cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing a cognitive dysfunction risk score for use with opioid-dependent persons in drug treatment.

Abstract Background Cognitive dysfunction is common in persons seeking medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and may hinder many addiction-related services. Brief but accurate screening measures are needed to efficiently assess cognitive dysfunction in these resource-limited settings. The study aimed to develop a brief predictive risk score tailored for use among patients in drug treatment. Methods The present study examined predictors of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), objectively assessed via the NIH Toolbox, among 173 patients receiving methadone as MOUD at an urban New England drug treatment facility. Predictors of MCI were identified in one subsample using demographic characteristics, medical chart data, and selected items from the Brief Inventory of Neuro-Cognitive Impairment (BINI). Predictors were cross-validated in a second subsample using logistic regression. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses determined an optimal cut-off score for detecting MCI. Results A cognitive dysfunction risk score (CDRS) was calculated from patient demographics (age 50+, non-White ethnicity, less than high school education), medical and substance use chart data (history of head injury, overdose, psychiatric diagnosis, past year polysubstance use), and selected self-report items (BINI). The CDRS discriminated acceptably well, with a ROC curve area of 70.6 %, and correctly identified 78 % of MCI cases (sensitivity = 87.5 %; specificity = 55.6 %). Conclusions The CDRS identified patients with cognitive challenges at a level likely to impede treatment engagement and/or key outcomes. The CDRS may assist in efficiently identifying patients with cognitive dysfunction while requiring minimal training and resources. Larger validation studies are needed in other clinical settings.
Knowledge-Based Approach to Reconfigurable Control Systems

Unstable, dynamically changing environments represent a major challenge for the design of adaptive control systems. Significant changes in the process model, various hardware failures may require the modification of the basic control law in order to maintain the control of the plant. To support the design and implementation of structurally adaptive systems, we have developed a new architecture and programming tools. The architecture enables on-line and automatic reconfiguration of the control structure. The most important features of our approach are: (1) knowledge-based techniques are used to represent the model of the process and the possible control schemes including alternatives and selection rules, (2) a graph-oriented computational model has been defined which allows the efficient implementation of reconfigurable signal processing systems and (3) a special interpretation technique has been developed which can build and dynamically change the signal-flow of signal processing and control systems. The operation of the system can be conceptualized in the following way. The actual state of the process is continuously monitored. If a significant change is detected, the process model will be updated which will start a reasoning process on the effects of the change. The result may be a partial or full reconfiguration of the cotroller without interrupting the system operation. The method has been implemented and tested in different applications. The paper will present the structure of a fault tolerant controller built for the control of a chemical process with unreliable sensors.
Ultraviolet antireflection coatings for use in silicon detector design

We report on the development of coatings for a charged-coupled device (CCD) detector optimized for use in a fixed dispersion UV spectrograph. Because of the rapidly changing index of refraction of Si, single layer broadband antireflection (AR) coatings are not suitable to increase quantum efficiency at all wavelengths of interest. Instead, we describe a creative solution that provides excellent performance over UV wavelengths. We describe progress in the development of a coated CCD detector with theoretical quantum efficiencies (QEs) of greater than 60% at wavelengths from 120 to 300 nm. This high efficiency may be reached by coating a backside-illuminated, thinned, delta-doped CCD with a series of thin film AR coatings. The materials tested include MgF_2 (optimized for highest performance from 120–150 nm), SiO_2 (150–180 nm), Al_2O_3 (180–240 nm), MgO (200–250 nm), and HfO_2 (240–300 nm). A variety of deposition techniques were tested and a selection of coatings that minimized reflectance on a Si test wafer were applied to functional devices. We also discuss future uses and improvements, including graded and multilayer coatings.
The nature of preschoolers' concept of living and artificial objects.

This study investigated preschoolers’ living kinds conceptualization by employing an extensive stimulus set and alternate indices of understanding. Thirty-four 3- to 5-year-olds and 36 adult undergraduates completed 3 testing phases involving 4 object classes: plants, animals, mobile, and immobile artifacts. The phases involved inquiries participants generated, what biological properties they attributed and their assignment of “alive” to the 4 classes. The study also focused on preschoolers’ conceptual coherence by examining their responding across indices. Results revealed both competence and confusion in preschoolers’ living kinds conceptualization relative to adults’. In addition, demonstrations of coherence across testing situations suggest that the beginnings of an abstract, biologically organized framework for understanding of living and nonliving kinds are in place in the preschool period.
Agent Reward Shaping for Alleviating Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion problems provide a unique environment to study how multi-agent systems promote desired system level behavior. What is particularly interesting in this class of problems is that no individual action is intrinsically "bad" for the system but that combinations of actions among agents lead to undesirable outcomes, As a consequence, agents need to learn how to coordinate their actions with those of other agents, rather than learn a particular set of "good" actions. This problem is ubiquitous in various traffic problems, including selecting departure times for commuters, routes for airlines, and paths for data routers. In this paper we present a multi-agent approach to two traffic problems, where far each driver, an agent selects the most suitable action using reinforcement learning. The agent rewards are based on concepts from collectives and aim to provide the agents with rewards that are both easy to learn and that if learned, lead to good system level behavior. In the first problem, we study how agents learn the best departure times of drivers in a daily commuting environment and how following those departure times alleviates congestion. In the second problem, we study how agents learn to select desirable routes to improve traffic flow and minimize delays for. all drivers.. In both sets of experiments,. agents using collective-based rewards produced near optimal performance (93-96% of optimal) whereas agents using system rewards (63-68%) barely outperformed random action selection (62-64%) and agents using local rewards (48-72%) performed worse than random in some instances.
A New Look at Sex Determination in Poeciliid Fishes

