cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Principles of Effective and Robust Innate Immune Response to Viral Infections: A Multiplex Network Analysis

The human innate immune response, particularly the type-I interferon (IFN) response, is highly robust and effective first line of defense against virus invasion. IFN molecules are produced and secreted from infected cells upon virus infection and recognition. They then act as signaling/communication molecules to activate an antiviral response in neighboring cells so that those cells become refractory to infection. Previous experimental studies have identified the detailed molecular mechanisms for the IFN signaling and response. However, the principles underlying how host cells use IFN to communicate with each other to collectively and robustly halt an infection is not understood. Here we take a multiplex network modeling approach to provide a theoretical framework to identify key factors that determine the effectiveness of the IFN response against virus infection of a host. In this approach, we consider the virus spread among host cells and the interferon signaling to protect host cells as a competition process on a two-layer multiplex network. We focused on two types of network topology, i.e. the Erdős-Renyi (ER) network and the Geometric Random (GR) network, which represent the scenarios when infection of cells is mostly well mixed (e.g. in the blood) and when infection is spatially segregated (e.g. in tissues), respectively. We show that in general, the IFN response works effectively to stop viral infection when virus infection spreads spatially (a most likely scenario for initial virus infection of a host at the peripheral tissue). Importantly, we show that the effectiveness of the IFN response is robust against large variations in the distance of IFN diffusion as long as IFNs diffuse faster than viruses and they can effectively induce antiviral responses in susceptible host cells. This suggests that the effectiveness of the IFN response is insensitive to the specific arrangement of host cells in peripheral tissues. Thus, our work provides a quantitative explanation of why the IFN response can serve an effective and robust response in different tissue types to a wide range of viral infections of a host.
Cell Cycle and Apoptosis

In the last decade, there have been major advances in the fields of cell biology and molecular biology, which have provided insight into the biochemical mechanisms that control cell proliferation.We now have an understanding of the molecular processes that are required for duplication of a cell and how disruption of these processes can result in cell death (apoptotic and necrotic). In the following sections, we will discuss the molecular processes involved in cell cycle progression, the processes that regulate this progression and how disruption of these processes can lead to cell death (apoptosis) and/or to abnormal cell proliferation and genomic instability.
Etiquetados: migrant youth, criminalization, and everyday mobility in Buenos Aires

ABSTRACTDiscourses of free movement and “open doors” circulate widely in official Argentine narratives about migration. In fact, some migrant youth cite more lenient Argentine policies as the reaso...
A Tale of Two Desolvation Potentials: An Investigation of Protein Behavior under High Hydrostatic Pressure.

Hydrostatic pressure is a common perturbation to probe the conformations of proteins. There are two common forms of pressure-dependent potentials of mean force (PMFs) derived from hydrophobic molecules available for coarse-grained molecular simulations of protein folding and unfolding under hydrostatic pressure. Although both PMFs include a desolvation barrier separating the direct contact well and the solvent-mediated contact well, how these features vary with hydrostatic pressure is still debated. There is a need for a systematic comparison of these two PMFs on a protein. We investigated the two different pressure-dependencies on the desolvation potential in a structure-based protein model using coarse-grained molecular simulations. We compared the simulation results to the known behavior of proteins based on experimental evidence. We showed that the protein’s folding transition curve on the pressure-temperature phase diagram depends on the relationship between the potential well minima and pressure. Fo...
Clinical Application of Minimally Invasive Therapy of Lactational Breast Abscess

Traditional treatment of lactational breast abscesses involves incision and drainage, with or without ultrasonographic guidance. These procedures cause considerable discomfort and morbidity for the patients. We conducted a prospective, randomized, clinical study to evaluate the clinical value of minimally invasive therapy for draining lactational breast abscesses. Eighty-six lactating patients with breast abscesses were treated using needle drainage, micro-incision drainage, or traditional incision drainage followed by administration of an anti-staphylococcal antibiotic and daily dressing changes. The treatment outcomes were compared among the three groups. The needle drainage group had obvious advantages in regard to the pain score, healing time, and dressing changes. A few patients in the traditional incision drainage group experienced complications. The failure rate was obviously higher in patients whose abscess diameter exceeded 5 cm (P < 0.01). In conclusion, minimally invasive therapy has value in the treatment of breast abscess, especially in patients with a small abscess cavity.
HeteroRefactor: refactoring for heterogeneous computing with FPGA

