between chronic T cell activation and impairment of Treg suppressor mechanisms. To this end, it is critical to develop an understanding of the many suppressive mechanisms employed by Treg cells in hopes of developing more targeted therapeutic strategies for Treg-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Non-visual effects of light: implications for design

Light isn’t just for vision anymore! Illumination design should consider the needs of the visual and non-visual systems. Discussed are the lighting characteristics impacting these two systems and the implications for designing light for architecture.
A radiative feedback from an interactive polar mesospheric cloud parameterization in a two dimensional model

Abstract A new model of the mesosphere is introduced which incorporates the effects of polar mesospheric clouds in an interactive fashion. The model predicts ice layers and perturbed water vapor layers in good agreement with observations and previous calculations. In addition, the model predicts changes in ozone which anticorrelate with the perturbed H 2 O changes. Above the cloud layer (850–90 km), ozone can increase by as much as 30–40% and this leads to a 1–3 K temperature increase.
Effect of various coal contaminants on the performance of solid oxide fuel cells: Part II. ppm and sub-ppm level testing

Abstract The poisoning effects of various trace contaminants in the coal-derived syngas stream at ppm and sub-ppm level on the performance of Ni-YSZ/YSZ/LSM solid oxide fuel cells were studied at extended duration. The thermochemical nature of impurities such as PH3(g) and CH3Cl(g) in presence and absence of water steam was analyzed by a high temperature mass spectrometer. Only less than half of PH3(g) is hydrolyzed, and CH3Cl(g) also co-exist with HCl(g). After a certain duration of exposure, 1 ppm AsH3(g), 0.5 ppm PH3(g), and 2.5 ppm CH3Cl(g) all caused some degree of degradation to the power density at 750 °C. Whereas 1 ppm of H2S(g) resulted in immediate performance loss. The mechanisms of degradation are mainly divided into two categories: surface adsorption effect (for S and Cl) and bulk reaction effect (for As and P). The controversies regarding the poisoning effect and mechanism of S are also discussed with the aid of thermodynamic equilibrium composition calculation.
The Goodenough test in Insulin and Metrazol Treatment of Schizophrenia

(1939). The Goodenough test in Insulin and Metrazol Treatment of Schizophrenia. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 349-365.
Performance modeling for hydrophone arrays

A capability to model the performance of volumentric hydrophone arrays in different acoustic environments has been developed. A normal mode model that uses a WKB approximation is used to calculate acoustic propagation. Ambient noise is not included in the model. The model uses an algorithm that can efficiently calculate signal gain for a large-scale array for a large number of source positions. Performance measures derived from the signal gain calculations have been used to compare the multipath losses for different array geometries in a convergence zone environment.
Lifestyle incongruity, social integration, and immune function in Samoan adolescents

The health consequences of rapid cultural and economic change have been explored for adults in a range of low-income countries, but comparable research in children and adolescents is currently lacking. Concurrently, the immunosuppressive effects of psychosocial stress have been documented in Western populations, but have yet to be considered in cross-cultural contexts. This study uses lifestyle incongruity (inconsistency between a household's material style of life and its socioeconomic status) as a model of culture change and stress, and considers its impact on immune function in a sample of 230 10-20 year-olds from (Western) Samoa. Anthropometric, lifestyle, and psychosocial data were collected, as well as finger prick blood spot samples for analysis of C-reactive protein (marker of infection) and antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus (marker of cell-mediated immune function). Controlling for potential confounders, adolescents from households with a material style of life that exceeds its socioeconomic status have reduced cell-mediated immune function, indicating an increased burden of psychosocial stress. Social relationships moderate this effect: lifestyle incongruity stress is pronounced among adolescents with a high degree of social integration, and absent in adolescents with low social integration. This finding is counter to the buffering role of social support reported in previous applications of lifestyle incongruity to adults, and suggests that the moderating role of social integration may be unique to adolescents. The potential utility of the lifestyle incongruity model for future cross-cultural studies of child and adolescent stress is discussed.
Eva Livia Corredor: "East-West Odyssey"; Zsuzsanna Lápossy Diosy:"Life behind the Iron Curtain"; Kati Marton: "Enemies of the People. My Family’s Journey to North America"

Eva Livia Corredor. East-West Odyssey. Self Published, 2008. Pp. 275, illus.; Zsuzsanna Lapossy Diosy. Life behind the Iron Curtain. Self Published, 2006. No page no., illus.; Kati Marton. Enemies of the People. My Family’s Journey to North America. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2009. pp. 272, illus.Reviewed by Enikő M. Basa, Library of Congress.
Fast improvement of verbal memory function after left temporal tumour resection.

