cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The allometry of behavioral development: fitting sigmoid curves to ontogenetic data for use in interspecific allometric analyses

Abstract The behavior of young primates unfolds in a complex, non-linear fashion that has been difficult to quantify in a manner that allows precise interspecific comparison. As a consequence, allometric analyses have not been easily applied to patterns of behavioral ontogeny. Researchers studying the allometry of growth rates have approached the problem of comparing non-linear changes during development by fitting empirical data to sigmoid curves; coefficients obtained from these curves provide a precise basis for interspecific comparisons. We have explored similar methods that may be applied to behavioral data expressed as rates. Data on age-specific rates of suckling and physical independence were obtained from the literature for a range of primate species. These data are fitted to Gompertz models; the curves fitting each species' ontogenetic pattern can be precisely compared interspecifically while controlling for body size or other variables by use of standard allometric analyses. The resulting statistically significant allometric relationships yield allometric exponents for behavioral rate coefficients of −0·37 to −0·51, and for inflection points of 0·34–0·50, relative to adult body size and brain size. For the sample analysed here, 57–88% of the variation among species in the decrease of suckling and increase in physical independence is associated with variation in body and brain size, such that larger species have slower rates of behavioral change than small species. There are no statistically significant differences between prosimians and anthropoids in the ontogenetic variables examined in this study. Terrestrial primates attain physical independence earlier than arboreal primates when controlling for body size, reflecting an earlier age of locomotor independence in terrestrial primates. This method holds promise for: (1) more detailed interspecific studies of possible associations between behavioral ontogenetic patterns and diet, locomotion, social organization, morphological development and other key variables: (2) exploration of possible heterochronic effects in behavioral evolution; and (3) intraspecific study of the ontogenetic consequences of living under different conditions or in different habitats.
On the resting potential of isolated frog sympathetic neurons

One of the oldest questions of electrophysiology, the origin of the resting potential, has yet to be answered satisfactorily for most cells. Isolated frog sympathetic neurons, studied with whole-cell recording, generally have resting potentials of approximately -75 mV with an input resistance of approximately 300 M omega. These properties are not expected from the M-type K+ current (IM) or from other ionic currents previously described in these cells. In the -60 to -110 M mV voltage region, at least three currents are present: an inwardly rectifying current (IQ), a resting current with little voltage sensitivity carried at least in part by K+, and a (Na+,K+)ATPase pump current. The resting K+ current, not IM or IQ is the primary ionic current near the resting potential under these conditions. The electrogenic pump contributes an additional approximately 10 mV of hyperpolarization.
Early mechanical function in the heterotopic heart transplant

The characteristics of left ventricular (LV) function in the nonimmunosuppressed heterotopic heart transplant (TX) with less than 3 hr of cold preservation, were studied in 12 awake chronically instrumented dogs prior to TX (control), 1-12 hr post TX (P1), 12-24 hr post TX (P2), and 24-48 hr post TX (P3). Micromanometers measured LV transmural pressure and ultrasonic transducers measured ventricular dimension in order to allow calculations of myocardial mechanical properties. Immediately after transplant (P1) there was significant (P less than 0.05) depression noted in both diastolic function and systolic function (peak LV pressure, 137 +/- 5 vs 80 +/- 10 mm Hg; dp/dtmax, 2642 +/- 170 vs 1038 +/- 98 mm Hg/sec; maximum velocity of minor axis shortening, 4.46 +/- 0.50 vs 2.41 +/- 0.56; and Emax, 6.5 +/- 1.2 vs 2.0 +/- 1.4 mm Hg/ml). However, the contractility reserve (studied in six dogs) as estimated by postextrasystolic potentiation ratio was maintained (1.41 +/- 0.07 vs 1.37 +/- 0.15), suggesting reversibility of the depressed function. Over the next 2 days the diastolic function and the systolic function (at P3: 109 +/- 6 mm Hg, 1842 +/- 450 mm Hg/sec, 5.54 +/- 0.77 cm/sec, and 4.5 +/- 1.3 mm Hg/ml, respectively) gradually improved toward control. Microscopic examination of the autopsied hearts did not show significant evidence of rejection. Thus, the early depression of function in the heart TX appeared to be the result of ischemia from preservation and surgical trauma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Specific Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Radiometric Cultures by Using an Immunoassay for Antigen 5

The time required for cultural identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been greatly decreased by the introduction of radiometric techniques capable of recognizing early mycobacterial growth by detecting production of [14C]CO2 [1, 2]. Useful as this method has proven to be, it fails to discriminate among various organisms growing from cultures of clinical specimens. Selective media favor the growth of mycobacteria, but other organisms often grow in these cultures, and species of mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis grow well in the selective media. Additionally, the requirement for the use of isotopes and expensive laboratory equipment makes radiometric methods unsuitable for use in developing countries, where the prevalence of tuberculosis is often very high. We established an inhibition immunoassay using ELISA techniques to detect M. tuberculosis antigen 5. This antigen has previously been found to be restricted to M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis [3]. In this report we present data indicating that this immunoassay can be used for the early, specific recognition of M. tuberculosis in radiametric cultures.
0045 Characterising adoption of precautionary risk management guidance for nanomaterials, an emerging occupational hazard

