cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-Distance Trade and the Mangbetu

Between 1866 and 1886 Arabized traders from the Nile River trafficked in slaves and ivory in the Mangbetu region of what is today north-eastern Zaire. These Nile traders opened the first direct long-distance trading contacts in the area. European travellers present during the period wrote accounts giving the impression to some modern historians that the traders did extensive damage to several small, welldeveloped Mangbetu kingdoms. These accounts do not furnish an accurate picture of the trader impact on the Mangbetu. The Mangbetu system of rule was less developed than the travellers supposed. At that time Mangbetu rule was still based largely on personality and kinship and not on bureaucracy, tribute, commercial monopoly, divine kingship, or any other institution often associated with strong African kingdoms. Moreover, the trader influence was weaker than the travellers supposed because the intruders were newcomers, operating at a great distance from the Khartoum market, who remained only a short time. Only from 1881 to 1885 did the Egyptian government have some success in regularizing the trade and subduing rebellious rulers. In early 1886 all northerners withdrew from the Mangbetu area as a result of the Mahdist crisis in the Sudan. At that point the Mangbetu kingdoms, and kingdoms built on the Mangbetu model, re-emerged relatively unchanged by the trader experience.
A rapid method for spin‐drying large quantities of cytofunnels

A centrifugal spinner designed for drying lettuce leaves has been found to facilitate rapid drying of large quantities of cytofunnels.
Delayed diagnosis of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the sacrum

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone is a rare, malignant hematologic tumor affecting most commonly persons in the fourth decade of life. The tumor produces predominantly osteolytic lesions usually in the femur and pelvic bones and, very rarely, may present with spinal epidural involvement. The authors discuss an interesting case of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone involving the sacrum with epidural invasion, in which the atypical imaging findings along with negative biopsy results delayed diagnosis.
METHOD FOR EVALUATING BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF CENTRAL DEPRESSANTS.

A new method for the evaluation of central nervous system depression is presented. It is based on the scoring of behavioral responses to subhypnotic doses of central depressants. The application of the method to the study of two different types of depressants, pentobarbital and chlorpromazine, both alone and in combination, is shown. The time-response scoring method appears to be useful as a screening method and as a tool for more theoretical studies when appropriate modifications are made for different types of pharmacological agents.
Predicted growth mode for metal homoepitaxy on the fcc (111) surface

Abstract In an attempt to understand homoepitaxial growth on fcc (111) surfaces, the potential energy barriers for both inter- and intralayer diffusion are calculated for Ag, Au, Cu, Ni, Pd and Pt using a corrected effective medium theory in its simplest form, namely MD/MC-CEM theory. These metals exhibit two different characteristic behaviors, classified by the relative magnitude of the barriers between the two kinds of diffusion: (i) for Ag, Au, Cu and Ni, the interlayer diffusion barrier is always larger than the intralayer one, even for small islands or near kink sites at step edges; and (ii) for Pd and Pt, the reverse situation is true, with the interlayer diffusion barrier decreasing further for small islands or near a kink site. We therefore predict that under “natural” conditions, the first group of metals will grow three-dimensionally over the whole temperature range until the step-flow regime is reached. In particular, re-entrant growth is not expected to occur at low temperatures. By contrast, for the second group of metals we predict that a two-dimensional growth regime exists below step-flow, and re-entrant layer-by-layer growth is possible at low temperature due to the extremely low barrier for small islands or near kink sites. These predictions are consistent with all available experiments, which have investigated the Ag, Cu and Pt systems. We suggest that further experiments are desirable, in particular for Pd growth on Pd(111). We also point out that the reduced barriers for interlayer diffusion, due to the small size of the island and to the presence of kinks, have a common physical origin.
Fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide by a cadmium(II) macrocyclic complex.

A crystal structure showing an unusual trinuclear Cd(II) cluster bridged in µ3 fashion by a carbonate ligand is reported. The carbonate ion is formed by fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide from the corresponding cadmium mononuclear complex containing an aza crown ether.
Studies of herringbone domain structures in lead titanate by electron back-scattering patterns

Abstract A new approach for studying domain structures in ferroelectric materials using electron back-scattering patterns (EBSP) is described. The herringbone-type domain structures in lead titanate single crystals were examined in detail. Three different EBS patterns, representing three possible polarization directions in the tetragonal phase, were obtained. Detailed analyses for identifying the major zone axes of the EBS patterns were correlated with the results from X-ray powder diffraction. Comparing the results from X-ray analysis and EBSP, the differences in the measurements of the interzonal angles were observed to be less than 1 degree. A simple rule for identifying domain structures from EBS patterns was obtained. EBSP provides quick but comparable structural information on domains compared with that from other advanced methods, such as TEM.
Metabolism of vasoactive peptides by plasma and purified renal aminopeptidase M

