cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in the ABCB1 gene associated with post treatment lyme disease syndrome status

Abstract Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) poses a difficult to understand health issue. This multi-centered, randomized control trial studied the possible correlation between ABCB1 (MDR1) gene variants and the incidence of PTLDS in affected patients. Genomic DNA was isolated and analyzed for four ABCB1 gene SNPs (rs1128503, rs1045642, rs2235067, and rs4148740). Significant findings include the association of rs1128503 TC variant with PTLDS status. Additionally, the rs1128503+ rs1045642+ rs2235067 SNP combination increased rs1128503 genotype TC significance to 3.83 times the rs1128503 genotype CC. The TT variant of rs4148740 in conjunction with rs1128503 reduced the odds ratio and appeared to convey a PTLDS protective status to the rs1128503 TC variant.
Long-term BP control and vascular health in patients with hyperaldosteronism treated with low-dose, amiloride-based therapy.

Whether aldosterone itself contributes directly to macro- or microcirculatory disease in man or to adverse cardiovascular outcomes is not fully known. We report our long-term single-practice experience in 5 patients with chronic hyperaldosteronism (HA, including 3 with glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism, GRA) treated with low-dose amiloride (a specific epithelial sodium channel [ENaC] blocker) 5-10 (mean 7) mg daily for 14-28 (mean 20) years. Except for 1 GRA diagnosed in infancy, all had severe resistant hypertension. In each case, BP was normal or near-normal within 1-4 weeks after starting amiloride and office BP's were well controlled for 20 years thereafter. Vascular studies and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring with pulse wave analysis (cardiac output, vascular resistance, augmentation index, and reflection magnitude) were assessed after a mean of 18 years as were regional pulse wave velocities, pulse stiffening ratio, ankle-brachial index, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and spot urinary albumin:creatinine ratio. All indicators were completely normal in all patients after 18 years of amiloride, and none had a cardiovascular event during the 20-year mean follow-up. We conclude that long-term ENaC blockade can normalize BP and protect macro- and microvascular function in patients with HA. This suggests that (a) any vasculopathic effects of aldosterone are mediated via ENaC, not MR activation itself, and are fully preventable or reversible with ENaC blockade or (b) aldosterone may not play a major BP-independent role in human macro- and microcirculatory diseases. These and other widely divergent results in the literature underscore the need for additional studies regarding aldosterone, ENaC, and vascular disease.
The car pet in the carpet. On the interaction of computer-linguistic methodology and manual refinement in researching noun compounds

Why does football combine productively with further nouns to form more complex expressions like football game, whereas seemingly comparable compounds like keyword only infrequently expand to more complex sequences? This project explores why some two-noun compounds are more readily available for forming triconstituent constructions than others. I hypothesize that the productivity of a two-noun compound in the formation of triconstituent sequences depends on the degree of entrenchment of that two-noun compound, assuming that only compounds that are entrenched to a certain degree are productive in forming more complex constructions. In order to test this hypothesis, a list of three-noun compounds in the English language needed to be compiled. The obvious thing to do would be to search for sequences of three nouns in POS-tagged corpora. However, since such automatized searches on the one hand do not allow the recall of all required instances and, on the other hand, often create results that are not precise enough, this requires substantial manual screening. Furthermore, in order to operationalize the concepts of entrenchment and productivity, it was necessary to count the usage frequencies of noun constructions. For this work, as well, the automatic elicitation of the data needed to be complemented by further manual selection in order to obtain correct usage frequencies. Both the complex automatic and manual work processes in the elicitation of the data will be presented in detail to give an impression of the extent of such a project.
Considering gut microbiota in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) have revealed a role for gut microbiota dysbiosis in driving this disease. This suggests the possibility that approaches to restore a healthy host-microbiota relationship might be a means of ameliorating T2D. Indeed, recent studies indicate that many currently used treatments for T2D are reported to impact gut microbiota composition. Such changes in gut microbiota may mediate and/or reflect the efficacy of these interventions. This article outlines the rationale for considering the microbiota as a central determent of development of T2D and, moreover, reviews evidence that impacting microbiota might be germane to amelioration of T2D, both in terms of understanding mechanisms that mediate efficacy of exiting T2D therapies and in developing novel treatments for this disorder.
Understanding Image Memorability.

