cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THz Absorption Spectra of Fe and Mg Water Complexes Calculated by Density Functional Theory

Monitoring of water contaminants implies a need for determining their dielectric response properties with respect to electromagnetic wave excitation at various frequencies. Iron is a naturally occurring water contaminant, which is the result of decaying vegetation and is at much higher concentrations than any other metal contaminant. The present study uses density functional theory (DFT) for the calculation of ground state resonance structure and stability analysis of Fe water complexes. The calculations presented are for excitation by electromagnetic waves at frequencies within the THz range. Dielectric response functions calculated by DFT can be used for the analysis of water contaminants. These functions provide quantitative initial estimates of spectral response features for subsequent adjustment with respect to additional information such as laboratory measurements and other types of theory-based calculations. In addition, with respect to qualitative analysis, DFT calculated absorption spectra provide for molecular level interpretation of response structure. The DFT software GAUSSIAN was used for the calculations of ground state resonance structure presented here.
Genetic control of variable and constant regions of immunoglobulin heavy chains.

IMMUNOGLOBULIN polypeptide chains consist of two well defined regions designated the “variable region” and the “constant region”. Whereas great diversity exists in amino-acid sequences of variable regions, the constant regions of a given subclass of heavy chains (CH)* are essentially invariant in sequence1, 2. Exceptions are the allelic forms, such as the rabbit allotypes A14 and A153, 4, where a threonine-alanine interchange occurs in the constant region of γ chains (Appella, Chersi, R. G. M. and Dubiski, in preparation). The markers unique to a chains (for example, A14-A15) are closely linked to allotypic markers at the a locus (a1, a2, a3)3, 4 which seem to be present on four different Ig heavy chain classes (α, γ, e, µ)5–7. These puzzling observations can be explained if the a locus determinants are variable region markers which reflect genetically controlled differences in some relatively constant residues within the VH region sequences7.
Self-enhancement influences medial frontal cortex alpha power to social rejection feedback

Although previous research has demonstrated that individuals are motivated to self-enhance, the neurocognitive mechanisms and temporal dynamics of self-enhancement are poorly understood. The current research examined whether self-enhancing motivations affect the perceptual processing of social feedback. Participants who varied in self-enhancement motivations received accept and reject feedback while EEG was recorded. Following this task, we measured perceptions of feedback by asking participants to estimate the number of times they were rejected. Source localization and time—frequency analyses revealed that alpha power in the medial frontal cortex (MFC) completely mediated the relationship between self-enhancement motivations and rejection estimates. Specifically, greater self-enhancement motivations predicted decreased MFC alpha power to reject compared to accept feedback, which predicted decreased rejection estimates. These findings suggest that self-enhancement motivations decrease perception of social rejection by influencing how the MFC processes social feedback.
Mitotic arrest and toxicity in Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca: Pulmonata) exposed to colchicine

Continuous exposure of Biomphalaria glabrata snails to 0.1% colchicine resulted in a significant increase, relative to non-exposed snails, in the number of arrested mitotic figures in the amebocyte-producing organ (APO) as soon as 4 h, with peak numbers after 12 h of exposure. The number of circulating hemocytes was significantly elevated at 24 h. However, by 72 h both the number of mitotic figures in the APO and the concentration of circulating hemocytes in the hemolymph had returned to control levels. Hemocytes appeared to possess normal morphology throughout this exposure, including the formation of long filopodia with supporting rodlike structures that have been reported to contain microtubules. Snail survival decreased as a function of exposure time. Significantly fewer snails, relative to controls, survived a 48-h exposure, and only 1 out of 30 snails recovered from a 72-h exposure to 0.1% colchicine. Colchicine-exposed snails displayed intoxicated behavior, even upon removal from the colchicine solution, although no histopathology was evident in the CNS of snails exposed for 72 h.
Mode-specific impact of relaxation training for hypertensive men with type a behavior pattern

Multimodal therapy calls for selection of interventions on the basis of the specific modes of functioning that they are expected to affect. Mode-specificity assumptions were tested in a study of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training for type A men with borderline hypertension. It was expected that PMR would be especially effective in reducing psychophysiological reactivity and not effective for hostile cognition or behavioral anger expression. Forty-three subjects were randomly assigned to a control group receiving medical information or to information + PMR. PMR subjects reduced blood pressure reactivity to an anger-instigating role-play more than did controls. Although trait questionnaire measures of hostility and outward anger expression showed no group differences, a think-aloud measure of hostility and an observational measure of anger expression favored PMR. Discussion focuses on alternative explanations for these results, including the possibility that measures failing to show treatment effects were those confounded with negative affectivity.
Effects of selective opioid agonists of feline colonic transit

Abstract The mu agonist morphine and the non-specific opioid antagonist naloxone both may accelerate feline colonic transit; the effects of morphine are dose dependent. Kappa and delta receptor function was studied in the present work. Colonic transit of a radionuclide marker instilled into the cecum was quantitated for 6 hr in a crossover study. The delta agonist [D-Pen 2 ,D-pen 5 ] enkephalin (1 mg/kg, i.m.) prolonged the cecum and ascending colon half-emptying time by 337% (P
Trends of online ratings of otolaryngologists: what do your patients really think of you?