The recent increased interest in sex-determining mechanisms can be traced directly to Wachtel’s concept that the H-Y antigen is the primary testis organizer. There have been several comprehensive reviews dealing with genetic mechanisms of sex determination and sex differentiation, but all of these deal largely with the mammalian literature and pay only lip service to the other classes of vertebrates (J.W. Gordon and Ruddle, 1981; Haseltine and Ohno, 1981; McCarrey and Abbot, 1979; Ohno, 1979; Wachtel and Ohno, 1979). Of particular interest to geneticists are several cases of atypical sex determination in mammals, including humans, in which an autosomal gene causes the testicular differentiation of XX individuals. This has raised the question as to the location of the male-determining gene.
Social Work Intervention in Disasters and Traumatic Stress Events

(2003). Social Work Intervention in Disasters and Traumatic Stress Events. Journal of Social Service Research: Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. xiii-xv.
International technology-based competitive strategy: A literature review and integrative model

Abstract A multilevel, integrative model of international technology-based competitive strategy is developed through the integration and extension of diverse literature streams. The critical activity in these strategies is sustainment of a development process which results in creation of value-added products or services that can be profitably manufactured and distributed to customers. The model identifies variables and interactions that influence technology-based competitive strategy success at the organization, competitive or task environment, and external domestic and international environment levels. Propositions to be tested in future empirical research are developed.
Deformation twinning mechanisms from bimetal interfaces as revealed by in situ straining in the TEM

Abstract During in situ transmission electron microscopy indentation of layered Cu/Nb composites fabricated by accumulative roll bonding, we observed the nucleation and growth of deformation twinning in Cu. Combining dislocation theory and interface defect structure analysis, we propose that the processes of nucleation and thickening of deformation twins proceed as follows: (1) nucleation and emission of a nanometer thick twin nucleus due to the dissociation of interfacial misfit dislocations or the interaction between a run in Nb slip dislocation and the interface or both; (2) emission of a second twin nucleus by the same mechanism, but at some distance along the interface from the first; (3) in the region in-between them, twin thickening occurs by relatively rapid emission of oppositely signed twinning dislocations in order to reduce the backstresses due to the twins in processes 1 and 2; and finally (4) the continuation of this “alternating emission” growth mechanism such that eventually the entire domain in-between the two initially separated fine twin nuclei transforms into a thick twin.
Regenerated Synapses Between Postnatal Hair Cells and Auditory Neurons

Regeneration of synaptic connections between hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons would be required to restore hearing after neural loss. Here we demonstrate by immunohistochemistry the appearance of afferent-like cochlear synapses in vitro after co-culture of de-afferented organ of Corti with spiral ganglion neurons from newborn mice. The glutamatergic synaptic complexes at the ribbon synapse of the inner hair cell contain markers for presynaptic ribbons and postsynaptic densities. We found postsynaptic density protein PSD-95 at the contacts between hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons in newly formed synapses in vitro. The postsynaptic proteins were directly facing the CtBP2-positive presynaptic ribbons of the hair cells. BDNF and NT-3 promoted afferent synaptogenesis in vitro. Direct juxtaposition of the postsynaptic densities with the components of the preexisting ribbon synapse indicated that growing fibers recognized components of the presynaptic sites. Initiation of cochlear synaptogenesis appeared to be influenced by glutamate release from the hair cell ribbons at the presynaptic site since the synaptic regeneration was impaired in glutamate vesicular transporter 3 mutant mice. These insights into cochlear synaptogenesis could be relevant to regenerative approaches for neural loss in the cochlea.
High dietary protein regimens provide significant protection from mercury nephrotoxicity in rats.

