cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some molecular aspects of mitochondrial complementation and heterosis.

Studies of heterosis in plants and animals generally emphasize one of four aspects of the phenomenon: yield of final product, the genetic basis of heterosis, the gene product and its function, or the biochemical systems involved in the accomplishment of heterotic phenotype. The latter two, together with information on the rate of formation of the final product, should be a guide for more meaningful studies of heterosis. The ultimate aim of such studies is to remove the mystique of heterosis. This aim can be achieved through operational devices whereby an experimentally induced biochemical event resembling heterosis in inbred individuals can be manipulated at will in the laboratory. It is a great honor to have been asked by the Organizing Committee of this Symposium to discuss some of the work and reasoning that my students and I have done over the past few years that may contribute to the eventual attainment of the ultimate aim.
Soft Lunar Landing Guidance Sensor

In the near future United States space vehicles, such as the Centaur, will be soft landing 300 to 730 lb payloads on the moon. By the early 1970’s, the Nova vehicle will be landing payloads of 20,000 lb — enough payload to permit a man to go to the moon and come back. The lack of an appreciable atmosphere on the moon rules out the possibility that these space vehicles could make soft landings based on the use of aerodynamical devices (parachutes, lifting surfaces). In lieu of this, these space vehicles will carry astronautical reaction-type devices (retrorockets, etc.) to be used to effect the soft landing. As a corollary, the moon vehicles will carry a lunar landing sensor capable of providing the necessary intelligence for control of this energy. An initial design of such a soft lunar landing guidance sensor is the subject of this paper [1].
Neuroimaging of Depression and Other Emotional States

Depression is an important predictor of adverse medical outcomes via alterations in autonomic, endocrine, immune, hemostatic, and treatment adherence mechanisms. Depression likely influences each of these processes through its effects on the brain. The purpose of this chapter is to selectively review brain imaging findings in depression and interpret these results in the context of how the brain functions during normative emotion processing. Our review of the neuroimaging literature indicates that depression is associated with alterations in the structure and function of particular nodes of a widely distributed cortico-limbic network that is involved in emotion processing and regulation. Taken together, this evidence supports the notion that brain imaging can advance the behavioral medicine research agenda by contributing to the delineation of mechanisms that mediate established relationships between psychosocial variables on the one hand and medical outcome on the other. To develop a comprehensive neurobiological model of depression and its effects on disease, a research strategy that includes assessment of psychosocial, brain, peripheral mediators, and end-organ variables within the same individuals should be pursued. This chapter provides a review of the neuroimaging evidence on which such a research strategy may be based.
Equivariant Homology and Spectral Sequences

If a group G operates on a topological space X, then one can define equivariant homology and cohomology groups, which can be thought of heuristic-ally as a “mixture” of H(G) and H(X). This equivariant theory provides a powerful tool for extracting homological information about G from the action of G on X. It is in this way, for example, that Quillen proved his theorem about the Krull dimension of H*(G, ℤp) for G finite (VI.9.8).
A Survey Instrument to Assess Intake of Dietary Supplements, Related Products, and Caffeine in High-Use Populations

Substantial data on the use of dietary supplements by the general adult population are available, but many population subgroups have not been extensively studied. Because military service members and young people consume large amounts of dietary supplements, including for enhancement of physical performance, weight control, and bodybuilding, which can be dangerous, we developed a comprehensive questionnaire to characterize patterns of supplement use in these and other populations. The questionnaire has been used to study >7000 military service members and 1000 college students. This supplement article presents a detailed description of the questionnaire, which contains comprehensive questions on demographic characteristics, exercise habits, attitudes with regard to dietary supplements, and amount of money spent on supplements. Intakes of specific dietary supplements and caffeine, frequency of use, and reasons for use are assessed. The questionnaire was designed for studying dietary supplement and caffeine intake patterns with the use of paper-and-pencil administration to military populations and was modified for use with college students and for computer and Web administration. It is available online at https://go.usa.gov/xn9FP and in the Supplemental File for this publication. It can be used to study other populations if minor modifications are made. The online version of the questionnairewill be updated periodically as newversions become available. In conclusion, a validated, detailed, noncopyrighted questionnaire designed to assess the use of dietary supplements, energy drinks (and related products), and caffeine is available for use in diverse populations. The format of the questionnaire is adaptable to computer administration and scoring, and it can be customized for specific subpopulations, locations, and product categories including updates that reflect changes in the availability of supplements or availability of new products.
Wireless Sensor Networks for Long-Term Monitoring of Urban Noise.