Aminopeptidase M (AmM; EC 3.4.11.2) is a membrane-bound peptidase present on renal brush border and vascular plasma membrane. In the present study, AmM, purified from rabbit kidney cortex, produced a single immunoprecipitin line against AmM antisera, hydrolyzed alanyl-, leucyl- and arginyl-beta-naphthylamides at rates of 5.1 +/- 0.5, 3.9 +/- 0.5 and 2.6 +/- 0.3 mumol/min/mg, respectively, exhibited little or no alpha-glutamyl-, aspartyl- or glycyl-prolyl-naphthylamidase activities (less than or equal to 0.14 mumol/min/mg), and was inhibited by o-phenanthroline, amastatin (IC50 = 400 nM) and bestatin (IC50 = 6 microM). The alanyl-naphthylamidase activity of unfractionated rabbit plasma was found to be identical to purified AmM regarding relative rates of hydrolysis of alanyl-, leucyl- and arginyl-naphthylamides (100:79:42), pH optimum, and inhibition profile. In comparative studies with the purified enzyme, immunoreactive AmM accounted for essentially all of the alanyl-2-naphthylamidase activity of rabbit plasma. N-Terminal metabolism of (Met5)enkephalin by purified renal AmM was 3.92 +/- 0.69 mumol/min/mg, followed by somatostatin (1.25 mumol/min/mg), hepta(5-11)substance P (1.14 +/- 0.13 mumol/min/mg), (Asn1)angiotensin II (1.11 +/- 0.06 mumol/min/mg), angiotensin III (0.45 +/- 0.04 mumol/min/mg) and des(Asp1)-angiotensin I (0.36 +/- 0.04 mumol/min/mg). In contrast, substance P, bradykinin, (Sar1,Ala8)angiotensin II and neurokinin analogs containing modified N-termini (e.g. Ac-Arg) were resistant to hydrolysis by AmM. Peptide degradation was optimal at neutral pH and was inhibited by amastatin (IC50 = 200 nM) and bestatin (IC50 = 5 microM). Apparent Km values ranged from 15.7 +/- 0.4 microM for angiotensin III to 102 +/- 2 microM for (Met5)enkephalin. These data support a significant role for vascular and plasma AmM in the metabolism of circulating vasoactive peptides.
Vibrations of cantilevered shallow cylindrical shells of rectangular planform

A cantilevered, shallow shell of circular cylindrical curvature and rectangular planform exhibits free vibration behavior which differs considerably from that of a cantilevered beam or of a flat plate. Some numerical results can be found for the problem in the previously published literature, mainly obtained by using various finite element methods. The present paper is the first definitive study of the problem, presenting accurate non-dimensional frequency parameters for wide ranges of aspect ratio, shallowness ratio and thickness ratio. The analysis is based upon shallow shell theory. Numerical results are obtained by using the Ritz method, with algebraic polynomial trial functions for the displacements. Convergence is investigated, with attention being given both to the number of terms taken for each co-ordinate direction and for each of the three components of displacement. Accuracy of the results is also established by comparison with finite element results for shallow shells and with other accurate flat plate solutions.
Shear deformable theories for cylindrical laminates - Equilibrium and buckling with applications

A higher order theory is developped, which includes initial geometric imperfections and transverse shear effects for a laminated cylindrical configuration under the actions of lateral pressure, axial compression, and eccentrically applied torsion
Variation of GFP expression in diploid and tetraploid transgenic potato

A diploid potato seedling derived from a cross between a haploid-inducing pollinator and a highly regenerable clone ofSolatium phureja was transformed usingAgrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 with a construct bearing kanamycin resistance (hptII) and theS- GFP (green fluorescent protein) gene. From three leaf disks, 17 diploid and 12 tetraploid T0 plants were regenerated. GFP expression was observed in leaves, tubers, flowers and embryos of transformed plants. After self-pollination of T0 diploids, 879 T1 were found to express GFP over a wide continuous range, based on measurements using a GFP meter. Segregation of GFP expression in the T1 indicated that the diploid primary transformants likely contained two copies of the GFP gene. For three of five tetraploid T0, 15:1 segregation ratios of GFP expression:wild type in the T1 supported double copy simplex insertion of the transgene. A segregation ratio of 35 GFP:1 wild type in a fourth tetraploid T1 family supported the likelihood of a single copy duplex insertion. The potential of using GFP as a marker to select against transgenic hybrid seeds following attempted haploid extraction depends upon facile visualization of GFP positive seeds so that the relatively few nontransgenics can be screened for haploidy. Stable GFP expression was found in various tissues of six transgenic diploids; however, visualization of GFP in dry seed was hampered by autofluorescence.
Late Paleocene high Laramide ranges in northeast Wyoming: Oxygen isotope study of ancient river water

