cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alzheimer’s disease: More than amyloid

Context: The etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is inconclusive. Treatments targeting amyloid have largely been unsuccessful. There is increasing evidence that vasculopathy may play an important pathogenic role in AD. Objective: Longitudinal measurements of whole blood viscosity (WBV) using a computer-assisted hemorheologic protocol and characterization of microvascular abnormalities using computer-assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM) are two objective methods adopted in this laboratory to noninvasively quantify vasculopathy in AD patients. A correlation of increased disease severity with worsened vasculopathy would further bolster a cause and effect relationship. A case report (Case 1) is presented to illustrate the usefulness of following an AD patient with these noninvasive techniques to correlate disease progression with vasculopathy. Design: Patients were selected from a private practice setting who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis- orders criteria for AD. The Rheolog TM , a computer-assisted scanning rheometer, was used to obtain longitudinal measurements of WBV. The microvascular abnormalities in the bulbar conjunctiva were quantified using a severity index (SI, scale 0-15). The patient was observed over a 4 year period from 2005 to 2008. Conclusion: This case study shows a correlation of disease progression in an AD patient with worsened vasculopathy. It illustrates the usefulness of WBV and CAIM as tools to quantify vasculopathy in AD patients and additionally suggests a pathogenetic role vasculopathy may play in concert with the amyloid hypothesis.
Optimal learning control of mechanical manipulators in repetitive motions

Mechanical manipulators are often used to perform sequences of repetitive operations. A Learning Control method is presented in this paper that takes advantage of the repetitive nature of manipulator motions to improve trajectory tracking and speed. The manipulator dynamics are assumed to be completely unknown. The method requires only an initial but stable control point. The controller gains are modified in an optimal fashion until the manipulator performance is close to that of a reference model. The reference model is constructed in such a way as to track the reference input optimally. Control updates are performed off-line so that the manipulator operation and the Learning process have minimal interaction. This control method can be implemented in small computers since learning time is not very critical in repetitive systems. An overall systems architecture is presented in this paper along with simulations of a two-degree-of-freedom manipulator under learning.
Fast hardware implementation of tomography for multi-guidestar adaptive optics

An adaptive optics system using multiple deformable mirrors and an array of guidestars can correct over a wider field of view than traditional single DM systems and can also eliminate the cone-effect error due to the finite altitude of laser guidestars. In large telescope systems, such as the envisioned 30-meter telescope, or TMT, the extraordinarily large amount of computation needed to implement multi-conjugate adaptive optics at atmospheric turnover rates is prohibitive for ordinary CPUs, even when another ten years of computer development is taken into account. We present here a novel approach, implementing a fast iterative version of the key inverse tomography calculations in an array of parallel computing elements. Our initial laboratory experiments using field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are promising in terms of speed and convergence rates. In this paper we present the theory and results from simulations and experiments.
Synthesis and structure of MnGe4S10.(C6H14N2).3H2O : A novel sulfide framework analogous to zeolite Li-A(BW)

Single crystals of Dabco−MnGS−SB1 (MnGe4S10·(C6H14N2)·3H2O) were synthesized hydrothermally in the presence of Dabco (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane). This material (Pna21, a = 18.367(2), b = 14.184(2), and c = 9.410(1) A) contains [Ge4S10]4- adamantine clusters corner-linked through distorted Mn2+ centers. The alternating Mn2+ centers and [Ge4S10]4- clusters lie at the nodes of a distorted Li-A(BW) net containing elliptical 8-rings. Channels defined by these 8-rings contain the template and water molecules. The distortion of S−Mn−S from the ideal tetrahedral angles is a result of the strain associated with ring system of the framework.
A hybrid neural network‐first principles approach to process modeling

A hybrid neural network-first principles modeling scheme is developed and used to model a fedbatch bioreactor. The hybrid model combines a partial first principles model, which incorporates the available prior knowledge about the process being modeled, with a neural network which serves as an estimator of unmeasuredprocess parameters that are difficult to model from first principles. This hybrid model has better properties than standard “black-box” neural network models in that it is able to interpolate and extrapolate much more accurately, is easier to analyze and interpret, and requires significantly fewer training examples. Two alternative state and parameter estimation strategies, extended Kalman filtering and NLP optimization, are also considered. When no a priori known model of the unobserved process parameters is available, the hybrid network model gives better estimates of the parameters, when compared to these methods. By providing a model of these unmeasured parameters, the hybrid network can also make predictions and hence can be used for process optimization. These results apply both when full and partial state measurements are available, but in the latter case a state reconstruction method must be used for the first principles component of the hybrid model.
Photoreflectance and photoluminescence studies of Cd1-xMnxTe: Broadening effects