Noise pollution in urban environments is becoming increasingly common and it has potential to negatively impact people’s health and decrease overall productivity. In order to alleviate these effects, it is important to better quantify noise patterns and levels through data collection and analysis. Wireless sensor networks offer a method for achieving this with a higher level of granularity than traditional handheld devices. In this study, a wireless sensing unit (WSU) was developed that possesses the same functionality as a handheld sound level meter. The WSU is comprised of a microcontroller unit that enables on-board computations, a wireless transceiver that uses Zigbee protocol for data transmission, and an external peripheral board that houses the microphone transducer. The WSU utilizes on-board data processing techniques to monitor noise by computing equivalent continuous sound levels, LeqT, which effectively minimizes data transmission and increases the overall longevity of the node. Strategies are also employed to ensure real-time functionality is maintained on the sensing unit, with a focus on preventing bottlenecks between data acquisition, data processing, and wireless transmission. Four units were deployed in two weeks field validation test and were shown to be capable of monitoring noise for extended periods of time.
Greater number of perceived barriers to hydroxyurea associated with poorer health-related quality of life in youth with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND Despite medical benefits, hydroxyurea adherence in adolescents is often poor. As part of a baseline assessment of 28 youth (10-18 years) parent dyads who participated in a 6-month feasibility trial to improve hydroxyurea adherence, we measured the relationship between greater barriers to adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQL) from youth and parent perspectives. PROCEDURE Barriers were measured using the Adolescent and Parent Medication Barriers Scales with nine hydroxyurea items added. Barriers reported by ≥25% of the sample were considered common. Generic and disease-specific HRQL were measured by PedsQL and PedsQL Sickle Cell Disease modules. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha, Spearman correlation coefficients, and paired t tests. RESULTS Fifty-six subjects (28 dyads) participated. Youth reported greater barriers compared with parents (5.0 ± 3.9 and 3.5 ± 3.2; P = 0.03), with >80% of respondents reporting ≥1 barriers. Twelve barriers were reported by ≥25% of adolescents, whereas six were reported by ≥25% of parents. Of these, only two were common to both dyad members. Approximately one-third of youth had generic and disease-specific HRQL scores that fell at or below cutoff scores, suggesting being at risk for impaired HRQL. Greater barriers were inversely associated with poorer generic (parent r = -0.43, P = 0.03; youth r = -0.44, P < 0.001) and disease-specific HRQL (parent r = -0.53, P = 0.005; youth r = -0.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Hydroxyurea barriers were frequently reported but differed by dyad members' perspective. Greater barriers were associated with poorer generic and disease-specific HRQL. To reduce barriers to hydroxyurea in youth with sickle cell disease, perspectives of both dyad members should be addressed.
Functional Morphology and Biomechanics of Feeding in Fishes

The evolutionary history of feeding biomechanics in fishes is a spectacular story of change in the structure and function of highly kinetic vertebrate skulls. From ratfishes to wrasses there is a spectacular diversity of skull form and feeding mechanisms among fishes, from sit-and-wait predators that use high suction forces to engulf their prey, to species that chase their prey during an attack, and fishes that cut or crunch their food using a biting strategy. Major feeding guilds among fishes include piscivores, herbivores, planktivores, detritivores, and molluscivores, with many more specialized modes of dietary preference such as scale eating, winnowing, and parasitism. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of fish feeding anatomy, behavior, and function, with a focus on progress in cranial biomechanics in fishes. Fish feeding science is a diverse and active discipline, with major advances in structure, mechanics, and evolution continuing to emerge.
Retrospective Analysis Confirms Tetracycline Quadruple as Best Helicobacter pylori Regimen in the USA

Declining Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rates have prompted a switch in first-line therapy from standard triple (PPI, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin) to bismuth-based quadruple therapy. A caveat of the ACG 2017 H. pylori treatment guidelines was a paucity of recent US eradication data. To determine Rhode Island H. pylori eradication data, in the largest US study from the last two decades. Electronic records were queried for patients with H. pylori infection diagnosed by pathology, urea breath test, or stool antigen from 2015 to 2017. Demographics, diagnostic test, treatment regimen, and test of cure were extracted. Eradication rates were calculated, and treatment regimens were compared. A total of 1710 patients were identified (64% female): 825 (46%) diagnosed by breath test, 755 (42%) by biopsy, and 191 (12%) by stool antigen. Full data were obtained on 1101 patients. Seven regimens were used: quadruple (64%), triple (25%), doxycycline quadruple (5%), and miscellaneous (6%). Quadruple was superior to triple: (85% vs. 75%, P = 0.002), quadruple 14 days versus triple 14 days (87% vs. 79%, P = 0.0052), quadruple 10 days versus triple 10 days (77% vs. 67%, P = 0.33). Increased therapy length improved eradication (quadruple 14 days vs. 10 days, 87% vs. 77%, P = 0.002; triple 14 days versus 10 days 79% vs. 67%, P = 0.13). Finally, substituting doxycycline for tetracycline yielded lower eradication (85% vs. 67%, P = 0.006). Quadruple therapy is superior to triple therapy within the Rhode Island population. Fourteen-day therapy achieves superior eradication compared to 10-day therapy, and doxycycline is inferior to tetracycline for quadruple therapy. Our findings support adherence to ACG and international guidelines advising 14-day quadruple therapy.
Introduction to Chemical Transmitter Systems

