cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient farnesylation of an extended C-terminal C(x)3X sequence motif expands the scope of the prenylated proteome

Protein prenylation is a post-translational modification that has been most commonly associated with enabling protein trafficking to and interaction with cellular membranes. In this process, an isoprenoid group is attached to a cysteine near the C terminus of a substrate protein by protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) or protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I or II (GGTase-I and GGTase-II). FTase and GGTase-I have long been proposed to specifically recognize a four-amino acid CAAX C-terminal sequence within their substrates. Surprisingly, genetic screening reveals that yeast FTase can modify sequences longer than the canonical CAAX sequence, specifically C(x)3X sequences with four amino acids downstream of the cysteine. Biochemical and cell-based studies using both peptide and protein substrates reveal that mammalian FTase orthologs can also prenylate C(x)3X sequences. As the search to identify physiologically relevant C(x)3X proteins begins, this new prenylation motif nearly doubles the number of proteins within the yeast and human proteomes that can be explored as potential FTase substrates. This work expands our understanding of prenylation's impact within the proteome, establishes the biologically relevant reactivity possible with this new motif, and opens new frontiers in determining the impact of non-canonically prenylated proteins on cell function.
#Hookahlife: The Rise of Waterpipe Promotion on Instagram:

Introduction. Hookah smoking is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, especially among young adults. The growth of social media has also enabled sharing of opinions, experiences, and marketing related to hookah via user-generated content. Aim. To evaluate the portrayal and promotion of hookah on Instagram and to highlight public health challenges created by this content. Method. A qualitative content analysis was performed on a sample of 301 Instagram posts made with the hashtags #hookah or #shisha in October 2016. Results. Of the 301 coded posts, 279 were relevant to hookah. These posts were most commonly made by hookah lounges/bars (29.2%) and individual users (27.6%). Posters were most commonly from Russia (38.5%), the United States (18.6%), and Germany (10.7%). A total of 63.8% of the posts were promotional in nature; 19.7% of posts contained hashtags that expressed hookah identity or community (e.g., #hookahlife); 35.5% of posts associated nightlife activities with hookah smoking and 33.0% portray...
Lessons We Learned: Stories of Volunteer–Patient Communication in Hospice

As our population ages, the questions of how to care for and communicate with the dying have become increasingly important areas for research. This study identifies hospice volunteers as both important members of the hospice team and as an underresearched source of wisdom regarding end-of-life communication. This article presents preliminary findings from a longitudinal, ethnographic study of volunteer–patient relationships in hospice. Three themes related to volunteer–patient communication are described using stories from hospice volunteers. The article concludes with reflections on end-of-life communication as experienced by the volunteers, and suggests that narrative ethnography is an appropriate and effective research method for the study of hospice and end-of-life care.
Cytokine Therapy of HIV Infection

Development of new therapeutics for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is one of the most active areas of medical research today. While the use of antiretrovirals such as zidovudine has improved survival, these drugs have not been able to halt the progressive destruction of the immune system that characterizes HIV infection. Thus, any design of a comprehensive therapeutic strategy for HIV disease must focus not only on blocking viral replication, but also on restoring immunocompetence. This review will focus on past and current strategies for using cytokine therapy to achieve these goals.
Leif Johansen's Contributions to the Theory of Production, Planning, and Multisectoral Growth

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the contribution of Leif Johansen to the theory of production, planning, and multi-sectoral growth. It is particularly important in the context of Leif Johansen's work that the theory and practice of economic planning requires some representation of current technological possibilities. In addition, the planner or student of planning needs some idea of changes in technology, whether they occur exogenously or as a result of decisions that are a part of the plan. Qualitatively, the role for the economic analysis of production is not so different from the case of the single producing enterprise. Johansen's work on planning models made much use of the input-output description of production possibilities, often with interesting variations. The refinement of the capacity-distribution method may have been stimulated by the likelihood that the smoother production function approach could prove to be optimistically misleading in the context of planning.
What makes a shape "baba"? The shape features prioritized in sound-shape correspondence change with development.

