cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fate of MHC-matched corneal allografts in Th1-deficient hosts.

PURPOSE To determine whether the Th1 cytokine, interferon (IFN)-gamma, is necessary for corneal graft rejection. METHODS Full-thickness penetrating keratoplasties were performed in normal mice and in IFN-gamma knockout (KO) mice. RESULTS Sixty-four percent of the MHC-mismatched corneal allografts were rejected in IFN-gamma KO mice. By contrast, MHC-matched corneal allografts were rejected in 50% to 77% of the wild-type hosts, but were not rejected in any of the IFN-gamma KO mice or the wild-type mice treated with anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody. Corneal graft rejection in IFN-gamma-deficient hosts was characterized by an eosinophilic infiltrate compared with a mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in normal mice. CONCLUSIONS IFN-gamma is not necessary for the rejection of MHC-mismatched corneal grafts. However, IFN-gamma and Th1 immune mechanisms are necessary for the rejection of MHC-matched corneal allografts that confront the host with foreign minor histocompatibility antigens. The immune response in atopic patients, as in IFN-gamma KO mice, is characterized by cross-regulation of Th1 cytokines, such as IFN-gamma. The present results indicate that MHC matching dramatically reduces the risk of corneal graft rejection when IFN-gamma is depressed or absent. Thus, MHC matching may reduce the risk of corneal graft rejection in patients with atopic keratoconus.
Further investigation of the association between gastroesophageal reflux and bronchoconstriction

A double-blind modification of the intraesophageal acid perfusion challenge (Bernstein procedure) was performed in asthmatic subjects with and without gastroesophageal reflux, nonasthmatic subjects with reflux, and normal subjects. Conventional spirometric functions and total respiratory resistance (Rrs) were measured prior to and after the infusion. There were no changes in pulmonary functions except in the asthmatic subjects who had had a positive acid challenge. The greatest changes occurred in Rrs, which increased significantly with reflux symptoms (p less than 0.01) and decreased toward baseline (p less than 0.05) when these symptoms were relieved with antacids. The response was even greater in asthmatic subjects who associated reflux symptoms with attacks of asthma. These results support previous findings that acid reflux symptoms could cause a bronchoconstrictive response in certain asthmatic patients.
Photoreactive Analogues of Prenyl Diphosphates as Inhibitors and Probes of Human Protein Farnesyltransferase and Geranylgeranyltransferase Type I

Photoreactive analogues of prenyl diphosphates have been useful in studying prenyltransferases. The effectiveness of analogues with different chain lengths as probes of recombinant human protein prenyltransferases is established here. A putative geranylgeranyl diphosphate analogue, 2-diazo-3,3,3-trifluoropropionyloxy-farnesyl diphosphate (DATFP-FPP), was the best inhibitor of both protein farnesyltransferase (PFT) and protein geranylgeranyltransferase-I (PFFT-I). Shorter photoreactive isprenyl diphosphate analogues with geranyl and dimethylallyl moieties and the DATFP-derivative of farnesyl monophosphate were much poorer inhibitors. DATFP-FPP was a competitive inhibitor of both PFT and PGGT-I with Ki values of 100 and 18 nM, respectively. [32P]DATFP-FPP specifically photoradiolabelled the beta-subunits of both PFT and PGGT-I. Photoradiolabelling of PGGT-I was inhibited more effectively by geranylgeranyl diphosphate than farnesyl diphosphate, whereas photoradiolabelling of PFT was inhibited better by farnesyl diphosphate than geranylgeranyl diphosphate. These results lead to the conclusions that DATFP-FPP is an effective probe of the prenyl diphosphate binding domains of PFT and PGGT-I. Furthermore, the beta-subunits of protein prenyltransferases must contribute significantly to the recognition and binding of the isoprenoid substrate.
Effect of acute stress on plasma β-corticosterone, estradiol-17β and testosterone concentrations in juvenile American alligators collected from three sites within the Kissimmee–Everglades drainage basin in Florida (USA)

Abstract The effect of acute stress on plasma β-corticosterone (B), testosterone (T) and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations in juvenile alligators collected from sites with varying sediment contaminants was examined in this study. Dramatic increases in plasma B concentrations were observed in alligators from all of the sites after 2 h of capture although females from the intermediate contaminant site exhibited a significantly lower percentage increase in B than females from the other two sites. Males from the site with the highest contaminant levels exhibited elevated initial B concentrations relative to the other sites. This pattern was not observed after 2 h of restraint. Females from the highest contaminant site exhibited depressed initial T when compared to the other sites although this pattern was not observed after 2 h of restraint. Neither E2 nor T decreased after 2 h in females, whereas T concentrations decreased in all males over the same time period. The variance associated with these endpoints was also examined to determine whether it could serve as a more sensitive marker for perturbations of the endocrine system and stress response. Females from the higher and intermediate contaminant sites exhibited the lowest and highest standard errors (respectively) associated with 2 h plasma B concentrations with no differences among mean concentrations suggesting a perturbation of the stress response in these animals that was not detected by examining the means. We concluded that the environmental contaminants could be acting as stressors, leading to the observed differences.
The blending of water with organic solvents by detergents

The present paper records results of blending water with a variety of organic solvents, using various types of soaps in an attempt to provide a basis for an explanation of the phenomenon of blending. Amine salts of the fatty acids and cation active detergents have been used, since ordinary soaps are not sufficiently soluble at room temperature.
ION VELOCITY DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE AURORAL IONOSPHERE.