Why are some images easier to remember than others? Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of ‘image memorability’, including its behavioral characteristics, its neural correlates, and the optimization principles from which it originates. We highlight work that has used large behavioral data sets to leverage memorability scores computed for individual images. These studies demonstrate that the mapping of image content to image memorability is not only predictable, but also non-intuitive and multifaceted. This work has also led to insights into the neural correlates of image memorability, by way of the discovery of a type of population response magnitude variation that emerges in high-level visual cortex as well as higher stages of deep neural networks trained to categorize objects.
2050-P: A Multiomics Investigation of a Patient-Derived HNF-1A MODY IPSC Disease Model Reveals Insights into Its Role in Pancreatic Islet Development and Function

Heterozygous loss of function mutations in HNF1A, encoding the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha (HNF-1A) are the most common cause of monogenic diabetes. HNF-1Ais involved in both beta cell development and mature cell function. However, model organisms have often failed to faithfully recapitulate the human phenotypes. As such, we used a patient-derived HNF1A Pro291fsinsC iPSC model and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to correct the mutation and generate an isogenic control. iPSC clones (n=6) were differentiated towards the endocrine lineage in triplicate, with RNA-seq (bulk and single-cell) and ATAC-seq performed at definitive endoderm (DE), pancreatic endoderm (PE) and beta-like cells (BLC) stages. RNA-seq data confirmed HNF1A haploinsuffiency in the patient cell lines, with corrected cell lines demonstrating restored HNF1A expression at both transcript and protein level. At the BLC stage, there was a significant overlap in differentially expressed genes and HNF1A targets identified in an independent HNF1A knock-down experiment in the EndoC-βh1 cell line (p=4.4e-132). Corrected clones demonstrated a higher expression of INS (p=7.2e-03), insulin secretion genes and effects on pancreas progenitor cell genes indicating that HNF1A may mediate the cellular composition of the pancreatic islet. Bulk RNA-seq data were also supported in the preliminary analysis of the single-cell RNA-seq data. Open chromatin, assessed by ATAC-seq was significantly different between patient and corrected lines, with >90% of the sites being more accessible at both PE and BLC stages in the corrected clones. These sites were enriched for HNF1A binding motifs, implicating HNF1A in the establishment of open chromatin. In conclusion, our patient-derived HNF1A-MODY iPSC model recapitulates a number of features of HNF1A-MODY, as well as providing insights into the cellular and molecular phenotypes caused by HNF-1A deficiency. Disclosure C. Duff: Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. R. Jensen: None. M. Perez-Alcantara: None. M. Rasmussen: None. A. Grotz: None. M. Jansen: None. B. Holst: None. C. Clausen: None. N.A.J. Krentz: None. M. Hansson: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. M.I. McCarthy: Advisory Panel; Self; Illumina. Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk Inc., Zoe Global Ltd. Employee; Self; Genentech, Inc. Research Support; Self; AbbVie Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi-Aventis, Servier, Takeda UK. A.L. Gloyn: Consultant; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Employee; Spouse/Partner; Genentech, Inc. Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. A. Wesolowska-Andersen: None. C. Honore: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Funding Innovative Medicines Initiative (115439)
Electro-optically Modulated Reflective and Transmissive Metasurfaces

While the passive plasmonic/all-dielectric metasurfaces have shown their potentials in various beam forming/shaping applications, their fixed functionality is known as a drawback, limiting their futuristic applications in next-generation of ultra-compact photonic integrated devices. It is known that the hybridization of recently emerged functional materials with conventional metasurfaces can lead to the implementation of dynamically tunable metasurfaces with real-time control over the wave-front of scattered light. Here, we propose several advanced dynamic platforms based on gate-tunable biasing and integration of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and doped-semiconductors into all-dielectric/plasmonic nanostructures. Besides the widely-utilized gap-plasmon and Mie-type resonances to enhance the light-matter interaction, we focus on the excitation of guided-mode and Fabry-Perot-type resonances with relatively higher quality-factors. This can potentially pave the way toward brand-new highly-efficient tunable reflective and transmissive optical metasurfaces in near-infrared (NIR) regime.
Omniscience, Preexistence, Doubt and Misdeeds

I consider three aspects of children’s thinking about religious phenomena. It displays intriguing parallels with their thinking about scientific phenomena; it has an impact on their moral behavior;...
Escherichia coli Survival on Strawberries and Unpacked Romaine Lettuce Washed Using Contaminated Water

A number of foodborne outbreaks have occurred in the past decade, with higher incidences associated with romaine lettuce and strawberries. Contaminated agricultural water has been reported as the source of microbial contamination in most of these outbreaks. Maintaining the adequate and sanitary quality (0 E. coli/100 mL) of agricultural water can be challenging during post-harvest operations such as washing. The study focused on the attachment of generic E. coli (Rifampicin resistant) onto romaine lettuce and strawberries, mimicking the produce wash step. The produce was washed with contaminated water, air-dried, and stored in display units for 7 days. The produce was sampled randomly each day and analyzed for the surviving E. coli count. The results indicated that E. coli can survive in both lettuce and strawberries over extended periods. A survival population of 2.3 log CFU/cm2 (day 8) was observed on lettuce with an initial population of 2.8 log CFU/cm2 (day 0). On strawberries, the population reduced from 3.0 (day 0) to 1.7 log CFU/cm2 (day 7), with an initial E. coli concentration of approx. 6 log CFU/mL in the wash water. Strawberry leaves had a higher attachment of E. coli than the fruit (p < 0.05). In conclusion, romaine lettuce and strawberries washed with contaminated water can cause an outbreak affecting consumers and public health.
Übung und Seitendominanz der menschlichen Willkürmotorik

