cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remark on rational interpolation of function and derivatives

Die Tabelle der inversen Differenzen wird derart erweitert, dass sie angenaherte Werte einer Funktion und einiger ihrer Ableitungen liefert, die einer rationalen Interpolation zwischen gegebenen Stutzwerten entsprechen.
Nursery response of container Pinus palustris seedlings to nitrogen supply and subsequent effects on outplanting performance

Container longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) seedlings often survive and grow better after outplanting than bareroot seedlings. Because of this, most longleaf pine are now produced in containers. Little is known about nursery fertilization effects on the quality of container longleaf pine seedlings and how that influences outplanting performance. We compared various fertilization rates (0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mg nitrogen (N) per week for 20 weeks) for two crops (2004 and 2005) of container longleaf pine, grown inside a fullycontrolled greenhouse (2004 and 2005) or in an outdoor compound (2005). Seedlings grew larger in the nursery with increasing amounts of N. After 20 weeks of fertilizer treatment, seedlings received two additional fertigations at the same treatment rate to promote hardening, N concentrations declined sharply, and seedlings shifted biomass production toward roots. Overall, shoots showed more plasticity to N rate than did roots. Survival of either crop after outplanting was unaffected by nursery N rate. For both crops, no seedlings emerged from the grass stage during the first year after outplanting, and during the second year, more seedlings exited the grass stage and were taller as N rate increased up to 3 mg per week. By the third field season, nearly all seedlings in the 2004 crop had exited the grass stage, whereas 44% of 2005 crop grown at 1 mg N had yet to initiate height growth, either because of differences in seed source between the two crop years or because of droughty conditions. Our data suggests that an application rate of about 3 mg N per week for 20 weeks plus two additional applications during hardening yields satisfactory nursery growth as well as field response for the container type we used. The potential for improving field performance by using more robust fall fertilization during nursery production should be investigated.
Control of cell growth and division in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

(1986). Control of Cell Growth and Division in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 153-223.
Outcomes in Upright Mobility in Individuals with a Spinal Cord Injury

Several different options are available to help individuals achieve upright mobility after a spinal cord injury. Two of the commonly published methods for achieving this goal include long leg braces to stabilize the joints of the lower extremities and the combination of limited bracing with electrical stimulation. The purpose of this article is to discuss some of the recent outcomes studies for upright mobility using either long leg braces or functional electrical stimulation with limited bracing.
Effects of Self-Instruction and Self-Correction Procedures on Handwriting Performance

A reversal design with multiple-baseline features was used to assess the efficacy of self-instructions, self-correction, and a combination of the two on an LD boy's handwriting performance. The boy's presenting problem was very poor handwriting skills. Results indicated that a set of self-instructions designed to provide the student with a strategy for writing appropriately was highly effective, as was a self-correction condition and a condition combining the two treatments. A “booster” was employed to maintain treatment effects.
Calcium Influx Factor, Further Evidence It Is 5,6-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid

We present evidence in astrocytes that 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, a cytochrome P450 epoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid, may be a component of calcium influx factor, the elusive link between release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and capacitative Ca2+ influx. Capacitative influx of extracellular Ca2+ was inhibited by blockade of the two critical steps in epoxyeicosatrienoic acid synthesis: release of arachidonic acid from phospholipid stores by cytosolic phospholipase A2 and cytochrome P450 metabolism of arachidonic acid. AAOCF3, which inhibits cytosolic phospholipase A2, blocked thapsigargin-stimulated release of arachidonic acid as well as thapsigargin-stimulated elevation of intracellular free calcium. Inhibition of P450 arachidonic acid metabolism with SKF525A, econazole, orN-methylsulfonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide, a substrate inhibitor of P450 arachidonic acid metabolism, also blocked thapsigargin-stimulated Ca2+ influx. Nano- to picomolar 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid induced [Ca2+]ielevation consistent with capacitative Ca2+ influx. We have previously shown that 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid is synthesized and released by astrocytes. When 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid was applied to the rat brain surface, it induced vasodilation, suggesting that calcium influx factor may also serve a paracrine function. In summary, our results suggest that 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid may be a component of calcium influx factor and may participate in regulation of cerebral vascular tone.
Effect of human placental ribonuclease inhibitor in cell-free ribosomal RNA synthesis

Abstract Exposure to purified placental ribonuclease inhibitor caused a marked reduction in ribonuclease activity associated with intact nucleoli. Addition of the placental RNase inhibitor to a nucleolar RNA synthesizing system, prior to the addition of ribonucleoside triphosphates, resulted in a significant increase in the size but did not alter the yield of the RNA products. The effect of the RNase inhibitor on the size of distribution of in , vitro transcriptional products could be reversed by the addition of N-ethylmaleimide after transcription was terminated. The properties of the ribonnclease(s) affected by the inhibitor were indicated by its resistance to N-ethylmaleimide and EDTA inhibition and by its limited endonucleolytic cleavage of the in , vitro transcript.
The contribution of hepatic steroid metabolism to serum estradiol and estriol concentrations in nonylphenol treated MMTVneu mice and its potential effects on breast cancer incidence and latency

