cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Posterior decortication potentiates retrograde amnesia from hippocampal stimulation.

Abstract Retrograde amnesia (RA) was produced in rats receiving low-level hippocampal stimulation (HS) or intense stimulation of the posterior neocortex. Ablation of the posterior cortex did not affect learning or retention. However HS given to animals with cortical ablations produced more RA than HS given to intact rats. The ablated animals also showed a lower hippocampal afterdischarge frequency. Shortened postictal depression of brain activity was observed in animals receiving posterior cortical stimulation. The roles of posterior neocortex and dorsal hippocampus in passive avoidance retention are discussed.
X-chromosome behavior in germ and somatic cells of Rattus norvegicus.

Abstract During late fetal and early postnatal life, all the oocytes of Rattus norvegicus proceed through diplotene of the first meiotic prophase and then enter the long interphase-like dictyotene stage, which in the maturation of oocytes is the stage inserted between diplotene and diakinesis. Oocytes apparently remain in this stage until shortly before ovulation, which occurs only after the female reaches sexual maturity. In the mitotic prophase of oogonia, the two X-chromosomes remain isopycnotic to the autosomes. These cells are, consequently, sex-chromatinnegative. During the first meiotic prophase, the XX-bivalent parallels the autosomal bivalents in behavior. Apparently there is no barrier to the exchange of genetic material between the two homologues. Follicular cells, on the other hand, demonstrate a distinct characteristic of female somatic cells from the earliest stage of gonadal development; namely, formation of the sex chromatin by a single X-chromosome in positive heteropycnosis.
3,5-Diamino-1,2,4-triazoles as a novel scaffold for potent, reversible LSD1 (KDM1A) inhibitors

The chromatin remodeling amine oxidase lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) has become an attractive target for the design of specific inhibitors with therapeutic potential. We, and others, have described LSD1 inhibitors that have potential as antitumor agents. Many of the currently known LSD1 inhibitors are poor drug candidates, or are structurally based on the tranylcypromine backbone, thus increasing the potential for off-target effects mediated by other amine oxidases. We now describe a series of potent LSD1 inhibitors based on a novel 1,2,4-triazole scaffold; these inhibitors show a high degree of specificity for LSD1 in vitro, and cause increases in cellular histone 3 dimethyllysine 4 (H3K4me2), a gene transcription activating mark. Importantly, these inhibitors exhibit low toxicity towards mammalian cells in vitro, and thus they may show utility in the treatment of epigenetically-based diseases where cell death is not a desired endpoint.
Use of the CD107 mobilization assay reveals that cytotoxic T lymphocytes with novel MHC-Ib restriction are activated during Listeria monocytogenes infection

Detection of cytotoxic activity by pathogen-specific T cells of unknown antigenic specificity is difficult due to the limitations of using infected cells, instead of peptide-pulsed cells, as targets. We report here that the recently described CD107 mobilization assay readily allowed for the ex vivo detection of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) with a novel MHC-Ib restriction that specifically recognized Listeria monocytogenes-infected macrophages. The CD107 mobilization assay is likely to be a useful tool for detection of CD8(+) T cells that recognize a wide variety of intracellular pathogens.
Particle Astrophysics in NASA's Long Duration Balloon Program

A century after Victor Hess' discovery of cosmic rays, balloon flights still play a central role in the investigation of cosmic rays over nearly their entire spectrum. We report on the current status of NASA balloon program for particle astrophysics, with particular emphasis on the very successful Antarctic long-duration balloon program, and new developments in the progress toward ultra-long duration balloons.
Universal Method for Creating Optically Active Nanostructures on Layered Materials

The ability to form patterned surface nanostructures has revolutionized the miniaturization of electronics and led to the discovery of emergent behaviors unseen in macroscopic systems. However, the creation of such nanostructures typically requires multiple processing steps, a high level of technical expertise, and highly sophisticated equipment. In this work, we have discovered a simple method to create nanostructures with control size and positioning in a single processing step using a standard scanning electron microscope. The technique can be applied to a wide range of systems and was successful in every layered material tested. Patterned nanostructures were formed on graphite, topological insulators, novel superconductors, and layered transition metal dichalcogenides. The nanostructures were formed via the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles into the samples in a novel form of intercalation. It appears that the electron beam interacts with residual organic molecules available on the sample surface, making it possible for them to intercalate between the layers in their crystal structure and break down into carbon. These carbon nanoparticles have strong broad-wavelength interactions in the visible light range, making these nanostructures easily detectable in an optical microscope and of interest for a range of nanoscale electro-optical devices.
1018 INCREASED RISK OF LOW GRADE RETROLENTAL FIBROPLASIA (RLF) IN SMALL FOR GESTATIONAL AGE INFANTS (SGA) ≤ 1500 GM. AT BIRTH