Objectives Exposure to engineered nanomaterials, ENM, (substances with at least one dimension of 1–100 nm) has been of increased interest, with the recent growth in production and use of nanomaterials worldwide. Various organisations have recommended methods to minimise exposure to ENM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which U. S. companies follow the guidelines for reducing occupational exposures to ENM, including those issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Method We collected and reviewed survey data, field reports, and field notes for all NIOSH nanomaterial exposure assessments conducted between 2006 and 2011 to: (1) determine the level of adoption of precautionary guidance on engineering and administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE), and (2) evaluate the reliability of companies’ self-reported use of engineering and administrative controls and PPE. Results Use of PPE was reported by 89% of 46 surveyed or visited companies, and 83% reported using engineering controls for at least some processes to protect workers from airborne exposures to nanoscale materials. In on-site evaluations, we observed that more than 90% of the 16 engineered carbonaceous nanomaterial companies that responded to an industrywide survey were using engineering and administrative controls and PPE as reported or more stringently than reported. Conclusions Since PPE use was slightly more prevalent than engineering and administrative controls, better communication may be necessary to reinforce the importance of the hierarchy of controls. These findings may also be useful in conducting exposure assessment and epidemiologic research among U. S. workers handling nanomaterials.
Is it Prime Time for “Rapid Comprehensive Cardiopulmonary Imaging” in the Emergency Department?

Reducing hospital admissions through improved risk stratification of patients with potential acute coronary syndrome represents a critical focus for reducing health care expenditure. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has been used with increasing frequency as part of the evaluation of chest pain in the Emergency Department. In the appropriate group of patients at low to intermediate risk CTA appears to be an excellent evaluation strategy, safely and efficiently allowing for the rapid discharge of patients home.
Secondary Interventions After Elective Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) for Degenerative Aneurysms: Incidence and Outcomes

30-day mortality was 5.4% (2 of 37); one from respiratory failure 20 days postoperatively, and the second, a 93-year-old woman, after withdrawal of care at 24 hours. No patients required fasciotomy, and five wound hematomas required reoperation. Focal femoropopliteal vein thrombosis occurred in five limbs. Over a mean follow-up of 2.5 years (range, 0.03-13.3) 11 patients died of unrelated causes at a mean of 3.7 years (range, 0.2-10.6 years). Graft reintervention was required in seven patients during follow-up for graft thromboses (n 2) stenoses (n 2), and anastomotic false aneurysms (n 3). Apart from the latter, there was no other suggestion of graft reinfection in any patient. Major limb loss occurred in one patient at 6 months despite a patent graft. Long-term FPV harvest morbidity included mild leg swelling in 10 patients. Conclusions: Replacement of infected synthetic grafts/femoral arteries in the groin with FPV is safe and results in excellent limb preservation and freedom from reinfection. FPV should be considered the preferred conduit in good-risk patients with infection limited to the groin.
Phase imaging using polycapillary optics

Contrast in conventional imaging of soft tissues is often limited due to the very similar attenuation of tissues to be distinguished. Phase contrast techniques can enable discrimination of tissues with similar attenuation. A major limitation to the widespread adoption of phase-contrast techniques is that for tabletop sources the required degree of coherence generally requires a small (10 to 50 μm) source. In this work, a polycapillary optic was employed to create a small virtual source from a large spot rotating anode. Phase contrast images obtained with two optics and several pinholes have been analyzed and preliminary results obtained for quantitative phase measurements.
Inhibition of endogenous reverse transcription of human and nonhuman primate lentiviruses: Potential for development of lentivirucides

In the current study, we extended our previous works on natural endogenous reverse transcription (NERT) and further examined its potential as a virucide molecular target in sexual transmission of primate lentiviruses. HIV-1 and SIV virions were pretreated with select nucleoside (NRTIs) and nonnucleoside RT inhibitors (NNRTIs), either alone or in combination with NERT-stimulating substances. The effects of these antiretrovirals on virion inactivation were analyzed in human T cell lines and primary cell cultures. Pretreatment of HIV-1 virions with physiologic NERT-stimulants and 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine 5′-triphosphate (AZT-TP) or nevirapine potently inactivated cell-free HIV-1 virions and resulted in strong inhibition of the viral infectivity. Pretreatment of chimeric SHIV-RT virions with NERT-stimulating cocktail and select antiretrovirals also resulted in virion inactivation and inhibition of viral infectivity in T cell lines. Our findings demonstrate the potential clinical utility of approaches based on inhibiting NERT in sexual transmission of HIV-1, through the development of effective anti-HIV-1 microbicides, such as NRTIs and NNRTIs.
Effect of Loading History on Stress Corrosion Cracking of 7075-T651 Aluminum Alloy in Saline Aqueous Environment

