cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
E. coli infection induces caspase dependent degradation of NF-κB and reduces the inflammatory response in macrophages

Objective and Background: Macrophages are known to be one of the initial responders to bacterial infection. While infection of macrophages with bacteria induces apoptosis, a pro-inflammatory response is also elicited. Thus, the aim of this study is to further elucidate the differential effect of infections with bacteria on the survival and function of macrophages. Methods and results: THP-1 monocytic cells induced to differentiate into macrophages were infected with non-pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and analyzed for apoptosis and inflammatory response over time. Following infection with E. coli macrophages underwent apoptosis which was reduced by the general caspase inhibitor, zVAD.fmk. Inhibition of caspase activity resulted in increased DNA binding activity of NF-κB and enhanced production of NF-κB-dependent reporter gene expression following infection. Increased activity of NF-κB was independent of IκBα since IκBα degradation was unaffected by zVAD.fmk. Further, suppression of caspase activity reduced the proteolytic cleavage of NF-κB. The increased activity of NF-κB in the zVAD.fmk-treated macrophages was associated with a markedly enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and elimination of E. coli. Conclusion: These data indicate that infection of macrophages with E. coli induces a caspase-dependent inhibition of NF-κB that results in a reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and impaired clearance of bacteria.
Inactivation of Multiple Bacterial Histidine Kinases by Targeting the ATP-Binding Domain

Antibacterial agents that exploit new targets will be required to combat the perpetual rise of bacterial resistance to current antibiotics. We are exploring the inhibition of histidine kinases, constituents of two-component systems. Two-component systems are the primary signaling pathways that bacteria utilize to respond to their environment. They are ubiquitous in bacteria and trigger various pathogenic mechanisms. To attenuate these signaling pathways, we sought to broadly target the histidine kinase family by focusing on their highly conserved ATP-binding domain. Development of a fluorescence polarization displacement assay facilitated high-throughput screening of ∼53 000 diverse small molecules for binding to the ATP-binding pocket. Of these compounds, nine inhibited the catalytic activity of two or more histidine kinases. These scaffolds could provide valuable starting points for the design of broadly effective HK inhibitors, global reduction of bacterial signaling, and ultimately, a class of antibio...
Type and content of delusions in unipolar psychotic depression

In a prospective study the authors compared unipolar psychotic and non-psychotic patients for the presence of delusional ideation in previous episodes. Psychotic patients had a significantly higher frequency of delusions in previous episodes. The type and content of delusional ideas were similar from episode to episode. The results and their implications are discussed.
Terahertz Radiation from a Pipe with Small Corrugations

We have studied through analytical and numerical methods the use of a relativistic electron bunch to drive a metallic beam pipe with small corrugations for the purpose of generating terahertz radiation. For the case of a pipe with dimensions that do not change along its length, we have shown that - with reasonable parameters - one can generate a narrow-band radiation pulse with frequency {approx}1 THz, and total energy of a few milli-Joules. The pulse length tends to be on the order of tens of picoseconds. We have also shown that, if the pipe radius is tapered along its length, the generated pulse will end up with a frequency chirp; if the pulse is then made to pass through a compressor, its final length can be reduced to a few picoseconds and its peak power increased to 1 GW. We have also shown that wall losses tend to be significant and need to be included in the structure design.
Acousto-optic-tunable-filter-based spectropolarimetric imagers for medical diagnostic applications--instrument design point of view.

Compact optical imagers that can detect both spectral and polarization signatures are required in many biomedical applications. An acousto-optic-tunable-filter (AOTF)-based imager is ideally suited to provide both agile spectral and polarization signatures. Such an imager can be readily used for real-time in vivo medical diagnostic applications. We develop a family of small, robust, and programmable hyperspectral imagers operating from the ultraviolet (UV) to the long-wave IR (LWIR). Such imagers require minimal data processing because they can acquire images at only select wavelengths of interest. We use AOTFs made of KDP, TeO 2 , and TAS with Si-based CCD, InGaAs, InSb, and HgCdTe cameras to cover different spectral regions from the UV to the LWIR. Operation of each of these imagers and image acquisition is computer controlled. The most developed imager covers the visible to near-infrared (VNIR) region from 400 to 900 nm, with a 10-nm spectral resolution at 600 nm, it uses an electronically tunable TeO 2 AOTF as a bandpass filter, and a nematic liquid crystal retarder to change polarization. We describe our concept in the development of these imagers and present new results obtained using the VNIR imager.
The Home Situations Questionnaire-PDD version: factor structure and psychometric properties.

