cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional Regulation of the Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene in Macrophages by PU.1

Macrophages are an abundant source of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymatic products, but a specific mechanism for macrophage COX-2 gene expression has not been described. We examined whether PU.1, a myeloid-specific Ets family transcription factor, is involved. Sequence analysis revealed two potential c-Ets binding sites in the COX-2 promoter (COX-2p) which bind to immunoreactive PU.1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis shows inducible PU.1 binding to these sites in response to lipopolysaccharide, and COX-2 protein production is augmented by ectopic expression of PU.1 but not by PU.1S148A, indicating that PU.1 phosphorylation is likely involved. Interestingly, expression of PU.1 results in acetylation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-beta (C/EBP-beta) and increased production of COX-2 protein. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments suggest a role for p300 in C/EBP-beta acetylation and COX-2 expression. In contrast, E1A inhibits acetylation of C/EBP-beta and is correlated with decreased COX-2 expression. Together, these data suggest that PU.1 is activated by phosphorylation of Ser148 in response to lipopolysaccharide treatment and subsequently binds to sequences in the endogenous COX-2p in a time-dependent manner. Concomitantly, C/EBP-beta becomes acetylated, and expression of the COX-2 gene increases. We speculate that a combinatorial role of PU.1 and C/EBP-beta mediates the robust production of COX-2 products by macrophages which occurs in Gram-negative bacterial sepsis.
Issues and approaches in the design of collective autonomous agents

The problem of synthesizing and analyzing collective autonomous agents has only recently begun to be practically studied by the robotics community. This paper overviews the most prominent directions of research, defines key terms, and summarizes the main issues. Finally, it briefly describes our approach to controlling group behavior and its relation to the field as a whole.
Towards truthful mechanisms for binary demand games: a general framework

The family of Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanisms is arguably the most celebrated achievement in truthful mechanism design. However, VCG mechanisms have their limitations. They only apply to optimization problems with a utilitarian (or affine) objective function, and their output should optimize the objective function. For many optimization problems, finding the optimal output is computationally intractable. If we apply VCG mechanisms to polynomial-time algorithms that approximate the optimal solution, the resulting mechanisms may no longer be truthful.In light of these limitations, it is useful to study whether we can design a truthful non-VCG payment scheme that is computationally tractable for a given allocation rule O. In this paper, we focus our attention on emphbinary demand games in which the agents' only available actions are to take part in the a game or not to. For these problems, we prove that a truthful mechanism M=(O, P) exists with a proper payment method P iff the allocation rule O satisfies a certain monotonicity property. We provide a general framework to design such P. We further propose several general composition-based techniques to compute P efficiently for various types of output. In particular, we show how P can be computed through "or/and" combinations, round-based combinations, and some more complex combinations of the outputs from subgames.
Computationally-efficient 3D finite-element-based dynamic thermal models of electric machines

Knowledge of the internal temperatures of an electric machine under real-time operating conditions would be extremely useful in order to determine its torque capabilities. This knowledge is also useful for full-scale electric or hybrid electric vehicle (EV/HEV) simulation and optimization. In this paper, we present a technique for developing computationally-efficient thermal models for electric machines that can be used for real-time thermal observers and EV/HEV powertrain-level simulation and optimization. The technique is based upon simulating eigenmodes of the thermal dynamics as determined by 3D finite element analysis. The order of the model is then dramatically reduced in two ways. First, the dynamic system is decomposed into two parts by using the orthogonality property of the eigenvectors. The extent of excitation of each eigenmode is calculated, and only eigenmodes that are significantly excited are included in the dynamic model; other eigenmodes are treated as static modes. Second, only the temperatures in few “hot spots” in various regions of the machine are chosen. By using the proposed model order reduction techniques, the computation time of the model is shown to be reduced by over five orders of magnitude, while maintaining sufficient accuracy. Experimental work also shows a good agreement between simulation results and measured data.
Human space flight from day one

Abstract List of space travellers and information about them are important and useful in their applications to human spaceflight analyses, in historical assessment of manned space exploration potential: where we have been and, perhaps, a feel for where we are going. The number of humans flying in space is increasing, so it has become ever more important to maintain a dynamic (continually updated) and accurate account of international spacefarers and to identify the potential sources of confusion and miscalculation. The author discusses some of the potential pitfalls in compiling such a list and presents a spreadsheet of astronaut/cosmonaut/visiting crew member information for use in updating or expanding existing databases or starting one anew.
Recent advances in Raman spectroscopic measurements of the environment

