cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Modeling in Drug Design

Molecular recognition plays a central role in biological systems and is the basis of the specificity seen in antigen-antibody, substrate-enzyme, hormone-receptor, and drug-receptor interactions. The importance of this problem had been recognized by scientists like Pasteur and Ehrlich at the end of the nineteenth century. Structure-activity relations in which one probes the basis of recognition by chemically modifying one of the partners form a significant segment of medicinal chemistry. Attempts to correlate activity with physical properties such as solubility, refractive index, etc., are a reasonable approach to definining the characteristic properties associated with activity in a given biological assay (Hansch 1966). In most systems, these correlations reflect the effective concentration of the drug in the critical biophase rather than the critical features necessary for bimolecular recognition. We would like to concentrate on what can be deduced regarding bimolecular recognition from structure-activity data.
Simple Machines for Scaling Human Motion

This paper describes a fast technique for modifying human motion sequences in a way that preserves physical properties of the motion. Reference motion may be obtained from any source: motion capture data, keyframed motion, or procedurally generated motion. We show that by deriving a simplified control system from motion data only, we are able to modify the motion in a physically realistic way at nearly real-time speeds, because we can scale and modify the simplified system directly. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, we animate running motion for a variety of characters over a range of velocities. Results can be computed at several frames per second.
Natural Noise Above 50 MHZ from Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Sources

This paper offers a brief overview of natural radio noise for frequencies above 50 MHz in terms of brightness temperature as observed from two vantage points. The first is from an Earth station located at 40 degrees north latitude and observing at elevation angles from 0 to 90 degrees with an ideal antenna. The second is a satellite in geostationary orbit communicating with the Earth.
An Experimental Design Advisor and Neural Network Analysis Package

DANA [Design Advisor/Neural Analyzer] is a PC-based experimental design advisor and neural network analysis system for understanding and optimizing physical processes. Given a specified number of process inputs and outputs, the Design Advisor gives two options for a set of experiments to perform in order to map the input variables to the process output responses: a standard statistical design and a novel smaller design specifically developed for neural network analysis. The neural network employed in the Neural Analyzer is the back-propagation type, in which a single hidden layer is used to relate the input nodes (variables) to the output nodes (responses) for the experimental data set analyzed. The Network Output module uses the neural model to produce a number of useful graphs and a "Virtual Process" for interactive modeling.
Differential Expression of TASK Channels between Horizontal Interneurons and Pyramidal Cells of Rat Hippocampus

Among the electrophysiological properties differentiating stratum oriens horizontal interneurons from pyramidal neurons of the CA1 hippocampal subfield are the more depolarized resting potential and the higher input resistance; additionally, these interneurons are also less sensitive to ischemic damage than pyramidal cells. A differential expression of pH-sensitive leakage potassium channels (TASK) could contribute to all of these differences. To test this hypothesis, we studied the expression and properties of TASK channels in the two cell types. Electrophysiological recordings from acute slices showed that barium- and bupivacaine-sensitive TASK currents were detectable in pyramidal cells but not in interneurons and that extracellular acidification caused a much stronger depolarization in pyramidal cells than in interneurons. This pyramidal cell depolarization was paralleled by an increase of the input resistance, suggesting the blockade of a background conductance. Single-cell reverse transcription-PCR experiments showed that the expression profile of TASK channels differ between the two cell types and suggested that these channels mediate an important share of the leakage current of pyramidal cells. We suggest that the different expression of TASK channels in these cell types contribute to their electrophysiological differences and may result in cell-specific sensitivity to extracellular acidification in conditions such as epilepsy and ischemia.
Inhibition of cartilage development in organ cultures of chick somites by the thymidine analog, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine.

Abstract Organ cultures of stage 17–18 chick somites with or without notochord were exposed to 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BUdR) at 0–3, 1–4, 2–5, and 3–6 days, reincubated in BUdR-free medium, and assayed for the appearance of functional chondroblasts 10–20 days later. In all organ cultures, exposure to BUdR from day 0 to day 3 prevented the appearance of methylene blue-staining cartilage nodules. Delaying the BUdR exposure allowed increasing numbers of cartilagepositive cultures to appear. Exposure to BUdR on days 0 to 3 also inhibited the subsequent incorporation of glucosamine-3H or sulfate-35S into chondroitin 4-sulfate assayed by high-voltage electrophoresis. In these cultures synthesis of hyaluronic acid and a glycoprotein component was relatively unaffected. Attempts were made to recover functional chondrocytes from BUdR treated organ cultures by dissociating the cells and growing them as monolayers. No chondrogenic colonies appeared in primary subcultures of organ cultures treated with BUdR from 0 to 3 days, and few chondrogenic colonies emerged from secondary subcultures. Organ cultures treated with BUdR at later periods, when subcultured, produced increasing numbers of chondrogenic colonies. It is postulated that incorporation of BUdR from 0 to 3 days prevents the shift from the sclerotome phenotype to the chondrogenic phenotype. BUdR resistance in older cultures may reflect the gradual withdrawal of chondrogenic cells from the mitotic cycle.
Sensitivity and specificity of course grades after exam failure used as an indicator for final course performance