Abstract The distribution and initial timing of the establishment of high surface elevations in the Rocky Mountains during the Early Cenozoic remain controversial despite the importance of these data in testing tectonic models for this region. We track the timing and distribution of high elevation in the Rocky Mountains during the Late Cretaceous–Early Eocene by examining annual and seasonal δ18O values of the ancient river water, which are calculated from the δ18O values of well-preserved freshwater bivalve shells. In the Powder River basin of the eastern Laramide province, the δ18O values of the ancient river water vary between − 23.0‰ and − 8.0‰SMOW in both seasonal and annual records in the Late Paleocene–Early Eocene. The large variation suggests that the ancient rivers were fed yearly or seasonally by snowmelt from highlands of 4.5 ± 1.3 km. This can be explained by the existence of the Bighorn Mountains and Black Hills with a drainage pattern similar to the present in northeast Wyoming. The δ18O values of ancient river water along the front of the Sevier thrust belt generally follow a trend from lower values in north, − 14.2 ± 1.4‰ in the Early Paleocene Crazy Mountains basin, to higher values in south, − 11.1 ± 0.8‰ in the Late Paleocene Bighorn basin, and − 7.1 ± 1.6‰ in the Early Eocene Washakie basin. The variations within each basin are relatively small. These rivers most likely rise in the Sevier thrust belt, and may reflect highland elevation of 1–2 km. The δ18O values in the Alberta foreland and Williston basin are very low (− 20.5‰) in the Late Cretaceous, indicating the rivers were fed by snowmelt from the Canadian Rocky Mountains of 4.3 ± 1.0 km high. The attainment of high elevation in the eastern Laramide province prior to the western province could be explained by southwestward progression of back-thrusts soled into an earlier east-directed master detachment, which may be formed by the westward rollback of subducted shallow slab.
Secretion of a Bone Resorbing Factor by Chick Thyroid Glands in Organ Culture

The ability of the thyroid gland to secrete a bone resorbing factor in vitro was studied using glands obtained from 20-day-old chick embryos. The glands were incubated in a modified BGJ medium containing 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin under 5% CO2-40% O2 at 37 C. The culture media were assayed in vitro by measuring the stimulation of the release of previously incorporated 45Ca from cultured 19-day fetal rat bone shafts over a 48 h period. The glands secreted a stimulator of bone resorption which did not appear to be parathyroid hormone (PTH). The dose-response curve for the thyroid gland factor was not parallel to that obtained using PTH and secretion was not under calcium control. Neither thyroxine (T4) nor triiodothyronine (T3) produced a marked stimulation of bone resorption over a wide range of doses. Bone resorption stimulated by the thyroid gland factor was inhibited by calcitonin (CT). Concentrations of PTH and thyroid gland factor which were minimally effective when tested separately, produced a mar...
Modulation of glycogen metabolism in cerebromicrovascular smooth muscle and endothelial cultures.

Summary The separately cultered smooth muscle and endothelial cells derived from dissociated cerebral microvessels are characterized by high content of glycogen. Norepinephrine induces glycogenolysis while 5-hydroxytryptamine stimulates glycogenesis in both cell types. The endogenous glucose of the endothelium but not that of the smooth muscle serves as a direct source for the 5-HT enhancement of glycogen formation. Indomethacin, the known inhibitor of cyclooxygenase modulates the glycogen content in the smooth muscle only. These findings strongly suggest that the carbohydrate metabolism of each cell has a distinct control mechanism compatible with the underlying integral microvascular function.
CP-nets with indifference

Conditional preference networks (CP-nets) offer a potentially compact representation of qualitative preferences. Much of the research on CP-nets limits attention to strict preferences over binary variables. We extend the work of previous researchers to allow modeling preferences over multi-valued variables over some of which the preference holder may be indifferent. We show how to leverage the power of SAT solvers to learn and reason with such CP-nets. We also consider the possibility of exponentially long flipping sequences, showing why in practice this is unlikely to be problematic.
The effectiveness of rapid response teams activated by patients or family members of patients admitted to inpatient hospital units: a systematic review protocol

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE The objective of the review is to document the best available evidence related to the effect of rapid response teams activated by patients or family members on mortality and cardiac arrest on non-intensive care units. INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants Study participants will include all hospitalized adult patients (18 years and older) admitted to non-intensive care patient units. Hospitalized intensive care units patients and pediatric patients (0-17 years) will be excluded. Types of intervention(s)/phenomena of interest The intervention of interest is the patient- and family-activated rapid response teams. Comparators The intervention will be compared with rapid response teams activated by hospital staff or to no activation of rapid response teams at all. Types of outcomes Measurable outcomes will include mortality and non-intensive care units cardiac arrests.
Talent: China's Elusive Strategic Resource

Multinational Corporations (MNCs) as well as domestic companies in China are having difficulty in their search for talent. The reasons include not only the number of graduates but also the quality of these graduates. A recent trend shows that job seekers increasingly prefer private owned Chinese organizations over MNCs. It is suggested that MNCs should develop a comprehensive human resource strategy to be competitive in the global economy.
Characterization of the mixture of genotypes of a Citrus tristeza virus isolate by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR.