Raman spectroscopy has many characteristics that make it a viable method for monitoringcontaminants in the environment [1 ,2]. Most significant for the work discussed in thispresentation is the ability to transmit the Raman excitation (visible or NIR laser light)and theRaman scattering over long distances of optical fibers. This will allow one to operate at aworkstation that is far removed from the actual site of contamination. The other advantage ofRaman over similar in-situ optical methods of analysis is a high degree of molecular specificity.Raman is capable ofproviding molecular identification ofthe analyte.The disadvantages of Raman are itslow sensitivity and susceptibility tointerference from fluorescence. Thispresentation discusses the use ofurfaceEnhanced Raman scattering (SERS) as atechnique to improve sensitivity and reducefluorescence. SERS provides million foldenhancements for molecules adsorbed directlyto silver surfaces and quenches fluorescence.The unique application of SERS that will bediscussed is the use of an affinity coating onthe SERS surface. The coating provides amethod to attract analytes to the SERSsurface where the Raman spectrum of theanalyte can be enhanced. The coatings alsoplay an important role in protecting the silversurface from the degradation.The types of SERS coatings used are Figure 1 SERS spectra of benzene on variousdivided into two classes: Passive and Active, coated surfaces. The strong benzene peak atThe passive coatings are materials that are not 992 cm' is labeled as well as the coatingaffected by the analyte and simply serve as a
Free insulin-like growth factor-I and cognitive function in older persons living in community

Abstract Context Increasing evidences from experimental and human studies suggest that the activity of the growth hormone (GH/insulin-like growth factor-I) axis may contribute to the age-related cognitive decline and poor cognition in late life. Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of total serum free IGF-I and its binding protein-3 with cognitive performance in older persons aged 80 years or older. Design Data are from baseline evaluation of the ilSIRENTE study ( n =353). Cognitive performance was evaluated using five items enclosed in the Minimum Data Set for Home Care assessment form: short-term memory, procedural memory, cognitive skills in daily decision making, verbal expression, comprehension. Free insulin-like growth factor-I (free IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in blood were measured. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to examine the relationship between cognitive impairment and the serum free IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations, after adjustment for potential confounding variables. Results After adjustment for potential confounders, which included age, gender, education, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, depression, Parkinson diseases, thyroid diseases, smoking status, alcohol abuse, body mass index, and number of medications, individuals with verbal expression problems ( n =20) and individuals with comprehension problems ( n =24) had a significantly lower serum levels of readily dissociable IGF-I than participants without cognitive impairments. The serum IGFBP-3 presented the same behavior of free IGF-I. Conclusion The present study suggests that among old-old subjects living in the community lower levels of total serum free IGF-I and IGFBP-3 are associated with impairment of cognitive performance. This finding suggests that the GH/IGF-I axis may play an important role in the age-related decline of cognitive performance.
Carbon Dioxide and Climate: The Importance of Realistic Geography in Estimating the Transient Temperature Response

Results obtained from a detailed air-sea-ice climate model for an instantaneous increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide content are used to estimate the transient surface temperature response for several time-dependent carbon dioxide increase scenarios. The inclusion of realistic variations of land fraction and ocean mixing with latitude is found to limit the applicability of steady- state simulations as approximate guides to the actual time-dependent temperature response, particularly when the regional response is considered.
Predictors of unrecognized HIV infection among poor and ethnic men who have sex with men in Los Angeles.

This study evaluates associations between unrecognized HIV infection and demographic factors, internalized homonegativity, drug use, and sexual behaviors among HIV positive men who have sex with men (MSM). We analyzed data from 347 HIV positive participants from the Los Angeles site for NIDA’s Sexual Acquisition and Transmission of HIV-Cooperative Agreement Program. Participants were HIV positive MSM and MSM/W and predominantly African American (36.0%) or Latino (38.7%), and unemployed (82.8%). Results from a multivariate logistic regression suggest that, compared to HIV positive participants who correctly reported their HIV positive status, being African-American (OR: 9.81, CI: 1.2–77.9) or Latino (OR: 10.92, CI: 1.3–88.4) rather than White, MSM/W rather than MSM (OR: 3.24, CI: 1.09–9.62), and having higher homonegativity scores (OR: 1.22, CI: 1.02–1.4) is associated with unrecognized HIV infection, controlling for age, education, and homelessness. Findings provide some immediate evidence to help craft HIV prevention interventions.
Selective effects of ethanol on the generation of cAMP by particular members of the adenylyl cyclase family.

A selective action of ethanol on major signal transduction proteins, such as adenylyl cyclase, has been considered to be important for certain actions of ethanol, and alcoholics have been demonstrated to differ from controls in measures of platelet adenylyl cyclase activity. Recent advances in identification and characterization of isoforms of adenylyl cyclase have demonstrated that there exists at least eight different forms of this enzyme. To examine whether the effect of ethanol on generation of cAMP is modified by the presence of particular isoforms of adenylyl cyclase within a cell, we transiently expressed each of six adenylyl cyclases in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and measured cAMP accumulation in whole cells in the presence and absence of ethanol. The treatment of cells expressing the various adenylyl cyclases with ethanol alone did not enhance cAMP generation. In the presence of prostaglandin E 1 , cAMP generation by type I and type III adenylyl cyclases was insensitive to ethanol. cAMP accumulation generated by the other adenylyl cyclases was, however, increased by incubation of cells with ethanol in the presence of stimulatory agonists (e.g., prostaglandin E 1 ). Stimulation by ethanol of cAMP generation by type VII adenylyl cyclase was 2- to 3-hold greater than that seen with the other tested adenylyl cyclases. The noted stimulation of cAMP generation by ethanol was dose-dependent and required concurrent activation of adenylyl cyclase through the stimulatory G protein. The effects of ethanol were reversible and mimicked by butanol but not by chloroform.
Curves on algebraic models of smooth manifolds

