cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rabies virus pathogenesis in relationship to intervention with inactivated and attenuated rabies vaccines.

Abstract Despite progress in vaccine development in the past century the mechanisms behind immune responses elicited by rabies biologics or via natural infection remain largely unknown. In this study, we compared protection elicited by standard, early, or delayed prophylaxis with a reduced number of vaccine doses using inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines. Two-month-old Syrian hamsters, 4-week-old ICR mice or adult rhesus macaques were inoculated with canine rabies virus variants. Thereafter, prophylaxis was initiated 6 h, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days post-exposure (p.e.). One or several doses of inactivated (HDCV), or reverse genetically attenuated (live), or gamma-irradiated (inactivated)-ERAG333 vaccines were administered intramuscularly. The dynamics of virus spread were measured over time in the rodent models. Rabies virus reached the spinal cord at day 4 and brain at day 6 p.e. All hamsters succumbed in groups in which live ERAG333 was delayed until days 5 and 6 p.e. However, 78%, 44%, 56% and 22% of hamsters survived when one dose of live ERAG333 was administered 6 h, 1, 2, 3, and 4 days p.e., respectively. Similarly, 67% survived when inactivated ERAG333 was administered at 24 h p.e. All hamsters succumbed when standard prophylaxis (the Essen regimen) was delayed until days 3–6, but 67% and 33% of hamsters survived when PEP began 1 or 2 days p.e., respectively. Macaques were protected by one dose of attenuated ERAG333 at 24 h p.e. The highly attenuated (live) and inactivated ERAG333 vaccines elicited potent protective immune responses, even when prophylaxis initiation was delayed. When 2–5 doses of commercial vaccine and HRIG were administered according to the Essen scheme, 89–100% of the animals survived. Reduced vaccine schedules provided efficacious intervention, regardless of the total number of vaccine doses administered.
Characterization and classification of Rocky Mountain coals by Curie-point pyrolysis mass spectrometry

A set of 102 coal samples from the Rocky Mountain coal province, selected from the Penn State Coal Sample Bank, was analysed by Curie-point pyrolysis mass spectrometry in combination with computerized pattern recognition techniques. The spectra obtained were shown to be quite representative for the coal seams with characteristic differences often present between different seams, fields or regions within the Rocky Mountain Coal province. In general, the spectra were found to be dominated by homologous ion series, e.g., representing dihydroxybenzenes, phenols, naphthalenes, benzenes, alkenes, dienes, alkyl fragments and sulphur compounds with varying degrees of alkyl substitution. The relative abundances of dihydroxybenzenes and naphthalenes were shown to correlate closely with differences in rank, whereas those of phenols, aliphatic hydrocarbons and sulphur compounds appeared to correlate more closely with differences in depositional environment. Different spectra -dominated by aliphatic compound series -were obtained from several samples of a boghead coal (Cannel King seam). Moreover, spectra of two of these boghead coal samples, known to be severely weathered, showed markedly increased CO2+ and C6H6+ signals, indicating the presence of benzenecarboxylic acids. Factor analysis of pyrolysis m.s. data revealed the two main underlying chemical tendencies to be a shift from heteroatomic compounds to hydrocarbon series with increasing rank and a difference in degree of aromaticity corresponding primarily to differences in depositional environment. The dominant rank-related factor exhibited a clear coalification break between the ASTM hvC bituminous and hvB bituminous ranks and appears to represent a significant shift in coalification mechanisms. It was demonstrated that rank-dependent differences in the pyrolysis mass spectra enable correct classification of the spectra into four ASTM rank classes (subbituminous, hvC, hvB and hvA bituminous) in 90% of all cases. Moreover, the discovery of a marked aliphaticity/aromaticity factor in the data could be useful for the direct measurement of aromaticity (fa) from pyrolysis mass spectra of whole coals.
The Implementation of an Integrated Information System for Substance Use Screening in General Medical Settings

The Massachusetts Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (MASBIRT) Program, a substance use screening program in general medical settings, created a web-based, point-of-care (POC), application – the MASBIRT Portal ( the “Portal”) to meet program goals. Objectives: We report on development and implementation of the Portal. Methods: Five year program process outcomes recorded by an independent evaluator and an anonymous survey of Health Educator’s (HEs) adoption, perceptions and Portal use with a modified version of the Technology Readiness Index are described. [8] Specific management team members, selected based on their roles in program leadership, development and implementation of the Portal and supervision of HEs, participated in semi-structured, qualitative interviews. Results: At the conclusion of the program 73% (24/33) of the HEs completed a survey on their experience using the Portal. HEs reported that the Portal made recording screening information easy (96%); improved planning their workday (83%); facilitated POC data collection (84%); decreased time dedicated to data entry (100%); and improved job satisfaction (59%). The top two barriers to use were “no or limited wireless connectivity” (46%) and “the tablet was too heavy/bulky to carry” (29%). Qualitative management team interviews identified strategies for successful HIT implementation: importance of engaging HEs in outlining specifications and workflow needs, collaborative testing prior to implementation and clear agreement on data collection purpose, quality requirements and staff roles. Discussion: Overall, HEs perceived the Portal favorably with regard to time saving ability and improved workflow. Lessons learned included identifying core requirements early during system development and need for managers to institute and enforce consistent behavioral work norms. Conclusion: Barriers and HEs’ views of technology impacted the utilization of the MASBIRT Portal. Further research is needed to determine best approaches for HIT system implementation in general medical settings.
Diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in children