Abstract The nervous system utilizes about 100 molecules to signal between neurons ( intercellular signaling ), including neurotransmitters, which can either directly mediate or modulate fast synaptic transmission. However, not all molecules that affect the nervous system are considered neurotransmitters. As such, researchers have developed a number of criteria that are used to determine whether a molecule can be classified as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters have proven difficult to study, given that they are released in small amounts and are often found in a milieu of other neurotransmitters released by neighboring neurons. To aid in understanding how neurotransmitters are generated and used, we categorize them into four groups based on certain characteristics. Our hope is that this grouping will make it easier to grasp the general concepts that govern neurotransmitter synthesis and use. It is important to remember that the actions of neurotransmitters are determined not by the molecules themselves, but rather by the downstream effects of their receptors.
Narrowing the Gap: An Implementation Science Research Agenda for the Occupational Therapy Profession

Despite advancements in occupational therapy research, the widespread research-to-practice gap continues to delay how quickly evidence-based practices are implemented in real-world clinical settings. Implementing research in practice is a complex process that mandates attention from all occupational therapy stakeholders; however, researchers are uniquely positioned to help minimize the 17-yr lag between scientific discovery and the implementation of research findings into practice. Our article serves as a response to Marr's (2017) Centennial Topics article, which proposed that purposeful efforts are needed to advocate for implementation research in occupational therapy. We provide an implementation science research agenda informed by concepts from the implementation science literature and suggest how researchers can structure methodologies to examine implementation-related outcomes and strategies. We provide explanations of gold-standard implementation outcomes and offer several recommendations for how researchers can report and disseminate implementation research findings to occupational therapy stakeholders.
Cellular and cytoskeletal alterations of scleral fibroblasts in response to glucocorticoid steroids.

Steroid-induced ocular hypertension can be seen even after trabecular meshwork (TM) bypass/ablation. Thus, the purpose was to investigate steroid-response in cells distal to the TM by using primary scleral fibroblasts. Primary scleral cell cultures were generated using mid-depth scleral wedges from human donor corneo-scleral rims (n = 5) after corneal transplantation. Cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX; 100 nM) and compared to media (MED)/vehicle (DMSO) controls. Cell size, shape, and migration were studied using the IncuCyte Live-Cell Analysis System. Cytoskeleton was compared using Alexa Fluor-568 Phalloidin and senescence tested by evaluating beta-galactosidase. Western blot comparison was performed for α-SMA, FKBP-51, fibronectin, phospho-myosin light chain, and myocilin. Scleral fibroblasts upregulated FKBP-51 in response to DEX indicating the existence of steroid-responsive pathways. Compared to controls, DEX-treated cells proliferated slower (~50%; p < 0.01-0.02), grew larger (~1.3-fold; p < 0.001), and migrated less (p = 0.01-0.006). Alexa Fluor 568 Phalloidin actin stress fiber labeling was more diffuse in DEX-treated cells (p = 0.001-0.004). DEX-treated cells showed more senescence compared to controls (~1.7-fold; p = 0.01-0.02). However, DEX-treated cells did not show increased cross-linked actin network formation or elevated myocilin/fibronectin/α-SMA/phospho-myosin light chain protein expression. For all parameters, MED- and DMSO-treated control cells were not significantly different. Primary scleral fibroblasts, grown from tissue collected immediately distal to the TM, demonstrated scleral-response behaviors that were similar to, but not identical with, classic TM steroid-response. Further study is needed to understand how these scleral cellular alterations may contribute to steroid-response IOP elevation after TM bypass/ablation surgery.
Cost determinants in management of brain arteriovenous malformations.

There is little data on the cost of treating brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The goal of this study then is to identify cost determinants in multimodal management of brain AVMs. One hundred forty patients with brain AVMs prospectively enrolled in the UCSF brain AVM registry and treated between 2012 and 2015 were included in the study. Patient and AVM characteristics, treatment type, and length of stay and radiographic evidence of obliteration were collected from the registry. We then calculated the cost of all inpatient and outpatient encounters, interventions, and imaging attributable to the AVM. We used generalized linear models to test whether there was an association between patient and AVM characteristics, treatment type, and cost and length of stay. We tested whether the proportion of patients with radiographic evidence of obliteration differed between treatment modalities using Fisher’s exact test. The overall median cost of treatment and interquartile range was $77,865 (49,566–107,448). Surgery with preoperative embolization was the costliest treatment at $91,948 (79,914–140,600), while radiosurgery was the least at $20,917 (13,915–35,583). In multi-predictor analyses, hemorrhage, Spetzler-Martin grade, and treatment type were significant predictors of cost. Patients who had surgery had significantly higher rates of obliteration compared with radiosurgery patients. Hemorrhage, AVM grade, and treatment modality are significant cost determinants in AVM management. Surgery with preoperative embolization was the costliest treatment and radiosurgery the least; however, surgical cases had significantly higher rates of obliteration.
Young Adults’ Relationship Beliefs and Sexual Behavior: The Intersection of Religion, Race, and Sexual Identity