1. Telemetrische Elektromyographie-Registrierungen und Leistungsmessungen beim Kugelstossen und Ballwerfen gesunder Rechts- und Linkshander werden beschrieben. Vergleiche der dominanten (geubten) und nicht-dominanten (ungeubten) Seite bei Tranierten und Nichtrainierten ermoglichen eine Differenzierung des motorischen Lernens und der Seitendominanz. 2. Beim tranierten Kugelstoss findet sich eine geregelte Innervationsfolge der gesamten Korpermuskulatur, die der finalen Extension des stossenden Armes vorausgeht. Beim Abstossen ubertragt der gestreckte Arm die Schubkraft des ganzen Korpers auf die Kugel nach koordinierter Aktivierung von Rumpf-, Arm-, und Beinmuskeln beider Seiten mit Rumpfdrehung und Streckung. Daher ist die Tricepsaktivierung der letzten Armextension nicht starker als die Innervation der ubrigen Muskeln. 3. Bei Stoss und Wurf mit dem nicht-trainierten Arm fehlt die Koordination des kontralateralen dominanten Armes, obwohl dieser fur Stossen und Werfen trainiert ist. 4. Beim Untrainierten wird der Kugelstoss vorwiegend durch Armextension durchgefuhrt, aber die Mitinnervation des kontralateralen Armes fehlt beim Rechtsstoss und Linksstoss. Die vorbereitende Stutzaktion und Bewegungsabfolge des Rumpfes ist unvollkommener, die Tricepsaktivierung des stossenden Armes dagegen starker und langer als beim Trainierten. Die Stossweite erreicht bei Ungeubten nur 1/5 bis 1/3 des Hochtrainierten. 5. Beim Ballwurf finden sich ahnliche Muskelkoordinationen vom Arm, Rumpf und Bein und beim Abwurf eine Koaktivierung von Biceps und Triceps brachii. Rechtshander erreichen beim Linkswurf mit geringer Mitarbeit des rechten Armes und des ubrigen Korpers nur die halbe Wurfweite des geubten Rechtswurfes und schlechtere Zielleistungen als rechts. 6. Bei trainierten Sportlern ist die Kugelstossweite mit dem geubten rechten Arm etwa 27% groser als mit dem ungeubten linken Arm. Dagegen sind die Rechts-Links-Unterschiede der Kugelstossweite bei Ungeubten mit 8% sehr gering. 7. Biomechanisch ist die Leistungssteigerung der Kugelstossweite bei Trainierten gegenuber Ungeubten zum Teil durch verschiedene Schubkraft der energieubertragenden Masse zu erklaren: Der Trainierte stosst mit der ganzen Korpermasse, der Ungeubte mehr mit dem Arm, der weniger als 5% der Korpermasse hat. 8. Das nicht die Hemispharendominanz als solche, sondern bilaterale Ubung entscheidend fur Bewegungsprogramm und Mehrleistung ist, folgt aus 3 konstanten Ergebnissen: a) optimale Kugelstossweiten und Ballwurfweiten mit bilateralem Innervationsmuster bei Trainierten, b) minimale Rechts-Links-Differenzen bei Untrainierten und c) fehlende Mitarbeit des rechten (dominanten) Armes beim Linksstoss und Linkswurf Rechtstrainierter.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Reactive Placement of Nasogastric Feeding Tubes in Clinic During Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer.

Purpose/Objective(s) Radiation therapy (RT) associated oral mucositis, xerostomia and loss of taste may result in significantly compromised oral intake in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers (HNC). We sought to determine if reactive nasogastric tube (NGT) placement was an effective strategy for nutritional support in these patients and if invasive percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube insertion could be avoided. Materials/Methods This is an IRB- approved study of patients treated for HNC using definitive or adjuvant RT with or without concurrent chemotherapy between June 2017 and December 2020. We evaluated the indications for NGT (Dobhoff) placement, time of placement during the course of RT, patient tolerance of NGT and median duration of NGT placement. In addition, we followed weight loss during treatment, treatment interruptions, and treatment related toxicities. Complications associated with having the NGT, if the NGT needed to be replaced during treatment, and if the patient had any hospitalization during the course of treatment was tracked. The indication for NGT placement is weight loss > 10% of baseline during the course of treatment, most often due to dysphagia and/or odynophagia unrelieved by pain medication. NGT placement is done in the radiation oncology outpatient clinic by the attending physician and/or nurse practitioner. Results Of the 441 patients treated during the time period of this study, 47 required reactive NGT placement for nutritional support. Patients included 40 with primary oropharynx, 3 oral cavity, 2 larynx, 1 nasopharyngeal, and 1 unknown. Chemotherapy was given concurrently with radiation in 87.2% (41/47) patients. The median time of NGT placement was during week 5.0 of the 6–7-week course of RT. The median percentage weight loss from baseline to the date of NGT placement was 12.9%. The median duration of NGT placement was 29 days (range, 5 to 151 days). There were no serious medical complications associated with having the NGT in place during treatment. 27.6% (13/47) of patients had the NGT dislodged or displaced and needed replacement. 4.3% (2/47) of patients had the NGT replaced due to clogging. 38.3% (18/47) of patients with an NGT had to be hospitalized during the course of RT, with the predominant symptoms being failure to thrive 22.2% (4/18) and nausea/vomiting 22.2% (4/18). 6.4% (3/47) of patients requested removal of the NGT due to local irritation. 76.6% (36/47) of patients did not require further nutritional support with the placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Conclusion This study indicates clinic placement of an NGT for patients receiving RT for head and neck cancer is a safe and effective way to maintain nutrition during treatment. The rate of weight loss decreased after the patient had an NGT placed. The placement procedure is well tolerated and there were no complications associated with having the NGT during treatment. PEG tube insertion was avoided in 76.6% of the patients.
Serum levels of d-norgestrel luteinizing hormone follicle-stimulating hormone estradiol and progesterone in women during and following ingestion of combination oral contraceptives containing dl-norgestrel.

