cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of lymphocyte VLA-4 expression by DMF exposure in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) (P2.188)

OBJECTIVE: Identify a mechanism of action (MOA) for fumerates in multiple sclerosis (MS) through the use of animal models. BACKGROUND: Oral fumerates (dimethyl fumarate (DMF) BG-12) have entered clinical practice for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS, however the MOA of this compound remains unclear. Data supporting involvement of an antioxidant transcription factor Nfe2l2/ Nrf2) have been reported, as has EAE prevention involving neutrophils mediated by the niacin receptor 1/HCA2. However, EAE is a T-cell driven model, suggesting that some effects of DMF may also alter T-cell function. Peripheral blood changes following exposure to DMF were reminiscent of natalizumab exposure, leading to an analysis of lymphocyte VLA-4 status through protein expression of its integrin subunits CD49d (alpha 4) and CD29 (beta 1). DESIGN/METHODS: EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice via MOG35-55 peptide and prophylactically or therapeutically challenged with DMF (100 mg/kg, b.i.d., p.o.) by oral gavage, as compared to positive and negative controls. Hematological analyses by flow cytometry were used to assess lymphocyte expression levels of CD49d and CD29, combined with analyses of CD3+ T-cells and B220+ B-cells. RESULTS: DMF exposure delayed and reduced the clinical score of EAE in prevention paradigms, but did not alter scores in therapeutic paradigms. The number of circulating lymphocytes was increased in DMF-treated groups, with populations of CD3+CD49dhigh and CD3+CD29high lymphocytes significantly decreased in DMF-treated blood as compared to controls. In addition B220+CD49dhigh and B220+CD29high cells were also decreased. The mechanism for this reduction is currently being evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: These results identify a mechanism in EAE whereby DMF down-regulates VLA-4 expression on lymphocytes, producing a reduction in high-expressing VLA-4 cells combined with a relative lymphocytosis that is reminiscent of VLA-4 inhibition by natalizumab. This mechanism is consistent with a DMF-dependent decrease in pathogenic T-cells entering the CNS for efficacy in EAE prevention, but not therapeutic paradigms. Disclosure: Dr. Chun has received personal compensation for activities with Amira Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Cellular Bioengineering, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, National Institutes of Health, Merck & Co., Inc., Novartis, and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma. Dr. Kihara has nothing to disclose. Dr. Groves has nothing to disclose.
Asymptotic Solutions for Nonsteady Transonic Channel Flows

An asymptotic description is given for two-dimensional, non-steady, inviscid, transonic channel flows. The resulting problem formulation requires solution of a sequence of linear equations, instead of the usual transonic small-disturbance equation. Flows with oscillating shock waves are considered in various limiting cases.
Populations at Risk Across the Lifespan: Case Studies: Psychological and Physical Abuse Among Pregnant Women in a Medicaid‐Sponsored Prenatal Program

Objectives: To document psychological and physical abuse during pregnancy among women enrolled in enhanced prenatal services (EPS); explore the associations between maternal risk factors and type of abuse; and examine the relationship between abuse and EPS participation. Design and Sample: Cross-sectional study utilizing screening data collected between 2005 and 2008. Convenience sample of Medicaid-insured pregnant women enrolled in EPS selected from urban and rural providers. Measures: A prenatal screening tool that included measures such as Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale-4, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, and Abuse Assessment Screen was used. Results: Logistic regressions showed that high perceived stress and lack of father support were associated with all types of abuse and abuse history. Women with risk factors, such as a positive depression screen (odds ratio [OR]=2.36), were associated with psychological abuse but not with physical abuse during pregnancy. Less than a 12th-grade education was associated with physical abuse (OR=1.64) but not psychological abuse during pregnancy. The amount or the timing of EPS participation was not significantly associated with abuse history or abuse during pregnancy. Conclusions: Risk factors, such as high perceived stress and lack of father support, may alert nurses to further explore abuse during pregnancy. Additional research is needed for understanding the relationship between abuse and EPS participation.
Detection of Acinetobacter spp. in rural drinking water supplies.

A bacteriological survey was conducted of untreated, individual groundwater supplies in Preston County, W.Va. Nearly 60% of the water supplies contained total coliforms in excess of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level of 1 CFU/100 ml. Approximately one-third of the water systems contained fecal coliforms and/or fecal streptococci. Acinetobacter spp. were detected in 38% of the groundwater supplies at an arithmetic mean density of 8 CFU/100 ml and were present in 16% of the water supplies in the absence of total coliforms, posing some concern about the usefulness of total coliforms as indicators of the presence of this opportunistic pathogen. Slime production, a virulence factor for A. calcoaceticus, was not significantly different between well water isolates and clinical strains, suggesting some degree of pathogenic potential for strains isolated from groundwater. In addition, several Acinetobacter isolates were able to interfere with sheen production by some coliform bacteria on M-Endo medium, adding further to the possible significance of Acinetobacter spp. in groundwater supplies.
New way to regulate DC link voltage for adaptive travel adaptor applications

