cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptide Y Variation Is Associated With Altered Static and Dynamic Functional Connectivity of the Salience Network

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a neurotransmitter that has been implicated in the development of anxiety and mood disorders. Low levels of NPY have been associated with risk for these disorders, and high levels with resilience. Anxiety and depression are associated with altered intrinsic functional connectivity of brain networks, but the effect of NPY on functional connectivity is not known. Here, we test the hypothesis that individual differences in NPY expression affect resting functional connectivity of the default mode and salience networks. We evaluated static connectivity using graph theoretical techniques and dynamic connectivity with Leading Eigenvector Dynamics Analysis (LEiDA). To increase our power of detecting NPY effects, we genotyped 221 individuals and identified 29 healthy subjects at the extremes of genetically-predicted NPY expression (12 high, 17 low). Static connectivity analysis revealed that lower levels of NPY were associated with shorter path lengths, higher efficiency, higher clustering, higher small-worldness, and average higher node strength within the salience network, whereas subjects with high NPY expression displayed higher modularity and node eccentricity within the salience network. Dynamic connectivity analysis showed that the salience network of low-NPY subjects spent more time in a highly coordinated state relative to high-NPY subjects, and the salience network of high-NPY subjects switched between states more frequently. No group differences were found for static or dynamic connectivity of the default mode network. These findings suggest that genetically driven individual differences in NPY expression influence risk of mood and anxiety disorders by altering the intrinsic functional connectivity of the salience network.
Face recognition using sparse representations and manifold learning

Manifold learning is a novel approach in non-linear dimensionality reduction that has shown great potential in numerous applications and has gained ground compared to linear techniques. In addition, sparse representations have been recently applied on computer vision problems with success, demonstrating promising results with respect to robustness in challenging scenarios. A key concept shared by both approaches is the notion of sparsity. In this paper we investigate how the framework of sparse representations can be applied in various stages of manifold learning. We explore the use of sparse representations in two major components of manifold learning: construction of the weight matrix and classification of test data. In addition, we investigate the benefits that are offered by introducing a weighting scheme on the sparse representations framework via the weighted LASSO algorithm. The underlying manifold learning approach is based on the recently proposed spectral regression framework that offers significant benefits compared to previously proposed manifold learning techniques. We present experimental results on these techniques in three challenging face recognition datasets.
Adaptor protein Crk-like (CrkL) controls natural killer cell function via regulating the accumulation of activating receptors and phosphorylated Vav-1 molecules at immunological synapses (INM2P.433)

Very few studies have addressed how CrkL, a ubiquitous adaptor protein, regulates the immune response, especially in NK cells. Previous studies indicate that CrkL is required for NKG2D-mediated cellular cytotoxicity (NC) and CD16 signaling triggered antibody mediated cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, how CrkL protein controls NK cell cytotoxicity remains unclear. Here we used lentiviral inducible shRNA to silence CrkL in human NK cell line and primary NK cells. Inducible knockdown of CrkL significantly reduced NK-target conjugation, degranulation, and cytotoxicity in both NC- and ADCC-mediated immune responses. Further investigation on the function and signaling transduction at the NK cytotoxic immunological synapse (IS) reveals that polarization of lytic granules, and accumulation of both F-actin and phosphorylated Vav-1 at the IS were greatly reduced in CrkL-silenced NK cells. NK cell activation involves in actin-dependent activating receptor clustering. CrkL silencing resulted in reduced accumulation of ligands for CD16 and NKG2D on the lipid bilayer. Similar results were obtained in NK cells from DiGeorge Syndrome patients (CrkL gene deletion). We thus propose a new model for adaptor protein CrkL function in NK cell activation: CrkL controls NK cell cytotoxicity via promoting F-actin accumulation and lytic granule polarization by modulating the accumulation of activating receptors and phosphorylated Vav-1 molecules at the IS.
Deriving Behavior Model Parameters from Survey Data: Self‐Protective Behavior Adoption During the 2009–2010 Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic

In this paper, we demonstrate how public opinion surveys can be designed to collect information pertinent to computational behavior modeling, and we present the results of a public opinion and behavior survey conducted during the 2009–2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic. The results are used to parameterize the Health Belief Model of individual health-protective decision making. Survey subjects were asked questions about their perceptions of the then-circulating influenza and attitudes towards two personal protective behaviors: vaccination and avoidance of crowds. We empirically address two important issues in applying the Health Belief Model of behavior to computational infectious disease simulation: (1) the factors dynamically influencing the states of the Health Belief Model variables and (2) the appropriateness of the Health Belief Model in describing self-protective behavior in the context of pandemic influenza.
The association between state bans on soda only and adolescent substitution with other sugar-sweetened beverages: a cross-sectional study