Three formulations of dl-norgestrel were administered daily to groups of three women for five consecutive days. The serum levels of d-norgestrel were related to the dosage of dl-norgestrel ingested. Peak concentrations in the circulation of synthetic gestagen were attained a half hour to three hours after oral administration, followed by a rapid and sharp decline in levels until the next dose. Three women received 500 micrograms of dl-norgestrel and 50 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol for 21 days followed by six to seven days of no medication for two consecutive cycles. The gonadotropins remained suppressed for four to six days when therapy was discontinued. The daily concentrations of estradiol varied from less than 5 to 81 pg. per milliliter, and there was no difference in estrogen values during the nontreatment and treatment days. Due to the long half life of norgestrel, the one-week pill-free interval is not long enough for the complete recovery of the reproductive axis from the inhibition of oral contraceptives.
DiGeorge syndrome associated with combined immunodeficiency

An infant with DiGeorge syndrome—complete with typical facies, neonatal hypocalcemic tetany, right-sided aortic arch, cardiac defects, and absent thymic shadow—had immunologic deficiencies of both cell-mediated and humoral compartments. The cell-mediated deficit was partial in that in vitro lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin were absent while responses to allogeneic cells in one-way mixed leukocyte cultures were normal after three weeks of age. Humoral immune deficiency was manifested by low or absent immunoglobulin levels, failure to produce antibodies following repeated immunization with killed polio vaccine, typhoid-paratyphoid, and peneumococcal polysaccharide antigen, and lack of in vitro lymphocyte responses to pokeweed mitogen. These studies suggest a diagnosis of “DiGeorge variant.” Thymus transplantation at 45 days of age was followed by full recovery of lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen, an increase of immunoglobulin levels to within normal ranges, and rejection of two skin grafts. These changes were accompanied by the appearance of normal numbers of small lymphocytes and plasma cells, in bone marrow and intestinal lamina propria, respectively. The effect of thymus transplantation on the immunologic recovery in this patient cannot be determined.
Autocrine Interleukin-6 Production in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Evidence for the Involvement of p53

Interleukin (IL)-6 is an autocrine growth factor for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We sought to determine whether p53 regulates constitutive IL-6 production. RCC cell lines containing mutant (mut) p53 produced higher levels of IL-6 than those containing wild-type (wt) p53 (P < 0.05). Transfection of wt p53 into RCC cell lines bearing mut p53 (UOK 121LN) or wt p53 (A498 and ACHN) resulted in repression of IL-6 promoter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity (P < 0.05). Mutant p53 was either less effective at repressing IL-6 promoter activity (ACHN cells) or enhanced IL-6 promoter activity (A498 cells). A498 cells stably transfected with mut p53 produced higher levels of IL-6 than A498 cells transfected with an empty expression vector (P < 0.05). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed decreased binding of CAAT enhancer binding protein, cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein, +/- nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factors to the IL-6 promoter in various RCC cell lines transfected with wt p53 (P < 0.05) but not in those transfected with mut p53. These data suggest that: (a) mutation of p53 contributes to the overexpression of IL-6 in RCC; and (b) wt p53 represses IL-6 expression, at least in part, by interfering with specific transcription factor binding to the IL-6 promoter.
A Bayesian approach to extracting meaning from system behavior

The modeling relation and its reformulation to include the semiotic hierarchy is essential for the understanding, control, and successful re-creation of natural systems. This presentation will argue for a careful application of Rosen's modeling relationship (1985, 1991) to the problems of intelligence and autonomy in natural and artificial systems. The methods of Bayesian and maximum entropy parameter estimation have been applied to measurements of system observables to directly infer the underlying differential equations generating system behavior. This is computationally efficient, since only location parameters enter into the maximum-entropy calculations; nonlinear parameters are unneeded. Such an approach more directly extracts the semantics inherent in a given system by going to the root of system meaning as expressed by abstract form or shape. Empirical models are embodied by the differential equations underlying, producing, or describing the behavior of a process as measured or tracked by a particular variable set. The a priori models are probability structures that capture syntactical relationships within the formal system that mirrors the natural system under observation. Inductive learning is a prescription for incorporating the current, and possibly changing, empirical model into an iterative syntactical relationship. The probabilistic nature of the model descriptions replaces rigid structures. The structures evolve with both new knowledge and temporal evolution of the system.
The Complexity of Late-Binding in Dynamic Object-Oriented Languages