The incidence of RLF increases with decreasing birth weight (BWT) and gestational age, and with exposure to O2 therapy. Since SGA infants are of advanced gestational age in relation to appropriate for date infants (AGA), one might expect the incidence of RLF therefore to be decreased. Twenty-one infants ≤ 1500 gm. who received ≤ 120 hrs. of O2 therapy were followed by indirect ophthalmoscopy for development of proliferative RLF. Seven infants were below the 10th % for gestational age as determined by the Colorado Intrauterine Growth Chart. Fourteen infants were AGA. Duration of O2 therapy, BWT, and incidence of exchange transfusions (ET) were similar in both groups. SGA infants had a statistically significant greater incidence of RLF (59%) than AGA infants (7%), P < .05. All RLF was grade 1 or 2. The increased susceptibility to RLF of SGA infants may be related to prenatal compromised nutritional status, chronic intrauterine hypoxia, or other unknown factors. It is also possible that diagnosis of early RLF is facilitated in SGA infants by the earlier postnatal resolution of intraocular embryonic structures, affording a better view of the fundi.
A Computer-Assisted Instruction Phonological Sensitivity Program for Preschool Children At-Risk for Reading Problems.

Previous research has demonstrated that phonological sensitivity is an important causal skill for decoding. This study evaluated the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to provide training in phonological sensitivity skills to preschoolers at-risk for reading problems. Forty-five children ranging in age from 44 to 64 months (M = 55.1, SD = 6.07) were randomly assigned to a CAI group or a control group. Children exposed to CAI made significantly greater gains on rhyming and elision skills compared to the control group. Expressive vocabulary scores were predictive of pre- to posttest growth. Children in the CAI condition positively rated participation in the training program. Results provide preliminary support for CAI to improve the phonological sensitivity skills of preschoolers who are at-risk.
Trypanosoma cruzi Parasitemia in US Blood Donors with Serologic Evidence of Infection

Trypanosoma cruzi infection (which causes Chagas disease) is typically undiagnosed and persists if untreated. We sought to affirm that T. cruzi-seropositive US blood donors have persistent infection with demonstrable parasitemia long after acquisition of infection. Fifty-two previously identified seropositive donors (positive by 2 methods) provided up to 3 blood specimens for testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hemoculture; most participants (67%) provided only 1 specimen. When evaluated 2 decades after immigration, 33 donors (63%) had PCR evidence of parasitemia; 3 also had culture-confirmed infection. This affirmation that bloodstream parasites are detectable--and potentially transmissible--decades after immigration strengthens the rationale for donor screening.
Analysis of guided wave structures using 3-D envelope-finite element (EVFE) technique

A novel three-dimensional Envelope-Finite Element (EVFE) technique is proposed to solve the transient response of an electromagnetics problem. EVFE simulates the signal envelope rather than the original signal waveform by de-embedding the signal carrier from the time-domain wave equation. The sampling rate of the time-domain waveform is only governed by the Nyquist rate of the envelope signal instead of the carrier signal in the unconditionally stable FETD method. Compared to the traditional FDTD and FETD methods, the computational cost can be dramatically reduced when the signal envelope and carrier ratio is very small. This technique is implemented to solve a microwave guided structure with dielectric post discontinuity. The accuracy and efficiency is demonstrated and compared with the unconditionally stable FETD method.
Assessment of Corrosion of Steel in Concrete Structures by Magnetic Based NDE Techniques

Corrosion damage of steel in concrete structures is a major concern. NDE techniques based on variations in induced magnetic fields due to loss of steel have been shown to be an effective tool. This paper includes results from laboratory investigation, field tests, and numerical analysis based on this concept. Test specimens included reinforcing bars and prestressing cables with simulated flaws as well as flaws from real corrosion. Variations in the magnetic field were recorded as electrical signals that were characterized to aid in the detection of corrosion and evaluation of the condition of steel in concrete. It was found that the amplitude of the signals could be related to the extent of the corrosion. Loss of cross sectional area in bars and cables of approximately 3 percent could be detected by the technique. The results of a finite element analysis yielded a good agreement with those from the experiment. The technique offers significant capabilities for field assessment of the condition of steel in concrete structures.
Comparison of threshold selection methods for microarray gene co-expression matrices

Background: Network and clustering analyses of microarray co-expression correlation data often require application of a threshold to discard small correlations, thus reducing computational demands and decreasing the number of uninformative correlations. This study investigated threshold selection in the context of combinatorial network analysis of transcriptome data. Findings: Six conceptually diverse methods - based on number of maximal cliques, correlation of control spots with expressed genes, top 1% of correlations, spectral graph clustering, Bonferroni correction of p-values, and statistical power - were used to estimate a correlation threshold for three time-series microarray datasets. The validity of thresholds was tested by comparison to thresholds derived from Gene Ontology information. Stability and reliability of the best methods were evaluated with block bootstrapping. Two threshold methods, number of maximal cliques and spectral graph, used information in the correlation matrix structure and performed well in terms of stability. Comparison to Gene Ontology found thresholds from number of maximal cliques extracted from a co-expression matrix were the most biologically valid. Approaches to improve both methods were suggested. Conclusion: Threshold selection approaches based on network structure of gene relationships gave thresholds with greater relevance to curated biological relationships than approaches based on statistical pair-wise relationships.
Effects of Dietary Restriction on Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeder Males