Abstract Objectives To determine how likely academic progression committee reports were to detect poor performance of very high-risk (overall course grade ≤69.4%) or high-risk (overall course grade ≤75%) students (sensitivity) or to detect the absence of poor performance in low-risk (overall course grade >69.4%) or very low-risk students (overall course grade >75%) (specificity), and to determine which exam, when failed (exam score Methods Data were collected from Spring 2009 to Spring 2012. Tables were constructed for the exams and used to compute sensitivity and specificity. Data were broken down by specific classes that multiple students had to remediate due to course failures. Results For high-risk students, sensitivity for the reports was 78.2% for one exam failure and 44.7–75.5% for multiple exam failures. Specificity for the reports was 92.2% for one exam and 99.3–99.9% for multiple exam failures. For very high-risk students, sensitivity for the reports was 100% for one exam and multiple exam failures. Specificity for the reports was 90.8% for one exam failure and 98.1–99.9% for multiple exams. For specific courses reviewed (with the exception of two), failure of Exam 1 is the most sensitive in identifying students who are at very high-risk or high-risk for failure. Conclusion Study showed that reviewing academic progression reports at midterm of a quarter/semester can be helpful in identifying students at very high risk or high risk of failing a course, and students who fail Exam 1 in a course are most at risk of ultimately failing the course.
Micrococcal nuclease as a probe of DNA sequence organization and chromatin structure

We have investigated micrococcal nuclease digestion of chromatin and purified DNA at the heat-shock locus 67B in Drosophila melanogaster. At early stages of the reaction a distinct set of fragments is generated, indicating the presence of preferential cleavage sites. These sites are also observed when purified recombinant plasmid DNA is used as the substrate, demonstrating that the sites are specified by the DNA sequence. At Drosophila locus 67B, prominent sites occur frequently, spaced approximately 200 bp apart, within the nontranscribed portions of the locus, but are generally not observed within the regions that are transcribed. In contrast, such sites are randomly distributed along the procaryotic plasmid pBR322. The results indicate that specific patterns of digestion of eucaryotic chromatin by micrococcal nuclease cannot be simply interpreted as the consequence of the nucleosome array. However, it is possible that the organization of eucaryotic DNA sequences detected by micrococcal nuclease bears a functional relationship to the organization of DNA by nucleosomes and, in fact, was so selected through evolution.
Nubbin and Teashirt mark barriers to clonal growth along the proximal–distal axis of the Drosophila wing

The division of the wing imaginal disc into anterior, posterior, dorsal, and ventral compartments is a critical step in Drosophila wing morphogenesis. Here, we investigate the existence of cell lineage restrictions along the proximal-distal (PD) axis of the wing disc. We rule out the existence of classical compartment boundaries in the hinge region, but demonstrate that there are clonal restrictions corresponding to the expression domains of two transcription factors, Nubbin (Nub) and Teashirt (Tsh), present in distal and proximal cells, respectively. Unlike classical compartments, the Nub and Tsh domains do not define absolute lineage restrictions. Instead, due to regulation by Wingless signaling, the Nub and Tsh expression boundaries shift during development. Once established, the Nub and Tsh domains, and the intervening region in which neither factor is expressed, grow independently, because the progeny of cells present in one domain do not freely populate an adjacent domain. We also show that despite shifting position, the Nub and Tsh domain boundaries, like compartment boundaries, impact the expression of secreted signaling molecules. Thus, like the vein/intervein divisions of the wing and mammalian rhombomeres, the Nub and Tsh domains share some of the attributes of classical compartments, but lack their stringent and immobile boundaries.
Stable periodic orbits about the sun perturbed earth-moon triangular points.

Numerical verification of stable, periodic, coplanar orbit existence about Sun perturbed Earth-Moon triangular point
Treating depression after myocardial infarction: can selecting patients on the basis of genetic susceptibility improve psychiatric and medical outcomes?