Designing a single stage AC-DC converter operating at wide input and output is always a challenge for power engineers. As a general approach, designers typically use 2-stage configurations, such as employing a boost converter to pre-regulate DC link voltage to be constant… However, 2-stage solution is too complicate for low power applications. In addition the 2nd stage DC-DC converter is fed from ∼400V DC link, hence requires high voltage rated semiconductor devices for the 2nd stage converter, which in turn affects DC-DC converter efficiency and cost. This paper presents a new way to regulate DC link voltage for wide input and output applications. Unlike conventional boost pre-regulator, the proposed regulation scheme is simple, and able to regulate DC link voltage to a desired line-independent low voltage level, e.g. 100V. Low DC link voltage enables adoption of lower voltage devices for DC link capacitors and 2nd stage DC-DC converter to improve system efficiency, power density, light load & standby power, EMI, and reduce solution cost.
Implementing Universal Instructional Design In Postsecondary Courses And Curricula

This paper provides an introduction to Universal Instructional Design, an adaptation of the architectural concept of universal design, and discusses the benefits of this model as an inclusive approach to higher education. Electronic links to free resources are provided in the reference list.
Patterns of presentation, diagnosis, and treatment in older patients with colon cancer and comorbid dementia.

Objectives: To estimate patterns of colon cancer presentation, diagnosis, and treatment according to history of dementia using National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Result (SEER) Medicare data. Design: Population-level cohort study. Setting: NCI's SEER-Medicare database. Participants: A total of 17,507 individuals aged 67 and older with invasive colon cancer (Stage I-IV) were identified from the 1993–1996 SEER file. Medicare files were evaluated to determine which patients had an antecedent diagnosis of dementia. Measurements: Parameters relating to the cohort's patterns of presentation and care were estimated using logistic regressions. Results: The prevalence of dementia in the cohort of newly diagnosed colon cancer patients was 6.8% (1,184/17,507). Adjusting for possible confounders, dementia patients were twice as likely to have colon cancer reported after death (i.e., autopsy or death certificate) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.79–3.00). Of those diagnosed before death (n=17,049), dementia patients were twice as likely to be diagnosed noninvasively than with tissue evaluation (i.e., positive histology) (AOR=2.02 95% CI=1.63–2.51). Of patients with Stage I -III disease (n=12,728), patients with dementia were half as likely to receive surgical resection (AOR=0.48, 95% CI=0.33–0.70). Furthermore, of those with resected Stage III colon cancer (n=3,386), dementia patients were 78% less likely to receive adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (AOR=0.22, 95% CI=0.13–0.36). Conclusion: Although the incidences of dementia and cancer rise with age, little is known about the effect of dementia on cancer presentation and treatment. Elderly colon cancer patients are less likely to receive invasive diagnostic methods or curative-intent therapies. The utility of anticancer therapies in patients with dementia merits further study.
Early assessment of leakage power for system level design

This paper presents a system level methodology for analyzing leakage power in the early stages of a system design. The assessment of leakage takes into account the simultaneous effect of threshold-voltage (Vt), oxide thickness (t/sub ox/), device width (W), the inputs applied and statistical process variations. The approach has been validated by applying it to the design of a digital signal processing system. The results indicate that our power estimation technique is within 10% of SPICE, with the benefit of executing 15/spl times/ faster.
Race and Homicide in the U.S. National Longitudinal Mortality Study

Abstract The purpose of the study was to examine long-term trends and socioeconomic and structural covariates of homicide victimization. In particular, it examined black race as a risk factor, and whether its effect would be eliminated if appropriate controls are made for indicators of disadvantage, such as unemployment, low educational attainment, and low income. To study time trends, National Vital Statistics data were used. To examine covariate effects, data were derived from the U.S. National Longitudinal Mortality Study. Controlling for education and demographic covariates reduced the black race effect by nearly 30%. When employment status and income were taken into account, the risk was reduced by over 41%. Inner-city residence was one of the strongest predictors of homicide. The impact of black race was reduced but not eliminated. Support was found for social disadvantage theory, but some disadvantage indicators predicted homicide more strongly among whites than blacks.
Agent framework services to reduce agent communication overhead in large-scale agent-based simulations

Abstract Agent-based simulations are an essential tool in analyzing the behavior of real-world systems. Agent-based distributed simulations can be a useful in addressing the scale and complexity of such simulations. Because agents in such simulations intensively communicate with each other to perform their shared tasks, performance of the simulation is strongly related to the amount of inter-node message passing. In this paper, we propose two agent framework services to reduce the amount of inter-node message passing: dynamic agent distribution and search object-based middle agent services. We have implemented this framework in Java-based tool and used it to conduct simulations of up to 10,000 agents, where each agent represents a micro-UAV or a physical agent on the ground. In our experiments, the use of the dynamic agent distribution service reduces the runtime by 60%, and the use of the search object-based brokering service reduces the runtime by 50%. Although the performance improvements will vary in different simulations, our conjecture is that in cases where an agent-based simulation is affected by the temporal communication locality between agents, and there is complex agent–environment interaction, the two services will considerably improve the overall performance of a simulation.
The interaction of 1.06 μm laser radiation with high Z disk targets