Hubbard X Hubbard broiler breeder males were raised to 30 weeks of age following the Management Guide for the Hubbard White Mountain Male (Hubbard Farms, 1979). From 30 to 54 weeks of age, males were provided with five different levels of feed intake. The level recommended by the guide (154 g/bird/day) was designated to be the control level (100%). Other levels were 115, 85, 70, and 55% of the control. The effects of feed intake on body weight, fertility, hatchability, semen volume, and testes size were determined. No significant effects of feed intake were noted on fertility or hatchability. Body weights were significantly decreased as feed intake was decreased. Semen volume was greatest for males fed 85% of the control, while birds fed the control had the largest testes as a percentage of body weight. Males receiving the control feed gained only 28 g over 24 weeks, indicating that approximately 458 kcal/bird/day is adequate for maintaining body weight.
Mechanisms and management of hypertension in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most commonly inherited kidney disease, characterized by progressive cyst growth and renal enlargement, resulting in renal failure. Hypertension is common and occurs early, prior to loss of kidney function. Whether hypertension in ADPKD is a primary vasculopathy secondary to mutations in the polycystin genes or secondary to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by cyst expansion and intrarenal ischemia is unclear. Dysregulation of the primary cilium causing endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction is a component of ADPKD. In this article, we review the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical characteristics of hypertension in ADPKD and give specific recommendations for its treatment.
Plasma cell and lymphocytic reaction in the Syrian hamster to transplanted homologous tumor cells transformed in vitro "spontaneously" or by SV 40.

Both primary and metastatic tumors, induced in Syrian hamsters by various homologous oncogenic cells, transformedin vitro “spontaneously” or by SV40, were studied histologically. The majority of the neoplasms were associated with a plasma cell and lymphocytic reaction by the host. Although this cellular response was minimal and was found only rarely in the “spontaneously” oncogenic cells, it was moderate to severe and was present in a very large proportion of cases in the SV40-transformed and SV40-exposed cell lines. This difference may be an expression of the additional antigens found in the latter tumor cells that are SV40-dependent. In tumors induced by SV40-transformed cells, the mononuclear cell reaction was quite often associated with foci of degenerating tumor cells. These degenerative changes are interpreted as a sign of host defense response. Since the cellular infiltrate is composed of plasma cells and lymphocytes, it suggests that this reaction might be immunologic in nature.
Mate choice and sexual selection: What have we learned since Darwin?

Charles Darwin laid the foundation for all modern work on sexual selection in his seminal book The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. In this work, Darwin fleshed out the mechanism of sexual selection, a hypothesis that he had proposed in The Origin of Species. He went well beyond a simple description of the phenomenon by providing extensive evidence and considering the far-reaching implications of the idea. Here we consider the contributions of Darwin to sexual selection with a particular eye on how far we have progressed in the last 150 years. We focus on 2 key questions in sexual selection. First, why does mate choice evolve at all? And second, what factors determine the strength of mate choice (or intensity of sexual selection) in each sex? Darwin provided partial answers to these questions, and the progress that has been made on both of these topics since his time should be seen as one of the great triumphs of modern evolutionary biology. However, a review of the literature shows that key aspects of sexual selection are still plagued by confusion and disagreement. Many of these areas are complex and will require new theory and empirical data for complete resolution. Overall, Darwin's contributions are still surprisingly relevant to the modern study of sexual selection, so students of evolutionary biology would be well advised to revisit his works. Although we have made significant progress in some areas of sexual selection research, we still have much to accomplish.
Fuzzy logic controlled UAV autopilot using C-Mean clustering

The implementation of fuzzy logic control for autonomous UAV autopilots is achieved by having two sets of fuzzy rules, one for controlling the change in heading (horizontal plane controller) and the other for controlling the change in altitude (vertical plane controller) of the aircraft. This paper is a general presentation on the topic of fuzzy logic controlled UAV autopilots as well as a presentation of how the input and output membership functions are chosen for both the horizontal plane and vertical plane controller from Fuzzy C-Mean clustering. This paper also provides a sample implementation of the controllers for verification of process and proof that the use of C-Mean clustering for generation of membership functions is a good method. The understanding established in this paper is critical for the development and implementation of a successful fuzzy logic autopilot.
Behavior of Adult and Larval Platysoma cylindrica (Coleoptera: Histeridae) and Larval Medetera bistriata (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) During Subcortical Predation of Ips pini (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