Abstract The effects of high protein dietary regimens prior to the administration of inorganic mercury were investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pair-fed on purified test diets containing either normal (20%) or high (60%) concentrations of protein. Mercury was administered as a single intravenous injection of mercuric chloride (1 mg/kg). All rats maintained on normal dietary protein prior to and following mercury injection exhibited severe kidney dysfunction, extensive necrosis of both second (S2) and third (S3) segments of the kidney proximal tubules, and 100% mortality. In contrast, rats maintained on high dietary protein for 48 hr or longer just prior to mercury injection and returned to normal dietary protein immediately following mercury administration all survived and exhibited normal serum cretinine and BUN values within 4 days following mercury administration. The kidneys of this latter group took up significantly less radiolabeled mercury during the first 12 hr following mercury injection, and exhibited relatively little damage to the second segments (S2) of the proximal tubules. The third segments (S3) of the proximal tubules, however, exhibited the same degree of necrosis as that observed in the control group. Maintaining rats on high dietary protein regimens for shorter periods of time prior to mercury infusion (i.e., 12 or 24 hr) also dramatically reduced subsequent acute renal failure and improved survival, although not to the extent noted following 48 hr or longer on these diets. These observations suggested that high dietary protein regimens may protect from mercury nephrotoxicity by reducing mercury uptake to the second segments (S2) of the proximal tubules during the initial period of exposure to intravenously administered mercury.
Time-Resolved Fuel-Grain Port Diameter Measurement in Hybrid Rockets

A novel technique is presented for determining the instantaneous spatially averaged port diameter of solid-fuel grains in hybrid rocket motors. This technique requires measurement of the frequency of the Helmholtz oscillation of the motor and is based on the principle that this frequency is inversely proportional to the square root of the chamber volume. This technique was applied to a hybrid rocket motor burning paraffin wax with gaseous oxygen. The calculated variation of port diameter agreed well with the correlation for average regression rate, determined from mass loss during operation. A major advantage is that the only instrumentation required for implementing this technique is a high-speed pressure transducer or a photomultiplier tube.
Does Turbulence in the Iron Convection Zone Cause the Massive Outbursts of eta Carinae

Taken at face value, the observed properties of the central object in Eta-Car suggest a very massive, hot main-sequence star, only slightly evolved. If this is so, the star's extraordinarily high steady rate of mass loss must dynamically perturb its outer envelope down to the iron convection zone, where the kinetic energy associated with turbulent convection can be directly fed into mass ejection. Runaway mass loss, triggered by either internal (pulsational, rotational) or external (tidal) forcing, would produce a secular oscillation of the outer envelope. In either case, the oscillation is potentially able to account for the observed approximately 5 yr cycles of visual outbursts in Eta-Car, including the giant eruption of 1843.
“I Wish that I Belonged More in this Whole Engineering Group:” Achieving Individual Diversity

Engineers need a breadth of experience to enrich the gene pool of ideas from which elegant engineering solutions can be drawn, called “individual diversity.” While performing large ethnographic research studies where hundreds of engineering students were interviewed, we interviewed Inez, a student that epitomizes individual diversity. Inez is unlike most engineers: she is female, multi-minority, and from a socio-economically disadvantaged background. Inez’s story is told here using “ethnography of the particular,” where the story of a single individual is explored. Inez has persevered through challenges posed by her lack of familiarity with the culture of engineering, her weak high school preparation, and her feelings of being an outsider in engineering. Inez’s story demonstrates that the playing field in engineering is still not level, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged students. Her story provides a poignant example of the impact of five of Conefrey’s cultural myths of science.
Dissociative electron attachment to acetylene

The mechanism and cross section for dissociative electron attachment of acetylene after collision with electrons in the 0--7 eV range is reported. The positions of the resonances and the autoionization widths are determined by electron scattering calculations using the complex Kohn variational method. The complex potential energy surface relevant to the metastable negative ion ${\text{C}}_{2}{\text{H}}_{2}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\ast}}$ is constructed as a function of the $\text{C}\ensuremath{\equiv}\text{C}$ and C--H stretches and the CCH angle. The lowest resonant potential is then used as input for the study of the dissociation dynamics within the local complex potential model using the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree method. The calculated dissociative electron attachment cross section as a function of electron energy is compared to available experimental findings.
Anomalous attachment of the transverse process to the vertebral body: an accessory finding in congenital absence of a lumbar pedicle.

A new case of congenital absence of a lumbar pedicle prompted a review of the English literature deseribing this rare defect. The majority of cases reported in detail were associated with anomalous attachment of a small ipsilateral transverse process directly to the posterior-lateral margin of the vertebral body. This sign is illustrated as a helpful accessory radiographic finding in congenital pedicle aplasia at a lumbar level.
Alignment And Evaluation Of The Cryogenic Corrected Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) Telescope