Across the United States, many states have actively banned the sale of soda in high schools, and evidence suggests that students’ in-school access to soda has declined as a result. However, schools may be substituting soda with other sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and national trends indicate that adolescents are consuming more sports drinks and energy drinks. This study examined whether students consumed more non-soda SSBs in states that banned the sale of soda in school. Student data on consumption of various SSBs and in-school access to vending machines that sold SSBs were obtained from the National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (NYPANS), conducted in 2010. Student data were linked to state laws regarding the sale of soda in school in 2010. Students were cross-classified based on their access to vending machines and whether their state banned soda in school, creating 4 comparison groups. Zero-inflated negative binomial models were used to compare these 4 groups with respect to students’ self-reported consumption of diet soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee/tea, or other SSBs. Students who had access to vending machines in a state that did not ban soda were the reference group. Models were adjusted for race/ethnicity, sex, grade, home food access, state median income, and U.S. Census region. Students consumed more servings of sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee/tea, and other SSBs if they resided in a state that banned soda in school but attended a school with vending machines that sold other SSBs. Similar results were observed where schools did not have vending machines but the state allowed soda to be sold in school. Intake was generally not elevated where both states and schools limited SSB availability – i.e., states banned soda and schools did not have SSB vending machines. State laws that ban soda but allow other SSBs may lead students to substitute other non-soda SSBs. Additional longitudinal research is needed to confirm this. Elevated SSB intake was not observed when both states and schools took steps to remove SSBs from school.
Experimental Evaluation of Exit Directional Indicators

The direction to a safe exit is a critical message to convey in built environments. As pictorial signs have been increasingly used, many exit symbols have been used or proposed, but none has been shown to be both well understood and optimally visible under potential emergency conditions. This report focuses on a narrower issue which parallels the exit symbol problem in general: that is, the selection of a directional indicator, or "arrow", for use with exit signage. In one experiment, a set of arrows was tested for visibility under simulated emergency viewing conditions. In another experiment, arrows were evaluated for suitability on the basis of connotative meaning, uniqueness, and appropriateness of appearance. One arrow was identified as the preferred candidate among the set tested, and some general features were identified for use in selecting exit directional signage. Language: en
Constraining Administrative Decisions: A Critical Examination of the Structure and Process Hypothesis

Policy-making does not end with the passage of legislation. Congress may authorize a program, but responsibility for implementing it is usually delegated to another organization or institution (i.e., to some administrative body). Over the years Congress has developed a variety of techniques for supervising the decisions of these administrative bureaucracies. In order to avoid the high cost of formal, extensive, and systematic investigations, legislators use reauthorization hearings and personal exchanges with administrators as opportunities for oversight (Ogul). To further reduce the cost of oversight, legislators have developed a system of "fire-alarm oversight" in which interest groups and constituents monitor administrators and inform Congress of improper, inappropriate, or unsatisfactory decisions. Legislators then become involved only after their monitors have identified some problem or transgression. This system thus supplies legislators with the information required to maintain control over the bureaucracy without having to undertake systematic surveillance themselves (McCubbins and Schwartz). Congress uses these groups to do more than inform it of administrative errors. In a series of articles, McCubbins, Noll, and Weingast (1987, 1989)
Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Deep venous thrombosis or documented thromboembolism in a patient who has a contraindication to anticoagulation. Recurrent thromboembolism despite adequate ­anticoagulation. Complications of anticoagulation that required discontinuation of therapy. Immediately after pulmonary embolectomy. Failure of another form of caval interruption, demonstrated by recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism.
Chapter 7 Parallel computation

Publisher Summary Parallel computation represents not only a new mode of computation, but, a new intellectual paradigm. This chapter provides an overview of the technology of parallel computation in terms of hardware and programming languages; presents some of the fundamental classes of problems encountered in economics and the associated numerical methodologies for their solution; discusses the state-of-the-art computational techniques and focuses on parallel techniques and contrasts them with serial techniques for illumination and instructive purposes; and presents applications of the classes of problems and associated numerical methods to econometrics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and finance. The emergence of computation as a basic scientific methodology in economics has given access to solutions of fundamental problems that pure analysis, observation, or experimentation could not have achieved. Parallel computation represents the wave of the future. It is considered to be cheaper and faster than serial computing and the only approach to faster computation currently foreseeable. Parallel computation is appealing, hence, for the economies of scale that are possible, for the potentially faster solution of large-scale problems, and also for the possibilities that it presents for imitating adjustment or tatonnement processes.
Similar response to anti-epileptic medications among epileptic siblings.