Background The Home Situations Questionnaire (HSQ) is a caregiver-rated scale designed to assess behavioural non-compliance in everyday settings that has been used in several studies in typically developing children. Currently there is no accepted measure of behavioural non-compliance in children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Methods Investigators of the Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network modified the HSQ for children with PDDs by adding five items (making 25 total items), and used it as the primary outcome measure in a clinical trial. In the current investigation, we examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the modified scale, the HSQ-PDD. Results An exploratory factor analysis with oblique rotations yielded two factors: ‘Socially Inflexible’ (14 items) and ‘Demand-Specific’ (six items). Item content of both factors appeared to fit well with the rubric of PDDs. Internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha statistic, was 0.90 for ‘Socially Inflexible’, and 0.80 for ‘Demand-Specific.’ The obtained sub-scales and HSQ-PDD Total score showed moderate correlations with selected sub-scales of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory, and Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, and low correlations with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior sub-scales. Conclusions The HSQ-PDD appears to be well suited for children with PDDs, although the Demand-Specific sub-scale may benefit from addition of more items. We provided sub-scale means and standard deviations for this relatively severe group of children with PDDs, and discussed the factor structure with respect to previous research.
The captopril-digoxin multicenter resarch group study on the comparative steps of captopril and digoxin in patients with mildmoderate heart failure: Implications for therapy

It is argued that the basis of therapy in a patient with mild-to-moderate congestive heart failure should be a combination of a diuretic and a converting enzyme inhibitor, with the further addition of digoxin if necessary.
Context-Based Network Estimation for Energy-Efficient Ubiquitous Wireless Connectivity

Context information brings new opportunities for efficient and effective system resource management of mobile devices. In this work, we focus on the use of context information to achieve energy-efficient, ubiquitous wireless connectivity. Our field-collected data show that the energy cost of network interfaces poses a great challenge to ubiquitous connectivity, despite decent availability of cellular networks. We propose to leverage the complementary strengths of Wi-Fi and cellular interfaces by automatically selecting the most efficient one based on context information. We formulate the selection of wireless interfaces as a statistical decision problem. The challenge is to accurately estimate Wi-Fi network conditions without powering up the network interface. We explore the use of different context information, including time, history, cellular network conditions, and device motion, to statistically estimate Wi-Fi network conditions with negligible overhead. We evaluate several context-based algorithms for the estimation and prediction of current and future network conditions. Simulations using field-collected traces show that our network estimation algorithms can improve the average battery lifetime of a commercial mobile phone for an ECG reporting application by 40 percent, very close to the estimated theoretical upper bound of 42 percent. Furthermore, our most effective algorithm can predict Wi-Fi availability for one and ten hours into the future with 95 and 90 percent accuracy, respectively.
A monomeric G protein-coupled receptor isolated in a high-density lipoprotein particle efficiently activates its G protein

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) respond to a diverse array of ligands, mediating cellular responses to hormones and neurotransmitters, as well as the senses of smell and taste. The structures of the GPCR rhodopsin and several G proteins have been determined by x-ray crystallography, yet the organization of the signaling complex between GPCRs and G proteins is poorly understood. The observations that some GPCRs are obligate heterodimers, and that many GPCRs form both homo- and heterodimers, has led to speculation that GPCR dimers may be required for efficient activation of G proteins. However, technical limitations have precluded a definitive analysis of G protein coupling to monomeric GPCRs in a biochemically defined and membrane-bound system. Here we demonstrate that a prototypical GPCR, the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), can be incorporated into a reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) phospholipid bilayer particle together with the stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein, Gs. Single-molecule fluorescence imaging and FRET analysis demonstrate that a single β2AR is incorporated per rHDL particle. The monomeric β2AR efficiently activates Gs and displays GTP-sensitive allosteric ligand-binding properties. These data suggest that a monomeric receptor in a lipid bilayer is the minimal functional unit necessary for signaling, and that the cooperativity of agonist binding is due to G protein association with a receptor monomer and not receptor oligomerization.
The effects of homosexual imagery in advertisements on brand perception and purchase intention

This study was aimed at examining the effects of homosexual imagery in print advertisements on consumers’ perceptions of the brand and intentions to purchase the product. Brand perceptions and purchase intentions were measured before and after participants were exposed to various advertisements including gay, lesbian, and heterosexual imagery. Results indicated that homosexual imagery had a negative effect on brand perceptions and purchase intentions. This effect was mediated by the salience of the homosexual imagery. Further research recommendations are made.
A class of primary Banach spaces

Abstract It is shown that if X is an infinite-dimensional Banach space with a boundedly complete subsymmetric basis, then the infinite l ∞ direct sum ( X ⊕ X ⊕ X ⊕ ⋯ ) l ∞ is primary.
Just How Important Are ‘Hearts and Minds’ Anyway? Counterinsurgency Goes to the Polls

AbstractDespite all the talk of ‘hearts and minds’ being the key to counterinsurgency, local public opinion is rarely studied and when it is, it often yields surprising conclusions. Through analyzing polling data from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, this article shows that public opinion is less malleable, more of an effect rather than a cause of tactical success, and a poor predictor of strategic victory. As a result, modern counterinsurgency doctrine’s focus on winning popular support may need to be rethought.
COAL ANALYSIS USING THERMOGRAVIMETRY