Gold disks have been irradiated with 1.06 μm laser light at intensities between 7 × 1013 and 3 × 1015 W/cm2, and pulse lengths between 200 and 1000 psec. Due to the high Z and long pulse, inverse bremsstrahlung becomes an important absorption mechanism and competes strongly with resonance absorption and stimulated scattering. In addition to measured absorptions, data on the temporal, spatial, angular, and spectral characteristics of the x‐ray emission are presented. Temporally and spectrally resolved back‐reflected light, and polarization‐dependent sidescattered light are detected, providing estimates for the amount of stimulated scattering and of the coronal electron temperature. Inhibited electron thermal conduction and nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium ionization physics play key roles in bringing numerical simulations of these experiments into agreement with all of the above‐mentioned data.
Synthesis and processing of poly(p-phenylene) via the phosphoric acid-catalyzed pyrolysis of a stereoregular precursor polymer: a characterization study

Abstract Flexible, free-standing films of high molecular weight, structurally regular poly( p -phenylene) (PPP) were prepared via the thermal conversion of a stereoregular precursor polymer using o -phosphoric acid as an aromatization catalyst. Approximately 83–90 wt.% of the resulting polymetaphosphoric acid formed during pyrolysis can be removed from the as-synthesized PPP films by washing in dilute aqueous HCl. The small amount of residual polymetaphosphoric acid left in the free-standing films acts as a plasticizer by imparting a degree of flexibility to the otherwise brittle polymer. The resulting PPP films are amorphous by X-ray diffraction. Infrared and UV-Vis-NIR analyses of the films are consistent with high molecular weight, completely 1,4-linked polyphenylene chains. The washed PPP films exhibit remarkable thermal and thermal oxidative stability. They also can be doped by 98% H 2 SO 4 to form air-stable conducting complexes that can be subsequently undoped by diluting the acid with water.
Evaluating resident operative performance: a qualitative analysis of expert opinions.

Purpose To elicit and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of resident operative performance (ROP) as identified by independent expert ratings. Methods Four groups of expert surgeons, blinded to resident training level, evaluated ROP on 2 each of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, thyroidectomy, open inguinal, and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair audio videos, and listed strengths and weaknesses. Comments were coded as technical skills, forward planning, self-direction, situation awareness, and patient safety, and as either procedure specific or general skills. Results Eighteen experts independently entered 1087 comments on 8 ROP strengths and weakness. In the post independent rating discussion, consensus was reached on 85 (28%) of 300 post rating comments with majority agreement on another 83 (28%). Overall, the dominant focus was on forward planning. With the exception of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases, raters focused more on general than on procedure-specific skills (P Conclusion Fewer than 30% of expert rater comments focused on technical skills when considering ROP strengths and weaknesses. Although there was some variation in individual comments, majority agreement was reached on 56% of comments during the post independent rating discussion. These findings will improve rater training and further the implementation of a national assessment process to evaluate end of training surgical competence and operative proficiency.
Synthesis and Isolation of the Molecule-like Cluster Au38(PhCH2CH2S)24

The synthesis and characterization of phenylethanethiolate-coated monolayer protected clusters (MPCs) with Au140 (average) and Au38 cores are described. The latter 1.1 nm core diameter nanoparticle...
The coelomic elements of sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus) III. In vitro reaction to bacteria

Abstract The interactions of coelomocytes of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Strongylocentrotus franciscanus with various marine bacteria and one terrestrial insect pathogen were followed in hanging drops. Coelomocytes responded to the gram-negative species used by early regression of leukocytes from the bacterial area; by walling off bacteria through leukocyte clots; by congregation of red spherule cells in “palisades” on the edges of leukocyte clots; and by encapsulation of masses of bacteria by leukocytes and red spherule cells. A naphthaquinone pigment, echinochrome, which is present in red spherule cells, can be released by them in the presence of bacteria. Also, in the presence of red spherule cells, motile species of bacteria rapidly lose motility. The gram-negative species were seldom phagocytized although the two species which caused the most cell reaction would stick to cytoplasmic strands of aggregated phagocytic leukocytes. Gram-negative species were usually disposed of by lysis or by killing followed by no further obvious reaction. Two of the gram-negative species tested, including the insect pathogen, elicited practically no response from the coelomocytes; one caused a slight reaction; and three caused immediate and marked response. The gram-positive bacteria used elicited marked phagocytosis, some species more than others, but there was little other demonstrable reaction on the part of coelomocytes. Vibratile cells apparently release an acid mucopolysaccharide which immobilizes foreign material including microorganisms entering the coelom through wounds in the gut; probably they also release the mucin in bacteria-infected hanging drops.
The response of macrofauna communities and shorebirds to macrophyte wrack subsidies on exposed sandy beaches of southern California