The most abundant predators of the pine engraver, Ips pini (Say), include Platysoma cylindrica (Paykull) and Medetera bistriata Parent. We amended “bark sandwiches” with pine engravers and adult P. cylindrica and larval M. bistriata, and report observations on these endophytic predators. Adult P. cylindrica preferred adult prey, and appeared to be facultative egg predators, which contrasts with other Histeridae. The larvae of P. cylindrica fed on pine engraver larvae. Protection from predators is generally assumed to be an advantage of an endophytic life history, but we found that this predator exploited the herbivore's gallery architecture to facilitate prey capture. Larval M. bistriata also fed on pine engraver larvae. Immediate paralysis or death of the prey followed a strike with their tentorial rods. Such rapid immobilization, in conjuction with the glandular histology of Medetera spp., suggests that they use a toxin to arrest prey.
Training vs. Education in Forming Won Buddhist Kyomus in the USA

. An historically familiar tension in East Asian Buddhism between meditation and cultivation in broad learning has appeared in discussions and planning for preparing ministerial students in Won Buddhism. This paper reviews the history of preparation in this order, which was founded in 1916. While the alternatives of training based on practice and education based on classroom intellectual experience have occurred in Won Buddhism, the tension has appeared within the recently founded Won Institute of Graduate Studies in the USA in a clear manner. While the pre-ministerial students coming from Korea have preferred the experiential/practical emphasis, it is recognized that graduate education in the USA normally requires broader learning and critical thinking. The faculty of Won Institute respects both strategies and their respective, almost incompatible, goals, and has tried to create a curriculum embracing both. This effort is described and viewed in the context of Won participation in a culture of pluralism and interreligious relations.
Assessment of Methods for Detection of Infectious Cryptosporidium Oocysts and Giardia Cysts in Reclaimed Effluents

This study evaluates the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in reclaimed effluents if method 1623 with the Envirochek capsule filters (standard and high-volume [HV] filters) and a modified version of the Information Collection Rule method (ICR) with the polypropylene yarn-wound cartridge filter are used. The recovery efficiency of the analytical methods was evaluated with samples of reagent, tap, and reclaimed water by using flow cytometer-sorted spike suspensions. (Oo)cyst recovery efficiency determined filter performance and method reproducibility in the water matrix tested. Method 1623 with the Envirochek HV capsule filter generated significantly higher recovery rates than did the standard Envirochek filter and the modified ICR method. Notwithstanding, large variations in recovery rates (>80%) occurred with samples of reclaimed water, and none of the water quality parameters analyzed in the reclaimed effluents could explain such variability. The highest concentrations of indigenous oocysts were detected by method 1623 with the HV filter, which provided a sufficient number of oocysts for further confirmation of infectious potential. Confirmation of species and potential infectivity for all positive protozoan samples was made by using a nested PCR restriction fragment polymorphism assay and the focus detection method most-probable-number assay, respectively. The methodology and results described in the present investigation provide useful information for the establishment of pathogen numeric standards for reclaimed effluents used for unrestricted irrigation.
Knowledge discovery by inductive neural networks

A new neural network model for inducing symbolic knowledge from empirical data is presented. This model capitalizes on the fact that the certainty factor-based activation function can improve the network generalization performance from a limited amount of training data. The formal properties of the procedure for extracting symbolic knowledge from such a trained neural network are investigated. In the domain of molecular genetics, a case study demonstrated that the described learning system effectively discovered the prior domain knowledge with some degree of refinement. Also, in cross-validation experiments, the system outperformed C4.5, a commonly used rule learning system.
Winning the DARPA Grand Challenge: A Robot Race through the Mojave Desert

Summary form only given. The DARPA Grand Challenge was the most significant event in the field of robotics in more than a decade. A mobile ground robot had to traverse 132 miles of punishing desert terrain in less than ten hours. In 2004, the best robot only made 7.3 miles. A year later, Stanford won this historical challenge and cashed the } prize. This talk, delivered by the leader of the Stanford Racing Team, will provide insights into the software architecture of Stanford's winning robot "Stanley." The robot heavily relied on advanced artificial intelligence, and it used a pipelining architecture to turn sensor data into vehicle controls. The talk will introduce the audience into the fascinating world of autonomous robotics, share many of the race insights, and discuss some of the implications for the future of our society
Does Viewing a Televised Execution Affect Attitudes Toward Capital Punishment

Two hundred and ninety one registered California voters completed Peterson and Thurstone's Attitude Toward Capital Punishment scale. About half of the participants then viewed a videotape of two executions, and the other participants watched a nature film. All of the respondents then completed an alternative version of the capital punishment attitude scale. Significantly more viewers of the execution videotape reduced their support for capital punishment than did viewers of the control film, suggesting that resumption of public (i.e., televised) executions may somewhat reduce support for the death penalty. Language: en
Leveraging predictive modeling to reduce signal theft in a multi-service organization environment

