cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase cascade

Membrane depolarization of NG108 cells gives rapid (< 5 min) activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaM-KIV), as well as activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). To investigate whether the Ca2+-dependent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38) might be mediated by the CaM kinase cascade, we have transfected PC12 cells, which lack CaM-KIV, with constitutively active mutants of CaM kinase kinase and/or CaM-KIV (CaM-KKc and CaM-KIVc, respectively). In the absence of depolarization, CaM-KKc transfection had no effect on Elk-dependent transcription of a luciferase reporter gene, whereas CaM-KIVc alone or in combination with CaM-KKc gave 7- to 10-fold and 60- to 80-fold stimulations, respectively, which were blocked by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphatase cotransfection. When epitope-tagged constructs of MAP kinases were co-transfected with CaM-KKc plus CaM-KIVc, the immunoprecipitated MAP kinases were activated 2-fold (ERK-2) and 7- to 10-fold (JNK-1 and p38). The JNK and p38 pathways were further investigated using specific c-Jun or ATF2-dependent transcriptional assays. We found that c-Jun/ATF2-dependent transcriptions were enhanced 7- to 10-fold by CaM-KIVc and 20- to 30-fold by CaM-KKc plus CaM-KIVc. In the case of the Jun-dependent transcription, this effect was not due to direct phosphorylation of c-Jun by activated CaM-KIV, since transcription was blocked by a dominant-negative JNK and by two MAP kinase phosphatases. Mutation of the phosphorylation site (Thr196) in CaM-KIV, which mediates its activation by CaM-KIV kinase, prevented activation of Elk-1, c-Jun, and ATF2 by the CaM kinase cascade. These results establish a new Ca2+-dependent mechanism for regulating MAP kinase pathways and resultant transcription.
Prevalence and correlates of alcohol use among older adults.

Abstract Background. The 1990 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention supplement to The National Health Interview Survey was used to develop point-prevalence data about drinking for four age groups, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84, and over 84, and to assess the impact of sociodemographics, health status, and health belief variables on light, moderate, and heavy alcohol consumption. The number of observations in the unweighted sample was 12,819, and the weighted sample contained 51,046,521 observations. Methods. The χ 2 and Cohran-Mantel-Haenszel tests were used to investigate prevalence patterns, and odds ratios were generated from logistic regressions. Results. Eighty percent of the sample had had at least 12 drinks during their lifetime, and 46% reported drinking during the survey year. The modal category for the number of days a respondent drank during the survey was 1–4 days, and the modal amount consumed on days that a person drank was 1–3 drinks. Age, gender, race, education, city size, labor force participation, geographic region, health status, having diabetes, and health beliefs about the adverse effects of excessive drinking and being overweight were associated with alcohol consumption, although their effects were different by drinking level. Conclusions. Analyses of health behaviors among older adults must recognize the diversity within this age group. Studies of drinking should differentiate between the amount consumed. Health beliefs need to be included in subsequent studies of health behaviors among older adults.
Evaluation of the ribosomal ITS2 DNA sequences in separating closely related populations of the parasitoid Ageniaspis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Abstract Different genes have been used to evaluate the genetic divergence of closely related species or populations of insects. The taxonomic level at which specific genes or nucleotide regions are useful varies across taxa. This study assesses the relative phylogenetic usefulness of a segment of a noncoding ribosomal region (ITS2) in separating populations of the parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from different geographic areas (Australia and Taiwan). Intra- and interindividual variations in ITS2 sequence and length have affected previous phylogenetic studies with other arthropods. To determine whether these variations would affect our phylogenetic studies, clones (2–3/individual) containing ITS2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were sequenced from two to five individuals for each of the two populations. Three clones from one A. fuscicollis (a species present only in Europe) individual were used for comparison. Intra- and interindividual variations in ITS2 sequence and le...
Pertussis: The disease and the vaccine

Abstract Pertussis is a serious respiratory disease in infants. Immunization prevents infection in some; in others it permits infection but prevents disease. Epidemics occur when immunization rates fall. Whole-cell vaccine has proved to be a safe and effective method of disease control. Whole-cell vaccines have been used because the bacterial components responsible for immunity have not been identified. New component vaccines have not been licensed in the United States because they do not meet standards for efficacy. Whole-cell pertussis vaccine has been associated with febrile and afebrile seizures which are generalized and occur within 72 hours of immunization. Permanent brain damage caused by pertussis vaccine is rare. One study suggested a risk of 1:310,000 immunizations which is not precise and probably excessive; however, even using this figure, the risk-benefit ratio for 3 immunizations is favorable when compared to the risks of the natural disease. Child neurologists should recommend immunization for brain damaged infants with static or chronic brain syndromes. Pertussis immunization should be delayed or omitted when the neurologic status is unclear.
Design and characterization of a handheld multimodal imaging device for the assessment of oral epithelial lesions