Room temperature alignment and evaluation techniques for the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) telescope which has a primary mirror figured to correct for surface distortions at the 2 K operating temperature will be discussed. Interferometric cryogenic testing of the 0.6 meter, f/1 .5 light-weighted beryllium primary mirror at its intended operating temperature revealed surface distortions that could be modeled with Zernike polynomials. With this model, it was possible to derive the -inverse- of the cryo wavefront error (ideal cryo mirror) and figure the cryo correction into the primary mirror using Perkin-Elmer's Computer Controlled Polisher. It was recognized that during room temperature assembly of the system, misalignment of the secondary mirror could introduce additional unwanted aberrations that would cancel or distort the wavefront errors purposely intro-duced by the cryo figuring. To avoid this possible degradation and to ensure optimum telescope performance, the system Zernike polynomial coefficients and wavefront maps generated from the in-process alignment interferograms were monitored and compared to Zernike coefficients and wavefront maps for the cryo corrected primary mirror. Using Zernike polynomials to monitor the optical quality of the telescope enabled figure and alignment errrors to be monitored, and demonstrated that the alignment tolerance was achieved.
Electrophoretic studies of muscle proteins. I. Complex formation between delta protein and F-actin.

Complex formation between delta protein and F-actin has been demonstrated by electrophoretic technique. The high turbidity of F-actin solutions has made it necessary to work at low concentrations of this protein (0.8 to 1.6 mg/ml). Delta protein concentrations were four to six times greater. At higher concentrations all F-actin was bound to delta protein, on both limbs. The combination ratio was about 1:1 by weight. We call this complex “delta-actin.” When the complex formed there was a slight fall in viscosity, indicating side-by-side union, but the turbidity greatly increased. The mobility of delta-actin was always less than that of free F-actin and sometimes also less than that of free delta protein. We earlier reported that delta protein is probably a polymer of tropomyosin. Its sedimentation constant (4.4 to 6.0 S) is higher than the of any other form of tropomyosin so far described. It may be the native molecule, its structure preserved by our relatively simple method of extraction and purification. The filaments of the I band may be composed of delta-actin. Since delta protein also forms a complex with myosin the filaments of the A band may be composed of delta-myosin. Delta protein may be a structural component which, in addition to other activities, may direct the building of both filament arrays and strengthen them.
A technique for hiding proprietary details while providing sufficient information for researchers; or, do you recognize this well-known algorithm?

A major problem facing software engineering researchers is the difficulty of performing validation experiments requiring "real-world" data. This data may be composed of the requirements document, design descriptions, source code,test plans, and/or error histories. Most major software organizations object to giving this usually proprietary data to researchers. This objection is understandable since these organizations do not desire their proprietary source code or error history to be made public. This paper describes a technique to translate source code into a meta-language which will maintain the proprietary nature of the original source code by hiding the algorithms and data structures employed in the source code. This technique, however, preserves sufficient data for validation experiments to be performed by some software engineering researchers, particularly those in the software quality metrics community.
Composition of bleeding sap nitrogen from lines of field-grown Phaseolus vulgaris L.

The nitrogenous compounds in the xylem (bleeding) sap of lines of field-grownPhaseolus vulgaris L., known to vary in N2 fixation and yield, were measured during growth with and without N fertilizer. Forty nine-67% of the total sap N was in the form of nitrate in fertilized plants, with low amounts of the ureides, allantoin and allantoic acid (4–12%). Ureides contributed between 17 and 38% to the total sap N of non-fertilized plants, with nitrate generally comprising less than 40%. Among the nine lines grown without fertilizer there were significant differences in the % of the sap N as ureides and also in the total μmol N ml−1 sap. The ASN/GLN ratio (mol/mol) was greater in sap collected from the two parental lines given fertilizer compared with non-fertilized plants. However the actual ratio varied between the parental lines. Together the two amides generally comprised between 43–62% of the amino-N in sap samples from the two parental lines with or without N fertilizer. For each N treatment (fertilized or non-fertilized) there were no obvious differences in sap composition between the high N2 fixing lines and the low N2 fixing lines. However there was generally a positive relationship between the rate of N translocation (total N concn. ml−1 sap x rate of exudation) and the ranking of the lines on the basis of higher N2 fixation rates (acetylene reduction), which was to a large extent independent of the source of N available to the plant.
Functional cellular maturation in cultures of human haematopoietic cells.

Summary. The capacity of cells grown in colonies derived from human haematopoietic cells to phagocytize bacteria and to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) was studied as a measurement of functional maturation. Marrow cells from 12 non-leukaemic patients, fivc patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukacmia, and cells taken from a myeloblastic cell line established from a patient with acute myelo-genous leukaemia (AML) were studied. Cells were cultured in soft agar with normal human leucocyte feeder layers as the source of stimulating factor. While the leukaemic marrows gave rise to fewer colonies than the non-leukaemic marrows, colony formation by the AML cell line was extensive. In all instances colony formation was completely dependent upon the presence of the leucocyte feeder layers. Suspensions of pooled colonies contained 42% mature granulocytes in non-leukaemic cultures and 41% in the leukaemic cultures. Granulocytes from these cultures showed active phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus and reduction of NBT. In cells taken directly from the liquid suspension culture of the AML cell line, no mature granulocytes nor phagocytosis were noted, whereas 35% and 26% of the cells removed from the colonies formed by these cells were classified as mature granulocytes, or demonstrated phagocytosis and NBT reduction respectively. These observations indicate that granulocytes in soft agar colonies derived from human haematopoietic cells are functionally mature, and that cells derivcd from a human AML cell line have the capacity to form colonies with normal maturation, if they are provided with an appropriate stimulating factor.
A novel ferritin heavy chain messenger ribonucleic acid in the human brain.