The two major pathways for the metabolism of estradiol-17β (E 2 ) are the 2- and 16-hydroxylase pathways. Research has suggested that the increased production of the estrogenically active 16-hydroxy products such as estriol (E 3 ) may be involved in increased susceptibility to breast cancer. 4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) is an environmental estrogen that also can activate the pregnane-X receptor (PXR) and induce P-450 enzymes responsible for the production of E 3 . It is hypothesized that 4-NP may act in part as an environmental estrogen by increasing E 3 production. Based on its affinity for the estrogen receptor (ER) alone, 4-NP may be more potent than predicted at increasing mammary cancer incidence in the MMTVneu mouse. Female mice were treated per os for 7 days at 0, 25, 50 or 75 mg kg -1 day -1 4-NP to investigate the effects of 4-NP on hepatic estrogen metabolism after an acute treatment. 4-Nonylphenol increased the hepatic formation of E 3 in a dose-dependent manner. However, serum E 3 concentrations were only increased at 25 mg kg -1 day -1 presumably due to direct inhibition of E 3 formation by 4-NP. MMTVneu mice were then treated for 32 weeks at 0, 30 or 45 mg kg -1 day -1 4-NP to determine its effects on mammary cancer formation and estrogen metabolism. 4-Nonylphenol increased mammary cancer formation in the MMTVneu mice at 45 mg kg -1 day -1 but not at 30 mg kg -1 day -1 . Mice treated with an equipotent dose of E 2 , 10 μg kg -1 day -1 , based on the relative binding affinities of nonylphenol and estradiol for ERα, did not develop mammary cancer. This suggests that nonylphenol is more potent than predicted based on its affinity for the estrogen receptor. However, no changes in serum E 3 , concentrations or hepatic E 3 production were measured after the chronic treatment. Changes in E 3 formation were correlated with increased CYP2B levels after the 7 day 4-NP treatment, and repression of CYP2B and CYP3A after 32 weeks of 4-NP treatment. Microarray analysis and Q-PCR of liver mRNA from the mice treated for 32 weeks demonstrated a decrease in RXRα, the heterodimeric partner of the PXR, which may in part explain the repressed transcription of the P450s measured. In conclusion, 4-NP treatment for 32 weeks increased mammary cancer formation at a dose of 45 mg kg -1 day -1 . However, chronic treatment with 4-NP did not increase hepatic E 3 formation or serum E 3 concentrations. The transient induction by 4-NP of hepatic E 3 formation and serum concentrations is most likely not involved in the increased incidence of mammary cancer in MMTVneu mice since E 3 serum concentrations were only increased at 25 mg kg -1 day -1 , a dose that was not sufficient to induce mammary tumor formation. Nevertheless, the induced hepatic E 3 production in the acute exposures to 4-NP was indicative of an increase in mammary cancer incidence after the chronic exposure.
Discriminatory influence of Glu-376-->Asp mutation in medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase on the binding of selected CoA-ligands: spectroscopic, thermodynamic, kinetic, and model building studies.

We investigated the influence of Glu-376→Asp (E376D) mutation on the UV/visible spectral, thermodynamic, and kinetic properties for the interaction of structurally different types of CoA-ligands (v...
SU-E-T-697: Online Monte-Carlo-Accurate Real-Time Proton Dose Calculator

Purpose: Demonstrate the feasibility of a online tool to provide Monte‐Carlo accurate therapeuticprotondose distributions. Methods: The Fast Dose Calculator (FDC), a fast track‐repeating algorithm for proton therapy, has been deployed on the High Performance Research Blue BioU IBM computer cluster at Rice University. FDC utilizes a database of discretized proton trajectories in water generated with GEANT4. Information about the energy deposited, length and direction is stored for each trajectory step. Proton trajectories and dose distributions in any other material are extrapolated from the database by scaling step lengths and angles. A web interface to upload anonymized patient and field data to be processed by the Blue BioU implementation of FDC has been developed. Once the data is uploaded, the website user can request a calculation of the dose distribution for a particular field configuration. The results can be displayed on the website and compared with dose distributions calculated with alternative methods. Results: Doses calculated with FDC reproduced the results obtained with traditional Monte Carlos, i.e. GEANT4, within 2%. The web interface with the Blue BioU back‐end can deliver Monte‐Carlo accurate dose distributions for protontreatment plans within a few seconds. Conclusions: An online real‐time tool for protondose calculations has been developed. The tool could be utilized for treatment plan validation and radiation treatment research.
Factors predicting development of opioid use disorders among individuals who receive an initial opioid prescription: mathematical modeling using a database of commercially-insured individuals.