Summary Background When epilepsy does not respond to the initial anti-epileptic drug (AED) the subsequent search for an effective AED is predominantly a matter of trial and error, as only limited criteria exist for rational AED selection. Since epilepsy in siblings is likely to be relatively homogeneous, we hypothesized that an AED effective in one sibling would also be effective in the other. Methods We reviewed the antiepileptic medication response among nine sets of epileptic siblings (19 patients) in our practice. All but one patient were drug-resistant at one point during their treatment course. Results Eight sets of siblings (17 individuals) became seizure-free or almost seizure-free with treatment modification and using a medication proven effective for one sibling in the other siblings. The medication change that produced seizure freedom was lamotrigine monotherapy in two families, valproate monotherapy in one, lamotrigine adjunctive therapy in two, lamotrigine-levetiracetam combination in two, and lamotrigine–valproate combination in one family. In one remaining family with generalized epilepsy, one sibling was seizure-free on phenobarbital while the other had persistent seizures despite polytherapy. Conclusions Our results indicated that siblings with epilepsy tend to respond to the same AED monotherapy or AED combination.
A Model for University, Industry and Government Cooperation

High technology poses special challenges for unlverslties, the private sector and the government. From the university's point of view, students need sophisticated equipment on which to train, and faculty members desire contact with professionals who are experienced with the complex technology. But the equipment is so expensive and becomes obsolete so quickly that it is unrealistic to maintain such facilities and personnel on campus. From the industry's point of view, a substantial investment in plant and equipment will only provide a competitive edge as long as there are highly trained personnel to develop innovative products. From the government's point of view, the technology base will be strengthened by wide dissemination of the fruits of current research, and an aggressive research effort to prepare for future technological advancement. The consortium mode], to be described, is an effective means for universities, industry and government to cooperate to meet the challenges posed by high
True Central Intensities of Fraunhofer Lines

From observations made at Kitt Peak the true central intensities of 40 Fraunhofer lines distributed between λλ 3083–7699, for the center of the solar disk, are derived and given in tabular form. The paper includes a description of the optical system - telescope and spectrograph. The methods of observation and reduction of the data are discussed.
Salvadoran campesinos/as’ literacy practices and perceptions of the benefits of literacy: A longitudinal study with former literacy participants

Abstract This article uses data from longitudinal, ethnographic research to examine how, six years after attending literacy classes, 12 adults in rural El Salvador used literacy, their perceptions of the temporary and longer-term psychosocial and economic benefits of literacy education, and their memories of literacy classes. The findings support prior research highlighting the unpredictable consequences of literacy education. Although some personal changes were ephemeral, learners nevertheless identified long-term psychosocial and interpersonal benefits, which they attributed mainly to the rituals of social interaction they practiced in literacy classes. These findings underscore the social dimensions of literacy education.
Human acute tubular necrosis: a lectin and immunohistochemical study

To determine the nephron segment distribution of tubular epithelial damage and regeneration and the proliferative activity of various nephron segments in human acute tubular necrosis (ATN) with an antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and to compare the findings in native kidneys with ATN with those in transplant kidneys with ATN, archival tissues from 12 native and 21 transplant kidney biopsy specimens and nine transplant nephrectomy specimens were collected that all showed obvious morphological signs of ATN. Nineteen patients with transplant kidneys with ATN were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine and 11 were immunosuppressed with prednisone and azathioprine. There was a predominance of "regenerating" tubules (tubules with thin epithelium) in the distal nephron in native kidneys with ATN; in the transplant kidneys this was less conspicuous. The number of Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP)-positive tubules was decreased in all kidneys with ATN compared with normal human kidneys. In contrast, the number of THP-positive casts was much higher in all kidneys with ATN than in the normal kidneys. In transplant kidneys with ATN the number of THP-positive casts was substantially lower than in native kidneys with ATN. The macula densa appears to maintain its morphological integrity in kidneys with ATN. Both regenerating and normal appearing tubules expressed vimentin and HLA-DR. The proliferation index (PI; ie, percentage of PCNA-positive nuclei) of the renal tubular epithelium in normal control kidneys varied between 0.22 and 0.33, depending on the tubule segment. The highest PI was noted in the transplant kidneys with ATN not treated with cyclosporine (8.0), followed by the native kidneys with ATN (4.4) and the transplant kidneys with ATN treated with cyclosporine (4.3). We did not find any significant difference in the PI between the regenerating (5.0) and normal appearing (5.6) tubules. Proximal tubules (8.7) showed significantly higher PI values than distal tubules (3.5) in transplant kidneys with ATN. Our results show substantial differences between native kidneys and transplant kidneys with ATN. Tubular epithelial cell proliferation in human ATN is prominent and appears to correlate with the severity of ATN. Light microscopically normal appearing tubules and regenerating tubules participate equally in the regeneration of injured tubules. Cyclosporine may have an inhibitory effect on cell regeneration (proliferation) in human transplant kidneys with ATN.
SU-FF-T-407: Prediction and Optimization of Stereo Tactic Frame Placement for Collision Avoidance in Gamma Knife Radio Surgery

