cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bone Response to Exercise During Recovery Between Unloading Bouts in Adult Male Rats

Mechanical unloading has deleterious effects on the musculoskeletal system, and exercise offers a way to reduce or reverse these effects. Studies of crew members from the International Space Station have documented bone losses that do not fully recover even years after returning to Earth [1,2], and this raises concerns with repeated missions. We have used the adult hindlimb unloaded (HU) rat model [3] to simulate repeated exposure to microgravity, and to study densitometric and mechanical properties at multiple bone sites. This study focuses on mixed bone sites including proximal tibia metaphysis (PTM), and femoral neck (FN) region which also has a significant clinical relevance. Surprisingly, losses for the 2nd HU were milder than those for the 1st HU for bone mineral content (BMC) and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), suggesting a possible protective effect of the 1st HU [4]. Comparison to a separate group exposed to a single period of HU initiated at the same age as the 2nd HU group ruled out age effects contributing to the smaller deficit. BMC and vBMD values returned to baseline but remained below aging cage control (CC) values, raising the question of whether the milder losses for the 2nd HU might be attributable, wholly or partially, to lower levels at the start of the 2nd HU. The goal of the current study was to determine if adding a resistance exercise regimen during recovery from the 1st HU would restore bone properties to CC levels and/or significantly affect the response to the 2nd HU.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Signature of quasi one-dimensionality in the absorption spectra of electrochemically self-assembled nanowires

Abstract We have observed broad peaks in the room temperature absorption spectra of electrochemically self-assembled 10-nm diameter nanowires of CdSe and ZnS at photon energies close to the bandgap energy. They are believed to stem from the van Hove singularities in the quasi-one-dimensional electron–hole joint density of states. The absorption spectra of 50-nm diameter wires do not exhibit these peaks (their absorption increases monotonically with photon energy) since their diameter exceeds the thermal De-Broglie wavelength of the nanowires. That makes them behave as three-dimensional instead of quasi-one-dimensional structures. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of the signature of quasi-one-dimensional density of states in the absorption spectrum of electrochemically self-assembled nanowires.
Autofluorescence microscopy for real-time imaging of human esophageal disease

Autofluorescence microscopy is explored for real-time imaging of human esophagus tissue and detection of disease associated modifications. This approach was also tested using a prototype endoscopy probe.
Transformation of mammalian cells by DNA-containing viruses following photodynamic inactivation

Abstract Simian papovavirus 40 (SV40) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 were nactivated by exposure to fluorescent light after replication in cells pretreated with neutral red. Exposure of hamster embryo fibroblast cells to appropriately inactivated virus yielded clones of cells showing loss of contact inhibition. Cell lines were established from clones arising from “transformation” by all viruses tested. SV40 tumor (T) antigen was detected in the nuclei of the SV40 transformed cells and herpes simplex virus specific antigens were demonstrated in the cytoplasm of both type 1 and type 2 transformed cells. Virus was not recovered from the transformed cells. The results indicate that DNA-containing viruses are able to transform mammalian cells after photodynamic inactivation of infectivity.
Effect of hypophysectomy and gonadotropin treatment on follicular development and ovulation in the hamster

In hamsters hypophysectomized on day 1 of the cycle (morning of ovulation) on days 1–28 post-hypophysectomy 99% of follicular development is limited to small and medium sized follicles with no more than five layers of granulosal cells. Since the largest preantral follicles on day 1 of the cycle have 10–12 layers of granulosal cells, it is evident that follicles become dependent on gonadotropins at an early stage of their maturation. The daily injection of 200 μg ovine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on days 8–11 post-hypophysectomy results in large antral follicles; when 10 μg ovine luteinizing hormone (LH) is then injected the animals ovulate 32 eggs. When 200 μg FSH on day 8 post-hypophysectomy is followed by 50 μg FSH on days 9–11, injecting LH results in the ovulation of nine eggs — comparable to the ovulation rate of intact hamsters. These experiments indicate that superovulation depends on sustained high levels of FSH whereas the ovulation of a normal number of eggs requires an initially high level of FSH and then much lower maintenance levels. When replacement therapy with 200 μg FSH for four days is started on the day of hypophysectomy (day 1) or day 2, follicles fail to develop past the six-seven granulosal layer stage. However, deferring the initial injection of FSH until day 3 results in antral follicles that are ovulated by LH (ovulation = 36 eggs). This suggests that functional corpora lutea inhibit the effects of FSH on follicular growth. Progesterone administered to hypophysectomized hamsters (days 8–11 post-hypophysectomy) increases the percentage of medium follicles at the expense of smaller stages. Progesterone injected daily along with FSH also prevents follicular development past the six-seven granulosal layer stage in 14 of 24 hypophysectomized animals.
Microderivatization of Anodized Glassy Carbon