Abstract A multiplex real-time PCR assay was developed to detect and quantify the Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) genotypic mixture present in infected plants. CTV isolate FS627, a complex Florida isolate containing T36, T30 and VT genotypes and its aphid transmitted subisolates was used. The relative quantitative assay was carried out using specific primers and probes developed from the genotypes of three CTV virus isolates and included the coat protein region of isolate T36 and the 5′ end, ORF 1a and ORF 2 region of isolates T36, T30 and VT. Among the three genotypes present in the aphid transmitted subisolates, the T30 genotype showed higher overall relative quantitation in all specific regions compared to other isolates. The profiles of the some aphid transmitted subisolates were different from the parent source from which they transmitted. The 2−ΔΔCt method (the amount of target, normalized to an endogenous control and relative to a calibrator) was used to analyze the relative titers of the three reference genotypes in the aphid transmitted plants infected with FS627. This protocol enabled assessments of CTV genetic diversity in the aphid transmitted subisolates. This simple quantitative assay was sensitive, efficient, and took less time than other existing methods. This relative quantitative assay will be a reliable tool for diagnosis, detection and genetic diversity studies on CTV.
MRI and angiographic diagnosis of lupus cerebral vasculitis

The authors present a patient with striking angiographic findings of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cerebral vasculitis. Although lupus is often cited as part of the differential diagnosis for angiographically apparent cerebral vasculitis, true SLE cerebral vasculitis is rare in pathological and radiological series. The clinical spectrum and pathological findings of CNS lupus with particular attention to cerebral vasculitis are briefly discussed.
Regulation of the synthesis of tyrosine aminotransferase: the relationship to mRNATAT.

The activity of the hepatic enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) is the sum of many diverse regulatory factors. These include the developmental stage of the animal, the hormonal and nutritional environment of the animal (or tissue culture cell), other extrinsic and intrinsic regulatory cycles and factors (including cytoplasmic substances), and chromatin structure. Although TAT is subject to a number of post- translational modifications, alterations in catalytic activity always parallel changes in enzyme amount. In a few instances this is due to a selective change in TAT degradation, but most are due to changes in the rate of aminotransferase synthesis. Recent studies have shown that TAT synthesis is generally directly correlated with the activity, and presumably amount, of the mRNA that codes for tyrosine aminotransferase.
Needed Research on the Interactions of Certain Parasitic Diseases and Nutrition in Humans

For the purpose of assigning priorities for research, each of the following parasitic disease is examined in regard to its affect on the nutritional status of the host: schistosomiasis, malaria, amebiasis, giardiasis, ascariasis, and hookworm. The epidemiology, diagnosis, immune response to, and available therapies for these diseases are discussed. It is suggested that highest priority be given to three diseases: hookworm, ascariasis, and schistosomiasis, because they can be treated successfully, diagnosed easily, and have a high prevalence.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Modeling of Nanotube Materials with Variable Stiffness Tethers

Synthesis, mechanical testing, and modeling have been performed for carbon nanotube based materials. Tests using nanoindentation indicated a six-fold enhancement in the storage modulus when comparing the base material (no nanotubes) to the composite that contained 5.3 wt% of nanotubes. To understand how crosslinking the nanotubes may further alter the stiffness, a model of the system was constructed using nanotubes crosslinked with a variable stiffness tether (VST). The model predicted that for a composite with 5 wt% nanotubes at random orientations, crosslinked with the VST, the bulk Young's modulus was reduced by 30% compared to the noncrosslinked equivalent.
Staged Revision for Knee Arthroplasty Infection: What Is the Role of Serologic Tests Before Reimplantation?

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are common preoperative diagnostic markers for prosthetic joint infection but their prognostic role before reimplantation has yet to be defined. We therefore determined the prognostic value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein performed before second-stage reimplantation for the treatment of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We studied 109 patients who had undergone two-stage revision TKA for sepsis from 1999 to 2006. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the discriminatory value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein before reimplantation in predicting persistent infection. Twenty-three of the 109 patients (21%) required revision surgery for recurrence of prosthetic joint infection. The receiver operating characteristic areas under the curve suggested erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein poorly predicted persistent infection after TKA reimplantation. Cutoff values could not be obtained because of the high variance. We reached similar conclusions regarding the change in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels from time of resection. More accurate diagnostic tools are needed to support clinical judgment in monitoring infection progress and thus deciding whether to proceed with TKA reimplantation.
Electron-helium scattering in the S-wave model using exterior complex scaling

Electron-impact excitation and ionization of helium is studied in the S-wave model. The problem is treated in full dimensionality using a time-dependent formulation of the exterior complex scaling method that does not involve the solution of large linear systems of equations. We discuss the steps that must be taken to compute stable ionization amplitudes. We present total excitation, total ionization and single differential cross sections from the ground and n=2 excited states and compare our results with those obtained by others using a frozen-core model.
Control of waterborne microbes in irrigation: A review