We study the algorithmic complexity of supporting late binding in dynamic object-oriented programming (OOP) languages—i.e., languages that allow creation of new class definitions at runtime. We propose an abstraction of the late-binding problem for dynamic OOP languages in terms of operations on dynamic trees, and develop a lower bound of Ω(lg n) per operation (where n is the number of nodes in the tree). This result shows that efficient solutions (i.e., solutions that incur a constant time overhead per operation) of this problem are, in general, not possible. We also propose new data-structures and algorithms for solving the late-binding problem for dynamic OOP languages very efficiently, with a worst-case time complexity of \(O\left( {\sqrt[3]{n}} \right)\) per operation. This result is an improvement over most existing approaches.
iDARE-a reference architecture for integrated software environments

Traditionally, software development environments have tended to treat a system's development-time activities separately from its run-time. After a system is in operation, it frequently needs to be maintained and evolved. In traditional environments, this results in frequent relocations of a system between the disjoint development and run-time environments, which is undesirable for several reasons. A more effective solution is to couple the development and run-time environments to directly monitor and adapt running systems. Given the growing need for interaction between development-time and run-time aspects of modern software systems, it is important to understand development and run-time environments, and their relationship. To this end, we study and classify a wide range of software development environments on the basis of their level of interaction with the corresponding run-time environments. Particularly, we identify, study, and characterize Self-Adaptive Life-cycle Environments SALEs, an emerging class of modern development environments that are tightly integrated with run-time environments. We reify our study of the development environments into a novel reference architecture, iDARE, that captures and differentiates the architectures of software environments - from those, such as traditional development environments, that have no interaction with the run-time environments, to the ones, such as SALEs, that are tightly integrated with the run-time environments. We use iDARE to highlight several shortcomings of existing SALEs. Adherence to iDARE has the potential to improve certain quality properties of the integrated development and run-time environments, such as adaptability, fault-tolerance, robustness, availability, and resource consumption. We identify a number of opportunities for future research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive treatment for zygomycosis

Zygomycosis is a rare but emerging mycosis. Because of the sub-optimal efficacy of the standard antifungal treatment for this disease, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been used occasionally as an adjunctive therapeutic modality. A review of 28 published cases of zygomycosis indicates that adjunctive HBO may be beneficial in diabetic patients (94% survival), whereas its benefit in the small group of patients with haematological malignancies or bone marrow transplants is doubtful (33% survival; p 0.02). Prolonged courses of HBO were associated with a higher survival (100% survival; p 0.003). Additional studies are required to assess the optimal timing and dose for HBO treatment.
Tensile-strained, n-type Ge as a gain medium for monolithic laser integration on Si

We analyze the optical gain of tensile-strained, n-type Ge material for Si-compatible laser applications. The band structure of unstrained Ge exhibits indirect conduction band valleys (L) lower than the direct valley (Γ) by 136 meV. Adequate strain and n-type doping engineering can effectively provide population inversion in the direct bandgap of Ge. The tensile strain decreases the difference between the L valleys and the Γ valley, while the extrinsic electrons from n-type doping fill the L valleys to the level of the Γ valley to compensate for the remaining energy difference. Our modeling shows that with a combination of 0.25% tensile strain and an extrinsic electron density of 7.6×1019/cm3 by n-type doping, a net material gain of ~400 cm-1 can be obtained from the direct gap transition of Ge despite of the free carrier absorption loss. The threshold current density for lasing is estimated to be ~6kA cm-2 for a typical edge-emitting double heterojunction structure. These results indicate that tensile strained n-type Ge is a good candidate for Si integrated lasers.
Transferrin Induces Nitric Oxide Synthase mRNA in Rat Cultured Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

Incubation with holo-transferrin, but not apo-transferrin, induced the nitrite accumulation in the culture medium of rat aortic smooth muscle cells concentration- and time-dependently, which occurred after a lag period of 6 hours. The accumulation of nitrite was inhibited by N omega-nitro-L-arginine and cycloheximide, but not by calmidazolium. Ferric or ferrous iron had no effect on the accumulation. In reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction analysis, one amplified fragment (580 bp) corresponding to the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA was expressed after incubation with holo-transferrin for 10 hours. These results suggest that holo-transferrin activates expression of iNOS mRNA in rat aortic smooth muscle cells accompanied by nitric oxide accumulation via a pathway dependent on L-arginine in the culture medium.
Synthesis and Photovoltaic Properties of Two Benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b′]dithiophene-Based Conjugated Polymers