Abstract Crossmodal sound–shape correspondence, the association of abstract shapes and nonsense words (e.g., “bouba-kiki” effect), is seen across cultures and languages. Recent research suggests that the sensitivity for such sound–shape pairings might increase with development. Here we examined one possible mechanism underlying developmental changes in sensitivity to sound–shape correspondences—if and how shape features, such as contour spikiness and the number and size of protrusions, might be weighted differently by children and adults. In Experiment 1, we asked participants to choose which of two nonsense words matched a given visual shape while manipulating contour spikiness and number and size of protrusions independently. We found that adults associated /i/ sounds with shapes having spiky contours and 3 small protrusions. Of these shape features, contour spikiness showed the strongest association. Whereas 9- to 11-year-olds showed adult-like responses, 6- to 8-year-olds prioritized protrusion number, not contour spikiness. Importantly, in Experiment 2, where contour spikiness was highlighted by presenting round and spikey shapes side by side, 6- to 8-year-olds could make associations based on contour spikiness. Our findings suggest that 6- to 8-year-olds prioritize different features of a shape when making sound–shape correspondence compared with adults. Interestingly, these shape-processing biases can be altered by context such that children can resemble adults when the relevant shape features are highlighted. Our results suggest that biases in visual shape processing and the ability to extract contextual information might be additional factors explaining developmental changes in sensitivity toward sound–shape correspondences. These changing developmental biases highlight the contribution of perceptual processing styles in crossmodal correspondence.
A bacteria-based genetic assay detects prion formation.

Prions are infectious, self-propagating protein aggregates that are notorious for causing devastating neurodegenerative diseases in mammals. Recent evidence supports the existence of prions in bacteria. However, the evaluation of candidate bacterial prion-forming proteins has been hampered by the lack of genetic assays for detecting their conversion to an aggregated prion conformation. Here we describe a bacteria-based genetic assay that distinguishes cells carrying a model yeast prion protein in its nonprion and prion forms. We then use this assay to investigate the prion-forming potential of single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) of Campylobacter hominis. Our findings indicate that SSB possesses a prion-forming domain that can transition between nonprion and prion conformations. Furthermore, we show that bacterial cells can propagate the prion form over 100 generations in a manner that depends on the disaggregase ClpB. The bacteria-based genetic tool we present may facilitate the investigation of prion-like phenomena in all domains of life.
FP2 Predictors of CNP Nutrition-Related Engagement with Families

Objective This study examined the CNP characteristics that predict their engagement with families. Description Child nutrition professional's (CNP) role in early childcare includes working in partnership with providers and parents to ensure healthy diets for children. Engaging with families and children to educate and support healthy choices is a critical activity to meet this goal. However, many CNPs do not actively engage parents. A diverse, convenience sample of CNP staff (N = 391) were surveyed prior to a training required to receive CACFP funds as part of the Team Nutrition project. Most participants were administrators (61%) or cooks (27%, 12% other). Evaluation Hierarchical multiple regression examined predictors of engagement with families. Assessment of Engagement (outcome) was assessed with seven items indicating the frequency (0 to 5 scale) parents were engaged on nutrition topics (e.g., “How often...Talk with families about the child's eating at school?”, α = .85). Classroom education (predictor) included seven items on 1 to 5 scale (e.g., “Have children describe the foods they are eating?”, α = .83) Nutrition self-efficacy (predictor) included five items on a 0 to 3 scale (e.g., “How confident…you can teach parents about healthy eating?”, α =.86). Knowledge of best practices was assessed with nine items on a 0 to 3 scale with higher scores reflecting more accurate knowledge (e.g., “The way I talk about food can influence what children eat.”, α =.81). Conclusions and Implications In step 1, among three demographic variables (education, experience, and age), education was a significant predictor (β = .20, P Grant Year 2016
Retinal ganglion cell ablation in guinea pigs.

Abstract Guinea pigs are a common model of human ocular conditions; however, their visual function has not been fully characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine the contributions of retinal ganglion cells to structural and functional measures in guinea pigs. Healthy adult guinea pigs (n = 12) underwent unilateral optic nerve crush. Retinal structure was assessed with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and thickness of the ganglion cell/nerve fiber layer (GC/NFL) was determined. Visual function was assessed with optomotor tracking of a drifting grating and light adapted electroretinograms (ERGs). From flash ERGs, a-wave, b-wave, oscillatory potentials (OPs), and photopic negative response (PhNR) were analyzed. From pattern ERGs, N1P1 and P1N2 were analyzed. Histological studies were done at various time points for ganglion cell quantification. Optomotor tracking was absent in optic nerve crush eyes following optic nerve crush. Significant thinning of the GC/NFL was evident four weeks following the crush. Flash ERGs revealed a significant reduction in the OP1 amplitude two weeks following crush (P 0.05 for all). In vivo OCT imaging showed progressive thinning of inner retinal layers. Ganglion cell density, quantified histologically, was significantly reduced by 75% in the optic nerve crush eye compared to the control eye at four weeks following crush. These findings indicate that retinal ganglion cells contribute to the PhNR and OP1 components of the full field flash ERG, but not significantly to the pattern ERG in guinea pigs. This study demonstrates that OCT imaging and full field flash ERGs are valuable in assessing retinal ganglion cell loss in vivo in guinea pigs and will help to further establish the guinea pig as a model of human ocular pathologies.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering plasmonic enhancement using DNA origami-based complex metallic nanostructures.