A compact handpiece combining high resolution fluorescence (HRF) imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) was developed to provide real-time assessment of oral lesions. This multimodal imaging device simultaneously captures coregistered en face images with subcellular detail alongside cross-sectional images of tissue microstructure. The HRF imaging acquires a 712×594 μm2 field-of-view at the sample with a spatial resolution of 3.5 μm. The OCT images were acquired to a depth of 1.5 mm with axial and lateral resolutions of 9.3 and 8.0 μm, respectively. HRF and OCT images are simultaneously displayed at 25 fps. The handheld device was used to image a healthy volunteer, demonstrating the potential for in vivo assessment of the epithelial surface for dysplastic and neoplastic changes at the cellular level, while simultaneously evaluating submucosal involvement. We anticipate potential applications in real-time assessment of oral lesions for improved surveillance and surgical guidance.
Methodologies of affective classification.

Abstract Three methodologies to classify the affective domain are reviewed: phenetic, cladistic, and ontological. The merits and seeming deficiencies of these approaches are analyzed, and illustrative applications of these methodologies are presented. A systems analysis of the affective domain is proposed as most adequately performing the classification functions of grouping elements to (a) emphasize their autonomy and homonomy, (b) indicate their nature and degree of relatedness, and (c) structurally represent abstract conceptualizations of this domain.
Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics and safety of oral amifloxacin in healthy volunteers

Abstract The multiple-dose pharmacokinetics and safety of amifloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent, were evaluated in healthy male volunteers. Amifloxacin was administered orally at 200, 400, or 600 mg every 12 h (q12h) and 400, 600, or 800 mg every 8 h (q8h) for 10 days. An additional dose was administered on day 11. Concentrations of amifloxacin in plasma and urine were measured on days 1, 5, and 11 by high-performance liquid chromatography. Steady-state amifloxacin concentrations were reached by day 5. Mean +/- standard deviation maximum observed amifloxacin concentrations in plasma were 2.52 +/- 1.12, 4.98 +/- 1.44, 5.40 +/- 2.02, 4.59 +/- 2.17, 6.53 +/- 2.44, and 8.01 +/- 3.00 micrograms/ml after the initial dose and 2.30 +/- 0.98, 5.41 +/- 0.74, 8.05 +/- 1.68, 6.87 +/- 2.81, 9.53 +/- 0.50, and 11.9 +/- 1.92 micrograms/ml on day 11 of the study for the 200-, 400-, and 600-mg q12h and 400-, 600-, and 800-mg q8h regimens, respectively. Amifloxacin was rapidly absorbed, as evidenced by the mean time to the maximum observed amifloxacin concentration of 0.98 h. Mean values for the terminal amifloxacin half-life in plasma ranged from 3.58 to 5.78 h. Mean amifloxacin concentrations in urine on day 11 in samples collected 0 to 2 h after dosing were 105, 417, 376, 336, 518, and 464 micrograms/ml for the 200-, 400-, and 600-mg q12h and 400-, 600-, and 800-mg q8h regimens, respectively. The mean amount of the dose excreted in the urine as amifloxacin was 53.9%. Amifloxacin was generally well tolerated, although there was a tendency for the subjects who received amifloxacin to experience more gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and cutaneous complaints than did those who received placebo. Clinically significant adverse reactions, including pruritus and transaminase elevations, occurred only at doses of 1,200 mg/day or above. Clinical and pharmacokinetic data suggest that orally administered amifloxacin may have utility in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering at elevated temperatures

The effect on surface-enhanced Raman scattering due to the increase in temperature of the metallic substrate is studied via a simple model for physisorbed molecules. Surface roughness is represented by a spherical or spheroidal island, and the temperature effects on the surface plasmon are accounted for via a slightly modified Ujihara model. It is found that the enhancement ratio in general decreases as substrate temperature increases. For noble metals like silver, this temperature effect is particularly pronounced at scattering frequencies close to that of the surface-plasmon resonance; and for frequencies well below the surface plasmon frequency, the enhancement ratio is relatively insensitive to the change of substrate temperature. A tentative explanation is provided for our modeling results, and the implications from these results are discussed. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A longitudinal metabolic profile of Swiss albino mice during aging

The consequence of aging on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of the Swiss albino mouse was examined in a complete aging profile. The profile was developed by obtaining groups of at least 10 weanling mice at 2-3 month intervals for approximately a 2-year period. Body weight plateaued at approximately 10 months-of-age. Maximal heart and liver weights were found in 3-month-old mice. Plasma glucose concentration was highest in 1-month-old mice, declined rapidly during the first 3 months-of-age and then gradually throughout the profile. Liver glycogen content spiked sharply in 2-month-old mice, decreasing sharply to a level maintained in mature animals. A second peak in hepatic glycogen occurred in 15-month-old mice with a precipitous decrease taking place in older animals. Plasma concentrations of glycerol, 3-hydroxybutyrate and triacylglycerols, indices of lipid metabolism, were remarkably constant and showed no consistent trend with age. The level of triacylglycerols in the heart peaked in 2-month-old mice and then decreased gradually in older animals. The maximal content of triacylglycerols in the liver was found in 10- to 20-month-old mice. Hepatic levels of triacylglycerols decreased precipitously in senescent Swiss albino mice.
Large-Area Synthesis of High-Quality and Uniform Graphene Films on Copper Foils