Side chains of conjugated polymers play an important role in their properties. To investigate the influence of side chains on photovoltaic properties, two conjugated polymers with benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b]dithiophene (BDT) and 4,7-dithiophen-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DTBT) units, Z3 and Z4, were designed and synthesized. These two polymers have identical conjugated main chains and very similar side chains. In polymer Z3, hexyl groups are linked to the thiophene units directly, and in polymer Z4, hexyloxy groups are linked to the thiophene units. Since the hexyloxy group exhibits a smaller steric hindrance and a stronger electron donating effect than the hexyl group, properties of Z3 and Z4 are very different. The hole mobility of the Z3:PCBM blend film is 1.84 × 10−7 cm2/(V s), which is 2 orders lower than that of the Z4:PCBM blend, and photovoltaic results demonstrate that the fill factor (FF) of the Z3-based device is 0.37, while that of the Z4-based polymer solar cell (PSC) device reached 0.61. These results re...
Transgene animal model for protein expression and accumulation into forming enamel.

Understanding the cellular and molecular events that regulate the formation of enamel is a major driving force in efforts to characterize critical events during amelogenesis. It is anticipated that through such an understanding, improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment-intervention into heritable and acquired diseases of enamel could be achieved. While knowledge of the precise role of an enamel-specific protein in directing the formation of inorganic crystallites remains refractory, progress has been made with other aspects of amelogenesis that can be brought to bear on the subject One such area of progress has been with the identification of an ameloblast-lineage specific amelogenin gene promoter. This promoter can be used to direct the expression of enamel-specific proteins, as well as the expression of proteins foreign to amelogenesis, into the enamel extracellular matrix where their effect on biomineralization can be ascertained in a prospective manner. The resulting enamel from such animal...
Computerized tomographic angiography image segmentation for 3D-volume reconstruction

A computerized scheme for the automated segmentation of contrast enhanced arteries is developed for computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) data. Segmentation is performed with two-dimensional (2D) images on a slice-by-slice base. Image processing techniques include gray-level thresholding, eight-point connectivity tracking, region growing, moment analysis and morphological erosion. The results enable the generation of separated three-dimensional (3D) displays of both vascular and non-vascular structures. The method has been applied to several clinical cases and has shown great promises.
The role of personality variables in response to chlorpromazine, dextroamphetamine and placebo.

In order to determine whether personality type had an effect on the response to psychotropic drugs, 168 subjects, selected from 900 volunteers on the basis of their scores on the 16 PF and the TMAS, were tested under three different drug conditions (chlorpromazine, dextroamphetamine and placebo). The experiments were carried out in a double-blind fashion in a maximally controlled set-up. The responses were measured on the GSR, two different mathematical tests, the 8-Parallel Form Anxiety Battery and an inventory of subjective responses. The only findings of significance (P < 0.05) were that the interaction between assertiveness (scale E of the 16 PF) and anxiety (as measured with the TMAS) and the specific drug condition had a bearing on drug response as measured by the GSR. Further it was found that the high assertive, high anxious individuals responded to chlorpromazine with an increased level of anxiety. It was concluded that the present data do not support the notion that personality type influences drug response in an important way although it does not seem to have a bearing on the verbal response of individuals to various drugs.
Multiple mating in the ant Acromyrmex versicolor: a case of female control

In eusocial insects, polyandrous mating has the potential to reduce genetic relatedness of individuals within a colony, which may have a profound effect on the stability and social structure of the colony. Here we present evidence that multiple mating is common in both males and females of the desert leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex versicolor. Females seem to have complete control over the number of matings, and mate on average with three males, even though the sperm transferred in a single copulation is sufficient to fill the spermatheca. To determine whether there is a bias in the representation of sperm from different mates in the spermatheca, females were mated to three or four males in controlled mating experiments and were subsequently allowed to found colonies in the laboratory. Paternity analysis of the offspring by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis showed that all males that have been mated to a female successfully contributed sperm to the production of her offspring. No significant asymmetry in sperm use was detected, suggesting complete sperm mixing. Different hypotheses to explain polyandrous mating are discussed, and it is argued that the best hypothesis to explain polyandrous mating and complete sperm mixing in A. versicolor is that utilizing genetically diverse sperm confers a selective advantage on females.
Two-dimensional NMR studies of staphylococcal nuclease: evidence for conformational heterogeneity from hydrogen-1, carbon-13, and nitrogen-15 spin system assignments of the aromatic amino acids in the nuclease H124L-thymidine 3',5'-bisphosphate-Ca2+ ternary complex.