Importance The otolaryngologist’s online reputation is of increasing importance. Physician rating websites are becoming increasingly prevalent, and patients are using them to evaluate their current and future physicians. Objective To evaluate patterns in online ratings of otolaryngologists. Design, Setting, and Participants From May 1, 2013, through June 1, 2013, lists of academic program faculty members in the Northeastern United States were compiled, and academic allopathic otolaryngologists from the Eastern Section of the Triological Society were identified. Each faculty member’s name was searched using the Google search engine to link to profiles on the Healthgrades.com and Vitals.com websites. Main Outcomes and Measures State, program, academic position, years in practice, subspecialty, ratings, and reviews were recorded. Ratings were compared using analysis of variance. Results A total of 281 faculty members from 25 programs were identified. A total of 266 otolaryngologists (94.7%) had a profile on Healthgrades, and 247 (87.9%) had a profile on Vitals. Of those with profiles, 186 (69.9%) and 202 (81.8%) had patient reviews on Healthgrades and Vitals, respectively. The mean score was 4.4 of 5.0 on Healthgrades and 3.4 of 4.0 on Vitals. On Vitals, 179 profiles (63.7%) had comments associated with them. Overall, 49 comments (27.3%) were determined to be negative, and 138 otolaryngologists (49.1%) had at least 1 negative comment. Academic position and subspecialty affected reviews on Healthgrades. State and years in practice did not influence reviews. Conclusions and Relevance Most patients use online resources for information on health care professionals. Physician perceptions of these sites tend to be negative. Awareness of the content and rating patterns may help physicians better manage their online reputation.
Sliding oblique osteotomy for the treatment of hallux abducto valgus associated with functional hallux limitus.

This is a retrospective study of 27 patients (35 feet) with hallux abducto valgus associated with hallux limitus who underwent a sliding oblique osteotomy for surgical treatment between August 1997 and June 1998. Radiographic analysis and range-of-motion measurements were evaluated with an average follow-up of 65 days (range, 26–100). Preoperative criteria included
Histologic endometritis in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-infected women: characterization and effect of antimicrobial therapy.

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence, risk factors, clinical symptoms and signs, and response to antimicrobial therapy of histologic endometritis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women without clinical salpingitis. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 42 HIV-infected women enrolled from a single clinic. Subjects underwent standardized history, examination, and laboratory determinations, including endometrial biopsy. Women with suspected pelvic inflammatory disease were excluded. All women were given antibiotics and repeat evaluation in 5–7 weeks. Histologic endometritis was defined by at least one stromal plasma cell per 120× field and five or more surface polymorphonuclear leukocytes per 400× field. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used as appropriate. Results Histologic endometritis was present among 16 (38%) of 42 evaluable HIV-infected women, none of whom had Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Douching three or more times per month, history of ectopic pregnancy, and two or more prior urinary tract infections were associated with endometritis, as was elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P ≤ .05). Physical examination findings and mean CD4+ lymphocyte count were similar among those with and without endometritis. In the nine HIV-infected women with a repeat biopsy, endometritis decreased from four (44%) to two (22%) after treatment (P = .30). Conclusion The prevalence of histologic endometritis in HIV-infected women was high despite few examination findings and no demonstrated pathogens. Endometritis in HIV-infected women might be related to pathogens not evaluated, to prior infection, or to reduced immunity from HIV.
The Role of Histidines in the Acetate Kinase fromMethanosarcina thermophila

The role of histidine in the catalytic mechanism of acetate kinase from Methanosarcina thermophila was investigated by diethylpyrocarbonate inactivation and site-directed mutagenesis. Inactivation was accompanied by an increase in absorbance at 240 nm with no change in absorbance at 280 nm, and treatment of the inactivated enzyme with hydroxylamine restored 95% activity, results that indicated diethylpyrocarbonate inactivates the enzyme by the specific modification of histidine. The substrates ATP, ADP, acetate, and acetyl phosphate protected against inactivation suggesting at least one active site where histidine is modified. Correlation of residual activity with the number of histidines modified, as determined by absorbance at 240 nm, indicated that a maximum of three histidines are modified per subunit, two of which are essential for full inactivation. Comparison of the M. thermophila acetate kinase sequence with 56 putative acetate kinase sequences revealed eight highly conserved histidines, three of which (His-123, His-180, and His-208) are perfectly conserved. Diethylpyrocarbonate inactivation of the eight histidine → alanine variants indicated that His-180 and His-123 are in the active site and that the modification of both is necessary for full inactivation. Kinetic analyses of the eight variants showed that no other histidines are important for activity. Analysis of additional His-180 variants indicated that phosphorylation of His-180 is not essential for catalysis. Possible functions of His-180 are discussed.
Relationships in Analogy Items: a Semantic Component of a Psychometric Task:

The verbal analogy item has played a major role in the measurement of intelligence. Despite numerous correlational studies, however, neither the nature of intelligence nor the nature of the cognitive strategies and semantic structures that govern analogy test performance is well understood. These doubts arise from the apparent inappropriateness of correlational data for studying cognitive processes and structures, and the dearth of experimental research on the analogy item as a cognitive task. As a first step to investigate the analogy item as a cognitive task, the current study attempted to identify a semantic structure of relationships that individuals use to comprehend the completed analogy. A latent partition analysis of subjects' categorizations of keyed analogy items, grouped according to relational similarity, yielded eight latent types of relationships which generalized across subjects and items. Implications of the results for test development and test validity are discussed, and the content of t...
On the existence of a gradient of sensitivity to the lack of sodium in the spinal roots of the bullfrog.

The Et class of fibers includes fibers of Gasser's d.r. C group. The fibers of the dorsal root are more sensitive to the effect of lack of sodium than are the fibers of the ventral root. In the two roots there is a gradient of sensitivity to the lack of sodium, which is such that in all the root fibers the sensitivity decreases with increasing distance from the spinal cord. The gradient continues in the trunk up to about 10 to 12 mm. peripheral to the trunk-roots margin. No comparable gradient of sensitivity to the lack of sodium has been observed in the rest of the nerve trunk. The gradient of sensitivity to the lack of sodium has no relationship to the anatomical distribution of the epineurium. As a working hypothesis it is suggested that the gradient of sensitivity to the lack of sodium is one aspect of a transitional gradient that serves to establish a gradual change between the properties that the axons have inside the spinal cord and the properties that they have inside the nerve trunks. Details are given of the temporal course of the loss of excitability by root fibers deprived of sodium. It is suggested that sodium is present in the nerve fibers, in 2 forms, loosely and tightly bound sodium and that loss of loosely bound sodium is sufficient to render the nerve fibers unable to conduct impulses. If the rate of loss of loosely bound sodium is decreased, conversion of tightly bound into loosely bound sodium may temporarily restore the excitability of the nerve fibers.
A late complication of CSF shunting: acquired Chiari I malformation

Purpose Acquired Chiari I malformation developing after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting is an intriguing late complication of CSF shunt surgery and not only raises questions as to its pathogenesis but also poses many queries about the possible adverse effects on the subsequent child development as well as on the indications and possibilities of surgical correction.
Participation in Recreational Activities and Its Effect on Perception of Life Satisfaction in Residential Settings

Abstract This study explored the effect participation in activities had on the perception of life satisfaction of 133 older adults in 96 long-term care facilities in Massachusetts. Using a qualitative research approach, the residents were interviewed about their daily activities, adjustment to the facility and life satisfaction. Activities reported included recreational activities organized by the staff, self-generated activities (solitary and with others), socializing, and watching television. Residents who reported initiating activities with others were more satisfied with life in the residence. Female residents and those involved in the decision to enter long-term care participated in significantly more activities. The resident's age did not influence participation in activities. The number of activities engaged in was not found to have an effect on life-satisfaction or adjustment to the facility. The findings suggest that self-generated activities with others contributes to satisfaction with life in t...
Myelin staining of deep white matter in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and unipolar major depression

Neuroimaging and postmortem studies suggest the involvement of white matter disease in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and unipolar major depression. To date there is no published, collective study of myelin staining in these three psychiatric disorders. Deep white matter lesions, potentially affecting corticolimbic circuits, have been particularly implicated in late life depression and poor outcome bipolar disorder. We hypothesized that individuals with these disorders would manifest reduced deep white matter myelin staining compared to normal controls. Sixty transverse sections of fixed dorsolateral prefrontal cortex - 15 from individuals with each psychiatric disorder and 15 from normal controls - were stained according to the method of Kluver and Barrera. Myelin staining intensity was quantified by digital image analysis and expressed as a percent of grey matter staining for a given section. Mean deep (but not gyral) white matter myelin staining was less intense in all three psychiatric groups compared to control. This difference was statistically significant for the bipolar and unipolar groups, with a strong trend toward attenuated staining in the schizophrenic group. Our findings are consistent with postmortem and neuroimaging studies of affective disorders that indicate an increased prevalence of deep white matter lesions in unipolar and bipolar affective disorders.
Lufengpithecus and its potential relationship to an orang-utan clade