Chronic interstitial lung disease (ILD) in infants and children is a challenging diagnostic clinical problem. There are many unresolved and controversial issues in the diagnosis of this heterogeneous group of uncommon disorders in children. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion as the initial clinical manifestations are subtle, highly variable and non-specific. There is no consensus for the clinical diagnostic criteria of paediatric ILD. The spectrum of clinical findings is highly variable. The diagnostic evaluation of a child with suspected ILD includes a comprehensive history, physical examination, oxygen saturation (at rest, during exercise or during feeding), a plain chest x ray and a high-resolution thin-cut tomography scan of the chest. Pulmonary function studies can be useful in older children; these typically show a restrictive pattern with a decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC) and total lung capacity, but normal FEV(1)/FVC. A systematic approach to diagnosis is useful in the evaluation of an infant or child with suspected chronic ILD. Due to the rarity of most of these disorders, multi-centre collaboration is needed to improve our understanding of this orphan lung disease.
The impact of vision loss on postural stability and balance strategies in individuals with profound vision loss

Individuals with vision loss are at an increased risk of falls. Understanding what factors contribute to postural instability within this population is a necessary step towards the development of physiotherapeutic programs targeted at reduction of falls within this population. Forty-six age-matched participants were evaluated with the sensory organization test (SOT) on a NeuroCom Equitest. The conditions provided accurate and inaccurate sensory information to test the participants' ability to utilize the correct information to maintain postural stability. A one-way analysis of variance was performed on composite balance scores between groups. Based on the data analysis, significant differences were apparent in equilibrium composite scores (P<.05) and strategy utilized to maintain postural stability between the visually impaired and sighted sample. Results indicate that restricted vision has a negative impact on overall postural stability and visually impaired individuals utilize greater use of hip strategy to maintain postural stability.
mTOR function in skeletal muscle hypertrophy: increased ribosomal RNA via cell cycle regulators

The purpose of this study was to identify the potential downstream functions associated with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling during myotube hypertrophy. Terminally differentiated myotubes were serum stimulated for 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. This treatment resulted in significant myotube hypertrophy (protein/DNA) and increased RNA content (RNA/DNA) with no changes in DNA content or indices of cell proliferation. During myotube hypertrophy, the increase in RNA content was accompanied by an increase in tumor suppressor protein retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation and a corresponding increase in the availability of the ribosomal DNA transcription factor upstream binding factor (UBF). Serum stimulation also induced an increase in cyclin D1 protein expression in the differentiated myotubes with a concomitant increase in cyclin D1-dependent cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-4 activity toward Rb. The increases in myotube hypertrophy and RNA content were blocked by rapamycin treatment, which also prevented the increase in cyclin D1 protein expression, CDK-4 activity, Rb phosphorylation, and the increase in UBF availability. Our findings demonstrate that activation of mTOR is necessary for myotube hypertrophy and suggest that the role of mTOR is in part to modulate cyclin D1-dependent CDK-4 activity in the regulation of Rb and ribosomal RNA synthesis. On the basis of these results, we propose that common molecular mechanisms contribute to the regulation of myotube hypertrophy and growth during the G1 phase of the cell cycle.
IFN-gamma and b7 as costimulators of antitumor immune-responses.

We transfected the mouse IFN-gamma and/or the mouse B7 (T cell costimulatory molecule) cDNAs into B16 melanoma cells to study the effects of local constitutive expression of these molecules on the tumorigenicity and immunogenicity of this aggressive tumor. Cells expressing IFN-gamma (B16.IFN-gamma), B7 (B16.B7), B7 and IFN-gamma (B16.IFN-gamma/B7), and parental cells were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) into syngeneic C57BL/6 mice to compare their in vivo growth. We report that IFN-gamma secretion significantly reduced the tumorigenicity of B16 cells. These effects were related to the direct action of secreted IFN-gamma since i) in vivo injection of antiserum to IFN-gamma accelerated tumor growth, ii) development of tumor correlated with loss of IFN-gamma production, and iii) B16.IFN-gamma cells were tumorigenic in IFN-II receptor (IFN-gamma R) knockout mice, but not in parental mice. We propose that immune mechanisms are being activated by IFN-gamma since i) immune effector cells were recruited to the injection site, ii) expression of MHC class I and class II antigens was increased on cells secreting IFN-gamma and, iii) B16.IFN-gamma tumors appeared earlier in athymic mice than in immunocompetent mice. Since the in vivo growth of B16.IFN-gamma cells was not completely abolished, we studied the effect of co-expression of IFN-gamma and the T cell costimulatory molecule B7 on the tumorigenicity of B16 cells. We report that B16.IFN-gamma/B7 cells, which also express increased levels of MHC class I and class II molecules as compared to parental cells, had a dramatically suppressed tumorigenicity, while B16 cells expressing the B7 molecule only (B16.B7) were as tumorigenic as the parental cells. B16.IFN-gamma/B7 cells induced specific immune responses since all of the protected mice were able to reject challenges with parental cells. Results indicate that co-expression of two molecules which are involved in the activation of immune responses and in antigen presentation can influence the ability of the immune system to recognize and eliminate both transfected as well as parental tumor cell inocula and suggest that vaccines consisting of such cells may be used for the immunotherapy of cancer.
Toward cloud-based grasping with uncertainty in shape: Estimating lower bounds on achieving force closure with zero-slip push grasps