Microelectrodes have been used to modify locally the electrochemical activity on glassy carbon electrodes. Glassy carbon was electrochemically oxidized to form an oxide layer which is inhibitory toward certain electron-transfer reactions. Activity was restored through the application of hydroxide, which was generated electrochemically at the tip of a microelectrode. With the tip positioned in close proximity to the anodized glassy carbon surface, microdomains of electrochemical activity were created in an otherwise inactive matrix. The distribution of electrochemical activity was characterized using electrochemical feedback at the microelectrode, electrogenerated chemiluminescence imaging, and electrodeposition of silver. Spatially directed activation of the glassy carbon surface was accomplished in the micrometer domain.
Dissolved oxygen monitoring system using a pulsed electrode: design, performance, and evoluation

An instrument for measuring dissolved oxygen in seawater is described. The device uses a conventional polarographic electrode in connection with chronoamperometry to overcome many of the problems limiting the performance of oxygen electrodes. The polarizing potential is applied as a pulse and the resulting current transient is sampled after a 1.5- to 3-s delay. Current during the first few seconds is 4 to 8 times the steady-state current and is unaffected by flow rate past the membrane provided a recovery time of 3 min or more is allowed between pulses. Secondary benefits include reproducibility typically better than ±0.8 μM and essentially drift-free operation for several weeks. At a pulsing rate of 120 h−1 analysis time is 2 to 4 min per bottle. A microcomputer controls all phases of the measuring process: pulse generation, data acquisition, reduction, and storage. Software is used to correct sensor output for temperature dependence exactly using the activation energy of permeation and the Arrhenius equation. An activity coefficient, a function of temperature and salinity, is computed to correct for salinity. Results of an intercomparison with Winkler determinations are presented and an example is given of the instrument's use to measure the respiration of copepods in an unstirred solution.
Review article: the role of sleep in the pathogenesis of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease

Summary Night-time heartburn is common in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and its consequences in terms of sleep disturbance and subsequent effects on daytime functioning are substantial. Most patients with night-time heartburn indicate that it is more bothersome than daytime heartburn. A significant odds ratio has been described between night-time heartburn and daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Sleep-related gastro-oesophageal reflux has characteristics that distinguish it from waking reflux and that have been shown to enhance the risk of the development of reflux oesophagitis. Swallowing and salivary flow are markedly diminished during sleep and behavioural arousal responses to acid mucosal contact are blunted due to the depressed consciousness of the sleeping state. These sleep-related changes conspire to prolong acid mucosal contact, which in turn increases the likelihood of significant hydrogen ion back-diffusion and the risk of oesophageal damage. An awareness of the presence of night-time heartburn suggests significant sleep-related gastro-oesophageal reflux and this should be assessed in order to optimally treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients. Consideration of PPI treatment should involve an assessment of its effectiveness in maintaining acid suppression throughout the sleeping interval.
Topological Effects on Globular Protein‐ELP Fusion Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly

Perfectly defined, monodisperse fusion protein block copolymers of a thermoresponsive coil-like protein, ELP, and a globular protein, mCherry, are demonstrated to act as fully biosynthetic analogues to protein-polymer conjugates that can self-assemble into biofunctional nanostructures such as hexagonal and lamellar phases in concentrated solutions. The phase behavior of two mCherry-ELP fusions, E10-mCherry-E10 and E20-mCherry, is investigated to compare linear and bola fusion self-assembly both in diluted and concentrated aqueous solution. In dilute solution, the molecular topology impacts the stability of micelles formed above the thermal transition temperature of the ELP block, with the diblock forming micelles and the bola forming unstable aggregates. Despite the chemical similarity of the two protein blocks, the materials order into block copolymer-like nanostructures across a wide range of concentrations at 30 wt% and above, with the bola fusion having a lower order-disorder transition concentration than the diblock fusion. The topology of the molecule has a large impact on the type of nanostructure formed, with the two fusions forming phases in the opposite order as a function of temperature and concentration. This new system provides a rich landscape to explore the capabilities of fusion architecture to control supramolecular assemblies for bioactive materials.
The preperitoneal approach to the groin and the inferior epigastric vessels

Preperitoneal, a word coined by Nyhus in the 1960s, has been applied not only to posterior approaches that he, Stoppa, and Wantz popularized but to anterior exposures of the groin, which divide the transversalis fascia. This assumes that all give similar views of the easily cleaved space of Bogros. However, accumulated anatomical observations reveal the transversalis fascia as having not one but two layers. The inferior epigastric vessels run between rather than in the preperitoneal space, which is avascular and has its own fascia lining the peritoneum. Historical evidence shows that both the midline Cheatle-Henry and lateral Ugahary-Kugel approaches, which transect the abdominal wall, provide excellent exposure of the avascular preperitoneal space. However, neither the unilateral posterior McEvedy approach nor the anterior approach does, as only part of the musculature and fasciae are retracted. The inferior epigastric vasculature and posterior lamina transversalis fascia, which remain in situ, block the view. Unless they are disrupted or circumvented, neither of the latter approaches or subsequent repairs should be labeled preperitoneal.
Differential sensitivity of normal and cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells to epinephrine.