In the aging human brain, the concentrations of iron and its major storage protein, ferritin, rise but the distribution of metal and protein remains non-uniform. More ferritin could be isolated from the brains of humans who died of Alzheimer's disease (AD) than from age-and sex-matched controls. Also, brain ferritin of rats chronically exposed to aluminum chloride in their drinking water contained more aluminum and iron. Based on these earlier observations, a more detailed study of human brain ferritin was initiated. The results showed that ferritin is a component of neuritic (senile) plaques in AD. Ferritin obtained from normal or AD brains is composed of 24 subunits (70% heavy (H) chain ; 30% light (L) chain). With high performance liquid chromatography, the subunits resolved into a cluster of four H-chain peaks and one major L-chain peak. Western blot analysis confirmed the identity of H- and L-fractions. The techniques of molecular biology revealed the presence of an additional ferritin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) species for the H subunit which was more abundant in the brain than in other human tissues. It contained the entire sequence of 919 nucleotides of H chain mRNA from liver but also an additional segment of 279 nucleotides in the 3'-untranslated region. The two mRNA seemed to arise by the use of an alternate polyadenylation site of the same primary transcript. Ribonuclease protection assays revealed that the concentrations of the longer mRNA in the normal hippocampus and the hippocampus of patients with AD brains were similar.
Transscleral application of a semiconductor diode laser

We used a diode laser with an output power of 1 W through a fiberoptic light pipe (200 microns diameter) to deliver laser energy through the sclera of pigmented rabbits. Ciliary body destruction occurred with energy levels of 300-400 mW and exposure time of 0.5 sec. Retinal photocoagulation was achieved with energy levels of 200-500 mW in 0.5 sec. Histologic examination of acute lesions demonstrated thermal destruction of ciliary body processes and retina. Chorioretinal scar formation was observed clinically and histologically within 2-3 weeks. Our data indicate that the transscleral diode laser may be used for destruction of the ciliary body processes or peripheral retinal coagulation in pigmented eyes.
The Moderating Effect of Anxiety on Development in Atypically Developing Toddlers

In typically developing children, researchers have found that anxiety disorders are associated with poorer intellectual abilities (Davis et al. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment 30:43–51, 2008). The aim of the current study was to examine the impact anxiety symptoms had on the developmental quotients of toddlers. A total of 170 toddlers ranging in age from 17 to 37 months were selected for inclusion in this study, all of whom were at risk for or had a developmental delay. Two factors indicative of behavioral symptoms of anxiety from the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part2 were utilized as the independent variables and the total developmental quotient from the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2nd Edition was utilized for the dependent variable. Examination of results revealed that atypically developing toddlers with symptoms of anxiety had significantly lower developmental quotients when compared to toddlers without any anxiety symptoms. A discussion of the implications and limitations of this study are included.
Putting motion in emotion: Do dynamic presentations increase preschooler's recognition of emotion? ☆

In prior research, preschoolers were surprisingly poor at naming the emotion purportedly signaled by prototypical facial expressions-when shown as static images. To determine whether this poor performance is due to the use of static stimuli, rather than dynamic, we presented preschoolers (3-5 years) with facial expressions as either static images or dynamic audiovisual clips. Dynamic clips presented face alone (Study 1, N=48) or face, body movement, and vocal intonation (Study 2, N=72). Contrary to expectations, dynamic presentation did not increase children's naming of the emotion in either study and decreased it in Study 1.
Exploiting sub-20-nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology challenges to design affordable systems-on-chip

For the past four decades, cost and features have driven complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) scaling. Severe lithography and material limitations seen below the 20-nm node, however, are challenging the fundamental premise of affordable CMOS scaling. Just continuing to co-optimize leaf cell circuit and layout designs with process technology does not enable us to exploit the challenges of sub-20-nm CMOS. For affordable scaling, it is imperative to work past sub-20-nm technology impediments while exploiting its features. To this end, we propose to broaden the scope of design technology co-optimization (DTCO) to be more holistic by including microarchitecture design and computer-aided design, along with circuits, layout, and process technology. Furthermore, we undertook such a holistic DTCO for all critical design elements such as embedded memory, standard cell logic, analog components, and physical synthesis in a 14-nm process. Measurements results from experimental designs in a representative 14-nm process from IBM demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
The characterization of the trialkylbarbiturates

Based on experimental data involving the preparation of trialkylbarbituric acid derivatives and studies of degradatiye products of these compounds, a dynamic ionic structure for metallic derivatives of the barbiturates is proposed.
H2AX Is a Target of the JNK Signaling Pathway that Is Required For Apoptotic DNA Fragmentation

The mechanism of apoptotic signaling by JNK is incompletely understood. In the July 7 issue of Molecular Cell, Lu et al. (2006) report that JNK phosphorylation of H2AX at a noncanonical site is required for caspase-induced DNA fragmentation.
Twin RNA polymerase-associated proteins control virulence gene expression in Francisella tularensis.