To investigate the influence of marine macrophyte wrack subsidies on community structure, relationships between community attributes, including species richness, abundance, and biomass of macrofauna and abundance of shorebirds, and a variety of factors, including the standing crop of wrack and beach morphodynamics, were examined on 15 exposed sandy beaches on the southern California coast. The beaches sampled were primarily modally intermediate morphodynamic types, and three were groomed regularly. Species richness, abundance, and biomass of the macrofauna were high compared to values reported for similar beach types in other regions and were not predicted by morphodynamics or other physical factors. Overall species richness and abundance, and the species richness, abundance, and biomass of wrack-associated fauna and selected taxa were significantly correlated with the standing crop of macrophyte wrack. Wrack-associated macrofauna, such as amphipods, isopods, and insects, made up an average of >37% of the species on ungroomed beaches and comprised 25% or more of the total abundance on half of those beaches. The abundance of two shorebird species, plovers that forage using visual cues, was positively correlated with the standing crop of wrack and with the abundance of wrack-associated invertebrates. Significant differences in community structure, including depressed species richness, abundance, and biomass of macrofauna, especially for wrack-associated taxa, were associated with beach grooming and provided strong evidence for the bottom-up effects of wrack subsidies. Grooming also reduced the prey available to vertebrate predators, such as shorebirds. Substantial ecological effects of the large-scale disturbance and removal of organic material, food resources, and habitat are associated with beach grooming. These results suggest that macrophyte wrack subsidies strongly influence macrofaunal community structure, higher trophic levels, and ecological processes on exposed sandy beaches. The supply of macrophyte wrack should be considered as a factor in ecological studies of exposed sandy beaches, particularly where macrophyte production is high.
High-resolution in situ analysis of nitrate and phosphate in the oligotrophic ocean

Accurate, high-resolution profiles of nitrate and phosphate distributions in the open ocean are difficult to obtain using conventional techniques. Concentrations typically range from low nanomolar levels in the stratified euphotic zone to micromolar levels below the nutricline. With multiple pumps, a heating cartridge, a long-path-length cell, and a multiwavelength spectrometer, the reconfigured Spectrophotometric Elemental Analysis System (SEAS) provides the capability to fully ascertain the distributions of nitrate and phosphate in the upper 200 m of the oligotrophic ocean. By utilizing a 15 cm path length and multiple wavelength spectrophotometry, SEAS can detect nitrate concentrations from 2 nM to 20 microM and, with a 50 cm path length, can accurately measure phosphate concentrations from 1 nM to 1 microM. SEAS is capable of collecting auxiliary data from up to four separate instruments, including a CTD, a fluorometer, a PAR sensor, and a second SEAS instrument. Sampling frequency depends on peripheral instrument selection and ranges from 0.4 to 0.75 Hz.
High-dose-rate afterloading technique in the radiation treatment of uterine cervical cancer: 399 cases and 9 years experience in Taiwan.

Abstract Carcinoma of the uterine cervix has been the leading malignant neoplasm treated in our department. A comparative study was carried out using conventional low dose rate (LDR) with 137 Cs sources (≤100 cGy/hr) versus high dose rate (HDR) with 60 CO sources (>100 cGy/min) in the intracavitary (IC) application following external pelvic irradiation. A total of 399 patients were treated with external RT plus HDR radiation treatment alone from February 1980 through December 1985. Stage IIb and IIIb comprised 79.4% of cases (317 cases). The rate of initial complete response of the tumor, local control, and survival rate seemingly were better in the HDR group, but there was no significant difference statistically. The actuarial survival rates in all cases/definitive RT cases are 85%85% for Stage 0-IIa, 53%70% for IIb, 43%49% for IIIa, 43%53% for IIIb, 42%47% for IVa, respectively. Complications were similar and the rectal complications were slightly higher in HDR group. The combination of pelvic irradiation with HDR intracavitary irradiation was more convenient for patients and also for personnel. The HDR technique may be a good substitution for IC treatment.
Which is better: the Condorcet or Borda winner?