An experimental study of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) was conducted on 7075-T651 aluminum alloy in a chromate-inhibited, acidic 3.5 pct sodium chloride aqueous solution using compact tension specimens with a thickness of 3.8 mm under permanent immersion conditions. The effects of loading magnitude, overload, underload, and two-step high-low sequence loading on incubation time and crack growth behavior were investigated. The results show that the SCC process consists of three stages: incubation, transient crack growth, and stable crack growth. The incubation time is highly dependent on the load level. Tensile overload or compressive underload applied prior to SCC significantly altered the initiation time of corrosion cracking. Transition from a high to a low loading magnitude resulted in a second incubation but much shorter or disappearing transient stage. The stable crack growth rate is independent of stress intensity factor in the range of 10 to 22 MPa\( \sqrt {\text{m}} . \)
Patterns and correlates of missed nursing care in inpatient oncology units

Background: Missed nursing care influences the quality of hospital care, yet this problem has not been explored in the oncology setting, nor are the correlates of missed nursing care in inpatient oncology settings understood. Objective: We examined the frequency of missed care in oncology units, differences in missed care between oncology and nononcology units, and the relationship between unit staffing and missed care. Methods: We performed secondary analysis of survey data collected in 2008 to 2009 across 9 hospitals. The MISSCARE Survey was administered to nurses and medical assistants employed in 62 units (n = 2318). Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used to examine the frequency of missed care, differences between oncology (n = 12) and nononcology units (n=50), and the relationship between unit staffing and missed care. Results: Oncology nursing unit personnel reported ambulation, care conference attendance, and mouth care as most frequently missed. Oncology units had significantly lower missed care than did nononcology units (P G .05). Higher patient assignments were associated with an increase in reported missed care (P G .05). Conclusions: Missed care is a problem shared by inpatient oncology and nononcology units. Missed ambulation and mouth care are worrisome, given their importance to oncology patients. Suboptimal staffing increases missed care. Implications for Practice: These data motivate quality improvement and evidence-based management. Clinicians can strategize to ensure patients receive adequate ambulation and mouth care. Managers can use our findings to support the importance of stable nurse staffing to reduce untoward patient outcomes.
From Child Welfare to Juvenile Justice Race, Gender, and System Experiences

At least one third of youth involved with juvenile justice experienced child maltreatment. Child welfare samples thus provide a means to examine how child welfare services moderate the relationship between maltreatment and delinquency, producing information essential for tailoring services to disrupt this link. This article contributes to understandings of which youth are likely to become involved with juvenile justice by examining its relationships with child welfare experiences and mental health and substance abuse service receipt, with particular attention to racial and gender differences. In multivariate analyses of a birth cohort of child welfare-involved youth, mental health services are associated with juvenile justice, and substance abuse services are predictive for White boys and out-of-home placement for girls. For youth experiencing out-of-home placement, mental health services are associated with increased likelihood of juvenile justice and substance abuse services with decreased likelihood, while congregate care predicts juvenile justice for girls and White youth. Language: en
Pichindé virus is trafficked through a dynamin 2 endocytic pathway that is dependent on cellular Rab5- and Rab7-mediated endosomes.

Pichinde virus (PICV) is a New World arenavirus that has been shown to enter cells through a clathrin-dependent endocytic pathway. In this study, we determined that PICV is trafficked through the cellular dynamin 2 (dyn2) endocytic pathway. Additionally, the data suggest that PICV entry is pH-dependent and that the virus travels through Rab5-mediated early and Rab7-mediated late endosomes. In all, this study characterizes the endocytic pathway utilized by the arenavirus PICV.
Cyclic AMP and adenyl cyclase in the developing rat brain.

The level of endogenous cyclic AMP in the rat brain in vivo began to increase markedly between the third and sixth days after birth, as did the ability of norepinephrine to stimulate the formation of cyclic AMP in brain tissue in vitro. Adenyl cyclase activity in broken cell preparations, when measure in the absence of sodium fluoride, increased with age up to a point, but began to decline between the fifth and ninth days postpartum. Activity continued to increase when measured in the presence of fluoride, suggesting that the apparent stimulatory effect of this ion may in fact be the reversal of an inhibitory influence which is absent or almost absent at birth. Cyclase activity at all ages was restricted to particulate matter, whereas apparent phosphodiesterase activity was present in particulate as well as soluble fractions. The catabolic system for cyclic AMP developed in a similar manner in both fractions. Theophylline produced the same degree of inhibition of this system at all ages.
Direct phasing in protein electron crystallography--phase extension and the prospects for ab initio determinations.