Exposure to epinephrine has been shown to have a range of effects on cells and tissues. A recent study suggested that the proliferative ability of CF epithelial cells, exposed to high concentrations of epinephrine (200–300 μM), was reduced when compared to that of normal cells. This approach could potentially provide a means to effectively separate cells with functional cyclic AMP-dependent Cl-ion transport from those defective in this pathway. The sensitivity to killing by epinephrine is reported here for four different CF cell lines, three normal cell lines, and two CF epithelial cell lines complemented with wild-type (wt) CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cDNA. While each cell line exhibited varying sensitivity to 200 μM epinephrine, no predictable pattern was observed between the expression of wt-CFTR and cell survival following epinephrine exposure. Overall, normal cell lines did exhibit a greater resistance to epinephrine-induced cell death although, the most resistant cell line was derived from CF tracheal epithelium (ΣCFTE29o-). The expression of exogenous wt-CFTR increased the survival of one cell line (CFDEo-) when compared to the parent line, but in another complemented line, survival was reduced. These findings suggest that while epinephrine induces cell killing, it is not consistently effective for preferential selection of normal over CF cells. Although CFTR may play a role in the mechanism(s) of epinephrine killing, other factors such as cell density, proliferative ability, cell type origin and phenotype are involved. British Journal of Pharmacology (1999) 128, 227–233; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0702772
RADIATIVE CORRECTIONS TO THE e-e SCATTERING

The radiative corrections to the e-e clashing beam experiment are calculated. The experiment is conducted using two intersecting 500-Mev electron beams and Cherenkov counters as detectors for the scattered electrons. The experiment is in progress and is designed to test the validity of quantum electrcdynamics at small distances, or to find if the electron has any finite size (form factor) down to approximately 0.5 x 10/sup -14/ cm. The elastic parts of the radiative corrections to order alpha are calculated using a high- energy approximation. The results from this approximation have confirmed the results of Redhead . and Polovin for the elastic parts. (B.O.G.)
New Hope in the Search for Ebola Virus Treatments

Because of its lethality, the Ebola virus often appears to be an invincible adversary. In Nature, Qiu et al. (2014) recently described the complete protection of nonhuman primates from deadly Ebola virus disease, even when treatment was begun as late as 5 days after infection.
Avoidable punishment and self-punitive behavior

In an effort to increase the proportion of Ss displaying self-punitive running, punishment in the last 2 ft of the runway was made avoidable during extinction if the rat reached the goal box in less than 2 sec. Other Ss were punished on every trial or not punished during extinction following avoidance training. Punished animals exhibited persistent running. Eleven of the 20 punishment-avoidance Ss completed the maximum 100 extinction trials. For these nonextinguishing Ss learning of punishment avoidance was similar to ordinary avoidance learning, whereas extinguishers were markedly inferior in avoidance performance.
Theoretical latent hardening in crystals—II. BCC crystals in tension and compression

Abstract T he general latent hardening law of single slip derived in the first paper of this series (H avner , B aker and V ause , 1979) is applied to an analysis of “overshooting” phenomena in bcc crystals in tension and compression. This new law, which predicts anisotropic hardening of latent slip systems, is based upon the simple theory of finite distortional crystal hardening introduced by H avner and S halaby (1977). Because of historical ambiguities regarding identification of the slip plane in bcc metals, parallel analyses are presented corresponding to two separate criteria: (i) slip on {110}, {112} and {123} crystallographic planes only; and (ii) slip on the plane of maximum resolved shear stress containing a 〈111〉 direction. It is established that the new hardening law is a theory of “overshooting” in bcc crystals according to either identification of the slip plane. A qualitative comparison between theoretical results and two experimental papers on Fe crystals is included. The general difficulties in making comparisons with the experimental literature on finite distortional latent hardening are briefly discussed.
Rediscovering cobalt's surface chemistry

Cobalt is an active metal for a variety of commercially and environmentally significant heterogeneously catalysed processes. Despite its importance, Co's surface chemistry is less studied compared to other key industrial catalyst metals. This stems in part from the difficulties associated with single crystal preparation and stability. Recent advances in scanning probe microscopy have enabled the atomic scale study of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of well-defined Co nanoparticles on metal substrates. Such systems offer an excellent platform to investigate the adsorption, diffusion, dissociation, and reaction of catalytically relevant molecules. Here we discuss the current understanding of metal-supported Co nanoparticles, review the limited literature on molecular adsorption, and suggest ways that they can be used to explore Co's rich surface chemistry. Our discussion is accompanied by new high resolution scanning tunnelling microscopy data from our group, which illustrate some of the interesting properties of these complex systems.
HPV-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma Variants in the Head and Neck