Abstract For application to studies of the auroral ionosphere we have calculated the velocity distribution of the ions in a weakly-ionized plasma subjected to crossed electric and magnetic fields. We have retained enough terms in the series expansion of the distribution to enable us to determine under what conditions departures from the Maxwellian form become significant and what the nature of these departures is, but we cannot calculate precise values of the distribution function when the departures are large. Departures are negligibly small under conditions appropriate to the auroral ionosphere at low altitudes, where the ion-neutral collision frequency is much larger than the ion cyclotron frequency. At altitudes above about 120 km, however, the magnitude of the departures varies little with altitude. Electric fields greater than 25 mV m −1 cause departures from the Maxwellian distribution that are greater than 20 per cent at random velocities equal to or greater than twice the mean thermal speed of the ions. Under almost all conditions we find that the distribution is depleted in ions moving parallel to the magnetic field relative to those moving perpendicular, an effect that might be detectable in ionospheric measurements of ion temperature.
Territoriality: A neglected sociological dimension.

Territoriality, or the attempt to control space, is conceived as a fundamental human activity. Distinguished are four types of territory (viz., public territories, home territories, interactional territories, and body territories), three types of territorial encroachment (viz., violation, invasion, and contamination), and three types of reaction to encroachment (viz., turf defense, insulation, and linguistic collusion). Certain groups are spatially deprived of free territory—that is, the ecological conditions that afford opportunities for idiosyncrasy and expression of desired identities. In response to this absence of free space, spatially deprived groups respond to various kinds of body manipulation, body adornment, and body penetration (i.e., the modification of inner space).
Incorporation of 13C,15N-labeled nucleosides and measurement of RNA synthesis and turnover in sea urchin embryos

Abstract The uptake of nucleosides into sea urchin embryos and their subsequent incorporation into RNA increases with increasing external nucleoside concentration. When embryos are incubated with high concentrations of 13 C, 15 N-labeled nucleosides, newly synthesized RNA becomes sufficiently labeled with heavy isotope to be separated from unlabeled RNA on cesium formate equilibrium gradients. High concentrations of nucleosides do not affect development of embryos or rates of RNA synthesis. The extent of density-labeling of precursor pools increases with incubation time, and only levels off after many hours. During incubations with high concentrations of nucleosides, ATP pools expand up to twofold. Using density-labeling to circumvent precursor pool measurements, a method is presented to study the synthesis and decay of pulse-labeled RNA. The instantaneous rate of synthesis of total RNA at the blastula stage is 9.3 × 10 −15 mol of total nucleotide/embryo per minute and the average half-life of total RNA is 23 minutes.
Formation of the thioester, N,S-diacetylcysteine, from acetaldehyde and N,N'diacetylcystine in aqueous solution with ultraviolet light

The thioester, N,S-diacetylcysteine, is formed during the illumination of phosphate buffered (pH 7.0) aqueous solutions of acetaldehyde and N,N'-diacetylcystine with ultraviolet light. The yield of N,S-diacetylcysteine relative to N-acetylcysteine and unidentified products progressively increases as ultraviolet light below 239 nm, 253 nm and 281 nm is cut off with optical filters. When ultraviolet light below 320 nm is removed with an optical filter, there is no detectable reaction. Illumination of 0.025 M N,N'-diacetylcystine with 0.5 M and 1.0 M acetaldehyde with filtered ultraviolet light gives, respectively, 20% and 80% yields of N,S-diacetylcysteine. In the reaction with 1.0 M acetaldehyde, N-acetylcysteine forms early in the reaction and later decreases with its conversion to N,S-diacetylcysteine. The prebiotic significance of these reactions is discussed.
Profile of Postdischarge Rehospitalizations and Acute Care Visits for Seven Patient Groups

The study's purpose was to examine postdischarge rehospitalizations and acute care visits in seven high risk, high volume, high-cost patient groups. Subjects were drawn from an urban tertiary teaching hospital. The total sample (N = 764) consisted of seven patient groups (drawn from five randomized clinical trials): very low birthweight (VLBW) infants (n = 79); women post-unplanned cesarean birth (n = 122) and their infants (n = 123); pregnant women with diabetes (n = 55); women post-hysterectomy surgery (n = 109); and elderly with medical cardiac Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) (n = 142) and elderly with surgical cardiac DRGs (n = 134). The VLBW infant and pregnant diabetic groups were predominantly African American, the elderly and hysterectomy groups predominantly Caucasian, and the cesarean group almost equally distributed. The lowest rate of rehospitalization (2%) occurred in the cesarean group, the highest (35%) in the pregnant diabetics. In four groups (cesarean and infants, hysterectomy and surgical elderly), 60%-100% of the rehospitalizations occurred within 4 weeks of discharge. Subjects requiring acute care visits ranged from 13% (hysterectomy) to 82% (VLBW infants). Acute care visits demonstrated greater distribution throughout the follow-up periods but also tended to concentrate in the first 4 weeks postdischarge.
Phospholipase D signaling mediates reactive oxygen species-induced lung endothelial barrier dysfunction.