Thermogravimetric analysis is being used increasingly today to obtain kinetic data related to coal decomposition. However, this method is open to criticism on the basis that the meaning of the activation energy of solid state reactions obtained from TG experiments is not clear. In this study a linear relationship between procedural activation energy and heat of reaction is developed. This is typical of elementary reactions of atoms and small radicals. The effects of alkali metal salts on the decomposition of coal under three gas atmospheres (N,. CO, and air) are investigated. Several features are reported such as the effect of the catalysts on coal conversion and CH,, CO and CO, emission. These are related to observed changes in activation energy.
Low temperature specific heat and fragility of glasses

It is shown that the correlation between the excess specific heat, Cexc, at temperatures 1 K<T<20 K and the fragility of glasses is not conclusive, but the peak temperatures of Cexc/T3 seem to correlate with the Debye temperature, ΘD, of the materials. The latter agrees approximately with the prediction of a recently proposed interstitial model.
Microscopic origin of nuclear deformations

Abstract The concept of nuclear deformation, i.e., anisotropic nuclear mean field, is one of the most useful and important building blocks of the unified model. In this paper, several different (but not necessarily orthogonal) views on the microscopic origin of nuclear deformation are presented. The common denominator is the interplay between the symmetry-breaking particle-vibration interaction and the symmetry-restoring pairing force.
Cystic thymomas. A clinicopathologic study of ten cases.

Cystic degeneration in thymoma is a relatively frequent but focal event. In rare cases, the process proceeds to the extent that most or all of the lesion becomes cystic. The authors studied ten cases of thymoma undergoing cystic degeneration of such degree that the lesions initially were mistaken grossly and microscopically for nonneoplastic thymic cysts. The patients' ages ranged from 23 to 81 years, and the sex distribution was equal. The lesions were characterized by the formation of multiple large cystic cavities filled with clear, hemorrhagic or grumose material. Histologically, residual solid islands showing the characteristic features of thymoma, i.e., biphasic cell population (epithelial cells/lymphocytes), perivascular spaces, and areas of medullary differentiation, were present within the cyst walls. In contrast with nonneoplastic thymic cysts, the walls of the cavities generally were devoid of an epithelial lining; most of the cysts appeared to predominantly result from extreme dilatation and confluence of perivascular spaces. In some instances, the cystic degeneration of the tumor was accompanied by cystic changes of an inflammatory nature in the surrounding, nonneoplastic thymic tissue leading to firm adhesions and apparent infiltration of adjacent mediastinal structures. None of the lesions in the studied patients recurred during follow-up periods of from 2 to 10 years (average follow-up, 5 years). Cystic thymomas should be distinguished from nonneoplastic congenital and acquired thymic cysts and other primary thymic neoplasms undergoing extensive cystic degeneration. It is important not to misinterpret the apparent infiltration of surrounding mediastinal structures that results from the inflammatory changes that often accompany these tumors as evidence of aggressive or malignant behavior.
Effect of dexamethasone on blood-brain barrier in the normal mouse

Dexamethasone ameliorates cerebral edema, but its effect on normal blood-brain barrier is unknown, as is the site of action. Sixteen normal mice were given dexamethasone, 3 mg/kg intramuscularly or 2 mg/kg intravenously. One to two hours later 10 mg of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in 0.1 ml of saline was administered intravenously and allowed to circulate for 15 minutes. Brain slices were examined by light and electron microscopy. The number of HRP-permeable arteriolar segments per brain was less in dexamethasone-treated than in control mice (p less than 0.001). In addition, the number of small HRP-filled endothelial vesicles of capillaries and of HRP-permeable and -impermeable arterial segments was less in dexamethasone-treated mice than that for similar vessels in control mice (p less than 0.005, p less than 0.05, and p less than 0.01, respectively). The total number of small vesicles and the number of larger HRP-filled vesicles in arterioles was the same in treated and control mice. Dexamethasone therefore decreased the normal permeability of cerebral blood vessels to HRP. This decrease was accompanied by a decrease in the number of HRP-containing small endothelial vesicles. These data suggest that dexamethasone influences cerebral edema by decreasing the permeability of the cerebral vasculature for macromolecules.
Restructuring Veal Steaks with Salt/Phosphate and Sodium Alginate/Calcium Lactate

Quality characteristics of restructured steaks formulated with veal trimmings or veal leg meat and Na-alginate/Ca-lactate or salt (NaCl)/phosphate were evaluated. Trimmings restructured with salt/phosphate had higher (P<0.05) bind scores (measured instrumentally and by sensory) than veal trimmings restructured with Na-alginate/Ca-lactate. Salt/phosphate (0.3–0.5%) reduced (P<0.05) purge and increased binding force and sensory score of bind in restructured veal trimmings and leg meat compared to control and Na- alginate/Ca-lactate treatments. The use of Na-alginate/Ca-lactate as a binder for veal leg meat increased (P<0.05) binding force and sensory score of bind and decreased cook loss when used at 0.4%.
Triosmium clusters bonded to phosphine-functionalized supports: Catalysts for olefin isomerization