Further study of the late Miocene hominoid material from Lufeng, China, substantiates the recognition of the genus Lufengpithecus to distinguish this hominoid from Sivapithecus of Indo-Pakistan and Turkey. A broader comparison indicates that Lufengpithecus , and even Ouranopithecus and Rudapithecus , share with Sivapithecus and Pongo some of the derived features previously used to argue that the latter two hominoids are sister taxa. A reinterpretation of the distribution of these more broadly shared derived features leads to the conclusion that these five hominoids are members of the same clade, within which Lufengpithecus may be most closely related to the Sivapithecus-Pongo sister group.
Calcium Mediates Bidirectional Growth Cone Turning Induced by Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein

Cytoplasmic second messengers, Ca2+ and cAMP, regulate nerve growth cone turning responses induced by many guidance cues, but the causal relationship between these signaling pathways has been unclear. We here report that, for growth cone turning induced by a gradient of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), cAMP acts by modulating MAG-induced Ca2+ signaling. Growth cone repulsion induced by MAG was accompanied by localized Ca2+ signals on the side of the growth cone facing the MAG source, due to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Elevating cAMP signaling activity or membrane depolarization enhanced MAG-induced Ca2+ signals and converted growth cone repulsion to attraction. Directly imposing high- or low-amplitude Ca2+ signals with an extracellular gradient of Ca2+ ionophore was sufficient to trigger either attractive or repulsive turning, respectively. Thus, distinct Ca2+ signaling, which can be modulated by cAMP, mediates the bidirectional turning responses induced by MAG.
Magnetic clouds: Voyager observations between 2 and 4 AU

Magnetic clouds were observed in the solar wind between 2–4 AU by Voyagers 1 and 2, indicating that they are stable enough to persist without major changes out to such distances. The average size in radial extent of the clouds observed at these distances was ∼ 0.47 AU, compared to 0.25 for clouds observed at 1 AU. Assuming that these numbers are representative, we estimate that the clouds were expanding at a speed of the order of 45 km s-1. This is consistent with the expansion speed derived from the difference of the speeds of the front and rear boundaries of the clouds, ∼ 33 km s-1. The average Alfven speed at the front and rear boundaries was 104 km s-1, so our estimated expansion speed is nearly half of the Alfven speed, consistent with an earlier estimate of the expansion speed of clouds between the Sun and 1 AU. The magnetic field configuration cannot be determined uniquely, but it is highly ordered and consistent with the passage of some kind of loop. The simple model of a magnetic tongue with magnetic field lines in planes, e.g., meridian planes, is not consistent with the data.
Premenopausal hysterectomy is associated with increased brain ferritin iron

Iron is essential for triggering oligodendrocytes to myelinate, however, in gray matter (GM) iron increases with age and is associated with age-related degenerative brain diseases. Women have lower iron levels than men, both in the periphery and in the brain, particularly in white matter (WM), possibly due to iron loss through menstruation. We tested the hypothesis that hysterectomy could increase WM iron levels. We assessed 3 WM and 5 gray matter regions in 39 postmenopausal women, of whom 15 had premenopausal hysterectomy, utilizing a validated magnetic resonance imaging technique called field-dependent R2 increase (FDRI) that quantifies ferritin iron. A group of 54 matched male subjects was included for comparison. Amongst women, hysterectomy was associated with significantly higher frontal lobe WM iron. Men had higher iron levels than women without hysterectomy in 3 brain regions but did not differ from women with hysterectomy in any region. The results suggest that menstruation-associated blood loss is a source of gender differences in brain iron. It is possible that brain iron can be influenced by peripheral iron levels and may thus be a modifiable risk factor for age-related degenerative diseases.
Metabolism of carbosulfan [2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl (di-n-butylaminothio)methylcarbamate] in the rat and house fly

Abstract The metabolism of carbosulfan, 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl (di- n -butylaminothio)-methylcarbamate, was studied in the rat and house fly. Carbosulfan was metabolized via at least two major pathways in the rat, by initial oxidation of the sulfur atom and by NS bond cleavage. The principal rat metabolites were the conjugated keto-phenol from the ring-labeled carbo-sulfan, carbon dioxide from the carbonyl-labeled carbosulfan, and dibutylamine from the dibutylamino-labeled carbosulfan. In house flies, carbosulfan was converted primarily into carbofuran and related oxidation products. The lower mammalian toxicity of carbosulfan compared to its insecticidal activity is explained on the basis of differences in routes and rates of metabolism of carbosulfan in mammals and insects.
A Solid-Phase Radioassay for Factor-XIII Activity (Fibrin Stabilizing Factor) in Human Plasma

