cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent electroweak results from CDF

We present recent CDF results in the area of electroweak physics based on 350-1000 pb{sup -1} of Run II data.
Structure-based connectionist network for fault diagnosis of helicopter gearboxes

A new method of diagnosis is introduced for helicopter gearboxes that relies on the knowledge of the gearbox ''structure'' and characteristics of the ' features'' of vibration for component fault isolation. Both the structural knowledge and featural knowledge in this method are defined as the fuzzy weights of a connectionist network that maps each sampled set of vibration features, obtained from a signal analyzer, into fault possibility values associated with individual gearbox components. The structural weights in this network are defined to represent the influence of gearbox component faults on the overall vibration sensed by each accelerometer, and the featural weights are defined to denote the influence of components faults on individual vibration features. Given the extremely complex structure of helicopter gearboxes which prohibits accurate modeling of the effect of faults on their vibration, the structural weights in this method are defined based on the root mean square value of the frequency response of a simplified lumped-mass model of the gearbox. The experimental evaluation of the method based on vibration data from two different gearboxes is included in a separate paper.
Psychology Training Directors' Views of Trainees' Readiness to Practice Independently.

When are psychology trainees ready to practice independently? This question has been debated extensively during the past few years. To contribute to this debate, a national survey of training directors of academic programs, predoctoral internships, and postdoctoral fellowships was conducted. The study explored training directors' views regarding the examinations and supervisory hours necessary to become an independent practitioner. The study found that training directors were divided in their opinions of when trainees are competent to practice independently. Academic training directors believed that trainees are ready for independent practice earlier in the training sequence than internship and postdoctoral training directors. The implications for conflicting views are discussed.
F1-ATPase of Escherichia coli: the ε- inhibited state forms after ATP hydrolysis, is distinct from the ADP-inhibited state, and responds dynamically to catalytic site ligands.

F1-ATPase is the catalytic complex of rotary nanomotor ATP synthases. Bacterial ATP synthases can be autoinhibited by the C-terminal domain of subunit ϵ, which partially inserts into the enzyme's central rotor cavity to block functional subunit rotation. Using a kinetic, optical assay of F1·ϵ binding and dissociation, we show that formation of the extended, inhibitory conformation of ϵ (ϵX) initiates after ATP hydrolysis at the catalytic dwell step. Prehydrolysis conditions prevent formation of the ϵX state, and post-hydrolysis conditions stabilize it. We also show that ϵ inhibition and ADP inhibition are distinct, competing processes that can follow the catalytic dwell. We show that the N-terminal domain of ϵ is responsible for initial binding to F1 and provides most of the binding energy. Without the C-terminal domain, partial inhibition by the ϵ N-terminal domain is due to enhanced ADP inhibition. The rapid effects of catalytic site ligands on conformational changes of F1-bound ϵ suggest dynamic conformational and rotational mobility in F1 that is paused near the catalytic dwell position.
Thyroid dysfunction in the offspring of mothers with autoimmune thyroid diseases

UNLABELLED An integrated three-compartment thyroid model exists during gestation: pregnancy influences thyroid function in several ways, the placenta plays an active role in TRH-thyroid and iodide transport and metabolism, and the fetus develops its own hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. This commentary reviews some basic and new data, especially in the maternal-offspring relationship in the case of maternal autoimmune thyroid diseases. CONCLUSION The careful control of maternal autoimmune thyroid disease is essential in order to avoid pathological changes in the offspring.
Random Flow Generation Technique for Large Eddy Simulations and Particle-Dynamics Modeling

A random flow generation (RFG) technique is presented, which can be used for initial/ inlet boundary generation in LES (Large-Eddy-Simulations) or particle tracking in LES/ RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) computations of turbulent flows. The technique is based on previous methods of synthesizing divergence-free vector fields from a sample of Fourier harmonics and allows to generate non-homogeneous anisotropic flow field representing turbulent velocity fluctuations. It was validated on the cases of boundary layer and flat plate flows. Applications of the technique to LES and particle tracking are considered
"Workfare" in the Triangle: Local Context and Employer Biases Against Welfare Recipients

The Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) was passed in 1996 in the U.S. and, through devolution of the administration of welfare programs from the federal to the state and local levels, these programs have taken on various forms and yielded results and outcomes that vary geographically This qualitative study of employer attitudes provides a better understanding of how local context affects the outcomes of a "workfare" program using a case study in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. It focuses on a group of hospitality sector employers in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill MSA and their attitudes toward their employees, with emphasis on welfare recipients and Hispanic immigrants. Results suggest that these employers: (1) are frustrated with implementation of the WorkFirst Program, (2) have a deep-seated perception of an overall poor work ethic in the "workfare" applicant pool, and (3) have a very favorable perception of the work ethic of their immigrant workers.
Nonlinear response theory in chemical kinetics