(X,Z/2).By a real algebraic curve we mean a one-dimensional irreducible real algebraic set.If Cis such a curve, then there is a unique (up to isomorphism) nonsingular projectivecomplex algebraic curve Vdeﬁned over R, whose set of real points V(R) is birationallyequivalent to C. The genus of Cis, by deﬁnition, the genus of V. In particular, Cis rational (that is, birationally equivalent to R) if and only if it is of genus 0. Thecurve Cis said to be dividing if V\V(R) is disconnected.Given a nonnegative integer g, denote byA(X,g) (resp.B(X,g))the subgroup of H
MnO 2 Decorated Three Dimensional Graphene Heterostructures for Supercapacitor Electrodes

Supercapacitors are promising candidates for alternative energy storage applications since they can store and deliver energy at relatively high rates. In this work, we integrated large area chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown three dimensional graphene heterostructures with high capacitance metal oxides (MnO2) to fabricate highly conductive, large surface-area composite thin films. Uniform, large area 3D graphene heterostructures layers were produced by a one-step CVD on nickel foams. MnO2 nanowires were deposited on the as-obtained 3D graphene heterostructures film by a simple chemical bath depostion process. The oxide loading of the 3D graphene/MWNTs/MnO2 nanowires (GMM) composite films can be simply controlled by deposition time and nanowire solution concentration. The surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was performed to characterize the MnO2on the surface of the film. By introducing the fast surface redox reactions into the graphene heterostructures film via integrating pseudocapacitive material like MnO2, the capacitive ability of the system enhanced dramatically. Supercapacitor was fabricated based on the 3D graphene heterostructures /MnO2 hybrid film electrodes; the measurements of cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are conducted to determine its performance for the electrodes of supercapacitors.
Personality disorders in young adult survivors of pediatric burn injury.

Objective: Life experience shapes personality and chronic trauma in childhood has been associated with risk for development of subsequent personality disorder. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and character of personality disorders and traits in young adult survivors of severe pediatric burn injury. Method.: SCID-II and 16PF were completed by 98 young adult survivors of pediatric burn trauma. Results: 48 (49%) met criteria for one or more personality disorders. The most frequent personality disorders were Paranoid (19.4%), Passive Aggressive (18.4%), Antisocial (17.3%), Depressive (11.2%), and Borderline (9.2%). Diagnosis with a personality disorder was associated with comorbid Axis I diagnoses and strongly correlated with personality traits as measured by the 16PF. Conclusions: Pediatric burn trauma is similar to other chronic traumas of childhood in significant correlation with subsequent personality disorder. Language: en
EWS·Fli-1 Fusion Protein Interacts with Hyperphosphorylated RNA Polymerase II and Interferes with Serine-Arginine Protein-mediated RNA Splicing *

Ewing's sarcoma displays a characteristic chromosomal translocation that results in fusion of the N-terminal domain of the Ewing's sarcoma protein (EWS) to the C-terminal DNA-binding domain of the ETS family transcription factor Fli-1 (Friend leukemia integration-1). EWS possesses structural motifs suggesting a role in transactivation as well as RNA binding. We demonstrate that wild-type EWS protein functions as an adapter molecule coupling transcription to RNA splicing by binding to hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II through the N-terminal domain of EWS and recruiting serine-arginine (SR) splicing factors through the C-terminal domain of EWS. The oncogenic EWS·Fli-1 fusion protein retains the ability to bind to hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II but lacks the ability to recruit SR proteins because of replacement of the C-terminal domain of EWS by Fli-1. In an in vivo splicing assay, the EWS·Fli-1 fusion protein inhibits SR protein-mediated E1A pre-mRNA splicing in a dominant-negative manner. These results indicate that EWS·Fli-1 interferes with the normal function of EWS and implicate uncoupling of gene transcription from RNA splicing in the pathogenesis of Ewing's sarcoma.
Laparoscopic renal surgery and the risk of rhabdomyolysis: Diagnosis and treatment