Abstract Background Prescription drug abuse in the United States and elsewhere in the world is increasing at an alarming rate with non-medical opioid use, in particular, increasing to epidemic proportions over the past two decades. It is imperative to identify individuals most likely to develop opioid abuse or dependence to inform large-scale, targeted prevention efforts. Methods The present investigation utilized a large commercial insurance claims database to identify demographic, mental health, physical health, and healthcare service utilization variables that differentiate persons who receive an opioid abuse or dependence diagnosis within two years of filling an opioid prescription (OUDs) from those who do not receive such a diagnosis within the same time frame (non-OUDs). Results When compared to non-OUDs, OUDs were more likely to: (1) be male (59.9% vs. 44.2% for non-OUDs) and younger (M = 37.9 vs. 47.7); (2) have a prescription history of more opioids (1.7 vs. 1.2), and more days supply of opioids (M = 272.5, vs. M = 33.2; (3) have prescriptions filled at more pharmacies (M = 3.3 per year vs. M = 1.3); (4) have greater rates of psychiatric disorders; (5) utilize more medical and psychiatric services; and (6) be prescribed more concomitant medications. A predictive model incorporating these findings was 79.5% concordant with actual OUDs in the data set. Conclusions Understanding correlates of OUD development can help to predict risk and inform prevention efforts.
Estimation of a Spacecraft's Attitude Dynamics Parameters by Using Flight Data

An algorithm that uses flight data to estimate the parameters in an attitude dynamics model of a spacecraft has been developed. The new algorithm’s estimates can enhance the fidelity of Euler equation models that are used to implement attitude determination and control functions. The algorithm’s estimation equation is an integrated version of Euler’s equation expressed in inertial coordinates. It uses three-axis attitude data and three-axis rategyro data to yield a set of linear equations in the unknown dynamics parameters, which include moments and products of inertia and scale factors, alignments, and biases for all reaction wheels and magnetic torque rods. The estimation problem statement includes the statistics of unmodeled torques and sensor errors, and it incorporates a scalar quadratic constraint to overcome the unobservability of the parameters’ overall scaling. The sensor errors enter the model equation in a multiplicative fashion, which yields a total least-squares problem. The solution algorithm employs a guarded Newton iteration and recursive factorizations that deal efficiently with the problem’s dynamic structure. The algorithm has been applied to the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe spacecraft, and the resulting parameter estimates reduce torque modeling errors by a factor of 5‐7.
Far-infrared absorption spectrum of NaI:NaCl

Abstract Our identification of three infrared active modes associated with the Cl- impurity in NaI now permits a test of the small defect-space assumption currently used in lattice dynamics calculations.
Syntheses of Strychnos and Aspidospermatan Type Alkaloids. 4. Formation of the Pentacyclic Core by an Intramolecular Diels Alder Reaction

Abstract Reactions of hetero-substituted acetaldehydes, or ethynyl methyl ketone, or methyl propiolate with methyl 1,2,3,4,5,8-hexahydroazonino[6,7-b]indole-7-carboxylate gave the pentacyclic core of the strychnos alkaloids with substituents on the central bridge.
An Ultra-High Resolution Volume Holographic Spectrometer

We have designed a compact spectrometer by cascading a simple Fabry-Perot etalon and a cylindrical beam volume hologram. Using this spectrometer, ultra-high resolution over a large bandwidth has been experimentally demonstrated for diffuse light sources.
Postmodernism, narrativity, and the art of memory

This article explores an important difference between modernist and postmodernist music, specifically in the role played by memory and contemplation of the past. It analyses Pierre Boulez's recent revision of his song cycle, Le Visage Nuptial, with regard to the role of influence anxiety and juxtaposes to this analysis a discussion of postmodernist approaches to music of the past. Then, examining some recent music of John Cage and Pauline Oliveros, the article proposes a new aesthetic in some ways postmodernist, in some ways moving beyond the modernist-postmodernist dialectic. This involves the emancipation of memory, the interpenetration of non-aesthetic with aesthetic domains, and the exploration of connections the listener may come to understand through memory. To explain the relationship between perception and thought in these works, it discusses these works in terms of new kinds of narrativity. The notion of a memory palace serves as a model for understanding their open, non-traditional kind of struc...
Divergent trends in survival and readmission following a hospitalization for heart failure in the Veterans Affairs health care system 2002 to 2006.

Objectives This study sought to determine recent trends over time in heart failure hospitalization, patient characteristics, treatment, rehospitalization, and mortality within the Veterans Affairs health care system. Background Use of recommended therapies for heart failure has increased in the U.S. However, it is unclear to what extent hospitalization rates and the associated mortality have improved. Methods We compared rates of hospitalization for heart failure, 30-day rehospitalization for heart failure, and 30-day mortality following discharge from 2002 to 2006 in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Odds ratios for outcome were adjusted for patient diagnoses within the past year, laboratory data, and for clustering of patients within hospitals. Results We identified 50,125 patients with a first hospitalization for heart failure from 2002 to 2006. Mean age did not change (70 years), but increases were noted for most comorbidities (mean Charlson score increased from 1.72 to 1.89, p Conclusions Recent mortality and rehospitalization rates in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System have trended in opposite directions. These results have implications for using rehospitalization as a measure of quality of care.
Throughput Maximization for Two-Way Relay Channels With Energy Harvesting Nodes: The Impact of Relaying Strategies