This paper explores how Cloud Computing can facilitate grasping with shape uncertainty. We consider the most common robot gripper: a pair of thin parallel jaws, and a class of objects that can be modeled as extruded polygons. We model a conservative class of push-grasps that can enhance object alignment. The grasp planning algorithm takes as input an approximate object outline and Gaussian uncertainty around each vertex and center of mass. We define a grasp quality metric based on a lower bound on the probability of achieving force closure. We present a highly-parallelizable algorithm to compute this metric using Monte Carlo sampling. The algorithm uses Coulomb frictional grasp mechanics and a fast geometric test for conservative conditions for force closure. We run the algorithm on a set of sample shapes and compare the grasps with those from a planner that does not model shape uncertainty. We report computation times with single and multi-core computers and sensitivity analysis on algorithm parameters. We also describe physical grasp experiments using the Willow Garage PR2 robot.
A comparative analysis of drilling results obtained with oil mud vs. water-base mud at High Island block A-270

Three wells on the High Island A-270B platform were drilled with water base muds and three were drilled with inverted emulsion oil muds. The drilling performance of these two mud types was compared for the six wells. Overall drilling costs were significantly lower with the oil muds due to the elimination of differential pressure pipe and casing sticking.
Size-exclusion properties of nanoporous films derived from polystyrene-poly(methylmethacrylate) diblock copolymers assessed using direct electrochemistry of ferritin.

This paper reports the size-exclusion properties of nanoporous films derived from polystyrene−poly(methylmethacrylate) diblock copolymers (PS-b-PMMA) for biomacromolecules. These properties were assessed by measuring cyclic voltammetry of ferritin (12 nm in diameter) adsorbed onto recessed nanodisk-array gold electrodes (RNEs) fabricated from the nanoporous films having different effective pore diameters and surface functionalities. RNEs having 20-nm-diameter nanopores modified with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) layer showed the redox currents of ferritin after their immersion in a ferritin solution (5 mg/mL) for longer than 2 h. The currents originated from the direct electron transfer reaction of ferritin molecules immobilized on the underlying gold surface as a result of their penetration through the 20-nm-diameter nanopores. The PEG modification of the nanopore surface was required for the penetration of ferritin, probably because it reduced the nonspecific adsorption of ferritin to the nanopore surfa...
Force field conformational analysis of aminofluorene and acetylaminofluorene substituted deoxyguanosine

The hepatocarcinogen N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene forms two C8-substituted deoxyguanosine adducts in vivo. The conformation of these adducts, as well as 2'-deoxyguanosine and 8-amino-2'-deoxyguanosine has been studied with Allinger's force field. Using the glycoside rotation as a reaction coordinate, multidimensional potential energy surface were determined by relaxing all internal degrees of freedom. The calculations indicate the 2'-deoxyguanosine should exist as a mixture of syn and anti forms, that the syn form is slightly favored for 8-amino-2'-deoxyguanosine, that N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene (dG-C8-AAF) will only be found in the syn conformation and that, although the syn form is also more stable for N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene (dG-C8-AF), it will have a substantially greater proportion of the anti-conformer than is found with dG-C8-AAF. The results of the force field calculations are discussed in relation to the effects these adducts may have on DNA structure.
Modeling inhibition of type II units in the dorsal cochlear nucleus.

Type II units in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) are characterized by vigorous but nonmonotonic responses to best frequency tones as a function of sound pressure level, and relatively weak responses to noise. A model of DCN neural circuitry was used to explore two hypothetical mechanisms by which neurons may be endowed with type II unit response properties. Both mechanisms assume that type II units receive excitatory input from auditory nerve (AN) fibers and inhibitory input from an unspecified class of cochlear nucleus interneurons that also receive excitatory AN input. The first mechanism, a lateral inhibition (LI) model, supposes that type II units receive inhibitory input from a number of narrowly tuned interneurons whose best frequencies (BFs) flank the BF of the type II unit. Tonal stimuli near BF result in only weak inhibitory input, but broadband stimuli recruit enough lateral inhibitors to greatly weaken the type II unit response. The second mechanism, a wideband inhibition (WBI) model, supposes that type II units receive inhibitory input from interneurons that are broadly tuned so that they respond more vigorously to broadband stimuli than to tones. Physiological and anatomical evidence points to the possible existence of such a class of neurons in the cochlear nucleus. The model extends an earlier computer model of an iso-frequency DCN patch to multiple frequency slices and adds a population of interneurons to provide the inhibition to model type II units (called I2-cells). The results show that both mechanisms accurately simulate responses of type II units to tones and noise. An experimental paradigm for distinguishing the two mechanisms is proposed.
Inference of global spatiochromatic mechanisms from contrast sensitivity functions.