Based on a considerable body of epidemiologic evidence showing that patients who are depressed or socially isolated after a myocardial infarction (MI) are at higher risk for mortality and recurrent cardiac events, the ENRICHD trial 1 randomized 2481 depressed and/or socially isolated post-MI patients to either a behavioral intervention designed to reduce depression and social isolation or to usual care. Contrary to prediction, the intervention did not increase event-free survival. The intervention did reduce depression and social isolation, but the usual care group showed improvements in these psychosocial risk factors that were nearly as large as those observed in the intervention group. The SADHART trial 2 evaluated the impact of treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline on depression in patients with acute MI or unstable angina. As with the ENRICHD patients, those randomized to the sertraline arm showed greater improvement in depression than placebo patients. SADHART was not powered to detect an effect of drug treatment on cardiac end points, but there was a nonsignificant trend to fewer events in the sertraline arm. These results, especially the large-scale ENRICHD trial, leave us with a dilemma: depression adversely affects medical prognosis in acute MI, but, despite 2 randomized clinical trials evaluating known effective treatments for depression, it has not been possible to document a positive benefit of treatment on medical prognosis. The report by Nakatani et al 3 in this month’s Journal points to a possible solution to this dilemma. They found in a large Japanese sample that carriers of the short allele of the highly researched promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) of the serotonin transporter gene are more likely than those with the long/long genotype to be depressed and experience recurrent cardiac events over a 2-year period after MI. Moreover, after control for depression, which also predicted increased events, the impact of the short allele on events was no longer statistically significant, suggesting that the impact of the short allele on prognosis was mediated by the increased depression associated with it. These findings are consistent with prior research 4 showing that short allele carriers are more likely than persons with the long/long 5-HTTLPR genotype to experience depression as a function of stressful life events. The finding that the 5-HTTLPR short allele is a genetic marker for susceptibility to depression after MI, as well as susceptibility to recurrent cardiac events, likely mediated by the depression, raises an interesting question: if ENRICHD and SADHART had included only those depressed patients who were carriers of the 5-HTTLPR short allele, would they have enrolled an
Toxicity bioassays with periphyton communities: design of experimental streams

Abstract A method for conducting toxicity or enrichment bioassays using periphyton communities is described. Communities consisting of 35–55 species of diatoms are grown in plastic laboratory streams which may be operated as flowthrough or recirculating systems. Replication of community biomass, species composition and diversity in these streams is excellent, and the communities are easily sampled. The effects of nutrients, heavy metals, or other soluble toxins may be assayed in experiments lasting 3–5 weeks.
Fecundity, longevity, and transinfectivity of citrus red mites (Panonychus citri) infected with a noninclusion virus

Abstract In studies to determine the potential of a noninclusion virus for biological control of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri, live inoculated mites introduced into field populations have successfully disseminated the virus. Laboratory studies have revealed about 93% infection in the introduced mites at the time of their release. When protonymph females were inoculated and subjected to a 5-day incubation period, the result was a 20-fold reduction in total egg deposition, a 10-fold decline in the average period of oviposition, and a two- to three-fold decline in the longevity of the diseased mites compared with healthy mites. When mites in the adult stage were inoculated, oviposition was markedly reduced the 3rd day and ceased entirely the 6th day. Infected adults deposited about six times fewer eggs and the average period of oviposition and the longevity were four and two times shorter, respectively, than in healthy mites. Within 24 to 48 hours after inoculation, infected mites were able to transmit infection to health mites in confinement. Peak transmission occurred on the 3rd or 4th day and corresponded to the time required for depression of oviposition.
[D98] TPad watch

The small size of touchscreen smart watches presents a unique interaction challenge. While the “fat-finger problem” is present on tablets and smartphones, it is exacerbated on smart watches, potentially occluding up to half of the display at a time. Haptic feedback can potentially be used to fill this information gap by aiding in location identification and in discriminating between fine selections. We have developed a miniaturized ultrasonic variable friction display integrated with a smart watch. We demonstrate the TPad Watch (Tactile Pattern Display) with two prototypical navigation elements- distinctly textured buttons, and closely spaced menu items in a list.
Biomimetic total synthesis of colneleic acid and its function as a lipoxygenase inhibitor

Abstract A biomimetic synthesis of colneleic acid ( 2 ) from 9( S )-hydroperoxy-10( E ),12( Z )-octadecadienoic acid ( 1 ) is reported. The lipoxygenase of potato which converts linoleic acid to 1 was found to be strongly inhibited by acid 2 ( K i = 8μM).
Near-death experiences: An examination of the supporting data and alternative explanations

Abstract The Moody model of “life after life” is summarized with a brief listing of its component parts. Explanations are organized into three categories: metaphysical, physiological, and social psychological. The supporting data are examined and evaluated. A major contribution of this paper is the molding of situational characteristics into a model which, although not as parsimonious as other models, has the advantage of appealing to less esoteric explanatory factors. Social-psychological interpretations given to physiological changes occurring within the organism under stress are offered as a more accurate model of what actually occurs in these near-death encounters.
Self-balanced modal control for spacecraft using thrusters and adaptive bandpass filters

A self-balanced active modal damping scheme is developed for elastic modes of free space structures using thrusters, gyros, and adaptive bandpass filters—self-balanced because it results in no net change in the spacecraft's attitude or angular momentum. The pulsewidth of the thrusters is optimized for fast active damping without destabilizing high-frequency modes and obeying the self-balancing requirement. The thrusters are fired around peak modal rates for maximum efficiency. Minimum rise time bandpass filters are used to extricate the mode from attitude signals issued by gyros. These filters are adaptive in that they can accurately measure the frequency of the mode, known imprecisely before, and adjust their outputs accordingly to yield correct amplitudes and phases of the modes to be damped. The modal amplitudes are then propagated as in Kalman filter. The scheme is successfully illustrated on a generic flexible spacecraft in the presence of modeling errors in structural damping.
Yarrowia lipolytica SRP54 homolog and translocation of Kar2p.