In this paper, we study the two-way relay channel with energy harvesting nodes. In particular, we find transmission policies that maximize the sum-throughput for two-way relay channels when the relay does not employ a data buffer. The relay can perform decode-and-forward, compress-and-forward, compute-and-forward, or amplify-and-forward relaying. Furthermore, we consider throughput improvement by dynamically choosing relaying strategies, resulting in hybrid relaying strategies. We show that an iterative generalized directional water-filling algorithm solves the offline throughput maximization problem, with the achievable sum-rate from an individual or hybrid relaying scheme. In addition to the optimum offline policy, we obtain the optimum online policy via dynamic programming. We provide numerical results for each relaying scheme to support the analytic findings, pointing out to the advantage of adapting the instantaneous relaying strategy to the available harvested energy.
Correlated three-dimensional light and electron microscopy reveals transformation of mitochondria during apoptosis

In addition to their role in cellular bioenergetics, mitochondria also initiate common forms of programmed cell death (apoptosis) through the release of proteins such as cytochrome c from the intermembrane and intracristal spaces. The release of these proteins is studied in populations of cells by western blotting mitochondrial and cytoplasmic fractions of cellular extracts, and in single cells by fluorescence microscopy using fluorescent indicators and fusion proteins. However, studying the changes in ultrastructure associated with release of proteins requires the higher resolution provided by transmission electron microscopy. Here, we have used fluorescence microscopy to characterize the state of apoptosis in HeLa cells treated with etoposide followed by electron microscopy and three-dimensional electron microscope tomography of the identical cells to study the sequence of structural changes. We have identified a remodelling of the inner mitochondrial membrane into many separate vesicular matrix compartments that accompanies release of proteins; however, this remodelling is not required for efficient release of cytochrome c. Swelling occurs only late in apoptosis after release of cytochrome c and loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential.
Recurrence of posterior uveal melanoma after 60Co episcleral plaque therapy.

Abstract The authors analyzed the clinical and follow-up data on 277 selected patients with primary choroidal or ciliochoroidal melanoma who were treated with 60 Co plaque radiotherapy between 1976 and 1982. Local recurrence of the irradiated melanoma developed in 39 (14%) patients during the follow-up interval. The 5-year tumor recurrence rate (Kaplan-Meier) was estimated to be 12%. Multivariate prognostic factor analysis (Cox proportional hazards modeling) identified the largest linear tumor dimension and proximity of the posterior margin of the tumor to the optic nerve head as predictors of recurrence. The 5-year survival rate of patients whose tumors recurred (58%) was significantly (logrank test P = 0.0023) worse than that of patients whose tumor remained clinically controlled (82%).
Biomarker correlations of urinary 2,4-D levels in foresters: genomic instability and endocrine disruption.

Forest pesticide applicators constitute a unique pesticide use group. Aerial, mechanical-ground, and focal weed control by application of herbicides, in particular chlorophenoxy herbicides, yield diverse exposure scenarios. In the present work, we analyzed aberrations in G-banded chromosomes, reproductive hormone levels, and polymerase chain reaction-based V(D)J rearrangement frequencies in applicators whose exposures were mostly limited to chlorophenoxy herbicides. Data from appliers where chlorophenoxy use was less frequent were also examined. The biomarker outcome data were compared to urinary levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) obtained at the time of maximum 2,4-D use. Further comparisons of outcome data were made to the total volume of herbicides applied during the entire pesticide-use season.Twenty-four applicators and 15 minimally exposed foresters (control) subjects were studied. Categorized by applicator method, men who used a hand-held, backpack sprayer in their applications showed the highest average level (453.6 ppb) of 2,4-D in urine. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) values were correlated with urinary 2,4-D levels, but follicle-stimulating hormone and free and total testosterone were not. At the height of the application season; 6/7 backpack sprayers, 3/4 applicators who used multinozzle mechanical (boom) sprayers, 4/8 aerial applicators, and 2/5 skidder-radiarc (closed cab) appliers had two or more V(D)J region rearrangements per microgram of DNA. Only 5 of 15 minimally exposed (control) foresters had two or more rearrangements, and 3 of these 5 subjects demonstrated detectable levels of 2,4-D in the urine. Only 8/24 DNA samples obtained from the exposed group 10 months or more after their last chlorophenoxy use had two rearrangements per microgram of DNA, suggesting that the exposure-related effects observed were reversible and temporary. Although urinary 2,4-D levels were not correlated with chromosome aberration frequency, chromosome aberration frequencies were correlated with the total volume of herbicides applied, including products other than 2,4-D. In summary, herbicide applicators with high urinary levels of 2,4-D (backpack and boom spray applications) exhibited elevated LH levels. They also exhibited altered genomic stability as measured by V(D)J rearrangement frequency, which appears reversible months after peak exposure. Though highly detailed, the limited sample size warrants cautious interpretation of the data.
Potentiometric and viscosimetric titration of poly(N‐acyldehydroalanines) containing asymmetric nucleic acid base derivatives as pendant groups