Graphene has been attracting great interest because of its distinctive band structure and physical properties. Today, graphene is limited to small sizes because it is produced mostly by exfoliating graphite. We grew large-area graphene films of the order of centimeters on copper substrates by chemical vapor deposition using methane. The films are predominantly single-layer graphene, with a small percentage (less than 5%) of the area having few layers, and are continuous across copper surface steps and grain boundaries. The low solubility of carbon in copper appears to help make this growth process self-limiting. We also developed graphene film transfer processes to arbitrary substrates, and dual-gated field-effect transistors fabricated on silicon/silicon dioxide substrates showed electron mobilities as high as 4050 square centimeters per volt per second at room temperature.
A Faster, Leaner, Supply Chain: New Uses of Information Technology

tion toward the retail end of the food supply chain. Business-to-business e-commerce is a new way of doing business. It tends to follow a "reverse product cycle," where process efficiency gains come first, followed by quality improvements to existing products and services, and finally the creation of new services and products appear (OECD). The e-commerce marketplace is one where strategy, expectations about others actions, and trust determine demand. For purposes of this paper, the buyers-users in this e-commerce market are retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers who buy and sell products to and from each other. The seller is a ser-
Adjuvant arthritis induced by Corynebacterium rubrum.

SummaryCorynebacterium rubrum–a gram-postive nonpathogenic bacterium–induces severe arthritis a week to 10 days after its injection in rats. Production of arthritis is species-specific and dose-dependent, the optimal dose being 600 gamma per animal. Morphologically, the arthritis–similar to adjuvant arthritis induced by mycobacteria–is characterized by granulation tissue invading synovia, periarticular tissue, tendons, articular cartilage, periosteum, and bone spaces. The discovery of a nonpathogenic and easily cultivated substitute for mycobacteria may help to identify the responsible antigen and the mechanism in adjuvant arthritis.
An imputation technique for missing data in propagation measurements

Obtaining accurate received signal strength distributions is of primary concern for RF propagation measurements. As an important propagation modeling component, these distributions could be used to improve understanding of an unknown propagation environment, to predict power loss, to estimate and to track sensor/receiver locations, etc [1–3].
The microdata analysis system at the U.S. census bureau

The U.S. Census Bureau collects its survey and census data under Title 13 of the U.S. code, which promises to protect the confidentiality of our respondents. The agency has the responsibility to release high quality data products without violating the confidentiality of our respondents. This paper discuses a Microdata Analysis System (MAS) that is currently under development at the Census Bureau. We begin by discussing the reason for developing a MAS, and answer some questions about the MAS. We next give a brief overview of the MAS and the confidentiality rules within the system. The rest of this paper gives an overview of the evaluation of the universe subsampling routine in the MAS known as the Drop Q Rule. We conclude with some remarks on future research.
Association of family income supplements in adolescence with development of psychiatric and substance use disorders in adulthood among an American Indian population

Context In a natural experiment in which some families received income supplements, prevalence of adolescent behavioral symptoms decreased significantly. These adolescents are now young adults. Objective To examine the effects of income supplements in adolescence and adulthood on the prevalence of adult psychiatric disorders. Design Quasi-experimental, longitudinal. Population and Setting A representative sample of children aged 9, 11, or 13 years in 1993 (349 [25%] of whom are American Indian) were assessed for psychiatric and substance use disorders through age 21 years (1993-2006). Of the 1420 who participated in 1993, 1185 were interviewed as adults. From 1996, when a casino opened on the Indian reservation, every American Indian but no non-Indians received an annual income supplement that increased from $500 to around $9000. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of adult psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 3 age cohorts, adjusted for age, sex, length of time in the family home, and number of Indian parents. Results As adults, significantly fewer Indians than non-Indians had a psychiatric disorder (106 Indians [weighted 30.2%] vs 337 non-Indians [weighted 36.0%]; odds ratio [OR], 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-0.72; P = .001), particularly alcohol and cannabis abuse, dependence, or both. The youngest age-cohort of Indian youth had the longest exposure to the family income. Interactions between race/ethnicity and age cohort were significant. Planned comparisons showed that fewer of the youngest Indian age-cohort had any psychiatric disorder (31.4%) than the Indian middle cohort (41.7%; OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.78; P = .005) or oldest cohort (41.3%; OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.51-0.94; P = .01) or the youngest non-Indian cohort (37.1%; OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.90; P = .008). Study hypotheses were not upheld for nicotine or other drugs, or emotional or behavioral disorders. The income supplement received in adulthood had no impact on adult psychopathology. Conclusion Lower prevalence of psychopathology in American Indian youth following a family income supplement, compared with the nonexposed, non-Indian population, persisted into adulthood.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Epilepsia Partialis Continua in a 6-Year-Old Boy With Elevated Anti-GAD65 Antibodies