A single spatiochromatic signal can describe both chromatic and luminance cosine gratings by varying the spatial phase of that signal. This signal representation permits chromatic and luminance spatial contrast sensitivity functions to be described as linear combinations of two global spatiochromatic mechanisms. If spatiochromatic mechanisms are assumed to have Gaussian spatial profiles, we obtain one mechanism with broad spatial frequency tuning and one with narrow tuning. We find that the relative spatial shapes and extents of these mechanisms are in agreement with the center–surround organization of receptive fields of single retinal and geniculate cells. Further-more, the chromatic responses of the derived mechanisms are in accord with the color-opponent nature of spatially antagonistic receptive fields.
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery versus laparoscopic surgery for inadvertent colon injury repair: feasibility, risk of abdominal adhesions, and peritoneal contamination in a porcine survival model

Background Adhesions are common after conventional surgery; natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) avoids peritoneal disruption and may reduce adhesions. Objectives To determine whether adhesions (and peritoneal contamination) are less common with NOTES transgastric colon injury and repair (TGCR) than with laparoscopic colon repair (LCR). Design/Setting Porcine survival study. Interventions After colon preparation and administration of antibiotics, forty 25-kg male pigs were randomly assigned to either TGCR or LCR. TGCR involved an endoscopic gastrotomy (needle-knife plus balloon dilation), CO 2 pneumoperitoneum, and a 2-cm needle-knife transmural incision of spiral colon. Colotomies were repaired with clips; gastrotomies were closed with clips and a detachable snare. Main Outcome Measurements Adhesions were assessed at necropsy at 21 days; biopsy specimens were blindly reviewed. A 9-point adhesion score (density/vascularity, width, and extent) was averaged from 3 reviewers. Peritoneal lavage was sent for cell count and culture. Results Two of 20 TGCR pigs died immediately (unrecognized preoperative autopsy-proven pneumonia). The median procedure times were 70.5 and 19.0 minutes for TGCR and LCR, respectively; weight gains were 7.1 and 8.2 kg, respectively. The median adhesion scores were 4.3 and 3.7, respectively ( P = .26); subscores were similar (1.9, 1.5, 1.3 vs 1.7, 1.1, 1.0, respectively ( P = .3-.6)). Peritoneal lavage bacterial growth was nonsignificantly lower after TGCR than after LCR (38.9% vs 60.0%, respectively; P = .30); administration of intragastric antibiotics did not decrease contamination. Three TGCR (vs no LCR) pigs had histologic peritonitis. Limitations Animal model, colon prepped, injury immediately recognized. Conclusion NOTES colon repair is feasible after transmural injury. Adhesions, histologic peritonitis, and contamination were similar to those with laparoscopy and were not helped by intragastric antibiotics.
Social support, organisational support, and religious support in relation to burnout in expatriate humanitarian aid workers

Expatriate humanitarian aid workers are embedded in global crises, exposing them to traumatic and occupational stress and putting them at risk for job burnout. Aid workers (N = 111) from an international faith-based agency completed an interview assessing perceived social support, support from their organisation, support from God, and job burnout. It was hypothesised that the three types of support would be significantly related to each of the three components of burnout as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The burnout subscales and the support measurements were orthogonalised to facilitate a hierarchical canonical analysis. When controlling for the effects of age and gender, perceived social support contributed significant unique variance to both emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment; whereas organisational support contributed significantly to emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. God support demonstrated a complex relationship with burnout, as the interaction between age and Go...
AN OLPIDIUM PARASITE OF ALLOMYCES

The rate of germination of conidia of "wildtype" and mutant Neurospora crassa is a growth response that can be measured accurately and rapidly. A procedure is described by means of which convenient and reproducible measurements of germination can be made. The age of the conidia and their concentration proved to be critical factors in controlling the rate of germination. Under standard conditions germination of almost all of the conidia from a "wild-type" strain occurs in the period between 1-5 hr. The capacity to germinate at different times is randomly distributed among the conidia. This is also true for a proline-requiring mutant when grown on an optimal concentration of L-proline. On limiting concentrations of proline germination is slower, so that at any given time a linear relation can be obtained between the percentage of the conidia germinated and the logarithm of the concentration of proline. Similar relations exist between the germination of conidia from leucineless and lysineless mutants of Neurospora and their respective growth factors. The germination response is very rapid and sensitive to minute amounts of amino acid.
Climbing the walls [robots]