The potentiometric and viscosimetric titration curves of poly(N-acetyldehydroalanine) (PNAcDHA) were compared with those of the nucleic acid base-containing dehydroalanine backbone polymers poly{(+ −) and (−)− [2-(thymin-1-yl]{propanoamido}propenoic acid} (PTDHA and P(−)TDHA)). The behavior of PNAcDHA was similar to polyacids such as poly(acrylic acid), but PTDHA and P(−)TDHA displayed very strong nearest neighbor interactions, since the pH curves had an additional inflection at half neutralization that was sensitive to the ionic strength of the medium and the viscosity curves showed little expansion of the polymer coil with increasing ionization. NAcDHA–TDHA copolymers were prepared which showed similar behavior. These results suggested that PTDHA and P(−)TDHA were extended and conformationally restricted in aqueous solution compared to PNAcDHA, findings that agreed with the results of spectroscopic studies of these polymers.
Spin-orbit and exchange effects in elastic scattering of spin-polarized electrons from spin-polarized Na atoms.

We report the first measurements of elastic scattering of spin-polarized electrons from spin-polarized Na atoms as a function of scattering angle. The incident energy is 54.4 eV, and the angular range is 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} - 135\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Data are presented as an exchange asymmetry and a spin-orbit asymmetry. Each asymmetry has a magnitude of 3% to 4%, indicating that both the exchange and spin-orbit interactions must be taken into account to predict our experimental results.
Abstract 4733: Function of cytoplasmic histone deacetylase 5 is required for HIF-1α stability

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Hypoxia is frequently associated with solid tumors and ischemic disorders, which are the top two leading causes of mortality in the world. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 is a major regulator of angiogenesis and cellular adaptation to hypoxia. Accordingly HIF function has been considered a therapeutic target for multiple diseases. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity has been involved in regulating HIF function and HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) have been documented to repress HIF function. However, histone deacetylases encompass multiple members, each has different cellular functions. HDACIs in clinical application or under development generally inhibit more than one HDAC. It is unclear which specific member of the HDAC family is involved in the regulation of HIF function. We present data here to show that histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) is required for HIF-1α protein stability. Knock-down of HDAC5 impaired hypoxic accumulation of HIF-1α and its function. In contrast, knock-down of HDAC1, HDAC3 or HDAC6 showed little or no effect. On the other hand, overexpression of HDAC5 enhanced HIF-1α stability. Specifically, cytosol localized HDAC5 mutant shows stronger effects on stabilizing HIF-1α compared to wild-type HDAC5. Mutation demolishing the deacetylase activity abolished the ability of HDAC5 to stabilize HIF-1α. Taken together, our data suggest that a cytosolic deacetylase activity of HDAC5 is required to stabilize HIF-1α. These findings also suggest that HDAC5 could be biological target for therapies based on modulating HIF function. This work is supported in part by grant R01-CA129494 (N.S.) from NCI, NIH. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4733. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4733
Referrals to high-quality cardiac surgeons: patients' race and characteristics of their physicians.

Study Design. A retrospective analysis of referral patterns for white and black patients in relation to the quality of the cardiac surgeon, measured by the surgeon’s risk-adjusted mortality rate (RAMR), and in relation to characteristics of the physician providing the majority of cardiac care before the surgery. The average RAMRs of the surgeons to whom different physicians referred patients were compared using t-tests and paired ttests. A hierarchical multivariate regression model was estimated to test hypotheses about the effect of physicians’ characteristics on referrals of blacks to low-quality surgeons. Data Extraction Method. Variables were constructed from Medicare claims. PrincipalFindings. The differential in surgeons’ quality for white and black patients is partially due to the physician providing the majority of cardiac care before the surgery. There is both across- and within-physician variation in referrals. Of the physician characteristics investigated, only the number of black patients referred to CABG and the percent of all cardiac referrals to the same hospital decrease the difference in surgeons’ quality between whites and blacks. Conclusions. Several different pathways lead blacks to cardiac surgeons of lower quality. Further research is needed to understand the causes and inform policies designed to minimize disparities in access to high-quality providers.
Taste-potentiated odor conditioning : impairment produced by infusion of an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist into basolateral amygdala

Two experiments examined the effects of infusing an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, d-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate(d-APV), on taste-potentiated odor conditioning : a form of learning that is dependent on information processing in 2 sensory modalities. In Experiment 1, rats infused with d-APV were impaired in their acquisition of the potentiated learning to an odor cue. Expression of this learning and acquisition of a simple taste aversion remained intact following drug treatment. In Experiment 2, dose dependence and stereoselectivity were demonstrated for the antagonist compound. These results are consistent with previous studies demonstrating that either basolateral amygdala lesions, or treatment with NMDA antagonists, by other routes (systemic or intraventricular) produce selective deficits in taste-potentiated odor conditioning.
PULMONARY VASCULAR EFFECTS OF ACUTE ESTRADIOL ADMINISTRATION IN THE LATE GESTATION OVINE FETUS. 283