A 6-year-old boy presented with epilepsia partialis continua 6 months after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibodies were found in his serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Anti-epileptic agents did not improve his seizures. High-dose steroids, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in decreased anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody levels and resolution of his seizures.
Critical Data for Critical Needs

Various types of scientific and technical data are required for the solution of key societal problems such as energy supply, environmental quality, and industrial productivity. Ensuring the quality of these data bases is essential. Modern computer and telecommunications technology offers opportunities for major improvements in the dissemination of data, but data management must be given a higher priority by the scientific community, industry, and government.
Rotational atherectomy for left anterior descending artery septal perforator stenosis.

Stenosis in large septal perforators can result in significant clinical ischemia. The distribution of the septal arteries is as large as many more commonly treated branch vessels. The interventricular septal blood supply has been ignored as a target for revascularization due to its inaccessibility for surgical revascularization, and the elastic recoil associated with balloon angioplasty in this location. Rotational atherectomy is a new therapeutic option for revascularization in this previously difficult location. The septal perforator ostium is the most common site of lesions and is functionally a branch ostial stenosis. We describe four cases in which rotational atherectomy was performed in patients with reversible ischemia due to septal artery stenosis. The acute angiographic results were stable, without evidence for immediate recoil. By debulking, facilitated angioplasty can yield stable acute results in this location. The small size of most septal branches and their angulated origin make rotational atherectomy challenging, and cases must be selected carefully. This previously ignored lesion location can be considered for revascularization in patients with suitable lesion and vessel morphology. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 46:79–82, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A study of the long-term precision of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry bone densitometers and implications for the validity of the least-significant-change calculation.

Short-term precision is often quoted and used as the most important performance parameter of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner; however, long-term precision has a more profound impact on patient monitoring. Long-term precision refers to the combination of in-vivo precision errors and long-term equipment stability. To monitor long-term equipment stability, a phantom was designed with four inserts ranging in bone-mineral density from 0.5 to 3.3 g/cm2. This phantom was used to monitor the equipment stability of four modern fan-beam densitometers, two each from Hologic and GE/Lunar, over a 4-year period. Manufacturer-recommended quality assurance (QA) procedures were performed, and the scanners stayed within manufacturer-specified tolerances throughout the study. During the 4-year period, the Hologic scanners were observed to cause clinically insignificant BMD shifts (maximum of 0.34%), whereas the GE/Lunar scanners revealed BMD shifts that were clinically significant (1.5% and 2.1%). As a result, using least-significant-change (LSC) calculations based only on short-term in-vivo precision studies for monitoring patients is not valid for the two GE/Lunar densitometers due to the poorer long-term stability they exhibited.
Kinetics of liquid phase xylene isomerization over H‐mordenite

A study of the kinetics for the liquid phase isomerization of ortho-xylene over H-mordenite has been made at 505°K, 2.76 × 105 N/m2, and 23 mole % toluene diluent. This is the first known study reporting kinetic data for the liquid phase isomerization of xylene over a zeolite catalyst. High activity is indicated by the 80% achievement of para-xylene equilibrium at 505°K, 2.76 × 105 N/m2, and 0.767 × 10−3 kg/s/kg. Although high selectivity has previously been reported for a specifically prepared zeolite catalyst, the 99+% selectivity of the isomerization reaction with H-mordenite as indicated by no C9+ aromatics and less than 0.5 mole % benzene in the product is most significant. Catalyst deactivation was also significant. Reaction rate constants are reported for a first-order reversible triangular model among the xylene isomers with catalyst deactivation incorporated into the model.
ObsDB: A System for Uniformly Storing and Querying Heterogeneous Observational Data

Earth and environmental scientists collect and use a wide range of observational data. This data often exhibits high structural and semantic heterogeneity due to the variety of data collected and the ways in which observational datasets are structured in practice. However, to address questions at broad temporal, geographic, and biological scales, researchers often need to access and combine data from many observational datasets. This paper presents a system called ObsDB that helps to address these challenges by providing an integrated environment for storing, querying, and analyzing heterogeneous data based on a semantic observational model. The model allows for ontology-based descriptions of observational datasets and provides a common representation for storing observational data. The obsdb system is built on top of standard relational database technology and provides a declarative query language for accessing observations. Integrated support is also provided for exploratory data analysis, allowing users to call analytical scripts created using the R system over stored observational data.
AT-AC pre-mRNA splicing mechanisms and conservation of minor introns in voltage-gated ion channel genes.