Summary. Casein, insolubilized to scpharosc, was used as a substrate for measuring factor-XIII activity. Activated factor XIII incorporated [14C]putrescine into the insolubilized substratc. After the removal of non-incorporated putrescine, the insolubilized 14C-tagged cascin was readily digested off the gel by pronase and counted in a beta counter. The rate of [14C]putrescinc incorporation was linear for up to 4 hr. Standard deviations of the assay were ±4% for 35 single determinations. The assay is easy to perform, highly reproducible and inexpensive, which makes the method suitable for routine use in a coagulation laboratory.
The Interaction Between Executive Attention and Postural Control in Dual-Task Conditions: Children With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract Reilly DS, Woollacott MH, van Donkelaar P, Saavedra S. The interaction between executive attention and postural control in dual-task conditions: children with cerebral palsy. Objective To investigate the interference between a secondary task and a postural task in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design In this exploratory study, a dual-task paradigm was used in which children stood in either a wide or a narrow stance position while simultaneously performing a visual working memory task calibrated to be of equitable attentional demand between groups. Setting Study data were gathered in a university motor control laboratory. Participants Children with CP (n=8; age range, 10−14y) were compared with typically developing older children (n=6; age range, 7−12y), and typically developing young children (n=5; age range, 4−6y). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Proficiency in postural control was measured by the range and root mean square of the velocity of center of pressure displacement in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, calculated from forceplate data. Accuracy of response was used as a measure of cognitive task performance. Capacity of the executive attention system was determined by assessing visual working memory capacity. Results Children with CP, like the typically developing young children, were more unstable and had less executive attention capacity compared with older children, and like the typically developing young children, experienced dual-task interference in postural control in both stance positions. Children with ataxic CP also experienced decreased cognitive task performance in narrow stance. Conclusions In designing therapeutic interventions for children with CP, it would be beneficial for clinicians to assess postural control in both single- and dual-task environments.
Hybrid Equation/Agent-Based Model of Ischemia-Induced Hyperemia and Pressure Ulcer Formation Predicts Greater Propensity to Ulcerate in Subjects with Spinal Cord Injury

Pressure ulcers are costly and life-threatening complications for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). People with SCI also exhibit differential blood flow properties in non-ulcerated skin. We hypothesized that a computer simulation of the pressure ulcer formation process, informed by data regarding skin blood flow and reactive hyperemia in response to pressure, could provide insights into the pathogenesis and effective treatment of post-SCI pressure ulcers. Agent-Based Models (ABM) are useful in settings such as pressure ulcers, in which spatial realism is important. Ordinary Differential Equation-based (ODE) models are useful when modeling physiological phenomena such as reactive hyperemia. Accordingly, we constructed a hybrid model that combines ODEs related to blood flow along with an ABM of skin injury, inflammation, and ulcer formation. The relationship between pressure and the course of ulcer formation, as well as several other important characteristic patterns of pressure ulcer formation, was demonstrated in this model. The ODE portion of this model was calibrated to data related to blood flow following experimental pressure responses in non-injured human subjects or to data from people with SCI. This model predicted a higher propensity to form ulcers in response to pressure in people with SCI vs. non-injured control subjects, and thus may serve as novel diagnostic platform for post-SCI ulcer formation.
A Comparison of the Financial Characteristics of German and French Manufacturing Firms

Comparing the financial characteristics of different groups of firms with financial ratios has been a popular methodology in finance. In this paper, we compare the financial characteristics of German and French manufacturing firms with the MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance) statistical technique. Germany and France are members of the European Union and they have fully integrated economies with a common currency and yet, we find that financial characteristics of German and French manufacturing firms are significantly different. German manufacturing firms have significantly higher liquidity, asset turnover, and equity ratios compared with French manufacturing firms. Despite a high level of economic integration, German and French manufacturing firms appear to preserve their deep-rooted country business traditions. German manufacturing firms lower their technical insolvency risk by maintaining a significantly higher level of liquidity compared with French manufacturing firms. German manufacturing firms also reduce their bankruptcy risk by using more equity financing and less debt financing compared with their French counterparts. The profitability and sales growth ratios of manufacturing firms in the two countries are not significantly different. Although asset turnover ratios are higher in German manufacturing firms than in French manufacturing firms, French firms are able to boost their return on equity to the level in German manufacturing firms by using more debt financing and financial leverage.
Recent Proposals to Reform the Electoral College System.

Since the 1932 election, developments have occurred which indicate a growing disposition to simplify the presidential election ballot and suggest that a revision of the mode of electing the chief executive may be eventually realized through constitutional amendment. The so-called “presidential short ballot” reform, which was first adopted in Nebraska in 1917, has moved forward rapidly in recent years. Sixteen states now have enacted statutes eliminating the names of presidential electors from the general election ballot, thus permitting their voters to choose electors by indicating a preference only for a party's presidential candidates.
Views from out there: technical writing and cyberspace