DNA origami is a novel self-assembly technique allowing one to form various two-dimensional shapes and position matter with nanometer accuracy. We use DNA origami templates to engineer surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates. Specifically, gold nanoparticles were selectively placed on the corners of rectangular origami and subsequently enlarged via solution-based metal deposition. The resulting assemblies exhibit “hot spots” of enhanced electromagnetic field between the nanoparticles. We observed a significant Raman signal enhancement from molecules covalently attached to the assemblies, as compared to control nanoparticle samples that lack interparticle hot spots. Furthermore, Raman molecules are used to map out the hot spots’ distribution, as they are burned when experiencing a threshold electric field. Our method opens up the prospects of using DNA origami to rationally engineer and assemble plasmonic structures for molecular spectroscopy.
Price Dispersion in the Small and in the Large: Evidence from an Internet Price Comparison Site

This paper examines four million daily price observations for more than 1,000 consumer electronics products on the price comparison site http://Shopper.com. We find little support for the notion that prices on the Internet are converging to the 'law of one price.' In addition, observed levels of price dispersion vary systematically with the number of firms listing prices. The difference between the two lowest prices (the 'gap') averages 23 per cent when two firms list prices, and falls to 3.5 per cent in markets where 17 firms list prices. These empirical results are an implication of a general 'clearinghouse' model of equilibrium price dispersion.
What is in the observer? From thinking to being ‘public’ ‘outcomes’ of higher education

The paper engages in ‘paradigmatic talk’ about public outcomes of higher education (HE). We were drawn to this paradigmatic discussion because of its inherent ‘cultural’ dimensions and the opportun...
Feasibility and Morbidity of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Stereotactic Laser Ablation of Deep Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: A Report of 4 Cases.

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) has been used successfully to treat epileptogenic cortical cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM). It is unclear whether MRgLITT would be as feasible or safe for deep CCMs. OBJECTIVE To describe our experience with MRgLITT for symptomatic deep CCMs. METHODS Patients' records were reviewed retrospectively. MRgLITT was carried out using a commercially available system in an interventional MRI suite with efforts to protect adjacent brain structures. Immediate postoperative imaging was used to judge ablation adequacy. Delayed postoperative MRI was used to measure lesion volume changes during follow-up. RESULTS Four patients with CCM in the thalamus, putamen, midbrain, or subthalamus presented with persistent and disabling neurological symptoms. A total of 2 patients presented with disabling headaches and sensory disturbances and 2 with recurrent symptomatic hemorrhages, of which 1 had familial CCM. Patients were considered by vascular neurosurgeons to be poor candidates for open surgery or had refused it. Multiple trajectories were used in most cases. Adverse events included device malfunction with leakage of saline causing transient mass effect in one patient, and asymptomatic tract hemorrhage in another. One patient suffered an expected mild but persistent exacerbation of baseline deficits. All patients showed improvement from a previously aggressive clinical course with lesion volume decreased by 20% to 73% in follow-up. CONCLUSION MRgLITT is feasible in the treatment of symptomatic deep CCM but may carry a high risk of complications without the benefit of definitive resection. We recommend cautious patient selection, low laser power settings, and conservative temperature monitoring in surrounding brain parenchyma.
Pharmacist Provided Spirometry Services: A Scoping Review

Purpose Despite international guidelines' recommendations, spirometry is underutilized in the diagnosis and management of asthma and COPD. Spirometry may be an opportunity for trained pharmacists to meet the needs of patients with suspected or diagnosed lung conditions. The aim of this scoping review is to describe the literature including pharmacist provided spirometry services, specifically to identify: 1) the models of pharmacist provided spirometry services, and additional services commonly offered alongside spirometry, 2) pharmacist training and capability to obtain quality results, and (3) pharmacist, physician, and patient perspectives. Methods In September 2020, a comprehensive literature search in PubMed and EMBASE was conducted to identify all relevant literature on the topic of pharmacist provided spirometry services using the search term: "pharmacist or pharmacy" and "spirometry or pulmonary function test or lung function test." Literature was screened using inclusion/exclusion criteria and selected articles were charted and analyzed using the themes above. Results A total of 27 records were included. The scoping review found that pharmacist provided spirometry has been conducted around the world in community pharmacies and clinic settings. Community pharmacists may increase access to spirometry screening; the lack of communication with primary care providers and remuneration are barriers that need to be overcome to optimize the utility of the service. Clinic-based services are interprofessional and collaborative, allowing a patient to receive the test, results, diagnosis, and medication changes in one visit. Following comprehensive training, pharmacists felt confident in their ability to perform spirometry and met quality standards at acceptable rates. Conclusion Spirometry is an opportunity for pharmacists to improve evidence-based practice for screening and diagnosing lung conditions along with providing comprehensive services to complement testing. Data around provider and patient perspectives is limited and should be further investigated to determine if providers and patients would value and collaborate with pharmacists providing spirometry services.
Enhancing Classroom Resilience with ClassMaps Consultation