Analogs of the coordinatively unsaturated cluster [H2Os3(CO)9PPh3] were anchored to crosslinked polystyrene and silica supports through pendent phosphine ligands and identified by their infrared spectra in the carbonyl region. The supported clusters exhibited reactivities with acetylene and olefins nearly the same as those of the analogous soluble cluster. Although the soluble cluster was unstable in solutions of 1-hexene, the supported analogs were stable and catalyzed the formation of internal hexenes. The supported clusters were compared with the coordinatively unsaturated cluster [H2Os2(CO)10], which is known to catalyze olefin isomerization with the metal framework remaining intact. The initial catalytic activity of the silic-supported cluster for 1-pentene isomerization was about three times greater than that of[H2Os2(CO)10]at 1 atm and 75 °C. Both the supported cluster and [H2Os2(CO)10] underwent ~103 reaction events prior to cessation of catalysis as a result of formation of a coordinatively saturated cluster incorporating a bridging vinyl ligand derived from the olefin. It is concluded that the catalytic nature of the supported cluster is almost identical to that of [H2Os2(CO)210].
Successful Surgical Repair of Aortic Insufficiency Due to Valvular Fenestration

A case of dynamic aortic insufficiency due to valvular fenestration is described. The defect was successfully repaired with an Ivalon patch to close the fenestration plus the surgical creation of a bicuspid aortic valve.
MEASURING THE INTERMITTENT SYNCHRONICITY OF MACROECONOMIC GROWTH IN EUROPE

Synchronization of growth rates are an important feature of international business cycles, particularly in relation to regional integration projects such as the single currency in Europe. Synchronization of growth rates clearly enhances the effectiveness of European Central Bank monetary policy, ensuring that policy changes are attuned to the dynamics of growth and business cycles in the majority of member states. In this paper, a dissimilarity metric is constructed by measuring the topological differences between the GDP growth patterns in recurrence plots for individual countries. The results show that synchronization of growth rates were higher among the euro area member states during the second half of the 1980s and from 1997 to roughly 2002. Apart from these two time periods, euro area member states do not appear to be more synchronized than a group of major international countries, suggesting that apart from specific times when European integration initiatives were being implemented, globalization was likely the dominant factor behind international business cycle synchronization.
Differential expression of fibulins in the uterosacral ligaments of women with uterine prolapse.

Purpose To compare fibulin-3 (FIB-3) and fibulin-5 (FIB-5) expressions in uterosacral ligaments (USL) of women with and without uterine prolapse.
Ion Energy Distributions in the Cathode Sheath of an Argon DC Microdischarge

Summary form only given. The cathode sheath serves many important functions in a discharge. It is responsible for the creation of energetic ions which subsequently create secondary electrons upon striking the cathode. These secondary electrons are themselves accelerated gaining sufficient energy to participate in ionization. Seminal work for ion energy distribution (IED) measurements with theoretical analysis for macroscale direct-current (DC) discharges was done by Davis and Vanderslice. According to their theory, the energy distribution is a function of the ratio of the sheath thickness to the charge exchange mean free path (S/lambdai). A DC microdischarge has a relatively high ratio of cathode surface area to volume. Understanding the structure of the sheath and its associated physical phenomena is even more critical to the understanding of microdischarges. In this study, the IED in the cathode sheath of an Ar DC microdischarge was measured by energy-resolved molecular beam mass spectroscopy. The pressure-gap distance product (pd) was fixed at 1 cm torr with environmental pressure from 2 torr to 20 torr. The measured IED was analyzed by the expanded theory of Davis and Vanderslice. With a constant pressure normalized current density (Jp-2=0.082plusmn0.006 mA cm-2 torr-2), a higher pressure yields a lower S/lambdai ratio. The results in the constant Jp-2 case indicate that a scaling law of Jp-2 is no longer applicable. The background gaseous temperatures expected from IED and the collisional Child law have reasonably increased with increased J for constant Jp-2 and constant pressure (10 torr). For example, the expected temperature was elevated to 700 K at 20 torr in the constant Jp -2 case. Moreover, the expected temperature shows good agreement with the one estimated by Doppler broadening via laser absorption spectroscopy. Given this result, it is concluded that the expanded theory might accurately describe microdischarges at least at this study's conditions
Open, Generative, and User Centered: The Potential of SMS-Based Legal Technology for Development (Innovations Case Discussion: mLegal)