Presents two underactuated kinematic designs for miniature climbing robots. They use suction. The underactuation is to save weight.
STREX: Winter storm study in Gulf of Alaska

U.S. and Canadian investigators are probing the initial stages of the large storms that dominate North American winter weather. In a study called STREX (Storm Transfer and Response Experiment), researchers aboard ships and aircraft are examining how energy and water vapor feed from ocean to atmosphere. This action fuels the large storms that rage across the Gulf of Alaska. The low-pressure systems drift ashore in western Canada and the Pacific Northwest, break up over the Rockies, and then reform into major systems that control winter weather from Canada to Texas.
Endocytosis of Hepatic Lipase and Lipoprotein Lipase into Rat Liver Hepatocytes in Vivo Is Mediated by the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein

In isolated cell studies, the internalization and degradation of hepatic lipase (HL) has been linked to its binding to the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). We have utilized the receptor-associated protein (RAP), a universal inhibitor of high affinity ligand binding to LRP, to evaluate the participation of LRP in the endocytosis of HL and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). We isolated a total endosome fraction from rat livers after a 30-min infusion of recombinant RAP, administered as a glutathione S-transferase conjugate (GST-RAP). GST-RAP infusion had no effect on the concentration of HL in liver homogenates, but its concentration in blood plasma increased progressively by 20%, and enrichment over homogenate of HL in endosomes was reduced by 50% as compared with infusion of GST alone. The concentrations of LPL in liver and plasma were 1.4 and 0.5%, respectively, those of HL, but endosomal enrichment of the two enzymes was similar ( approximately 10-fold). GST-RAP infusion had no effect on the concentration of LPL in liver but increased its concentration in blood plasma by 250% and reduced its endosomal enrichment by 95% or greater. GST-RAP infusion also reduced endosomal enrichment of LRP by 40%, but enrichment of several other endocytic receptors was unaffected. Endosomal enrichment of several membrane trafficking proteins associated with the endocytic pathway in hepatocytes was unaffected by GST-RAP with the exception of early endosome endosome antigen 1, which was reduced by 85%. We conclude that HL is partially and LPL almost exclusively taken up into rat hepatocytes after binding to the endocytic receptor LRP.
The Structure of Fcp1, an Essential RNA Polymerase II CTD Phosphatase

Summary Kinases and phosphatases regulate mRNA synthesis and processing by phosphorylating and dephosphorylating the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. Fcp1 is an essential CTD phosphatase that preferentially hydrolyzes Ser2-PO 4 of the tandem YSPTSPS CTD heptad array. Fcp1 crystal structures were captured at two stages of the reaction pathway: a Mg-BeF 3 complex that mimics the aspartylphosphate intermediate and a Mg-AlF 4 − complex that mimics the transition state of the hydrolysis step. Fcp1 is a Y-shaped protein composed of an acylphosphatase domain located at the base of a deep canyon formed by flanking modules that are missing from the small CTD phosphatase (SCP) clade: an Fcp1-specific helical domain and a C-terminal BRCA1 C-terminal (BRCT) domain. The structure and mutational analysis reveals that Fcp1 and Scp1 (a Ser5-selective phosphatase) adopt different CTD-binding modes; we surmise the CTD threads through the Fcp1 canyon to access the active site.
Identification of a mutation in a GATA binding site of the platelet glycoprotein Ibβ promoter resulting in the Bernard-Soulier syndrome

Bernard-Soulier Syndrome (BSS) is a rare congenital bleeding disorder due to absent or decreased expression of the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V (GpIb-IX-V) receptor complex on the platelet surface. To date, only mutations in GpIbα or GpIX have been reported in patients with BSS. GpIbβ differs from the other proteins in this receptor in that the gene is more complex, and an alternative form is expressed in cells of non-megakaryocytic lineage, including endothelial cells. It appears that the megakaryocytic and endothelial cell mRNA species are transcribed from different start sites and have different proximal promoter regions. We have identified a patient with BSS who has a deletion on one chromosome 22, resulting in velocardiofacial syndrome. The GpIbβ gene has been mapped to this deleted (22q11.2) region of chromosome 22. The patient has greatly reduced levels of GpIbβ mRNA and no detectable platelet GpIbβ protein, suggesting that his BSS results from a mutation in his remaining GpIbβ allele. Sequence analysis revealed that the coding region of GpIbβ is normal, but the 5′-upstream region contains a C to G transversion at base -133 from the transcription start site used in megakaryocytes. The mutation changes a GATA consensus binding site, disrupts GATA-1 binding to the mutated site, and decreases promoter activity by 84%. Thus, in this patient, Bernard-Soulier syndrome results from a deletion of one copy of GpIbβ and a mutated GATA binding site in the promoter of the remaining allele, resulting in decreased promoter function and GpIbβ gene transcription.
Larval necrophagy and photopigment phenocopying inMusca domestica (L.)

The intensity of photopigment modification in green-eyed house flies increased with increasing larval density and the relative frequency of +-type larvae. Phenocopying in these precursor deficient mutants resulted from the consumption of their dead 3rd instar +-type sibs.
Artistry in Education.