Heterogeneous computing with field-programmable gate-arrays (FPGAs) has demonstrated orders of magnitude improvement in computing efficiency for many applications. However, the use of such platforms so far is limited to a small subset of programmers with specialized hardware knowledge. High-level synthesis (HLS) tools made significant progress in raising the level of programming abstraction from hardware programming languages to C/C++, but they usually cannot compile and generate accelerators for kernel programs with pointers, memory management, and recursion, and require manual refactoring to make them HLS-compatible. Besides, experts also need to provide heavily handcrafted optimizations to improve resource efficiency, which affects the maximum operating frequency, parallelization, and power efficiency. We propose a new dynamic invariant analysis and automated refactoring technique, called Heterorefactor. First, Heterorefac-tor monitors FPGA-specific dynamic invariants-the required bitwidth of integer and floating-point variables, and the size of recursive data structures and stacks. Second, using this knowledge of dynamic invariants, it refactors the kernel to make traditionally HLS-incompatible programs synthesizable and to optimize the accelerator's resource usage and frequency further. Third, to guarantee correctness, it selectively offloads the computation from CPU to FPGA, only if an input falls within the dynamic invariant. On average, for a recursive program of size 175 LOC, an expert FPGA programmer would need to write 185 more LOC to implement an HLS compatible version, while HETERoREFACTOR automates such transformation. Our results on Xilinx FPGA show that Het-erorefactor minimizes BRAM by 83% and increases frequency by 42% for recursive programs; reduces BRAM by 41% through integer bitwidth reduction; and reduces DSP by 50% through floating-point precision tuning.
Automatic multi-organ segmentation in computed tomography images using hierarchical convolutional neural network.

Purpose: Accurate segmentation of treatment planning computed tomography (CT) images is important for radiation therapy (RT) planning. However, low soft tissue contrast in CT makes the segmentation task challenging. We propose a two-step hierarchical convolutional neural network (CNN) segmentation strategy to automatically segment multiple organs from CT. Approach: The first step generates a coarse segmentation from which organ-specific regions of interest (ROIs) are produced. The second step produces detailed segmentation of each organ. The ROIs are generated using UNet, which automatically identifies the area of each organ and improves computational efficiency by eliminating irrelevant background information. For the fine segmentation step, we combined UNet with a generative adversarial network. The generator is designed as a UNet that is trained to segment organ structures and the discriminator is a fully convolutional network, which distinguishes whether the segmentation is real or generator-predicted, thus improving the segmentation accuracy. We validated the proposed method on male pelvic and head and neck (H&N) CTs used for RT planning of prostate and H&N cancer, respectively. For the pelvic structure segmentation, the network was trained to segment the prostate, bladder, and rectum. For H&N, the network was trained to segment the parotid glands (PG) and submandibular glands (SMG). Results: The trained segmentation networks were tested on 15 pelvic and 20 H&N independent datasets. The H&N segmentation network was also tested on a public domain dataset (N = 38) and showed similar performance. The average dice similarity coefficients (mean ± SD) of pelvic structures are 0.91 ± 0.05 (prostate), 0.95 ± 0.06 (bladder), 0.90 ± 0.09 (rectum), and H&N structures are 0.87 ± 0.04 (PG) and 0.86 ± 0.05 (SMG). The segmentation for each CT takes <10 s on average. Conclusions: Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can produce fast, accurate, and reproducible segmentation of multiple organs of different sizes and shapes and show its potential to be applicable to different disease sites.
Longitudinal Autonomic Nervous System Measures Correlate With Stress and Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity and Predict Flare.

BACKGROUND Differences in autonomic nervous system function, measured by heart rate variability (HRV), have been observed between patients with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy control patients and have been associated in cross-sectional studies with systemic inflammation. High HRV has been associated with low stress. METHODS Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were followed for 9 months. Their HRV was measured every 4 weeks using the VitalPatch, and blood was collected at baseline and every 12 weeks assessing cortisol, adrenocorticotropin hormone, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Stool was collected at enrollment and every 6 weeks for fecal calprotectin. Surveys assessing symptoms, stress, resilience, quality of life, anxiety, and depression were longitudinally collected. RESULTS Longitudinally evaluated perceived stress was significantly associated with systemic inflammation (CRP, P = 0.03) and UC symptoms (P = 0.02). There was a significant association between HRV and stress (low-frequency to high-frequency power [LFHF], P = 0.04; root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD], P = 0.04). The HRV was associated with UC symptoms (LFHF, P = 0.03), CRP (high frequency, P < 0.001; low frequency, P < 0.001; RMSSD, P < 0.001), and fecal calprotectin (high frequency, P < 0.001; low frequency, P < 0.001; RMSSD, P < 0.001; LFHF, P < 0.001). Significant changes in HRV indices from baseline developed before the identification of a symptomatic or inflammatory flare (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Longitudinally evaluated HRV was associated with UC symptoms, inflammation, and perceived and physiological measures of stress. Significant changes in HRV were observed before the development of symptomatic or inflammatory flare.
Agricultural Extension: The Precursor to Today's Technology Transfer