in developing countries. The significant potential of its approach to legal client technology stems in part from its consistency with several current trends in development policy: e-government, and legal informatics. First and foremost, mLegal constitutes a technological means of empowering citizens of developing countries to participate more fully in the legal system. This empowerment accords with the general tendency of many governments in the latemodern period to decentralize power, largely due to technological forces. Furthermore, such an application of technology is consistent with the broad contemporary emphasis in development policy on empowering individuals. Within the theoretical frameworks of information societies and of development policy, technologically enabled citizen empowerment encompasses greater citizen involvement in, and access to, public administrative functions generally, as expressed, for example, in models of “collaborative government” and the legal system in particular.4 In the legal domain, the phenomena of devolution and citizen empowerment are manifested notably in the “decomposition” of legal services—including the offering of legal services in an “unbundled” manner—and the rebalancing of the lawyer-client relationship to facilitate the client’s empowerment. To date, many efforts related to service decomposition and client empowerment have centered on government conduct—measures undertaken by the state to empower citizens respecting the justice system. Such measures primarily concern “basic electronic
Potential and Efficient Computation of Corrective Power Flow Control in Cost vs. Risk Trade-Off

Increased levels of variable renewable generation lead to increased variations in power flows. If the required transmission capacity is provided by a grid with no or little controllability as in today's power system, the consequence is a significant under-utilization of the transmission assets most of the time. In this paper, corrective power flow control is used to improve the utilization of the existing transmission capabilities and adjust the grid to the varying needs of generation and demand. In lieu of the traditional N-1 security formulation, a risk based approach is employed. The resulting risk constrained economic dispatch is solved efficiently by decomposing it into a two stage process by using newly defined locational security impact factors (LSIF). In addition, these LSIFs provide information on the most effective, location-dependent measures to reduce system risk. Simulations provide insights into the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the potential of corrective power flow control to reduce cost of dispatched generation and to decrease system risk.
Reforestation programs in southwest China: Reported success, observed failure, and the reasons why

Ever since the disastrous floods of 1998, the Chinese government has used the Natural Forest Protection and Sloping Land Conversion Programs to promote afforestation and reforestation as means to reduce runoff, control erosion, and stabilize local livelihoods. These two ambitious programs have been reported as large-scale successes, contributing to an overall increase in China's forest cover and to the stated goals of environmental stabilization. A small-scale field study at the project level of the implementation of these two programs in Baiwu Township, Yanyuan County, Sichuan, casts doubt upon the accuracy and reliability of these claims of success; ground observations revealed utter failure in some sites and only marginal success in others. Reasons for this discrepancy are posited as involving ecological, economic, and bureaucratic factors. Further research is suggested to determine whether these discrepancies are merely local aberrations or represent larger-scale failures in reforestation programs.
Solar and space physics decadal strategy outlines key recommendations

Significant achievements during the past 10 years “set the stage for transformative advances in solar and space physics for the coming decade,” according to a new decadal strategy, released on 15 August by a committee of the U.S. National Research Council (NRC). The report, Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society, includes overarching goals and key recommendations for basic and applied research in solar and space physics for 2013–2022.
Infection in a neonate caused by Pichia fabianii: Importance of molecular identification

Pichia fabianii, an uncommon yeast species recovered from clinical specimens, was documented as the cause of an infection in a 5-week-old female twin delivered at 25 and 3/7 weeks. She developed respiratory distress syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis. At the time of the infection, she was febrile, thrombocytopenic, and still was requiring minimal ventilatory support. Blood cultures drawn on two consecutive days were positive for a germ tube negative yeast. Phenotypic methods including carbohydrate fermentations and assimilations (API 20C AUX) did not identify the yeast. Sequencing of D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rDNA was performed in one laboratory and sequencing a subunit of D2 performed in a second laboratory identified the yeast as P. fabianii. The organism was susceptible invitro to amphotericin B, fluconazole and 5-fluorocytosine. The patient responded to amphotericin B and removal of her vascular catheter. This case illustrates that there are an increasing number of fungi that may be pathog...
Computer vision inspection of elliptical profiles

Abstract Computer vision is a complex and multidisciplinary field that is still in its early stages of development. Many of the current applications of computer vision are in the field of inspection because of the relatively low cost of these systems and the need for complete inspection in certain high-volume automated manufacturing or assembly processes. The techniques used to inspect the geometric shape and size of an object appear to be application-specific. This article is concerned with the development of a practical method to measure and inspect parts with an elliptical profile. The method is based on the minimization of the sum of the squares of the central norm errors of a given set of boundary points. The central norm error is defined as the Euclidean distance between a boundary point and the point in the best-fit ellipse along the extension line from the center to the boundary point.
THE IN VIVO INTERACTION BETWEEN STAPHYLOCOCCUS BACTERIOPHAGE AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Staphylococcus bacteriophage 81 is capable of in vivo interaction with Staphylococcus aureus, Type 80/81. This is immediately made evident by increased levels of bacteriophage and concomitant survival of 81 per cent infected mice. The reaction is dependent upon the use of active, type-specific bacteriophage. The maximal protective effect is observed at a bacteriophage to bacteria ratio of 1:2 and decreased quantities of bacteriophage result in decreased protection. Time and sequence of administration are also determining factors. It is evident that bacteriophage administered intravenously is capable of interaction with the infecting bacterial cell at the site of infection. In vivo produced bacteriophage is apparently eliminated or otherwise rendered nondetectable fairly rapidly, occurring within a period of 5 to 10 days. However, it appears that host defense mechanisms are stimulated in the process and actively play a protective role against subsequent challenge inocula administered up to 3 weeks later.
THE EFFECT OF ESTRIN ON THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY OF MALE RATS AFTER PITUITARY STALK SECTION