Purpose: To develop a positioning assistive device (PAD) and system that optimizes the use of gamma knife stereo tactic frame placement before treatment in avoiding frame-collimator collisions during treatment. Method and Materials: Prior to stereo tactic frame application, pretreatment MRI or CT images are used for tumor localization. The PAD system has been designed and constructed to predict the optimal frame placement coordinates. The PAD device is used to assist in applying the stereo tactic frame, utilizing optimized frame placement coordinates, with respect to a fiducial marker placed on a phantom prior to scanning. The PAD device has been constructed using high grade plastic curved to accommodate a cervical collar on its inner surface and a steel block and rod system to its outer surface. The block and rod system consists of a horizontal (y-axis) and a vertical (z-axis) rod with a 90 degree bend at the top (x-axis). The two rods are attached via a block with two oblique holes each taped with a screw to allow for adjustment along the respective axis. The x-axis portion has a block with a dovetail grove to allow attachment of the stereo tactic frame. The block and rod system allows for translation and rotation about each axis enabling six degrees of freedom in a compact design. This ensures that the placement of the stereo tactic frame is level and accurate. Results: The PAD system has been found to optimize frame placement and predict frame/collimator collisions. PAD allowed for accurate and reproducible frame applications. Conclusion: The PAD system will allow the neurosurgeon the ability to apply the stereo tactic frame to the patient in a more accurate and reproducible way. PAD does lead to easier treatment planning, faster treatment delivery, and reduced patient stress. Demonstration of the device will be presented.
Special positions for essential Tori in link complements

2-spheres, since the latter cannot be knotted. The first major attempt to understand embedded tori in link complements was a groundbreaking paper by Schubert [6]. The seminal role which is played in the topology and geometry of link complements by embedded tori was later underscored in the important work of Jaco and Shalen [3], Johansson [4] and Thurston [7], who showed that if M3 is a 3-manifold, then there is a finite collection R of essential, non-peripheral tori T,,. . .,T, in M3 such that each component of M3 split open along the tori in 0 is either Seifert-fibered or hyperbolic. Our goal in this paper is to apply the techniques of [2] to the study of essential tori in link complements. Let II be a link type in S3, with representative L. A torus T in S3-L is essential if it is incompressible, and peripheral if it is parallel to the boundary of a tubular neighborhood of L. A link type E. is simple if every essential torus in its complement is peripheral, otherwise non-simple. Satellite links (defined below) are a special case of non-simple links. To describe our results, assume that L is a closed n-braid representative of 1, with braid axis A. The axis A is unknotted, so S3-A is fibered by open discs {H,; 8 E [0,2rc]}. It will be convenient to think of A as the Z-axis in R3, and the fibers H, as half-planes at polar angle 8. Then A and the half-planes H, serve as a “coordinate system” in R3 which can be used to describe both L and T. We call our canonical embeddings types 0, 1 and k, where in the latter case k is an integer r 2. Type 0 will be familiar to most readers, but types 1 and k do not appear to have been noticed before this as general phenomena: Type 0. The torus T is the boundary of a (possibly knotted) solid torus V in S3, whose core is a closed braid with axis A. The link L is also a closed braid with respect to A, part of it being inside V and part of it (possibly empty) outside. The torus T is transverse to every fiber H, in the fibration of S3-A, and intersects each fiber in a meridian of V. It is foliated by
Influence of minoxidil on myocardial hemodynamics, regional blood flow, and morphology in beagle dogs.

Studies were made of the effects of two doses of minoxidil (3 mg/kg), given 24 hours apart, on cardiovascular hemodynamics, regional myocardial blood flow, and cardiac morphology in beagle dogs. Minoxidil caused increases in mean right atrial and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance were reduced; cardiac output was increased. Left ventricular stroke work and the systolic pressure time index were unchanged by monoxidil administration. The diastolic pressure time index and ratio of diastolic/systolic pressure time index were decreased by minoxidil. Regional myocardial blood flow, measured with radioactive microspheres, increased in all regions of the heart except to the left ventricular papillary muscles. Minoxidil increased blood flow to left ventricular subendocardial tissue; however, this increase was significantly less than that observed in corresponding areas of subepicardial tissue, thus reducing the subendocardial/subepicardial tissue blood flow ratio. These results suggest that minoxidil is an effective peripheral vasodilator but may result in inadequate subendocardial perfusion. Morphologic studies disclosed two types of minoxidil-induced cardiac lesions: left ventricular papillary muscle necroses, and hemorrhagic lesions which were most prominent in right atrium and were associated with inflammation, intramural hemorrhage, and fibrinoid necrosis of small arteries. The papillary muscle necroses were attributed to hypoxia. The atrial lesions were not of ischemic or hypoxic origin, because minoxidil did not decrease blood flow to atrial tissue. It is suggested that the atrial lesions are related to excessive vasodilatation.
Expression of murine sarcoma virus genes in uninfected rat cells subjected to anaerobic sress