Promoting positive school outcomes requires thoughtful consideration of the research in resilience. A foundation to applied practice in schools comes from the resilience research showing that children can succeed despite growing up in very adverse living conditions (Doll & Cummings, 2007; Doll et al., 2009; Werner, 2006). The actual application of resilience research to school practice, however, has remained elusive (Prince-Embury & Saklofske, 2013). A pioneering effort to translate resilience research into applied practice in schools effectively and efficiently is the ClassMaps Consultation (CMC) framework (Doll et al., 2009; Doll, Zucker, & Brehm, 2004; Song, Doll, & Marth, 2013). The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate how the CMC is implemented in schools by describing its theoretical model of resilience together with the consultation model, and then presenting a case study example. The areas of implementation and professional development are also discussed.
A Review of the Thermonuclear Runaway Model of a Nova Outburst

The diagram shown in Figure 1 is a familiar one to all students as the nova phenomena. It illustrates the widely accepted model put forth by Kraft (1963). During this conference we have heard talks by D. Lin and by G. Bath on how material can flow off the red companion and form a ring around the white dwarf. We have also heard how material in the ring spirals inward, giving up its potential energy, and eventually accrets onto the white dwarf. In fact, this potential energy has been proposed by Bath (1976) as the source of energy for the dwarf nova outburst. Open image in new window Fig. I Schematic diagram of Kraft’s (1963) binary nova model
Effective design considerations to address hispanic learners in the MIS/CS curriculum

Concern has been expressed at universities in the United States in various research studies about the learning performance of underrepresented minorities in science and technology subject areas. Research further indicates that a disparity may exist between the method of instruction and learning style of underrepresented minorities and, in particular, Hispanic students who are enrolled in Management Information Systems or Computer Science (MIS/CS) courses.As a major focus, this paper discusses the current research which investigates the nature of learning performance for Hispanic students in MIS/CS courses at the university undergraduate level. This paper focuses on whether causal relationships exist between learning styles and instructional method (i.e. active vs. passive learning). The paper will further report on any causal relationships that may exist between teaching method, as it relates to learning style, and academic achievement of Hispanic students. Research has shown that academic achievement will improve if teaching methods are modified to the predominant learning style of the culture.Western New Mexico University, located in the southwestern corner of New Mexico, is in a unique position to report on the effects of the impact of learning style on the instructional method for MIS/CS students. Designated as a Hispanic-serving institution, WNMU is representative of many Hispanic-serving students who typically suffer from poor academic achievement and a high attrition rate in the MIS/CS subject area.
Anomalously low solar extreme‐ultraviolet irradiance and thermospheric density during solar minimum

[1] Solar activity during 2007–2009 was very low, and during this protracted solar minimum period, the terrestrial thermosphere was cooler and lower in density than expected. Measurements from instruments on the SOHO and TIMED spacecraft, and by suborbital rocket flights, indicate that solar extreme-ultraviolet irradiance levels were lower than they were during the previous solar minimum. Analysis of atmospheric drag on satellite orbits indicate that the thermosphere was lower in density, and therefore cooler, and than at any time since the beginning of the space age. However, secular change due to increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which cool the upper atmosphere, also plays a role in thermospheric climate. Simulations by the NCAR Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model are compared to thermospheric density measurements, yielding evidence that the primary cause of the low thermospheric density was the unusually low level of solar extreme-ultraviolet irradiance.
The Quadric Reference Surface: Applications in Registering Views of Complex 3D Objects

The theoretical component of this work involves the following question: given any two views of some unknown textured opaque quadric surface in 3D, is there a finite number of corresponding points across the two views that uniquely determine all other correspondences coming from points on the quadric? A constructive answer to this question is then used to propose a transformation, we call a nominal quadratic transformation, that can be used in practice to facilitate the process of achieving full point-to-point correspondence between two grey-level images of the same (arbitrary) object.
Disappearance of meconium pigment in placental specimens on exposure to light.

Abstract Context.—Meconium discharge has been associated with fetal distress and poor neonatal outcome; thus, its presence is of clinical importance. Objective.—Loss of meconium pigment in histologic sections from light exposure has been described. We sought to confirm this finding and to measure this loss quantitatively. Design.—Sections of umbilical cord, fetal membranes, and fetal surface from 11 grossly meconium-stained placentas were processed swiftly to minimize light exposure. Two serial sections from each block were cut and stained; one set was reviewed immediately, and the other was exposed to 8 hours of direct fluorescent lighting. Each site and exposure was scored for pigment intensity (0, no staining; 1, weak expression; and 2, moderate/strong expression) and number of meconium-laden macrophages per 10 high-power fields (HPF). Results were compared on the same specimen using the χ2 and the paired-samples t test. Results.—The maximum meconium macrophage count was 13.2/10 HPF in the unexposed se...
Resuscitation in the Elderly: A Blessing or a Curse?