Case report: A 7-y-old, right-handed girl presented at our clinic with complex partial seizures, behavioural problems and word-finding difficulties. Clinical examination was normal, but electroencephalogram revealed bilateral epileptic discharges in the temporal and paracentral leads. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intracerebral mass in the left mesial temporal lobe in the areas of the gyrus temporooccipitalis medialis and gyrus parahippocampalis. Neuropsychological testing brought to light an above-average general intelligence, but the girl performed below average in verbal memory tests and average in figural memory tests. Results: The tumour was completely removed by surgery. Neuropsychological testing 3 and 11 wk after tumour resection demonstrated above-average verbal learning and memory abilities and improved visual memory. The emotional disturbances, seizures and electroencephalogram abnormalities disappeared completely during the postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: After resection of a left temporal brain tumour, the patient was free of seizures, and neuropsychological functions recovered completely within weeks.
The Evaluation Of Infrared Imaging Systems Used For Building Inspections

The results of the laboratory evaluation of three high resolution infrared imaging systems are presented. The systems were evaluated for their minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) at spatial frequencies from 0.02 to 0.16 cycles per milliradian and at ambient temperatures in the range of -7° C to 20° C. The results of these tests are compared with the predicted dependence of the MRTD given in the ASHRAE Standard 101-83. It is shown that the dependence on temperature of the MRTD of two of the systems is predicted well by the theory given in the ASHRAE standard. The calibration curves of the infrared imaging systems are given. These are in good agreement with those given by the manufacturers of the equipment.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A new species of Eucrosia and a new name in Stenomesson (Amaryllidaceae)

Eucrosia tubiflora is described from Peru, andEucrosia peruviana is transferred toStenomesson asS. campanulatum.
Pollen limitation and reproduction varies with population size in experimental populations of Sabatia angularis (Gentianaceae).

Individuals in large plant populations are expected to benefit from increased reproductive success relative to those in small populations because of the facilitative effects of large aggregations on pollination. As populations become small, the inability to attract sufficient numbers of pollinators can reduce reproduction via pollen limitation. This study experimentally tested whether such trends occur for the herbaceous biennial Sabatia angularis (L.) Pursh (Gentianaceae). We created artificial populations of varying size consisting of potted S. angularis plants in two field sites to determine whether population size affected mean fruit and seed set. We also examined whether population size affected the degree of pollen limitation using a supplemental pollination design in one of the sites. Our results showed that, on average, seed set was lower in large populations, not small populations, of S. angularis and that this result may be due to increased pollen limitation in large populations. We suggest that...
Effects of nephrectomy on renal salt and water transport in the remaining kidney

Effects of nephrectomy on renal salt and water transport in the remaining kidney. Fluid, sodium, and potassium transport was studied in proximal and distal tubules in rats in which one kidney had been removed two weeks after a suprarenal aortic clamp had been placed to prevent adaptive changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the experimental kidney. Free-flow micropuncture techniques were used and tubular fluid (TF) samples analyzed for inulin, sodium and potassium. In addition, peritubular total protein concentrations and luminal and peritubular hydrostatic pres sures were measured. The following changes were observed 15 hr after unilateral nephrectomy: (1) a significant increase in single nephron GFR; (2) unchanged absolute proximal tubular reabsorp tion rates of fluid and sodium; (3) increased delivery of fluid into distal tubules; (4) increased distal tubular reabsorption of sodium, but of insufficient magnitude to prevent natriuresis; and (5) an augmentation of distal tubular potassium secretion. Reduction of single nephron GFR to control levels by aortic clamping abolished the natriuresis following nephrectomy. Effets de la nephrectomie sur le transport du sel et de l'eau dans le rein restant. Le transport d'eau, de sodium et de potassium a ete etudie dans les tubes proximaux et distaux de rats chez lesquels un rein avait ete enleve deux semaines apres qu'un clamp aortique sus renal ait ete place de facon a empecher les modifications du debit de filtration glomerulaire (GFR) dans le rein experimental. Les techniques de microponction en flux libre ont ete utilisees et les echantillons de liquide tubulaire (TF) ont ete analyses pour determiner les concentrations d'inuline, de sodium et de potassium. De plus, la concentration totale des proteines dans le liquide peritubulaire et les pressions hydrostatiques luminale et peritubulaire ont ete mesurees. Le resultats suivants ont ete obtenus quinze heures apres la nephrectomie unilaterale: 1) une augmentation significative du debit de filtration des nephrons, 2) l'absence de modification des debits tubulaires proximaux de reabsorption ab solue d'eau et de sodium, 3) une augmentation du debit d'eau delivre aux tubes distaux, 4) une augmentation de la reabsorption tubulaire distale du sodium, mais insuffisante pour empecher une natriurese et, 5) une augmentation de la secretion tubulaire distale du potassium. La diminution du debit de filtration glomerulaire des nephrons jusqu'a la valeur controle au moyen du clamp aortique abolit la natriurese consecutive a la nephrectomie.
Acute sex steroid withdrawal reduces insulin sensitivity in healthy men with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Context: Evidence suggests that testosterone (T) influences insulin sensitivity in men. The mechanism of this effect is unclear but is thought to involve changes in body composition. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether acute sex steroid withdrawal decreases insulin sensitivity in young, healthy men with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). Design: This was a 2-wk prospective study. Setting: The study was conducted at a General Clinical Research Center. Patients: Twelve men with IHH (age 40.8 ± 2.8 yr) were studied: 1) on hormone replacement with normal T levels and 2) 2 wk after discontinuing therapy. Main Outcome Measures: Each evaluation comprised a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test with assessment of insulin sensitivity (fasting insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and Matsuda insulin sensitivity index) and insulin secretion (corrected insulin response). Serum cortisol, leptin, adiponectin, free fatty acids, IL-6, C-reactive protein, and T...
Reducing the Subjectivity in Creativity Assessment