To investigate the role of Srp54p in protein translocation, the Yarrowia lipolytica SRP54 homolog was cloned. Sequencing revealed an open reading frame of 536 amino acids coding for a 57·2 kilodalton polypeptide with 55 to 57% sequence identity to Srp54ps of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and mouse. Like these Srp54ps, Y. lipolytica Srp54p has an N-terminal domain with a highly conserved GTP-binding site and a methionine-rich C-terminal domain. Differing results regarding the essentiality of SRP subunits were obtained. SRP54 is important but not essential for growth, but it was reconfirmed that at least one SRP RNA gene is essential. Cells with SRP54 deleted grow about six times more slowly than wild type; faster-growing colonies, still growing much slower than wild type, appeared quite frequently. In srp54Δ cells, no untranslocated alkaline extracellular protease precursor was detected. Therefore, to develop another reporter molecule the Y. lipolytica KAR2 homolog was cloned and Kar2p antibodies were produced. For Kar2p an untranslocated precursor was detected in srp54Δ but not in wild-type cells, suggesting that its translocation was defective in the srp54Δ cells. These results confirm an in vivo role for SRP in protein translocation in Y. lipolytica, suggest that SRP RNA or an SRP core-particle has functions not shared by Srp54p, and show that, as in S. cerevisiae and Sz. pombe, reporter molecules differ in their dependency on SRP for translocation. The SRP54 and KAR2 sequences have been deposited in GenBank under Accession Numbers U42418 and U63136.
Evaluating the quality of decisionmaking for diagnostic tests: a methodological misadventure.

This issue of Annals contains an article about evaluating hospitals’ use of computed tomography (CT) scans for patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with acute headache. The authors tested a system devised by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to measure the number of unwarranted CT scans, an intent that responds to the increasing number of brain CT scans being obtained in EDs. The purpose of this editorial is to describe the system used by CMS, summarize its performance, and suggest better solutions to the problem that CMS is trying to address. This program is part of a CMS initiative to identify poorquality decisionmaking about imaging tests in hospitalassociated outpatient services. The CMS has a statutory requirement to collect outpatient quality measures from hospitals and to make the findings public. Rather than require hospitals to report the results of their quality measurements to CMS, the agency uses Medicare claims data, which include the name of the hospital and the ordering clinician, the identity of the imaging procedure and other tests, and, as a proxy for clinical data, the primary and secondary diagnoses. The CMS initiative will also track the use of abdominal CT with contrast, thoracic CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast, follow-up of mammograms, simultaneous use of brain and sinus CT scans, lumbar spine CT or MRI for back pain, and cardiac testing for risk assessment before low-risk noncardiac surgery. The agency’s stated goal is to reduce “waste,” to reduce unnecessary exposure to radiation and contrast dye, and to increase adherence to evidence-based practice. CMS will report the results to the public on Hospital Compare, a consumer-oriented Web site. The CMS “efficiency measure” of head CT use in ED patients with acute headache is the proportion of such patients who had an uncalled-for same-day brain CT scan. To be included, patients must have had a headache diagnosis code for tension headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches, and other headache diagnoses that can be readily diagnosed without brain imaging. The CMS appears to be seeking a measure of CT scan use when the patient does not have one of the widely accepted indications for imaging in headache patients (eg, s
Raptus in the Chaumpaigne Release and a Newly Discovered Document Concerning the Life of Geoffrey Chaucer

Une lecture des actes de liberation consignes sur les rouleaux de la cour de Richard II: signification de l'expression de raptu meo et circonstances de la remise en liberte de C.
Physical behavior of biodegradable alginate–poly(vinyl alcohol) blend films

Films of biodegradable blends based on sodium alginate for applications in agriculture, as films for the solarization of soils, were prepared and characterized in terms of the mechanical parameters and optical properties. The films analyzed in this study were transparent in the visible region and opaque in the infrared region. This ensured a micro greenhouse effect on the soil. One of the films was also characterized optically in the ultraviolet–visible–infrared region. The optical data were analyzed with a theoretical model, which was able to predict the temperature of the soil at different depths and at different times of the day. The susceptibility time of the film was compatible with its use in agriculture as a film for solarization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1205–1213, 2005
Self-assembly approach to multiplexed surface-enhanced Raman spectral-encoder beads.