Zonal diffraction amplitudes and crystallographic phases, derived from an averaged electron micrograph of two-dimensionally crystalline E. coli Omp F outer membrane porin (plane group p31m, a = 72 A), embedded in glucose, were used as a model data set to test the feasibility of direct phase extension and ab initio direct phase determination. If 17 phase terms derived from e.g. a 10 A (diffraction) resolution image are expanded to 6 A by the Sayre–Hughes equation, the unknown phases are found with reasonable accuracy (mean error 43° for 25 reflections). This, however, is not the most optimal starting point. As a function of initial image resolution, the accuracy of the phase extension to 6 A is approximately a parabolic function. That is, an optimal basis resolution, found at 11 A (i. e. 14 defined reflections), produces a least mean error of 18° for 28 new reflections. In addition, ab initio phase determination is possible via a multisolution technique, using a test for density flatness as a figure of merit. The success of the determination, again, is sensitive to the size of the starting basis set generated from the permuted unknown reflections. If an annealing step is used to improve the basis set, the test for flatness will identify which reflections should be changed in phase. However, this figure of merit is not absolutely reliable for finding the exact value of the unknown phases.
Controlling the Shear-Induced Structural Transition of Rodlike Micelles Using Nonionic Polymer

We demonstrate that nonionic polymer can be used to control the shear-induced transition observed in the cationic rodlike micellar system of cetyltrimethylammonium p-toluene sulfonate (CTAT). Hydro...
Thank you, Royal Society

More than a decade after it was first published, Chris Toumey revisits a report from the Royal Society on the opportunities and uncertainties of nanotechnology, and finds that it still has plenty to offer.
The Opposition Effect of the Moon: Coherent BackscatterandShadow Hiding

Abstract The electromagnetic scattering properties of Solar System regoliths are commonly interpreted using the lunar regolith as a prototype. Hence, a thorough understanding of the reflectance of lunar soil is essential to remote sensing planetary studies. We have measured the linearly and circularly polarized reflectances of samples of lunar soil in order to better understand the nature of the lunar opposition effect. Several independent observations show that the zero-phase peak is caused by both shadow hiding and coherent backscatter in roughly equal amounts. Any radiative transfer model for planetary regoliths must take this dual nature into account. The transport mean free path for photons in the lunar regolith is about 1 μm, which is much smaller than the mean particle size.
A preliminary report on the correlation of vestibular Meniére's disease with electrocochleography and glycerol test.

Objective evaluation of vestibular Meniere's disease has been difficult due to the lack of audiometric findings. Thus inevitably, the existence of vestibular Meniere's disease is constantly being challenged. In recent years, electrocochleography (ECochG) has proved to be a useful tool to verify the presence of endolymphatic hydrops electrophysiologically. To further clarify the nature of this disease, we collected 40 patients prospectively who met the following conditions as diagnostic criteria for clinical vestibular Meniere's disease: i) episodic vertigo, ii) aural fullness, and iii) normal hearing. We implemented the glycerol test and extratympanic ECochG in addition to routine survey in these cases. The diagnosis was confirmed if either test result was positive. A retrospective collection of 24 cases who underwent endolymphatic sac surgery was made to evaluate in retrospect the existence of endolymphatic hydrops indirectly proved by successful surgery. Results showed a positive SP/AP ratio in 25 cases...
Ontogeny and phylogeny of the yolk extension in embryonic cypriniform fishes.

The validity of defining a common phylotypic stage for all vertebrates has been questioned because of variations in embryonic morphological traits between vertebrate classes, as well as variations in embryonic phenotypes between species of the same vertebrate class. To evaluate the evolutionary lability of phylotypic features in vertebrate embryos, we have examined the phylogenetic and ontogenetic origins of the yolk extension—a distinctive morphological trait that is found in the ventrolateral trunk region of cypriniform fish embryos. This posterior axial protrusion, extending from the embryonic yolk ball, is formed in cypriniform fishes by a ventrolateral constriction of the yolk mass during the phylotypic period of development. Using a functional definition of the phylotypic period, a comparative analysis of published literature on developing actinoptyerygian (ray-finned) fishes reveals that the yolk extension is a shared embryonic trait of the clade Cypriniformes. The yolk extension also appears in several species in two other basal teleostean clades, Characiformes and Anguilliformes. The conservation of the yolk extension in the clade Cypriniformes, as well as its presence in two other basal teleostean clades, supports the hypothesis that the yolk extension is a product of evolutionary transformation. Besides exhibiting evolutionary transformation, the process of yolk extension formation satisfies five other defined criteria for developmental modularity. Thus, it appears that yolk extension ontogenesis is a novel evolutionary, developmental module that has been incorporated into the phylotypic period of certain teleostean lineages. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:196–223, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Identification of an Idiotype Associated with Antibodies Responsible for Neuromuscular Dysfunction in Rats with Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis

The primary goal of this study was to continue clarifying past observations made by this laboratory indicating that disease severity in experimentally induced myasthenia gravis in Lewis rats is directly determined by the responsiveness and antibody production of a small subset of the total population of acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-responsive B cells. This disease-causing subset of B cells was found to be associated, at least in part, with an idiotypic determinant recognized by a monoclonal anti-Id antibody (11E10) prepared in this laboratory. Since relationships between total AChR antibody titers and neuromuscular disease severity can be inconsistent both in human myasthenia gravis patients and in animal models of myasthenia gravis, the development of a simple serological test for the clonotypic/idiotypic subset(s) of anti-AChR antibody that is most directly responsible for inducing disease symptoms may point to more direct methods of diagnosing and monitoring disease.
Beyond sibling rivalry: Criminal justice internship on a social work model

This article seeks to contribute to the current dialogue on the development of minimum standards for criminal justice education. The ACJS ad hoc committee recently proposed that all programs should make elective internship opportunities available to upper-level students. Although many programs offer such opportunities, few models are described in the literature. Other social science disciplines may offer guidance. The criminal justice internship examined here emerged from a program in a school of social work and its decision to retain the intensive (social work) model as a critical element in meeting criminal justice curriculum objectives.
Stacking fault emission from grain boundaries: Material dependencies and grain size effects

Abstract When load is applied to fcc nanograins, leading partial dislocations nucleate at grain boundary steps and propagate into the grain, leaving stacking faults behind. The extent to which these faults expand before a trailing partial is emitted generally does not equal the equilibrium separation distance of the corresponding full dislocation. Here we use a density functional theory – phase field dislocation dynamics model to study the effect of applied stress, 3D grain size, material stacking fault energies, and grain boundary ledge size on the stress-driven emission of leading and trailing partial dislocations from a grain boundary. The calculation accounts for the nucleation and glide of leading and trailing partial dislocations by incorporating the entire material γ-surface into the formulation. We show that the nucleation stress for a Shockley partial from a grain boundary is controlled by the size of the grain boundary ledge, scales with the unstable stacking fault energy γ U , and is insensitive to grain size. We also reveal a gigantic γ-surface effect where small changes in γ I / μ b can lead to large changes in the extent of the stacking fault region. Last, we find that the stacking fault region increases with grain size and eventually saturates at larger grain sizes, which our analyses suggest can be attributed to local grain boundary stresses. These findings can provide insight into transitions in the mechanical behavior of nanostructured metals.
A Method to Detect Differential Gene Expression in Cross-Species Hybridization Experiments at Gene and Probe Level

Motivation: Whole genome microarrays are increasingly becoming the method of choice to study responses in model organisms to disease, stressors or other stimuli. However, whole genome sequences are available for only some model organisms, and there are still many species whose genome sequences are not yet available. Cross-species studies, where arrays developed for one species are used to study gene expression in a closely related species, have been used to address this gap, with some promising results. Current analytical methods have included filtration of some probes or genes that showed low hybridization activities. But consensus filtration schemes are still not available. Results: A novel masking procedure is proposed based on currently available target species sequences to filter out probes and study a cross-species data set using this masking procedure and gene-set analysis. Gene-set analysis evaluates the association of some priori defined gene groups with a phenotype of interest. Two methods, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Test of Test Statistics (ToTS) were investigated. The results showed that masking procedure together with ToTS method worked well in our data set. The results from an alternative way to study cross-species hybridization experiments without masking are also presented. We hypothesize that the multi-probes structure of Affymetrix microarrays makes it possible to aggregate the effects of both well-hybridized and poorly- hybridized probes to study a group of genes. The principles of gene-set analysis were applied to the probe-level data instead of gene- level data. The results showed that ToTS can give valuable information and thus can be used as a powerful technique for analyzing cross-species hybridization experiments. Availability: Software in the form of R code is available at http://anson.ucdavis.edu/~ychen/cross-species.html Supplementary Data: Supplementary data are available at http://anson.ucdavis.edu/~ychen/cross-species.html
Specificity of TAS-ELISA for beet necrotic yellow vein virus and its application for determining rhizomania resistance in field-grown sugar beets