Common associations between religiosity and beliefs or behaviors related to love and sexuality could differ by race and sexual identity. Data from 6068 undergraduates who completed a 100-item survey revealed that students scoring high on religiosity were more likely to believe in one true love and were more committed to staying married if they had fallen out of love or if their partner cheated on them. High religiosity was also associated with disapproval of being gay, not being involved in a “friends with benefits” relationship, not intending to cohabit, avoiding hooking up, not having cheated on a partner, being against abortion, and not having used the Internet to find a partner. However, regression analyses suggested a differential influence of religion based on race and sexual identity on some associations, suggesting potentially distinct associations of religion based on identify influences.
Amplification lags nonlinearity in the recovery from reduced endocochlear potential

The mammalian hearing organ, the cochlea, contains an active amplifier to boost the vibrational response to low level sounds. Hallmarks of this active process are sharp location-dependent frequency tuning and compressive nonlinearity over a wide stimulus range. The amplifier relies on outer hair cell (OHC) generated forces driven in part by the endocochlear potential (EP), the ≈ +80 mV potential maintained in scala media, generated by the stria vascularis. We transiently eliminated the EP in vivo by an intravenous injection of furosemide and measured the vibrations of different layers in the cochlea9s organ of Corti using optical coherence tomography. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were monitored at the same times. Following the injection, the vibrations of the basilar membrane lost the best frequency (BF) peak and showed broad tuning similar to a passive cochlea. The intra-organ of Corti vibrations measured in the region of the OHCs lost their BF peak and showed low-pass responses, but retained nonlinearity, indicating that OHC electromotility was still operational. Thus, while electromotility is presumably necessary for amplification, its presence is not sufficient for amplification. The BF peak recovered nearly fully within 2 hours, along with a non-monotonic DPOAE recovery that suggests that physical shifts in operating condition are a final step in the recovery process.
Novel Adaptation of a Validated Tactile Aesthesiometer to Evaluate Laryngopharyngeal Sensation.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate laryngopharyngeal sensation at specific subsites using a novel adaptation of a buckling force aesthesiometer for delivery of calibrated tactile stimuli. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS Twenty-two healthy adults (12 men, 10 women) were tested for responses to tactile forces, using 30-mm 6-0, 5-0, and 4-0 nylon monofilaments to map sensation of the aryepiglottic (AE) fold, lateral pyriform sinus (PS), and medial PS bilaterally. The outcome measures were the laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) and patient reported rating of perceptual strength. RESULTS Rates of triggered LAR response grew monotonically with increasing tactile force at a mean (SD) stimulus duration of 663 (164) msec across all three subsites. The AE fold and medial PS had similar profiles and were the most responsive, while the lateral PS was the least responsive. Low force (6-0) response rate was ≤14% for all subsites. High force (4-0) response rate was 91% for AE fold and medial PS, and 23% for lateral PS. The perceptual strength gradient was in the lateral to medial trajectory. CONCLUSION Normative data for LAR response rates to low, medium, and high stimulation forces will be useful to assess sensory dysfunction in a variety of laryngopharyngeal disorders, including aspiration, dysphagia, chronic cough, and spasmodic dysphonia. In turn, that information will guide the creation of innovative treatments. LAR response profiles to low and high force stimuli will inform the development of screening tools to diagnose laryngopharyngeal hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3b Laryngoscope, 131:1324-1331, 2021.
Impact of ion temperature anisotropy on 2D edge-plasma transport

Abstract A model of ion temperature anisotropy for 2D plasma transport in the scrape-off layer (SOL) of tokamaks is described and implemented in the UEDGE fluid transport code. Two ion energy equations are used to describe the evolution of the separate parallel and perpendicular ion temperatures. The temperature anisotropy generates viscous forces in both parallel and perpendicular directions that modify the parallel force balance equation and add an additional cross-magnetic-field drift velocity. Using the full set of UEDGE plasma and neutral equations (particle continuity, momentum, and energy), simulations are performed for both a 1D poloidal case and a 2D (radial and poloidal) single-null tokamak geometry case to highlight the 2D effects. The results show that ion parallel flows near the magnetic X-point in a comparatively low collisionality regime can be overestimated by the standard isotropic Braginskii model. The 2D ion temperature anisotropy varies substantially near the X-point and also near the divertor target plates, due to ionization sources. Moving radially outwards at the outer midplane, the anisotropy decreases between the core boundary and the magnetic separatrix and then it increases while moving across the SOL to the chamber wall.
From Nanocrystals to Nanocrystalline Metals

Grain size and shape and the structure of grain boundaries greatly influence the mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of polycrystalline metals and alloys. In this issue of Chem, Nagaoka et al. take a bottom-up approach to grain boundary engineering by consolidating colloidal nanocrystals into millimeter-scale polycrystalline and metallic glass samples.
A Case-Control Study of Accidental Falls During Surgical Hospitalizations.