Abstract A wide range of plant pathogens have been identified in irrigation water sources and distribution systems. Algae and equipment-clogging biofilms also result from high microbial levels in irrigation water. The literature was reviewed on the effectiveness of water treatment options to control waterborne microbes. Water treatments included chemicals (chlorine, bromine, chlorine dioxide, ionized copper, copper salts, ionized silver, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxyacetic acid), non-chemical or physical treatments (filtration, heat, and ultraviolet radiation) and ecological alternatives (constructed wetlands, biosurfactants, and slow sand filtration). The objective was to summarize the effective dose for controlling target waterborne microorganisms. The effective dose for chemical water treatments to control plant pathogens was in some cases above documented phytotoxicity thresholds, and for most crops and technologies the phytotoxicity thresholds remain unknown. Most efficacy research has been conducted on chlorine (20 articles) or copper (18), but only 0–7 articles were found on other water treatments currently in use, indicating major knowledge gaps in treatment efficacy. Research is needed on control methods for algae and biofilms, in vivo pathogen studies, phytotoxicity thresholds, and the relationship between pathogen inoculum level and disease incidence in irrigation water. Finally, improved overall system design is required for risk management of waterborne microbes in irrigation, including a multiple barrier approach incorporating pre-filtration, multiple treatment stages, and monitoring of water quality.
On the oxidation of Ti2GeC in air

Abstract Herein we report on the oxidation of bulk Ti 2 GeC in air in the 600 °C to 800 °C temperature range. At 600 °C, and up to 500 h, the oxidation kinetics are sub-parabolic and the rutile TiO 2 layer formed is adherent and protective. At 700 °C and 800 °C the kinetics are parabolic up to 100 h before becoming linear. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of two rutile structures, TiO 2 and GeO 2 , and a hexagonal GeO 2 on the oxidized surfaces. The oxidation occurs by inward diffusion of oxygen through a rutile (Ti 1− x Ge x )O 2 solid solution with x ⩽ 0.07. Additionally, and throughout the entire temperature range studied, an oxygen-induced decomposition – occurring predominantly at the oxide/carbide interface – results in the formation of an elemental Ge-rich phase. If the rutile layer is not protective, the latter oxidizes into hexagonal GeO 2 .
Up-Scaling Decellularization and Whole Organ Culture for Human Lung Regeneration

Purpose Organ engineering is a theoretical therapy for organ failure. Whole organ matrices can be created by detergent perfusion, generating acellular scaffolds with the capacity for recellularization. This study aimed to up-scale this technology to clinically relevant porcine and human lungs, and to test their recellularization potential in biomimetic culture. Methods and Materials Rat, pig, and human lungs were perfused with detergent via the pulmonary artery at constant pressures, followed by washing. DNA was quantified by PicoGreen. Residual SDS was quantified by Stains-All assay. Soluble collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans were quantified by colourimetric assays. Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) generated spectral counts as a measure of abundance. Perfusion recellularization experiments of human lungs used standard organ culture techniques derived from rodent protocols. Results Rat lungs decellularized using (1) Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), (2) Sodium deoxycholate, or (3) CHAPS showed loss of DNA but greatest preservation of ECM in SDS decellularized lungs. Histology and proteomics also confirmed greater matrix preservation in SDS lungs. The SDS-based decellularization protocol was up-scaled to porcine (n=7) and human (n=3) lungs with greater SDS concentration and perfusion pressures, and extended decellularization time. Removal of residual DNA and SDS was confirmed. Analysis of 10 areas from each decellularized lung showed intact ECM and lung architecture. Proteomics of human decellularized lungs further demonstrated matrix preservation. Recellularization of isolated lobar scaffolds used endothelial (HUVEC) and lung epithelial (SAEC) lines delivered to the appropriate organ compartment. Throughout biomimetic organ culture matrix integrity was maintained, while cell retention was observed by H&E and DAPI. Conclusions SDS decellularization can generate organ scaffolds with preserved ECM and architecture in whole porcine and human lungs. The results confirm clinical scale lung scaffolds can support recellularization for organ regeneration.
The effect of aging and caloric restriction on murine CD8+ T cell chemokine receptor gene expression