The great majority of HPV-related carcinoma of the oropharynx is nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. More recently, an increasing number of squamous cell carcinoma variants that are HPV positive are being reported in the oropharynx, as well as in other head and neck sites. As a result, several clinical and pathologic questions have emerged. Importantly, questions raised include whether the virus is biologically active and involved in the pathogenesis of these tumors, and whether there are clinical implications with regard to patient outcome and treatment modality changes that may be needed in HPV-related variants. Examples of HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma variants that will be addressed here include: basaloid squamous cell carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, papillary squamous carcinoma, and small cell carcinoma. Some investigations have suggested a favorable prognosis in some variants, analogous to that of the conventional nonkeratinizing (basaloid) carcinoma, while others showed poorer outcome. So far, the number of studies on this subject is limited and the number of cases evaluated in each investigation is few. Because of this, it is prudent at this stage not to alter management protocols as a result of identification of HPV in these variants and to await additional studies.
Reliability analysis for a single-area generation system

Abstract In the long-range system transmission expansion planning, the goal is to select the most desirable transmission network, given a generation expansion pattern and projected demand. A basic problem in transmission planning is the determination of adequate capacity with forced outage of various system components. In a single-area generation system, only single source and single demand are considered. The objective of this research is to develop a suitable technique for determining whether the state of a system is acceptable or not after a disturbance has reached steady state in transmission planning problems. An acceptable state implies that no system component is overloaded and that all demands are met. In this paper, a solution procedure for single-area reliability analysis is presented. This algorithm is written in Fortran and run on a VAX/VMS system.
Quality of life and chronic heart failure therapy guided by natriuretic peptides: results from the ProBNP Outpatient Tailored Chronic Heart Failure Therapy (PROTECT) study.

Background Heart failure (HF) treatment guided by amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may reduce cardiovascular event rates compared to standard-of-care (SOC) management. Comprehensive understanding regarding effect of NT-proBNP guided care on patient-reported quality of life (QOL) remains unknown. Methods One hundred fifty-one subjects with HF due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction were randomized to either SOC HF management or care with a goal to reduce NT-proBNP values ≤1000 pg/mL. Effects of HF on QOL were assessed using the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire (MLHFQ) quarterly, with change (Δ) in score assessed across study procedures and as a function of outcome. Results Overall, baseline MLHFQ score was 30. Across study visits, QOL improved in both arms, but was more improved and sustained in the NT-proBNP arm (repeated measures P = .01); NT-proBNP patients showing greater reduction in MLHFQ score (−10.0 vs −5.0; P = .05), particularly in the physical scale of the questionnaire. Baseline MLHFQ scores did not correlate with NT-proBNP; in contrast, ∆MLHFQ scores modestly correlated with ∆NT-proBNP values (ρ = .234; P = .006) as did relative ∆ in MLHFQ score and NT-proBNP (ρ = .253; P = .003). Considered in tertiles, less improvement in MLHFQ scores was associated with a higher rate of HF hospitalization, worsening HF, and cardiovascular death ( P = .001). Conclusions We describe novel associations between NT-proBNP concentrations and QOL scores among patients treated with biomarker guided care. Compared to SOC HF management, NT-proBNP guided care was associated with greater and more sustained improvement in QOL (Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00351390).
Defining community policing: practice versus paradigm

While many believe that community policing has advanced beyond the defining stage, conflict still exists between community policing as envisioned by academics and theorists and community policing as interpreted and practiced by police organizations. Why is there so much disparity between the theory and application of community policing? Part of the answer lies in the differing utility the concept holds for practitioners and researchers. Analyzed within the precepts of the Trojanowicz Paradigm, content analyses of community policing job descriptions and definitions were performed on data obtained during a 1994 national survey of police departments conducted by Trojanowicz, Woods, et al. Results were surprising, yet consistent with many case studies which trace implementation problems to the failure of the larger organization to incorporate the community policing philosophy.
An economic analysis of hyperketonemia testing and propylene glycol treatment strategies in early lactation dairy cattle.

Abstract The purpose was to develop stochastic economic models which address variation in disease risks and costs in order to evaluate different simulated on-farm testing and propylene glycol (PG) treatment strategies based on herd hyperketonemia (HYK) incidence during the first 30 DIM. Data used in model development concerning the difference in health and production consequences between HYK and non-ketotic cows were based on results from 10 studies representing over 13,000 cows from 833 dairy farms in North America, Canada, and Europe. Inputs for PG associated variables were based on a large field trial using cows from 4 free-stall dairy herds (2 in New York and 2 in Wisconsin). Four simulated on-farm testing and treatment strategies were analyzed at herd HYK incidences ranging from 5% to 80% and included: 1) treating all cows with 5 d of PG starting at 5 DIM, 2) testing all cows for HYK 1 day per week (e.g. Mondays) from 3 to 16 DIM and treating all positive cows with 5 d of oral PG, 3) testing all cows for HYK 2 days per week (e.g. Mondays and Thursdays) from 3 to 9 DIM and treating all positive cows with 5 d of oral PG, and 4) testing all cows for HYK 3 days per week (e.g. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) from 3 to 16 DIM and treating all positive cows with 5 d of oral PG. Cost-benefit analysis included the costs associated with labor to test cows, β-hydroxybutyrate test strips, labor to treat cows, PG, and the associated gain in milk production, decrease in DA and early removal risks of PG treated HYK positive cows compared to non-treated HYK positive cows. Stochastic models were developed to account for variability in the distribution of input variables. Per 100 fresh cows in a herd with an HYK incidence of 40%, the mean economic benefits of the 4 different strategies were $1088, $744, $1166, and $760, respectively. Testing cows 2 days per week from 3 to 9 DIM was the most cost-effective strategy for herds with HYK incidences between 15% and 50%; above 50%, treating all fresh cows with 5 d of PG was the most cost-effective strategy. These results show that for herds similar to those used in model, when herd HYK incidences rise above 25%, almost any HYK testing and treatment protocol will be economically beneficial for the farm.
Imaging and modeling new VETEM data