Excerpt Sudden cardiac death accounts for 400 000 to 600 000 deaths each year in the United States, and these numbers have not improved despite the many advances in cardiology. Unfortunately, most ...
A uniqueness theorem for Dirichlet series satisfying a Riemann type functional equation

Abstract We will prove a uniqueness theorem for L-functions in terms of the pre-images of two values in the complex plane.
Anthropomorphs in Cave Art: An Empirical Assessment

Although there is general agreement that the Upper Paleolithic images of humans (anthropomorphs) portrayed on the walls of many European caves are relatively rare, there is disagreement on what counts as a "real" anthropomorph. While differing numbers and identifications are found in the literature (Ucko and Rosenfeld 1972; Ripoll-Perello 1958; Kiihn 1936; Saccasyn-Della Santa 1947), counts of reported anthropomorphs from Leroi-Gourhan (1967:503), Naber (1976), and L'Art des Cavernes (Ministare de la Culture 1984) indicate they are only 3-4% of the total animal (including human) images on cave walls. The meaning ofanthropomorphs is also elusive. LeroiGourhan (1982:51) suggests that "the figures of humans have not yet yielded much information on their role in the paleolithic message .... [Explanations for human figures] are based solely on the reminiscence of western thought." This research will explore the interrelationships among anthropomorphs, animal art, and archeofauna in an attempt to explain the role of these human images in that elusive "'paleolithic message."
Collimated electron beams and their associated penumbra widths

The Fermi–Eyges multiple‐scattering theory for electrons is applied to calculate profiles of collimated electron beams. The dose profile below the collimator is a convolution of the intensity distribution of the electrons at the level of the collimator and the distribution arising from the propagation of a Gaussian point source from the collimator to the level of the calculation. The electrons at the level of the collimator possess an angular distributioncharacteristic of the configuration of the electron beam at the vacuum window. Hence, the dose profile and its associated penumbra width can be expressed in terms of the angular moments of the distribution of the electrons at the collimator. The dependence of the penumbra width on the configuration‐dependent angular spread of the electrons at the collimator accounts for differences in the size of the penumbra between two broad‐beam configurations. These differences are also seen experimentally. We have also studied the dependence of the angular moments of the electrons upon scattering foils present above the collimator and the position of the beam‐broadening device in the accelerator head.
Relationships between the parasitoid Hyposoter exiguae and Trichoplusia ni: Parasitoid-induced histo- and cytopathology

Abstract The histology and cytology of Trichoplusia ni larvae were studied for evidence of abnormality or pathology induced by the solitary ichneumonid endoparasitoid, Hyposoter exiguae . Sample control and parasitized larvae were fixed every other day, and sections of these larvae were stained with mercuric-bromophenol blue. The fat body of parasitized larvae failed to show many of the changes characteristic of normally developing controls and, on the last day of parasitism, revealed extensive pathological changes. Spermatogenesis continued normally until the end of the association in parasitized hosts even though their development was halted in the fifth larval stadium. Parasitoid larvae seemed to secrete a proteinaceous material from their salivary and rectal glands into the host hemocoel. This material may be responsible for the pathological changes reported here. The parasitoids apparently fed on hemolymph alone until about 24 hr before emergence and pupation.
Alteration of the Intracellular Calcium Level Stimulates Gonadotropin Release from Cultured Rat Anterior Pituitary Cells

We demonstrated that stimulation of LH release from pituitary cells by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) requires extracellular Ca2+ (optimally, 1 mM). Mg2+ (up to 10 mM) did not substitute for this requirement. Stimulated, but not basal, LH release was blocked by La3+ which competes for cellular calcium-binding sites. Antagonists of Ca2+ flux (D-600, methoxyverapamil) and Ca2+ transport (Ruthenium red) also inhibited GnRH stimulation of LH release. In the present work, we incubated pituitary cells with compounds which alter the intracellular level of Ca2+ and examined the effect on LH release. In separate studies, cultured cells were incubated with ionophores A23187 (Lilly) or X537A (Roche) or with Ca2+- and Mg2+-bearing lipid vesicles (liposomes). Ionophore A23187, which inserts Ca2+ channels into the plasma membrane, stimulated LH release from the cells in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. When A23187 and GnRH were both present in saturating amounts, the cells did not release more LH than with ei...
A Visualization Simulation Method of Complex Weapon System