We present a strategy for the synthesis of multiplexed spectral encoder beads based on combinations of different surface enhanced Raman (SERS) signatures generated by dye-functionalized Ag nanoparticle tags. A key problem in SERS-based multiplexing arises in balancing the competitive binding of different signal generating dyes to the nanoparticle surfaces, which leads to difficulty in generating final summation spectra by design. We avoid this complication by decoupling the formation of individual tags from multiplexing of their spectra by self-assembly of different tag combinations onto SiO2 microbead supports via biotin−avidin binding. Linear combinations of individual nanoparticle tag spectra are generated in precursor solutions and are found to directly translate to the final encoder bead fingerprint spectrum in a 1:1 binding stoichiometry that preserves the original solution ratios. The result is an ability to multiplex spectral signatures in both frequency and intensity space to generate a large num...
277. Open adjunctive gabapentin effective in bipolar depression

resolved during euthymia and hypomania in a case report of a rapid cycling bipolar disorder patient. Facial emotion recognition has not been extensively studied in groups of manic and euthymic patients compared to healthy controls. Seven manic (YMRS . 20) bipolar I and eight euthymic bipolar II disorder patients, and six healthy controls matched (1) Ekman’s Pictures of Facial Affect (EPFA) to descriptors of six basic emotions (fear, anger, surprise, disgust, sadness, happiness); (2) EPFA to one another for facial emotion; and (3) Benton Facial Recognition photographs to one another for identity. On task (1), manic patients’ scores for “fear” were lower than euthymic patients and healthy controls. Manic patients compared to controls (but not compared to euthymic patients) also had decreased scores for 4/5 (anger, surprise, disgust, and sadness, but not happiness) of the other basic emotion descriptors. Euthymic patients did not differ significantly from controls. Task (2) showed similar results, while on task (3), there were no significant between-group differences. Thus, manic patients had impaired facial fear recognition compared to both controls and euthymic bipolar II patients, and impaired facial sadness (but not happiness) recognition compared to controls. It remains to be determined whether these differences are due to the manic state or the bipolar I disorder trait. Euthymic bipolar II patients did not have facial emotion recognition deficits, in contrast to prior studies in depressed patients.
CELL SURFACE ANTIGENS OF A MOUSE TESTICULAR TERATOMA IDENTITICATION OF AN ANTIGEN PHYSICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH H-2 ANTIGENS ON TUMOR CELLS

Rabbit antisera to a mouse testicular teratoma, absorbed with normal mouse tissues, react by immunofluorescence with plasma membrane antigens of a variety of transplantable mouse tumor cells and transformed fibroblast cell lines including Clone 1D, SV-40-3T3, and 3T12. Trypsin treatment of cells of "normal" lines, 3T3 and FR-SV-3T3, uncovers reactivity on these as well. Early passage mouse embryo fibroblast cell cultures do not react even after trypsinization. By cross-absorbtion studies, the anti-teratoma serum appears to react with an antigen common to most tumor cells investigated thus far. When this antigen on Clone 1D cells is "capped," H-2 antigens collect with the teratoma antigens in the cap indicating a physical association between the molecules. Molecules specified by both the H-2D and H-2K regions are bound to the teratoma antigens in the Clone 1D plasma membrane. This antigen is also found in soluble tumor cell fractions where it is believed to be free of H-2. A second cell surface antigen defined by anti-teratoma serum is expressed only by hepatoma and teratoma itself. This second antigen is apparently a secretory product of teratoma cells. A third surface antigen defined by anti-teratoma serum appears to be specific for the teratoma.
Interaction of nanomaterials with biological molecules: Manganese and dopamine

We present here the results of first principles study on the interaction of a Mn13 cluster with a dopamine molecule, an important biomolecule functioning as a neurotransmitter or a neurohormone in the living body. It is found that the dopamine strongly binds to the Mn cluster through co-ordinated covalent bond. This finding confirms the observation of dopamine depletion in the presence of Mn nanoparticles.
The influence of salinity on the heat-shock protein response of Potamocorbula amurensis (Bivalvia)

For biomarkers to be useful in assessing anthropogenic impacts in field studies involving aquatic organisms, they should not be affected by naturally occurring changes in environmental parameters such as salinity. This is especially important in estuarine environments and for relatively unspecific biomarkers like heat-shock proteins (hsps, stress proteins). In this study, the heat-shock protein response was measured in the euryhaline clam, Potamocorbula amurensis, after exposure to a range of salinities reflecting normal and extreme environmental conditions in Northern San Francisco Bay, California. The ability to raise cellular hsp70 levels in response to heat-shock was significantly impaired in P. amurensis collected from a low (0.5 ppt) salinity field site, and after 14 day exposure to low salinity in the laboratory.
Allostatic load, social status and stress hormones: the costs of social status matter