I address the two-century old question raised in the title and other social choice concerns while responding to Risse [11]; e.g., my paper, part of which is a written version of my 2004 Oberwolfach presentation, can be read independent of [11]. But first, the reader deserves an explanation. This exchange started when Risse's [10] paper was called to my attention by people encouraging me to address the errors and excesses they found in his commentary: the result was Saari [21]. For the referees of [11] and me, [11] reads like Risse is inviting me to engage in further dialogue. His approach, which differs from the philosophers of science I deal with on a regular basis who use formal methods (e.g., mathematics, logic, evolutionary game theory, etc.) to make their arguments exact, appears to rely on dialogue to iteratively refine his intuitive arguments. It might work; e.g., [11] drops some of the incorrect arguments of [10] that I identified in [21]. But there remain problems; for instance, Risse's refined descriptions of his "multiplicity thesis" and "indeterminacy" are suggestive and changeable rather than precise. As an example, his "in the same situation different methods may be reasonable" definition of his "multiplicity thesis" sounds nice but it is operationally useless as he fails to offer concrete or even suggestive measures to judge when and whether different
Murine sarcoma viruses: The helper-independence reported for a moloney variant is unconfirmed; distinct strains differ in the size of their RNAs

Abstract A variant of Moloney murine sarcoma virus (Mo-MSV) reported to behave like a nondefective sarcoma virus was subjected to biological and biochemical analyses to determine whether its alleged helper-independence could be confirmed. When plated at low multiplicity the virus was shown to readily generate (four out of six) transformed clones which failed to produce virus unless superinfected with helper leukemia virus. The RNA of the parental virus stock was compared electrophoretically to that from clones which produced virus after the initial infection (producer clones) or after superinfection with Mo-murine leukemia virus (MLV) (nonproducer clones). All clones contained a MSV-specific 30 S RNA species. In addition, virus from one producer clone also contained 38 S MLV RNA at a high relative concentration, indicating that the original Mo-MSV stock must have contained such an RNA species. However, the original virus stock as well as virus from another producer clone contained 38 S MLV RNA at a low, uncertain relative concentration. A hypothesis consistent with these and previous data suggests that the Mo-MSV variant investigated here is defective and contains helper leukemia virus at a low concentration. This explains (i) the ready generation of nonproducer clones by infection at low multiplicity, (ii) the difficulty in detecting helper leukemia virus 38 S RNA in the original virus stock, and (iii) the low complexity (approximately 1.9 × 10 6 daltons) of the MSV-specific 30 S RNA. These results are compatible with the properties reported for a defective MSV genome, but incompatible with those of a nondefective MSV genome. The MSV-specific RNA components of different clonal isolates of Mo-MSV differed from each other in size, ranging between 2.1 and 1.6 × 10 6 . The Harvey sarcoma virus-specific RNA was 1.9 × 10 6 , that of Kirsten sarcoma virus was 2.5 × 10 6 , and the spleen focus forming component of Friend virus was 2.0 × 10 6 . The sarcoma- or transformation-specific RNA components of all transforming viruses tested here were smaller than the 38 S RNA of helper leukemia viruses of 3.1 × 10 6 .
Rim cracking of the cross-linked longevity polyethylene acetabular liner after total hip arthroplasty.

Background Studies have suggested that cross-linked polyethylene bearings reduce wear rates from 40% to 100% compared with conventional polyethylene. However, the reduced mechanical properties of highly cross-linked polyethylene have the potential to be a limiting factor in device performance. We reviewed a series of retrieved acetabular liners with a fracture of the superior rim to assess the factors that played a role in their failure. Methods Four Longevity acetabular bearings, which had been retrieved from two patients after seven to twenty-seven months in vivo, were visually examined for clinical damage, were assessed with use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine the level of oxidation, and were analyzed for mechanical properties and fracture surface characterization. Control data were obtained from never-implanted devices and from global reference ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene bar stock as an industry calibration material. Results All four retrieved liners demonstrated articular surface wear modes, which in most cases were rated as moderate, and none were rated as severe. All showed cracking or rim failure of the liner at the superior aspect along the groove in the polyethylene that engages the locking ring of the shell. The retrieved liners had no measurable oxidation, and the mechanical properties were comparable with those of never-implanted material. Conclusions There was no notable in vivo degradation of the retrieved liners. Important factors related to failure appear to be thin polyethylene at the cup rim, relatively vertical cup alignment, and the material properties of the highly cross-linked polyethylene that are decreased relative to conventional polyethylene. The critical dimension with respect to rim failure in modular liners appears to be the minimum thickness at the equatorial region. Clinical Relevance For a given implant design and loading, highly cross-linked polyethylene may be more susceptible to fatigue damage, such as rim cracking, than is conventional polyethylene. The potential for excess rim loading on thin polyethylene should be assessed carefully when the use of a cross-linked liner and a large femoral head is being considered, particularly in a cup with a more vertical abduction angle.
The left-handed spin connection as a variable for canonical gravity

Abstract A canonical transformation which simplifies the hamiltonian constraints of general relativity has recently been found by Ashtekar. In this letter it is shown how Ashtekar's formulation can alternately be derived directly from a complex covariant four-dimensional action principle. The action is a modification of the tetrad-Palatini action that results from splitting the connection into the self-dual and anti-self-dual pieces, and keeping only the former.
Associations Between Positive and Negative Affect and 12-Month Physical Disorders in a National Sample