Previous research presented a method, called the Comparative Creativity Assessment (CCA) that calculates the creativity of individual concepts in a set of designs. Several limitations regarding these metrics are addressed and mitigated within this paper with the creation of the Expanded Creativity Assessment Method (ECAM), namely how to reduce the subjectivity of the function weights and factor in combination effects between two or more functions. The subjectivity limitation is mitigated by the inclusion of the combination effects through a major expansion to the original metrics with data validation based on analyses of the original concept data (using the former method of setting the function weights) versus using the expanded method. Statistical analysis of the different methods to calculate creativity is discussed in the Results and Conclusions.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Efficacy of brachytherapy for prostate cancer in African Americans compared with Caucasians

Abstract Purpose To compare the biochemical response to prostate brachytherapy between African Americans and Caucasians in a consecutive series of patients treated at a single institution. Methods and materials Between July 1995 and October 2001, 173 patients were treated with permanent 125I seed implantation alone for presumed localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Twelve patients were African American and their biochemical response to treatment was compared with the 161 Caucasian patients. The patients were evaluated for biochemical recurrence according to the ASTRO consensus statement and for achieving and maintaining PSA nadirs of ⩽1.0, ⩽0.5, and ⩽0.2. Median pretreatment PSA level was 8 for the African American group and 6 for the Caucasian group. Median Gleason score for each group was 6 and no patients had palpable extraprostatic disease at the time of treatment. Results None of the African American patients have experienced biochemical recurrence compared with 7.5% of the Caucasian patients (p = 0.34). The percentage of African American patients achieving and maintaining a PSA level of ⩽1.0 was 83% compared with 89% for the Caucasian patients (p = 0.61). PSA nadir of ⩽0.5 was achieved in 75% of the African American patients and 81% of the Caucasian patients (p = 0.52) and 50% of the African American patients experienced PSA levels of ⩽0.2 compared with 59% of the Caucasian patients (p = 0.88). Conclusion African American patients with prostate cancer have in general been reported to have worse prognosis compared with Caucasians. This series suggests similar outcome between African American and Caucasian patients treated with brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
Study of circadian variation in the efficacy of aspirin as an analgesic agent in experimental animals

Circadian rhythmicity is present in almost every aspect of the living world and effects of drugs on various life forms are no exception. This study was undertaken to find out the circadian variation in the analgesic activity of aspirin and to correlate the variations with the blood levels of salicylate at that time. The model used was the application of radiant heat to the tail of rats for analgesic activity. Aspirin exhibited maximum activity when administered at 12:00 h, although this difference was not statistically significant. Also, there was no correlation between the levels of salicylate in the blood and the activity of aspirin. Due to the presence of this trend towards increased activity at 12:00 h, it may thus be worthwhile to conduct similar studies, in patients of chronic arthritis, in order to find out the time(s) at which, aspirin if administered will be most useful.
THE LANGUAGE MUSESM SYSTEM: LINGUISTICALLY FOCUSED INSTRUCTIONAL AUTHORING