PULMONARY VASCULAR EFFECTS OF ACUTE ESTRADIOL ADMINISTRATION IN THE LATE GESTATION OVINE FETUS. 283
Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Cyp26b1 to Be an Activin Regulated Gene Involved in Ovarian Granulosa Cell Proliferation

Activin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is an important modulator of FSH synthesis and secretion and is involved in reproductive dysfunctions and cancers. It also regulates ovarian follicle development. To understand the mechanisms and pathways by which activin regulates follicle function, we performed a microarray study and identified 240 activin regulated genes in mouse granulosa cells. The gene most strongly inhibited by activin was Cyp26b1, which encodes a P450 cytochrome enzyme that degrades retinoic acid (RA). Cyp26b1 has been shown to play an important role in male germ cell meiosis, but its expression is largely lost in the ovary around embryonic d 12.5. This study demonstrated that Cyp26b1 mRNA was expressed in granulosa cells of follicles at all postnatal developmental stages. A striking inverse spatial and temporal correlation between Cyp26b1 and activin-βA mRNA expression was observed. Cyp26b1 expression was also elevated in a transgenic mouse model that has decreased activin expression. The Cyp26 inhibitor R115866 stimulated the proliferation of primary cultured mouse granulosa cells, and a similar effect was observed with RA and activin. A pan-RA receptor inhibitor, AGN194310, abolished the stimulatory effect of either RA or activin on granulosa cell proliferation, indicating an involvement of RA receptor-mediated signaling. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanisms of activin action in the ovary. We conclude that Cyp26b1 is expressed in the postnatal mouse ovary, regulated by activin, and involved in the control of granulosa cell proliferation.
Cadmium-induced bone loss: Increased susceptibility in females

An overview is presented of studies on effects of Cd on (1) female mice during pregnancy and lactation and after ovariectomy and (2) bone organ/cell culture systems. The gastrointestinal absorption of Cd increased two- to threefold in mouse dams during pregnancy and lactation, with both the kidneys and duodenum of the dam showing striking increases in Cd deposition. Dietary Cd at 5 or 50 μg g−1 caused a dose-dependent decrease in femur Ca content in multiparous mouse dams but not in nonpregnant controls. In addition, dietary Cd at 50 μg g−1 significantly increased the loss of bone mineral that occurs normally in mice after removal of the ovaries. In cultures of fetal rat limb bones prelabeled with 45Ca, Cd at 10 nM (1 ng g−1) caused a release of 70% of the 45Ca, similar to the release caused by 10 nM parathyroid hormone. This level of Cd also caused a fivefold increase in the number of multinucleated osteoclast-like cells formed during invitro incubation of progenitor-enriched mononuclear bone marrow cells. These results support the view that Cd exposure contributed to the pathogenesis of Itai-Itai disease among multiparous, postmenopausal women in Japan and provide evidence that Cd may act directly on bone.
Food factors and gastrointestinal function: A critical interface

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an interface between the external environment and the body and functions to extract nutrients from foods as well as handle the various non-nutrient compounds found in foods. Thus factors in foods that affect health and disease may mediate their effects either through a direct effect on the GIT or indirectly by the pattern of absorption and subsequent metabolism through the GIT. To explore this relationship one must consider both the physiological responses of the GIT induced by factors in foods as well as the implications of GIT adaptation for metabolism. Metabolic adaptations to dietary factors such as cholesterol levels, glucose and insulin response, and immune function appear to be modulated by the manner in which food factors are metabolized in the GIT. New research is needed to understand the inter-relationship between food factors that stimulate GIT response and the subsequent influence on metabolism that influences risk factors for disease and health promotion.
Efficacy and safety of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists used in the treatment of prostate cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the most effective systemic treatment for prostate cancer. ADT has been shown to have a high rate of response and to improve overall survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. In addition, multiple studies have shown that adding ADT to external beam radiation therapy leads to improvement in cure rates and overall survival in prostate cancer patients. The most commonly used ADT is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy. Although GnRH agonist therapy has significant benefits for patients with prostate cancer, it has also been shown to have significant side effects, including fatigue, hot flashes, decreased libido, decreased quality of life, obesity, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, decreased bone mineral density, and increased risk of fractures. Therefore, it is crucial that the benefits of ADT be weighed against its potential adverse effects before its use.
Theoretical foundations of pulse-coupled models

Many scientists believe that all pulse-coupled neural networks are toy models that are far away from the biological reality. We show here that many biologically plausible Hodgkin-Huxley type neural networks can be transformed into a pulse-coupled form by a suitable change of variables. Such transformations exist when a network satisfies a number of conditions-it is weakly connected, the neurons are Class 1 excitable (i.e., they can generate action potentials with an arbitrary small frequency), and the synapses between neurons are conventional (i.e. axo-dendritic and axe-somatic). Thus, the difference between studying the pulse-coupled model and Hodgkin-Huxley type neural networks is just a matter of a coordinate change.
Microglial Activation and Dopaminergic Cell Injury: An In Vitro Model Relevant to Parkinson's Disease