Exposure of uninfected rat cells in tissue culture to anaerobic culture conditions induces transcription of RNA corresponding to the two principal constituents of rat-derived type-C sarcoma virus genomes: (i) those specific rat cell sequences present in the Kirsten and Harvey murine sarcoma virus genomes, and (ii) an endogenous type-C rat leukemia virus.
Self-Endorsing Versus Other-Endorsing in Virtual Environments

Self-endorsing—the portrayal of potential consumers using products—is a novel advertising strategy made possible by the development of virtual environments. Three experiments compared self-endorsing to endorsing by an unfamiliar other. In Experiment 1, self-endorsing in online advertisements led to higher brand attitude and purchase intention than other-endorsing. Moreover, photographs were a more effective persuasion channel than text. In Experiment 2, participants wore a brand of clothing in a high-immersive virtual environment and preferred the brand worn by their virtual self to the brand worn by others. Experiment 3 demonstrated that an additional mechanism behind self-endorsing was the interactivity of the virtual representation. Evidence for self-referencing as a mediator is presented.
Time-domain analysis of active control of sound transmission through an elastic plate backed by a rigid rectangular cavity

ABSTRACT A time domain model for simulating the noise transmission through an elastic plate into a rigid cavity has been de-veloped. This model is used to study the noise attenuation capability and transient-convergence of the filtered-x LMSfeedforward control algorithm. Piezoelectric transducers (PZT's) are considered to be bonded on the elastic plate andare used as actuators in the control scheme. In this study, the fully coupled acoustic-plate interaction equations aresolved using time dependent Green's function techniques, where a time varying air mean density is considered. Theeffects that the time varying mean density has on the transmission of sound and on the stability of the filtered-x LMSadaptive controller are discussed. 1. INTRODUCTION The study of noise transmission attenuation through a vibrating boundary structure has many applications in the engineering field. These applications can be found in reducing noise levels inside an aircraft or a car to designing reliable launch vehicles. In each of these cases, the externally excited vibrating structures create a considerable
Coherent ecological dynamics induced by large-scale disturbance

Understanding how ecosystems react to disturbance at the community level is an important goal in ecology. Responses vary from a situation where all species rise or fall together, to one where total biomass is constant but individual species thrive or disappear. Timothy Keitt looked at the effects of disturbance — experimental acidification of a whole lake — over a 17-year period. Surprisingly, the system became more orderly when disturbed, with planktonic communities shifting from seemingly random incoherence to strongly synchronous dynamics. Seasonality among species was a major factor in determining ecosystem response. This paper shows that disturbance, in this case experimental acidification of a whole lake, can cause communities to shift from seemingly random incoherent dynamics to strongly synchronous dynamics. Aggregate community-level response to disturbance is a principle concern in ecology because post-disturbance dynamics are integral to the ability of ecosystems to maintain function in an uncertain world. Community-level responses to disturbance can be arrayed along a spectrum ranging from synchronous oscillations where all species rise and fall together, to compensatory dynamics where total biomass remains relatively constant despite fluctuations in the densities of individual species1. An important recent insight is that patterns of synchrony and compensation can vary with the timescale of analysis2 and that spectral time series methods can enable detection of coherent dynamics that would otherwise be obscured by opposing patterns occurring at different scales3. Here I show that application of wavelet analysis to experimentally manipulated plankton communities reveals strong synchrony after disturbance. The result is paradoxical because it is well established that these communities contain both disturbance-sensitive and disturbance-tolerant species leading to compensation within functional groups4,5. Theory predicts that compensatory substitution of functionally equivalent species should stabilize ecological communities6,7,8,9,10, yet I found at the whole-community level a large increase in seasonal biomass variation. Resolution of the paradox hinges on patterns of seasonality among species. The compensatory shift in community composition after disturbance resulted in a loss of cold-season dominants, which before disturbance had served to stabilize biomass throughout the year. Species dominating the disturbed community peaked coherently during the warm season, explaining the observed synchrony and increase in seasonal biomass variation. These results suggest that theory relating compensatory dynamics to ecological stability needs to consider not only complementarity in species responses to environmental change, but also seasonal complementarity among disturbance-tolerant and disturbance-sensitive species.
Morphological Features of DNA Macromolecules as Seen with the Electron Microscope

Desoxyribosenucleic acid molecules isolated from salmon sperm were studied with the electron microscope. The essential step in the technique which makes it possible to visualize the individual molecules consists in a preparative step wherein the materials are supported on the extremely smooth surface of cleaved mica where they are shadow-cast with platinum, which is then backed with a supporting film and stripped for observation in the usual manner. The DNA, which was originally about 8 million molecular weight, was also examined after fragmentation by sonic vibration. The fragments show a certain degree of rigidity and the ends generally terminate abruptly, indicating that the double helices of the Watson-Crick model both break close to the same place. DNA molecules heated to temperatures between 90 and 100°C, coil up into amorphous patches, although a few apparently unaltered molecules survive such heating.
GROWTH HORMONE RELEASE FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF GROWTH HORMONE RELEASING FACTOR TO GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENT AND NORMAL MALES