A theory of nonlinear response of chemical kinetics, in which multiple perturbations are used to probe the time evolution of nonlinear chemical systems, is developed. Expressions for nonlinear chemical response functions and susceptibilities, which can serve as multidimensional measures of the kinetic pathways and rates, are derived. A new class of multidimensional measures that combine multiple perturbations and measurements is also introduced. Nonlinear fluctuation-dissipation relations for steady-state chemical systems, which replace operations of concentration measurement and perturbations, are proposed. Several applications to the analysis of complex reaction mechanisms are provided.
A Route 66 Companion

When I plan my college courses, I usually search for an anthology of major writers that addresses the topic of my study. Therefore, in preparing for my Route 66 class, I reviewed several text optio...
Effect of Methamphetamine Neurotoxicity on Learning-Induced Arc mRNA Expression in Identified Striatal Efferent Neurons

Methamphetamine abuse results in lasting, partial depletions of striatal dopamine and cognitive dysfunction. However, the effect of partial dopamine depletions on the expression of an effector immediate early gene,Arc (activity regulated, cytoskeletal-associated protein), known to be involved in synaptic modifications underlying learning and memory, has heretofore not been examined. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with a neurotoxic regimen of methamphetamine or saline. Seven weeks later, rats were trained in a motor-response task on a T-maze for five days, and then underwent reversal training on day five. Rats were sacrificed 5 min after reaching criterion on the reversal task, and the brains were removed and processed using double-label fluorescentin situ hybridization forArc andpreproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA expression in the dorsomedial striatum. Rats pretreated with methamphetamine had an average (±SEM) 54.4±7.9% loss of dopamine in dorsomedial striatum. Interestingly, there was no difference in reversal trials to criterion in methamphetamine- vs. saline-pretreated rats. However, the expression ofArc mRNA in dorsomedial striatum was attenuated in methamphetamine-pre-treated animals, particularly inPPE-negative neurons. Furthermore, the correlation betweenArc mRNA expression in dorsomedial striatum and learning was abolished in methamphet-amine-pretreated animals. These data suggest that methamphetamine-induced partial mono-amine loss is associated with disrupted induction of the effector immediate early geneArc during a behavioral task, particularly inPPE- negative (presumed striatonigral) neurons, as well as with disruption of the relation betweenArc mRNA expression in dorsomedial striatum and reversal learning.
Actinide chemistry in Allende Ca-Al-rich inclusions

The microscale distribution of U and Th has been studied by fission track radiography in a set of Ca-Al-rich inclusions from the Allende meteorite. In the Type B inclusions, generally believed to have been melted, the major phases melilite and fassaite are important actinide host phases with similar Th/U and roughly three times higher concentrations in melilite than fassaite. Significant enrichments are also found on grain boundaries and in some regions of alteration. The distribution is not completely understood in terms of igneous partitioning and may also reflect incomplete assimilation of relict materials during melting. On the rims of Type B inclusions and throughout all other inclusions studied, perovskite is the dominant actinide host phase. However, perovskite does not have a characteristic Th/U value; measured ratios range from 1.4 to 12, both above and below the accepted solar system value of 3.8. Overall, neither alteration nor loss or gain of an actinide-rich phase appears to have been an important Th/U fractionation mechanism; volatility differences may be the dominant factor. Some results, e.g., high Th/U for “fluffy” Type A inclusions, can be interpreted as resulting from incomplete incorporation of the more volatile U during a primary condensation stage, but more complex interpretations are required for inclusions with low Th/U. The Th/U and REE abundance patterns for the spinel plus perovskite rim suggest derivation of this rim by volatilization of interior material. The time scale for this heating is required to be brief (<10^4 sec), but within this constraint spinel-perovskite rim formation by several mechanisms (deceleration heating, passage through nebular hot spots, differential sublimation or vaporization plus recondensation) is possible.
Morocco's 1995 fisheries agreement with the European union: A crisis resolved

During 1995, tensions between Morocco and the European Union ‐ and Spain in particular ‐ reached an alarming level. The immediate source of these tensions was the lapsing, one year early, of the existing fisheries agreement between Morocco and the EU and the inability and unwillingness of the two parties to negotiate a new agreement. The absence of a new agreement in the months following April 1995 deprived Spain's large fishing fleet of access to the rich fishing grounds within Morocco's 200‐mile exclusive economic zone. During the same period of tensions, Morocco was eager, in response to initiatives from the European Commission, to negotiate a new and more advantageous association agreement and in particular to improve the terms of access for Moroccan agricultural products into the EU. The way in which the two issues ‐ fisheries and the association agreement ‐ became linked, to the ultimate advantage of the EU, is a classic example of the use of power in international diplomacy. In this case the econom...
BAND-STRUCTURE DEPENDENT IMPACT IONIZATION IN SILICON AND GALLIUM ARSENIDE

Abstract : We have performed a Monte Carlo simulation for GaAs and Si with the realistic band structure included. Steady state impact ionization rates and drift velocities under high electric fields ( 100 kV/cm) were calculated at various temperatures.
Single-molecule magnets: site-specific ligand abstraction from [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] and the preparation and properties of [Mn12O12(NO3)4(O2CCH2Bu(t))12(H2O)4].