Microglial activation and oxidative stress are significant components of the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), but their exact contributions to disease pathogenesis are unclear. We have developed an in vitro model of nigral injury, in which lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation leads to injury of a dopaminergic cell line (MES 23.5 cells) and dopaminergic neurons in primary mesencephalic cell cultures. The microglia are also activated by PD IgGs in the presence of low-dose dopa-quinone- or H2O2-modified dopaminergic cell membranes but not cholinergic cell membranes. The activation requires the microglial FcγR receptor as demonstrated by the lack of activation with PD IgG Fab fragments or microglia from FcγR−/− mice. Although microglial activation results in the release of several cytokines and reactive oxygen species, only nitric oxide and H2O2appear to mediate the microglia-induced dopaminergic cell injury. These studies suggest a significant role for microglia in dopaminergic cell injury and provide a mechanism whereby immune/inflammatory reactions in PD could target oxidative injury relatively specifically to dopaminergic cells.
Detection of mechanical imbalances without frequency analysis

Mechanical rotor imbalances and rotor eccentricities are reflected in electric, electromagnetic and mechanical quantities. Therefore, many surveillance schemes determine the Fourier spectrum of a single line current in order to monitor the motor condition. Mechanical imbalances give rise to two first-order current harmonics. Due to the interaction of the currents and voltages, both these current harmonics are also reflected by a single harmonic component in the frequency spectrum of the electric power. This single component is easier to assess than both the current harmonics. The technique proposed in this contribution evaluates this imbalance-specific modulation of the electric power. The proposed approach is not a frequency domain method, though. The imbalance specific oscillation of the electric power is extracted by a band-pass filter. Then, the averaged pattern of this component is determined by means of an angular data clustering technique. In that way the oscillation of the electric power in the time domain becomes mapped into a discrete waveform in an angular domain. The fundamental of these discrete data serves as an imbalance indicator of the proposed scheme. This technique, therefore, overcomes small load and slip fluctuations. Measured results of a mechanically unbalanced machine and a case of combined static and dynamic eccentricity are presented.
On Using Gaussian Filter Characteristics for Approximate Autocorrelation Calculations

\parallel R_{yy} (\tau) \parallel calculations for two circuits (one of whose amplitude characteristic approaches the other as a limit) show that convergence of one type (filter amplitude convergence) does not imply smooth convergence of the circuit's output autocorrelation function. Specifically, the autocorrelation function of a cascade of amplifiers does not behave uniformly (or expectedly) as the number of stages increases. For the same bandwidth, the output autocorrelation function of a Gaussian filter matches best for small numbers of cascaded stages (and small τ).
Application of motor learning principles in occupational therapy

The processes underlying skill acquisition depend on the nature of the task and the stage of the learner. In addition, feedback and practice are two potent learning variables when used appropriately in the instruction of motor tasks. Occupational therapists involved in the training and retraining of motor skills can benefit from knowledge of instructional methods used by coaches and physical educators. This paper reviews commonly accepted principles of motor learning and applies these principles to occupational therapy treatment. The stage of the learner, type of task, feedback, practice, and facilitation of skill acquisition are emphasized. Specific examples of how occupational therapists can use motor learning principles in treatment are given.
Enhanced In-Pile Instrumentation at the Advanced Test Reactor

Many of the sensors deployed at materials and test reactors cannot withstand the high flux/high temperature test conditions often requested by users at U.S. test reactors, such as the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory. To address this issue, an instrumentation development effort was initiated as part of the ATR National Scientific User Facility in 2007 to support the development and deployment of enhanced in-pile sensors. This paper provides an update on this effort. Specifically, this paper identifies the types of sensors currently available to support in-pile irradiations and those sensors currently available to ATR users. Accomplishments from new sensor technology deployment efforts are highlighted by describing new temperature and thermal conductivity sensors now available to ATR users. Efforts to deploy enhanced in-pile sensors for detecting elongation and real-time flux detectors are also reported, and recently-initiated research to evaluate the viability of advanced technologies to provide enhanced accuracy for measuring key parameters during irradiation testing are noted.
Maximum Entropy Method and Digital Filter Design

A new procedure that makes use of the maximum entropy method (MEM) for the design of linear phase FIR digital filters is described here. It is shown here that by applying MEM to the inverse of the desired gain function or its square root function, it is possible to generate linear phase FIR filters that match the given gain function to any desired degree of accuracy. Moreover, an iterative algorithm makes the design procedure very efficient, since the higher order filters can be recursively generated from the lower order ones. To minimize the effect of any residual passband distortion, a final averaging scheme on the lower order filters generates a class of passband distortion-free linear phase FIR filters. Simulation results that compare the present procedure with other well known methods are also presented here.
Synthetic Video Generation with Camera Motion Patterns to Evaluate Sprite Generation