Signal theft can be defined as the interdiction, consumption or usage of carrier signal from a provider's network without payment or payment of an amount less than the level of service consumed. High levels of signal theft can potentially reflect open technical network issues, failure of electronic countermeasures or operational gaps that are estimated to cost the cable industry providers more than $5 billion annually. This session will discuss the business challenges associated with the quantification of signal theft-related losses, outline some of the countermeasures taken by MSOs, and then provide views on the development of predictive models to help identify the potential likelihood of signal theft in a given environment. We will examine the performance of certain machine learning algorithms as well as data challenges associated with both the architecture construction and analytical efforts, and conclude with a lessons-learned discussion and views on future approaches.
Bureaucracy and Its “Objectives”? A Response to Alexandru Roman

In his provocative piece Alexandru Roman argues that bureaucracy today is perhaps less associated with administrative efficiency and more with buffering civil servants from a volatile environment. However, his argument suffers from conceptual and theoretical limitations. Also, Roman presents no evidence that supports his main argument. Most importantly, in this response a historical perspective shows the extent to which public bureaucracies have been responsive to societal changes.
A Note on the Breaking of Waves

A model equation for water waves has been suggested by Whitham (1967) to study, qualitatively at least, the different kinds of breaking. This is an integro-differential equation which combines a typical nonlinear convection term with an integral for the dispersive effects and it is of independent mathematical interest. For an approximate kernel of the form e$^{-b|x|}$, it is shown first that solitary or periodic waves have a maximum height with sharp crests and secondly that waves which are sufficiently asymmetric break into `bores'. The second part applies to a wide class of bounded kernels, but the kernel giving the correct dispersion effects of water waves has a square root infinity and the present argument does not go through. Nevertheless, the possibility of the two kinds of breaking in such integro-differential equations is demonstrated.
Quorum-Sensing Regulation of a Copper Toxicity System in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The LasR/LasI quorum-sensing system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa influences global gene expression and mediates pathogenesis. In this study, we show that the quorum-sensing system activates, via the transcriptional regulator PA4778, a copper resistance system composed of 11 genes. The quorum-sensing global regulator LasR was recently shown to directly activate transcription of PA4778, a cueR homolog and a MerR-type transcriptional regulator. Using molecular genetic methods and bioinformatics, we verify the interaction of LasR with the PA4778 promoter and further demonstrate the LasR binding site. We also identify a putative PA4778 binding motif and show that the protein directly binds to and activates five promoters controlling the expression of 11 genes--PA3519 to -15, PA3520, mexPQ-opmE, PA3574.1, and cueA, a virulence factor in a murine model. Using gene disruptions, we show that PA4778, along with 7 of 11 gene targets of PA4778, increases the sensitivity of P. aeruginosa to elevated copper concentrations. This work identifies a cellular function for PA4778 and four other previously unannotated genes (PA3515, PA3516, PA3517, and PA3518) and suggests a potential role for copper in the quorum response. We propose to name PA4778 cueR.
The Metropolis Runs Dry

From 1961 to 1967, the northeastern United States suffered the worst drought in its recorded history. Caught in the fourth year of the unprecedented dry spell, some localities in the Delaware River Valley took extraordinary measures to protect their threatened sources of water supply. The spector of the New York metropolitan region about to run dry loomed as an administrative nightmare for the newly created Delaware River Basin Commission. Under the unrelenting pressure of the crisis, the parties-at-interest buried some of their past differences and improvised. Instead of resorting to court litigation and a judicial settlement, as had been customary in previous conflicts, they broke new ground and resolved the dispute by a combination of administrative negotiation and political pressure. The crisis made new forms of intergovernment cooperation mandatory and, at least, temporarily legitimate.
A Comparison of the Pupillary and Cardiovascular Effects of Various Mydriatic Agents in Preterm Infants

We conducted a randomized, masked study of pupillary dilating capabilities and associated cardiovascular effects of three solutions. Thirty-four babies less than 1500 grams at birth were studied at six to eight weeks. Group A (n = 10) received phenylephrine (PE) 2.5% and tropicamide 1.0%; Group B (n = 10) PE 2.5%, tropicamide 0.5%, and cyclopentolate 0.5%, Group C (n = 10) PE 1.0% and tropicamide 1.0%; Group D (n = 4) saline 0.9%. One drop was placed in each eye and repeated five minutes later. Pupillary dilation was measured with a metric ruler by direct observation at one hour. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored, using an oscillometer, immediately prior to the instillation of the drops and at five-minute intervals, for 60 minutes. BP and HR increased transiently in all groups receiving mydriatics but returned to baseline values in 25 minutes. This increase was significant in Groups A and B (2.5% PE: p less than 0.02). Group D (saline) showed no change in BP or HR. Postdrop pupillary size was largest in Group A but the differences were not significant. On exposure to bright light, the pupillary size in Group C was significantly smaller than Groups A or B (7.35 +/- 0.59 mm, 7.23 +/- 0.38 mm and 6.75 +/- 0.57 mm in Groups A, B and C, p less than .01). Nevertheless, dilation was sufficient to allow appropriate examination in all infants (pupillary diameter greater than 6.0 mm). Solutions containing 2.5% PE are most effective for use in LBW infants, but produce cardiovascular effects. Solutions containing 1% PE provide adequate dilation with minimum cardiovascular effects.
The anti-cancer agent distamycin A displaces essential transcription factors and selectively inhibits myogenic differentiation