We have studied 4 males with idiopathic growth hormone (hGH) deficiency and 8 normal adult males comparing their responses to a 100 μg bolus infusion of the 44 amino acid synthetic growth hormone releasing factor (GRF-44). Responses were compared for changes in hGH, prolactin (PRL), insulin (I), glucagon (G) and glucose (Glu) concentration over a 2-hour period after injection of GRF-44. hGH deficiency was initially documented using standard testing procedures. No patient had received hGH replacement for at least one month prior to testing. The hGH deficient patients had a significant (p 7 ng/ml) following GRF stimulation. The mean increase of the hGH deficient group, however, was only 22% of the mean increase of the group of normal male controls. This confirms that patients with idiopathic hGH deficiency may have hGH release, though it is subnormal, following single bolus GRF-44 testing.
Stem Cells and Liver Regeneration

One of the defining features of the liver is the capacity to maintain a constant size despite injury. Although the precise molecular signals involved in the maintenance of liver size are not completely known, it is clear that the liver delicately balances regeneration with overgrowth. Mammals, for example, can survive surgical removal of up to 75% of the total liver mass. Within 1 week after liver resection, the total number of liver cells is restored. Moreover, liver overgrowth can be induced by a variety of signals, including hepatocyte growth factor or peroxisome proliferators; the liver quickly returns to its normal size when the proliferative signal is removed. The extent to which liver stem cells mediate liver regeneration has been hotly debated. One of the primary reasons for this controversy is the use of multiple definitions for the hepatic stem cell. Definitions for the liver stem cell include the following: (1) cells responsible for normal tissue turnover, (2) cells that give rise to regeneration after partial hepatectomy, (3) cells responsible for progenitor-dependent regeneration, (4) cells that produce hepatocyte and bile duct epithelial phenotypes in vitro, and (5) transplantable liver-repopulating cells. This review will consider liver stem cells in the context of each definition.
Diagonalization of the Antiferromagnetic Magnon-Phonon Interaction

A technique is developed for the diagonalization of quadratic forms consisting of operators whose commutators are $c$ numbers. In particular, it is shown that the transformation matrix S which diagonalizes such quadratic forms, must satisfy S ${\mathbf{g}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ S\ifmmode\dagger\else\textdagger\fi{}=g, where g is a matrix whose elements are $c$ numbers depending upon the commutation relations of the original variables which constitute the quadratic form, and ${\mathbf{g}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is similarly defined by the new variables. A perturbation expression is then derived for the elements of S. These results are applied to the magnetoelastic interaction in antiferromagnets. It is found that a magnetic field oscillating at a frequency $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\ll}\ensuremath{\gamma}{(2{H}_{E}{H}_{A})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ applied transverse to the $z$ axis can parametrically excite phonons at half-frequency when the amplitude of the field exceeds a certain critical value.
Inhibition of mouse L cell protein synthesis by ultraviolet-irradiated vesicular stomatitis virus requires viral transcription.

Abstract Ultraviolet-irradiated vesicular stomatitis (VS) virus (Indiana serotype) was used to determine which viral gene functions are required for expression of cellular protein synthesis inhibition. To carry out this experiment a method, described in this report, was employed that allows the simultaneous quantitation of viral and host protein synthesis. We demonstrated earlier using ultraviolet irradiation that to express cell killing, only about one-fifth of the VS virus genome corresponding to proteins N and NS need be transcribed. Previous results using temperature-sensitive mutants of VS virus indicated that inhibition of protein synthesis and cell killing are conjointly expressed. In this report it is demonstrated that the inhibition of cellular protein synthesis by a high multiplicity ( m pfp = 100) of uv-irradiated VS virus, like cell killing, requires the transcription and translation of N (and possibly NS) protein.
Medical information seeking: impact on risk for anxiety psychopathology.