In previously reported work (Wright and others, 2000) we found that the very early time electromagnetic (VETEM) prototype system produced data from which high resolution images of a buried former foundry site at the Denver Federal Center were made. The soil covering the site is about 30 mS/m conductivity, and is thus relatively unfavorable for ground penetrating radar (GPR) imaging. We have surveyed portions of this site again with new electric field dipole antennas and a new receiver designed for these antennas. Comparisons of the images produced using the loop antennas to those produced using the electric field dipole antennas illustrate that for this application the loop antennas produced more useful images. The larger man-made structures can be seen more clearly because they are not masked by dispersion and/or smaller scale variations as with the electric field dipole antennas. The VETEM system now contains an array of antennas with appropriate transmitters and receivers and can be operated as a low frequency time domain GPR or as a high frequency time domain electromagnetic (EM) system with several possible antenna spacings and polarizations. We plan to examine additional configurations. Numerical modeling of the perpendicular loop antenna configuration has been done and depth estimates produced. We conclude that, as with other GPR and time domain EM systems, the best choice of operating parameters depends on the application and the environment, but the inherent flexibility of the VETEM system allows a wide range of options.
Covariation assessment in rank order data

Two experiments were conducted to investigate how individuals assess covariation with rank order data. In both studies, subjects were given sets of rank order data, each set consisting of ten items ranked on two characteristics, and were asked to estimate the degree of relationship for each set. Contrary to previous research, subjects' estimates of covariation in this task were quite sensitive to actual levels of correlation in the data and remained unaffected by simple variations in the way rank order data were presented. More importantly, it appeared that this sensitivity to covariation was due likely to the use of a simple heuristic referred to here as the total discrepancy heuristic. These findings are discussed in terms of the availability of simple heuristics in rank-ordered versus other types of data and the consequences of using such heuristics in decision-making contexts.
Competition cusps in (α, γ) reactions

Abstract Absolute cross sections are presented for the reactions 37 Cl( α , γ ) 41 K for 2.90 MeV ≦ E lab α ≦ 5.23 MeV, 62 Ni (α, γ) 66 Zn for 5.07 MeV ≦ E α −2 lab ≦ 8.64 MeV , 62 Ni (α, n ) 65 Zn for energies near the ( α , n 0 ) threshold at E α lab = 6.90 MeV up to 8.76 MeV , 64 Ni (α, γ) 68 Zn for 4.50 ≦ E α lab ≦ 7.45 MeV , and for 64 Ni( α , n) 67 N from E α lab = 5.30 MeV up to E α = 7.45 MeV. Substantial competition cusps were observed in the excitation function for all three (α, γ) reactions. The data were found to be in reasonable agreement with the predictions of the current versions of global Hauser-Feshbach models used in nucleosynthesis calculations. Including width fluctuation corrections and realistic neutron strength functions generally improves the ability of the models to predict the depth of the (α, γ) competition cusps; the depths of the predicted (α,γ) cusps are insensitive to the degree of isospin mixing. Taken together with studies of competition effects in proton-induced reactions, the present data confirm the importance of width fluctuation and strength function effects, and indicate essentially complete isospin mixing between T and T > states in the compound nucleus.
A reassessment of the role of propagule pressure in influencing fates of passerine introductions to New Zealand

Several studies have argued that principal factor in determining the fate of bird introductions is introduction effort. In large part, these studies have emerged from analyses of historical records from a single place—New Zealand. Here we raise two concerns about these conclusions. First, we argue that although many bird species were introduced repeatedly to New Zealand, in many cases the introductions apparently occurred only after the species were already successfully naturalized. The inclusion of such seemingly superfluous introductions may exaggerate the importance of propagule pressure. And second, we question the reliability of the records themselves. In many cases these records are equivocal, as inconsistencies appear in separate studies of the same records. Our analysis indicates that species were successful not because they were introduced frequently and in high numbers, but rather it is likely that they were introduced frequently and in high numbers because the initial releases were successful.
DNA template-assisted modulation of horseradish peroxidase activity.