Cooperation and social support are the major advantages of living in social groups. However, there are also disadvantages arising from social conflict and competition. Social conflicts may increase allostatic load, which is reflected in increased concentrations of glucocorticoids. We applied the emerging concept of allostasis to investigate the relation between social status and glucocorticoid concentrations. Animals in a society experience different levels of allostatic load and these differences may predict relative glucocorticoid concentrations of dominant and subordinate individuals. We reviewed the available data from free-ranging animals and generated, for each sex separately, phylogenetic independent contrasts of allostatic load and relative glucocorticoid concentrations. Our results suggest that the relative allostatic load of social status predicts whether dominants or subordinates express higher or lower concentrations of glucocorticoids. There was a significant correlation between allostatic load of dominance and relative glucocorticoid concentrations in both females and males. When allostatic load was higher in dominants than in subordinates, dominants expressed higher levels of glucocorticoids; when allostatic load was similar in dominants and subordinates, there were only minor differences in glucocorticoid concentrations; and when allostatic load was lower in dominants than in subordinates, subordinates expressed higher levels of glucocorticoids than dominants. To our knowledge, this is the first model that consistently explains rank differences in glucocorticoid concentrations of different species and sexes. The heuristic concept of allostasis thus provides a testable framework for future studies of how social status is reflected in glucocorticoid concentrations.
Role of inhibitor of apoptosis protein in gentamicin-induced cochlear hair cell damage

Abstract Apoptotic cell death is considered to play a key role in gentamicin-induced cochlear hair cell loss. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are important regulators of apoptosis that can prevent activation of effector caspases. This study was designed to investigate the possible involvement of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in hair cell death due to gentamicin. Basal turn organ of Corti explants from postnatal day (p) p3 or p4 rats were maintained in tissue culture and were exposed to 35 μM gentamicin for up to 48 h. Effects of specific XIAP inhibitors on gentamicin-induced hair cell loss and caspase-3 activation were examined. XIAP inhibitors increased gentamicin-induced hair cell loss but an inactive analog had no effect. Caspase-3 activation was primarily observed at 36 or 48 h in gentamicin-treated hair cells, whereas caspase-3 activation peaked at 24–36 h when explants were treated with gentamicin and an XIAP inhibitor. The inhibitors alone had no effect on hair cells. Finally, a caspase-3 inhibitor decreased caspase-3 activation and hair cell loss induced by gentamicin and an XIAP inhibitor, but caspase-8 and -9 inhibitors did not. The results indicate that XIAP normally acts to decrease caspase-3 activation and hair cell loss during gentamicin ototoxicity, as part of a protective response to potentially damaging stimuli.
Applications of self-defined arrays for pattern-forming alloy solidification

Abstract In this paper, we consider a pattern-forming solidification problem involving self-defined arrays (SDAs). These SDAs originate from an iterated function system (IFS) and are imposed on the moving boundary so that microstructures evolve as prescribed shape attractors during iterated advance of a phase boundary. SDAs are generated from iterated application of a geometric rule requiring the pth iterate of a given array to be defined in terms of the (p−1)th iterate. In this study, we use a geometric rule based on the Cantor middle-third fractal set to generate an SDA for an isolated dendrite microstructure. We apply this notion of an SDA to a phase change problem where fractal mass-flow creates the SDA geometry and results in a solidification microstructure.
Toward a quantitative description of large-scale neocortical dynamic function and EEG.

A general conceptual framework for large-scale neocortical dynamics based on data from many laboratories is applied to a va- riety of experimental designs, spatial scales, and brain states. Partly distinct, but interacting local processes (e.g., neural networks) arise from functional segregation. Global processes arise from functional integration and can facilitate (top down) synchronous activity in re- mote cell groups that function simultaneously at several different spatial scales. Simultaneous local processes may help drive (bottom up) macroscopic global dynamics observed with electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG). A local/global dynamic theory that is consistent with EEG data and the proposed conceptual framework is outlined. This theory is neutral about properties of neural networks embedded in macroscopic fields, but its global component makes several qualitative and semiquantitative predictions about EEG measures of traveling and standing wave phenomena. A more general "metatheory" suggests what large-scale quantitative theories of neocortical dynamics may be like when more accurate treatment of local and nonlinear effects is achieved. The theory describes the dynamics of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic action fields. EEG and MEG provide large-scale estimates of modulation of these synaptic fields around background levels. Brain states are determined by neuromodulatory control parameters. Purely local states are dominated by local feedback gains and rise and decay times of postsynaptic potentials. Dominant local frequen- cies vary with brain region. Other states are purely global, with moderate to high coherence over large distances. Multiple global mode frequencies arise from a combination of delays in corticocortical axons and neocortical boundary conditions. Global frequencies are iden- tical in all cortical regions, but most states involve dynamic interactions between local networks and the global system. EEG frequencies may involve a "matching" of local resonant frequencies with one or more of the many, closely spaced global frequencies.
Dynamic studies of dispersion and channeling in fixed beds