Abstract Background and objectives Increased utilization of online medical information seeking demands investigation of potentially detrimental effects of these activities. The present study investigated whether viewing medical websites may adversely affect anxiety sensitivity (AS), a well-established risk factor for the development of psychopathology. Methods Participants (N = 52) were randomly assigned to view medical symptom related websites or general health and wellness control websites. AS was measured before and after the website viewing. Results Individuals in the medical website group reported higher AS compared to the control group at post-manipulation after controlling for baseline health anxiety and baseline AS. Additionally, intolerance of uncertainty (IU), an individual difference variable assessing negative beliefs about uncertainty, significantly moderated this effect such that medical website viewing only affected AS in participants with high IU but not in participants with low IU. Limitations The limitations of the current study include the lack of individualization of the website viewing and the short duration of the website viewing. Conclusions The results of this study provide initial evidence that exposure to online medical information could increase risk for anxiety psychopathology in individuals with elevated IU. Additionally, these results provide support for a learning based model of the etiology of AS.
Measuring Copper and Zinc Superoxide Dismutase from Spinal Cord Tissue using Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Abstract Metals are key cofactors for many proteins, yet quantifying the metals bound to specific proteins is a persistent challenge in vivo. We have developed a rapid and sensitive method using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to measure Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) directly from the spinal cord of SOD1-overexpressing transgenic rats. Metal dyshomeostasis has been implicated in motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using the assay, SOD1 was directly measured from 100 μg of spinal cord, allowing for anatomical quantitation of apo, metal-deficient, and holo SOD1. SOD1 was bound on a C 4 Ziptip that served as a disposable column, removing interference by physiological salts and lipids. SOD1 was eluted with 30% acetonitrile plus 100 μM formic acid to provide sufficient hydrogen ions to ionize the protein without dislodging metals. SOD1 was quantified by including bovine SOD1 as an internal standard. SOD1 could be measured in subpicomole amounts and resolved to within 2 Da of the predicted parent mass. The methods can be adapted to quantify modifications to other proteins in vivo that can be resolved by mass spectrometry.
Formation of d-Wave Pairons in Cuprates via Longitudinal-Optical-Phonon Exchange

The d-wave Cooper pairs (pairons) in cuprates with a strong binding along the a- and b-axes are shown to arise from the optical-phonon-exchange attraction.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS ON GROWTH, CELL CYCLE ARREST, AND INDUCTION OF APOPTOSIS BY RESVERATROL IN HUMAN PROSTATE CANCER CELL LINES

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that nutrition plays an important role in carcinogenesis and that 30% of cancer morbidity and mortality can potentially be prevented with proper adjustment of diets. Resveratrol, a polyphenol present in red wines and a variety of human foods, has recently been reported to exhibit chemopreventive properties when tested in a mouse skin cancer model system. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on growth, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of prostate-specific gene expression using cultured prostate cancer cells that mimic the initial (hormone-sensitive) and advanced (hormone-refractory) stages of prostate carcinoma. Androgen-responsive LNCaP and androgen-nonresponsive DU-145, PC-3, and JCA-1 human prostate cancer cells were cultured with different concentrations of resveratrol (2. 5 x 10(-5)-10(-7) M). Cell growth, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were determined. Addition of 2.5 x 10(-5) M resveratrol led to a substantial decrease in growth of LNCaP and in PC-3 and DU-145 cells, but only had a modest inhibitory effect on proliferation of JCA-1 cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed resveratrol to partially disrupt G1/S transition in all three androgen-nonresponsive cell lines, but had no effect in the androgen-responsive LNCaP cells. In difference to the androgen-nonresponsive prostate cancer cells however, resveratrol causes a significant percentage of LNCaP cells to undergo apoptosis and significantly lowers both intracellular and secreted prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels without affecting the expression of the androgen receptor (AR). These results suggest that resveratrol negatively modulates prostate cancer cell growth, by affecting mitogenesis as well as inducing apoptosis, in a prostate cell-type-specific manner. Resveratrol also regulates PSA gene expression by an AR-independent mechanism.
From Fourier transforms to singular eigenfunctions for multigroup transport

A new Fourier transform approach to the solution of the multigroup transport equation with anisotropic scattering and isotropic source is presented. Through routine analytical continuation, the inversion contour is shifted from the real line to produce contributions from the poles and cuts in the complex plane. The integrand along the branch cut is then recast in terms of matrix continuum singular eigenfunctions, demonstrating equivalence of Fourier transform inversion and the singular eigenfunction expansion. The significance of this paper is that it represents the initial step in revealing the intimate connection between the Fourier transform and singular eigenfunction approaches as well as serves as a basis for a numerical algorithm.
Nanosize Semiconductors for Photooxidation

Nanosized semiconductors (semiconductor clusters) have the potential to revolutionize the fields of photooxidation and photocatalysis through the combined effects of quantum confinement and their unique surface morphologies. Photocatalytic oxidation as applied to environmental remediation (i.e., detoxification of chemical wastes), green/sustainable chemistry, as well as alternative energy paths (i.e., splitting of H 2 O to produce H 2 ) has already experienced improvements in activity, efficiency, and stability through the use of semiconductor nanoclusters based on materials such as TiO 2 , MoS 2 , WS 2 , MoSe 2 , FeS 2 , and SnO 2 . Issues such as improved control of size and surface chemistry play an important role in the success of these semiconductor nanocatalysts. This review explores the effect of advances in the fields of nanoscience and photocatalysis for current and future applications.
Introduction to Statistics: The Nonparametric Way