The mechanism explaining the increased disease susceptibility in aging is not well understood. CD8+ T cells are crucial in anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. Although the chemokine system plays a critical role in CD8+ T cell function, very little is known about the relationship between aging and the T cell chemokine system. In this study we have examined the effect of aging on murine CD8+ T cell chemokine receptor gene expression. Freshly isolated splenic CD8+ T cells from old C57BL/6 mice were found to have higher CCR1, CCR2, CCR4, CCR5 and CXCR5, and lower CCR7 gene expression compared to their younger cohort. Anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulation elicited a similar robust chemokine receptor response from young and old CD8+ T cells. Western blot analyses confirmed elevated protein level of CCR4 and CCR5 in aged CD8+ T cells. Increases in T cell CCR1 and CCR5 expression also correlate to increased in vitro chemotaxis response to macrophage-inflammatory protein-1 α(MIP-1α). Finally, caloric restriction selectively prevents the loss of CD8+ T cell CCR7 gene expression in aging to the level that is seen in young CD8+ T cells. These findings are consistent with the notion that aging exists in a state of low grade pro-inflammatory environment. In addition, our results provide a potential mechanism for the reported aging-associated impaired T cell lymphoid homing and allograft response, and reduced survival in sepsis.
A Multifaceted Secondary Structure Mimic Based On Piperidine‐piperidinones

Minimalist secondary structure mimics are typically made to resemble one interface in a protein-protein interaction (PPI), and thus perturb it. We recently proposed suitable chemotypes can be matched with interface regions directly, without regard for secondary structures. This communication describes a modular synthesis of a new chemotype 1, simulation of its solution-state conformational ensemble, and correlation of that with ideal secondary structures and real interface regions in PPIs. Scaffold 1 presents amino acid side-chains that are quite separated from each other, in orientations that closely resemble ideal sheet or helical structures, similar non-ideal structures at PPI interfaces, and regions of other PPI interfaces where the mimic conformation does not resemble any secondary structure. Sixty-eight different PPIs where conformations of 1 matched well were identified. A new method is also presented to determine the relevance of a minimalist mimic crystal structure to its solution conformations. Thus DLD-1faf crystallized in a conformation that is estimated to be 0.91 kcal•mol−1 above the minimum energy solution state.
Mental Health Service Use Among Adults With Suicide Ideation, Plans, or Attempts: Results From a National Survey

Objective:Despite the existence of efficacious interventions that reduce suicide risk, connecting high-risk individuals with care remains a problem. Little is known about factors that may be associ...
Undergraduate research in robotics and automation at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This paper describes a new course, Undergraduate Research in Robotics and Automation, developed by the author in the Department of General Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This course is intended to give undergraduate engineering students an exposure to the university research process that forms such a substantial part of the lives of their professors and graduate teaching assistants but which has been largely inaccessible and poorly understood by undergraduates. The course is built around the College of Engineering Robotics and Automation Laboratory. Several case studies are discussed from the initial offerings of the course.
Hidden Markov model analysis of motifs in steroid dehydrogenases and their homologs.

Abstract The increasing size of protein sequence databases is straining methods of sequence analysis, even as the increased information offers opportunities for sophisticated analyses of protein structure, function, and evolution. Here we describe a method that uses artificial intelligence-based algorithms to build models of families of protein sequences. These models can be used to search protein sequence databases for remote homologs. The MEME (Multiple Expectation-maximization for Motif Elicitation) software package identifies motif patterns in a protein family, and these motifs are combined into a hidden Markvov model (HMM) for use as a database searching tool. Meta-MEME is sensitive and accurate, as well as automated and unbiased, making it suitable for the analysis of large datasets. We demonstrate Meta-MEME on a family of dehydrogenases that includes mammalian 11β-hydroxysteroid and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and their homologs in the short chain alcohol dehydrogenase family. We chose this dataset because it is large and phylogenetically diverse, providing a good test of the sensitivity and selectivity of Meta-MEME on a protein family of biological interest. Indeed, Meta-MEME identifies at least 350 members of this family in Genpept96 and clearly separates these sequences from non-homologous proteins. We also show how the MEME motif output can be used for phylogenetic analysis.
Irregular Transmission of a Blood-Group Complex in One Family of Pigs Following Irradiation*

Summary Pigs of the Hampshire and Duroc breeds were subjected to bloodtyping. An anomaly of inheritance affecting the E blood-group system was detected in one pig among 10056 progeny from 1171 matings. An E1E3 Hampshire male was mated with an E1E1 Hampshire female. The male had been exposed to 300 r of gonadal X-irradiation. Thirteen pigs were born. Six pigs were E1E1, six were E1E3, and one appeared to be E1E2. The exceptional bloodtype might be a result of mutation, interallelic recombination or gene interaction. These hypotheses are discussed.
Photocarrier Excitation and Transport in Hyperdoped Planar Silicon Devices

We report an experimental study of photocarrier lifetime, transport, and excitation spectra in silicon-on-insulator doped with sulfur far above thermodynamic saturation. The spectral dependence of photocurrent in coplanar structures is consistent with photocarrier generation throughout the hyperdoped and undoped sub-layers, limited by collection of holes transported along the undoped layer. Holes photoexcited in the hyperdoped layer are able to diffuse to the undoped layer, implying (μτ) h ∼ 5 × 10−9 cm2/V. Although high absorptance of hyperdoped silicon is observed from 1200 to 2000 nm in transmission experiments, the number of collected electrons per absorbed photon is 10−4 of the above-bandgap response of the device, consistent with (μτ) e < 1 × 10−7cm2/V.
Regional circulatory and systemic hemodynamic effects of diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin in the rat

Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb TM) (Baxter Healthcare Corporation) is a promising resuscitative fluid. The effect of DCLHb (400 mg/kg, iv), on regional circulation and systemic hemodynamics was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats using a radioactive microsphere technique. Systemic hemodynamics, distribution of cardiac output, regional blood flow and vascular resistance were determined before (baseline) and 15, 30 and 60 min after the administration of DCLHb. Infusion of an equal volume of saline did not produce any significant change in systemic hemodynamics or regional circulation. DCLHb produced an increase (79%) in the mean blood pressure which lasted for more than 60 min. Heart rate, cardiac output and stroke volume were not significantly affected, while total peripheral resistance was increased after the administration of DCLHb. DCLHb produced significant increases in blood flow to the heart, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), portal system and skin. The blood flow to kidney, brain and musculosk...
Characterization of the electromagnetic environment in a hospital and propagation study

This work presents the results of a survey of the electromagnetic environment from 30MHz-7GHz in St. Francis Hospital, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Measurements were considered short term as the full spectrum was measured in twelve minutes. The results show the dynamic environment apparent in today's hospitals. There were no recorded cases in which the IEC immunity standard specifications, 3V/m, was exceeded. Another contribution by this paper was to show an example of cross-floor attenuation in a hospital.
Blinding, unblinding, and the placebo effect: An analysis of patients' guesses of treatment assignment in a double‐blind clinical trial

We administered a questionnaire to assess maintenance of patients' blindness at the end of a double-blind clinical trial of Osmotic Release Oral System phenylpropanolamine (PPA) vs. placebo in mild obesity. Seventy-four percent of placebo participants and 43% of PPA participants guessed their treatment correctly. Appetite control was the most frequently reported basis for guessing PPA, even by placebo participants. Lack of adverse drug reactions was the most frequently reported basis for guessing placebo, even by PPA participants. Participants receiving either PPA or placebo and guessing PPA lost more weight, had less diet difficulty, and had more adverse drug reactions than had participants receiving either PPA or placebo and guessing placebo. Although blindness was probably maintained in the PPA group, the placebo group seems to have been, at least at the study's end, unblinded. These results suggest that in double-blind studies, differences in outcome or incidence of adverse drug reactions may act as unblinding factors.
The Transcriptional Status but Not the Imprinting Control Region Determines Allele-Specific Histone Modifications at the Imprinted H19 Locus

Genomic imprinting governs allele-specific gene expression in an epigenetically heritable manner. The characterization of histone modifications at imprinted gene loci is incomplete, and whether specific histone marks determine transcription or are dependent on it is not understood. Using chromatin immunoprecipitations, we examined in multiple cell types and in an allele-specific manner the active and repressive histone marks of several imprinted loci, including H19, KvDMR1, Snrpn promoter/exon 1, and IG-DMR imprinting control regions. Expressed alleles are enriched for specific actively modified histones, including H3 di- and trimethylated at Lys4 and acetylated histones H3 and H4, while their silent counterparts are associated with repressive marks such as H3 trimethylated at Lys9 alone or in combination with H3 trimethylated at Lys27 and H4/H2A symmetrically dimethylated at Arg3. At H19, allele-specific histone modifications occur throughout the entire locus, including nontranscribed regions such as the differentially methylated domain (DMD) as well as sequences in the H19 gene body that are not differentially methylated. Significantly, the presence of active marks at H19 depends on transcriptional activity and occurs even in the absence of the DMD. These findings suggest that histone modifications are dependent on the transcriptional status of imprinted alleles and illuminate epigenetic mechanisms of genomic imprinting.
Cryptographic Combinatorial Clock-Proxy Auctions

We present a cryptographic protocol for conducting efficient, provably correct and secrecy-preserving combinatorial clock-proxy auctions. The "clock phase" functions as a trusted auction despite price discovery: bidders submit encrypted bids, and prove for themselves that they meet activity rules, and can compute total demand and thus verify price increases without revealing any information about individual demands. In the sealed-bid "proxy phase", all bids are revealed the auctioneer via time-lapse cryptography and a branch-and-bound algorithm is used to solve the winner-determination problem. Homomorphic encryption is used to prove the correctness of the solution, and establishes the correctness of the solution to any interested party. Still an NP-hard optimization problem, the use of homomorphic encryption imposes additional computational time on winner-determination that is linear in the size of the branch-and-bound search tree, and thus roughly linear in the original (search-based) computational time. The result is a solution that avoids, in the usual case, the exponential complexity of previous cryptographically-secure combinatorial auctions.
The A1 and A2 subunits of factor VIIIa synergistically stimulate factor IXa catalytic activity.