ABSTRACT Levels of beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), as measured by triple-antibody sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TAS-ELISA), were compared with biological evaluations in representative commercial and experimental sugar beet cultivars developed for production in the United States and ranging in their reactions to rhizomania from uniformly susceptible to highly resistant. TAS-ELISA was specific for BNYVV and did not react with related soilborne sugar beet viruses. Differences in absorbance (A405nm) values measured in eight cultivars closely correlated with the dosage and frequency of the Rz allele, which conditions resistance to BNYVV. A diploid (Rzrz) hybrid had a significantly lower absorbance value (less virus) than a similar triploid (Rzrzrz) hybrid. Cultivars that segregated (Rzrz:rzrz) had higher absorbance values than uniformly resistant (Rzrz) hybrids, as was expected. For all cultivars, absorbance values decreased as the season progressed. Absorbance value was significantly po...
Agomelatine for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Introduction: This article discusses agomelatine (Valdoxan™/Thymanax™; Servier/Novartis), which is a melatonin (MT1/MT2) agonist and serotonin (5-HT2c) receptor antagonist. Agomelatine has been approved for the treatment of adults with major depression by several regulatory agencies and is now on the market in 41 countries. Areas covered: Literature related to agomelatine was reviewed on PubMed using the search terms ‘agomelatine OR S-20098’ and 204 articles were found. Twelve published, randomized, double-blind studies were included in this review. Expert opinion: Agomelatine produces strong effects on circadian sleep phase disturbances, improving time to sleep onset and quality of sleep. It has been shown to be superior to placebo and similar to existing antidepressants, as demonstrated by short-term clinical trials and one relapse prevention trial. However, 0 – 0.6% and 3 – 4.5% of patients treated with 25 and 50 mg, respectively, showed elevated transaminases. Although none of these reactions so far s...
Nuclear Hydrogen for Peak Electricity Production and Spinning Reserve

Nuclear energy can be used to produce hydrogen. The key strategic question is this: ''What are the early markets for nuclear hydrogen?'' The answer determines (1) whether there are incentives to implement nuclear hydrogen technology today or whether the development of such a technology could be delayed by decades until a hydrogen economy has evolved, (2) the industrial partners required to develop such a technology, and (3) the technological requirements for the hydrogen production system (rate of production, steady-state or variable production, hydrogen purity, etc.). Understanding ''early'' markets for any new product is difficult because the customer may not even recognize that the product could exist. This study is an initial examination of how nuclear hydrogen could be used in two interconnected early markets: the production of electricity for peak and intermediate electrical loads and spinning reserve for the electrical grid. The study is intended to provide an initial description that can then be used to consult with potential customers (utilities, the Electric Power Research Institute, etc.) to better determine the potential real-world viability of this early market for nuclear hydrogen and provide the starting point for a more definitive assessment of the concept. If this set of applications ismore » economically viable, it offers several unique advantages: (1) the market is approximately equivalent in size to the existing nuclear electric enterprise in the United States, (2) the entire market is within the utility industry and does not require development of an external market for hydrogen or a significant hydrogen infrastructure beyond the utility site, (3) the technology and scale match those of nuclear hydrogen production, (4) the market exists today, and (5) the market is sufficient in size to justify development of nuclear hydrogen production techniques independent of the development of any other market for hydrogen. These characteristics make it an ideal early market for nuclear hydrogen.« less
Biphasic cytoarchitecture and functional changes in the BBB induced by chronic inflammatory pain.

Abstract The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic system which maintains brain homeostasis and limits CNS penetration via interactions of transmembrane and intracellular proteins. Inflammatory pain (IP) is a condition underlying several diseases with known BBB perturbations, including stroke, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. Exploring the underlying pathology of chronic IP, we demonstrated alterations in BBB paracellular permeability with correlating changes in tight junction (TJ) proteins: occludin and claudin-5. The present study examines the IP-induced molecular changes leading to a loss in functional BBB integrity. IP was induced by injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) into the plantar surface of the right hindpaw of female Sprague–Dawley rats. Inflammation and hyperalgesia were confirmed, and BBB paracellular permeability was assessed by in situ brain perfusion of [14C]sucrose (paracellular diffusion marker). The permeability of the BBB was significantly increased at 24 and 72 h post-CFA. Analysis of the TJ proteins, which control the paracellular pathway, demonstrated decreased claudin-5 expression at 24 h, and an increase at 48 and 72 h post-injection. Occludin expression was significantly decreased 72 h post-CFA. Expression of junction adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1) increased 48 h and decreased by 72 h post-CFA. Confocal microscopy demonstrated continuous expression of both occludin and JAM-1, each co-localizing with ZO-1. The increased claudin-5 expression was not limited to the junction. These results provide evidence that chronic IP causes dramatic alterations in specific cytoarchitectural proteins and demonstrate alterations in molecular properties during CFA, resulting in significant changes in BBB paracellular permeability.
An auction algorithm for allocating fuel in satellite constellations using peer-to-peer refueling

The problem of assuring the operability of a satellite constellation by internal (peer-to-peer/P2P) refueling is addressed. Specifically, a formulation is presented that seeks to match the fuel-sufficient satellites in the constellation with the fuel-deficient ones, so that the former can refuel the latter, while at the same time minimize the total fuel consumption incurred during the ensuing orbital rendezvous. Asymmetric auctions are introduced as a means for solving this problem, owing to their advantages for decentralized implementation. Examples are provided to demonstrate the proposed methodology.
Pediatric ventricular assist devices