The MglA protein is the only known regulator of virulence gene expression in Francisella tularensis, yet it is unclear how it functions. F. tularensis also contains an MglA-like protein called SspA. Here, we show that MglA and SspA cooperate with one another to control virulence gene expression in F. tularensis. Using a directed proteomic approach, we show that both MglA and SspA associate with RNA polymerase (RNAP) in F. tularensis, and that SspA is required for MglA to associate with RNAP. Furthermore, bacterial two-hybrid and biochemical assays indicate that MglA and SspA interact with one another directly. Finally, through genome-wide expression analyses, we demonstrate that MglA and SspA regulate the same set of genes. Our results suggest that a complex involving both MglA and SspA associates with RNAP to positively control virulence gene expression in F. tularensis. The F. tularensis genome is unusual in that it contains two genes encoding different α subunits of RNAP, and we show here that these two α subunits are incorporated into RNAP. Thus, as well as identifying SspA as a second critical regulator of virulence gene expression in F. tularensis, our findings provide a framework for understanding the mechanistic basis for virulence gene control in a bacterium whose transcription apparatus is unique.
Temperature measurements in flames using thermally assisted laser-induced fluorescence of Ga.

The use of thermally assisted fluorescence (THAF) for temperature measurements has been investigated in a laminar, premixed C2H2/O2/Ar flame seeded with Ga atoms. Average temperature measurements were made with an uncertainty of less than ±100 K in flames >2150 K and were found to be in agreement with sodium line reversal temperature measurements and equilibrium calculations. In both fuel rich and lean flames spanning equivalence ratios from 0.75 to 2.0, it was found that composition influenced the measured temperatures, resulting in an accuracy of ±100 K over this range of flame conditions. Dilution of the flame with N2 rather than Ar resulted in measured temperatures that were substantially higher than the calculated adiabatic flame temperature, indicating that, in this case, a partial Boltzmann equilibrium is not established among the collisionally populated levels of Ga used for the measurement. These results indicate that THAF with gallium as the thermometric species is limited to cases in which an inefficient quencher, such as a rare gas, is the primary diluent.
Adrenergic Blockade Reduces Skeletal Muscle Glycolysis and Na+, K+-ATPase Activity during Hemorrhage

Abstract Background. Recent evidence suggests that hyperlactatemia in shock may reflect accelerated aerobic glycolysis linked to activity of the Na + , K + -ATPase rather than hypoxia. Epinephrine stimulates glycolysis in resting muscle largely by stimulating Na + , K + -ATPase activity. This study evaluates the effects of hemorrhagic shock, with and without combined α- and β-adrenergic receptor blockade, on lactate production, glycogenolysis, Na + –K + pump activity, and high-energy phosphates in rat skeletal muscle. Methods. Male Sprague–Dawley rats in four treatment groups were studied: unhemorrhaged control not receiving blockers (CN), controls receiving blockers (CB), shocked animals not receiving blockers (SN), and shocked rats receiving blockers (SB). Shocked rats (SN and SB) were bled to a MAP of 40 mm Hg, maintained for 60 min. Blocker groups (CB and SB) received propranolol and phenoxybenzamine. Arterial blood was drawn for plasma lactate, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and gas analysis. Lactate, glycogen, glucose 6-phosphate, ATP, phosphocreatine, and intracellular Na + and K + were determined in extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles. For comparison, muscles were exposed to epinephrine and/or ouabain in vitro . Results. With the exception of P a CO 2 , HCO 3 , and base excess in the SN group, no significant differences in arterial blood gas parameters were noted. Adrenergic blockade significantly reduced plasma lactate concentration. In shocked rats, adrenergic blockade significantly reduced muscle lactate and glucose 6-phosphate accumulation. Intracellular Na + :K + ratio was decreased in SN rats, implying increased Na + –K + pump activity. Adrenergic blockade raised the intracellular Na + :K + ratio in shocked animals, implying decreased pump activity. Epinephrine exposure in vitro stimulated muscle lactate production, raised glucose 6-phosphate content, and significantly reduced soleus phosphocreatine stores. Conclusions. Neither hypoxia nor defective oxidative metabolism appeared responsible for increased glycolysis during hemorrhagic shock. Adrenergic blockade concurrently reduced plasma lactate, muscle levels of lactate and glucose 6-phosphate, and muscle Na + –K + pump activity during shock. Rapid skeletal muscle aerobic glycolysis in response to increased plasma epinephrine levels may be an important contributor to increased glycolysis in muscle and increased plasma lactate during hemorrhagic shock.
Rescue of cytotoxic function in the CD8α knockout mouse by removal of MHC class II