Factor VIIIa, the protein cofactor for factor IXa, is comprised of A1, A2, and A3-C1-C2 subunits. Recently, we showed that isolated A2 subunit enhanced the k cat for factor IXa-catalyzed activation of factor X by ∼100-fold (∼1 min−1), whereas isolated A1 or A3-C1-C2 subunits showed no effect on this rate (Fay, P. J., and Koshibu, K. J. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 19049–19054). However, A1 subunit increased the A2-dependent stimulation by ∼10-fold. The K m for factor X in the presence of A2 subunit was unaffected by A1 subunit, whereas thek cat observed in the presence of saturating A1 and A2 subunits (∼15 min−1) represented 5–10% of the value observed for native factor VIIIa (∼200 min−1). An anti-A1 subunit antibody that blocks the association of A2 eliminated the A1-dependent contribution to factor IXa activity. Inclusion of both A1 and A2 subunits resulted in greater increases in the fluorescence anisotropy of fluorescein-Phe-Phe-Arg factor IXa than that observed for A2 subunit alone and approached values obtained with factor VIIIa. These results indicate that A1 subunit alters the A2 subunit-dependent modulation of the active site of factor IXa to synergistically increase cofactor activity, yielding an overall increase in k cat of over 1000-fold compared with factor IXa alone.
Toward a secure supply chain: A system's perspective

Security management has become a critical topic that supply systems have to handle on a daily basis. An integrated view is not in place yet, despite that related studies have existed in disparate pieces and keep on emerging. This paper seeks an essential paradigm shift to design/management for security (DMfSec) within the context of supply chain management. The first part is devoted to defining a new discipline of security centric supply chain management (SecSCM). We identify its fundamental tasks and requirements aided by a metaphor borrowed from information security. The second part is a discussion of a potential technical roadmap. Vital and integral to this initiative, we firstly propose the referential taxonomy that systematically accounts for security constraints, requirements, instruments and management, and investigate its relationship to underlying supply chain constructs. Secondly, with the taxonomy in hand, we present modeling issues based on dependency representation and proba- bilistic analysis, which are suitable for security management. Lastly we consider key tasks in DMfSec and SecSCM. With an emphasis on elaboration of challenges and requirements and employing a process and system oriented perspective, this paper intends to start rather than conclude an adventure into this vast interdisciplinary field.
The Los Alamos VXI-based modular RF control system

This paper describes the design and implementation of the Los Alamos modular RF control system, which provides high-performance feedback and/or feedforward control of RF accelerator cavities. This is a flexible, modular control system that has been realized in the industry-standard VXI card-modular format. A wide spectrum of system functionality can be accommodated simply by incorporating only those modules and features required for a particular application. The fundamental principles of the design approach are discussed. Details of the VXI implementation are given, including the system architecture and interfaces, performance capabilities, and available features. >
Traps in the route to models of memory and decision

It is proposed that the products of investigations of learning, memory, and decision over the last half century that are most likely to endure have resulted from interactions between models and experimental research. In this article, some of the traps that must be coped with to make fruitful interactions possible are examined and illustrated with case studies from research on probability learning, category learning, and recognition memory. Topics addressed include functions of models in research; the logic of model testing; fitting models to signal plus noise; values and hazards of averaging data; and potential contributions of neural science to the development of cognitive models.
The integration of locomotion and prey capture in divergent cottid fishes: functional disparity despite morphological similarity.

SUMMARY Many mobile animals rely on the integration of locomotion and feeding to capture prey. Fishes commonly swim up to a prey item and utilize a combination of ram and suction feeding for prey capture. Marine cottids represent a diverse and abundant lineage of fishes that exhibit variation in feeding mode that is related to their mouth morphology. However, little is known regarding the integration of the locomotor and feeding systems during prey capture. We quantified the feeding kinematics, feeding performance and integration of locomotion and feeding in two species of divergent cottids: Blepsias cirrhosus (silver-spotted sculpin) and Oligocottus maculosus (tidepool sculpin). Individuals were caught from sympatric habitats near the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre on Vancouver Island and filmed with a high-speed video camera (500 Hz) while feeding on amphipod prey. Two principal component axes summarize differences in integration and feeding mode despite similarity in attack velocity and feeding morphology (peak gape, peak cranial elevation and peak jaw protrusion). A greater number of correlations between locomotor and feeding variables in B. cirrhosus , compared with O. maculosus , indicate greater integration. We conclude that traditional measures of attack kinematics do not capture functionally and ecologically relevant differences between species. The mechanisms underlying differences in locomotor strategy likely result from unexplored morphological or ecological differences between species. In cottids, integration is apparent in more basal, subtidal species such as B. cirrhosus , and the need for integration may be superceded by demands from the habitat in more derived, shallow-water species such as O. maculosus .