Associations between positive and negative affect and a range of 12-month physical disorders were investigated in the Midlife Development in the United States Survey, a nationally representative sample of 3,032 adults ages 25–74. These associations were examined, controlling for relevant sociodemographic and psychiatric covariates. High positive affect was associated with decreased risk of physical disorders, whereas high negative affect was associated with increased risk. However, associations between positive affect and physical disorders were partially attenuated following adjustment for concurrent negative affect. Additionally, high affect balance was associated with decreased risk of physical disorders before and after adjustments. These findings underscore the relevance of affective disposition in health status, suggesting that both positive and negative affect may serve as viable health risk parameters.
Characterization of lipolytic responses of isolated white adipocytes from hamsters

Abstract 1. 1. Lipolysis by isolated white adipocytes from hamsters, as measured by glycerol production, was stimulated by corticotropin, isopropylnorepinephrine (INE), norepinephrine, or epinephrine (EPI), in a dose-dependent fashion. 2. 2. Lipolysis was stimulated by five inhibitors of cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase: caffeine, theophylline, 1-methyl-3-isobutyl xanthine, 1-ethyl-4-(isopropylidenehydrazine)-1H-pyrazolo-(3,4,-b)-pyridine-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (SQ 20009), and 4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone (Ro 7-2956). Caffeine-stimulated lipolysis consistently attained higher rates than did hormone-stimulated lipolysis. However, when cells were stimulated by both caffeine and a hormone. lipolytic rates were consistently lower than those attained under the influence of caffeine alone. 3. 3. Isolated white adipocytes from hamsters were sensitive to both alpha- and beta-adrenergic antagonists. The beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol could completely inhibit norepinephrine-stimulated glycerol production. The alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine, on the other hand, had a biphasic effect on the cells. At 5 · 10 −7 M or 5 · 10 −6 M, phentolamine enhanced norepinephrine-stimulated lipolysis, while concentrations higher than 5 · 10 −5 M caused inhibition. 4. 4. The effects of two different concentrations of six antilipolytic agents, prostaglandin E 1 , nicotinic acid, phenylisopropyladenosine, 5-methylpyrazole-3-carboxylic acid, adenosine and insulin, were measured. With the exception of insulin, all of these agents showed much more potent inhibition of caffeine-stimulated lipolysis than of hormone-stimulated lipolysis. Insulin, in contrast, showed only modest inhibition of hormone-stimulated lipolysis and virtually no inhibition of caffeine-stimulated lipolysis.
Models for weak currents with Han-Nambu three-triplets

A mechanism introduced by Stech to suppress $\ensuremath{\Delta}S=1$ neutral currents is adapted to the Han-Nambu model. Consequences of different schemes arising from the freedom in baryon number assignment are investigated. Though first order processes are eliminated in all of these models, only two of them give sufficiently small second-order rates for ${K}_{L}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. In these cases, it is possible to obtain $sin{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{C}=\frac{1}{3\sqrt{2}}\ensuremath{\cong}0.235$ in a rather natural manner. These two models and one of the others can be extended to SU(2)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}U(1) gauge theories of weak and electromagnetic interactions which are anomaly-free in the quark sector and thus require heavy leptons to cancel leptonic anomalies. The rates for neutral events in inclusive neutrino-nucleon reactions predicted by these gauge theories are compatible with experimental results when ${sin}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}\ensuremath{\cong}\frac{1}{3}$. The models giving acceptable ${K}_{L}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ rates do not predict any enhancement of neutrino-nucleon total cross sections associated with the production of SU(3)\ensuremath{''} nonsinglet states. None of the above schemes helps explain the $\ensuremath{\Delta}T=\frac{1}{2}$ rule.
Human aneuploidy: lessons from achiasmate segregation in Drosophila melanogaster.

Aneuploidy is a crucial issue in human reproductive biology, accounting for both a significant proportion of miscarriages and, among liveborns, multiple congenital malformation syndromes such as Down Syndrome. Although the etiology of human aneuploidy remains poorly understood, recent studies have elucidated certain fundamental correlates of meiotic nondisjunction, such as altered recombination. These features are extraordinarily similar to those associated with chromosome misbehavior in Drosophila melanogaster females. Furthermore, these organisms also share a significant level of achiasmate chromosome nondisjunction. Here we describe in detail the processes of achiasmate chromosome segregation in Drosophila and discuss how they may be most effectively applied to our understanding of the etiology of human aneuploidy. In particular, we examine the possibility that similar “backup” mechanisms of chromosome segregation might function in mammalian meiosis, particularly mammalian females. Drawing upon observations made in flies, we also propose a new model for the segregation of achiasmate chromosomes in humans.
On the nature of the primary evoked response.