Abstract The precise alignment of DNA molecules by Watson–Crick base-pairing combined with its polymeric characteristics have allowed DNA to be used as a template or scaffold for assembling materials. In this work, we investigate the role of calf-thymus DNA as a template for enhancing the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated oxidation of phenol and phenolic derivatives. The HRP-catalyzed oxidation of phenol into polyphenolic products and in presence of 4-aminoantipyrine into quinoneimine dye complexes is studied. Visible spectroscopy reveals an increased yield of both products of the enzymatic reaction in presence of calf-thymus DNA and is attributed to the prearrangement of the corresponding substrates on the DNA. The concentrations of calf-thymus DNA and the substrates are found to affect the nature of prearrangement and subsequent formation of polymeric or co-oxidation products. Also, phenolic derivatives with different aromatic substitutions display divergent propensities towards product formation in presence of the DNA template. Our results demonstrate the ability of calf-thymus DNA to modulate the activity of HRP and exercise control on the nature of products formed. This work highlights the potential of using DNA as a template for influencing enzymatic reactions involving aromatic substrates.
From annotator agreement to noise models

This article discusses the transition from annotated data to a gold standard, that is, a subset that is sufficiently noise-free with high confidence. Unless appropriately reinterpreted, agreement coefficients do not indicate the quality of the data set as a benchmarking resource: High overall agreement is neither sufficient nor necessary to distill some amount of highly reliable data from the annotated material. A mathematical framework is developed that allows estimation of the noise level of the agreed subset of annotated data, which helps promote cautious benchmarking.
Revising Foucault's Model of Modernity and Exclusion: Gauchet and Swain On Madness and Democracy

This article reveals how Marcel Gauchet and his late wife Gladys Swain revise Foucault's history of madness and modernity by arguing that the history of modern civilization represents a recognition of the mad, rather than their exclusion. Turning to the French Revolution, the article then examines the relationship between disciplinary practices and a wider democratic context. It shows that while Foucault reduces democratic societies to proto totalitarian practices, Gauchet and Swain give a broader and more historically complex account of asylums and the democratic context in which they emerge. This allows them to see resistance in the asylum and in democratic societies in general: while Foucault thought the panoptic asylum revealed modernity's ultimate success, for Gauchet and Swain it proved only its failure. However, the article ends by arguing that, despite all their differences, Gauchet and Swain's critique of contemporary societies remains in some respects indebted to Foucault.
Inheritance in actor based concurrent object-oriented languages

Inheritance is a valuable mechanism which enhances reusability and maintainability of software. A language design based on the actor model of concurrent computation faces a serious problem arising from the interference between concurrency and inheritance. A similar problem also occurs in other concurrent object-oriented languages. In this paper, we describe problems found in existing concurrent object-oriented languages. We present a solution which is based on a concept called behavior abstraction.
Incremental Commitment and Reciprocity in a Real-Time Public Goods Game

Allowing players in public goods games to make small incremental commitments to contributing to the good might facilitate cooperation because it helps to prevent players from being “free ridden,” contributing more to the public good than other group members. Two experiments using a real-time version of the voluntary contribution mechanism were conducted to investigate the hypothesis that players are generally willing to contribute public goods conditional on beliefs that others are doing so at similar levels. Experiment 1 provided evidence that affording a strategy of commitment can increase the production of public goods. Experiment 2 provided evidence that most players are willing to contribute to the public good at a level at or slightly above the contribution of the lowest contributor in the group. Both experiments point to inequity aversion as an important element of play in public goods games.
HAL: heuristic algorithms for layout synthesis

This paper describes graph theory based algorithms for layout synthesis of leaf cells. A new layout style termed 1-1/2-d layout style is used for the layouts. The transistors are aligned based on common poly gates or common circuit nodes between two sets of transistors. The two sets of transistors can be a set of PMOS transistors and a set of NMOS transistors, or both the sets can be formed by similar types of transistors. This layout style and the choice of transistor sets provide a unique capability of making efficient use of the layout area for circuits with a large difference in the number of PMOS and NMOS transistors. The algorithms can thus be used to form symbolic layouts for a general class of CMOS circuits, e.g., static dual type of circuitry or static CMOS circuitry with non-dual pullup and pulldown networks and dynamic logic styles (e.g., CPL, Domino, etc.). The algorithms have been implemented in GENIE (Mentor Graphics). In spite of possessing the extra features not usually found in the other algorithms in the literature, these algorithms provide extremely competitive results when compared to the handcrafted layouts and other algorithms in the literature. These algorithms are not only quite flexible in supporting various circuit styles, but are also run time efficient.
Brain Structural Alterations Induced by Fetal Exposure to Cocaine Persist Into Adolescence and Affect Behavior