For many instructors, when technical communication and distance education are mentioned, the next logical step is into cyberspace. Certainly cyberspace seems to be the promised land-students are able to work at their own pace, on their own schedule and then send the finished projects to the professor for comments and grading. Moving technical communication into cyberspace appeals to many people on many levels, but is it the answer it appears to be? As more and more classes move online, the use of cyberspace as a teaching medium needs to be further investigated. Specifically, what can a professor expect to encounter when she moves her class online? Using his own personal experiences instructing in cyberspace, as well as the commentary of his students, the author offers some insight on one of the main problems of instruction in cyberspace, the crippling dependence that students have on the printer.
piggyBac-Based Mosaic Screen Identifies a Postmitotic Function for Cohesin in Regulating Developmental Axon Pruning

Summary Developmental axon pruning is widely used to refine neural circuits. We performed a mosaic screen to identify mutations affecting axon pruning of Drosophila mushroom body γ neurons. We constructed a modified piggyBac vector with improved mutagenicity and generated insertions in >2000 genes. We identified two cohesin subunits ( SMC1 and SA ) as being essential for axon pruning. The cohesin complex maintains sister-chromatid cohesion during cell division in eukaryotes. However, we show that the pruning phenotype in SMC1 −/− clones is rescued by expressing SMC1 in neurons, revealing a postmitotic function. SMC1 −/− clones exhibit reduced levels of the ecdysone receptor EcR-B1, a key regulator of axon pruning. The pruning phenotype is significantly suppressed by overexpressing EcR-B1 and is enhanced by a reduced dose of EcR, supporting a causal relationship. We also demonstrate a postmitotic role for SMC1 in dendrite targeting of olfactory projection neurons. We suggest that cohesin regulates diverse aspects of neuronal morphogenesis.
Polysubstance Abuse: Alcohol, Opioids and Benzodiazepines Require Coordinated Engagement by Society, Patients, and Physicians

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published significant data trends related to substance abuse involving opioid pain relievers (OPR), benzodiazepines and alcohol in the United States. The CDC describes opioid misuse and abuse as an epidemic, with the use of OPR surpassing that of illicit drugs. Alcohol has also been a persistent problem and is associated with a number of emergency department visits and deaths independent of other substances. The use of these drugs in combination creates an additive effect with increased central nervous system suppression and a heightened risk of an overdose. We present a summary of the findings from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) with commentary on strategies to combat prescription drug and alcohol abuse.
A 25-Gb/s 5-mW CMOS CDR/Deserializer

The demand for higher data rates in serial links has exacerbated the problem of power consumption, motivating extensive work on receiver and transmitter building blocks. This paper presents a half-rate clock and data recovery circuit and a deserializer that employ charge-steering logic to reduce the power consumption. Realized in 65-nm technology, the overall circuit draws 5 mW from a 1-V supply, producing a clock with an rms jitter of 1.5 ps and a jitter tolerance of 0.5 UIpp at 5 MHz jitter frequency.
Contaminating cells alter gene signatures in whole organ versus laser capture microdissected tumors: a comparison of experimental breast cancers and their lymph node metastases

Genome-wide expression profiling has expedited our molecular understanding of the different subtypes of breast cancers, as well as defined the differences among genes expressed in primary tumors and their metastases. Laser-capture microdissection (LCM) coupled to gene expression analysis allows us to understand how specific cell types contribute to the total cancer gene expression signature. Expression profiling was used to define genes that contribute to breast cancer spread into and/or growth within draining lymph nodes (LN). Whole tumor xenografts and their matched whole LN metastases were compared to LCM captured cancer cells from the same tumors and matched LN metastases. One-thousand nine-hundred thirty genes were identified by the whole organ method alone, and 1,281 genes by the LCM method alone. However, less than 1% (30 genes) of genes that changed between tumors and LN metastases were common to both methods. Several of these genes have previously been implicated in cancer aggressiveness. Our data show that whole-organ and LCM based gene expression profiling yield distinctly different lists of metastasis-promoting genes. Contamination of the tumor cells, and cross reactivity of mouse RNA to human-specific chips may explain these differences, and suggests that LCM-derived data may be more accurate.
Using ARROWSMITH: a computer-assisted approach to formulating and assessing scientific hypotheses

Conventional computer searches of the biomedical literature (e.g. MEDLINE) allow investigators to retrieve much of the information that has already been published on a given topic. However, these searches are of limited utility at the frontier of scientific discovery, when one wishes to identify and assess new, untested scientific hypotheses, or to uncover biologically significant relations between two previously disparate fields of inquiry. We have designed a set of interactive software and database search strategies, collectively called ARROWSMITH, that facilitate the discovery of plausible hypotheses linking findings across specialties (Artif. Intell. 91 (1997) 183-203). In the simplest implementation of ARROWSMITH, the user begins with an experimental finding or hypothesis that two items A and C are related in some way. The titles of papers indexed in MEDLINE which contain the word 'A' (or synonyms) are downloaded into a file A, and similarly a file C is created. The software constructs a list of words and phrases B common to files A and C; automatic and manual editing are used to filter out uninteresting B-terms. For each B-term, the software generates an AB file of titles containing both 'A' and 'B', and a BC file of titles containing both 'B' and 'C'; these titles are juxtaposed to facilitate the user judging whether there is likely to be a biologically significant relation among A, B and C. ARROWSMITH has been employed to analyze research problems relating to oxidative stress, brain damage, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Applications of ARROWSMITH include: anticipating adverse drug reactions, identifying mechanisms by which agents modulate cellular or organismal responses, suggesting new therapeutic approaches, identifying possible risk factors for diseases, and identifying potential animal models for human conditions. A simplified experimental version of ARROWSMITH is now freely accessible on the World Wide Web (http:@kiwi.uchicago.edu).
Clonal populations of T cells in normal elderly humans: the T cell equivalent to "benign monoclonal gammapathy"