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) have emerged as critical players in the pathophysiology of pulmonary disorders and diseases. Earlier, we have demonstrated that ROS stimulate lung endothelial cell (EC) phospholipase D (PLD) that generates phosphatidic acid (PA), a second messenger involved in signal transduction. In the current study, we investigated the role of PLD signaling in the ROS-induced lung vascular EC barrier dysfunction. Our results demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a typical physiological ROS, induced PLD activation and altered the barrier function in bovine pulmonary artery ECs (BPAECs). 1-Butanol, the quencher of PLD, generated PA leading to the formation of physiologically inactive phosphatidyl butanol but not its biologically inactive analog, 2-butanol, blocked the H2O2-mediated barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, cell permeable C2 ceramide, an inhibitor of PLD but not the C2 dihydroceramide, attenuated the H2O2-induced PLD activation and enhancement of paracellular permeabili...
Mother-son sexual abuse: Rare or underreported? A critique of the research

This paper reviews the literature regarding mother-son sexual abuse and critiques the methodologies that may be responsible for the underreporting of such cases. The review of the clinical and empirical literature reveals discrepancies regarding estimates of incidence and prevalence of mother-son sexual abuse. The author suggests improved methodologies for researchers interested in studying this topic.
ROTATIONAL CONSTANTS FOR HCN AND DCN.

Abstract Microwave measurements of rotational transitions within vibrationally excited states of several isotopic species of HCN have given improved values for the pertinent B v constants. These new data have been combined with infrared measurements given in the literature (ncluding D v terms) to arrive at a set of rovibrational constants (α and γ constants) which is consistent with all available data. Bond distances resulting from several different B e approximations are intercompared to assess the variability of the r e values and the importance of the γ terms. The latest r 0 and r s bond distances are also given.
Preoperative volume expansion improves tolerance to carotid artery cross-clamping during endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The benefit of carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis relates to both appropriate patient selection and careful surgical technique. Critical to the latter is the ability to afford intraoperative neuroprotection during carotid cross-clamping, although the optimal strategy to assure this protection remains debated. This report describes the impact of adding preoperative colloid volume expansion to a surgical algorithm that includes electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring and barbiturate-induced burst suppression for EEG lateralization refractory to hypertension. METHODS: The incidence of ischemic EEG change during carotid cross-clamping was observed. The results of an initial series of patients (n = 45) reported before incorporation of volume expansion were compared with the results of the current series (n = 155) of carotid endarterectomies, which included preoperative volume expansion with 6% hetastarch (500 or 1000 cc). RESULTS: With preoperative volume expansion, there was a 40% decrease in the incidence of EEG lateralization during carotid cross-clamping (17.4 versus 28.9%, P < 0.05) and a 63% decrease in the EEG lateralization refractory to induced hypertension (5.8 versus 15.6%, P < 0.05). The combined perioperative stroke and death rate was 1.3%. CONCLUSION: These results support the use of preoperative colloid volume expansion in carotid endarterectomy as a means of increasing the cerebral tolerance to carotid cross-clamping.
Automated acoustic matrix deposition for MALDI sample preparation.

Novel high-throughput sample preparation strategies for MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and profiling are presented. An acoustic reagent multispotter was developed to provide improved reproducibility for depositing matrix onto a sample surface, for example, such as a tissue section. The unique design of the acoustic droplet ejector and its optimization for depositing matrix solution are discussed. Since it does not contain a capillary or nozzle for fluid ejection, issues with clogging of these orifices are avoided. Automated matrix deposition provides better control of conditions affecting protein extraction and matrix crystallization with the ability to deposit matrix accurately onto small surface features. For tissue sections, matrix spots of 180−200 μm in diameter were obtained and a procedure is described for generating coordinate files readable by a mass spectrometer to permit automated profile acquisition. Mass spectral quality and reproducibility was found to be better than that obtained with...
Costs of Employee Assistance Programs: Findings from a National Survey