The linewidth of photoreflectance (PR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Cd1–xMnxTe semiconductors is investigated over the range 0 ≦ x ≦ 0.4. The linewidth of the PR spectra at room temperature is proportional to that of the low temperature PL spectra. This allows the utilization of PR at room temperature as a method of characterization for the quality of Cd1–xMnxTe crystals. The variation of the linewidth of the PL spectra with composition is dominated by alloy broadening in the range x ≦ 0.2. While for x > 0.2 crystal defects contribute to the broadening. Die Linienbreite der Photoreflexions (PR)- und Photolumineszenz (PL)-Spektren von Cd1–xMnxTe (0 ≦ x ≦ 0,4) wird untersucht. Die Linienbreite der bei Raumtemperatur gemessenen PR-Spektren ist proportional zu der Halbwertsbreite der bei tiefen Temperaturen erhaltenen PL-Spektren. PR-Spektroskopie bei Raumtemperatur erlaubt somit eine Aussage uber die Perfektion und den Reinheitsgrad von Cd1–xMnxTe-Kristallen. Die Linienverbreiterung ist fur x ≦ 0,2 hauptsachlich durch die Legierungsbildung verursacht. Bei hoheren Mn-Konzentrationen tragen Kristalldefekte zur Verbreiterung bei.
An Autonomous System for Grouping Events in a Developing Aftershock Sequence

Abstract We describe a prototype detection framework that automatically clusters events in real time from a rapidly unfolding aftershock sequence. We use the fact that many aftershocks are repetitive, producing similar waveforms. By clustering events based on correlation measures of waveform similarity, the number of independent event instances that must be examined in detail by analysts may be reduced. Our system processes array data and acquires waveform templates with a short-term average (STA)/long-term average (LTA) detector operating on a beam directed at the P phases of the aftershock sequence. The templates are used to create correlation-type (subspace) detectors that sweep the subsequent data stream for occurrences of the same waveform pattern. Events are clustered by association with a particular detector. Hundreds of subspace detectors can run in this framework a hundred times faster than in real time. Nonetheless, to check the growth in the number of detectors, the framework pauses periodically and reclusters detections to reduce the number of event groups. These groups define new subspace detectors that replace the older generation of detectors. Because low-magnitude occurrences of a particular signal template may be missed by the STA/LTA detector, we advocate restarting the framework from the beginning of the sequence periodically to reprocess the entire data stream with the existing detectors. We tested the framework on 10 days of data from the Nevada Seismic Array (NVAR) covering the 2003 San Simeon earthquake. One hundred eighty-four automatically generated detectors produced 676 detections resulting in a potential reduction in analyst workload of up to 73%.
Effects of ischemia and hypoxia on the specialized conducting system of the canine heart

Abstract Close bipolar electrodes have been attached at selected locations on the epicardium and endocardium of in situ canine hearts during total cardiopulmonary bypass. Records from various parts of the atrium, specialized conducting system, and ventricle have been obtained during ischemia and severe hypoxia. Atrial and A-V nodal conduction were the most sensitive to ischemia and hypoxia. The specialized conducting system was least affected by ischemia, and the peripheral Purkinje system was the most resistant. Ventricular fibrillation occurred in all experiments during ischemia but was not produced by hypoxia. Recordable electrical activity was abolished after 40 minutes of ischemia. During 120 minutes of severe hypoxia, electrical activity in the atrium was depressed, whereas that in the specialized conducting system distal to the A-V node was not markedly affected. In view of the striking differences between the effects of ischemia and hypoxia on the specialized conducting system distal to the A-V node, it is concluded that a lack of oxygen may not be so important as other factors, such as the retention of metabolites and changes in blood pH and electrolyte concentrations which occur during ischemia.
Construct and incremental validity of dynamic assessment of decoding within and across domains

Abstract Dynamic assessment (DA) involves providing instruction and indexing students' responsiveness as a measure of learning potential. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to test whether a decoding DA measures early reading learning potential that is distinct from what can be assessed from static intelligence and decoding assessments; and (b) to examine the additive value of a decoding DA for explaining word reading and arithmetic performance beyond that which can be explained with static measures. First grade students (N = 112) were assessed on DA and measures of reading- and math-related predictors as well as domain-general learning indicators. Confirmatory factor analyses supported that DA measures early reading learning potential different from general intelligence and actual level of decoding. Structural equation models showed that DA was necessary in explaining only concurrent decoding skill beyond domain general learning measures and predictors of reading, suggesting that DA measures domain specific learning potential.
Studies on the site of action of o,p'-DDD in the dog adrenal cortex. 1. Inhibition of ACTH-mediated pregnenolone synthesis.