Abstract Postoperative rhabdomyolysis is a rare but serious complication of laparoscopic renal urologic surgery. The early recognition and treatment of the condition are imperative to minimize the risk of acute renal failure (ARF) and to limit the associated physical debility. Between 1992 and 2003, >700 laparoscopic renal procedures were performed at 2 institutions. Rhabdomyolysis occurred in 7 patients. Patient records were retrospectively analyzed for operative, postoperative, and convalescence data. Rhabdomyolysis presented in all patients as excessive, immediate postoperative muscular pain in the “downside” hip/flank. The average procedure time among these patients was 7.5 hours (range, 5.8 to 9.4 hours). In 6 of 7 cases, the kidney rest was elevated throughout the procedure. Two patients required emergency fasciotomy to treat a gluteal compartment syndrome. Four patients (57%) experienced ARF with an average peak creatinine of 533.8 μmol/L [7.0 mg/dL] (range, 160.1 to 739.6 μmol/L [2.1 to 9.7 mg/dL]). These patients had bicarbonate alkalinization and diuretic administration initiated at a mean of 24 hours (range, 4 to 48 hours). Two patients required hemodialysis for 1 month postoperatively but had stable serum creatinine (106.8 and 129.6 μmol/L [1.4 and 1.7 mg/dL]) within 2 months. The mean peak serum creatinine kinase (CK) for all patients was 33,912 U/L (range, 9350 to 99,193 U/L). All patients had extended recovery with difficulties including lower extremity weakness (n = 4), local pressure neuropathy (n = 1), long-term leg pain and numbness (n = 1), and disability requiring long-term wheelchair assistance (n = 1). Excessive, immediate postlaparoscopic gluteal muscular pain should prompt immediate evaluation of serum CK to assess for rhabdomyolysis. Aggressive hydration and diuresis are recommended to minimize renal injury. Minimizing operative times, attention to padding of the operative table, and eliminating or limiting the use of a kidney rest may help prevent this complication.
Nosocomial pneumonia in the pediatric trauma patient: A single center’s experience

Objectives: To evaluate a single center's experience with the frequency rate, patterns of occurrence, and impact on outcome of nosocomial pneumonia in the critically injured child. Design: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Setting: Level I university trauma center with a pediatric trauma intensive care unit. Patients: A total of 523 consecutive critically injured children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit during an 80-month interval. Measurements and Results: Thirty-five episodes of nosocomial pneumonia were identified in 29 children (frequency rate of 5.5%). The mean age of the children was 9.2 yrs, and the mean Injury Severity Score was 27 ± 9. In 91% of patients (26 children), nosocomial pneumonia was associated with mechanical ventilation. This represented a 13% frequency rate in injured children who were ventilated during the study period. The most common organisms recovered were Staphylococcus aureus (21%), Haemophilus influenzae (19%), Pseudomonas (11%), and Enterobacter (11%). Early pneumonia (diagnosed ≤7 days after injury) was predominantly caused by Haemophilus species. In contrast, Enterobacter and/or Pseudomonas were isolated primarily in late pneumonia (diagnosed >7 days after injury). Staphylococcus was prominent throughout the hospitalization. Overall, children with nosocomial pneumonia were more severely injured (Injury Severity Score 27 vs. 17, p <.001) and had a longer hospital stay (26 vs. 7 days, p <.001). Despite this, mortality (6.9% vs. 7.9%, p = NS) was not significantly different from injured children without pneumonia. Conclusions: In this study of a single pediatric trauma center, nosocomial pneumonia occurred in a small but significant percentage of injured children. The frequency rate increased two- to three-fold with mechanical ventilation. Microbiology varied with day of onset. In contrast to the adult, mortality did not seem to be significantly altered by this complication. Analysis of additional pediatric trauma centers is encouraged to confirm these characteristics of nosocomial pneumonia in the injured child.
Microvascular flap reconstruction of the mandible: a comparison of bone grafts and bridging plates for restoration of mandibular continuity

Abstract Objective To compare the efficacy of vascularized bone grafts and bridging mandibular reconstruction plates for restoration of mandibular continuity in patients who undergo free flap reconstruction after segmental mandibulectomy. Study design and setting A total of 210 patients underwent microvascular flap reconstruction after segmental mandibulectomy. The rate of successful restoration of mandibular continuity in 151 patients with vascularized bone grafts was compared to 59 patients with soft tissue free flaps combined with bridging plates. Results Mandibular continuity was restored successfully for the duration of the follow-up period in 94% of patients who received bone grafts compared with 92% of patients with bridging mandibular reconstruction plates. This difference was not statistically significant. In patients who received bone grafts, most cases of reconstructive failure occurred during the perioperative period and were due to patient death or free flap thrombosis. In patients who received bridging plates, all instances of reconstructive failure were delayed for several months and were due to hardware extrusion or plate fracture. Conclusions Vascularized bone-containing free flaps are preferred for reconstruction of most segmental mandibulectomy defects in patients undergoing microvascular flap reconstruction. However, use of a soft tissue flap with a bridging mandibular reconstruction plate is a reasonable alternative in patients with lateral oromandibular defects when the nature of the defect favors use of a soft tissue free flap. Significance Both bone grafts and bridging plates represent effective methods of restoring mandibular continuity following segmental mandibulectomy, with the former being the preferred technique for patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction.
A Framework of Joint Mobile Energy Replenishment and Data Gathering in Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks

Recent years have witnessed the rapid development and proliferation of techniques on improving energy efficiency for wireless s`ensor networks. Although these techniques can relieve the energy constraint on wireless sensors to some extent, the lifetime of wireless sensor networks is still limited by sensor batteries. Recent studies have shown that energy rechargeable sensors have the potential to provide perpetual network operations by capturing renewable energy from external environments. However, the low output of energy capturing devices can only provide intermittent recharging opportunities to support low-rate data services due to spatial-temporal, geographical or environmental factors. To provide steady and high recharging rates and achieve energy efficient data gathering from sensors, in this paper, we propose to utilize mobility for joint energy replenishment and data gathering. In particular, a multi-functional mobile entity, called SenCar in this paper, is employed, which serves not only as a mobile data collector that roams over the field to gather data via short-range communication but also as an energy transporter that charges static sensors on its migration tour via wireless energy transmissions. Taking advantages of SenCar’s controlled mobility, we focus on the joint optimization of effective energy charging and high-performance data collections. We first study this problem in general networks with random topologies. We give a two-step approach for the joint design. In the first step, the locations of a subset of sensors are periodically selected as anchor points, where the SenCar will sequentially visit to charge the sensors at these locations and gather data from nearby sensors in a multi-hop fashion. To achieve a desirable balance between energy replenishment amount and data gathering latency, we provide a selection algorithm to search for a maximum number of anchor points where sensors hold the least battery energy, and meanwhile by visiting them, the tour length of the SenCar is no more than a threshold. In the second step, we consider data gathering performance when the SenCar migrates among these anchor points. We formulate the problem into a network utility maximization problem and propose a distributed algorithm to adjust data rates at which sensors send buffered data to the SenCar, link scheduling and flow routing so as to adapt to the up-to-date energy replenishing status of sensors. Besides general networks, we also study a special scenario where sensors are regularly deployed. For this case we can provide a simplified solution of lower complexity by exploiting the symmetry of the topology. Finally, we validate the effectiveness of our approaches by extensive numerical results, which show that our solutions can achieve perpetual network operations and provide high network utility.
Posterior urethral valves: long-term outcome

Posterior urethral valves represent the most common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in infancy that impairs renal and bladder function. Long-term outcome of patients with previous PUV is evaluated. Patients over 18 years of age, treated from 1982 to 1995 before the age of 3 years were considered. Previous surgery, renal function, bladder activity, urinary incontinence, and fertility/sexual activity were evaluated. Clinical interview, creatinine clearance, uroflowmetry with ultrasound post-void urine residue, and self-administered questionnaire were recorded. Out of 45 identified records, 24 patients (53.3%) accepted to be enrolled (age 18–34 years, mean 23 years). The mean follow-up was 19.5 years (16–30 years). Out of the 21 excluded patients, 20 did not reply to the clinical interview and 1 died at age of 6 years. All the 24 patients had early endoscopic section of PUV; nine also received transient ureterocutaneostomy or vesicostomy. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed in five patients and ureterocystoplasty with unilateral nephrectomy in two. At follow-up chronic renal failure was detected in 13 patients (54.1%) and 9 (37.5%) had arterial hypertension. End-stage renal disease developed in five patients (20.8%): three had successful renal transplantation and two were in dialysis. Lower urinary tract symptoms were present in seven patients (29.1%). No significant fertility deficit and sexual dysfunction were observed in 23 patients, while 1 patient was azoospermic. No paternity was reported so far. Long-term outcome of patients with previously treated PUV is mandatory. Kidney, bladder, and sexual functions should be monitored till adulthood to verify any modified behaviour.
Preference structure representation using convex cones in multicriteria integer programming

A new efficient system of representing the decision-maker's preference structure in solving multicriteria integer programming problems is developed. The problem is solved by an interactive branch-and-bound method that employs the procedure of Zionts and Wallenius Zionts, S., J. Wallenius. 1983. An interactive multiple objective linear programming method for a class of underlying nonlinear utility functions. Management Sci.295. for multicriteria linear programming. The decision-maker's underlying utility function is assumed to be pseudoconcave, and his pairwise comparisons of decision alternatives are used to determine his preference structure in terms of certain convex cones in the objective function space and constraints on the weights on the objectives in the weight space. The two forms of preference structure representation are interrelated, and their underlying theory is developed. The primary objective of a representation scheme is exactness, and, in this respect, it is shown that the constraints on the weights are not adequate for representing nonlinear utility functions. On the other hand, the convex cones exactly represent any quasiconcave utility function and clearly avoid the approximations and inaccuracies in other utility assessment systems. Accordingly, an efficient ordered representation using convex cones is developed. An algorithmic framework for multicriteria integer programming that integrates the representation using convex cones with the branch-and-bound solution procedure is developed. Computational experience with bicriteria problems having up to 80 variables and 40 constraints is presented.
Pharmacological manipulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in morphine analgesia, tolerance and physical dependence.