Site-selective carboxylate abstraction has been achieved from [Mn(12)O(12)(O(2)CR)(16)(H(2)O)(4)] complexes by treatment with HNO(3) in MeCN. The reaction of the R = Ph or CH(2)Bu(t)() complexes with 4 equiv of HNO(3) gives [Mn(12)O(12)(NO(3))(4)(O(2)CR)(12)(H(2)O)(4)] (R = CH(2)Bu(t) (6) or Ph (7)) in analytical purity. Complex 6.MeNO(2) crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/c with the following cell parameters at -168 degrees C: a = 21.280(5), b = 34.430(8), c = 33.023(8) A, beta = 104.61(1) degrees, V = 23413 A, and Z = 8. The four NO(3)(-) groups are not disordered and are bound in bridging modes at axial positions formerly occupied by bridging carboxylate groups. (1)H NMR spectroscopy in CD(2)Cl(2) and CDCl(3) shows retention of the solid-state structure on dissolution in these solvents. DC magnetic susceptibility (chi(M)) and magnetization (M) studies have been carried out in the 2.00-300 K and 1.0-7.0 T ranges. Fits of M/Nmu(B) versus H/T plots gave S = 10, g = 1.92, and D = -0.40 cm(-1), where D is the axial zero-field splitting parameter. AC magnetic susceptibility studies on 6 have been performed in the 1.70-10.0 K range in a 3.5 Oe field oscillating at frequencies up to 1500 Hz. Out-of-phase magnetic susceptibility (chi(M)' ') signals were observed in the 4.00-8.00 K range which were frequency-dependent. Thus, 6 displays the slow magnetization relaxation diagnostic of a single-molecule magnet (SMM). The data were fit to the Arrhenius law, and this gave the effective barrier to relaxation (U(eff)) of 50.0 cm(-1) (72.0 K) and a pre-exponential (1/tau(0)) of 1.9 x 10(8) s(-1). Complex 6 also shows hysteresis in magnetization versus DC field scans, and the hysteresis loops show steps at regular intervals of magnetic field, the diagnostic evidence of field-tuned quantum tunneling of magnetization. High-frequency EPR (HFEPR) spectroscopy on oriented crystals of complex 6 shows resonances assigned to transitions between zero-field split M(s) states of the S = 10 ground state. Fitting of the data gave S = 10, g = 1.99, D = -0.46 cm(-1), and B(4)(0) = -2.0 x 10(-5), where B(4)(0) is the quartic zero-field coefficient. The combined results demonstrate that replacement of four carboxylate groups with NO(3)(-) groups leads to insignificant perturbation of the magnetic properties of the Mn(12) complex. Complex 6 should now be a useful starting point for further reactivity studies, taking advantage of the good leaving group properties of the NO(3)(-) ligands.
The effect of administrative pay and local property taxes on student achievement scores: Evidence from New Jersey public schools

Abstract We theorized that student test score performance will be positively related to the percentage of school district revenues raised from local taxes and with salary levels of school district administrators. Using both fixed and random effects panel analyses, we examine data for 217 Kindergarten-to-Grade 12 school districts in New Jersey for the years 2002–2009. Our results support the inference that increases in the percent of school funds raised locally have a positive influence on student test scores. However, the results for our hypothesis involving administrative costs were mixed. Administrative salaries and administrative spending were found to be positively related to test score performance in the one-way time fixed effects model, but not in the two-way models. Finally, classroom spending and the student–faculty ratio were found to be positive and significant in some of the tests, although not robust to alternative specifications.
Emerging technologies for endoscopic surgery

We are privileged to be living in an era in which surgery is undergoing a profound change. Technology is a major part of this advance. The old `surgical interface', the eye and hand of the surgeon, is being replaced by a technologically advanced interface that will enhance the surgeon's capabilities while preserving the benefits of the minimally invasive approach. In this presentation we will review the technologies that are contributing to this progress.
Scanning electron microscopy of Mycoplasma pneumoniae on the membrane of individual ciliated tracheal cells.

Cell monolayer cultures were prepared from hamster tracheal explants by a collagenase exposure and subsequent incubation in Waymouth’s MAB 87/3 medium. The epithelial outgrowth occurred on glass cover slips. Cilia on the monolayers continued to beat normally after the “parent” explant was removed. Monolayer cultures infected withMycoplasma pneumoniae had significant amounts of attachment. A morphological analysis of the attachment was conducted with scanning electron microscopy. Clusters, cocci, and filaments ofM. pneumoniae all attached to the epithelial cells, but the filaments were especially common. Mycoplasmas were seen in association with both ciliated and nonciliated cell membranes. On ciliated cells, mycoplasmas were on the ciliary strands and on the cell membrane. When located immediately adjacent to or in between cilia, mycoplasmas were oriented vertically with the constricted attachment tip oriented down toward the host cell membrane. When located more than a micron away from the ciliary fibers, mycoplasmas lay horizontally along the epithelial cell membrane. The photographic data suggest that clusters or “sperules” of mycoplasmas may liberate individual mycoplasmas that attach to the cell membrane. It appears that the receptor sites forM. pneumoniae are rather uniformly distributed along the ciliated cell membrane, and are not restricted to the interciliary areas.
Effects of Solute Concentration on Equilibrium Partitioning of Flexible Macromolecules in Fibrous Membranes and Gels