In the United States, English learners (EL) often do not have the academic language proficiency, literacy skills, cultural background, and content knowledge necessary to succeed in kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms. This leads to large achievement gaps. Also, classroom texts are often riddled with linguistically unfamiliar elements, including: unfamiliar vocabulary, idioms, complex phrases or sentences, morphologically complex words, and unfamiliar discourse relations. Lack of familiarity with linguistic elements may result in gaps in a learner's comprehension of key content. It is not feasible for teachers to develop additional curriculum for the needs of all ELs in a classroom (who often come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.) However, it is feasible for teachers to develop instructional scaffolding (support) that helps ELs and can be used with all students. To develop effective scaffolding, teachers need to be able to reliably identify linguistic features in texts that could interfere with content comprehension. Language MuseSM is a web-based application designed to support teachers in the identification of linguistic features in texts and in the development of linguistically focused instructional scaffolding. With regard to system itself, we will discuss (a) the system's motivation, (b) the system's linguistic feedback and instructional authoring components, which are driven by natural language processing, and (c) the system's infrastructure for capturing teachers' system use. In addition, we will also discuss preliminary pilot study findings with three teacher professional development programs. These findings suggest that exposure to Language Muse's linguistic feedback can support teachers in the development of lesson plan scaffolds designed to address language learning needs.
Structure in the winds of O-Type stars: observations and inferences

This review describes the observational evidence for structure in the winds of O-type stars due to large-scale perturbations and small-scale inhomogeneities. Despite considerable progress, a comprehensive theoretical framework that explains the origin. properties, and coexistence of wind structure on different spatial scales has yet to be constructed and incorporated into model atmosphere analyses. Consequently, it is not yet possible to assess the effect of non-stationary structures on different wind diagnostics in a rigorous way, with the result that accurate empirical determinations of mass-loss rates remain elusive.
Biocompatible sodium alginate fibers by aqueous processing and physical crosslinking

Sodium alginate (SA) hybrid fibers have been robustly fabricated by electrospinning of aqueous mixtures containing as high as 60% SA in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Solution viscosities of SA, PVA and their mixtures showed fiber spinning to be strongly influenced by the balance between SA-PVA and PVA-PVA intermolecular polar interaction and SA-SA repulsion. Low viscosity SAl (50 mPas at 1%) enabled higher SA loadings without significantly increasing mixture viscosities, producing more cylindrical fibers. All aqueous mixtures containing 33.3-60% SAl (5.68-7.15% total SAl-PVA) had viscosities ranging from 530 to 3600 mPas and could be electrospun continuously for at least 48 h. The SA-PVA hybrid fibers had diameters ranging from ca. 140 to 350 nm and were rendered stable in water via simultaneous ionic-crosslinking SA and crystallization of PVA (5% CaCl2 in 75% EtOH for 30 min). This aqueous electrospinning and physical crosslinking approach is a green and highly efficient alternative to create alginate hybrid fibers that are biologically compatible and ingestible for potential biomedical, food and other applications.
Anoxia-Reoxygenation Regulates Mitochondrial Dynamics through the Hypoxia Response Pathway, SKN-1/Nrf, and Stomatin-Like Protein STL-1/SLP-2

Many aerobic organisms encounter oxygen-deprived environments and thus must have adaptive mechanisms to survive such stress. It is important to understand how mitochondria respond to oxygen deprivation given the critical role they play in using oxygen to generate cellular energy. Here we examine mitochondrial stress response in C. elegans, which adapt to extreme oxygen deprivation (anoxia, less than 0.1% oxygen) by entering into a reversible suspended animation state of locomotory arrest. We show that neuronal mitochondria undergo DRP-1-dependent fission in response to anoxia and undergo refusion upon reoxygenation. The hypoxia response pathway, including EGL-9 and HIF-1, is not required for anoxia-induced fission, but does regulate mitochondrial reconstitution during reoxygenation. Mutants for egl-9 exhibit a rapid refusion of mitochondria and a rapid behavioral recovery from suspended animation during reoxygenation; both phenotypes require HIF-1. Mitochondria are significantly larger in egl-9 mutants after reoxygenation, a phenotype similar to stress-induced mitochondria hyperfusion (SIMH). Anoxia results in mitochondrial oxidative stress, and the oxidative response factor SKN-1/Nrf is required for both rapid mitochondrial refusion and rapid behavioral recovery during reoxygenation. In response to anoxia, SKN-1 promotes the expression of the mitochondrial resident protein Stomatin-like 1 (STL-1), which helps facilitate mitochondrial dynamics following anoxia. Our results suggest the existence of a conserved anoxic stress response involving changes in mitochondrial fission and fusion.
GENESIS: An agent-based model of interdomain network formation, traffic flow and economics