Abstract The findings from our laboratory indicated that pharmacological manipulations of GABA system modified morphine analgesia, tolerance and physical dependence. Elevating brain levels of GABA by slowing its destruction with aminooxyacetic acid not only antagonized the analgesic action of morphine in both non-tolerant and tolerant mice, but also enhanced the development of tolerance and physical dependence. On the other hand, blockade of postsynaptic sites of GABA receptors by bicuculline resulted in an inhibition of tolerance and dependence development. Administration of 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, an inhibitor of GABA uptake in the neurons, antagonized morphine analgesia in both non-tolerant and tolerant mice. However, it did not modify naloxone precipitated withdrawal jumping. On the contrary, β-alanine, an inhibitor of the GABA uptake process in glial cells, potentiated naloxone precipitated withdrawal jumping in morphine dependent mice, but it had no effect on morphine antinociception in both non-tolerant and tolerant mice.
Drosophila Epsin mediates a select endocytic pathway that DSL ligands must enter to activate Notch

Recent findings suggest that Delta/Serrate/Lag2 (DSL) signals activate Notch by an unprecedented mechanism that requires the ligands to be endocytosed in signal-sending cells to activate the receptor in signal-receiving cells. Here, we show that cells devoid of Epsin, a conserved adaptor protein for Clathrin-mediated endocytosis, behave normally except that they cannot send DSL signals. Surprisingly, we find that Epsin is not required for bulk endocytosis of DSL proteins. Instead, Epsin appears to be essential for targeting DSL proteins to a special endocytic pathway that they must enter to acquire signaling activity. We present evidence that DSL proteins must be mono-ubiquitinated to be targeted by Epsin to this pathway. Furthermore, we show that the requirements for both Epsin and mono-ubiquitination can be bypassed by introducing the internalization signal that mediates endocytosis and recycling of the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. We propose that Epsin is essential for DSL signaling because it targets mono-ubiquitinated DSL proteins to an endocytic recycling compartment that they must enter to be converted into active ligands. Alternatively Epsin may be required to target mono-ubiquitinated DSL proteins to a particular subclass of coated pits that have special properties essential for Notch activation.
How do neurons look at the world

When we consider the extraordinary abilities of our brains, we tend to focus on much-valued capabilities for the manipulation of abstract symbols and for the representation of the self. It is these capabilities that allow us to use language, do mathematics, create music, play chess, and maintain, as we do all this and much more, a unified and continuous sense of who we are. As much as we delight in these features, most likely to characterize the human brain as somewhat unique within an evolutionary scale, a crucial function of our brains, as well as the brains of many other organisms, is to provide an interface with the external world. This interface has two fundamental components: the processing of sensory information and the control of movement.
Ecological Niche Modeling Approaches to Conservation of Endangered and Threatened Birds in Central and Eastern Europe

Comprehensive biodiversity surveys are unavailable for most Central and Eastern European countries. Although birds in general are well-studied, distributional information in the region is sparse and largely out-of of-date; I used museum specimen locality records and raster GIS data layers summarizing environmental dimensions to produce distributional hypotheses for the 36 threatened and endangered bird species in the region using ecological niche modeling. These ecological niche models were also used to predict likely future (2055) distributional shifts owing to global climate change. The entire suite of distributional information that resulted was used to evaluate strategies for conservation via simple heuristic place-prioritization algorithms based on complementarity and rarity considerations. These analyses identified priority areas in southern and eastern Romania, as well as other areas across the region, as priority targets for conservation action in the region.
Oxidative damage and platelet activation as new predictors of mobility disability and mortality in elders.

Mobility disability is an early phase of the disablement process in older adults, and represents a major risk factor for physical disability and mortality. Pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the onset of mobility limitation are still largely unknown. Oxidative damage, responsible for the disruption of the equilibrium of biological systems by damaging major constituent molecules, might play an important role in the pathway leading to major health-related events. It has been suggested the existence of a vicious cycle involving oxidative damage, platelet activation, and inflammation as promoter of pathophysiological changes occurring with aging. This hypothesis is based on the following observations: (a) oxidative damage is associated with diseases and clinical conditions potentially leading to disability and mortality; (b) oxidative damage is associated with platelet activation, and a vicious cycle involving oxidative damage, platelet activation, and inflammation has been demonstrated in several ...
Chronic stroke and aging: The impact of acoustic stimulus intensity on fractionated reaction time

In control samples, intense acoustic "go" stimuli accelerate the central and peripheral motor processes that compose simple reaction time movements. The goal of the current study was to determine whether movements that are initiated to intense acoustic cues facilitate simple reaction times in (1) adults with chronic stroke as compared to age matched controls and (2) in older as compared to younger adults. EMG and force data were collected from three groups (stroke, older adults, and younger adults) during a ballistic wrist and finger extension task. Movements were made to the onset of 80 dB and 107 dB acoustic cues and simple reaction times were fractionated into premotor and motor components. The present findings offer two important contributions to the literature. First, increases in stimulus intensity led to faster motor times in the impaired limb of stroke subjects. Second, increased stimulus intensity led to faster premotor reaction times across all groups, although an age rather than a stroke-specific motor deficit was evidenced, with the younger control group displaying significantly faster premotor times. Findings are integrated with previous evidence concerning post stroke corticospinal tract integrity and are interpreted via mechanisms which address stroke and age-related changes in motoneurons and activity in motor units.
The determinants of Federal Reserve policy actions: A re-examination