In order to solve difficult problem on simulation of complex weapon system, a visualization simulation method aim at complex weapon engineering is put forward based on United Modeling Language(UML) modeling description. It describes the implementation process in detail, including the effective management of structural relationship between simulation models, organization of models and maintenance a modification of simulation. Its results show that this method not only supports the software models in whole process of software development starting from demand analysis, but also supports the non-software system description such as weapon equipment engineering. The visualization simulation method can effectively solve complex problem of simulation development and its difficult maintenance, and can improve the actual work efficiency.
Magnetostrictive underwater sound transducers

Certain alloys of terbium, dysprosium, holmium, and iron are currently receiving consideration for application in underwater sound transducers. The material properties of selected alloys and their importance in transducer engineering are presented. The design and operating characteristics of a transducer utilizing Tb0 27 Dy 0 73 Fe 2 are described and compared with results from the same transducer using piezoelectric ceramic. The design and evaluation of this transducer have clearly identified several needs for further development of the alloys, especially in the areas of grain orientation, lower cost, and quantity production, before they can be consi­ dered competitive with piezoelectric ceramics.
The Plastic Brain

is the term used to describethe developing brain’s ability to organize its circuitryand subsequent function based on the activity patternsit receives. This form of plasticity decreases as thebrain matures, providing both advantages and disad-vantages to the organism. On the one hand, braincircuitry that must remain relatively invariant to max-imize functional efﬁcacy throughout later life can beoptimally “tuned” to the environment during a rela-tively protected childhood period. Also, youngerbrains are able to functionally recover from injurymuch more readily than older brains. Unfortunately,on the other hand, this pronounced early plasticityand its downregulation with maturity also renderyoung brains much more susceptible than older brainsto long-term disruptive effects from abnormal or “de-prived” environments. Thus, understanding themechanisms underlying early brain plasticity and itsdownregulation would enable the development oftreatments to selectively reactivate it in mature brain,to facilitate recovery from a wide-range of neurologi-cal dysfunction.During the Decade of the Brain, neuroscientistshave studied plasticity at behavioral, cellular, and mo-lecular levels (see Fig. 1). At the behavioral level,cognitive scientists have documented many instanceswhere early disruptions of normal function producepermanent functional impairment. Developmentalneurobiologists have described likely cellular corre-lates of such change in the organization of circuitrythat controls and coordinates our behavior. Molecularbiologists have supplied ever-growing lists of mole-cules that change in the brain as it matures. Currentresearch attempts to develop preparations in whichscientists at multiple levels can work together to un-derstand how molecular changes control cellular andbehavioral changes, to intelligently and adaptively re-activate plasticity in maturity.
Experimental validation of a modal flexibility-based damage detection method for a cyber-physical system

The detection and localization of damage in a timely manner is critical in order to avoid the failure of structures. When a structure is subjected to an unscheduled impulsive force, the resulting damage can lead to failure in a very short period of time. As such, a monitoring strategy that can adapt to variability in the environment and that anticipates changes in physical processes has the potential of detecting, locating and mitigating damage. These requirements can be met by a cyber-physical system (CPS) equipped with Wireless Smart Sensor Network (WSSN) systems that is capable of measuring and analyzing dynamic responses in real time using on-board in network processing. The Eigenparameter Decomposition of Structural Flexibility Change (ED) Method is validated with real data and considered to be used in the computational core of this CPS. The condition screening is implemented on a damaged structure and compared to an original baseline calculation, hence providing a supervised learning environment. An experimental laboratory study on a 5-story shear building with three damage conditions subjected to an impulsive force has been chosen to validate the effectiveness of the method proposed to locate and quantify the extent of damage. A numerical simulation of the same building subject to band-limited white noise has also been developed with this purpose. The effectiveness of the ED Method to locate damage is compared to that of the Damage Index Method. With some modifications, the ED Method is capable of locating and quantifying damage satisfactorily in a shear building subject to a lower frequency content predominant excitation.
Raman properties intrinsic to superconductivity in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system

Previous Raman studies of the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system have provided an abundance of interesting results including the existence of an electronic continuum which redistributes below ${T}_{c}$, an anomalous phonon renormalization effect, and Fano antiresonance behavior of the 290-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ vibrational mode. We attempt in this paper to determine what connection these features may have to the superconducting behavior of this compound. In order to draw such conclusions a systematic study has been carried out on numerous ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CaCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8+\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}$ samples. Our Raman investigations indicate that it is the continuum redistribution and a linear low-energy contribution to the scattering intensity at temperatures T\ensuremath{\ll}${T}_{c}$ that are intrinsic to superconductivity in this system.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: A multifunctional nano therapeutic system