Shortly after the discovery of split genes in 1977, a conserved sequence feature at both ends of cellular and viral introns was recognized, i.e., the presence of GT at the 5′ splice site and AG at the 3′ splice site, giving rise to the so-called GT-AG rule (8). This rule holds in most cases, but exceptions have been found. For example, GC is occasionally found at the 5′ end of certain introns (Table ​(Table1)1) (38). GC-AG introns are processed by the same splicing pathway as conventional GT-AG introns (3). It had long been assumed that removal of all introns from eukaryotic pre-mRNAs took place by the same splicing pathway, until recent developments demonstrated the existence of a second pre-mRNA splicing pathway. TABLE 1 Compilation of GC-AG intronsa Intron 6 of the gene encoding human P120, a proliferating cell nucleolar antigen, and intron 7 of the gene encoding human CMP, a cartilage matrix protein (matrilin 1), were the first reported examples of introns with AT and AC at the intron ends, instead of GT and AG (38). Intron 6 of the gene encoding Rep-3, a DNA repair protein, and intron 2 of the gene encoding Prospero, a Drosophila melanogaster homeodomain transcription factor, also have AT-AC ends (28). In addition to their distinctive dinucleotide ends, these and other AT-AC introns have highly conserved 5′-splice-site and presumptive branch site 8-nucleotide sequence elements that are not present in the major class of introns, ATATCCTY and TCCTTRAY, respectively. On the basis of these sequence features, it was proposed that the minor U11 and U12 snRNAs, which have regions of complementarity to these elements, are required for splicing of AT-AC introns (28). Important aspects of this prediction were soon verified experimentally (29, 100), and two additional minor snRNAs involved in the novel pre-mRNA splicing pathway were discovered (101). The AT-AC splicing pathway was originally named after the distinctive sequences of the intron ends (100). It was later found that a few introns with AT-AC ends are processed by the major pathway (120) and, conversely, that some introns with GT-AG ends are spliced by the minor pathway (18). Therefore, the name AT-AC no longer reflects the dinucleotide intron ends per se, but rather it refers to the minor pathway itself. An alternative designation for the two pathways—U2 dependent and U12 dependent—reflects their observed or expected requirements for one of the four snRNAs specific to each pathway (86).
Computationally efficient estimation of frequency response and driving point impedances in wide-band analog amplifiers

An alternative to traditional dominant and lumped-pole mathematical models of a linear analog circuit is proposed for estimation and sensitivity analysis of bandwidth, phase angle, and driving point impedances in wide-band signal processors. The proposed mathematical model, which accounts for transmission zeros and dominant complex pole pairs, is accurate to errors that are usually less than 15%, regardless of the relative densities of poles and zeros in the complex frequency plane. Although practical implementation of the model requires a personal computer or workstation, the results are computationally efficient since estimates of I/O frequency and phase responses, as well as the frequency response of driving point impedance at any circuit port, derive from only one solution of the circuit equilibrium equations. These results are design-oriented in that the realistic effects on high-frequency performance of potentially large uncertainties in any circuit or model parameter are accurately revealed. >
Effects of technique modification on immediate results of high speed rotational atherectomy in 710 procedures on 656 patients

Seven hundred ten high speed rotational atherectomy (HSRA) procedures were performed in a single consecutive series of 656 patients. Stand alone HSRA was performed in 253 patients (35%). HSRA with adjunctive low pressure (⩽2 ATM) balloon angioplasty (LP BA) was performed in 221 patients (31%), and HSRA with adjunctive high pressure (⩾4 ATM) balloon angioplasty (HP BA) was performed in 236 patients (34%). Prognostically unfavorable Type B2 and C lesions dominated the study group (74.7%). Procedural success rate was 96%. Emergency coronary artery bypass surgery was performed in 1.4% of cases, Q wave myocardial infarction occurred in 3.4% and death, related to procedure, was consequent in 0.5% of cases. Incidence of flow limiting dissections was 3.1%, distal spasm was 5.3%, and “no reflow” phenomenon was 1.8%. The recent technique modifications included continuous advancer/guiding catheter infusion of the nitroglycerin-verapamil mixture, limitation of duration of lesion engagement by the burr, stepwise increase in the burr size, decrease of rotational speed, and strict control of rpm drop during lesion ablation. Evolution of the interventional technique involved trends towards decrease of the use of HP BA in conjunction with steady increase in the percentage of SA and LP BA procedures over time. These technique changes resulted in complete absence of “no reflow” in 1994, as well as a generalized decrease in overall coronary vascular reactivity from all burr passes. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal Wnt Signaling: Memory Regulation and Hormone Interactions