A theory was developed to describe the equilibrium partitioning of flexible, linear polymers between a concentrated polymer solution and a medium consisting of a randomly oriented array of fibers (e.g., a fibrous membrane or gel). The fibers were represented as long cylinders, and the solute was modeled as a chain of cylindrical segments joined at specified bond angles. A Monte Carlo technique combined with excluded-volume concepts was used to describe steric interactions among chains and between chains and fibers. The partition coefficient (Φ, the solute concentration in the fibrous material divided by that in the bulk solution) was predicted to increase markedly when the bulk solution concentration of the polymer was elevated. This sensitivity of Φ to bulk concentration was found even at concentrations that were well below critical overlap values. The predicted partition coefficient decreased significantly as fiber volume fraction or molecular size was increased but tended to be less sensitive to the st...
Involvement of both adrenergic and cholinergic receptors in the cardiovascular effects of naloxone during hemorrhagic hypotension in the conscious rabbit

Opiate receptor blockade with naloxone reverses the hypotension associated with severe hemorrhage in a variety of animal models. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms of naloxone's actions in conscious rabbits made hypotensive by hemorrhage. This was accomplished through pharmacological blockade of the efferent limbs of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous systems prior to naloxone injection. In addition, we examined the effects of naltrexone in the same model. Naloxone treatment in hypotensive-hypovolemic, conscious rabbits results in an increase in mean arterial blood pressure (BP) and a decrease in heart rate (HR). The bradycardia appears to be due to a reduction in beta-adrenergic and an increase in muscarinic-cholinergic activity. The pressor effect is apparently due to increased alpha-adrenergic receptor activation, and is accompanied by an increase in cardiac output, stroke volume, and total peripheral resistance. Naltrexone did not significantly affect BP but it did reduce HR. The results from the present study suggest that naloxone's effects are mediated by an integrated response of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The actions of naloxone may be mediated through antagonism of endogenous opiates.
Steady-state simulation of an ammonia synthesis converter

Abstract A simple one-dimensional model of a T.V.A. ammonia synthesis converter approximates closely the ammonia production rate and the catalyst bed temperature profile of an industrial reactor. Using this simulation, the effects of space velocity, feed gas ammonia and inert contents, reactor heat conductance, and catalyst activity upon reactor stability, ammonia production rate, and catalyst bed temperature profile have been determined.
The relevance of Kuhn's model of science to discipline development in sociology «1»

Thomas Kuhn's model of scientific development during the last two decades is reviewed critically in light of its increasing popularity in the sociology of sociology literature. This model, along with recent criticisms and rebuttals by Kuhn, is described, and the circularity of this position as a basis for paradigm development is noted. Several problems are identified for contemporary sociology. We conclude that Kuhn's model can not be used as a strategy for generating a scientific paradigm for the discipline of sociology and, at best, Kuhn's work serves only as a heuristic device for discipline analysis.
Cool temperature effects on photosynthetic parameters of two biomass fuel feedstocks in a low light intensity environment

The ability to attain the feedstock production goal in the USA for biofuel production is limited by available arable land, cool temperatures, and periods of low light intensity. This study investigates the effects of warm and cool temperatures growth conditions in a low light regime on the photosynthesis and growth of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum cv. Alamo) and giant miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus). Alamo switchgrass did not acclimate to low light conditions and had a 47% lower growth and significantly lower mean light saturated photosynthetic rate (Asat = 10.3 μmol m−2s−1) at 14/12°C day/night, compared with 28/25°C (Asat = 18.8 μmol m−2s−1). In contrast, photosynthesis of giant miscanthus acclimated to low light conditions, but there was no significant decrease in quantum requirement or light saturated photosynthetic rates in cool growing conditions (Asat = 8.2 μmol m−2s−1 and 7.0 μmol m−2s−1 for warm and cool conditions, respectively). In summary, giant miscanthus growth and photosynthesis is relati...
Characterization of aerosols over the North Atlantic Ocean from SeaWiFS

Abstract Over four years of SeaWiFS-derived aerosol optical data are analyzed at nine selected sites within the North Atlantic basin. These sites are representative of continental aerosols, mineral (dust) aerosols or a mixture of both. The seasonal cycle of the aerosol optical thickness (AOT; τ 865 ) and the Angstrom exponent ( α 510 ) at each site agrees well with longterm climatology records based on independent ground-truth and/or satellite measurements. The dominant feature in the North Atlantic— the outflow of Saharan dust plumes from northwest Africa—is reflected in higher AOT levels and smaller Angstrom values (larger aerosol particles), both close to the source region as well as at downwind sites. The aerosol regime along the US east coast consists primarily of small-sized particles (large Angstrom) indicative of urban aerosols. The capability to characterize aerosol processes in the North Atlantic as shown here demonstrates that an ocean-color sensor like SeaWiFS can provide a key contribution to the synoptic monitoring of aerosol processes.
Isolation and characterization of Dek, a Drosophila eph receptor protein tyrosine kinase.