The hypothesis that the primary evoked response results from the summation of slow postsynaptic potential changes on synaptically driven neurons near the recording electrode is tested in this research by a computer simulation. On the assumption that cortical resistivity remains relatively constant through depth in the cerebral cortex and through time during afferent input, net current is proportional to gradV. The vertical component of net current flow in the cat's somatosensory cortex was measured during the primary evoked response and a method was devised for fractionating this current into a major part, due to s neurons (see footnote 2), and a minor part, due to m neurons. A model of the distribution of extracellular current flow was developed and, with the use of histological and neuronal population response data, the vertical component of net current flow due to s neurons was calculated. The experimentally derived and the calculated patterns of vertical current flow were found to be alike in all major features, thus strongly supporting the hypothesis under test. The weak currents due to m neuron response were not simulated in this study.
Expression of CR1/2 receptor on alloantigen-stimulated mouse T cells

Abstract Antibodies can mediate injury of organ transplants by several mechanisms, including complement activation and interaction with Fc receptors on cells. We tested the hypothesis that antibodies could also cause up-regulation of complement receptors on cells to increase the responses to complement activation by interaction with split products of C3. In our experimental model, B10.A (H-2 a ) cardiac transplants survive significantly longer in C57BL/6 (H-2 b ) immunoglobulin knockout recipients (IgKO) than in their wild-type counterparts. Passive transfer of specific antibodies to donor MHC class I to IgKO recipients of cardiac allografts at the time coinciding with a vigorous cellular infiltration reconstituted acute rejection. We tested the effects of alloantibodies on CR1/2 expression by alloantigen-stimulated T cells. Both CD4 + /CR1/2 + and CD8 + /CR1/2 + populations of T cells were expanded in C57BL/6 splenocytes stimulated by B10.A alloantigen in 7-day MLR after coculture with endothelial cells sensitized with IgG1 and IgG2b mAb specific to MHC. Endothelial cells sensitized with antibodies also caused an expansion of CD8 + T cells expressing CR1/2 in lymph node lymphocytes harvested from a C57BL/6 recipient of a B10.A cardiac allograft. These data suggest that antibodies can augment the cellular rejection process through expanding the population of T cells interacting with complement split products.
Insect community response to plant diversity and productivity in a sagebrush–steppe ecosystem

Abstract In natural systems, insect diversity and abundance are often positively correlated with plant diversity; however, these relationships may be obscured or complicated by other characteristics of plant communities that influence insect distributions. For example, diversity and abundance of insects may also be related to structural complexity, nutrition, or productivity of plants. In arid systems, primary production is generally enhanced by supplemental moisture, which may provide food resources of greater abundance and quality for herbivores, resulting in greater insect diversity and abundance. Although the association of insect distributions with sites of either high plant diversity or productivity has been studied extensively, the relative importance of these two factors in influencing insect diversity and abundance remains unclear. We examined how insect communities in sagebrush steppe responded to two plant community treatments (a crested wheatgrass monoculture and a diverse community of native shrubs, grasses, and forbs) and three irrigation regimes (summer irrigation, fall/spring irrigation, and ambient precipitation only) on an experimental site designed to test protective cap designs for isolating buried hazardous waste. In both 2000 and 2001, insect diversity and abundance were positively correlated with both plant diversity and irrigation early in the summer; however, by the end of the summer, insect distributions were more strongly influenced by irrigation treatment. Our results suggest that during the dry season in this semi-arid shrub–steppe system, plant diversity may be secondary to moisture effects in influencing insect distributions.
Hybrid Ontology-Based Information Extraction for Automated Text Grading

Although automatic text grading systems have reached an accuracy level comparable to human grading, with successful commercial and research implementations (e.g., Latent Semantic Analysis), these systems can provide limited feedback about which statements of the text are incorrect and why they are incorrect. In the present work, we propose the use of a hybrid Ontology-based Information Extraction (OBIE) system to identify both correct and incorrect statements by combining extraction rules and machine learning based information extractors. Experiments show that given 77 student answers to a Cell Biology final exam question, our hybrid system can identify both correct and incorrect statements with high precision and recall measures.
Beyond the Cyanine Limit: Peierls Distortion and Symmetry Collapse in a Polymethine Dye

Theory predicts that cyanine dyes and related linear systems undergo symmetry collapse and bond localization at long chain lengths. Beyond this “cyanine limit”, the properties of these systems do not extrapolate from their shorter counterparts. To test this prediction, dipyridocyanines have been synthesized and shown to undergo such symmetry collapse with chain lengths as short as 13.
Vortex Phase Qubit: Generating Arbitrary, Counterrotating, Coherent Superpositions in Bose-Einstein Condensates via Optical Angular Momentum Beams