Partly in reaction to heavy alcohol use and illicit drug use by some workers, t’2 many employers have created employee assistance programs (EAPs) to address the variety of problems posed by substance use. Although the initial impetus for establishing EAPs often comes from the need to deal with substance-abuse problems, the mission of EAPs has grown much larger and now encompasses a much broader range of employee problems? Numerous studies "~,4 have examined the EAP process in terms of service delivery and core technologies. This literature provides a rich understanding of the types of workers who obtain help from EAPs and the range of problems addressed. 5,6 However, few studies ~’7-t° have evaluated the costs and effectiveness of EAPs. In particular, no study has estimated the per-employee annual cost of operating an EAP across a large number of worksites drawn from a national probability sample. Using data from a nationally representative survey of EAPs, this article presents findings on the annual cost per eligible employee for EAP services by type of EAP, worksite characteristics, and other factors.
Extraction of individual‐cell photocurrents and shunt resistances in encapsulated modules using large‐scale laser scanning

Traditional laser scanning of encapsulated thin-film modules yields an optical beam-induced current (OBIC) signal for each cell that is proportional to the product of the cell's shunt resistance and photocurrent. Multiple laser chopping frequencies, ho wever, if judiciously chosen, can separate the photocurrent and shunt resistance of the individual cells even when electrical access is only available across the entire module. This method of extraction makes no assumptions about the forward bias behavior of the cells, requires no time-consuming shading of cells and has the potential to be made semi-automatic. The method has yielded accurate results for CuIn(Ga)Se2, CdTe, and single-junction amorphous Si modules. Additional measurement at forwa rd bias can be useful for separation of the photocurrent and shunt resistance of cells with very low OBIC signals.
Light scattering from superfluid fog

Abstract The dynamics of the droplets of superfluid 4 He fog created by an ultrasonic transducer are investigated using a laser scattering technique. Diffusing-wave spectroscopy probes the motion of the droplets, which is found to be ballistic for times shorter than a characteristic viscous time τ v =10 −5 s . The average relative velocity between the droplets is small compared to the velocity that the droplets are ejected from the surface into the fog, but increases proportionally to it.
Vagus nerve stimulation to augment recovery from severe traumatic brain injury impeding consciousness: a prospective pilot clinical trial

AbstractObjectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has high morbidity and mortality in both civilian and military populations. Blast and other mechanisms of TBI damage the brain by causing neurons to disconnect and atrophy. Such traumatic axonal injury can lead to persistent vegetative and minimally conscious states (VS and MCS), for which limited treatment options exist, including physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapies.More than 60 000 patients have received vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy and depression. In addition to decreased seizure frequency and severity, patients report enhanced mood, reduced daytime sleepiness independent of seizure control, increased slow wave sleep, and improved cognition, memory, and quality of life.Early stimulation of the vagus nerve accelerates the rate and extent of behavioral and cognitive recovery after fluid percussion brain injury in rats.Methods: We recently obtained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a pilot prospective randomiz...
8.6.2 Local Energy Storage as a Decoupling Mechanism for Interdependent Infrastructures

—This paper discusses the role of local energy storage in decoupling interdependent infrastructures within a system-of-systems. In order to quantify the effect that interdependencies have on a given infrastructure supporting a system that belongs to the system-of-systems, its availability is analyzed by dividing failure modes in those originated by system component failures and those caused by external influences to the system, i.e., from interdependencies. The effect that added energy storage has on availability is used in order to evaluate the degree of interdependencies among infrastructures. The analysis focuses on conventional communication sites infrastructure because it present an interesting case of interdependencies with two other infrastructures: roads and a power grid. In this system-of-systems, locally stored energy in the form of diesel for a generator set plays an important role in decoupling interdependencies among these three infrastructures. Influence of operational modes are also considered because different operational modes—e.g., continuous operation after a disaster or standby operation in normal conditions—affects the effect of interdependencies on system availability.
Context‐specific protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) signalling in prostate cancer

Background Protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) is an intracellular tyrosine kinase that is distantly related to SRC family kinases. PTK6 is nuclear in normal prostate epithelia, but nuclear localization is lost in prostate tumours. Increased expression of PTK6 is detected in human prostate cancer, especially at metastatic stages, and in other types of cancers, including breast, colon, head and neck cancers, and serous carcinoma of the ovary. Materials and methods Potential novel substrates of PTK6 identified by mass spectrometry were validated in vitro. The significance of PTK6-induced phosphorylation of these substrates was addressed using human prostate cell lines by knockdown of endogenous PTK6 or overexpression of targeted PTK6 to different intracellular compartments. Results We identified AKT, p130CAS and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as novel PTK6 substrates and demonstrated their roles in promoting cell proliferation, migration and resistance to anoikis. In prostate cancer cells, active PTK6 is primarily associated with membrane compartments, although the majority of total PTK6 is localized within the cytoplasm. Ectopic expression of membrane-targeted PTK6 transforms immortalized fibroblasts. Knockdown of endogenous cytoplasmic PTK6 in PC3 prostate cancer cells impairs proliferation, migration and anoikis resistance. However, re-introduction of PTK6 into the nucleus significantly decreases cell proliferation, suggesting context-specific functions for nuclear PTK6. Conclusions In human prostate cancer, elevated PTK6 expression, translocation of PTK6 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and its activation at the plasma membrane contribute to increased phosphorylation and activation of its substrates such as AKT, p130CAS and FAK, thereby promoting prostate cancer progression.
The impact of the changing climate for accreditation on the individual college or university: Five trends and their implications