Wnt signaling has emerged in recent years as a major player in both nervous system development and adult synaptic plasticity. Of particular relevance to researchers studying learning and memory, Wnt signaling is critical for normal functioning of the hippocampus, a brain region that is essential for many types of memory formation and whose dysfunction is implicated in numerous neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions. Impaired hippocampal Wnt signaling is implicated in several of these conditions, however, little is known about how Wnt signaling mediates hippocampal memory formation. This review will provide a general overview of Wnt signaling and discuss evidence demonstrating a key role for Wnt signaling in hippocampal memory formation in both normal and disease states. The regulation of Wnt signaling by ovarian sex steroid hormones will also be highlighted, given that the neuroprotection afforded by Wnt-hormone interactions may have significant implications for cognitive function in aging, neurodegenerative disease, and ischemic injury.
Transport of Drosophila fragile X mental retardation protein-containing ribonucleoprotein granules by kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein

Transport and translation of mRNA are tightly coupled to ensure strict temporal and spatial expression of nascent proteins. Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) has been shown to be involved in translational regulation and is found in ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules that travel along dendrites of neurons. In this study, GFP-tagged Drosophila homologue of FMRP (dFMR) was used to visualize RNP granule movement in Drosophila S2 cells. GFP-dFMR form granules that contain both endogenous dFMR and mRNA. Live fluorescence microscopy revealed that dFMR-containing RNP granules move bidirectionally in thin processes formed by S2 cells in the presence of cytochalasin D. Knocking down the heavy chains of either kinesin-1 (kinesin heavy chain) or cytoplasmic dynein (dynein heavy chain) by RNA interference blocks the movement of the dFMR granules. In contrast, knockdown of kinesin light chain (KLC), which is typically necessary for movement of membrane organelles by kinesin-1, had no effect on the dFMR granule translocation. In immunoprecipitation assays, dFMR associates with both kinesin heavy chain and dynein heavy chain, but not KLC. Based on these findings, we conclude that dFMR-containing RNP granules are moved by both kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein and that KLC is not essential and is likely missing from RNP-transporting kinesin-1.
The Wal-Mart Annual Meeting: From Small-Town America to a Global Corporate Culture

Wal-Mart is this nation's largest and most profitable retailer. A longitudinal analysis of the form and content of the Wal-Mart annual meeting demonstrates how Wal-Mart has succeeded in recreating our social order by restoring the values of a mythic bygone America while simultaneously allowing its followers to participate in a scientific, classless, and rational community.
3D Finite Element Modeling of Nonrigid Breast Deformation for Feature Registration in -ray and MR Images

Registering features in multiple mammographic views is an important technique to improve breast cancer detection rate. However, nonrigid breast deformation during X-ray imaging poses a severe challenge to the conventional 2D registration methods. We present a method that utilizes a 3D model to facilitate two-view registration by predicting breast deformation. At first, a finite element model of a breast is constructed using its MRIs. The model is capable of simulating both compression and decompression. Feature registration is then accomplished through a series of projections and compression-decompression operations. Experiments using real patient data demonstrate that a mammographic feature can be successfully registered from one view to another
Dynamics Compensation and Rapid Resonance Identification in Ultrasonic-Vibration-Assisted Microforming System Using Magnetostrictive Actuator

In this paper, a mechatronic system is developed to compensate for the hardware dynamics effect, and to achieve rapid resonance identification for an ultrasonic-vibration-assisted microforming system. Microforming has recently attracted great interests due to the need for miniaturized manufacturing systems in emerging applications. It has been demonstrated that significant benefits, such as the reduction of input energy and the prolongation of tool life, can be gained by introducing ultrasonic vibration into the microforming process, particularly when the vibration is maintained at the resonant frequency of the vibrating workpiece. However, the fundamental mechanism of ultrasonic vibration effect on the microforming process has not yet been understood; the electrical actuators currently used to generate the ultrasonic vibration are bulky and not suitable for miniaturization of the microforming system, and control of the ultrasonic vibration is primitive and far from being optimal. To tackle these challenges, a microforming platform based on a magnetostrictive actuator has been developed. The main contributions of this paper are two-fold: first, the use of a novel iterative learning control technique along with a vibration oscillation regulation circuit to compensate for the effect of the magnetostrictive actuator dynamics on the ultrasonic vibration generation, and thereby, maintain the same vibration amplitude across a large excitation frequency range; and secondly, the use of the Fibonacci search algorithm to achieve rapid online identification of the resonant frequency. Experimental results obtained on the developed magnetostrictive-actuator-based microforming system are presented and discussed to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Morris Halle: An Appreciation

Morris Halle has been one of the most influential figures in modern linguistics. This is partly due to his scientific contributions in many areas: insights into the sound patterns of English and Russian, ideas about the nature of metered verse, ways of thinking about phonological features and rules, and models for argumentation about phonological description and phonological theory. But he has had an equally profound influence through his role as a teacher and mentor, and this personal influence has not been limited to students who follow closely in his intellectual and methodological footsteps. It has been just as strong—or stronger—among researchers who disagree with his specific ideas and even his general approach, or who work in entirely different subfields. This appreciation is a synthesis of reflections from colleagues and former students whom he has formed, informed, and inspired.
memif: Towards Programming Heterogeneous Memory Asynchronously