We have isolated a Drosophila receptor protein tyrosine kinase (RTK) of the Eph subfamily. Dek, for Drosophila Eph kinase, possesses all the domains characteristic of the Eph subfamily of RTKs and is equally similar in sequence to both the EphA and the EphB subclasses. Antibody staining and promoter fusions to axon-targeted reporters reveal that Dek is expressed by a large subset of developing embryonic interneurons and is targeted to their axons and growth cones at the time of axon pathfinding. Dek is also expressed by photoreceptor cells of third-instar larvae as they project axons into the optic brain lobe. Misexpression and overexpression of full-length Dek or kinase-inactive Dek do not grossly affect axon pathfinding.
SUSTAINABILITY AND URBAN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

An analysis of data of the past few decades from cities around the world indicates that history is repeating itself. Although there are significant differences in socioeconomic and technological characteristics among these cities, a remarkable similarity exists in trends in urban transportation. The current growth in the use of automobiles in many cities of developing countries follows similar trends experienced in the United States and other developed countries several decades earlier. Even though there is much awareness and knowledge about sustainability, private vehicle ownership, and use continue to grow at an increasing pace with rising personal incomes and desires to experience faster and more reliable transportation technology. Urban density, expressed in number of people and/or jobs per unit of land, is the key indicator of the level of automobile ownership and use, and of associated parameters of sustainability. As personal incomes rise, choice of residential and job location increases, causing a...
Safety and efficacy of doxorubicin drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Purpose To investigate the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization using doxorubicin drug-eluting beads (DEBs) in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) C stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Consecutive patients with initial staging of BCLC C HCC who received DEB transarterial chemoembolization over the last 5 years were studied. The study included 121 patients (mean age, 61.2 years old). Adverse events (AEs) after DEB transarterial chemoembolization were studied in detail and were recorded as per the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03 criteria. Survivals were analyzed according to parameters from the time of first DEB transarterial chemoembolization. Kaplan-Meier method by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were used for survival analysis. Results AEs occurred in 30.2% of patients. No AEs were greater than Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade III. Grade I and II AEs included nausea and vomiting in 7.8% of patients and abdominal pain in 23.8% of patients. Grade III AEs were noted in 1.06% of patients. There were no gastrointestinal or hepatic complications. There were no deaths within 30 days after DEB transarterial chemoembolization. The overall median survival was 13.5 months. Among the Child-Pugh class A patients, those without PVT and metastasis (28.9%) had better survival when treated with DEB transarterial chemoembolization than those with PVT and metastases (9.9%) (18.8 mo versus 4.4 mo, P = .001). Ascites, performance status, Okuda stage HCC, serum alpha fetoprotein levels, and etiologic factor for chronic liver disease predicted survival. Conclusions DEB transarterial chemoembolization appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with BCLC C HCC. Patients with Child-Pugh class A without PVT and metastasis benefited most from DEB transarterial chemoembolization.
Development of an interactive software application to model patient populations in the 4D NURBS-based cardiac torso phantom

The 4D NURBS-based Cardiac Torso (NCAT) phantom was developed to provide a realistic and flexible computerized torso phantom to be used in medical imaging research. The organ shapes in the NURBS-based phantom are modeled with non-uniform rational b-splines or NURBS surfaces using the Visible Human CT data set as the basis for the formation of the surfaces. Since it is based on human data, the phantom has the ability to model organ shape and anatomical variations more realistically than phantoms based on simple geometric primitives. To this point, the NCAT phantom has been limited to simulating variations upon the anatomy of the Visible Male. The authors extend the abilities of the phantom to include simulation of female patients. Two breast models, simulating the prone and supine positions, were developed using 3D NURBS surfaces. As is the case with the other organs of the torso, the NURBS definition of the breasts allows a high degree of flexibility to model anatomical variations. The authors develop an interactive software application that will allow a user to modify the NURBS surfaces that define the different organs of the NCAT phantom in order to generate male and female patients with varying anatomy. The software application provides 3D and 2D views of the phantom and includes several transformations that can be used to alter the anatomy. It also includes the ability to import patient data from which the user can manipulate the organs of the phantom to match the specific patient anatomy. It is concluded that this software application is a useful resource in creating patients with varying anatomy to be used in medical imaging research studies that involve a population of patients.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: A potential diagnostic biomarker for major depression