In the current environment, presidents and chancellors can expect to have their institutions under nearly continuous scrutiny from regional accrediting bodies.
Characterization and Modeling of the Nonlinear Response of Ionic Polymer Actuators

Ionic polymers are compliant, low density materials that operate under low voltage levels as transducers. They can be used as both sensors and actuators for various applications, primarily those involving flexible structures. While some debate continues over the dominant physical mechanisms of actuation, several model forms have been proposed. The majority of these existing models are linear relationships between the applied potential and the strain generated. However, nonlinear characteristics have been observed in both the electrical and mechanical response of cantilever actuators, including harmonic distortion in the sinusoidal time response and a shifting frequency response for increased input levels. Characterization results indicate that the nonlinear mechanisms are dynamic, since they have dominance at low frequencies, but are essentially negligible as the excitation frequency increases. This research uses knowledge gained from the characterization results to develop a dynamic model that can predic...
Characterization of the Initiator and Downstream Promoter Elements of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Late Genes

Abstract Previously identified cis -acting regulatory elements of herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 late promoters include a TATA element upstream from the start of transcription, an initiator-like element at the start of transcription, and sequences downstream from the start of transcription. To determine whether these elements are functionally equivalent to similar elements from other eukaryotic genes, model late promoters were constructed using well-characterized regulatory elements from non-HSV genes. These modular promoters were then inserted into the viral genome upstream from a lacZ marker gene. Results showed that a eukaryotic initiator element, along with a TATA element, can function as a late HSV promoter. Several initiator sequences from both viral and nonviral genes were functionally similar to the initiator-like element in HSV-1 late promoters; however, a random sequence of the same size and a similarly located sequence from the HSV-1 early thymidine kinase promoter could not substitute for the initiator element. These results indicate that eukaryotic initiator elements are functionally equivalent to HSV-1 late promoter initiator elements. In addition, the downstream element of the late glycoprotein C promoter was further analyzed by construction of a series of small deletions and insertions. The presence of the downstream glycoprotein C region in a promoter consisting of a strong TATA and initiator element increased mRNA expression by a modest amount; this effect appeared to be sequence specific and dependent on its exact alignment with the upstream elements of the promoter.
A model for psychological consultation with retarded adults living in community residences

A model for psychological consultation is described. The model includes, but goes beyond, the performance of psychotherapy. It stipulates that the therapy should be performed in the clients' residence, and that the psychologist, in addition to performing the therapy, should be prepared to develop behavior modification programs, attend staff conferences, observe clients at work, consult on medication issues, and interact with clients' families. Case study data are presented to illustrate the usefulness of the model. Special problems inherent in this type of consultation are also discussed.
Mechanism and Rate Constants for the Decomposition of 1-Pentenyl Radicals

This paper is concerned with the mechanisms and rate constants for the decomposition of 1-penten-3-yl, 1-penten-4-yl, and 1-penten-5-yl radicals. They are formed from radical attack on 1-pentene, which is an important decomposition product of normal alkyl radicals with more than 6 carbon atoms in combustion systems. This work is based on related data in the literature. These involve rate constants for the reverse radical addition process under high-pressure conditions, chemical activation experiments, and more recent direct studies. The high-pressure rate constants are based on detailed balance. The energy transfer effects and the pressure dependences of the rate constants are determined through the solution of the master equation and are projected to cover combustion conditions. The low barriers to these reactions make it necessary to treat these thermal reactions as open systems, as in chemical activation studies. The multiple reaction channels make the nature of the pressure effects different from thos...
Effects of MK‐801 and Phenytoin on Flurothyl‐Induced Seizures During Development

We determined the effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker MK-801 (0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally, i.p.) and phenytoin (PHT, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg i.p.) on flurothyl-induced clonic and tonic-clonic seizures in 9-, 15-, 30-, and 60-day-old male rats. Both agents had seizure-, age-, and dose-specific effects. The highest dose of MK-801 was anticonvulsant against clonic flurothyl-induced seizures only in 9- and 60-day-old rats, but suppressed tonic-clonic seizures in all ages. The lowest dose of MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) produced significant anticonvulsant effects only in 15 day old rats. PHT did not have any effect on clonic seizures throughout development. Both doses of PHT (10 and 20 mg/kg) were anticonvulsant against tonic-clonic seizures in adult rats but not in any other age group. The results indicate that NMDA receptors play an important role in tonic-clonic flurothyl-induced seizures throughout development (especially in 15-day-old rats) and that the anticonvulsant effects of PHT may vary at different stages of brain development.
The rate of oxygen release and its effect on capillary O2 tension: A mathematical analysis