We propose an agent-based network formation model for the Internet at the Autonomous System (AS) level. The proposed model, called GENESIS, is based on realistic provider and peering strategies, with ASes acting in a myopic and decentralized manner to optimize a cost-related fitness function. GENESIS captures key factors that affect the network formation dynamics: highly skewed traffic matrix, policy-based routing, geographic co-location constraints, and the costs of transit/peering agreements. As opposed to analytical game-theoretic models, which focus on proving the existence of equilibria, GENESIS is a computational model that simulates the network formation process and allows us to actually compute distinct equilibria (i.e., networks) and to also examine the behavior of sample paths that do not converge. We find that such oscillatory sample paths occur in about 10% of the runs, and they always involve tier- 1 ASes, resembling the tier-1 peering disputes often seen in practice. GENESIS results in many distinct equilibria that are highly sensitive to initial conditions and the order in which ASes (agents) act. This implies that we cannot predict the properties of an individual AS in the Internet. However, certain properties of the global network or of certain classes of ASes are predictable. We also examine whether the underlying game is zero-sum, and identify three sufficient conditions for that property. Finally, we apply GENESIS in a specific “what-if” question, asking how the openness towards peering affects the resulting network in terms of topology, traffic flow and economics. Interestingly, we find that the peering openness that maximizes the fitness of different network classes (tier-1, tier-2 and tier-3 providers) closely matches that seen in real-world peering policies.
Strain differences in uptake, pool size and turnover rate of norepinephrine in hearts of mice.

Abstract The uptake, endogenous pool size and turnover rate of norepinephrine were measured in hearts from nine strains of mice. Significant strain differences were noted in each parameter. Catecholamine uptake and endogenous pool size were correlated.
Slit aperture for the monitoring x-ray experiment

We have investigated a slit aperture as an alternative to the square pinhole aperture for the MOXE detectors, which are to be put on the Soviet satellite Spectrum X-Gamma. A slit offers advantages for better discrimination of sources in crowded regions, eliminates the need for support structures for the aperture window, and does not compromise the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of a point source. We find that in a single 24 hr pointing of the satellite, MOXE can determine the position of a 10 mCrab source to better than 0.5 degrees with the slit. The structure of a titanium grate which supports the detector''s beryllium window constrains the slit to be 0.5 cm x 2.56 cm, oriented at an angle of 26.6 degrees to either side of the center lines of the detector. We illustrate an arrangement of the slits on each of the six detectors which optimizes source localization for a number of pointings.
Cocaine decreases relative cerebral blood volume in humans: a dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging study.

Cocaine has substantial effects on cerebral hemodynamics which may partly underlie both its euphorigenic and toxic effects. Dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC–MRI) was used to determine whether a dose-effect relationship could be detected between cocaine administration and cerebral blood volume reduction in human brain. Twenty-three healthy and neurologically normal adult males with a history of recreational cocaine use (3–40 lifetime exposures) participated. Subjects underwent DSC-MRI measurements of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) at baseline and 10min after IV double-blind placebo or cocaine (0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg) administration. Placebo administration resulted in superimposable rCBV curves with post-placebo CBV averaging 104 ± 4% (mean ± SE) of baseline, indicating no CBV change. Both cocaine doses induced CBV decreases which were statistically equivalent and post-cocaine CBV averaged 77 ± 4% of baseline (P < 0.002), when measured 10 min following drug administration. These data suggest that DSC-MRI can detect cocaine-induced CBV reductions indicative of vasoconstriction, and that it may be useful for evaluating treatments designed to reduce the cerebrovascular effects of cocaine.
The immediate effect of passive scapular elevation on symptoms with active neck rotation in patients with neck pain.

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of elevating the scapulae on symptoms during neck rotation.MethodsA retrospective analysis of clinical records was conducted. One physical therapist examined 46 patients with neck pain (30 women, 16 men; mean age 45.89+14.39 y) using a standardized examination. Patient
Editing Autoreactive TCR Enables Efficient Positive Selection

Allelic exclusion is inefficient at the TCRα locus, allowing a sizeable portion of T cells to carry two functional TCRs. The potential danger of dual TCR expression is a rescue of autoreactive TCRs during selection in the thymus and subsequent development of autoimmunity. In this study, we examine the reason(s) for replacing an autoreactive TCR and for allowing the survival of cells carrying two TCRs. We compared development of TCR transgenic CD4 + CD8 − thymocytes in the presence or absence of MHC class II autoantigen that does not induce deletion of thymocytes. Contrary to the expected negative effect of the presence of autoantigen, ∼100% more CD4 + CD8 − thymocytes were found in the presence of MHC class II autoantigen than in the neutral background. A further increase in the strength of autoantigenic signal via expression of a human CD4 transgene led to an additional increase in the numbers of CD4 + CD8 − thymocytes. Thus, editing autoreactive TCR results in more efficient positive selection, and this may be both a reason and a reward for risking autoimmunity.
Measurement of apparent depth in a Lissajous pattern