Abstract The primary site of o,p′-DDD inhibition of ACTH-induced steroidogenesis in the dog adrenal cortex was uncovered by systematically examining individual steps in the steroid biosynthetic pathway. This site of action appears to be on the ACTH-regulated intramitochondrial conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone. This conclusion is supported by the following evidence. o,p′-DDD blocked dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced steroidogenesis, indicating that the drug acts after the generation of cyclic-3′,5′-AMP. The drug did not effect the pattern of conversion of 3 H-pregnenolone to other labeled steroids. The normal ACTH-induced decrease in the specific activities of 3 H-cortisol and 3 H-corticosterone formed from 3 H-pregnenolone was prevented by o,p′-DDD.
Work in progress — Integrate embedded systems into CS curriculum with labs-in-a-box courseware

Embedded systems are widely used everywhere and play especially important roles in smart green computing application nowadays. The rapid growth of embedded systems results in a shortage of professionals for embedded software development. How to meet this urgent need is a challenge. To support embedded system education, we have developed a portable and reusable embedded software labware with hands-on labs in a relatively inexpensive box. The developed labware especially targets on schools that face budget deficiencies for embedded lab equipments and lack dedicated instructors whose expertise is in the embedded system area. The portable and inexpensive real hands-on labs and the modular and flexible design of this work provide a “ready-to-adopt” courseware for these schools.
Modeling temperature-mediated fluctuation in colony size in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta

Abstract In the social insects, colony size is central to the survival of the queen. Two endogenous factors, worker longevity and queen's daily egg production, are known to determine maximum colony size. A third endogenous factor, duration of worker development from egg to adult, regulates the rate of colony growth. In this paper, we report findings from a simulation quantifying the effects of temperature on colony size in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta . The monthly average temperature over a six year period for the panhandle of north Florida was interpolated to determine the effects of daily temperature on a queen's egg production, worker developmental time and worker longevity. Additional daily temperatures were simulated: 7 °C higher and 7 °C lower than daily temperatures for north Florida. As expected, colony size was the largest when annual temperatures were the highest across seasons, ranging from 57,000 to 187,000. Colony size at intermediate daily temperatures ranged from 14,000 to 103,000; small colonies recovered rapidly as temperatures warmed. Colony size at lower daily temperatures ranged from 14,000 to 21,000. Extended worker longevity at lower temperatures compensated for low egg production and longer developmental time. And vice versa, the queen's high rate of egg production and the shorter developmental time compensated for shorter worker longevity at high temperatures. Because the fire ant nest consists of a heat-collecting dome in which to incubate brood during cold weather, and deep chambers in which to cool workers during hot weather, colony size is likely to be higher and more stable than our simulation showed. The extended longevity of workers and queens at low temperatures, and perhaps their ability to hibernate below the permafrost, might explain the ability of ants to colonize habitats worldwide.
Transient space-charge phenomena in semiconductors at high electric fields

Abstract The transient response of trap-free semiconductors subjected to a voltage step function and unipolar injection of charge is analyzed for the case that the velocity of the carriers is a non-linear function of the electric field. The method of characteristics is used to evaluate current, density and field profiles as functions of time. Numerical results are presented for the case of n -Si. These results show that there is a sharp bunching of charge accompanying the cusp. This bunching of charge is shown to be a consequence of the decreased differential mobility at high fields. These results are compared with the previously published results for a constant mobility case. A simple model is used to derive exactly the results for a saturated-velocity transient. It is shown that the numerical results for the actual case of non-linear velocity fit well between the results for these two limiting behaviors for the velocity-field curve. Effects of a finite rise-time in the voltage pulse are also studied. It is shown that a significant rise time can considerably reduce the sharpness of the current cusp.
How to improve teaching on the hospital wards.

The role of the attending physician on the hospital wards is one of the most challenging that academic physicians face. This physician is responsible for the management of the ward and the teaching program for residents and medical students. Attending rounds provides an important interface between attending physicians, residents, and students, so that those with less experience have an opportunity to learn from physicians with more experience and expertise. Even though much has been written about the ideal qualities of attending physicians, including their roles and responsibilities,1-7the effectiveness of attending rounds as a learning experience remains uncertain in many hospitals.8-15Although enormous hours are devoted to attending rounds each day in hospitals across this country, systematic observations about what happens on these rounds are sparse.9Furthermore, little has been done to improve or change the teaching effectiveness of the attending physician on the hospital wards.16
Cognitive and neuroanatomical effects of triethyltin in developing rats : role of age of exposure

Long-Evans rat pups were injected i.p. on postnatal day 5 (PND5) or 12 with 0, 3, or 5 mg/kg triethyltin sulfate (TET) and then tested on T-maze delayed alternation on PND21 or 28. Delayed alternation learning was impaired on PND21 and 28 in pups given 5 mg/kg TET. Pups given 5 mg/kg TET on PND5 were more impaired on delayed alternation than pups given 5 mg/kg TET on PND12. Pups given 3 mg/kg TET on PND5 or 12 were unimpaired at either age of testing. On the day following training, pups were sacrificed for histological assessment employing Nissl- or immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a putative marker of gliosis. Pups given 5 mg/kg TET on PND5 showed increases in GFAP immunoreactivity (IR) in subiculum, amygdala, hippocampus, piriform cortex, and entorhinal cortex with concomitant decreases in Nissl-stained cells in these regions. Pups given 5 mg/kg TET on PND12 showed increases in GFAP IR in piriform cortex, amygdala and dorsal hippocampus with concomitant decreases in Nissl-stained cells in these regions. Exposure to 3 mg/kg TET on PND5 and PND12 produced a mild increase in GFAP IR in piriform cortex and amygdala but no discernible loss of Nissl-staining in these respective regions. TET-induced behavioral deficits appear related to damage of structural correlates of the human temporal lobe and not piriform cortical pathology. These results demonstrate that the day of exposure greatly influences the magnitude of the cognitive deficits and neuropathology associated with exposure to TET. There appears to be a critical period during postnatal development for the developmental neurotoxicity of this compound.
Photopolymerization without Light. Polymerization of Acrylates Using Oxalate Esters and Hydrogen Peroxide