Efficient and safe drug delivery has always been a challenge in medicine. The use of nanotechnology, such as the development of nano drug delivery systems (DDS), has received great attention with high enthusiasm owing to the potential that nanocarriers can theoretically act as “magic bullets” and selectively target affected organs and cells while sparing normal tissues. The family of nano DDS includes conventional nano drug delivery materials such as lipids and polymers that have been scaled to the nanometer size range. With the rapid development of synthesis and characterization techniques for engineered nanomaterials, new DDS platforms have emerged, including inorganic based nanocarriers, such as mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNP). MSNP are able to act as a multifunctional delivery platform that is capable of delivering therapeutic elements to a variety of disease models (especially cancer) at cellular and in vivo levels. Furthermore, MSNP have shown to be exceptional delivery platforms capable of protectively packaging hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug molecules as well as other therapeutic elements for controlled on-demand delivery. In addition, MSNP have demonstrated the capability to image the delivery site for theranostic purposes. These functionalities have led to the development of MSNP as novel multifunctional nanocarriers, and therefore provide them with unique advantages compared to other nanocarriers.
High-resolution Thermogravimetric Analysis For Rapid Characterization of Biomass Composition and Selection of Shrub Willow Varieties

The cultivation of shrub willow (Salix spp.) bioenergy crops is being commercialized in North America, as it has been in Europe for many years. Considering the high genetic diversity and ease of hybridization, there is great potential for genetic improvement of shrub willow through traditional breeding. The State University of New York-College of Environmental Science and Forestry has an extensive breeding program for the genetic improvement of shrub willow for biomass production and for other environmental applications. Since 1998, breeding efforts have produced more than 200 families resulting in more than 5,000 progeny. The goal for this project was to utilize a rapid, low-cost method for the compositional analysis of willow biomass to aid in the selection of willow clones for improved conversion efficiency. A select group of willow clones was analyzed using high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis (HR-TGA), and significant differences in biomass composition were observed. Differences among and within families produced through controlled pollinations were observed, as well as differences by age at time of sampling. These results suggest that HR-TGA has a great promise as a tool for rapid biomass characterization.
ESTIMATION OF THE NUMBER OF INJECTION DRUG USERS IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

Abstract The conjoined epidemics of HIV and injection drug abuse have progressed rapidly in many parts of the Russian Federation, including the City of St. Petersburg, which now has more cases of HIV than any other region in the country. Official estimates of the number of injection drug users (IDUs), which rely on official registration of IDUs, greatly underestimate their number. We have combined official statistics that register HIV cases and attribute risk to causes including injection drug use with data from a study that collected data from IDUs about their HIV serostatus and their history of HIV testing to estimate the number of IDUs in the city. We conclude that there are 83,118 ± 5799 total IDUs. Since many IDUs have not been tested and even some who have been officially tested do not know their serostatus, a first step in countering the growing HIV epidemic among IDUs in St. Petersburg must be expanded access to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment that is targeted to IDUs.
Quantitation of Phototoxic Hyperemia and Permeability to Protein: II. Inihibition by Histamine (H1 and H2) Receptor Antagonists in Mouse Skin

Exposure of anthracene treated skin to long-wave ultraviolet radiation (UVA) will produce hyperemia, increased vascular permeability, burning and itching. This photosensitized inflammation was produced in the skin of hairless mice by the topical application of a 0.025% (w/v) solution of anthracene followed by exposure to UVA. The resultant hyperemia was quantified by the increase in 51 Cr-erythrocyte content (cpm/wet weight) of skin. After 1000sec (1.3 × 10 4 J/M 2 ) of UVA, the blood content of the skin had increased nine-fold, Pyrilamine (H 1 antagonist), administered orally, did not inhibit the hyperemia in response to anthracene-UVA, whereas cimetidine (H 1 and H 2 receptors on dermal vessels. Since neither antagonist alone blocked the reponse, the mechanism of histamine action in this response may involve histamine receptors on other dermal components in addition to the blood vessels. In particular, the exacerbation of this photosensitized inflammation by cimetidine lends support to the concept of H 2 receptors on mast cells which negatively modulate histamine release.
Selective blockade of a slowly inactivating potassium current in striatal neurons by (±) 6‐chloro‐APB hydrobromide (SKF82958)