Twenty-four Ss participated in a haploscopic matching procedure to measure the distance of apparent near point and far point in a rotating Lissajous figure which was seen on the oscilloscope screen. Among Ss the variability was high in their estimates of apparent depth. Herein, the effect of learning was a more efficient aid in the judgmental task than the 90° change in plane of rotation of the figure.
An efficient algorithm for perfect phylogeny haplotyping

The Perfect Phylogeny Haplotyping (PPH) problem is one of the many computational approaches to the Haplotype Inference (HI) problem. Though there are many O(nm/sup 2/) solutions to the PPH problem, the complexity of the PPH problem itself has remained an open question. In this paper, we introduce the FlexTree data structure that represents all the solutions for a PPH instance. We also introduce row ordering that arranges the genotypes in a more manageable fashion. The column ordering, the FlexTree data structure and the row ordering together make the O(nm) OPPH algorithm possible. We also present some results on simulated data, which demonstrate that the OPPH algorithm performs quiet impressively when compared to the earlier O(nm/sup 2/) algorithms.
Fast Detection of Mobile Replica Node Attacks in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Sequential Hypothesis Testing

Due to the unattended nature of wireless sensor networks, an adversary can capture and compromise sensor nodes, make replicas of them, and then mount a variety of attacks with these replicas. These replica node attacks are dangerous because they allow the attacker to leverage the compromise of a few nodes to exert control over much of the network. Several replica node detection schemes have been proposed in the literature to defend against such attacks in static sensor networks. However, these schemes rely on fixed sensor locations and hence do not work in mobile sensor networks, where sensors are expected to move. In this work, we propose a fast and effective mobile replica node detection scheme using the Sequential Probability Ratio Test. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to tackle the problem of replica node attacks in mobile sensor networks. We show analytically and through simulation experiments that our scheme detects mobile replicas in an efficient and robust manner at the cost of reasonable overheads.
Using a photomultiplier tube to measure weak bioluminescence

The design, development, and testing of a photon counting system for use in a luminometer instrument are described. The luminometer utilizes a microprocessor controller in the instrument as well as an AT class PC used as the operator interface. The problems encountered in field testing of the prototype unit led to changes which greatly improved the performance of the instrument. The major modification, adding an autocalibration procedure to set the operating conditions of each PMT (photomultiplier tube)-discriminator combination, has been implemented as a manual procedure and is presently being implemented as an automatic procedure. The performance of the instrument with the improvements shows a wide dynamic range, excellent linearity, and great stability in the test results. >
Simplex-Based 3D Spatio-temporal Feature Description for Action Recognition

We present a novel feature description algorithm to describe 3D local spatio-temporal features for human action recognition. Our descriptor avoids the singularity and limited discrimination power issues of traditional 3D descriptors by quantizing and describing visual features in the simplex topological vector space. Specifically, given a feature's support region containing a set of 3D visual cues, we decompose the cues' orientation into three angles, transform the decomposed angles into the simplex space, and describe them in such a space. Then, quadrant decomposition is performed to improve discrimination, and a final feature vector is composed from the resulting histograms. We develop intuitive visualization tools for analyzing feature characteristics in the simplex topological vector space. Experimental results demonstrate that our novel simplex-based orientation decomposition (SOD) descriptor substantially outperforms traditional 3D descriptors for the KTH, UCF Sport, and Hollywood-2 benchmark action datasets. In addition, the results show that our SOD descriptor is a superior individual descriptor for action recognition.
Shifting Languages: Interaction and Identity in Javanese Indonesia

Shifting Languages: Interaction and Identity in Javanese Indonesia. J. Joseph Errington Studies in the Social and Cultural Foundations of Language, 19. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998. 216 pp.
Topology-Based Performance Analysis and Optimization of Latency-Insensitive Systems

Latency-insensitive protocols allow system-on-chip (SoC) engineers to decouple the design of the computing cores from the design of the intercore communication channels while following the synchronous design paradigm. In a latency-insensitive system (LIS), each core is encapsulated within a shell, which is a synthesized interface module that dynamically controls its operation. At each clock period, if new data have not arrived on an input channel or if a stalling request has arrived on an output channel, the shell stalls the core and buffers other incoming valid data for future processing. The combination of finite buffers and backpressure from stalling can cause throughput degradation. Previous works addressed this problem by increasing buffer space to reduce the backpressure requests or inserting extra buffering to balance the channel latency around a LIS. We explore the theoretical complexity of these approaches and propose a heuristic algorithm for efficient queue sizing (QS). We evaluate the heuristic algorithm with experiments over a large set of synthetically generated systems and with a case study of a real SoC system. We find that the topology of a LIS can impact not only how much throughput degradation will occur but also the difficulty of finding optimal QS solutions.
Optical properties of delta doped InAs/GaAs 0.88 Sb 0.12 structure for novel concept solar cells