To harness a heterogeneous memory hierarchy, it is advantageous to integrate application knowledge in guiding frequent memory move, i.e., replicating or migrating virtual memory regions. To this end, we present memif, a protected OS service for asynchronous, hardware-accelerated memory move. Compared to the state of the art -- page migration in Linux, memif incurs low overhead and low latency; in order to do so, it not only redefines the semantics of kernel interface but also overhauls the underlying mechanisms, including request/completion management, race handling, and DMA engine configuration. We implement memif in Linux for a server-class system-on-chip that features heterogeneous memories. Compared to the current Linux page migration, memif reduces CPU usage by up to 15% for small pages and by up to 38x for large pages; in continuously serving requests, memif has no need for request batching and reduces latency by up to 63%. By crafting a small runtime atop memif, we improve the throughputs for a set of streaming workloads by up to 33%. Overall, memif has opened the door to software management of heterogeneous memory.
Effects of Glucose on Cell Viability and Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Phytochemicals and Phytochemically Modified Membranes

By virtue of antioxidant and anti-inflammable properties, plant-derived phytochemicals such as mangiferin and genistein have attracted considerable attention for functionalization of polymeric hemodialysis (HD) membranes via solution blending. In-vitro dihydrorhodamine (DHR) assay of the genistein-modified membranes revealed drastic reduction in the level of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, mangiferin-modified HD membrane manifested the pro-oxidant activity. We suspected that such difference in ROS generation may be attributed to the glucose unit on the xanthone backbone of mangiferin. This hypothesis was confirmed by comparing the ROS levels of genistein versus genistin, and mangiferin versus xanthone and 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone. Phytochemicals without the glucose unit show better antioxidant property related to the glycosides. Anti-inflammatory property was further conducted by measuring the level of TNF-α in blood after contacting with the same selected phytochemicals. Of particular...
Empirical redefinition of comprehensive health and well-being in the older adults of the United States

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a "state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Despite general acceptance of this comprehensive definition, there has been little rigorous scientific attempt to use it to measure and assess population health. Instead, the dominant model of health is a disease-centered Medical Model (MM), which actively ignores many relevant domains. In contrast to the MM, we approach this issue through a Comprehensive Model (CM) of health consistent with the WHO definition, giving statistically equal consideration to multiple health domains, including medical, physical, psychological, functional, and sensory measures. We apply a data-driven latent class analysis (LCA) to model 54 specific health variables from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative sample of US community-dwelling older adults. We first apply the LCA to the MM, identifying five health classes differentiated primarily by having diabetes and hypertension. The CM identifies a broader range of six health classes, including two "emergent" classes completely obscured by the MM. We find that specific medical diagnoses (cancer and hypertension) and health behaviors (smoking) are far less important than mental health (loneliness), sensory function (hearing), mobility, and bone fractures in defining vulnerable health classes. Although the MM places two-thirds of the US population into "robust health" classes, the CM reveals that one-half belong to less healthy classes, independently associated with higher mortality. This reconceptualization has important implications for medical care delivery, preventive health practices, and resource allocation.
DATA2000: CDC WONDER information system linking Healthy People 2000 objectives to data sets.

To monitor progress on the Healthy People (HP) 2000 objectives, planners and researchers will need information on relevant data sources. DATA2000 is a project designed to identify these data and link them with objectives and to develop a computerized information system providing access to this information. Sources of information on objectives and data included Healthy People 2000, catalogs and data bases of data sets, and the HP 2000 Steering Committee. We created an “assessment” of the utility of the data set for the particular objective. A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) WONDER-based information system was developed (using methods previously described). We identified 204 data sets and created 408 assessments. All but one of the objectives were paired with corresponding data. Over half the data come from CDC. The CDC WONDER-based information system crosslinks the objectives, data sets, and assessments and provides 5—10 pages of information about each. Understanding the contribution of prevention will be critical in planning reforms of the health care system. DATA2000 can be an important resource in this process. [Am J Prev Med 1994;10:230–4]
Restoration of tubuloglomerular feedback in volume-expanded rats by angiotensin II

Experiments were performed in anesthetized rats to examine whether angiotensin II corrects the attenuation of tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) responses produced by acute extracellular volume expans...
Optimized Point Robot Path Planning in Cluttered Environment Using GA

In this paper, an optimized path planning for mobile robot by using genetic algorithm is analyzed. A hybrid method based on the visible midpoint and genetic algorithm is implemented for finding optimal shortest path for a mobile robot. The combination of both the algorithms provides a better solution in case of shortest and safest path. Here the visible approach is efficient for avoiding local minima and generates the paths which are always lying on free trajectories. Genetic algorithm optimizes the path and provides the shortest route from source to destination.
Interatrial dissociation in an unoperated patient confirmed by echocardiography.