Abstract End stage heart failure is a growing problem in the pediatric population. These patients are conventionally managed with a combination of oral and intravenous medications. When these fail, mechanical circulatory support is indicated. Improvements in technology have made options for mechanical circulatory support available to infants and children. These devices may be indicated as a bridge to recovery of the native heart function, or, more commonly as a bridge to transplant. Particularly in small patients, extracorporeal life support (ECMO) has been historically used for this purpose. In some cases, adult ventricular assist devices have been used in older children. At the current time, there are devices in clinical use or being developed that will further improve the care and outcomes of these patients. In this article, the indications, implementation, and results of pediatric ventricular assist devices are presented.
Crystal structure of activin receptor type IIB kinase domain from human at 2.0 Å resolution

Activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB), a type II TGF-β serine/threonine kinase receptor, is integral to the activin and myostatin signaling pathway. Ligands such as activin and myostatin bind to activin type II receptors (ActRIIA, ActRIIB), and the GS domains of type I receptors are phosphorylated by type II receptors. Myostatin, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, is regarded as a potential therapeutic target and binds to ActRIIB effectively, and to a lesser extent, to ActRIIA. The high-resolution structure of human ActRIIB kinase domain in complex with adenine establishes the conserved bilobal architecture consistent with all other catalytic kinase domains. The crystal structure reveals that the adenine has a considerably different orientation from that of the adenine moiety of ATP observed in other kinase structures due to the lack of an interaction by ribose-phosphate moiety and the presence of tautomers with two different protonation states at the N9 nitrogen. Although the Lys217–Glu230 salt bridge is absent, the unphosphorylated activation loop of ActRIIB adopts a conformation similar to that of the fully active form. Unlike the type I TGF-β receptor, where a partially conserved Ser280 is a gatekeeper residue, the AcRIIB structure possesses Thr265 with a back pocket supported by Phe247. Taken together, these structural features provide a molecular basis for understanding the coupled activity and recognition specificity for human ActRIIB kinase domain and for the rational design of selective inhibitors.
AM-FM picture carrier beat type noise filters

For the first time, modulation domain filters are proposed for removing beat type noises in video corrupted by unwanted external signals during the transmission process. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm on picture carrier beat type noise observed in a real-world situation involving the transmission of critical video signals obtained from a traffic monitoring system. We compare and contrast our results with a traditional linear time invariant (LTI) notch filter. The technique can be generalized for removal of a variety of fixed pattern noises characteristic of many infrared and other non-visible wavelength electro-optical detectors. In addition, we provide a theoretical comparison of modulation and frequency domain image representation strategies in the context of digital image filtering.
Hsp70 Molecular Chaperone Facilitates Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Protein Degradation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator in Yeast

Membrane and secretory proteins fold in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and misfolded proteins may be retained and targeted for ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD). To elucidate the mechanism by which an integral membrane protein in the ER is degraded, we studied the fate of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our data indicate that CFTR resides in the ER and is stabilized in strains defective for proteasome activity or deleted for the ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes Ubc6p and Ubc7p, thus demonstrating that CFTR is a bona fide ERAD substrate in yeast. We also found that heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), although not required for the degradation of soluble lumenal ERAD substrates, is required to facilitate CFTR turnover. Conversely, calnexin and binding protein (BiP), which are required for the proteolysis of ER lumenal proteins in both yeast and mammals, are dispensable for the degradation of CFTR, suggesting unique mechanisms for the disposal of at least some soluble and integral membrane ERAD substrates in yeast.
Redetermination of the crystal structure of barium uranate

Abstract Barium uranate, BaUO4, crystallizes in the centro-symmetric orthorhombic space group, Pbcm (D2h11; No. 57) with a = 5.744(3), b = 8.136(4), c = 8.237(3) A for M = 439.36 and Z = 4 . X-ray diffraction data complete to 2θ = 60° (Mo Kα radiation) were collected using a G.E. XRD-490 automated diffractometer. The structure was solved by a combination of Patterson, Fourier and least-squares techniques. The final discrepancy indices are RF = 0.059 and wRF = 0.107 for 507 reflections where F0 > σ (F0). Distinct primary U-O bonds and polymeric secondary U-O bonds form a distorted octahedral U(VI) coordination sphere where the U-O bond distances are shown to be highly influenced by the Ba2+ ion. The apical primary uranium-oxygen bond length is 1.872(12) A while the basal secondary U-O bond distances are 2.196(6) and 2.223(6) A.
The NAS alert system: a look at the first eight years.