There is no proper objective method of evaluating sprite generation methods due to absence of the ground truth sprite images. In this paper, we propose several camera motion patterns to generate synthetic videos from original image. Our camera motion patterns include zigzag, spiral, earthquake, and zoom patterns. Subsequently, we apply sprite generation algorithm on the synthetic video. Objective evaluation is performed by comparing original image and generated sprite image based on Peak-Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), size and error on motion parameter estimation. Our results indicate that our picture PSNR, size, and error on motion parameters are good indication of the sprite quality.
Extended Stokes series: laminar flow through a heated horizontal pipe

Morton's series for fully developed laminar flow through a uniformly heated horizontal pipe is simplified by assuming high Prandtl number, and then extended by computer to 31 terms in powers of a parameter that is the product of the Prandtl, Rayleigh, and Reynolds numbers. As in the analogous problems, treated previously, of flow through a loosely coiled pipe and a slowly rotating pipe, convergence is limited by a conjugate pair of square-root singularities on the imaginary axis
Effects of Tearing on the Perception of Facial Expressions of Emotion

What is the function of emotional tearing? Previous work has found a tear effect, which resolves ambiguity in neutral expressions and increases perceptions of sadness in sad expressions. Tearing, h...
Teaching experimental design to biologists.

The teaching of research design and data analysis to our graduate students has been a persistent problem. A course is described in which students, early in their graduate training, obtain extensive...
Calculating TMDs of a large nucleus: Quasi-classical approximation and quantum evolution

Abstract We set up a formalism for calculating transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs) of a large nucleus using the tools of saturation physics. By generalizing the quasi-classical Glauber–Gribov–Mueller/McLerran–Venugopalan approximation to allow for the possibility of spin–orbit coupling, we show how any TMD can be calculated in the saturation framework. This can also be applied to the TMDs of a proton by modeling it as a large “nucleus.” To illustrate our technique, we calculate the quark TMDs of an unpolarized nucleus at large-x: the unpolarized quark distribution and the quark Boer–Mulders distribution. We observe that spin–orbit coupling leads to mixing between different TMDs of the nucleus and of the nucleons. We then consider the evolution of TMDs: at large-x, in the double-logarithmic approximation, we obtain the Sudakov form factor. At small-x the evolution of unpolarized-target quark TMDs is governed by BK/JIMWLK evolution, while the small-x evolution of polarized-target quark TMDs appears to be dominated by the QCD Reggeon.
Using decoys to expand the recognition specificity of a plant disease resistance protein

Maintaining high crop yields in an environmentally sustainable manner requires the development of disease-resistant crop varieties. We describe a method to engineer disease resistance in plants by means of an endogenous disease resistance gene from Arabidopsis thaliana named RPS5, which encodes a nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) protein. RPS5 is normally activated when a second host protein, PBS1, is cleaved by the pathogen-secreted protease AvrPphB. We show that the AvrPphB cleavage site within PBS1 can be substituted with cleavage sites for other pathogen proteases, which then enables RPS5 to be activated by these proteases, thereby conferring resistance to new pathogens. This “decoy” approach may be applicable to other NLR proteins and should enable engineering of resistance in plants to diseases for which we currently lack robust genetic resistance.
An Integrated Active Contour Approach to Shoreline Mapping Using HSI and DEM

This paper introduces a new approach to shoreline mapping, which provides critical input to nautical charting, coastal zone management, and legal boundary determination. We extract shorelines by fusing AVIRIS hyperspectral imagery (HSI) with a LiDAR-generated DEM using a multiphase active contour segmentation technique. Our approach employs a study of object spectra and a knowledge-based segmentation scheme for generating an initial solution followed by a contour evolution technique to achieve a subpixel level of accuracy, while maintaining low computational complexity. Introducing the DEM into shoreline delineation from HSI proves to be a useful tool in eliminating misclassifications and in increasing localization accuracy. Experimental results show that our integrated approach to mapping shorelines has promising outcomes that provide a way to exploit the rich information found in HSI.
The Half-Life of Am 243

The alpha half-life of ${\mathrm{Am}}^{243}$ was found to be 8800\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}600 years. The ratio of ${\mathrm{Am}}^{243}$ and ${\mathrm{Am}}^{241}$ masses in the sample was measured with a mass spectrometer, and the ratio of their alpha activities was measured with a differential alpha pulse analyzer. A method for preparation of thin samples of americium by electrodeposition is described.
IL-23/IL-17 axis in spondyloarthritis-bench to bedside

Cytokines play a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other types of spondyloarthritis (SpA). Besides IFN-γ and TNF-α; IL-23/IL-17 cytokines play a dominant role in the inflammatory and proliferative cascades of SpA. Recently, in a series of elegant experiments using mouse models and human tissues, it has been demonstrated that IL-23-induced Th17 cytokines (IL-17 and IL-22) can contribute to following pathologic events associated with SpA: development of psoriatic plaque, pannus formation in the joint, joint erosion, and new bone formation. In this review article, we have discussed the contributing role of the IL-23/IL-17 cytokine axis in the pathogenesis of PsA and AS. IL-23/IL-17-targeted therapies are very promising for SpA, and we have provided an outline about usefulness of these new groups of biologics in SpA.