An 89-year-old man with a 12-year history of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter was referred for pacemaker implantation and atrioventricular node ablation 19 months after discontinuing amiodarone due to side effects. He had no prior cardiac surgery or catheter ablation. …
Quantifying dorsal closure in three dimensions

Dorsal closure is an essential stage of Drosophila embryogenesis and is a powerful model system for morphogenesis, wound healing, and tissue biomechanics. During closure, two flanks of lateral epidermis close an eye-shaped dorsal opening that is filled with amnioserosa. The two flanks of lateral epidermis are zipped together at each canthus ("corner" of the eye). Actomyosin-rich purse strings are localized at each of the two leading edges of lateral epidermis ("lids" of the eye). Here we report that each purse string indents the dorsal surface at each leading edge. The amnioserosa tissue bulges outward during the early-to-mid stages of closure to form a remarkably smooth, asymmetric dome indicative of an isotropic and uniform surface tension. Internal pressure of the embryo and tissue elastic properties help to shape the dorsal surface.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndromes and All-Cause Mortality in Randomized Controlled Trials of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy with or without Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract 3100 Poster Board III-37 Background The risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (AML/MDS) is increased following prior exposure to cytotoxic cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A few retrospective studies have suggested a potential risk for AML/MDS in cancer patients also receiving granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy ± initial G-CSF support was conducted to evaluate the risk of AML/MDS and impact on all-cause mortality. Methods Electronic databases including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and meeting proceedings were searched. Eligible studies included RCTs of solid tumor or lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy ± initial G-CSF and ≥2 years follow-up reporting AML/MDS or second malignancies. Dual blinded data extraction was performed. After evaluating for heterogeneity, relative risk (RR) and absolute risk (AR) difference [95% confidence limits] were estimated by the method of Mantel and Haenszel. Results In the 25 eligible RCTs, 6,058 patients were randomized to receive chemotherapy with and 6,746 without G-CSF support. Mean and median follow-up in all studies were 60 and 53 months, respectively. Among 23 RCTs reporting AML/MDS, 22 cases (0.36%) were reported in control- and 43 (0.79%) in G-CSF-treated patients. The RR and AR increase for AML/MDS in G-CSF-supported patients was 1.92 [1.19, 3.07; P=.007] and 0.41% [0.10%, 0.72%; P=.009], respectively. A trend suggesting publication bias was observed for AML/MDS consistent with an underreporting of small negative studies based on funnel plot asymmetry [Egger9s regression intercept, P=.039]. No significant difference in reported AML/MDS was found based on source of study funding with RR for AML/MDS for industry and non-industry funded studies of 2.57 and 1.71, respectively. Trends toward greater risk of AML/MDS with higher cumulative chemotherapy dose were observed but none reached statistical significance. Mortality was reported in all 25 trials occurring in 1,845 patients randomized to receive G-CSF and in 2,099 controls. The RR and AR decrease for mortality in G-CSF-supported patients were 0.897 [0.857, 0.938; P Conclusions Risk of AML/MDS is increased while all-cause mortality is decreased in patients receiving G-CSF-supported chemotherapy. Greater reductions in risk for all cause mortality were observed in larger studies and with greater planned and delivered chemotherapy dose intensity. Disclosures Lyman: Amgen: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Crawford: Amgen: Consultancy. Kuderer: Amgen: Husband receives research support. Dale: Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speaker.
Electronic Detection of Single Cancer Cells with Graphene Field Effect Transistors

Here, we present electronic-type biosensors for ultra-sensitive detection of pancreatic cancer cells, based on graphene field effect transistors. The devices was decorated with bi-functional pyrene-iRGD peptides in which the pyrene moiety binds to the graphene though pi-pi interaction and the iRGD peptides binds to neuropilin receptors in the pancreatic cancer cells. Real-time electronic detection enabled detecting few cancer cells in the presence of the human serum, which is a critical for the early detection of cancer diagnosis and treatments. We acknowledge the support of ND EPSCoR New Faculty Award and ND NASA EPSCoR RID Grant.
Performance Bounds on the Security of Transform-Based Analog Encryption

We consider the problem of analog encryption without bandwidth expansion. The encryption method is based on a transform domain mapping and encrypting via a secret key, which effectively scrambles the transform coefficients. The intended receiver may decrypt the data using knowledge of the key. For finite-alphabet signals, such as communication signals, an adversary may be able to infer the key and decrypt the data. We derive bounds on the probability of correct key recovery and the mean waiting time for correct recovery, by making a connection with the coupon collector problem. Using a concentration inequality approach, we further derive finite sample bounds on the upper tail of the waiting time distribution for correct key recovery. These bounds allow us to predict how many frames the adversary needs to see in order to recover the key. The encryption methodology is finally applied to digital communication signals.