Abstract The time required by the red blood cells (RBC) to release the O 2 needed by the tissues may be rate-limiting undet conditions of reduced O 2 supply (D O 2 ). A time-dependent mathematical model of capillary O 2 transport its developed to explore the effect of RBC deoxygenation kinetics on the intracapillary plasma P O 2 . The tissue capillaries are represented by a series of perfectly mixed compartments. In each compartment O 2 is removed by the tissues as a chemical reaction takes place between O 2 and oxyhemoglobin (HbO 2 ). A system of differential equations is formulated to monitor changes in the intracapillary concentration of HbO 2 and plasma O 2 . These equations allow for changes in blood flow, arterial oxygenation, capillary transit time, rate of O 2 uptake, hemoglobin concentration and the position of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. The predicted capillary P O 2 for conditions of normal O 2 supply is less than the P O 2 calculated assuming an instantaneous rate of RBC deoxygenation. This difference in plasma P O 2 is not present in the venous end of the capillary, since at this point oxyhemoglobin and plasma O 2 have sufficient time to re-establish equilibrium. The discrepancy in P O 2 profiles is magnified by anemia, ([Hemoglobin] = 5g/dl), and hypoxemia, (Pa O 2 =Torr). For these conditions of severeḊ O 2 reduction, the end-capillary P O 2 is significantly less than the venous P O 2 . These results suggest that (1) the kinetics of RBC deoxygenation can play an important role in the delivery of O 2 to the tissues, and (2) the venous P O 2 is not always an accurate measure of the end capillary P O 2 .
Dynamic Response of Surface Micromachined Horizontal Beam Flexure Actuators

Surface micromachined electro-thermal beam flexure actuators are characterized by a number of desirable attributes including low response time, which encourages their use in sensing applications. This provides motivation for investigating the dynamic characteristics of these actuators in order to design more energy efficient electro-thermal actuators. To this end, this paper presents the development and implementation of a comprehensive finite element model to examine the transient response of the beam flexure actuator in air and vacuum environments. The predicted dynamic response of the actuator in air is compared with measured data and a previous analytical model. The effects of pulse width modulation are also investigated using model simulations, which might simplify implementation of the actuator in microsystems.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Factor structure of recalled DSM-IV hypomanic symptoms of bipolar II disorder

Abstract The DSM-IV-TR definition of hypomania in bipolar II disorder (BP-II) has yet to show its validity. The aim of the current study was to find the factor structure of hypomania by using DSM-IV-TR symptoms, and to assess the DSM-IV-TR definition of hypomania. One hundred ninety-seven consecutive BP-II remitted outpatients were interviewed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-CV) as modified by Benazzi and Akiskal (2003) and by Benazzi (2003), in a private practice, assessing the symptoms that were more common during past hypomanic episodes. The factor structure of hypomania was studied by principal component factor analysis. Almost all patients reported overactivity (increased goal-directed activity) during hypomania, and less commonly elevated mood. Overactivity plus three or more symptoms identified 89.3% of DSM-IV-TR BP-II. Factor analysis found three factors: factor 1, including racing thoughts (“mental activation”); factor 2, including elevated mood (“high mood”); and factor 3, including overactivity (“behavioral activation”). Elevated mood was correlated only with two of the nine DSM-IV-TR hypomanic symptoms. The three-domains structure of hypomania by Kraepelin (i.e., increased mood, thought, and activity) was found in the DSM-IV-TR definition of hypomania, partly supporting its list of symptoms. However, DSM-IV-TR priority given to mood change for the diagnosis of hypomania was not supported. An upgrading of overactivity to at least a priority level similar to mood change was supported by (1) its high frequency, (2) its utility to diagnose BP-II, and (3) by factor analysis showing that elevated mood (the “prototypical” symptom of hypomania in DSM-IV-TR) correlated with few symptoms, and that three factors (of which only one included elevated mood) were present.
Mean-field glassy phase of the random-field Ising model

The emergence of glassy behavior of the random-field Ising model (RFIM) is investigated using an extended mean-field theory approach. Using this formulation, systematic corrections to the standard Bragg-Williams theory can be incorporated, leading to the appearance of a glassy phase, in agreement with the results of the self-consistent screening theory of Mezard and Young. Our approach makes it also possible to obtain information about the low-temperature behavior of this glassy phase. We present results showing that within our mean-field framework, the hysteresis and avalanche behavior of the RFIM is characterized by power-law distributions, in close analogy with recent results obtained for mean-field spin-glass models.
Predicting young adult outcome among more and less cognitively able individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Background The range of outcomes for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and the early childhood factors associated with this diversity have implications for clinicians and scientists. Methods This prospective study provided a unique opportunity to predict outcome 17 years later for a relatively large sample of children diagnosed with ASD at 2 years old. Diagnostic and psychometric instruments were administered between 2 and 19 with data from 2, 3, and 19 included in this study. Clinicians administered tests without knowledge of previous assessments whenever possible. Caregivers provided additional information through questionnaires. Results Significant intellectual disabilities at 19 were predicted by age 2 about 85% of the time from VIQ and NVIQ scores together, though prediction of young adult outcome for youths with average or higher intelligence was more complex. By 19, 9% of participants had largely overcome core difficulties associated with ASD and no longer retained a diagnosis. These youths with Very Positive Outcomes were more likely to have participated in treatment and had a greater reduction in repetitive behaviors between age 2 and 3 compared to other Cognitively Able youths (VIQ ≥70) with ASD. Very Positive Outcome youths did not differ phenotypically from Cognitively Able ASD individuals at 2 but both groups differed from Cognitively Less Able individuals (VIQ <70). Conclusion Those most at risk for intellectual disabilities and ASD can be reliably identified at an early age to receive comprehensive treatment. Findings also suggest that some cognitively able children with ASD who participate in early intervention have very positive outcomes, although replication with randomized, larger samples is needed. In order to improve understanding of very positive outcomes in ASD, future research will need to identify how variations in child characteristics and environmental factors contribute to the nature and timing of growth across individuals and areas of development.
Ecological risk assessment of pesticides on muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) Inhabiting an agriculture area in Illinois, USA