A combination of multinuclear two-dimensional NMR experiments served to identify and assign the combined 1H, 13C, and 15N spin systems of the single tryptophan, three phenylalanines, three histidines, and seven tyrosines of staphylococcal nuclease H124L in its ternary complex with calcium and thymidine 3',5'-bisphosphate at pH 5.1 (H2O) or pH 5.5 (2H2O). Samples of recombinant nuclease were labeled with 13C or 15N as appropriate to individual NMR experiments: uniformly with 15N (all sites to greater than 95%), uniformly with 13C (all sites to 26%), selectively with 13C (single amino acids uniformly labeled to 26%), or selectively with 15N (single amino acids uniformly labeled to greater than 95%). NMR data used in the analysis included single-bond and multiple-bond 1H-13C and multiple-bond 1H-15N correlations, 1H-13C single-bond correlation with Hartmann-Hahn relay (1H[13C]SBC-HH), and 1H-13C single-bond correlation with NOE relay (1H[13C]SBC-NOE). The aromatic protons of the spin systems were identified from 1H[13C]SBC-HH data, and the nonprotonated aromatic ring carbons were identified from 1H-13C multiple-bond correlations. Sequence-specific assignments were made on the basis of observed NOE relay connectivities between assigned 1H alpha-13C alpha or 1H beta-13C beta direct cross peaks in the aliphatic region [Wang, J., LeMaster, D. M., & Markley, J. L. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 88-101] and 1H delta-13C delta direct cross peaks in the aromatic region of the 1H[13C]SBC-NOE spectrum. The His121 1H delta 2 resonance, which has an unusual upfield shift (at 4.3 ppm in the aliphatic region), was assigned from 1H[13C]SBC, 1H[13C]MBC, and 1H[15N]MBC data. Evidence for local structural heterogeneity in the ternary complex was provided by doubled peaks assigned to His46, one tyrosine, and one phenylalanine. Measurement of NOE buildup rates between protons on different aromatic residues of the major ternary complex species yielded a number of interproton distances that could be compared with those from X-ray structures of the wild-type nuclease ternary complex with calcium and thymidine 3',5'-bisphosphate [Cotton, F. A., Hazen, E. E., Jr., & Legg, M. J. (1979) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 76, 2551-2555; Loll, P. J., & Lattman, E. E. (1989) Proteins: Struct., Funct., Genet. 5, 183-201]. The unusual chemical shift of His121 1H delta 2 is consistent with ring current calculations from either X-ray structure.
Testing the Validity of an Instrument for Assessing Family of Origin History

Family of origin history information is often gathered for research and clinical purposes in psychology, but there has been relatively little examination of the validity of the data obtained. This report describes several tests of the validity of the recently developed Family Background Questionnaire, a relatively behaviorally specific instrument designed to comprehensively assess characteristics of one's family of origin. Using a sample of 678 nonclinical and clinical participants, it was found that a history of incest, parental chemical dependency, clinical status, socioeconomic status, and birth order all predicted Family Background Questionnaire scores as hypothesized and that 38% of the variance in Total Scale scores was accounted for by these variables.
Mixed logit and fully recursive logit models

Abstract Mixed logit model has been proposed for modelling simultaneous effects of qualitative and continuous response in the econometrics literatures. However, we point out that the concept of simultaneity does not apply in that model. It is an equivalent representation of a fully recursive logit model.
Steady-state and transient parameter computation for wound field synchronous machines

In this paper, an analytical approach is presented to compute steady-state and transient parameters of salient-pole wound field synchronous machines. These parameters are derived based on the following two analytical field solutions in the air gap: i) the magnetic field distribution due to the field current; ii) the magnetic field distribution due to the armature reaction, which is obtained from the air-gap permeance distribution. Both the air-gap magnetic field distribution by the field current and the air-gap permeance distribution for the armature reaction are determined by means of conformal mapping. Results from the proposed analytical approach are validated by those from the finite element analysis (FEA). The performance at the rated operation based on the steady-state parameters and the performance at the locked-rotor operation based on the transient parameters are also compared with the FEA results.
A New Perspective on the Climate Prediction of Asian Summer Monsoon Precipitation

Abstract A new paradigm for climate (one month and longer) prediction is developed and is applied to the 5-day-averaged Asian summer monsoon (ASM) precipitation. The foundation of the method is to identify climate signals (deterministic components) that constitute the ASM system and predict the temporal fluctuations of the amplitudes (stochastic components) of the individual signals. Climate signals were identified via cyclostationary empirical orthogonal function (CSEOF) analysis of the Xie–Arkin pentad precipitation in this study and include the annual cycle, El Nino/La Nina, and the intraseasonal oscillations of the 40–50-day period band (the Madden–Julian oscillation). Prediction is much facilitated by forecasting the slowly undulating amplitude time series of each climate signal rather than the raw precipitation data directly. The new prediction method results in reasonable forecasts of the pentad precipitation for the test period of 1999–2001. Specifically, the propagation of the intraseasonal oscil...
Radioimmunoassay for Lysergide (LSD) in Illicit Drugs and Biological Fluids

Abstract A simple and convenient radioimmunoassay system was developed for the qualitative detection and quantitative determination of lysergide (LSD) in illicit drugs, human plasma, serum, or urine. The method utilizes a commercially available tritiated lysergide and specific antiserum, which can be obtained in large quantities from sheep after immunization with a lysergic acid–human serum albumin conjugate. Quantities of lysergide as low as 1 ng./ml. can be determined in plasma, serum, or urine, and lower levels can be detected qualitatively. The sensitivity of the assay is limited by the specific activity of the commercially available tritiated compound. Antibody cross-reactivity and, thus, interference in the assay were observed with other highly similar ergot alkaloids, such as ergonovine, methylergonovine, and ergotamine, but not with simpler indole structures.
Toward a new understanding of legacy of early attachments for future antisocial trajectories: Evidence from two longitudinal studies