We define the photopolymerization of acrylates without light as a process wherein the radical chain polymerization produced by photoinitiators are produced by nonphotochemical means. We use the chemical reactions of the chemiluminescent lightstick to accomplish this. An important potential application is in producing “photopolymers” in areas that are not light accessible as in the inside of a tube or behind a pipe. Polymerizable acrylate mixtures containing dissolved oxalate esters undergo radical chain polymerization when exposed to a flow of nitrogen gas saturated with hydrogen peroxide vapors. We propose aryloxyoxalyl hydroperoxides to be the reactive species.
Age-related Eye Disease Study 2: perspectives, recommendations, and unanswered questions.

Purpose of reviewThis review provides a perspective on the Age-related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) including a summary of the goals and rationale of the study, major findings, subsequent management recommendations, and questions that remain to be answered.Recent findingsThe primary goal of the ARED
Social Workers' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Driving and Dementia

Drivers with dementia present a significant public safety concern. Failure to recognize and address declines in driving skills associated with dementia can have hazardous consequences for the driver and others. A random sample of social workers was surveyed to better understand their knowledge, beliefs, and practices toward drivers with dementia. Six-hundred five social workers completed the questionnaire. Results reported are based on the analyses of the 152 respondents (25.1% of the sample) who indicated that they worked with persons with dementia. Social workers were significantly more likely to address driving if they had seen more clients with dementia, were more knowledgeable about driving-related issues, and believed they should have a strong role in helping persons with dementia and their families deal with mobility concerns. Social workers who reported that driving situations were more difficult to address than other topics were significantly less likely to broach it in their practices. Implicati...
Impulse activity of midbrain dopamine neurons modulates drug-seeking behavior

Withdrawal from non-contingent exposure to psychostimulants increases the activity of midbrain dopamine cells and impairs the function of impulse-regulating dopamine autoreceptors. It is unclear whether these neuroadaptations play an important role in withdrawal-associated drug seeking. We determined whether cocaine self-administration modifies the impulse activity of midbrain dopamine neurons and dopamine autoreceptor function, and whether experimentally induced reduction in dopamine cell activity (by autoreceptor activation) could influence drug-seeking behavior. Animals were trained to self-administer saline or cocaine (500 µg/kg per infusion) for 7 days. At different withdrawal periods, we used single-unit extracellular recordings to measure impulse activity of dopamine cells and administered the D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonist quinpirole to determine autoreceptor sensitivity. In a separate set of experiments, we determined the effects of autoreceptor-selective doses of quinpirole on drug-seeking behavior (non-reinforced responding in the absence of cocaine) during an extinction/reinstatement task. Cocaine self-administration induced a short-lived increase in the mean firing rate and bursting activity of midbrain dopamine cells. This effect was greatest at early withdrawal and was paralleled by decreased ability of quinpirole to inhibit dopamine cell firing rate and drug-seeking behavior. Changes in dopamine cell activity dissipated over time; at late withdrawal, when both impulse activity and autoreceptor sensitivity returned to control values, quinpirole dramatically decreased drug-seeking behavior. These results show that inhibiting dopamine cell impulse activity, by activation of dopamine autoreceptors, reduces drug-seeking behavior. This suggests that the impulse activity of midbrain dopamine cells could be an important factor contributing to relapse.
Electrolyte-induced ionization suppression and microcystin toxins: ammonium formate suppresses sodium replacement ions and enhances protiated and ammoniated ions for improved specificity in quantitative LC-MS-MS.

This study examines the effects of electrolytes on microcystin (MC) electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry and quantitative LC-MS-MS. Sodium replacement ions (SRI) are prominent in MC ESI spectra in protic solvents such as HPLC grade methanol. In a methanol-water-0.006% acetic acid (v/v) gradient, envelopes with up to 11 SRI were apparent in both the +1 and +2 charge states with structures [M + Na(x) - (x-1)H](+) and [M + Na(x) - (x-2)H](+2). The m/z 135 product ion, [O-CH(2)-CH=O-CH(3)](+), widely used in tandem LC-MS-MS determination of MC, is a low collision energy fragment of many doubly charged MC precursor ions (e.g., [M+Na+H](+2), [M+Na+NH(4)](+2), M+Na+H+CH(3)OH](+2), [M+2H](+2)). These phenomena impair congener-specific LC-MS-MS detection of MC and degrade quantitative accuracy and precision. Pulse addition experiments established that ammonium formate (AF) strongly suppresses SRI in both +1 and +2 charge states and enhances MH(+) and MNH(4)(+) adducts in neutral MC. Addition of the buffer either post-column or by incorporation in the mobile phase increases specificity for all of the MC which were determined as the MNH(4)(+) > MH(+) and MH(+) > [MH - 134](+) transitions for neutral MC (MCLA, MCLF, MCLW) and [M+2H](+2) > 135(+) and [M+2H](+2) > [M+2H - 135](+) transitions for arginine-containing MC (MCLR, MCYR, MCRR). These findings shed light on mechanisms of electrolyte-induced ionization suppression, and demonstrate beneficial use of a buffer electrolyte for improved specificity and analytical ruggedness in quantitative LC-MS-MS.
Lamellipodia Protrusion: Moving Interactions of Vinculin and Arp2/3