A retrospective risk assessment was used to investigate whether pesticide use adversely affected populations of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus), semi-aquatic mammals inhabiting agriculture drainage ditches in northwestern Illinois. Assessment endpoint benchmark concentrations in water were calculated for muskrats from laboratory rat multiple-generation reproduction no-observed-effect levels. The pesticide root zone model and exposure analysis modeling system simulated pesticide fate and revealed expected environmental concentrations (EECs) of pesticide in receiving water. The EECs following agriculture practices and meteorologic events typical of northern Illinois were below endpoint benchmark concentrations. A modeled worst-case scenario of exposure (three times the typical application rates and 1 cm of rain on the day of application) also revealed EECs below endpoint benchmarks. Assessment results suggested that muskrat populations in northern Illinois were not at risk from the application of pesticides. Results from two other lines of evidence further supported conclusions of this risk assessment.
Separation and partial characterization of three distinct intracellular GLUT4 compartments in rat adipocytes. Subcellular fractionation without homogenization.

Insulin recruits GLUT4 from an intracellular location to the plasma membrane in rat adipocytes. The process involves multiple intracellular compartments and multiple protein functions, details of which are largely unknown partly due to our inability to separate individual GLUT4 compartments. Here, by hypotonic lysis, differential centrifugation, and glycerol density gradient sedimentation, we separated intracellular GLUT4 compartments in rat adipocytes into three fractions: plasma membrane-containing fraction T and plasma membrane-free fractions H and L. The GLUT4 contents in fractions T, H, and L were ∼25, 56, and 18% of total GLUT4, respectively, in basal adipocytes and 55, 42, and 3–4% in insulin-stimulated adipocytes. The plasma membrane GLUT4 contents estimated separately further revealed that intracellular GLUT4 in fraction T amounts to ∼20% in both basal and insulin-stimulated adipocytes. Organelle-specific marker and membrane traffic-related protein distribution data suggested that intracellular GLUT4 in fraction T represents sorting endosomes, whereas GLUT4 in fractions H and L represents storage endosomes and exocytic vesicles, respectively. The subcellular fractionation without homogenization described here should be useful in identifying the role of the individual GLUT4 compartments and the associated proteins in insulin-induced GLUT4 recruitment in rat adipocytes.
Quality-Control System for Blood pH and Gas Measurements, with Use of a Tonometered Bicarbonate—Chloride Solution and Duplicate Samples of Whole Blood

We describe a procedure for the simultaneous quality control of pH, p co2,and p o2 measurement. A solution of NaCl (150 mmol/liter) and NaHCO3 (50 mmol/liter) is equilibrated at room temperature (24 ± 2 °C) with a gas having the composition 21% O2, 12% CO2, 67% N2. When this solution is analyzed at 37 °C in a conventional blood-gas analyzer, a pH of 7.20, a p co2 of 110 mmHg (14.6 kPa) and a p o2 of 170 mmHg (22.6 kPa) are obtained. We show that data from such an analysis, performed daily, can be simply used to meet many of the unique demands of quality control in blood pH and gas determinations. This same approach may also become the basis for devising an ideal aqueous system for blood gas calibration.
Bistabilities in 1,3,2-dithiazolyl radicals.

New synthetic methods for heterocyclic 1,3,2-dithiazolyl (DTA) radicals have been developed, and trends in the molecular spin distributions and electrochemical properties of a series of DTA radicals are reported. The crystal structures of [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-f][1,3,2]benzodithiazol-2-yl (TBDTA) and [1,3,2]pyrazinodithiazol-2-yl (PDTA) have been determined. The structure of TBDTA (at 293 and 95 K) contains two molecules in the asymmetric unit, each of which generates π-stacked arrays, one consisting of antiparallel chains of centrosymmetrically associated dimers, the other comprising parallel chains of unassociated radicals. The structure of PDTA (at 293 and 95 K) is simpler, consisting of slipped stacks of π-dimers. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility (χP) measurements on TBDTA indicate essentially paramagnetic behavior for the unassociated radical π-stacks over the range 5−400 K. By contrast PDTA is diamagnetic at all temperatures below 300 K, but between 300 and 350 K the value of χP follows...
Slit-scanning confocal microendoscope for high-resolution in vivo imaging