CD8 plays an important role in the activity of cytolytic T cells (CTL). However, whether or not CD8 is required for the development of CTL has not been clearly determined. Cytotoxic activity in the CD8alpha knockout mouse is difficult to induce, and has only been demonstrated against allogenic MHC targets. The lack of cytotoxicity may result from impaired lineage commitment of CTL in the absence of CD8, or diminished competitiveness during selection against (unimpaired) development of CD4(+) T cells on MHC class II (MHC II). To differentiate between these possibilities, we have generated a double-knockout mouse (MHC II(-/-)CD8alpha(-/-)). In MHC II(-/-)CD8alpha(-/-) mice, developing MHC class I (MHC I)-reactive thymocytes cannot rely upon CD8 for selection, but they also cannot be overwhelmed by efficient selection of MHC II-reactive thymocytes. In this mouse, a large, heterogeneous population of peripheral coreceptor double-negative (DN) and CD4(+) T cells develops. Peripheral DN T cells are fully functional CTL. They display cytolytic activity against allogeneic MHC, and against syngeneic MHC following lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. Cells from LCMV-infected mice bind more MHC I tetramer at lower concentrations than their wild-type CTL counterparts. These results demonstrate unequivocally that CD8 is not required for commitment of thymocytes to the CTL lineage.
Conformational studies of blood group A and blood group B oligosaccharides using NMR residual dipolar couplings.

Abstract The conformations of two synthetic trisaccharides of blood group A and B (α- l -Fuc p -(1→2)-[α- d -Gal p NAc-(1→3)]-α- d -Gal p and α- l -Fuc p -(1→2)-[α- d -Gal p -(1→3)]-α- d -Gal p , respectively) and of a type A tetrasaccharide alditol, Fuc p -(1→2)-[α- d -Gal p NAc-(1→3)]-β- d -Gal p -(1→3)-GalNAc-ol, were studied by NMR measurements of one-bond CH residual dipolar couplings in partially oriented liquid crystal solutions. The conformations of the three oligosaccharides were analyzed by generating thousands of structures using a Monte–Carlo method. Two different strategies were applied to calculate theoretical dipolar couplings for these structures. In the first method, the orientation of the molecule was calculated from the optimal fit of the molecular model to the experimental data, while in the second method the orientation tensor was calculated directly from the moment of inertia of the molecular model. Both methods of analysis give similar results but with slightly better agreement with experiment for the former one. The analysis of the results implies a single unique conformation for both blood group epitopes in solution in disagreement with theoretical models suggesting the existence of two conformers in solution.
The Functional Metabolism and Molecular Biology of Vitamin D Action

The evolution of our understanding of the biological impact of vitamin D is briefly reviewed, with a focus on the physiology and endocrinology of the vitamin D system. This chapter attempts to bring the molecular discoveries in vitamin D metabolism and mechanisms of action into focus on known physiology and endocrinology. The latest developments on metabolism of vitamin D, the enzymes involved, and the genes responsible are presented. The impact of the molecular discoveries on current views of the importance of vitamin D in public health is also presented.
Vitamin E did not reduce myocardial infarction, death, or stroke in adults at high risk for cardiovascular events

(2000) N Engl J Med 342, 154. The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation Study Investigators. . Vitamin E supplementation and cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. . Jan 20; . : . –60 . [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] QUESTION: In adults who have a high risk for cardiovascular events, do vitamin E supplements improve cardiovascular outcomes? Randomised {allocation concealed*}†, blinded {patients, clinicians, and outcome assessors}‡,* placebo controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design and a mean follow up of 4.5 years (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation [HOPE] study). {161 centers in North America, 76 in 14 western European countries, and 30 in Argentina and Brazil.}‡ 9541 patients (mean age 66 y, 73% men) who were {≥55 years of age and had a history of coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetes and ≥1 other cardiovascular disease risk factor. Exclusion criteria were heart failure, ejection … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DNew%2BEngland%2BJournal%2Bof%2BMedicine%26rft.stitle%253DNEJM%26rft.issn%253D0028-4793%26rft.aulast%253DThe%2BHeart%2BOutcomes%2BPrevention%2BEvaluation%2BStudy%2BInv%26rft.auinit1%253D%2B%26rft.volume%253D342%26rft.issue%253D3%26rft.spage%253D154%26rft.epage%253D160%26rft.atitle%253DVitamin%2BE%2BSupplementation%2Band%2BCardiovascular%2BEvents%2Bin%2BHigh-Risk%2BPatients%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1056%252FNEJM200001203420302%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F10639540%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1056/NEJM200001203420302&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10639540&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F5%2F5%2F137.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000084851700002&link_type=ISI
Design for failure: Software challenges of digital ecosystems