A direct, transient interaction between vinculin and Arp2/3 is required to promote receptor-stimulated lamellipodial extension and cell spreading. Vinculin selectively recruits Arp2/3 to the leading edge of the lamellipodium, where it may couple the actin polymerization machinery to adhesion complexes to promote membrane protrusion over ruffling.
VARIATION IN GENOTYPE FREQUENCIES DURING THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE BIVALVE, DREISSENA POLYMORPHA.

’Address for correspondence. larva. Gametes are shed into the water where fertilization occurs, and larvae remain in the plankton for approximately 10 d before settling (Walz 1978; Lewandowski 1982b). The Great Lakes population appears to be derived from a single founding group (Griffiths et al. 1991); thus, migration from other, genetically distinct populations can be discounted as an explanation for any genetic differences observed among life history stages. Furthermore, D. polymorpha is the only mollusk in most of the Great Lakes with a planktonic larval stage thus, problems associated with identification of larvae are avoided. We examined allozyme frequencies throughout the life history of D. polymorpha in the Great Lakes in order to directly compare the genetic structure of the planktonic larvae with that of benthic stages.
Human Rights Without Political Participation

John Rawls claims that “benevolent absolutisms” honor human rights without honoring political participation rights. Critics argue that he is mistaken. One objection appeals to the instrumental value of political participation rights. This objection holds that without political participation rights, individuals cannot secure the content of their rights against encroachment. Given this, individuals without political participation rights cannot be said to have rights at all. Here, I evaluate this instrumental objection. I identify three ways of relating political participation rights to human rights and show that one makes sense of Rawls’s claim. I then defend this view from instrumental objections. This has implications beyond the realm of Rawls scholarship. Many societies are not democratic and are not democratizing. We must determine whether any of these societies can secure at least the content of human rights and, if so, what shape their social and political institutions must take to do so.
Computer Calculation of Molecular Crystal Structures

A new method of calculating molecular crystal structures is proposed and tested. The repulsive portion of the nonbonded potential energy is fitted by a quadratic equation to yield a sum-of-squares description of the repulsive lattice energy. Minimization of this sum by full-matrix least squares yields good fits to the observed crystal structures of several hydrocarbons. The convergence properties of the method are markedly superior to those of the steepest-descent method, and calculation times are greatly decreased.
Imaging of polyethylene films by diffraction contrast

The technique of crystalline diffraction contrast imaging of lamellae in spherulitic and oriented thin films of polyethylene is illustrated for both conventional transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopY. Bright-field “ghost” imaging permits real space crystallography of the specimen and reveals the occurrence of variable chain inclination in a given lamellar preparation. N beam annular dark-field scanning transmission microscopy is useful for distinguishing between curved lamellae and mosaic blocks as well as for the direct imaging of the amorphous regions between lamellae.
Prospect for lectins in arthropods

Abstract Invertebrates lack an adaptive immune system, but have developed efficient innate immune systems to defend themselves against foreign materials. Molecular structures and functions of various defense components that participate in immune processes are being discovered. New molecules such as fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs) are being uncovered that might have the potential to recognize and attack specific pathogens, while the roles of better-studied molecules continue to expand. This challenges the idea that invertebrates are adequately served by broad-spectrum pathogen recognition proteins. Lectins are one such protein that is involved in defense and various biological phenomena. Their role in arthropods is discussed. Lectins may recognize a part of a sugar, a whole sugar, their glycosidic linkages or a sequence of sugars. This property of lectins has moved their efficacy to humans in various biological applications, which are also discussed.
Agricultural exposures and cancer trends in developed countries.