The anticancer drug, distamycin A, alters DNA conformation by binding to A/T-rich domains. We propose that binding of the drug to DNA alters transcription factor interactions and that this may alter genetic regulation. We have analyzed the effects of distamycin A upon expression of the muscle-specific cardiac and skeletal α-actin genes which have A/T-rich regulatory elements in their promoters. Distamycin A specifically inhibited endogenous muscle genes in the myogenic C2 cell line and effectively eliminated the myogenic program. Conversely, when 10T1/2C18 derived pleuripotential TA1 cells were induced to differentiate in the presence of distamycin A, adipocyte differentiation was enhanced whereas the numbers of cells committing to the myogenic program decreased dramatically. Using the mobility shift assay, distamycin A selectively inhibited binding of two important transcription factors, SRF and MEF2, to their respective A/T-rich elements. The binding of factors Sp1 and MyoD wer ffected. The inhibition of factor binding correlated with a repression of muscle-specific promoter activity as assayed by transient transfection assays. Co-expression of the myoD gene, driven by a distamycin A-insensitive promoter, failed to relieve the inhibition of these muscle-specific promoters by distamycin A. Additionally, SRF and MEF2 dependent promoters were selectively down regulated by distamycin A. These results suggest that distamycin A may inhibit muscle-specific gene expression by selectively interfering with transcription factor interactions and demonstrate the importance of these A/T-rich elements in regulating differentiation of this specific cell type.
The autoantibody system: Anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies

In 1980, Nishikai and Reichlin defined the anti-Jo-1 precipitin, the most common precipitin in polymyositis (PM) or dermatomyositis (DM) sera, as a unique system with a strong specificity for PM/DM [1]. Although later observations refined the clinical picture of patients with these autoantibodies [2], the major clinical associations — myositis with interstitial lung disease and arthritis — were recognized in the early series of cases [3–6].
Microsoft — Die Software der Zukunft in Forschung und Lehre

Der Umgang mit Computern hat sich im Verlauf der 80er Jahre dramatisch verandert. Geschwindigkeit und Speicherkapazitat der Personalcomputer haben Werte erreicht, die bislang nur von grosen, zentral gesteuerten Systemen erzielt wurden. Viele Unternehmen und Universitaten wechseln von ihren Grosrechnern und Minicomputern auf PG. Computertechnik wurde fur ein groses Anwenderspektrum verfugbar und ein unentbehrlicher Bestandteil der alltaglichen Entscheidungsfindung, vor allem auch im Bereich von Wissenschaft und Forschung.
The Study of American Federalism at the Turn of the Century

prominence in recent years of what the me? dia have labeled the "Washington spin doc? tors," who attempt to mold public opinion by influencing the manner in which informa? tion is conveyed and perceived. An example of Washington spin doctoring is the rhetoric issued by recent presidential administrations of both political parties in response to bipar? tisan concerns about the budget deficit's pos? sible negative impact on national economic growth and to the public's growing disen? chantment with the national government's job performance (Public Attitudes on Gov? ernments and Taxes 1994; Pew Research Center 1998; Washington Post-ABC News Poll 1998). Although it can be argued that President Reagan was more vehement in his calls to re? duce governmental spending, Presidents Bush and Clinton also touted their efforts to bring national government spending under control, to reduce the size of the national govern? ment's annual budget deficit, and to improve governmental performance. In his 1996 stateof-the-union address, President Clinton went so far as to declare triumphantly that "the era of big government is over" (Clinton 1996). The political rhetoric concerning the end of "big government" in the United States appar? ently has had an impact. As one nationally prominent commentator wrote, "Few dis? pute anymore that the era of big government is over, as President Bill Clinton announced several years ago. It is ending not only in Washington but in state capitols where en? thusiasm for new spending is hard to find" (Petersen 1999,100). Although recent presidents have seen po? litical benefits in such declarations, the era of "big government" in the United States is not over. National government expenditures have increased (not decreased) every year?both in absolute and in real, inflation-adjusted dollars-since 1980 (OMB 1999). The same is true for national tax expenditures. More? over, although the trend over the past decade is down slightly because of the nation's recent economic expansion, as a percent of gross domestic product, national government ex? penditures, state and local government ex? penditures, and all government expenditures combined have remained (with only mild var? iations) roughly the same since 1970 (OMB 1999). Also, despite the passage of the Un? funded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, the
ETA-receptor antagonist prevents and reverses chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in rat