To determine whether T cells, like B cells, can become clonally expanded in normal individuals as a function of age, we compared the T cell V beta repertoire of cord blood to that of peripheral blood from normal donors over 65 yr of age. T cells from elderly subjects contained expanded subsets (greater than the mean+three standard deviations) of T cell receptor (TCR) V beta populations. These expanded subsets were observed primarily among CD8, but not CD4 cells, represented up to 37.5% of all CD8 cells, and were present in most elderly subjects. An expanded V beta 5.2/3 CD8 subset and a V beta 6.7a CD8 subset from separate donors were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, cloning and sequencing of the TCR beta chain VDJ junction. In both cases the expanded subsets were mono- or oligoclonal while control CD4 populations were polyclonal. Using two-color flow cytometry it was possible to identify the expanded V beta 6.7a subset as CD8+ CD28-CD11b+ cells. In three of five random old subjects similar expansions of V beta subsets were found specifically in the CD8+ CD28- subpopulation, an interesting subset of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, known to lack proliferative responses to TCR stimuli. It is common practice to use the demonstration of clonality as a diagnostic indicator for T cell lymphoma/leukemia. In view of the high frequency of expanded T clones of T cells in normal elderly subjects the diagnostic usefulness of this test should be reexamined.
Fatal Water Intoxication and Cardiac Arrest in Runners During Marathons: Prevention and Treatment Based on Validated Clinical Paradigms

Cerebral edema due to exercise-associated hyponatremia and cardiac arrest due to atherosclerotic heart disease cause rare marathon-related fatalities in young female and middle-aged male runners, respectively. Studies in asymptomatic middle-aged male physician-runners during races identified inflammation due to skeletal muscle injury after glycogen depletion as the shared underlying cause. Nonosmotic secretion of arginine vasopressin as a neuroendocrine stress response to rhabdomyolysis mediates hyponatremia as a variant of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Fatal hyponatremic encephalopathy in young female runners was curtailed using emergent infusion of intravenous hypertonic (3%) saline to reverse cerebral edema on the basis of this paradigm. This treatment was arrived at through a consensus process within the medical community. An increasing frequency of cardiac arrest and sudden death has been identified in middle-aged male runners in 2 studies since the year 2000. Same-aged asymptomatic male physician-runners showed post-race elevations in interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, biomarkers that predict acute cardiac events in healthy persons. Hypercoagulability with in vivo platelet activation and release of cardiac troponin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were also observed post-race in these same subjects. High short-term risk for atherothrombosis during races as shown by stratification of biomarkers in asymptomatic men may render nonobstructive coronary atherosclerotic plaques vulnerable to rupture. Pre-race aspirin use in this high-risk subgroup is prudent according to conclusive evidence for preventing first acute myocardial infarctions in same-aged healthy male physicians. On the basis of validated clinical paradigms, taking a low-dose aspirin before a marathon and drinking to thirst during the race may avert preventable deaths in susceptible runners.
6-N-substituted derivatives of adenine arabinoside as selective inhibitors of varicella-zoster virus.

A series of 6-alkylaminopurine arabinosides were synthesized and found to inhibit varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The antiviral activities of these nucleosides were limited to VZV. None of the other viruses tested in the herpesvirus family were affected. The in vitro antiviral potencies of the 18 arabinosides correlated with their efficiencies as substrates of the VZV-encoded thymidine kinase in all but one case. The arabinosides of 6-methylaminopurine and 6-dimethylaminopurine were the most potent analogs, with 50% inhibitory concentrations against VZV of 3 and 1 microM, respectively. They were not cytotoxic to uninfected MRC-5 cells, human Detroit 98 cells, or mouse L cells (50% inhibitory concentration, greater than 100 microM). Neither 6-methylaminopurine arabinoside nor 6-dimethylaminopurine arabinoside was detectably phosphorylated by either adenosine kinase or 29-deoxycytidine kinase. These two alkylaminopurine arabinosides were also resistant to deamination catalyzed by adenosine deaminase. The VZV-dependent phosphorylation of these nucleosides offers the possibility of a potent and highly selective therapy for VZV infection.
A Novel Class of Carbon Nanocones