The ion channels of rat striatal neurons are known to be modulated by stimulation of D1 dopamine receptors. The susceptibility of depolarization-activated K+ currents to be modulated by the D1 agonist, 6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetra-hydro-1H-3-benzaze pine (APB) was investigated using whole-cell voltage-clamp recording techniques from acutely isolated neurons. APB (0.01-100 microM) produced a concentration-dependent reduction in the total K+ current. At intermediate concentrations (ca. 10 microM), APB selectively depressed the slowly inactivating A-current (I(As)). A similar effect was produced by application of the D1 agonist, 7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-H-2-benzazepine (SKF38393, 10 microM). APB reduced I(As) rapidly, having onset and recovery time constants of 1.2 sec and 1.6 sec, respectively. Unexpectedly, the effect of APB could not be mimicked by application of Sp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphothioate triethylamine (Sp-cAMPS, 100-200 microM), a membrane-permeable analog of cyclic AMP (cAMP), or by pretreatment with forskolin (25 microM), an activator of adenylyl cyclase. The reduction in I(As) also was not blocked by pretreatment with the D1 receptor antagonist, R(+)-SCH23390 hydrochloride (SCH23390, 10-20 microM). In addition, intracellular dialysis with guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate (GDP-beta-S, 200 microM) did not preclude the APB-induced inhibition of I(As), nor did dialysis with guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate (GTP-gamma-S, 400 microM) prevent reversal of the effect. The effect of APB was produced by a reduction in the maximal conductance of I(As) without changing the voltage-dependence of the current. Collectively, these results argue that APB does not inhibit I(As) through D1 receptors coupled to stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, but rather by allosterically regulating or blocking the channels giving rise to this current.
Chiral Symmetry Breaking in Sodium Chlorate Crystallization

Sodium chlorate (NaClO3) crystals are optically active although the molecules of the compound are not chiral. When crystallized from an aqueous solution while the solution is not stirred, statistically equal numbers of levo (L) and dextro (D) NaClO3 crystals were found. When the solution was stirred, however, almost all of the NaClO3 crystals (99.7 percent) in a particular sample had the same chirality, either levo or dextro. This result represents an experimental demonstration of chiral symmetry breaking or total spontaneous resolution on a macroscopic level brought about by autocatalysis and competition between L- and D-crystals.
Rate effect on lithium-ion graphite electrode performance

The electrochemical performance of lithium-ion graphite electrodes with particle diameter in the range of 6–44 µm was evaluated at different discharge (intercalation)/charge (deintercalation) rates (C to C/60). The electrode capacity depends on both the average particle size and rate. With a simple rate programme, the electrode performance is dependent on the cycling rate. The capacity of small graphite particles (6 µm) at C/2 rate was 80% of that achieved at C/24 rate (∼372 mAh g−1). The capacity of large graphite particles (44 µm) obtained at fast rates (C/2) was only 25% of that obtained under near-equilibrium conditions (C/24). The electrode capacity, however, is nearly independent of the charge rate when the electrode is fully intercalated using a modified rate programme containing a constant-voltage hold at 0.005 V (vs Li+/Li) for several hours. The electrochemical behaviour is related to the physicochemical properties of the graphite particles.
An SVD-like matrix decomposition and its applications

This author is supported by NSF under Grant No.EPS-9874732 and matching support from the State of Kansas.
Formal and Informal Sanctions: A Comparison of Deterrent Effects

A major limitation of deterrence research has been its almost exclusive concern with objectively measured formal sanctions. This paper examines the relative and cumulative impact of perceived informal as well as formal sanctions upon self-reported marijuana use for 321 randomly chosen university students. Both types of sanction are strongly and independently related to marijuana use, with the relative impact of several perceived informal sanctions proving slightly stronger than that of perceived certainty and severity of punishment. The cumulative impact of perceived informal sanctions and one type of formal sanction (perceived certainty) is found to be greater than that of either separately. We find that the strength of deterrence relationships is the same for males and females. We also discuss the need for more complex paradigms for deterrence research.
Differential surface marker expression in patients with Cd-16+ lymphoproliferative disorders: In vivo model for NK differentiation

Abstract In this study, we report on three patients, each with a CD-16 + lymphoproliferative disorder. Peripheral blood lymphocyte from all three patients were evaluated for lymphocyte morphology, natural killer (NK) function, and surface marker expression. In addition, two-color flow cytometric analysis was performed to determine the phenotype of the CD-16 + cells. Our findings indicate that the presence of increased numbers of CD-16 + cells alone is not a good predictor of NK activity. However, we observed a differential expression of the HLA class II molecules DR and DQ on the CD-16 + cells obtained from these patients that was associated with NK function. Hence, a CD-16 + , Leu-7 − , Leu-19 + (NKH-1 A ) and HLA class II + phenotype did correlate with NK function in contrast to a CD-16 + , Leu-7 + , Leu-19 − (NKH-1 A ) and HLA class II-phenotype. Of importance was the fact that the Cd-16 + , HLA class II + cells did not express ED-25 or TFR, nor did they mediate cytotoxicity against solid tumor targets, suggesting that these CD-16 + cells are not activated. Thus, in contrast to previous studies of NK ontogeny that utilized in vitro activated NK cells, studies of patients with CD-16 + lymphoproliferative disorders may provide an alternative aspproach for examining NK differentiation.