This paper argues that the primary mission of education is the preparation of artists. The concept of artistry used here is not limited to the fine arts, but to everything made well. Well-made objects, processes and ideas, whether practical or theoretical, require aesthetic judgement, depend upon technical skill, reflect attention to proportion and depend upon imagination. The paper argues that these cognitive processes, so important in the arts, are critically important in all walks of life today. As schools are impacted by well-intentioned but often ill-informed policies that standardise and homogenise the process of schooling, artistry can serve as an important remedy to its mechanisation.
COMPTON PROFILE MEASUREMENT OF TWO-PHASE FLOW DISTRIBUTION

Abstract To improve the proposed technique of Compton profile measurements and develop an accurate density distribution measurement technique, the detected scattered spectrum in a system of collimated source and uncollimated detector is expressed in terms of the density distribution and a multiple-scattering factor. A particular experimental approach to this technique is outlined. Multiple-scattering is carefully considered in the analytical-numerical interpretation of the problem. The proposed technique is shown to be clearly valuable for stochastically steady flows in which relatively low frame rates for local time average two-phase flow parameters are acceptable.
Design of decentralized proportional-plus-integral controllers for multivariable systems

Abstract This paper presents a simple method for the design of decentralize proportional-plus-integral controllers for multivariable linear systems where the controllers act directly on the available systems outputs. The proposed design scheme, which includes local as well as hierarchical types of control systems, involves the solution of one nonlinear Riccati matrix equation and one linear Liapunov matrix equation. The practicality and good performance of control systems developed, using this approach, is demonstrated on the mathematical model of a plate absorption column.
The role of cerebral serotonin in the development of tolerance to centrally administered phenobarbital.

Abstract Chronic intracerebroventricular injection of phenobarbital results in the development of tolerance to the depressant effects of the drug. The neurotransmitters involved and the manner in which cerebral neurons adapt to this depressant effect are at present unknown. This study examines whether brain serotonin containing neurons participate in the attenuation of the hypnotic response caused by chronic barbiturate administration. Depletion of serotonin with p-chlorophenylalanine, p-chloroamphetamine and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine did not affect the initial dose-response curve to the centrally injected barbiturate, but all treatments resulted in significant delays in tolerance development. A negative correlation between the extent of whole brain serotonin remaining and the duration of loss of righting reflex on the last day of the chronic phenobarbital regimen was obtained after pretreatment with p-choorophenylalanine, p-chloroamphetamine and saline. The sleep times of animals pretreated with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine did not fit this linear relationship. Treatment with p-chloroamphetamine after cessation of the chronic phenobarbital regimen did not influence the rate of tolerance reversal. Steady state levels of serotonin and the concentration of its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, in different brain areas were comparable in controls and tolerant rats when examined at various stages in tolerance development. However, tolerant and non-tolerant rats sacrificed at time points immediately after central phenobarbital injection had different temporal patterns of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid elevation in the striatum, hypothalamus and midbrain which were observable only during the loss of righting reflex. The data indicate that cerebral serotonin neurons participate in the attenuation of hypnosis following chronic phenobarbital injections.
Activation of the Hepatitis B Virus S Promoter by Transcription Factor NF-Y via a CCAAT Element

Abstract The middle and small surface proteins of hepatitis B virus are translated from 5′-heterogeneous transcripts specified by the S promoter. We have generated a series of linker-substitution mutants that encompass the 130 base pairs comprising this promoter and measured the amount of transcripts and protein products synthesized from each mutant. The results confirm our previous finding that a CCAAT element is an important up-stream activating element for this promoter, as mutation of this element leads to a >20-fold decrease in promoter activity.In vitrobinding assays showed that the cellular transcription factor NF-Y (CCAAT-binding factor) binds to this element, and expression of a dominant-negative NF-Y subunit in transfected cells specifically reduced surface protein expression from the S promoter via the CCAAT element. In addition, two Sp1 sites also contribute to S promoter activity by a total of approximately 6-fold. Therefore, the S promoter is activated by both NF-Y and Sp1, but more strongly by the former factor.
Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii dominates under very low and high nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios

In freshwater ecosystems, a variety of factors mediate phytoplankton community structure, including herbivore community structure, light availability, temperature, mixing, and absolute and relative nutrient concentrations (total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP)). Ecological stoichiometry examines how the nutrient content of organisms and their environment may mediate population-, community-, and ecosystem-level processes. The manipulation of N:P ratios is a widely regarded tool for managing phytoplankton species composition given that nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria should dominate algal communities under relatively low N:P (<64:1, by atoms) given their ability to convert dissolved dinitrogen gas into organic nitrogen. However, due to the physiological expense of nitrogen fixation, diazotrophs should be outcompeted by non-nitrogen fixing phytoplankton under higher N:P when other environmental factors are similar. We tested this hypothesis in a field experiment using 2500-L limnocorrals installed in a eutrophic lake (ambient N:P w40:1 (by atoms); TN w1360 m gL � 1 ;T Pw75 mgL � 1 ). At the start of the experiment, we randomly
Iterative decoding of linear block codes: a parity-check orthogonalization approach