The selective endothelin-A (ETA)-receptor antagonist BQ-123 has been shown to prevent chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in the rat. Therefore in the current study we utilized BQ-123 to...
The Role of Appreciation of RMB to Inhibit the Inflation—Based on the 2005-2008 date analysis

This article will discuss the traditional fluctuations in exchange rate and domestic transmission mechanisms,link the systems between external exchange and inflation inside,and consider the practical situations between 2005 and 2008 in China.Based on the analysis above,this article will offer some suggestions on this issue.
Research of ultrasonic wave extraction of isoflavone from black soybean by response surface methodology

The ultrasonic wave extraction process of isoflavone from black soybean which occurred in Jinlin was studied. A central composite experiment of three factors and three levels,concluding liquid-solid ration,extraction time and temperature,was designed based on the results of single factor experiments. And the results were analyzed by response surface methodology with Design-expert. The optimal parameters of ultrasonic wave extraction from black soybean was liquid-solid ration of 46∶1(mL/g),extraction time of 51min and temperature of 52℃. Under the optimal conditions,the actual measured value of black soybean content was 1.883%,while the predicted value was 1.891%. The technical parameters of ultrasonic wave extraction process were reliable due to the small difference between the two values. Compared with the shaking extraction method,ultrasonic wave extraction process had some advantages,such as high efficient,time efficient and energy saving. The results showed that the soybean content from Jinlin in the highest and the soybean content from Shanxi was the lowest by measuring the isoflavone content from black soybean which occurred in four different areas under the optimal parameters.
Impacts of Delayed Drying on Discoloration and Functionality of Rice

In-bin, on-farm drying systems for rough rice present challenges for maintaining kernel quality when drying fronts stall and the top layer of grain maintains its harvest moisture content (MC) for extended periods. This high MC, in addition to ambient temperatures in early autumn in the Mid-South United States, creates ideal conditions for quality losses to occur. This study evaluated the effects of rough rice storage at MCs of 12.5, 16, 19, and 21% for up to 16 weeks at temperatures of 20, 27, and 40°C on milling yields, kernel color, and functionality of three long-grain cultivars. Head rice yield was negatively impacted only after other reductions in quality had occurred. Temperature-specific discoloration patterns were observed at 27 and 40°C in 2014; the uniquely discolored kernels seen in 2014 at 27°C were absent from samples in 2015 under identical conditions. Peak viscosity, breakdown, and final viscosity tended to increase over storage duration at 20 and 27°C and all storage MCs but plateaued afte...
Advantages of Computer Programs over Power Charts for the Estimation of Power

Statistics and research design textbooks routinely highlight the importance of a priori estimation of power in empirical studies. Unfortunately, many of these textbooks continue to rely on difficul...
Estimating Breast Cancer Survival by Molecular Subtype in the Absence of Screening and Adjuvant Treatment.

Background. As molecular subtyping of breast cancer influences clinical management, the evaluation of screening and adjuvant treatment interventions at the population level needs to account for mol...
Improved endometrial thickness and vascularity following vitamin E and C administration in infertile women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation

The most frequently used treatment to induce ovulation is clomiphene citrate,which unfortunately has the disadvantage of causing impaired endometrial growth.For successful conception to be achieved,optimal endometrial conditions are mandatory. The idea of giving vitamin C and E to infertile women on clomiphene citrate has been raised in published literature; however,the subject is still controversial.To study the effect of adding vitamins C and E supplementation to infertile women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation,on endometrial thickness and vascularity.The present case control study included 80 infertile women visiting infertility unit at Maternity and child hospital / Al-Dewaniyha city/ Iraq. From June 2014 to June 2016. Their age range was 20 to 35 years. They were classified into two groups: the first one included 40 patients and were treated using combine therapy of clomiphine citrate and vitamin E,C, and the second group included 40 infertile women treated with clomiphine citrate only. Median endometrial thickness was significantly greater in group 1 than that of group 2,4.5 mm versus 3.1 mm on day 2 and 8.3 m versus 5.9 mm on day 12,respectively (P<0.001). Median endometrial vascular resistance was not significantly different in day 2; however, it was significantly lower in group 1 compared to that of group 2 when assessed in day 12,0.4 versus 0.6,respectively (P<0.001). Administration of vitamins E and C to subfertile women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation causes significant improvement in endometrial thickness and vascularity through anti-oxidant mechanism
Dissemination of evidence-based treatment into substance abuse clinical practice