Recent increases have been reported in industrial countries for several sites of cancer. The causes of these increases remain unknown. Efforts should proceed to identify those occupational groups w...
Cost Savings: The Value of the Pharmacist:

The cost savings of consultant pharmacy practice and drug-related problems and care outcomes of dealing with the geriatric patients at all levels of care are reviewed. The consultant pharmacist has been shown to decrease overall drug costs, adverse drug reactions, and drug-related hospitalizations and mortality, while improving the quality of drug therapy and actually lowering drug monitoring costs. Problems and issues yet to be resolved are presented along with recommendations for improved quality of pharmacy services and education.
Phospholipid Transfer Protein Interacts with and Stabilizes ATP-binding Cassette Transporter A1 and Enhances Cholesterol Efflux from Cells *

Phospholipid lipid transfer protein (PLTP) is ubiquitously expressed in animal tissues and plays multiple roles in lipoprotein metabolism, but the function of peripheral PLTP is still poorly understood. Here we show that one of its possible functions is to transport cholesterol and phospholipids from cells to lipoprotein particles by a process involving PLTP interactions with cellular ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). When ABCA1 was induced in murine macrophages or ABCA1-transfected baby hamster kidney cells, PLTP gained the ability to promote cholesterol and phospholipid efflux from cells. Although PLTP alone had lipid efflux activity, its maximum activity was observed in the presence of high density lipoprotein particles. Pulsechase studies showed that the interaction of PLTP with ABCA1-expressing cells played a role in promoting lipid efflux. Overexpression of ABCA1 dramatically increased binding of both PLTP and apoA-I to common sites on the cell surface. Both PLTP and apoA-I were covalently cross-linked to ABCA1, each protein blocked cross-linking of the other, and both PLTP and apoA-I stabilized ABCA1 protein. These results are consistent with PLTP and apoA-I binding to ABCA1 at the same or closely related sites. Thus, PLTP mimics apolipoproteins in removing cellular lipids by the ABCA1 pathway, except that PLTP acts more as an intermediary in the transfer of cellular lipids to lipoprotein particles.
CO DISSOCIATION ON RH DEPOSITED ON REDUCED CERIUM OXIDE THIN FILMS

Abstract The adsorption and reaction of CO on Rh-loaded ceria was studied by soft x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The system was studied as a function of the degree of oxidation of the ceria and different preparations of the Rh. Molecular CO and atomic C on Rh are readily distinguished in the C 1 s spectra. CO adsorbed directly on ceria, possibly as carbonate or carboxylate, is also observed in the C 1 s spectra. The degree of dissociation of CO on Rh deposited on ceria (Rh/CeO x ) is directly dependent on the degree of oxidation of the ceria. Nearly total decomposition can occur if the ceria substrate is highly reduced. Molecular CO also persists to a higher temperature on Rh deposited on reduced ceria compared with Rh on oxidized ceria. The degree of dissociation does not depend on the amount of Rh deposited or on the annealing treatment after deposition.
Electron-hole interactions in silicon nanocrystals

We investigate the electron-hole interactions in spherical silicon nanocrystals by incorporating Coulomb, exchange, and spin-orbit couplings into a tight-binding model. We study the effect of the electron-hole attraction on the absorption spectra and on the dielectric constant, using a real-time propagation technique. Diagonalizing the full fine-structure Hamiltonian for two-particle states close to the band gap gives exchange splittings that range from {approximately}100 to 7 meV for nanocrystals of radii 6{endash}18 {Angstrom}. The splittings persist in the presence of spin-orbit coupling for nanocrystals of radius up to 18 {Angstrom}, suggesting that dark triplet states below the absorption threshold can be the origin of the Stokes shifts and temperature-dependent lifetimes observed in luminescence experiments. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Airway pressure release ventilation and pediatrics: theory and practice

Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) facilitates oxygenation and ventilation by maintaining an elevated baseline airway pressure similar to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). APRV differs from CPAP only by the addition of regular, brief release of airway pressure to facilitate carbon dioxide removal. The baseline pressure maintains a near continuous airway pressure to facilitate recruitment, improving ventilation and oxygenation. Pediatric patients who have recruitable lung disease may be well suited to the application of APRV.
Pneumocystis pneumonia in a non-HIV patient on chronic corticosteroid therapy: a question of prophylaxis

A man in his late 50s with a history of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis presented with fever and mild dyspnoea. He was HIV-negative and had been on corticosteroids as immunosuppression for 6 months prior to tapering them off 1 week before presentation. He was not taking prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. After unsuccessful treatment for community-acquired pneumonia, his condition worsened and he required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Full respiratory workup including bronchoscopy revealed P jirovecii as a source for the patient9s infection. He was treated successfully with a 21-day course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and eventually weaned off the ventilator. He has had no complications to date. In our review of this case and the existing literature, we believe that proper utilisation of prophylaxis for pneumocystis pneumonia may have prevented our patient9s transfer to intensive care unit. In our article, we discuss this issue and explore current evidence for prophylaxis.
Burden of Migraine: Societal Costs and Therapeutic Opportunities

Migraine imposes an enormous health burden on individual headache sufferers and on society. The condition affects about 18% of women and about 6% of men across their lifespan. Because prevalence peaks during the most productive years, between the ages of 25 and 55, migraine is an important cause of lost work time. Despite the widespread underdiagnosis and undertreatment of migraine, health care costs for the condition are considerable. Add to this the indirect costs, in the form of absenteeism and reduced productivity at work, and the overall burden of migraine becomes apparent. Work loss is not uniformly distributed, with the most disabled half of migraineurs accounting for more than 80% of all work loss. Although improvements in health care delivery for migraine may increase direct cost (i.e., drug or medical care), this may be offset by savings in indirect costs (i.e., reduced and lost productivity).
COCORP Arizona transect: Strong crustal reflections and offset Moho beneath the transition zone

The Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling (COCORP) transect across the southwest margin of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona reveals prominent subhorizontal zones of reflections, here termed the Bagdad reflection sequence (BRS), which dominate the upper and middle crust in the transition zone (TZ) between the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range province. A Cenozoic origin for the BRS is considered most likely; it may represent fragmented or sheared zones related to detachment faulting or a series of intrusions, possibly emplaced along preexisting zones of weakness. Moho reflections observed beneath the TZ and the Basin and Range province contrast with the nonreflective Moho beneath the Colorado Plateau, suggesting that extension and its associated igneous processes probably played a key role in the development of reflectors at the Moho. The Moho and a prominent midcrustal reflector are offset by about 3 km in a normal sense in at least one place; this is the best example of offset Moho yet found by COCORP and contrasts sharply with COCORP observations of a smooth Moho elsewhere. This offset is probably a late tectonic expression of crustal extension and thinning across the TZ.
Inductive inference of VL decision rules

The problem considered is a transformation of a set of user given decision rules into a set of new rules which are more general than the original ones and more optimal with regard to a user defined criterion. The decision rules are expressed in the VL21 logic system which permits a more general rule format than typically used, and facilitates a compact and easy to understand expression of descriptions of different degrees of generality. The paper gives a brief descriFtion of methodology for rule induction and of a computer program.
Temperature and Pressure Dependence of High-Resolution Air-Broadened Absorption Cross Sections of NO2 (415−525 nm)

Cross sections of air-broadened NO_2 in the 415−525 nm region are reported. These are retrieved from 21 absorption spectra recorded at 0.060 cm^(-1) resolution with the McMath−Pierce Fourier Transform Spectrometer located on Kitt Peak in Arizona. The measurements are obtained for pressures (1−760 Torr) and temperatures (220−298 K) that are representative of typical tropospheric and stratospheric conditions. Two sigma uncertainty (95% confidence interval ≈ 2σ_(mean)) for the absolute absorption cross sections is below ±7% over the reported wavelength range. The average integrated intensity of all our data is 〈σ〉_(400-500 nm) = 4.53 × 10^(-17) cm^2 nm, which is within 0.2% of the averaged value from the recent literature. The wavelength (referred to vacuum) accuracy is 0.011 cm^(-1) (2.8 × 10^(-4) nm at 500 nm) and precision is 0.0022 cm^(-1) throughout the investigated wavelength range. In agreement with previous observations, high-resolution features in the NO_2 absorption spectrum display a strong pressure dependence with an effective pressure broadening parameter of 0.116 ± 0.003 cm^(-1)/atm (the rate of increase of Lorentzian half width at half-maximum with pressure). Temperature has a relatively minor effect on the shapes of individual high-resolution features, but it exerts a complex dependence on the relative line intensities. Absorption cross sections reported here represent the highest resolution data available over a substantial (>100 nm) wavelength range for quantitative analysis of NO_2 atmospheric column absorption spectra.
Microstructure and composition of Al-Al2O3 composites made by reactive metal penetration

The microstructure of Al-Al2O3 composites made by reactive penetration of Al (or Al alloy) into ceramic (mullite or kaolin) preforms has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Al-Al2O3 composites were found to contain a mutuallyinterconnected network of Al and Al2O3. No crystallographic orientation was observed between the Al and Al2O3 phase. Impurities and pores in the ceramic preforms were found to have a strong effect on the microstructure of the composites. The impurities resulted in formation of small particles in the Al2O3 grains of Al-Al2O3 composites, whereas the porosity yielded a varied ratio of Al to Al2O3 in the composites. The growth rate of the Al-Al2O3 composites was found to depend on the microstructure and composition of the ceramic preforms as well as the composition of the reactive metals. Pure aluminium penetrated into a dense mullite faster than into a porous mullite at temperatures below 1200 °C. Addition of Mg to Al reduced the growth rate, whereas a continuous phase of amorphous SiO2 in the ceramic preforms increased the growth rate.
A comparison of psychiatric consultation between geriatric and non-geriatric medical inpatients.

Objective The authors examine changes in psychiatric referral patterns for geriatric inpatients since last reported in the United States, more than 20 years ago, and compare geriatric psychiatric referrals to those of a non-geriatric cohort. Method Retrospective study comparing psychiatric diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of younger (ages 18–60 years, n = 474) and older (>60 years, n = 487) patients seen in psychiatric consultation in a large, urban, university-based tertiary care hospital setting. Results Compared to previous reports in the literature, this cohort contains a notably higher percentage of the ‘old-old’ (>80 years), reflecting the general aging of those who are hospitalized. Compared to younger patients, geriatric inpatients were more commonly referred for psychiatric consultation, but overall rates of referral remain low (<4%). Geriatric patients were diagnosed with dementia and delirium more frequently; with substance dependence less frequently; and were just as likely to be diagnosed with depression. Geriatric patients were also more likely to receive atypical antipsychotic medications and less likely to receive benzodiazepines than younger patients. In patients diagnosed with depression, psychiatric follow-up is more likely relegated to outpatient geriatricians and nursing homes. Conclusions Consulting psychiatrists frequently encounter geriatric patients and, given patterns of diagnosis and aftercare, should play a major role in medical staff education and in development of enhanced in-hospital and aftercare services, including psychiatric liaison. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric Energetics in the Wavelet Domain. Part I: Governing Equations and Interpretation for Idealized Flows