In dynamic computation ecosystems involving many different participants, a topdown approach to system dependability does not work. It is not possible to take a topdown approach to system design and implementation and to validate the resulting system against some specification. Rather, we have to assume that elements of the system will become unavailable at unpredictable times and that some elements may be unreliable. Instead of designing systems to avoid failure, we must re-orient our thinking and design systems so that we can tolerate failure and recover from failures when they occur. In this talk, I will discuss the challenges of designing for failure and will introduce research on responsibility modelling that provides information for failure recovery.
A second transient prostate-specific antigen elevation after external-beam radiation therapy and fractionated magnetic resonance imaging-guided high-dose rate brachytherapy boost.

Abstract A 63-year-old man with a T1c adenocarcinoma of the prostate, Gleason score of 7 (4 + 3), and a pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 9.5 ng/mL was treated with external-beam radiation therapy (45 Gy) and 2 magnetic resonance imaging–guided high-dose rate brachytherapy boosts (10 Gy each.) The patient also received neoadjuvant, concurrent, and adjuvant hormonal treatment with leuprolide for 7 months total. Without any further intervention the patient had 2 separate and prolonged PSA increases and decreases 12-35 months after therapy. His PSA nadir was
A Novel Method of Fabricating Convoluted Shaped Electrode Arrays for Neural and Retinal Prosthesis

A novel fabrication technique has been developed for creating high density (7.7 electrodes/mm2 ), out of plane, high aspect ratio silicon-based convoluted microelectrode arrays for neural and retinal prosthesis. The unique convoluted shape of the electrodes compliments the curved surface of nerves, and in the case of retina, its spherical geometry. This electrode array's geometry has the potential to secure implantation in the nerve and to physically stabilize it against displacement after insertion. This report describes a novel method for de-insulation of the electrode tip and its limitations in terms of uniformity in tip de-insulation.
The importance of the stomach in mediating histamine-induced hypocalcemia in the rat.

Abstract The effect of histamine on serum calcium homeostasis was studied in the rat. After the intravenous administration of 0.5–1.0 mg histamine base to fasted Holtzman rats weighing 80–100 g, a significant lowering of serum calcium (Ca) level occurred 30 min after injection (decrease in Ca, 1.4–1.9 mg/100 ml), but normocalcemia returned at 60 min. Repeat intravenous injections of histamine 1.0 mg resulted in repeated lowering of the serum Ca level. Hypophosphatemia did not accompany the hypocalcemia. Thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTX) did not eliminate the calcium-lowering effect of histamine in acute TPTX animals but did so in more chronic TPTX animals in which the mean serum Ca was 7.6 mg/100 ml or less. Gastrectomy, however, completely eliminated the calcium-lowering effect of histamine given in doses of up to 2 mg/rat (20 mg/kg of body weight), despite the presence of an intact thyroid gland. These studies support the role of a gastric factor and not the thyroid secretion of calcitonin in mediating this response in the rat.
Positive-Themed Suicide Prevention Messages Delivered by Adolescent Peer Leaders: Proximal Impact on Classmates' Coping Attitudes and Perceptions of Adult Support.

Developing science-based communication guidance and positive-themed messages for suicide prevention are important priorities. Drawing on social learning and elaboration likelihood models, we designed and tested two positive-focused presentations by high school peer leaders delivered in the context of a suicide prevention program (Sources of Strength). Thirty-six classrooms in four schools (N = 706 students) were randomized to (1) peer leader modeling of healthy coping, (2) peer leader modeling plus audience involvement to identify trusted adults, or (3) control condition. Students' attitudes and norms were assessed by immediate post-only assessments. Exposure to either presentation enhanced positive coping attitudes and perceptions of adult support. Students who reported suicide ideation in the past 12 months benefited more than nonsuicidal students. Beyond modeling alone, audience involvement modestly enhanced expectations of adult support, congruent with the elaboration likelihood model. Positive peer modeling is a promising alternative to communications focused on negative consequences and directives and may enhance social-interpersonal factors linked to reduced suicidal behaviors. Language: en
A novel string structure for economic dispatch problems with practical constraints

The novel string structure for solving the economic dispatch problems through genetic algorithm (GA) is presented. The proposed string scheme can effectively prevent getting infeasible solution when evolutionary computation methods are preceded. Therefore, it can increase the searching efficiency and also solution quality dramatically. Many nonlinear characteristics of the power generators and practical constraints, such as generation limitation, ramp rate limits, prohibited operating zone, transmission loss and nonlinear cost functions are all considered for realistic operation. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are demonstrated by three real systems, and compared with the literatures method in terms of the solution quality and computation efficiency. The experimental shows encouraging results that the proposed approach was indeed capable of obtaining higher quality and efficiency solutions in economic dispatch problems.