BackgroundPostoperative falls are preventable complications. The study aims were to describe the rate and circumstances surrounding postoperative falls and explore potential associations with patie...
Long-Term Effects of Sglt2 Deletion on Bone and Mineral Metabolism in Mice

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, bone fragility has emerged as a side effect in some but not in all human studies. Because use of SGLT2 inhibitors in humans affects mineral metabolism, we investigated the long-term effects of genetic loss of Sglt2 function on bone and mineral metabolism in mice. Slc5a2 nonsense mutation in Sweet Pee (SP) mice results in total loss of Sglt2 function. We collected urine, serum, and bone samples from 15-week-old and 25-week-old wild-type (WT) and SP mice fasted from food overnight. We measured parameters of renal function and mineral metabolism and we assessed bone growth, microarchitecture, and mineralization. As expected, 15-week-old and 25-week-old SP mice showed increased glucosuria, and normal kidney function compared to age-matched WT mice. At 15 weeks, SP mice did not show alterations in mineral metabolism parameters. At 25 weeks, SP mice showed reduced fasting 24-hour urinary calcium excretion and increased fractional excretion of phosphate, but normal serum calcium and phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF23) levels. At 25 weeks, but not at 15 weeks, SP mice showed reduced body weight compared to WT. This was associated with reduced femur length at 25 weeks, suggesting impaired skeletal growth. SP mice did not show trabecular or cortical bone microarchitectural modifications but showed reduced cortical bone mineral density compared to WT mice at 25 weeks. These results suggest that loss of Sglt2 function in mice in the absence of T2DM does not alter regulatory hormones FGF23, PTH, and 1,25(OH)2D, but may contribute to bone fragility over the long term. Future studies are required to determine how loss of Sglt2 function impacts bone fragility in T2DM. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Classroom Context Influence on Pre-Service Teacher Pupil Control Ideology

The purpose of this experimental study is to examine the extent to which changes in a classroom scenario influence participant reports of pupil control ideology (PCI). Pre-service teacher participa...
alpha-Amino-N-butyric acid stimulates fetal hemoglobin in the adult.

The effect of alpha-amino-N-butyric acid (alpha ABA) on fetal hemoglobin production in the adult was examined in vivo after being administered to normal and anemic baboons and in erythroid progenitor cell cultures. Infusion of alpha ABA for five days resulted in four- to fivefold increases in the level of F reticulocytes of normal or chronically anemic baboons. The induction of HbF by alpha ABA was strikingly enhanced by the administration of 5-azacytidine. The addition of alpha ABA in culture produced a concentration-related increase of HbF in baboon CFUe and e-cluster colonies. In addition to the induction of HbF, alpha ABA stimulated the growth of all classes of erythroid progenitors in vivo or in culture. The activation of gamma- globin gene expression by alpha ABA is attributed to an interaction between regulatory sites of globin chromatin modified by alpha ABA and the immature intracellular environment of the expanding erythropoiesis. The combination of chromatin modification, DNA methylation, and the immature intracellular environment of rapid erythroid regeneration may explain the synergistic induction of HbF by alpha ABA and 5-azacytidine.
MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC Drivers' Licenses: Provide for Suspension for Misdemeanor Possession, Provide for Delay in Issuance for Conviction of Controlled Substance Related Offenses, and Increase Time of Suspension

The Act provides for the suspension of the driver's license of any person convicted of a misdemeanor possession of marijuana. The Act also increases the time of suspension for first offenders from 120 days to not less than 180 days. The Act also provides for a delay in issuing a driver's license to any person who is convicted of possession of a controlled substance or marijuana either if she does not have a license or if her license is suspended.
Granulocyte Collection by Continuous-flow Filtration Leukapheresis

A safe and simple technique for the collection of large numbers of granulocytes from normal donors, based on the reversible adhesion of granulocytes to nylon wool filters, is described. The procedure is well tolerated by donors, and the granulocytes obtained show nearly normal bactericidal and phagocytic capacity in vitro. However, a surprisingly small median 1-hr posttransfusion increment of 233/cu mm was observed in leukopenic recipients lacking preformed leukocyte antibodies, as compared to the median increment of 850/cu mm reported following transfusion of leukocytes obtained by differential centrifugation. The safety and effectiveness of these granulocytes for the treatment or prevention of bacterial infections in granulocytopenic patients remains to be proven, however our initial experience with such transfusions has been encouraging.
Genetics of Mouse Macrophage Resistance to Legionella pneumophila

Genetics can be a powerful approach with which to dissect the biological relationships between pathogens and their hosts. Genetic studies have established that polymorphisms in neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein 5 (Naip5) appear to explain the entire difference in permissiveness of B6 and A/J macrophages to Legionella replication. The authors examined whether permissiveness of mouse macrophages to Legionella growth was affected by inhibitors of the mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases, another important class of signaling molecules in the immune system. Importantly, therefore, it was found that macrophages from B6-backcrossed caspase-1 knockout mice were also more permissive for Legionella growth than were wild-type B6 macrophages. Currently, Legionella flagellin is detected by B6 macrophages in a manner dependent on Naip (and possibly Ipaf ), leading to caspase-1 activation, rapid cell death, and nonpermissiveness for Legionella growth. Whether Naip or Ipaf is a direct intracellular receptor for flagellin will likely be difficult to establish convincingly, as even the much more thoroughly characterized Toll and Nod proteins have not been unequivocally demonstrated to bind directly to their putative ligands. It has nevertheless been extremely satisfying to see how the concerted application of mouse and bacterial genetics has led to several insights into the nature of innate macrophage resistance to Legionella.
Partitioning Sparse Rectangular Matrices for Parallel Computations of Ax and ATv