It is widely accepted that short cycles in Tanner graphs deteriorate the performance of message-passing algorithms. This discourages the use of these algorithms on Tanner graphs (TGs) of well-known algebraic codes such as Hamming codes, Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem codes, and Reed-Solomon codes. Yedidia et al. presented a method to generate code representations suitable for message-passing algorithms. This method does not guarantee a representation free of four-cycles. In this correspondence, we present an algorithm to convert an arbitrary linear block into a code with orthogonal parity-check equations. A combinatorial argument is used to prove that the algorithm guarantees a four-cycle free representation for any linear code. The effects of removing four-cycles on the performance of a belief propagation decoder for the binary erasure channel are studied in detail by analyzing the structures in different representations. Finally, we present bit-error rate (BER) and block-error rate (BLER) performance curves of linear block codes under belief propagation algorithms for the binary erasure channel and the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel in order to demonstrate the improvement in performance achieved with the help of the proposed algorithm.
Control Optimization with Reinforcement Learning

his chapter focuses on a relatively new methodology called reinforcement learning (RL). RL will be presented here as a form of simulation-based dynamic programming, primarily used for solving Markov and semi-Markov decision problems. Pioneering work in the area of RL was performed within the artificial intelligence community, which views it as a “machine learning” method. This perhaps explains the roots of the word “learning” in the name reinforcement learning. We also note that within the artificial intelligence community, “learning” is sometimes used to describe function approximation, e.g., regression. Some kind of function approximation, as we will see below, usually accompanies RL. The word “reinforcement” is linked to the fact that RL algorithms can be viewed as agents that learn through trials and errors (feedback).
CMP pad wear and polish-rate decay modeled by asperity population balance with fluid effect

An important task in chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) is to determine when the pad should be changed or reconditioned. A model which can predict the pad asperity probability distribution function (PDF) during polishing and conditioning is valuable for this purpose. Previous work has been done without incorporating fluid mechanics into the model in L.J. Borucki, J. Eng. Math. 43 (2002) 105-114, but that will overestimate the pad wear because the fluid reduces the load applied on the individual asperities. This work models the wear of pad asperities and polish-rate decay in CMP by coupling the population balance model with fluid mechanics. Modeling results with and without fluid effect are compared. Polish-rate model results are compared with experimental data in D. Stein et al., J. Electron. Mater. 25 (10) (1996) 1623-1627, and the results agree with experimental results for both cases by using different wear rate coefficients to fit experimental data. A lesser wear rate coefficient must be used to fit Stein's data for the fluid case compared to the case without fluid. The wear rate of the pad is calculated from the rate of change of the pad-wafer separation distance during polishing because only asperities above this distance will be in contact and worn down and that portion will be piled up at the pad-wafer separation distance on the PDF curve of the pad asperities. The PDF evolution model results with fluid show much less pad wear compared to the case without fluid. Also if fluid is neglected, pad-wafer separation distance will continue to drop until it is zero, while for the fluid case, it will eventually reach a dynamic steady-state with no pad wear indicating that the load is entirely supported by the fluid. Accurate predicting the interface gap (pad wear) is critical for controlling both mechanical and chemical removal rate and within wafer non-uniformity (WIWNU). These results show that fluid is an important factor which needs to be included into the model in predicting the interface gap and surface profile evolution of the pad during polishing and conditioning.
Microstrip patch antenna on LTCC metamaterial substrates in millimeter wave bands

There has been much research to improve the properties and to reduce the size of microstrip antennas and high permittivity dielectric substrates have been considered to reduce the size of microstrip antennas. High permeability materials are considered for the substrates of microstrip antennas instead of high permittivity materials. But, Pendry was the first to suggest the use of split ring resonators (SRRs) as a canonical metamaterial structure that gives rise to an effective magnetic response without the need for magnetic materials. When we design a microstrip antenna on the metamaterial substrate, which has SRR structures in the substrate, we can reduce the size of a microstrip patch antenna [8]. Additionally, if we use the SRRs that have various scales in the substrate, we can design the multi-band antenna [9]. The SRR is a ring with a gap. When the axis of the ring is parallel with the magnetic field, the strong induced current in the SRR results in a magnetic resonance whose frequency depends on the scale of the geometry. We can change the resonance frequency from low frequency to optical bands by changing the scale of the SRR. Metamaterial substrates for millimeter wave bands can also be designed by scaling the SRR structures. Millimeter wave systems have many advantages for military and commercial applications. They have better resolution than microwave systems because of the narrow beamwidth. This is proper for radar systems. In the commercial area, the demand on the EM frequency spectrum has suddenly increased with the rapid growth of wireless systems. However, the frequency spectrum is limited and microwave frequency bands are saturated, hence millimeter frequency bands can be a solution to provide more spectrum resources.
Recursive Kalman type filter selection for adaptive image restoration