THE REGULATION of the gonadotropic function of the hypophysis is at present only partially understood. As far as nervous regulation is concerned, the r6le of the cervical sympathetics seems to be of minor importance as compared with the hypothalamohypophyseal pathways (1, 2, 3). It might be mentioned here that Brooks (4) found that pituitary stalk section prevented ovulation after mating in rabbits, although the gonads appeared to be histologically normal. Dempsey (5), on the other hand, showed that in guinea pigs not even ovulation was disturbed by stalk section, while Uotila (3) noted that in male rats the gonads remained normal after this operation, although the depressing effect of cold on spermatogenesis was prevented. Fluctuations of the level of circulating sex hormones also affect the gonadotropic function of the hypophysis, either through the hypothalamohypophyseal system or directly from the circulating blood.
ATYPICAL 11β-HYDROXYLASE DEFICIENCY: ABSENCE OF RENIN SUPPRESSION AND HYPERTENSION DESPITE HIGH DOC

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11β-hydroxylase (11β-OHase) deficiency usually produces hypertension and virilization. The hormonal profile is typified by elevated serum and urinary DOC and compound S, and suppressed renin (PRA) and aldosterone (aldo). We report 2 cases in which extreme elevation of serum and urinary precursors of 11β-OHase produced neither hypertension nor suppression of PRA and aldo. These findings correlated with low number of mineralocorticoid binding sites per cell (MRBS) in peripheral blood leukocytes. DOC suppressed following dexamethasone administration, and additional DCC infusion caused transient hypertension and expected renin suppression. We postulate that down-regulation of MRBS is an adaptive response to high DOC, inhibiting mineralocorticoid effects. Normal basal aldo levels indicate intact glomerulosa 11β-hydroxylation, suggesting a defect in tissue-specific expression of the enzyme, rather than a structural gene defect.
Spatial Information: Classification and Applications in Building Design

Physical properties of building components are usually represented in building data models by their three-dimensional geometry and topology-also called spatial information. While geometric data of building components can be manipulated and managed by a computer-aided design (CAD) interface, their spatial relations (or topological information) are conventionally represented in a manual fashion into data models. The manual data representation, however, is inherently a complex and challenging task due to the wide variety of spatial relationships. Thus, topological information should be classified and modeled in such a way that the required spatial data for a particular design task can be automatically retrieved. This paper attempts to identify and classify various topological information commonly used in building design and construction into more specific categories (e.g., adjacency, connection, containment, separation, and intersection) to support automatic deduction of the spatial information in a computer-based building design system. The paper also discusses typical applications of the topological relations to different design activities. Finally, the development of deduction algorithms and the proposed building design system are briefly described.
The viscoelastic properties of sulfur—phosphorus copolymers

Abstract It was found that the introduction of small quantities of phosphorus greatly affected the viscoelastic properties of polymeric sulfur. This was demonstrated by a study of the modulus-temperature curves for a series of sulfur—phosphorus copolymers. The crosslinking action of phosphorus is counteracted by the weakness of the polymeric S—S bond, which, unlike the bonds of common organic crosslinked polymers, permits chemical flow by bond interchange. We found that the region of chemical flow occurred in the same temperature range for P—S copolymers as for As—S copolymers and also crosslinked poly(ethylene tetrasulfide).
Unusual presentation of propionic acidaemia as isolated cardiomyopathy.

Propionic acidaemia (PA) is an autosomal recessive disease that results from deficiency of propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC). In the majority of reported cases, the phenotype includes metabolic acidosis and/or neurological deficits. We report on a 14-year-old Asian-American male with PA who presented with isolated cardiomyopathy without any documented episodes of metabolic acidosis or evidence of any neurocognitive deficits. On routine metabolic screening, the patient was found to have urine organic acids suggestive of PA. Biochemical and genetic characterization confirmed a PCC deficiency with two novel mutations in PCCB: IVS7 + 2 T > G (c.763 + 2 T > G) and p.R410Q (c.1229 G > A). Residual enzyme activity likely explains our patient’s mild phenotype. Splicing mutations tend to result in a milder phenotype as these mutations may still produce small amounts of normal enzyme. In addition, the similar p.R410W mutation has been shown to have partial residual activity. Moreover, this case illustrates that a thorough metabolic evaluation should be performed in both paediatric and adult patients with cardiomyopathy. Such an evaluation has important implications for clinical management and genetic counselling.
NATIONAL CONTINGENCY PLANNING