A new class of low-angle conical carbon crystals has been described and their characteristics are reported here. These carbon nanocones were found in pores of a glassy carbon (GC) along with cylindrical multiwall nanotubes and graphite polyhedral crystals. The largest cones reach 2 to 3 microns in length, although most are in the submicron range. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveals cones protruding from the inner pore surfaces with the tips oriented toward the inside of the pores. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) show that cones are made of thick (up to several hundred layers), highly-ordered graphitic walls. Their tips are graphitic as well, and exhibit a dome-like morphology. These cones also differ from any carbon cones observed earlier in that they have a much smaller apex angle, sometimes less than 3°. Small angle carbon nanocones can potentially be used for probes and field emission elements.
The Accessibility Pattern

This paper explores and probes the accessibility stable analysis pattern. The pattern describes the core knowledge behind the concept of "accessibility". Accessibility finds an extensive use in various applications. The pattern gives an excellent start to software developers, by defining the core knowledge of any accessibility problem. Any developer can build on, extend, or reuse the pattern to model any specific application by involving accessibility.
Relationship between serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and sex hormones in men and women

Previous reports of a correlation between serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and testosterone in both men and women have led to the suggestion that adrenal and gonadal secretion are related. In the present study, the correlation of DHEAS with testosterone and free testosterone (FT) in both normal men and women was tested. Androstenedione, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin were also measured and their correlations determined. All correlations were controlled for age and body mass index. In the men in the study, DHEAS did not correlate with testosterone or FT but correlated strongly with androstenedione. In the women, DHEAS correlated strongly with testosterone, FT, and androstenedione; androstenedione in turn correlated strongly with testosterone and FT. DHEAS showed no correlations with estradiol, SHBG, or insulin in the men or women. The lack of a correlation between DHEAS and testosterone in normal men is consistent with the independent secretion of these hormones by the adrenal and testis, respectively. The finding of a strong DHEAS-testosterone correlation in normal women may be explained by parallel adrenal secretion in response to trophic stimuli, i.e., without invoking an adrenal-gonadal interaction.
Sex and Shock Jocks: An Analysis of the Howard Stern and Bob & Tom Shows

SUMMARY Studies of mass media show that sexual content has increased during the past three decades and is now commonplace. Research studies have examined the sexual content of many media, but not talk radio. A subcategory of talk radio, called “shock jock” radio, has been repeatedly accused of being indecent and sexually explicit. This study fills in this gap in the literature by presenting a short history and an exploratory content analysis of shock jock radio. The content analysis compares the sexual discussions of two radio talk shows: Infinity's Howard Stern Show and Clear Channel's Bob & Tom Show.
The Project Ownership Survey: Measuring Differences in Scientific Inquiry Experiences

This study evaluates the reliability and validity of an instrument for quantitatively assessing project ownership in undergraduate laboratory learning experiences.
On multiword entity ranking in peer-to-peer search

Previously [2], we postulated the advantage of using entity extraction to implement a new Peer-to-Peer (P2P) search framework for reducing network traffic and providing a trade off between precision and recall. We now propose an entity ranking method designed for the 'short documents' characteristic of P2P, which significantly improves both precision and recall in 'top results' P2P search. We construct a dynamic entity corpus using n-grams statistics and metadata, study its reliability, and use it to identify correlations between user query terms.
Multigate mesh routing for smart Grid last mile communications

One of the most important issues in Smart Grid is to provide consumers with the knowledge of their energy usage, as well as allowing the utility to monitor and control the electric system components with real time status. This would require the design of a network architecture that is capable of providing secure and reliable two-way communication from meters to other Smart Grid domains. While networking technologies and systems have been greatly enhanced, in wireless communication environments the smart grid faces new challenges in terms of reliability. In this paper we are mainly concerned with assessing the performance of wireless mesh networks for the last mile communication. We consider a tree-based mesh routing scheme based on a multigate mesh network architecture. The multigate mesh routing scheme is based on a flexible mesh network architecture that expands on the hybrid tree routing of the IEEE 802.11s. The network is specifically designed to operate in a multi gateway structure in order to meet the smart grid requirements in terms of reliability, self-healing, and throughput performance. To further exploit the multigate network structure, a timer-based multipath routing diversity scheme is proposed in order to enhance the network reliability. The network is then used to measure the performance in terms of throughput and reliability.
A comparison of mathematical models of nasal pressure-flow data and the contribution of compliant and inertial parameters

The fit of two mathematical models to nasal pressure-flow data from subjects with normal and pathological nasal airways is examined. The use of compliance and inertance parameters within these equations was assessed. Results indicate that the right hyperbolic and Roher's equation models gave analogous fits, and that the compliance and inertance parameters which are related to nasal pathology significantly increased the R/sup 2/ value of the fits. >