Summary form only given. The one-dimensional state-space representation of an image for restoration using a Kalman filter requires a relatively large state vector. For typical autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) signal models with nonsymmetric half-plane support, the dimension of the state is approximately equal to the product of the image model order and the pixel width of the image. This state is quite large, particularly for practical images, and would require excessive computation if the Kalman filter were used directly for adaptive restoration (in response to identified parameter changes). To overcome these limitations, three approximations to the Kalman filter have been offered for adaptive restoration: the reduced-update Kalman filter (RUKF), the reduced-order-model Kalman filter (ROMKF), and the Chandrasekhar filter. The authors have compared the performances of the three techniques, based on a model identified by another program, and have investigated the feasibility of applying the Chandrasekhar algorithm to continuous adaptive restoration (i.e. with nonstationary parameters). They have shown that the filter gains computed by the approximate RUKF and ROMKF procedures are nearly optimal and that the fast but true optimal Chandrasekhar filter is not suitable for adaptive processes. >
Validation of a power law model in upper extremity vessels: potential application in ultrasound bleed detection.

Abstract Vascular ultrasound can provide quick and reliable diagnosis of arterial bleeding but it requires trained and experienced personnel. Development of automated sonographic bleed detection methods would potentially be valuable for trauma management in the field. We propose a detection method that (1) measures blood flow in a trauma victim, (2) determines the victim’s expected normal limb arterial flow using a power law biofluid model where flow is proportional to the vessel diameter taken to a power of k and (3) quantifies the difference between measured and expected flow with a novel metric, flow split deviation (FSD). FSD was devised to give a quantitative value for the likelihood of arterial bleeding and validated in human upper extremities. We used ultrasound to demonstrate that the power law with k = 2.75 appropriately described the normal brachial artery bifurcation geometry and adequately determined the expected normal flows. Our metric was then applied to three-dimensional (3-D) computational models of forearm bleeding and on dialysis patients undergoing surgical construction of wrist arteriovenous fistulas. Computational models showed that larger sized arterial defects produced larger flow deviations. FSD values were statistically higher (paired t-test) for arms with fistulas than those without, with average FSDs of 0.41 ± 0.12 and 0.047 ± 0.021 (mean ± SD), respectively. The average of the differences was 0.36 ± 0.12 (mean ± SD).
A primer on the application of Markov chains to the study of wildlife disease dynamics

Summary 1. For wildlife researchers, disease specialists and policy analysts unfamiliar with the mathematical ⁄ statistical language of disease models, translation of probability statements into meaningful terms for disease research and control may be challenging. Markov chain models are powerful tools, applicable to the study of disease dynamics that allow straightforward calculations of easily interpretable metrics of interest including probabilities of infection ⁄ recovery, expected times to initial infection, duration of illness and life expectancies for susceptible and infected individuals. 2. We present the basic principles and assumptions behind Markov chain modelling with an intuitive interpretation of parameter estimates and a step-by-step guide (including software code) for implementing this approach in the study of wildlife diseases. We also include an explanation of the estimation process necessary to implement Markov chain modelling (i.e. estimating the probability of state transitions between consecutive time steps) from typical survey data. 3. We demonstrate the usefulness and ease of calculation of Markov chains through an example using a house finch Carpodacus mexicanus–Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) system. Our results show how semi-weekly transition estimates of susceptible and infected individuals can be used to estimate a wide array of seasonal disease-associated metrics. 4. Markov chain modelling can provide a basic understanding of parameters estimated from wildlife disease studies, and can aid in understanding the implications of disease on wildlife populations and in evaluation of control measures. We envision this paper serving as an entry point into the extensive literature and potential applications of Markov chains in epidemiological modelling.
Cytotoxicity of human RNase-based immunotoxins requires cytosolic access and resistance to ribonuclease inhibition

Immunotoxins are targeted therapeutics designed to kill cancer cells. The targeting moiety of an immunotoxin selectively binds to a tumor cell and targets it for death via an attached toxin. Because the toxins are typically of plant or bacterial origin, their clinical use is limited by immunogenicity and nonspecific toxicity. To circumvent these problems, we have begun to engineer immunotoxins containing human pancreatic ribonuclease. Here we describe the generation of ribonuclease mutants designed to evade a ubiquitous cytosolic inhibitor that would otherwise block cytotoxicity. Two mutants retained catalytic activity and were relatively resistant to the inhibitor. To deliver them to human T leukemic cells, these ribonuclease variants were fused to a single chain Fv fragment specific for CD 7. The ribonuclease-sFv fusion proteins bound CD 7(+) T cells and were internalized yet were not cytotoxic. Transfection of the proteins directly into the cytosol reduced cell viability, suggesting that the failure of the immunotoxins to kill cells when added externally resulted from the inability of the ribonuclease moiety to access the cytosol efficiently. Our results indicate appropriate intracellular routing, as well as resistance to inhibition, is critical to the cytotoxicity of human ribonuclease-based immunotoxins.