ABSTRACT World production and transportation of petroleum products have reached such magnitudes that the United States must be prepared to cope with a massive pollution disaster near its coast. The problems of advance planning for cleanup of oil spills have been recognized for many years but received little active interest before the Torrey Canyon disaster in 1967. Following that incident the United States began developing national and regional oil spill contingency plans, and the first national plan was published in late 1968. The Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970 spurred additional efforts, resulting in publication of a more comprehensive national plan and completion of detailed regional plans. These plans created national and regional response teams and established responsibilities and procedures for responding to spills of oil and hazardous materials in U.S. waters with appropriate cleanup and control measures. The need for international contingency planning has been recognized during the past yea...
A case study in using massively parallel simulation for extreme-scale torus network codesign

A high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnect will be a critical component of future exascale systems. The torus network topology, which uses multidimensional network links to improve path diversity and exploit locality between nodes, is a potential candidate for exascale interconnects.The communication behavior of large-scale scientific applications running on future exascale networks is particularly important and analytical/algorithmic models alone cannot deduce it. Therefore, before building systems, it is important to explore the design space and performance of candidate exascale interconnects by using simulation. We improve upon previous work in this area and present a methodology for modeling and simulating a high-fidelity, validated, and scalable torus network topology at a packet-chunk level detail using the Rensselaer Optimistic Simulation System (ROSS). We execute various configurations of a 1.3 million node torus network model in order to examine the effect of torus dimensionality on network performance with relevant HPC traffic patterns. To the best of our knowledge, these are the largest torus network simulations that are carried out at such a detailed fidelity. In terms of simulation performance, a 1.3 million node, 9-D torus network model is shown to process a simulated exascale-class workload of nearest-neighbor traffic with 100 million message injections per second per node using 65,536 Blue Gene/Q cores in a simulation run-time of only 25 seconds. We also demonstrate that massive-scale simulations are a critical tool in exascale system design since small-scale torus simulations are not always indicative of the network behavior at an exascale size. The take-away message from this case study is that massively parallel simulation is a key enabler for effective extreme-scale network codesign.
On the Modeling and Analysis of Machining Performance in Micro-Endmilling, Part II: Cutting Force Prediction

In Part II of this paper, a cutting force model for the micro-endmilling process is developed. This model incorporates the minimum chip thickness concept in order to predict the effects of the cutter edge radius on the cutting forces. A new chip thickness computation algorithm is developed to include the minimum chip thickness effect. A slip-line plasticity force model is used to predict the force when the chip thickness is greater than the minimum chip thickness, and an elastic deformation force model is employed when the chip thickness is less than the minimum chip thickness. Orthogonal, microstructure-level finite element simulations are used to calibrate the parameters of the force models for the primary metallurgical phases, ferrite and pearlite, of multiphase ductile iron workpieces. The model is able to predict the magnitudes of the forces for both the ferrite and pearlite workpieces as well as for the ductile iron workpieces within 20%. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1813471#
Radiation-induced segregation in alloy X-750

Microstructural and microchemical evolution of an Alloy X-750 heat under neutron irradiation was studied in order to understand the origin of irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking. Both clustering of point defects and radiation-induced segregation at interfaces were observed. Although no significant changes in the precipitate structure were observed, boundaries exhibited additional depletion of Cr and Fe and enrichment of Ni.
The Shadow Negotiation and the Interest‐Based Approach at Kaiser Permanente

As interesting and significant as the Kaiser Permanente case is in and of itself, there were many parallel negotiations that took place just below the surface of the overt negotiations. The author focuses on this “shadow negotiation,” exploring a series of strategic moves that took place in the case, enabling the parties to craft their negotiation process. These shadow negotiations involved positioning moves, process moves, power moves, and appreciative moves. The parallel shadow negotiation was a significant factor in the success of the Kaiser Permanente negotiations.
MDMA and d-Amphetamine Produce Comparable Effects in Pigeons Performing under a Multiple Fixed-Ratio Interresponse-Time-Greater-than-t Schedule of Food Delivery

The purpose of this study was to gain further information about the behavioral effects of (+/-) 3.4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on schedule-controlled responding. MDMA (0.32, 0.56, 1.0, 3.2, 5.6, and 10 mg/kg) and d-amphetamine (0.32, 0.56, 1.0, 3.2, 5.6, and 10 mg/kg) were administered to pigeons performing under a multiple fixed-ratio 30 (FR 30) interresponse-time-greater-than-15-s (IRT > 15-s) schedule of food delivery. In general, both drugs had no significant effect on response rates under the IRT > 15-s component at doses that decreased rates under the FR component. Results of the present experiment indicate that under some conditions MDMA and d-amphetamine produce similar, and rate-dependent, effects.
Low-voltage mixed-signal circuits in digital CMOS technologies