This paper addresses the problem of partitioning the nonzeros of sparse nonsymmetric and nonsquare matrices in order to efficiently compute parallel matrix-vector and matrix-transpose-vector multiplies. Our goal is to balance the work per processor while keeping communications costs low. Although the symmetric partitioning problem has been well-studied, the nonsymmetric and rectangular cases have received scant attention. We show that this problem can be described as a partitioning problem on a bipartite graph. We then describe how to use (modified) multilevel methods to partition these graphs and how to implement the matrix multiplies in parallel to take advantage of the partitioning. Finally, we compare various multilevel and other partitioning strategies on matrices from different applications. The multilevel methods are shown to be best.
P19.10: Prenatal imaging findings in cloacal extrophy

Background: congenital inguinal hernias are rarely detected in utero, with prenatal diagnoses often made in the 3rd trimester. While most reported cases are isolated, fetal inguinal hernia has also been reported with rib and vertebral anomalies in the setting of Jarcho-Levin syndrome. Case: we report a case and associated images and video of a male infant prenatally diagnosed with a large inguinal hernia and multiple other anomalies. Prenatal ultrasound at 32 weeks revealed a large homogeneous solid mass anterior to the fetal pelvis measuring 4.70 × 4.62 × 4.88 cm adjacent to a normalappearing phallus (image 1). Peristalsis was noted within the mass, with bowel loops extending from the fetal abdomen into the mass suggesting an inguinal hernia (video). A normal cord insertion was noted. Additional anomalies apparent by prenatal sonogram included lumbosacral myelomeningocele with Chiari malformation, d-transposition of the great arteries, multiple hemivertebrae, and lower extremities fixed in flexion with short longs bones and bilateral talipes. Prenatal MRI confirmed the above findings. Amniocentesis revealed a normal male karyotype with a negative microarray. Cesarean delivery of a 2630 g male was performed at term due to breech presentation. Postnatal examination confirmed prenatal findings with no clinical or molecular evidence of a genetic abnormality. Conclusion: Inguinal hernias may be detected prenatally by identification of peristalsing bowel loops extending from the fetal abdomen into an external pelvic mass. Close evaluation for associated anomalies is required, as other structural anomalies may be present even the absence of a syndromic diagnosis.
The use of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to evaluate deconvolution measurements of systemic absorption

An unknown input function can be determined by deconvolution using the systemic bolus input function (r) determined using an experimental input of duration ranging from a few seconds to many minutes. The quantitative relation between the duration of the input and the accuracy of r is unknown. Although a large number of deconvolution procedures have been described, these routines are not available in a convenient software package. Four deconvolution methods are implemented in a new, user-friendly software program (PKQuest, http://www.pkquest.com ). Three of these methods are characterized by input parameters that are adjusted by the user to provide the "best" fit. A new approach is used to determine these parameters, based on the assumption that the input can be approximated by a gamma distribution. Deconvolution methodologies are evaluated using data generated from a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK). The 11-compartment PBPK model is accurately described by either a 2 or 3-exponential function, depending on whether or not there is significant tissue binding. For an accurate estimate of r the first venous sample should be at or before the end of the constant infusion and a long (10 minute) constant infusion is preferable to a bolus injection. For noisy data, a gamma distribution deconvolution provides the best result if the input has the form of a gamma distribution. For other input functions, good results are obtained using deconvolution methods based on modeling the input with either a B-spline or uniform dense set of time points.
Case Studies of Microcomputer and Interactive Video Simulations in Middle School Earth Science Teaching

This article synthesizes the results of three case studies of middle school classrooms in which computer and video materials were used to teach topics in earth and space science through interactive simulations. Cases were selected to span a range of middle school grade levels (sixth through eighth), teachers' levels of experience (student teacher through 16-year veteran), levels of technology used (Apple II through Macintosh-controlled interactive videodisk), and classroom organization patterns in relation to technological resources (teacher-centered presentations with individual seatwork through small-group exploratory activities in a multiple-computer setting). Specific instances are described illustrating ways in which common current practice is problematic in two broad categories: 1) classroom procedures and task structures established by teachers are often inconsistent with the intentions of software and video designers and producers; and 2) students' actual behavior and descriptions of their learning experiences with computer simulations are often very different from those initially envisioned or even immediately perceived by their teachers. In light of these findings, suggestions are made regarding improved design principles for such materials and how middle school science teachers might better conduct lessons using such simulations, specifically urging a sharper focus on the value of: transparency of the software interface; substantive content learning as well as student enjoyment; hybrid cooperative/competitive classroom task structures; maintaining intrinsic motivation in students; and students' feeling of ownership of problem solutions.
A Study of unique galvanic failure due to interaction with well structure