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the dissemination of evidence-based substance abuse interventions into clinical practice and public policy. The need for effective dissemination, coupled with an increasing awareness of the problem, provides an open field for the development of important knowledge about dissemination. A method for increasing knowledge regarding evidence-based treatment (EBT) dissemination involves the use of within-group designs. Descriptive studies as well as clinical trials indicate that the influence of dissemination efforts on practice is maximized when conducted in an interactive manner, with ongoing monitoring. Several dissemination models emphasize how important it is to assess readiness to change and the complexity of interventions when deciding what dissemination strategy to use. Advancements in communications can have drastic impact on EBT dissemination, including interactive use of Internet and video conferencing, dissemination chat rooms, and live-line distance supervision. It is suggested that trials of EBT interventions should plan from the beginning to implement their project in such a way that the clinic will be able to adopt the intervention, if it is effective. In the researcher's ideal system, information regarding EBT would be effectively disseminated from scientists to policy makers, who would use this information to create funding and oversight policies.
Rui Liao’s work on patient-specific 3-D model guidance for interventional and hybrid-operating-room applications

Compared to surgery, interventional and hybrid-operating-room (OR) approaches diagnose or treat pathology with the most minimally invasive techniques possible. By minimizing the physical trauma to the patient, peripheral or hybrid approaches can reduce infection rates and recovery time as well as shorten hospital stays. Minimally invasive approaches therefore are the trend and often the preferred choice, and may even be the only option for the patients associated with high surgery risks. Common interventional imaging modalities include 2-D X-ray fluoroscopy and ultrasound. However, fluoroscopic images do not display the anatomic structures without a contrast agent, which on the other hand, needs to be minimized for patients’ safety. Ultrasound images suffer from relatively low image quality and tissue contrast problems. To augment the doctor’s view of the patient’s anatomy and help doctors navigate the devices to the targeted area with more confidence and a higher accuracy, high-resolution pre-operative volumetric data such as computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance can be fused with intra-operative 2-D images during interventions. A seamless workflow and accurate 2-D/3-D registration as well as cardiac and/or respiratory motion compensation are the key components for a successful image guidance system using a patient-specific 3-D model. Dr. Liao’s research has been focused on developing methods and systems of 3-D model guidance for various interventions and hybrid-OR applications. Dr. Liao’s work has led to several Siemens products with high clinical and/or market impact and a good number of scientific publications in leading journals/conferences on medical imaging.
Research, Development, and Demonstration of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Systems

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an all-solid-state power system which operates at high temperatures to ensure adequate ionic and electronic conductivity of its components (T = 1000°C for the state-of-the-art system). The electrolyte is an oxide ion conductor. Since it is a solid-state system, it has advantages over other types of fuel cells.1 It is simpler in concept than both the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) and the phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), because these require the presence of three separate phases, compared with two in the SOFC. Two-phase (gas-solid) contact reduces corrosion and eliminates any problems of electrolyte management. Because of its high operating temperature, activation overpotentials are low during cell operation, and noble metal electrocatalysts are not necessary.2 However, this advantage is largely offset by the high fuel cell operating temperature, at which the free energy of formation is less negative than at room temperature, so that the open-circuit potential at practical gas utilizations is about 0.9 V. In spite of this, thermal efficiencies greater than 50% (corresponding to operation at 0.75 V, at least at modest current densities) can be obtained for chemical-to-electrical energy conversion in SOFCs.
Physician assistants in gastroenterology: should they perform endoscopy?

Abstract New technology and increased screening examinations continue to cause the demand for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures to mushroom. Hospitals administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, public health care facilities, and health maintenance organizations struggle to meet this demand because of limited resources for expansion of space or staff. For the past 3 yr, we have used a physician assistant in our endoscopy laboratory to assist with and perform endoscopic procedures. The benefits for our hospital include increased staff efficiency, improved housestaff education, and ability to perform an increased number of procedures with existing staff.
Cerebrospinal fluid pressure in conscious head-down tilted rats.

The acute effects of a 1-h -45 deg head-down tilt on continouously recorded cerebrospinal fluid pressure (PCSF) of conscious rats are studied in order to investigate the shift of blood volume into the thoracic cavity in microgravity. PCSF, evaluated in 15-min time blocks over a 3-h experiment, increased slightly (less than 0.05) during the first 30 min of a control hour at 0 deg. There was a transient increase for about 5 min immediately after tilt (-45 deg) that may have been due to head movement after the position change. PCSF was statistically unchanged (above 0.05) during the second (-45 deg) hour and the third (0 deg) recovery hour. It is shown that the dynamics of intracranial pressure regulation can accommodate the acute cephalad fluid shift after tilting.
Immuno-oncology and the elderly: A comparative analysis of participation and toxicities of senior adults aged 65 years and above vs mid age and adolescent/young adult patients on immunotherapy-based phase I clinical trials.

10034Background: Senior adults ≥ 65 yrs remain underrepresented in early phase clinical trials in particular trials with novel immunotherapies. One general limitation to enrollment is the concern f...