We have investigated optical properties of InAs quantum dots (QDs) on GaAsSb barrier layer with different doping levels. In order to precisely control occupancy of subband levels in conduction band offset (CBO) in the material system, delta doping layer in the barrier was incorporated as an efficient carrier supply. Interband transitions between ground states or excited states were detected by implementing Time-integrated Photoluminescence (PL) whereas intersubband transitions have shown via Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) at room temperature. The results are compared and discussed with theoretical calculation based on k.p. method.
Wortmannin inhibits activation of nuclear transcription factors NF-κB and activated protein-1 induced by lipopolysaccharide and phorbol ester

Whether all inflammatory agents activate nuclear transcription factors NF-κB and activated protein-1 (AP-1) through the same mechanism is not known. We examined the effect of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3K) inhibitor wortmannin on the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 by different inflammatory agents. Wortmannin blocked NF-κB and AP-1 activation by lipopolysaccharide and phorbol ester but had minimal effect on activation by hydrogen peroxide, ceramide, okadaic acid and tumor necrosis factor. Inhibition of NF-κB correlated with abrogation of the degradation of IκBα and of NF-κB-dependent reporter gene transcription. Thus, the mechanism of NF-κB and AP-1 activation by lipopolysaccharide and phorbol ester involves PI-3K.
Establishing a Framework for the Ad/Abaxial Regulatory Network of Arabidopsis : Ascertaining Targets of Class III HOMEODOMAIN LEUCINE ZIPPER and KANADI Regulation

The broadly conserved Class III homeodomain leucine zipper (HD-ZIPIII) and KANADI transcription factors have opposing and transformational effects on polarity and growth in all tissues and stages of the plant's life. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of how these factors work, we have identified transcripts that change in response to induced HD-ZIPIII or KANADI function. Additional criteria used to identify high-confidence targets among this set were presence of an adjacent HD-ZIPIII binding site, expression enriched within a subdomain of the shoot apical meristem, mutant phenotype showing defect in polar leaf and/or meristem development, physical interaction between target gene product and HD-ZIPIII protein, opposite regulation by HD-ZIPIII and KANADI, and evolutionary conservation of the regulator-target relationship. We find that HD-ZIPIII and KANADI regulate tissue-specific transcription factors involved in subsidiary developmental decisions, nearly all major hormone pathways, and new actors (such as indeterminate domain4) in the ad/abaxial regulatory network. Multiple feedback loops regulating HD-ZIPIII and KANADI are identified, as are mechanisms through which HD-ZIPIII and KANADI oppose each other. This work lays the foundation needed to understand the components, structure, and workings of the ad/abaxial regulatory network directing basic plant growth and development.
Rational Design of Alkylene-Linked Bis-Pyridiniumaldoximes as Improved Acetylcholinesterase Reactivators

To improve the potency of 2-pralidoxime (2-PAM) for treating organophosphate poisoning, we dimerized 2-PAM and its analogs according to Wilson's pioneering work and the 3D structure of human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) inactivated by isoflurophate. 1,7-Heptylene-bis-N,N'-syn-2-pyridiniumaldoxime, the most potent of the alkylene-linked dimeric reactivators, was readily synthesized using bistriflate and is 100 times more potent than 2-PAM in reactivating hAChE poisoned by isoflurophate. Experimental and computational studies confirm that 2-PAM in its biologically active form adopts the syn-I configuration. Further, they suggest that the improved performance of dimeric oximes is conferred by two-site binding with one oxime pointing toward the diisopropyl ester at the catalytic site of hAChE and the other anchored at the peripheral site. This type of binding may induce a conformational change in the acyl pocket loop which modulates the catalytic site via a domino effect.
Predation and respiration by the small cyclopoid copepod Oithona similisr: How important is feeding on ciliates and heterotrophic flagellates?