We propose a scheme for the generation of arbitrary coherent superpositions of vortex states in Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) using the orbital-angular-momentum states of light. We devise a scheme to generate coherent superpositions of two such counterrotating states of light using well-known experimental techniques. We show that a specially designed Raman scheme allows for transfer of the optical vortex-superposition state onto an initially nonrotating BEC. This creates an arbitrary and coherent superposition of a vortex and antivortex pair in the BEC. The ideas presented here could be extended to generate entangled vortex states, design memories for the orbital-angular-momentum states of light, and perform other quantum information tasks. Applications to inertial sensing are also discussed.
The Irrationality of the Catharsis Theory of Aggression as Justification for Educators' Support of Interscholastic Football:

The notion that hostile feelings can be catharted from the psyche by playing football or other aggressive sports was virtually destroyed by behavioral scientists several decades ago. Nonetheless educators continue to support interscholastic football as a means of venting the aggressive emotions that supposedly characterize adolescence. This work examines this phenomenon, concluding that educators realize the sport actually increases aggression but hide behind the outdated hypothesis about catharsis to perpetuate the sport--an activity which gives them much pleasure.
The linkage of actin to non-erythroid membranes

The question of how actin filaments are attached to membranes is of central importance to an understanding of how actin gives rise to shape and movement in cells. A number of approaches to this question have been taken, but there have been few definitive answers. Some of the limitations of these approaches are discussed, as well as possible avenues for overcoming them.
The influence of pH on surface properties of lung surfactants.

Protein-lipid interactions at air-liquid interfaces are dependent on electrostatic charges, cations, anions, distribution of protons, and surface potential, which are influenced by pH changes. All of these factors may affect lung surfactant function. To verify the pH dependence of surface activity of pulmonary surfactant, we studied the in vitro effects of pH and Ca2+ on the surface tension-lowering abilities of various surfactants in an oscillating bubble surfactometer. Surface tension measurements were made of mixtures at known pHs or after the replacement of the subphase fluid of surfactant films with buffered saline at various pH values. At the pH range 4.0–7.0, the average equilibrium surface tension (EST)/minimum surface tension (MST) for natural surfactants human amniotic fluid and natural lung surfactant from rabbit lung lavage was 24/2 mN/m. At the same pH range, Exosurf and phospholipids alone had an EST/MST of 44/25 and 44/12 mN/m, respectively. Survanta (SUR) containing SP-B and SP-C and a phospholipid surfactant (KL4) containing a leucine/lysine peptide had an EST/MST of 29/5 and 36/3, respectively. Alkalinization of the subphase (pH > 7.4) significantly decreased the surface tension-lowering ability of SUR (P < 0.01) and to a lesser extent that of KL4 surfactant (P < 0.05), but natural lung surfactants were not significantly affected over a pH range of 3–7.5. These data demonstrate that natural surfactants maintain their optimal surface activities over a broader pH range than do the commercial products because of a lack of SP-A. Careful monitoring of the pH for optimal surface activity is recommended when evaluating surfactant function and the effects of specific inhibitors on this function.
Detection and segmentation of man-made objects in outdoor scenes: concrete bridges

We present a new approach for the detection and segmentation of man-made objects in color images of natural scenes. The approach is based on detecting geometric structure in the image and combining the detected structure with color information to guide the segmentation. The central problem is the detection and semantic interpretation of large stationary man-made objects in color images of nonurban scenes. We describe the generation of color-based confidence functions for material selection in incremental segmentation. We focus on the segmentation of images of concrete bridges. These techniques are applicable to autonomous navigation, target acquisition, and several industrial computer vision problems. Large concrete objects often have rectilinear edge structures with many parallel relationships. We use these properties to guide our initial incremental segmentation toward concrete objects. The goal for our segmenter is to locate the representative faces of concrete material in the image as a starting point for the interpretation phase. These heuristics rely on the detection of straight line segments of the edge map of the gray-scale image. The straight line segments, once detected, are then grouped according to several perceptual grouping criteria. The straight line segments are then constrained further by region label restrictions. Finally, color cues are used to restrict the candidate artifacts further and to produce confidence measures of our initial belief in our estimation of the material of the identified rectilinear faces.
Quantitative analysis of cyanobacterial toxins by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.

Microcystins (MCs) are a growing problem in drinking water supplies worldwide. Common analytical techniques used to determine MC concentrations have several shortcomings, including extensive sample handling and lengthy analysis times. A simple, rapid method for quantitation of MCs by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is presented. Four potential internal standards were tested, including an 15N-labeled MC. For MC-LR in mixed standard solutions, a linear range of 0.11−5.0 μM (R2 = 0.98) was achieved, with a method detection limit (MDL) of 0.015 μM. Matrix effects due to extracted cell components decreased the MC-LR linear range slightly to 0.19−5.0 μM (R2 = 0.99), with MDL = 0.058 μM. Extensive analysis of possible internal standards indicates that nodularin was preferred over [15N]10-microcystin-YR or angiotensin I. The ionization efficiency and analyte−analyte suppression for four MCs of varying polarity are presented; the three polar congeners exh...