We discuss the design and construction of a novel imaging system in which a fiber-optic imaging bundle and miniature optical and mechanical components are used to allow confocal fluorescence microscopy in remote locations. The instrumentation has been developed specifically for cellular examination of tissue for optical biopsy. Miniaturization of various components makes the device usable in a clinical setting. The numerical aperture of the beam in the tissue is 0.5, and the field of view is 430 µm. The measured lateral resolution of the system is 3.0 µm. The axial point and the axial planar response functions of the confocal system were measured with a FWHM of 10 and 25 µm, respectively. In vitro and in vivo images obtained with cell cultures, human tissue specimens, and animal models indicate that the performance of the device is adequate for microscopic evaluation of cells.
The effect of the number of concepts on the readability of schemas: an empirical study with data models

The number of concepts in a model has been frequently used in the literature to measure the ease of use in creating model schemas. However, to the best of our knowledge, nobody has looked at its effect on the readability of the model schemas after they have been created. The readability of a model schema is important in situations where the schemas are created by one team of analysts and read by other analysts, system developers, or maintenance administrators. Given the recent trend of models with increasing numbers of concepts such as the unified modeling language (UML), the effect of the number of concepts (NOC) on the readability of schemas has become increasingly important. In this work, we operationalize readability along three dimensions: effectiveness, efficiency, and learnability. We draw on the Bunge Wand Weber (BWW) framework, as well as the signal detection recognition theory and the ACT theory from cognitive psychology to formulate hypotheses and conduct an experiment to study the effects of the NOC in a data model on these readability dimensions. Our work makes the following contributions: (a) it extends the operationalization of the readability construct, and (b) unlike earlier empirical work that has focused exclusively on comparing models that differ along several dimensions, this work proposes an empirical methodology that isolates the effect of a model-independent variable (the NOC) on readability. From a practical perspective, our findings have implications both for creators of new models, as well as for practitioners who use currently available models for creating schemas to communicate requirements during the entire lifecycle of a system.
150 Gb/s PolMUX-8PSK all-optical OFDM using digital coherent detection with modified CMA algorithm

All-optical OFDM transmission was experimentally demonstrated with the aid of coherent multiplexing and digital coherent detection, achieving 150-Gb/s by combining two PolMUX-8PSK sub-carriers. Each sub-carrier signal was separated and recovered using a modified CMA algorithm.
A feedback loop coupling 5 S rRNA synthesis to accumulation of a ribosomal protein.

Abstract We have shown that elevated expression of ribosomal protein L5 in Xenopus embryos results in the ectopic activation of 5 S rRNA genes that are normally inactive. This transcriptional stimulation mimics the effect of overexpressingtranscription factor IIIA (TFIIIA), the 5 S rRNA gene-specific transcription factor. The results support a model in which a network of nucleic acid-protein interactions involving 5 S rRNA, the 5 S rRNA gene, TFIIIA, and L5 mediates both feedback inhibition of 5 S rRNA synthesis and coupling of 5 S rRNA synthesis to accumulation of a ribosomal protein, L5. We propose that these mechanisms contribute to the homeostatic control of ribosome assembly.
Computational questions in evolution

Darwin's theory (1859) proposes that evolution progresses by the survival of those individuals in the population that have greater fitness. Modern understanding of Darwinian evolution is that variation in phenotype, or functional behavior, is caused by variation in genotype , or the DNA sequence. However, a quantitative understanding of what functional behaviors may emerge through Darwinian mechanisms, within reasonable computational and information-theoretic resources, has not been established. Valiant (2006) proposed a computational model to address the question of the complexity of functions that may be evolved through Darwinian mechanisms. In Valiant's model, the goal is to evolve a representation that computes a function that is close to some ideal function under the target distribution. While this evolution model can be simulated in the statistical query learning framework of Kearns (1993), Feldman has shown that under some constraints the reverse also holds, in the sense that learning algorithms in this framework may be cast as evolutionary mechanisms in Valiant's model. In this thesis, we present three results in Valiant's computational model of evolution. The first shows that evolutionary mechanisms in this model can be made robust to gradual drift in the ideal function, and that such drift resistance is universal, in the sense that, if some concept class is evolvable when the ideal function is stationary, it is also evolvable in the setting when the ideal function drifts at some low rate. The second result shows that under certain definitions of recombination and for certain selection mechanisms, evolution with recombination may be substantially faster. We show that in many cases polylogarithmic, rather than polynomial, generations are sufficient to evolve a concept class, whenever a suitable parallel learning algorithm exists. The third result shows that computation, and not just information, is a limiting resource for evolution. We show that when computational resources in Valiant's model are allowed to be unbounded, while requiring that the information-theoretic resources be polynomially bounded, more concept classes are evolvable. This result is based on widely believed conjectures from complexity theory.