Low-voltage techniques for discrete-time analog, continuous-time analog, and digital circuits have been developed for applications in low-power low-voltage mixed-signal systems. The circuits can be implemented using purely digital standard CMOS processes. >
Context-driven automatic bilingual movie subtitle alignment

Movie subtitle alignment is a potentially useful approach for deriving automatically parallel bilingual/multilingual spoken language data for automatic speech translation. In this paper, we consider the movie subtitle alignment task. We propose a distance metric between utterances of different languages based on lexical features derived from bilingual dictionaries. We use the dynamic time warping algorithm to obtain the best alignment. The best F-score of ! 0.713 is obtained using the proposed approach. Index Terms :s ubtitles alignment, dynamic time warping
An optimal graph theoretic approach to data clustering: theory and its application to image segmentation

A novel graph theoretic approach for data clustering is presented and its application to the image segmentation problem is demonstrated. The data to be clustered are represented by an undirected adjacency graph G with arc capacities assigned to reflect the similarity between the linked vertices. Clustering is achieved by removing arcs of G to form mutually exclusive subgraphs such that the largest inter-subgraph maximum flow is minimized. For graphs of moderate size ( approximately 2000 vertices), the optimal solution is obtained through partitioning a flow and cut equivalent tree of G, which can be efficiently constructed using the Gomory-Hu algorithm (1961). However for larger graphs this approach is impractical. New theorems for subgraph condensation are derived and are then used to develop a fast algorithm which hierarchically constructs and partitions a partially equivalent tree of much reduced size. This algorithm results in an optimal solution equivalent to that obtained by partitioning the complete equivalent tree and is able to handle very large graphs with several hundred thousand vertices. The new clustering algorithm is applied to the image segmentation problem. The segmentation is achieved by effectively searching for closed contours of edge elements (equivalent to minimum cuts in G), which consist mostly of strong edges, while rejecting contours containing isolated strong edges. This method is able to accurately locate region boundaries and at the same time guarantees the formation of closed edge contours. >
Discriminating intrinsic and apparent attenuation in layered rock

The spectra of normal incidence transmitted compressional and shear waves are inverted to yield intrinsic (frictional) and apparent (scattering) attenuation factors as a function of frequency. This inversion is made possible by the observation that, to a first approximation, scattering and intrinsic attenuation are additive [Spencer, 1982 and Richards and Menke, 1983]. Two additional assumptions are needed; that poisson's ratio is constant and that intrinsic attenuation is mainly due to shear. The technique is tested against numerical calculations, and is shown to work at least for wavelengths larger than the scale length of the layering. The inversion requires wide-band observations and is quite sensitive to noise in the data.
Simple relation for alpha decay half-lives

The experimental values of ${\mathrm{log}}_{10}$${\mathit{T}}_{1/2}$(sec) plotted vs ${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathit{d}}^{0.6}$/ \ensuremath{\surd}${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$ are shown to fall on a nearly universal straight line with ${\mathrm{log}}_{10}$${\mathit{T}}_{1/2}$(sec)=(9.54${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathit{d}}^{0.6}$/ \ensuremath{\surd}${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$)-51.37, where ${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathit{d}}$ is the charge number of the daughter nucleus and ${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$ is expressed in units of MeV. This behavior also numerically comes out of the semiclassical WKB calculation of the barrier penetration factor. The fine structure in the ratio of experiment over theory is briefly discussed.
The Chvátal-Gomory Closure of a Strictly Convex Body

In this paper, we prove that the Chvatal-Gomory closure of a set obtained as an intersection of a strictly convex body and a rational polyhedron is a polyhedron. Thus, we generalize a result of Schrijver [Schrijver, A. 1980. On cutting planes. Ann. Discrete Math.9 291--296], which shows that the Chvatal-Gomory closure of a rational polyhedron is a polyhedron.
Cardiolipin and electron transport chain abnormalities in mouse brain tumor mitochondria: lipidomic evidence supporting the Warburg theory of cancer

Otto Warburg first proposed that cancer originated from irreversible injury to mitochondrial respiration, but the structural basis for this injury has remained elusive. Cardiolipin (CL) is a complex phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is intimately involved in maintaining mitochondrial functionality and membrane integrity. Abnormalities in CL can impair mitochondrial function and bioenergetics. We used shotgun lipidomics to analyze CL content and composition in highly purified brain mitochondria from the C57BL/6J (B6) and VM/Dk (VM) inbred strains and from subcutaneously grown brain tumors derived from these strains to include an astrocytoma and ependymoblastoma (B6 tumors), a stem cell tumor, and two microgliomas (VM tumors). Major abnormalities in CL content or composition were found in all tumors. The compositional abnormalities involved an abundance of immature molecular species and deficiencies of mature molecular species, suggesting major defects in CL synthesis and remodeling. The tumor CL abnormalities were also associated with significant reductions in both individual and linked electron transport chain activities. A mathematical model was developed to facilitate data interpretation. The implications of our findings to the Warburg cancer theory are discussed.