Despite intense research efforts undertaken by investigators throughout the world over the past half century to identify a specific biomarker for major depressive disorder (MDD), none have so far met the rigorous test of specificity, reliability and reproducibility. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has been implicated in the neurotrophic model of depression and several studies have assessed VEGF levels in depressed patients. The results have been discrepant largely due to design and assay differences among studies. The aim of this study was to assess plasma VEGF levels in a cohort of MDD subjects prior to treatment with psychotropic medication and compare them to those of healthy control (HC) subjects. Prospective study participants underwent extensive medical and psychiatric assessments before they were enrolled. Plasma concentrations of VEGF were measured by the technique marketed by Randox Technologies. The mean baseline VEGF for the healthy and depressed groups was 5.91 pg/ml (SD: 3.04) and 10.51 pg/ml (SD: 9.04), respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). We detected a very low univariate relationship between VEGF and demographic and clinical variables. Using the Optimal Data Analysis a cut score of 6.64 pg/ml for baseline plasma VEGF distinguished depressed from healthy subjects with a 63% overall accuracy. We conclude these results support a role of plasma VEGF as a useful biomarker of depression that can be measured with a routine blood draw at the point of service. The specificity of this potential biomarker must be confirmed in studies that include other psychiatric disease entities.
Biological evaluation of a novel sorafenib analogue, t-CUPM

Sorafenib (Nexavar ® ) is currently the only FDA-approved small molecule targeted therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The use of structural analogues and derivatives of sorafenib has enabled the elu- cidation of critical targets and mechanism(s) of cell death for human cancer lines. We previously performed a struc- ture-activity relationship study on a series of sorafenib analogues designed to investigate the inhibition overlap between the major targets of sorafenib Raf-1 kinase and VEGFR-2, and an enzyme shown to be a potent off-target of sorafenib, soluble epoxide hydrolase. In the current work, we present the biological data on our lead sorafenib analogue, t-CUPM, demonstrating that this analogue retains cytotoxicity similar to sorafenib in various human
Postoperative complications after chemoradiation for advanced head and neck cancer.

Background. To compare the rate of postoperative complications of patients with advanced head and neck cancer treated with the chemoradiation protocol “RADPLAT” with that of a similar cohort of patients treated with primary surgery. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 50 patients treated with RADPLAT and 50 patients treated with primary surgery. Results. The rates of complications for local wound problems were 54% and 42%, respectively, for the RADPLAT cohort and the primary surgery cohort. However, the rate of local complications for the subset of RADPLAT patients undergoing clean-contaminated surgery was 69% (p = .305). The rates of complications for medical (systemic) problems were 10% and 12%, respectively, for RADPLAT versus primary surgery patients. There was no significant difference in hospitalization time between the groups. Conclusions. Among patients with advanced head and neck cancer, surgical complications are high but not significantly different between patients undergoing the chemoradiation protocol “RADPLAT” and those undergoing primary surgery. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck26: 272–277, 2004
A method for assessing highway qualities to integrate values in highway planning

Highway infrastructure planning is most often oriented toward assessing and maintaining physical inventories but it is often the lack of social knowledge about how people perceive, value and use a transportation system that generates the greatest user conflict and mistrust of public agency behavior. Using results from a 2001 statewide survey of Alaska residents, this paper presents a methodology for examining highway systems as a collection of intrinsic highway qualities and special places that provide a spectrum of highway experience opportunities. The concept of a highway experience opportunity spectrum is described and a number of potential dimensions for creating experience opportunity classes are suggested. With knowledge of spatial locations of intrinsic highway qualities, transportation planners can make informed choices to maintain or alter the set of highway experience opportunities associated with a highway system.
Cefamandole, a Cephalosporin Antibiotic with an Unusually Wide Spectrum of Activity

The in vitro activity of cefamandole, 7-d-mandelamido-3-(1 methyl-1H-tetrazol-5 yethiomethyl)-3-cephem-4 carboxylic acid, was investigated. The majority of streptococci and pneumococci were inhibited by 0.1 mug/ml. Activity against Staphylococcus aureus was below that of cephalothin, but most strains were inhibited by 0.4 mug/ml. Enterococci were not inhibited by less than 25 mug/ml. Cefamandole was very active against most members of the Enterobacteriaceae, with 70% of Escherichia coli, 86% of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 88% of Proteus mirabilis inhibited by 1.6 mug/ml. A number of Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, and Serratia marcescens strains were inhibited by less than 25 mug/ml. Pseudomonas species were resistant. Cefamandole was more active than cephalothin, cephaloridine, or cephalexin against members of the Enterobacteriaceae. Inoculum size and type of medium had variable effects on the minimal inhibitory concentration, depending upon the particular strain tested. Strains of Enterobacter, Serratia, indole-positive Proteus species showed the greatest inoculum effect. Similarly, these species showed a several-fold difference of bactericidal and inhibitory levels. Resistance of cefamandole to hydrolysis by gram-negative beta-lactamase played a partial role in its activity, but some strains that hydrolyzed the agent were susceptible.
Evidence for a structural relationship between successive parallel tubules in the SR network and supernumerary striations of Z line material in purkinje fibers of the chicken, sheep, dog and rhesus monkey heart