Abstract In an earlier article (Journal of Macroeconomics 19, 1997) we presented estimates of Federal Reserve reaction functions including variables representing economic and political influences. Our goal was to examine the relative importance of political versus economic influences in determining Federal Reserve actions, as well as to see which economic state variables influenced Federal Reserve actions during various time periods. This paper extends our earlier work in three ways. First, we re-estimate the monetary policy reaction functions in our earlier study in a way which obviates possible reverse causation problems and better approximates the information set that was available to the Open Market Committee at the time its decisions were made. Second, we now have five more years of data which allows us to examine the Greenspan years more fully. Third, we divide our sample period, 1965–94, into two sub-periods, pre-1979 and post-1979, to examine the view that the Federal Reserve evidenced greater concern for inflation in the latter sub-period. The essential change from our earlier study is to use the interval between FOMC meetings as our observation rather than a calendar month. This change is shown to have significant effects on the estimated importance of political factors and economic state variables as determinants of Federal Reserve actions.
Comparison of nevirapine- and efavirenz-containing antiretroviral regimens in antiretroviral-naïve patients: A cohort study

AbstractObjective: Efavirenz (EFV) was superior to nevirapine (NVP) in two recent cohort studies; but data from clinical trials suggest that three studies are needed to validate cohort results. We performed a cohort analysis comparing time to treatment failure and change in plasma HIV-1 RNA from baseline in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naIve individuals treated with NVP- or EFV-containing regimens. Method: A cohort analysis of three observational databases (N = >10,000 patients) found 1,078 ART-naIve individuals treated with NVP-containing (n = 523) or EFV-containing (n = 555) regimens. Patients were evenly matched and received at least three antiretroviral agents. The primary endpoint was time to treatment failure defined as a rebound in plasma HIV-1 RNA > 400 copies/mL. Other endpoints were change in plasma HIV-1 RNA from baseline and percent with plasma HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL over time. Potential confounding variables were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Compared to EFV, N...
Epithelial sodium conductance in rabbit preimplantation trophectodermal cells.

We examined the development of epithelial Na+ conductance in 6- and 7-day post coitus (p.c.) preimplantation rabbit embryos using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique on dissociated rabbit trophectodermal cells and by immunocytochemical localization using a polyclonal antibody directed against subunits of an apical epithelial Na+ channel on the intact blastocyst. In Day 6 and 7 p.c. trophectodermal cells, we observed an outwardly rectified whole-cell Na+ current. The current-voltage characteristics did not differ between the 6- and the 7-day p.c. cells. Replacement of Na+ with the impermeant cation N-methyl-D-glucamine in the pipette or bath reduced outward currents and inward currents, respectively, indicating that the current was Na(+)-dependent. Treatment of 7-day p.c. cells with 100 microM amiloride, benzamil, or ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA) blocked the whole-cell currents within 5 min. However, the current of the Day 6 p.c. embryo was not blocked by amiloride. The amiloride block at Day 7 p.c. was only partially reversible after 15 min of continuous perfusion of the bath with an amiloride-free solution. The apparent dissociation constant (Ki) for amiloride, benzamil, and EIPA was 12, 50, and 16 microM, respectively, when measured 5 min after drug addition. Immunolocalization studies of blastocysts with a polyclonal antibody raised against a high amiloride affinity Na+ channel isolated from bovine kidney revealed no specific binding to the trophectodermal cells at Day 6 p.c.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Lead Program Provides Support, Development for New Principals

The Leadership in Educational Administration Development (LEAD) program helps new princi bals hone their administrative skills and establishes for them a net ork of support and information. One such program is described here.
Not Your Everyday Anisocoria: Angel’s Trumpet Ocular Toxicity

A 12-year-old boy was brought to the emergency department by his parents with new-onset anisocoria. He complained of blurry vision and of his left pupil being larger than the right. His visual acuity was normal and examination revealed a painless left mydriasis. A thorough history and targeted examination yielded the diagnosis of pharmacologic mydriasis caused by ocular exposure to Angel's Trumpet (Datura suaveolens), a plant containing toxic alkaloids with anti-cholinergic properties. The patient and his family were spared expensive and time-consuming tests (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging) or further referral. His symptoms resolved spontaneously in 3 days.
Immunohistochemistry with a mutation-specific monoclonal antibody as a screening tool for the BRAFV600E mutational status in primary cutaneous malignant melanoma