ABSTRACT The U.S. Geological Survey's Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database program (http://nas.er.usgs.gov) tracks the distribution of introduced aquatic organisms across the United States. Awareness of, and timely response to, novel species introductions by those involved in nonindigenous aquatic species management and research requires a framework for rapid dissemination of occurrence data as it is incorporated into the NAS database. In May 2004, the NAS program developed an alert system to notify registered users of new introductions as part of a national early detection/rapid response system. This article summarizes information on system users and dispatched alerts from the system's inception through the end of 2011. The NAS alert system has registered over 1,700 users, with approximately 800 current subscribers. A total of 1,189 alerts had been transmitted through 2011. More alerts were sent for Florida (134 alerts) than for any other state. Fishes comprise the largest taxonomic group of aler...
Scaling trends for the on chip power dissipation

Power is increasingly becoming a performance bottleneck for high-end microprocessors. This work systematically quantifies various sources of on-chip power dissipation and predicts change in their relative contribution with scaling, thus, identifying key problematic areas. It is found that interconnects account for the single largest component of power and are likely to remain at formidable proportions in the future. However, other components are also rapidly becoming important.
2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol-induced enteropathy in rats: chemically or bacterially mediated effects.

The lethal effects of the fluorinated ether anesthetic, fluroxene, in rats are a consequence of its metabolism, which is catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 to the toxic metabolite 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). The anesthetic or TFE (0.21 g/kg) caused decreased white blood cell counts, necrosis of bone marrow and lymphocytes, and decreased small intestine dry weight and was associated with septicemia. To elucidate the mechanism of TFE toxicity in rats we undertook histopathologic, ultrastructural and bacteriologic studies. TFE produced severe edema of intestinal lamina propria and submucosae, dilatation of crypts, loss of surface epithelium, vacuolation and necrosis of intestinal epithelial cells, and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the edematous lamina propria. Intestinal epithelial villi lost their cellular tissue integrity. Coccobacillary organisms were numerous in the ulcerated intestine. Hemolytic E. coli were isolated from intestinal tissue at a two-log increase in concentration relative...
Integrating Algebraic Curves and Surfaces, Algebraic Invariants and Bayesian Methods for 2D and 3D Object Recognition

This paper presents a new low-computational-cost approach to minimum probability of error recognition of freeform objects in 3D range data or in 2D curve data in the image plane. Objects are represented by implicit polynomials (i.e., 3D algebraic surfaces or 2D algebraic curves) of degrees greater than 2, and are recognized by computing and matching vectors of their algebraic invariants (which are functions of their coefficients that are invariant to translations, rotations, and general linear transformations). Such polynomials of 4th degree can represent objects considerably more complicated than superquadrics and realize object recognition at significantly lower computational cost. This paper presents the Bayesian (i.e., minimum probability of error) recognizers for these models and their invariants, which requires the use of asymptotic methods little used in computer vision previously, and presents a new approach to discovering suitable invariants. Our sytem results in practical recognizers that are robust to noise, considerable partial occlusion, arbitrary sensor viewpoint, and other a priori unknown perturbations of the data sets.
Cognitive Heterogeneity and Economic Voting: A Comparative Analysis of Four Democratic Electorates

This article examines the cognitive foundations of economic voting in four diverse democratic electorates: Canada, Hungary, Mexico, and Taiwan. We present a theory of heterogeneous attribution, where an individual’s level of political sophistication conditions his or her ability to attribute responsibility for economic conditions to governmental actors. In contrast to previous literature, we argue that higher, not lower, levels of political sophistication prompt citizens to “vote their pocketbook.” Using data from surveys done in conjunction with recent elections in all of these countries, we find that more politically sophisticated respondents are more likely to make use of pocketbook evaluations in their decisions to support or oppose the incumbent government. These findings both present a significant challenge to the conventional wisdom on political sophistication and economic voting and shed light on the necessary cognitive preconditions for democratic accountability.
Substructure in the Galactic Halo

Giant stars make particularly useful tracer stars for halo substructure because they are very bright and very common. I discuss several projects that use giant-star tracers to search the Galactic halo for tidal debris from known Galactic satellites, including that from the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy, and to search for tidal debris features from former, now destroyed satellites. Several cross-sections of the halo reveal it to be networked with extended, coherent substructures, indicating that it is likely to be predominantly made up of accreted satellites.
Efficacy of a less-sensitive enzyme immunoassay (3A11-LS) for early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 infection in infants.

We evaluated a less-sensitive enzyme immunoassay (3A11-LS) for its possible use for early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in infants. The results were compared with those from the immunoglobulin G-capture enzyme immunoassay. A total of 239 sera from 77 infants were tested. All 25 sera from the 10 infants born to seronegative mothers were found to be negative by both assays. Forty-one seroreverting infants showed a complete decay of maternal antibodies by 4 months by the 3A11-LS assay. However, the assay detected HIV antibodies in only 9 (36%) of 25 sera collected from infected infants between 4 and 6 months and in 27 (63%) of 43 sera collected after 6 months of age. Further analysis with alternative cutoff values indicated that the 3A11-LS had a sensitivity of 12 to 44% and a specificity of 90 to 100% for infants between 4–6 months of age. This data suggest that a diagnosis of HIV infection in some of the infants could be made after 4 months of age by the 3A11-LS assay, although a negative 3A11-LS test result may not rule out infection and may require a further followup.