The striations and the intervening filaments observed in the present study have been variously designated in the literature as: prodomal pattern, leptomeric myofibril, microladder, leptomeric organelle, leptofibril and zebra body. Electron microscope examinations of Purkinje fibers from the septa, papillaries, trabeculae carneae and small endocardial strands from chicken, sheep, dog and monkey hearts have revealed a close association between densely stained striations of supernumerary Z line material and successive parallel tubules in the network formed by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The striations appear to be linked together by filaments that somewhat resemble the part of thin filaments attached to Z lines in normal fibrils. The evidence for a close association of striations and SR tubules is derived from a similarity of spacing between striations and successive parallel tubules in the SR network and from a resemblance of striation and SR network patterns. The evidence for a structural relationship between striations and SR tubules is derived from the observation of electron-opaque strands traversing the space between striations and SR tubules.
Distribution of creatine, guanidinoacetate and the enzymes for their biosynthesis in the animal kingdom. Implications for phylogeny

1. The distribution of creatine and the creatine-synthesizing enzymes in the animal kingdom has been investigated. Creatine was found in tissues of all vertebrates examined, and in various invertebrates from phyla Annelida, Echinodermata, Hemichordata and Chordata, subphylum Cephalochordata. The activities of the creatine-synthesizing enzymes, arginine–glycine transamidinase and guanidinoacetate methylpherase, were not detected in the hagfish or in any of the invertebrates, including those in which creatine was found, with the exception that transamidinase activities were detected in the amphioxus and salt water clam; however, these activities are considered to be artifacts for reasons mentioned in the text. Additional evidence that the hagfish and various creatine-containing invertebrates could not synthesize creatine was the observation that these animals did not convert one or the other of the likely precursors of creatine (arginine and glycine) into creatine, in vivo. Further, the inability of these animals to synthesize creatine is correlated with the observations that all animals tested were able to abstract creatine from their aqueous environment. 2. The activities of the creatine-synthesizing enzymes were detected in the sea lamprey and in all but a few of the other vertebrates examined. Neither activity could be detected in the sharks and rays (cartilaginous fish), buffalo fish (bony fish) or the snapping turtle. Transamidinase or guanidinoacetate methylpherase activity could not be found in the salamander or garter snake, respectively. 3. The results obtained with the lamprey are in direct contrast with those obtained with the hagfish (both subphylum Agnatha, class Cyclostomata). The lamprey had the ability to synthesize creatine and did not abstract creatine from lake water. The hagfish did not have any apparent ability to synthesize creatine and did abstract creatine from sea water. The present report thus supports the theory that the myxinoid (hagfish) and petromyzoid (lamprey) agnathans are only distantly related. 4. The lack of creatine-synthesizing enzyme activities in the cartilaginous fishes may have phylogenetic significance, but may also be explained by the availability of creatine in the diet of these animals. The lack of one or both enzyme activities in vertebrates other than the hagfish and the cartilaginous fish is suggested to be the result of creatine in the diet.
Dependency-based concurrency control in logic-oriented object bases

A policy for scheduling concurrent transactions in which the preconditions and effects associated with the transactions can be specified is described. Also proposed is a recovery procedure for when transaction failures are detected. The advantages of the scheduling algorithm can be summarized as follows: for conventional transaction models, it is less constrained than the two-phased protocol, particularly for short transactions; and it can perform concurrency control based on semantic dependencies. >
Discrimination of intermediate sounds in a synthetic call continuum by female green tree frogs

Male Hyla cinerea produce two distinctive calls. Acoustically intermediate calls are rare. Females discriminate between synthetic intermediates that differ by one cycle of amplitude modulation (50 per second). Processing appears to be continuous. The tree frog's auditory system thus provides a wide margin for the discrimination of its two principal signals.
Use of sexual risk assessment and feedback at intake to promote counselor awareness of subsequent client risk behavior during early treatment.

Background: Sexual risk is an important, oft-neglected area in addiction treatment. Objectives: This report examines computerized sexual risk assessment and client feedback at intake as means of enhancing counselor awareness of client risk behavior during early treatment, as well as any clinical impact of that counselor awareness. Methods: In 2009–2011, new clients at both opiate treatment and drug-free treatment programs endorsed in a computer-assisted assessment at intake 90-day retrospective indices for: being sexually active, having multiple partners, having sex under drug influence, and inconsistently using condoms. Clients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive or not receive a personal feedback report, and those receiving a report chose if a counselor copy was also distributed. Ninety days later, retained clients (N = 79) repeated the assessment and their counselors concurrently reported perceptions of recent client risk behavior. Results: Based on client reports, pretreatment risk behavi...
The ETS protein MEF is regulated by phosphorylation-dependent proteolysis via the protein-ubiquitin ligase SCFSkp2.