The V600E mutation of BRAF has emerged as both an effective biomarker and therapeutic target for select benign and malignant cutaneous and non-cutaneous human tumors and is typically determined using DNA-based techniques that include allele-specific PCR and direct DNA sequencing. Recently however, the development of new antibodies directed against the V600E protein has opened the door for an easier and more efficient strategy for identifying this mutation. Our present aim was to determine the efficacy of one such antibody, anti-B-Raf (V600E), a mouse monoclonal antibody in which the immunogen is a synthetic peptide derived from the internal region of BRAFV600E. A total of 35 cases of primary cutaneous melanoma were evaluated using a combination of DNA-based techniques that included allele-specific PCR and/or direct DNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry. Cases of papillary thyroid carcinomas (n=5) and colorectal carcinomas (n=5), known to harbor the BRAFV600E mutation, served as positive controls for the study. DNA analyses revealed that 6 of 35 (17%) cases of the primary cutaneous malignant melanoma possessed the BRAFV600E mutation. For immunohistochemical analyses, cytoplasmic positivity with anti-B-Raf was noted in 7 of 35 (20%) cases of primary melanoma and in all 10 positive controls. Statistical analyses of the data demonstrated that the sensitivity of the immunohistochemistry was 100% and specificity was 97%. Findings from the current study support the potential use of immunohistochemistry as an ancillary screening tool to assess the BRAFV600E mutation status in primary cutaneous melanoma.
The tidal disruption of a star by a massive black hole

Results are reported from a three-dimensional numerical calculation of the tidal disruption of a low-mass main-sequence star on a parabolic orbit around a massive black hole (Mh = 10 to the 6th stellar mass). The postdisruption evolution is followed until hydrodynamic forces becomes negligible and the liberated gas becomes ballistic. Also given is the rate at which bound mass returns to pericenter after orbiting the hole once. The processes that determine the time scale to circularize the debris orbits and allow an accretion torus to form are discussed. This time scale and the time scales for radiative cooling and accretion inflow determine the onset and duration of the subsequent flare in the AGN luminosity.
Influence of Cystic Fibrosis Plasma on Lymphocyte Responses to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Vitro

Summary: Peripheral blood lymphocytes from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with advanced diseases do not proliferate following exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) antigens in in vitro. In this study, we sought to determine if CF lymphocyte unresponsiveness to PA is due to inhibitory factors present in CF plasma. Nineteen low-responder CF (LRCF) patients increased their mean lymphocyte proliferative response ([3H]thymidine incorporation) from 703 ± 133 to 3178 ± 811 net cpm when incubated in normal plasma. These increases do not reach the level of response seen in normal individuals (8510 ± 1323 net cpm). Ten of 19 patients did not increase their responses over 2000 net cpm. Plasma from LRCF patients does not inhibit responses of normal or homologous CF lymphocytes. Responses of normal individuals in autologous plasma were 7807 ± 1164 net cpm. The same lymphocytes incubated in 16 plasmas from LRCF patients gave responses of 7146 ± 1317 net cpm. Preincubation of the PA antigen in LRCF plasma increases rather than inhibits normal lymphocyte responses. LRCF plasma absorbed with PA no longer supports normal lymphocyte responses to PA. LRCF and normal plasma mixtures increase responses of normal lymphocytes to PA over responses in autologous plasma. Extensive preincubation and washing of LRCF lymphocytes to eliminate blocking immune complexes failed to restore the ability to respond to PA. These data suggest that the unresponsiveness to PA of lymphocytes from CF patients with advanced disease is due to alterations occurring at a cellular level in vivo. This lymphocyte dysfunction cannot be reversed by normal plasma in vitro, nor can it be induced in normal lymphocytes by the use of CF plasma.
Threshold Measurement for Patients with Tinnitus

This study compared the effectiveness of pulsed tones (200 ms on/200 ms off) and continuous tones (1 to 2 s) for measuring thresholds in patients with tinnitus. Sixty veterans with tonal tinnitus and a history consistent with noise-induced hearing loss participated. Half were assigned to a pulsed-tone group; half were assigned to a continuous-tone group. Air-conduction thresholds were measured twice for each patient in a single session for octave intervals between 250 Hz and 4000 Hz. Results indicated no significant difference between groups for test-retest differences, but overall more presentations were required to measure thresholds with continuous tones than with pulsed tones at 4000 Hz. Moreover, the continuous-tone group had, on average, more false-positive responses than the pulsed-tone group. This study supports the clinical belief that pulsed tones are preferred over continuous tones for measuring thresholds for persons with tinnitus.
Hopf bifurcation in pioneer-climax competing species models

Two-dimensional pioneer-climax models of competing species differential equations are introduced and examined. The per capita growth rates are functions of weighted densities of the individual species. Constant rate forcing is added representing stocking or harvesting. The ensuing stability properties of interior equilibria are studied. The primary interest is when stable periodic behavior of the populations results from a Hopf bifurcation. For linear and quadratic fitnesses, general formulas are calculated for determining the stability of the periodic orbit and for finding the Hopf bifurcation surface. Also strategies for restoring the system to a stable equilibrium are developed.
Color preference in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

Eight naive squirrel monkeys were found, by the paired comparisons method, to prefer darker-hued colors.