In this paper, a thorough investigation on a memory yield detractor due to metal void is presented. The metal void was found to have a strong dependency on isolated well size. It was formed due to galvanic effect. The failure mechanism in this unique case was found due to a potential developed from charges on the wafer surface and opposing charges trapped in the well. The post-etch solvent acted as the electrolyte and caused copper to migrate. This study includes a few counter-measures to address the issue.
Density evolution for BP-based decoding algorithms of LDPC codes and their quantized versions

In this paper, we analyze the performance of two improved BP-based decoding algorithms for LDPC codes, namely the normalized BP-based and the offset BP-based algorithms, by means of density evolution. The numerical calculations show that with one properly chosen parameter for each of these two improved BP-based algorithms, performances very close to that of the BP algorithm can be achieved. Simulation results for LDPC codes with code length moderately long validate the proposed optimization. Finite quantization effects on the BP-based and the offset BP-based decoding algorithms are evaluated.
Clinical Psychology, Graduate Training in

Graduate training in clinical psychology is based on the science of psychology. To that end, all programs provide education in the broad and general foundational areas of psychology, which include the social, biological, cognitive, and affective aspects of behavior as well as human development. Specific training in the area of clinical psychology centers on diagnosing and defining problems through psychological assessment and measurement, implementing intervention strategies, providing consultation and supervision, and evaluating the efficacy of interventions.
Cloning of a gene from Pseudomonas sp. strain PG2982 conferring increased glyphosate resistance.

Abstract A plasmid carrying a 2.4-kilobase-pair fragment of DNA from Pseudomonas sp. strain PG2982 has been isolated which was able to increase the glyphosate resistance of Escherichia coli cells. The increase in resistance was dependent on the presence of a plasmid-encoded protein with a molecular weight of approximately 33,000, the product of a translational fusion between a gene on the vector, pACYC184, and the insert DNA. An overlapping region of the PG2982 chromosome carrying the entire gene (designated igrA) was cloned, and a plasmid (pPG18) carrying the gene was also able to increase glyphosate resistance in E. coli. A protein with a molecular weight of approximately 40,000 was encoded by the PG2982 DNA contained in pPG18. This plasmid was not able to complement a mutation in the gene for 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (aroA) in E. coli, and modification of glyphosate by E. coli cells containing the plasmid could not be demonstrated. The nucleotide sequence of the PG2982 DNA contained an open reading frame able to encode a protein with a calculated molecular weight of 39,396.
Fuzzy logic control for an autonomous robot

In this paper an autonomous wall-following robot is presented. The inputs are obtained from ultrasonic sensors mounted. These inputs are sent to a microchip PIC16F877 microcontroller onboard the robot, which analyses the data and provides the necessary control signal. A fuzzy logic controller is used to control the robot's motion along the predefined path. The robot was first modeled in Matlab Simulink and the fuzzy logic rules were optimized for the best results possible. Later the microcontroller was programmed in C language using a PCW C-compiler and tested. Experimental results are presented to show the performance of the controller.
On ripple dynamics: V. Linear propagation of cylindrical waves on liquids with and without a surface dilatational viscoelastic response

The propagation of continuous-wave cylindrical ripples as observed in the laboratory is the subject of this paper. The first explicit formulation of the linearized Navier-Stokes in cylindrical coordinates for waves in the presence of a surface dilatational viscoelastic response is derived. Observations of wave slope as measured by a laboratory laser slope gauge are reported; they are described accurately by the theoretically predicted Hankel functions of the second kind. The study usesn-decane as the liquid on which the waves propagate. Three surfaces are tested: they are puren-decane,n-decane with a surface film of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a film of a fluorinated surfactant (FC740). The observed dispersion relation is shown to be in excellent agreement with theory and indicates values of surface dilatational elasticity equal to −0.048 ± .091 mN/m, 0.477 ± 0.012 mN/m, and 1.72 ± 0.300 mN/m for the cases of puren-decane,n-decane with PDMS, andn-decane with FC740, respectively.
Competition, Selectivity and Efficacy of Analogs of A-84543 for Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors with Repositioning of Pyridine Nitrogen.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a crucial role in a number of clinically relevant mental and neurological pathways, as well as autonomic and immune functions. The development of subtype-selective ligands for nAChRs therefore is potentially useful for targeted therapeutic management of conditions where nAChRs are involved. We tested if selectivity for a particular nAChR subtype can be achieved through small structural modifications of a lead compound containing the nicotinic pharmacophore by changing the distance between the electronegative elements. For this purpose, analogs of A-84543 were designed, synthesized and characterized as potentially new nAChR subtype-selective ligands. Compounds were tested for their binding properties in rat cerebral cortical tissue homogenates, and subtype-selectivity was determined using stably transfected HEK cells expressing different nAChR subtypes. All compounds synthesized were found to competitively displace [3H]-epibatidine ([3H]EB) from the nAChR binding site. Of all the analogues, H-11MNH showed highest affinity for nAChRs compared to a ~fivefold to tenfold lower affinity of A-84543. All other compounds had affinities >10,000 nM. Both A-84543 and H-11MNH have highest affinity for α2β2 and α4β2 nAChRs and show moderate affinity for β4- and α7-containing receptors. H-11MNH was found to be a full agonist with high potency at α3β4, while A-84543 is a partial agonist with low potency. Based on their unique pharmacological binding properties we suggest that A-84543 and its desmethylpyrrolidine analog can be useful as pharmacological ligands for studying nAChRs if selective pharmacological and/or genetic tools are used to mask the function of other receptors subtypes.
DRD2 and DRD4 genes related to cognitive deficits in HIV-infected adults who abuse alcohol