Thirty years ago, an epidemic of crack cocaine abuse swept the country and had particularly devastating effects on poor individuals andminorities.Thisheavily addictive formof smokedcocaineensnaredmanyyoungwomenwhobecamepregnant.At the time, several clinical reports from small cohorts of cocaine-exposed infants suggestedsevereadverseneurobehavioraloutcomes, leading to the designation“crackbabies.”Nevertheless, thoughtful clinicians raised concerns about facile inferences that cocaine alone caused this phenotype.1,2 They noted a number of other well-established risk factors for these adverse outcomes that could be difficult to disentangle from exposure to cocaine including concurrent use of tobaccoandalcohol, knownbehavioral teratogens,poorperinatal care, and other adverse consequences of poverty such as poor diet. Cocainecauses its rewardingeffectsby inhibitionofthedopaminetransporter, which activates reward circuits in the forebrain.3 However, it is alsoan inhibitorof thenorepinephrine transporter aswell as the serotonintransporter, therebypotentiatingtheeffectsof theseother 2neurotransmitters. These “biogenic amine”neurotransmitter systems, the cell bodies of which are located in the midbrainbrainstem and compose the reticular core, are among the earliest neural systemstodevelop in thebrain.4Preclinical researchhasdemonstrated that during fetal brain development they play important roles inmodulatingneurogenesis, neuronalmigration, neuronal differentiation,andsynaptogenesis.5Thus, it isnotsurprising thatstudies in fetal rodents have demonstrated that cocaine causes a persistentdisruption indopaminesignaling,corticalGABAergic function, and pyramidal neuron dendritic structure in the prefrontal cortex, a dopamine-rich region.6 Other studies have shown that inhibition of serotonin transport in the fetal braindisrupts the formationof the so-called barrel fields in the rodent primary sensory cortex, a cortiJAMAPEDIATRICS
Towards a distributed platform for resource-constrained devices

Many visions of the future predict a world with pervasive computing, where computing services and resources permeate the environment. In these visions, people will want to execute a service on any available device without worrying about whether the service has been tailored for the device. We believe that it will be difficult to create services that can execute well on the wide variety of devices that are being developed because of problems with diversity and resource constraints. We believe that these problems can be greatly reduced by using an ad-hoc distributed platform to transparently off-load portions of a service from a resource-constrained device to a nearby server. We implemented a preliminary prototype and emulator to study this approach. Our experiments show the beneficial use of nearby resources to relieve both memory and processing constraints, when it is appropriate to do so. We believe that this approach will reduce the burden on developers by masking more device details.
A Mutator Phenotype in Cancer

We have proposed that an early step in tumor progression is the expression of a mutator phenotype resulting from mutations in genes that normally function in the maintenance of genetic stability. There is new and strong experimental evidence that supports the concept of a mutator phenotype in cancer. As technologies for chromosomal visualization and DNA advance, there are increasing data that human cancer cells contain large numbers of mutations. First, I will review the concept of a mutator phenotype. Second, I will present the recent evidence that individual cancer cells contain thousands of mutations. Third, I will explore potential target genes that are required for maintenance of genetic stability in normal cells and ask if they are mutated in cancer cells. Fourth, I will address the timing of a mutator phenotype; is it an early event during tumor progression? Do tumors already contain cells that harbor mutations rendering them resistant to most chemotherapeutic agents? Lastly, I will speculate on the theoretical and practical implication of a mutator phenotype in cancer and consider the possibility of cancer prevention by delay, i.e., a reduction in mutation rates early during carcinogenesis might slow the progression of tumors.
Maintenance therapy with ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C who fail to respond to combination therapy with interferon alfa and ribavirin

To assess the efficacy and safety of maintenance therapy with ribavirin alone in chronic hepatitis C, 108 patients were treated with the combination of interferon alfa and ribavirin for 24 weeks; those who failed to have a virologic response were offered enrollment in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of ribavirin (1,000-1,200 mg daily) versus placebo for the subsequent 48 weeks. Patients were monitored at regular intervals with symptom questionnaires, serum aminotransferase levels, hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels, and complete blood counts and underwent liver biopsy at the completion of therapy. Among 108 patients, 50 were still HCV RNA positive after 24 weeks of treatment, of whom 34 agreed to be randomized to continue either ribavirin monotherapy or placebo. Among 17 patients who received placebo, there was no overall improvement in symptoms, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, HCV RNA levels, or hepatic histology. Among the 17 patients who received ribavirin, serum ALT levels and necroinflammatory features of liver histology were improved, whereas symptoms, HCV RNA levels, and hepatic fibrosis scores were not changed significantly from baseline. Responses to ribavirin seemed to be categorical, such that 8 patients (47%) had definite improvement in liver histology. Patients with improved histology had improvements in serum ALT levels both on combination therapy and after switching to ribavirin monotherapy. In conclusion, continuation of ribavirin monotherapy may maintain serum biochemical improvements that occur during interferon-ribavirin combination therapy in some patients and that these improvements are often associated with decreases in necroinflammatory changes in the liver. Whether these improvements will ultimately result in prevention of progression of hepatitis C requires further study.
Dysregulated miR-34a–SIRT1–Acetyl p65 Axis Is a Potential Mediator of Immune Activation in the Colon during Chronic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection of Rhesus Macaques