An experimental and theoretical study was carried out to relate the extent of channeling in a packed column to the response in the effluent gas to a tracer input. When the response curve showed a distinct peak associated with a channel, it was possible to establish the flow rate and void area of the channel from only the response curve. The experimental data provided new information on Peclet numbers in packed columns with nonuniform void fractions (low tube-to-particle diameter ratios).
Establishing Empirically-Informed Practice With Caregivers: Findings From the CARES Program

There is increasing interest in delivering efficacious interventions to caregivers. This study reports on the processes and findings from a modified approach of the Wraparound System of Care. The practice model is implemented over 4 phases and is based on 3 theoretical constructs and 10 principles. The evaluation utilized treatment fidelity measures and employed a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design to examine caregiver outcomes (N = 120). Findings suggest significant improvement among caregivers’ self-reported health, life satisfaction, well-being, and quality of life, as well as a reduction in caregiver risk and burden. Delineation of the processes used in the model are presented.
Some problems in altering the gossypol content of cottonseed through breeding

Cultivated cottons have small, pigment-bearing glands in their embryonic tissues or seed meats. These glands contain gossypol, a polyphenolic substance toxic to various animals. The presence of glands in cottonseed is controlled by alleles at two loci. Substitution of mutant alleles for active alleles at both loci produce cottons that are devoid of glands and gossypol. Glandlessness is thus a character of great potential worth, and breeders seek to develop glandless varieties of cotton which give high yields of quality fiber. Although some success has been achieved, recent work shows that both glandless genes are linked to factors which reduce yield of fiber. Methods for ameliorating these difficulties are discussed.
The role of anticipated negative emotions and past behavior in individuals’ physical activity intentions and behaviors

Abstract Objective The present research examined whether anticipated negative emotions predicted one’s physical activity intentions and behaviors after controlling for the theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs. This research analyzed the moderating role of past behavior on the relationship between anticipated negative emotions and intentions. Method University students completed a two-wave longitudinal survey. The first wave of the survey included the TPB questions, anticipated negative emotions, and previous physical activity behaviors. The second wave was conducted four weeks later and included adapted leisure-time exercise questions. Results Anticipated negative emotions significantly predicted physical activity intentions, over and above the influence of the TPB variables. It was further observed that anticipated negative emotions were a stronger predictor of intentions for participants who did not regularly participate in physical activity in the past than for those who did. In addition, anticipated negative emotions did not directly predict the actual behavior. Conclusion The findings suggest that the inclusion of past behavior can help better delineate the conditions under which anticipated emotions predict behavioral intentions.
Strong solutions of the Navier-Stokes equation in Morrey spaces

It is shown that the nonstationary Navier-Stokes equation (NS) in ℝ+×ℝ m is well posed in certain Morrey spacesM p,λ (ℝ+×ℝ m ) (see the text for the definition: in particularM p,0=L p ifp>1 andM 1,0 is the space of finite measures), in the following sense. Given a vectora∈M p,m-p with diva=0 and with certain supplementary conditions, there is a unique local (in time) solution (velocity field)u(t, ·)∈M p, m-p, which is smooth fort>0 and takes the initial valuea at least in a weak sense.u is a global solution ifa is sufficiently small. Of particular interest is the spaceM 1,m−1, which admits certain measures; thusa may be a surface measure on a smooth (m−1)- dimensional surface in ℝ+×ℝ m . The regularity of solutions and the decay of global solutions are also considered. The associated vorticity equation (for the vorticity ζ=∂∧u) can similarly be solved in (tensor-valued)M 1,m−2, which is also a space of measures of another kind.
Anomalous insertion of the flexor pollicis longus

The clinical and anatomic features of an anomalous insertion of the flexor pollicis longus are reviewed. Improvement in function resulted from release of the abnormal insertion and rerouting the flexor pollicis longus beneath the abductor brevis tendon.
Nucleotide sequences of Cyanophora paradoxa cellular and cyanelle-associated 5S ribosomal RNAs: the cyanelle as a potential intermediate in plastid evolution.