Feeding on natural plankton populations and respiration of the small cyclopoid copepod Oithona similis were measured during the warm season in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA. Although O.similis did not significantly ingest small autotrophic and heterotrophic flagellates (2-8 urn), this copepod actively fed on >10 p.m particles, including autotrophic/heterotrophic (dino)flagel- lates and ciliates, with clearance rates of 0.03-0.38 ml animal"1 h"1. The clearance rates increased with the prey size. O.similis also fed on copepod nauplii (mainly composed of the Nl stage of Acartia tonsa) with a clearance rate of 0.16 ml animal"1 h"1. Daily carbon ration from the combination of these food items averaged 148 ng C animal"' day1 (41% of body C day"1), with ciliates and heterotrophic dino- flagellates being the main food source (-69% of total carbon ration). Respiration rates were 020-0.23 ul O^ animal"1 day"1. Assuming a respiratory quotient of 0.8 and digestion efficiency of 0.7, the carbon requirement for respiration was calculated to be 125-143 ng C animal"1 day1, close to the daily carbon ration estimated above. We conclude that predation on ciliates and heterotrophic dinoflagellates was important for O.similis to sustain its population in our study area during the warm season.
A medium density microsatellite map of BTA10: reassignment of INRA69

Summary We have developed a genetic map of BTA10 based on 8952 informative meioses for 13 microsatellite markers and the erythrocyte antigen Z. With the exception of OarAE64, the support for the order of all loci in the map exceeded a LOD > 3·0. The length of the BTA10 genetic map was 87·0 centimorgans (cM). The 14marker, sex-average map in Kosambi cM was: CSSM38 ‐8·9- BM1237 ‐5·2- HH8A ‐2·6INRA69‐10·6-TGLA378‐0·8-BM6305‐17·2TGLA102‐17·9-INRA96‐0·3-CSRM60‐9·2DIK20‐3·0-EAZ‐6·7-CSSM46‐3·7-SRCRSP3‐1·0 -OarAE64 with an average interval of 6·70 cM. The microsatellite INRA69 was recently assigned to the pseudoautosomal region of the bovine X chromosome by linkage analysis. However, we found that twopoint support for linkage between INRA69 and 15 X-linked bovine microsatellites was LOD 3·0 only between INRA69 and eight BTA10 microsatellite loci. Consequently, we excluded INRA69 from the genetic map of the X chromosome and reassign this microsatellite to BTA10.
Validation of the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire.

Objective: To validate the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), a newly developed patientgraded instrument to evaluate facial synkinesis. Study Design: This was a prospective clinical questionnaire validation study. Methods: A total of 65 patients with facial nerve disorders were recruited from the Facial Nerve Center. In 28 patients (group I), the SAQ, a preliminary 10-item instrument, was administered at the initial visit and repeated within 3 weeks without any medical or surgical intervention. In 37 patients (group II), the SAQ was administered before botulinum toxin therapy for facial synkinesis and again 2 weeks after Botox therapy. In addition, the instrument was administered to 20 healthy subjects without facial nerve dysfunction (group III). The reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the SAQ were assessed. Results: Test-retest reliability for the SAQ was high (Spearman’s rank correlation r 0.876, P < .0001). Internal consistency of the instrument was assessed by calculating the Cronbach value. This analysis supported the deletion of one item from the final SAQ. The Cronbach for the final SAQ was 0.859. Construct validity analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in SAQ scores (P < .001) after successful administration of botulinum toxin for treatment of facial synkinesis. There was a highly statistically significant difference (P < .0001) in SAQ scores between normal subjects (group III) and patients with facial synkinesis (group II). Conclusions: The SAQ is a simple, patient-graded instrument designed to assess facial synkinesis. Instrument analysis suggests that it is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of facial synkinesis. The validated SAQ is the first dedicated instrument designed to assess facial synkinesis. Key Words: Facial paralysis, synkinesis, quality of life, instrument validation, botulinum toxin. Laryngoscope, 117:923–926, 2007
Structure and stability of DNA containing an aristolactam II-dA lesion: implications for the NER recognition of bulky adducts

Aristolochic acids I and II are prevalent plant toxicants found in the Aristolochiaceae plant family. Metabolic activation of the aristolochic acids leads to the formation of a cyclic N-hydroxylactam product that can react with the peripheral amino group of purine bases generating bulky DNA adducts. These lesions are mutagenic and established human carcinogens. Interestingly, although AL-dG adducts progressively disappear from the DNA of laboratory animals, AL-dA lesions has lasting persistence in the genome. We describe here NMR structural studies of an undecameric duplex damaged at its center by the presence of an ALII-dA adduct. Our data establish a locally perturbed double helical structure that accommodates the bulky adduct by displacing the counter residue into the major groove and stacking the ALII moiety between flanking bases. The presence of the ALII-dA perturbs the conformation of the 5'-side flanking base pair, but all other pairs of the duplex adopt standard conformations. Thermodynamic studies reveal that the lesion slightly decreases the energy of duplex formation in a sequence-dependent manner. We discuss our results in terms of its implications for the repair of ALII-dA adducts in mammalian cells.