HIV-infected individuals continue to experience neurocognitive deterioration despite virologically successful treatments. The causes of neurocognitive impairment are still unclear. However, several factors have been suggested including the role of genetics. There is evidence suggesting that neurocognitive impairment is heritable and individual differences in cognition are strongly driven by genetic variations. The contribution of genetic variants affecting the metabolism and activity of dopamine may influence these individual differences. The present study explored the relationship between two candidate genes (DRD4 and DRD2) and neurocognitive performance in HIV-infected adults. A total of 267 HIV-infected adults were genotyped for polymorphisms, DRD4 48 bp-variable number tandem repeat (VNTR), DRD2 rs6277 and ANKK1 rs1800497. The Short Category (SCT), Color Trail (CTT) and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Tests (ROCT) were used to measure executive function and memory. Results showed significant associations with the SNP rs6277 and impaired executive function (odds ratio = 3.3, 95 % CI 1.2–2.6; p = 0.004) and cognitive flexibility (odds ratio = 1.6, 95 % CI 2.0–5.7; p = 0.001). The results were further stratified by race and sex and significant results were seen in males (odds ratio = 3.5, 95 % CI 1.5–5.5; p = 0.008) and in African Americans (odds ratio = 3.1, 95 % CI 2.3–3.5; p = 0.01). Also, DRD4 VNTR 7-allele was significantly associated with executive dysfunction. The study shows that genetically determined differences in the SNP rs6277 DRD2 gene and DRD4 48 bp VNTR may be risk factors for deficits in executive function and cognitive flexibility.
Focal injection of aminooxyacetic acid produces seizures and lesions in rat hippocampus: evidence for mediation by NMDA receptors.

Abstract Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), a potent yet nonspecific transaminase inhibitor, is known to cause convulsions when administered at high doses to experimental animals. The present study was designed to explore the mechanism(s) underlying the epileptogenic properties of AOAA. To this end, the drug was injected into the hippocampus of unanesthetized rats. Injection of 1.8 to 450 nmol AOAA produced dose-dependent EEG abnormalities including, at the higher doses, limbic seizures. Coadministration of the selective NMDA receptor antagonist d -2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (APH) at doses of 45 and 225 nmol caused an almost complete inhibition of seizures produced by 225 nmol AOAA. At 225 and 450 nmol, AOAA also caused selective neuronal damage, which was restricted to the CA1 region at the lower dose and also affected the CA 3 CA 4 area in two of six rats injected with the higher dose. Co-injection of 225 nmol APH completely protected the hippocampus from AOAA-induced damage. In separate experiments, microiontophoretic application of AOAA to CA1 pyramidal neurons failed to increase the firing rate of each of the 10 cells tested, thus indicating that the drug does not directly activate NMDA receptors. These experiments suggest that seizures and neurotoxicity produced by AOAA are mediated indirectly via NMDA receptor activation.
Effects of traumatic stress and perceived stress on everyday cognitive functioning

Stressful or traumatic events have been shown to impair cognitive functioning on laboratory-based tasks due to stress-related intrusive thoughts and avoidance. However, research on the effects of stress on everyday cognitive functioning has been lacking. A sample of 909 undergraduates completed measures of perceived stress, PTSD symptoms, and everyday cognitive failures. The results revealed that both perceived stress and PTSD symptoms uniquely predicted cognitive failures, even after controlling for a number of potentially confounding variables. Additionally, there was a significant interaction. Participants with low scores on both measures of stress reported the fewest occurrences of everyday cognitive failures. In contrast, participants with elevated scores on either measure of stress reported higher levels of cognitive failures. These results suggest that there are unique negative effects of perceived stress and PTSD symptoms on everyday cognitive functioning and sharpen our understanding of the relationship between stress and cognition.
Biomedical Utility of 1.34 μm Nd: YAG Laser Radiation

Absorption of the 1.34 μm Nd: YAG laser radiation in whole human blood and animal tissues is compared with 1.06, μm Nd: YAG and argon laser radiation. Absorption coefficients are determined and the biomedical utility of the 1.34 μm wavelength is evaluated.