The 5S ribosomal RNAs from the cell cytoplasm and cyanelle (photosynthetic organelle) ofCyanophora paradoxa have been isolated and sequenced. The cellular and cyanelle 5S rRNAs were 119 and 118 nucleotides in length, respectively. Both RNAs exhibited typical 5S secondary structure, but the primary sequence of the cellular species was clearly eukaryotic in nature, while that of the organellar species was prokaryotelike. The primary sequence of the cyanellar 5S rRNA was most homologous to cyanobacterial 5S sequences, yet possessed secondary-structural features characteristic of higher-plant chloroplast 5S rRNAs. Both sequence comparison and structural analysis indicated an evolutionary position for cyanelle 5S rRNA intermediate between blue-green alga and chloroplast 5S rRNAs.
Update on course and outcome in eating disorders

Objective: To review recent studies describing eating disorder course and outcome. Method: Electronic and manual searches were conducted to identify relevant articles published since 2004. Results: Twenty-six articles were identified. For anorexia nervosa (AN), most patients ascertained through outpatient settings achieved remission by 5-year follow-up. Inpatient treatment predicted poor prognosis as inpatient samples demonstrated lower remission rates. Outcome differed between bulimia nervosa (BN) and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS), including binge eating disorder (BED), for shorter follow-up durations; however, outcomes appeared similar between BN and related EDNOS by 5-year follow-up. Greater psychiatric comorbidity emerged as a significant predictor of poor prognosis in BN, whereas few prognostic indicators were identified for BED or other EDNOS. Discussion: Results support optimism for most patients with eating disorders. However, more effective treatments are needed for adult AN inpatients and approximately 30% of patients with BN and related EDNOS who remain ill 10–20 years following presentation. © 2010 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
An empirical model of the ionospheric electric potential

We present an empirical model of the ionospheric electric potential based on output from the assimilative mapping of ionospheric electrodynamics technique (AMIE). The model is derived using a multivariable linear regression analysis technique to relate the potential at each grid point to the interplanetary magnetic field Byand Bzcomponents. AMIE output over a one week period was used to construct the model. The results of the model are very similar to other electric potential models; namely, the background pattern and the model response to Byand Bzare typical. The unique aspect of this model is the use of the linear response to changes in IMF for the forward prediction of the potential pattern. We show an example of how the model can significantly improve predictions of the potential when it is coupled to a real-time specification model such as the real-time version of AMIE.
Principles and applications of coherent random noise radar technology

Random noise radar is rapidly emerging as a promising technique for high-resolution probing and imaging of obscured objects and interfaces. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has developed and field-tested coherent ultra wideband polarimetric random noise radar systems that show great promise in their ability to estimate Doppler and image target and terrain features. Theoretical studies and extensive field tests using these systems confirm their ability to respond to and utilize phase information from the received signals. This paper summarizes our recent developments in coherent random noise radar imaging and discusses future research directions in this area.
Increasing the microscopic contrast of phases with similar reflectivities

A number of methods have been developed to increase the optical contrast between microscopic phases in metal specimens. These methods include stain etching, heat tinting, and vapor deposition. ls2 Unfortunately, these methods are often difficult to control and are limited to only a few materials. Also, the vapor deposition method can be relatively time-consuming and requires the use of equipment not available to most metallographers. This note describes a technique which overcomes many of these limitations, since it involves only the application of a thin layer of Parlodiona to the surface of a polished and etched specimen. The technique is rapid and inexpensive, and it does not require any auxiliary equipment. Apparently, the technique causes increased contrast as a result of interference phenomena due to variations in the thickness of the Parlodion film. By proper polishing, etching, and application of the Parlodion film, it is possible to cause a different film thickness to form over each phase. As a result, different reflectivities occur. By increasing the contrast, phases can be more readily distinguished, photomicrography is eased, and automatic methods of quantitative metallographic analysis which depend on differences in reflectivity can be used (see Figs. 1 and 2).
Using ‘off the shelf’, computer programs to mine additional insights from published data: diurnal variation in potency of ACTH stimulation of cortisol secretion revealed

We describe the use of available computer programs to mine additional insights from published data. Graphs from four studies of ACTH and cortisol plasma levels collected throughout the 24 h day in humans were scanned into digital form and the data points extracted. To investigate the magnitude of ACTH stimulation of cortisol secretion across the 24 h, Monte Carlo methods were used to fit the parameters of a computer model of the ACTH-adrenal axis to the extracted data. ACTH was found to have a greater effect on cortisol secretion during the peaks of the cycle than at the nadir. This finding could not be explained by previously published dose response curves of ACTH effect. This implies that other modulators influence the effect of ACTH on the adrenal. This study also demonstrates how available computer programs can be used to examine models of physiologic regulation using data already available in the literature.
An Effective Model for Enhancing Underrepresented Minority Participation and Success in Geoscience Undergraduate Research.

ABSTRACT Geoscience research is a fundamental portal through which geoscience knowledge may be acquired and disseminated. A viable model to introduce, stimulate, and prolong geoscience education has been designed and implemented at the New York City College of Technology through a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in satellite and ground-based remote sensing that targets underrepresented minority students. The program is composed of three primary components: Structured Learning Environments: Preparation and Mentorship, Student Support and Safety Nets, and Vision and Impetus for Advancement. The first component, Structured Learning Environments: Preparation and Mentorship, places REU scholars within a research team and provides them with the skill sets necessary for proficiency in satellite and ground-based remote sensing research. The second component, Student Support and Safety Nets, provides a structured and holistic learning environment that support...