The text introduces the student to the basic ideas of estimation and hypothesis testing early in the course after a rather brief introduction to data organization and some simple ideas about probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing are discussed in terms of the two-sample problem. The book exploits nonparametric ideas that rely on nothing more complicated than sample differences Y-X, referred to as elementary estimates, to define the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test statistics and the related point and interval estimates. The ideas behind elementary estimates are then applied to the one-sample problem and to linear regression and rank correlation. Discussion of the Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman procedures for the k-sample problem rounds out the nonparametric coverage. The concluding chapters provide a discussion of Chi-square tests for the analysis of categorical data and introduce the student to the analysis of binomial data including the computation of power and sample size. Most chapters in the book have an appendix discussing relevant Minitab commands.
Shifted-contour auxiliary-field Monte Carlo for molecular electronic structure

The shifted-contour auxiliary-field Monte Carlo (SCAFMC) approach has been recently developed by Rom, Charutz and Neuhauser as an extension of the auxiliary-field Monte Carlo (AFMC) method. AFMC replaces the difficult fully interacting electrons problem by an ensemble of simpler problems where the electrons interact with a fluctuating electric field but not with each other. SCAFMC is based on shifting the auxiliary-field contour of integration to pass through the (imaginary) stationary point, leading to numerical stability at long propagation times. The new approach converges to the full CI energy in electronic structure calculations (both ground and low-lying excited states). Here we expand the application of SCAFMC from atomic to molecular problems. First, we calculate ground-state energies of a highly correlated transition-metal system (Cr2) with a moderate (12 orbitals) active space size, and demonstrate that SCAFMC is able to extract the energies accurately. In addition, we use SCAFMC to calculate a ...
Emergent management of ruptured pericallosal-callosomarginal artery aneurysm using stent-assisted coil embolization

We present a case of a ruptured bilobed pericallosal aneurysm successfully treated with coil embolization through a Neuroform stent. A 48-year-old male presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) following rupture of a previously clipped aneurysm at the bifurcation of the pericallosal and callosomarginal arteries, primarily along the pericallosal artery, Hunt and Hess grade 5. After an initial unsuccessful attempt to embolize the wide-neck aneurysm with a detachable coil, a 4x15 Neuroform stent was uneventfully deployed across the aneurysm neck followed by successful coil embolization using detachable coils. We believe this case describes the first successful use of the Neuroform stent to assist in coiling of a wide-neck pericallosal-callosomarginal aneurysm. This case highlights the expanding role of emergency endovascular therapies to manage severe SAH.
STUDY OF PRESSURE CORRECTION METHODS WITH MULTIGRID FOR VISCOUS FLOW CALCULATIONS IN NONORTHOGONAL CURVILINEAR COORDINATES

Abstract A multiple-step pressure correction algorithm, similar in spirit to the PISO algorithm, has been developed for the calculation of viscous flows in nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinates. The resulting pressure correction equations arc solved using a multigrid correction scheme. These developments were pursued because the pressure correction equation is the most time-consuming part of a Navier-Stokes flow calculation and because of the effect of the coupling between the pressure and velocity variables on the convergence rate. The new algorithm does improve the convergence rate for laminar flows or flows calculated on nearly orthogonal meshes. However, for turbulent or reacting flows, or flows computed on highly nonorthogonal meshes, there is little or no improvement in the convergence rate, and the CPU time is generally higher than for a single-step algorithm. A suitable balance between updating the velocity and static pressure variables is important, since a tightly converged pressure field can ex...
Textural and mineralogical variations in the surficial sediments of Chagvan Bay, Alaska: Some stratigraphic implications of a subarctic bay ☆

Abstract The surficial sediments of Chagvan Bay consist of: (1) coarse-grained (−3 Φ to −2 Φ) lithic fragments of dunites, diorites and sandstones; (2) fine sands (2—3 Φ) composed of quartz and feldspar; and (3) coarse silts (4—5 Φ) composed mostly of quartz. The lithic fragments primarily result from wave erosion of the coastal bluffs, while the fine sands are transported into the bay by tidal currents and the coarse silts by fluvial currents. During successive ebb tides tidal currents remove most or all of the newly deposited material and tend to maintain a balance between erosion and deposition. The texture and mineralogy of the bay deposits are primarily controlled by provenance. Inasmuch as most of the sedimentary particles are being supplied at present and the dispersal of the surficial sediments reflects the present configuration of distributor processes, the sediments are classified as “neoteric”. Benthic epifauna are present only in relatively low-energy depositional areas, although other parts of the bay offer a similar environment. For this reason, it is postulated that the distribution of benthic organisms is influenced by the scouring activity of currents. Although there is seasonal ice-cover, the sediments rapidly acquire characteristics which reflect the energy regime during the ice-free period and form a hydraulically graded profile. It is concluded from this that the sediments are always at or near an equilibrium state, and that this situation should lead to a diastem or unconformity in the stratigraphic record.