Abstract Orthonormal wavelet analysis of the primitive momentum equations enables a new formulation of atmospheric energetics, providing a new description of transfers and fluxes of kinetic energy (KE) between structures that are simultaneously localized in both scale (zonal-wavenumber octave) and location spaces. Unpublished modified formulas for global Fourier energetics (FE) are reviewed that conserve KE for the case of a single latitude-circle and pressure level. The new wavelet energetics (WE) is extended to arbitrary orthogonal analyses of compressible, hydrostatic winds, and to formulating triadic interactions between components. In general, each triadic interaction satisfies a detailed conservation rule. Component “self-interaction” is examined in detail, and found to occur (if other components catalyze) in common analyses except complex Fourier. Wavelet flux functions are new spatially localized measures of flux across scale, or wavenumber cascade. They are constructed by appropriately constraine...
Incorporating aging effects into probabilistic risk analysis using a Taylor expansion approach

Abstract A methodology is developed to incorporate ageing effects into a Probabilistic Risk Analysis (PRA). The methodology separates the PRA models from the aging models, allowing available PRAs to be efficiently used in evaluating risk effects of aging. The methodology is applied to two PRAs to demonstrate the results which are obtainable from current PRAs. Various component aging rates and various surveillance and maintenance programs are evaluated to determine their impacts on the resulting core melt frequency. Both point evaluations and uncertainty evaluations are carried out. The results of the applications show that, for given aging rates, the core melt frequency impacts are very sensitive to the surveillance and maintenance program which is carried out. The detailed results which are obtained allow the aging contributors to be effectively prioritized to focus aging management programs.
Bioavailability of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin from municipal incinerator fly ash to freshwater fish

Abstract The bioavailability of 2,3,7,8-TCDD from municipal incinerator fly ash to freshwater fish was determined. It was observed that carp exposed to fly ash containing all 22 TCDD isomers, or the solvent extract of the fly ash, retain only 2,3,7,8-TCDD. Exposures with fly ash appears to follow a dose response relationship for bioconcentration, however, the bioavailability of 2,3,7,8-TCDD was not directly related to the level of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in fly ash for two fly ash samples studied.
Joint estimation of catch and other travel-cost parameters - some further thoughts.

Abstract E. R. Morey and D. M. Waldman propose and use an estimator that jointly estimates catch rates and the parameter on those catch rates. It is designed for situations where there is limited catch data for some of the sites in the choice set and takes advantage of the fact that trip patterns reflect variations in catch rates: anglers do not like to fish at sites with few fish. K. Train, D. McFadden, and R. Johnson note that this estimator is particularly sensitive to omitted variable bias and suggest an alternative estimator, but their estimator effectively eliminates poor sites from the choice set.
SU-FF-I-19: Mega-Voltage Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Image Quality: Effects of Scan Length and Monitor Units Per Projection

Purpose: To present a quantitative evaluation of the impact of scan length, monitor unit (MU)/projection, and total MU on the image quality in mega‐voltage cone‐beam computed tomography (MV‐CBCT). We present results of a systematic comparison of contrast‐to‐noise ratio and modulation transfer function obtained for 9 varying acquisition protocols with the MVision system (Siemens Medical Solutions, Concord, CA). Method and Materials:Image quality is characterized by contrast,noise and spatial resolution. Utilizing the manufacturer.s image quality phantom, we obtained sets of images from 9 different acquisition protocols of varying scan length, MU/projection, and total MU. The images are analyzed in terms of contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and modulation transfer function(MTF), which quantifies spatial resolution.Results: The CNR data suggest that the imagecontrast is not enhanced by increasing the MU/projection beyond 0.0675, but rather may be diminished. However, for comparable MU/projection the CNR is reduced from 7.25 to 4.8 by lowering the total MU from 15 to 8. For the same MU/projection the CNR is slightly better for the 360° scan compared to the 200° scan. On the other hand, the MTFanalysis shows that neither the scan length, nor the sampling rate, nor the total MU have an effect on spatial resolution. Furthermore, the MTFanalysis indicates that objects of spatial frequency larger than 0.3 line pair/mm cannot be resolved adequately with current MV‐CBCT imaging irrespective of the scanning protocol utilized. Conclusion: The study shows that spatial resolution is not affected by acquisition or reconstruction parameters in MV‐CBCT. However, the system is optimally used in terms of contrast‐to‐noise ratio with the default setting of 1 projection every degree. Conflict of Interest: This research was partially supported by Siemens Medical Solutions.