MEF is an ETS-related transcription factor with strong transcriptional activating activity that affects hematopoietic stem cell behavior and is required for normal NK cell and NK T-cell development. The MEF (also known as ELF4) gene is repressed by several leukemia-associated fusion transcription factor proteins (PML-retinoic acid receptor α and AML1-ETO), but it is also activated by retroviral insertion in several cancer models. We have previously shown that cyclin A-dependent phosphorylation of MEF largely restricts its activity to the G1 phase of the cell cycle; we now show that MEF is a short-lived protein whose expression level also peaks during late G1 phase. Mutagenesis studies show that the rapid turnover of MEF in S phase is dependent on the specific phosphorylation of threonine 643 and serine 648 at the C terminus of MEF by cdk2 and on the Skp1/Cul1/F-box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex SCFSkp2, which targets MEF for ubiquitination and proteolysis. Overexpression of MEF drives cells through the G1/S transition, thereby promoting cell proliferation. The tight regulation of MEF levels during the cell cycle contributes to its effects on regulating cell cycle entry and cell proliferation.
Loss of hydroxyl radical from cis- and trans-1-cyclohexyl 2-phenyl-3-benzoylaziridines: A unique eight-centered rearrangement elimination

Following electron impact ionization of the title compounds, a rapid electrocyclic ring opening of the [M]+˙ of both isomers occurs. A subsequent fragmentation of each is loss of hydroxyl which occurs by rearrangement to the carbonyl function. Properties of [MOH]+ are in accord with a stable structure for this ion and therefore it is assigned as the 4-phenylisoquinium ion. The proposed mechanism and ion structures are supported by deuterium labeling and defocused metastable ion studies.
Assessing the regression to the mean for non-normal populations via kernel estimators.

Background : Part of the change over time of a response in longitudinal studies may be attributed to the re­gression to the mean. The component of change due to regression to the mean is more pronounced in the subjects with extreme initial values. Das and Mulder proposed a nonparametric approach to estimate the regression to the mean. Aim : In this paper, Das and Mulder's method is made data-adaptive for empirical distributions via kernel estimation approaches, while retaining the orig­inal assumptions made by them. Results : We use the best approaches for kernel density and hazard function estimation in our methods. This makes our approach extremely user friendly for a practitioner via the state of the art procedures and packages available in statistical softwares such as SAS and R for kernel density and hazard function estimation. We also estimate the standard error of our estimates of regression to the mean via nonparametric bootstrap methods. Finally, our methods are illustrated by analyzing the percent predicted FEV1 measurements available from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's National Patient Registry. Conclusion : The kernel based approach presented in this article is a user-friendly method to assess the regression to the mean in non-normal populations.
Forest modeling of jack pine trees for BOREAS

As part of the intensive field campaign (IFC) for the Boreal forest ecosystem-atmosphere research (BOREAS) project in August 1993, the NASA/JPL AIRSAR covered an area of about 100 km/spl times/100 km near the Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan, Canada. At the same time, ground-truth measurements were made in several stands which have been selected as the primary study sites, as well as in some auxiliary sites. This paper focuses on an area including jack pine stands in the Nipawin area near the park. Upon examining the SAR data from stands of old and young jack pine (OJP and YJP) it is observed that the OJP stand produces HH backscatter at P-band which is significantly higher than that from YJP. The OJP trees are taller and have larger diameters, but are much more sparse than the YJP trees. The YJP trees, on the other hand, have denser and greener crown layer. The radar backscatter values for VV polarization and at other frequencies do not manifest such a large difference. For HV backscatter, although P-band return is again larger than C- and L-bands, the difference is not as marked. To explain this distinct signature of OJP stands, a forest scattering model is used in conjunction with the ground-truth measurements. The forest model includes the major scattering mechanisms (volume, double-bounce, and single-bounce) by taking the forest component interactions into account. The contribution from each of the scattering mechanisms to the total backscatter is calculated and their differences for OJP and YJP stands are evaluated. The results are used to discuss the effect of the physical properties of the forest components in each stand on radar backscatter, in particular, for HH polarization at P-band. >
ZnO nanowire interfaces for high strength multifunctional composites with embedded energy harvesting

Continuous power generation from energy harvesting systems is dependent on their mechanical strength as they convert wasted mechanical energy into useful electrical energy. Here, the first generation of high strength, fiber-based energy harvesters is developed through a simple, scalable and cost-effective process. To fabricate these light yet robust energy harvesting materials, vertically aligned ZnO nanowires are grown on the fibers' surface of a woven aramid fabric. The ZnO nanostructured interface is used as a functional unit as well as a reinforcement component. The power harvesting performance of these hybrid composites is demonstrated through direct vibration examination of a fabricated cantilever beam. The fabricated hybrid composite energy harvester beam produced a high open circuit voltage of ∼125 mV root mean square (and ∼0.4 V peak-to-peak) when subjected to a cyclic base acceleration of only 1g root mean square. Moreover, assessing the structural performance of these composites revealed significant increase in the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the composites by 34.3% and 18.4%, respectively. These results indicate that integrating ZnO nanowire arrays not only provides energy harvesting capability, but also enhances the mechanical properties of the composite. This methodology can be considered as the first development of a high strength material with embedded energy harvesting and thus demonstrates multifunctional materials with improved strength and functionality.