Early parent-child attachment has been extensively explored as a contributor to children's future adaptive or antisocial outcomes, but the specific developmental mechanisms remain to be fully understood. We examined long-term indirect developmental sequelae of early security in two longitudinal community samples followed from infancy to early school age: the Family Study (102 mothers, fathers, and infants) and the Parent-Child Study (112 mothers and infants). Constructs at multiple levels (child characteristics, parent-child security, parental discipline, and child antisocial outcomes) were assessed using a range of methods (extensive behavioral observations in a variety of settings, informants' ratings). Both studies supported the proposed model of infant attachment as a potent catalyst that moderates future developmental socialization trajectories, despite having few long-term main effects. In insecure dyads, a pattern of coercion emerged between children who were anger prone as toddlers and their parents, resulting in parents' increased power-assertive discipline. Power assertion in turn predicted children's rule-breaking conduct and a compromised capacity to delay in laboratory paradigms, as well as oppositional, disruptive, callous, and aggressive behavior rated by parents and teachers at early school age. This causal chain was absent in secure dyads, where child anger proneness was unrelated to power assertion, and power assertion was unrelated to antisocial outcomes. Early insecurity appeared to act as a catalyst for the parent-child dyad embarking on a mutually adversarial path toward antisocial outcomes, whereas security defused such a maladaptive dynamic. The possible mechanisms of those effects were proposed. Language: en
Interactive exploration of a chaotic oscillator for generating musical signals in real-time concert performance

Abstract A chaotic oscillator has a broad range of state space from which musicians can induce a variety of sounds. An application of such an oscillator for music performance and composition opens a door to a series of new projects in the music community. Chua's oscillator has been explored for musical signal generation in the context of music performance and composition. Further, an exploration of the parameter space of the oscillator has been assisted with evaluations of associated sound outputs guided by auditory perception. The application of Chua's oscillator in a music performance system requires several stages of research: (1) understanding basic principles of the chaotic system in terms of mathematical descriptions of the system and hardware configurations, (2) understanding the output signals in terms of vector space descriptions as well as understanding the auditory signal outputs in relation to the vector space descriptions, and (3) incorporating the system in a musical performance context. While the abundance of papers available support the first stage of research, the second stage of research requires alternative ways of listening to the auditory signals with respect to the chaotic system behaviors. For the third stage methods and tools have been invented for exploration of the chaotic system, a simulation of the system in computer has been implemented, and a peripheral performance system has been configured. In order to nourish auditory perception an efficient and intuitive way of interacting with the oscillator is essential. One of the most interesting preparations for this research was the design of an interactive graphical software interface, the manifold interface . This interface was extensively used for exploring parameter regions for precompositional activity and for sending control signals to both analog and simulated versions of the oscillator in real-time performance.
iTrain: Ontology-Based Integration of Information and Methods in Computer-Based Training (CBT) and Immersive Training (IMT) for Assembly Simulations

Training for assembly simulations can be provided using a wide range of technologies — from a simple computer-based training (CBT) approach to a complex immersive training (IMT) approach. The CBT approach allows user interactions through traditional keyboard and mouse while the IMT approach immerses the user in a virtual environment for a more realistic experience. Typically, for a particular scenario, tools for each of these are developed completely independently. Consequently, there is much duplication of data and effort and a lack of synchronization between them. In this paper, we focus on ontologies for the assembly simulation and training domain. Ontologies provide an opportunity to capture and manage common data and map concepts from one application to another in a logical and measured manner. Methods are developed to enable knowledge in these ontologies to be used and shared in a comprehensive and effective manner between CBT and IMT tools. Both tools are also well integrated with the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) so that the progress during training can be recorded, tracked and evaluated by Learning Management System (LMS).Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A Cross-Cultural MMPI Comparison of Alcoholics:

MMPI Profiles of 11 Caucasian, 11 Hispanic American, and 11 American Indian alcoholics were compared. The subjects were chosen randomly from among veterans in treatment for alcoholism at a small VA Medical Center. Subjects represented similar secondary diagnoses and did not differ significantly in age or education. One-way nonrepeated-measures analyses of variance on validity, clinical and the MacAndrews Alcoholism Scales showed significance only for Scale 2 scores, elevated for the Hispanic American group but within the normal range. Examination of dominant highpoint code types in each group indicated primarily 4 or 49 for the Caucasians and 24 for the Hispanic Americans. American Indian subjects were more heterogeneous with 1, 6, or 9 highpoints. Generally, the resultant profiles conform to previously published alcoholic MMPI prototypes, supporting use of the MMPI for the population studied. The results do not support development of separate MMPI norms for psychiatric subjects from these minority groups...