Persistent gastrointestinal inflammation, a hallmark of progressive HIV/SIV infection, causes disruption of the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier, microbial translocation, and generalized immune activation/inflammation driving AIDS progression. Apart from protein regulators, recent studies strongly suggest critical roles for microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating and managing certain aspects of the inflammatory process. To examine their immunoregulatory role, we profiled miRNA expression in the colon from 12 chronic SIV-infected and 4 control macaques. After applying multiple comparisons correction, 10 (3 upregulated and 7 downregulated) miRNAs showed differential expression. Most notably, miR-34a showed significant upregulation in both epithelial and lamina propria leukocyte (LPL) compartments. Intense γH2A.X expression in colonic epithelium and LPLs confirmed the contribution of DNA damage response in driving miR-34a upregulation. SIRT1 mRNA and protein decreased significantly in both colonic epithelium and LPLs. Luciferase reporter assays validated rhesus macaque SIRT1 as a direct miR-34a target. Decreased SIRT1 expression was associated with constitutively enhanced expression of the transcriptionally active form of the p65 (acetylated on lysine 310) subunit of NF-κB exclusively in the LPL compartment. The intensity and number of acetylated p65(+) cells was markedly elevated in LPLs of chronically SIV-infected macaques compared with uninfected controls and localized to increased numbers of IgA(+) and IgG(+) plasma cells. These findings provide new insights into the potential role of the miR-34a-SIRT1-p65 axis in causing hyperactivation of the intestinal B cell system. Our results point to a possible mechanism where the normal immunosuppressive function of SIRT1 is inhibited by elevated miR-34a expression resulting in constitutive activation of acetylated p65 (lysine 310).
Beyond the signaling effect role of amyloid-β42 on the processing of APP, and its clinical implications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) currently has over 6 million victims in the USA, alone. The recently FDA approved drugs for AD only provide mild, transient relief for symptoms without addressing underlying mechanisms to a significant extent. Basic understanding of the activities of the amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) and associated proteins such as beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is necessary to develop effective medical responses to AD. Recently (Exper. Neurol. 2010. 221, 18-25), Tabaton et al. have presented a model of both non-pathological and pathological Abeta activities and suggest potential therapeutic pathways based on their proposed framework of Abeta acting as the signal that induces a kinase cascade, ultimately stimulating transcription factors that upregulate genes such as BACE1. We respond by presenting evidence of Abeta's other activities, including protection against metal-induced reactive oxidizing species (ROS), modification of cholesterol transport, and potential activity as a transcription factor in its own right. We touch upon clinical implications of each of these functions and highlight the currently unexplored implications of our suggested novel function of Abeta as a transcription factor. Abeta appears to be a highly multi-functional peptide, and any or all of the pathways it engages in is a likely candidate for antiAD drug development.
Repeat Surgery After Ureteroscopic Laser Lithotripsy With Attempted Complete Extraction of Fragments: Long-term Follow-up.

Objective To explore repeat surgery as a primary outcome measure in long-term follow-up after ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy (URS) with attempted complete extraction of fragments. Methods Retrospective review of the medical records of consecutive patients undergoing URS performed by a single surgeon. Repeat surgery was defined as any return to the operating room for management of stone or complications. For our survival analysis, we used the Kaplan-Meier method. Results From April 2003 through May 2005 at our institution, URS was performed in 226 renal units in 216 patients. At a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 19 patients required repeat surgery. At 1 year, the cumulative repeat surgery rate (CRR) was 5.8% (95% confidence interval, 3.4%-9.8%), rising to 8.6% (5.6%-13.1%) at 5 years. CRR was strongly related to evidence of residual stone on postoperative computed tomography ( P 4 mm. The Cox proportional hazards ratio was 9.08 (2.11-38.00; P = .003) with fragments that were >2 mm; the ratio was 22.14 (5.15-95.14; P 4 mm. Conclusion Repeat surgery after URS is proportional to the size of residual fragments. Repeat surgery is a discrete objective metric that is consistent with, but does not require, rigorous postoperative radiologic assessment.
Architectural impact of secure socket layer on Internet servers

Secure socket layer (SSL) is the most popular protocol used in the Internet for facilitating secure communications. In this paper, we analyze the performance and architectural impact of SSL on the servers in terms of various parameters such as throughput, utilization, cache sizes, cache miss ratios, number of processors, control dependencies, file access sizes, bus transactions, network load, etc. The major conclusions from this study are as follows: The use of SSL increases computational cost of the transactions by a factor of 5-7. SSL transactions do not benefit much from a larger L2 cache, but a larger L1 cache would be helpful. A complex logic for handling control dependencies is not useful for SSL transaction as the frequency of branches is very low. Because SSL workload is highly CPU bound, it may be possible to enhance SSL performance by using a number of other architectural features as well.