Important and unique features of the U.S. agricultural system. Extension outreach and technology transfer to stakeholders enable and empower the U.S. agricultural sector. Extension legislation and policies have also been mirrored in many of the technology transfer legislation and policies. One could argue that extension was the first form of technology transfer in the United States. Moreover, extension’s principles have been integrated in many U.S. technical assistance programs outside the United States. This paper examines the genesis of the extension program, its relation to dissemination of scientific information, and its effect on subsequent laws and policies.
The Year in Review: Economics at the Antitrust Division 2003–2004

This paper covers the activities of the Economic Analysis Group (EAG), during 2003–2004. It describes the economic analysis undertaken by EAG in several important investigations, litigations, and administrative and appellate matters.
Zika virus impacts extracellular vesicle composition and cellular gene expression in macaque early gestation trophoblasts

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection at the maternal-placental interface is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including fetal demise and pregnancy loss. To determine how infection impacts placental trophoblasts, we utilized rhesus macaque trophoblast stem cells (TSC) that can be differentiated into early gestation syncytiotrophoblasts (ST) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). TSCs and STs, but not EVTs, were highly permissive to productive infection with ZIKV strain DAK AR 41524. The impact of ZIKV on the cellular transcriptome showed that infection of TSCs and STs increased expression of immune related genes, including those involved in type I and type III interferon responses. ZIKV exposure altered extracellular vesicle (EV) protein, mRNA, and miRNA cargo, regardless of productive infection. These findings suggest that early gestation macaque TSCs and STs are permissive to ZIKV infection, and that EV analysis may provide a foundation for identifying non-invasive biomarkers of placental infection in a highly translational model.
Confronting Climate Change and Fostering Islamic Economic Development Through Awqāf

The modern world’s ecological and economic crises result from its reductionist, mechanistic, and materialistic worldview. This study of Islamic economics – based on its metaphysical and cosmological sciences – reveals a path to economic justice and ecological equilibrium that requires recovering the Islamic intellectual heritage and establishing corresponding Islamic scientific, technological, economic, and other social structures for spiritually meaningful work and integral development; a role awqāf traditionally played in Islamic civilization that needs to be recovered today. This path, which was lost during the colonial period, requires integrating the findings of modern science into higher orders of knowledge, allowing man to live in harmony with himself, his community, and nature. This achieves both “vertical” and “horizontal” equilibrium, the intersection of which symbolizes the integration of all of life around a sacred center. This can also increase the number and vitality of contemporary awqāf, which Syed Khalid Rashid so rightly calls for in his lead article (Rashid, 2018).
The Nine Hour Pioneers: The Genesis of the Canadian Labour Movement

This paper documents the attempt to obtain the nine-hour working day in Canada during the first six months of 1872. The primary role of the working class of Hamilton and Montreal is indicated and the view is taken that the Toronto Printers' Strike obscured, rather than advanced, the aims of the nine-hour movement. It is argued that, while there was certainly developing a class identity and a trade union consciousness, there existed only an inchoate sense of class consciousness among Canadian workers during the early 1870s. L'article retrace tes evenements entourant la lutte pour l'obtention de la journee de travail de neuf heures au cours des six premiers mois de l'annee 1872. L'auteur qui met en relief le role capital joue par la classe ouvriere de Hamilton et de Montreal developpe le point de vue que la greve des typographes de Toronto a plus nui que fait avancer la cause du mouvement de neuf heures. En outre, l'article invite a penser que quoiqu'on puisse noter le developpement d'une conscience syndicale et d'un sentiment d'identite chez les travailleurs canadiens au debut des annees 1870, la conscience de classe n'existe parmi eux qu'a l'etat diffus.
Accurate solution of time domain integral equations using higher order vector bases and bandlimited extrapolation

Time domain integral equations (TDIE) based solvers have been gaining a lot of attention in the past few years for the solution of electromagnetic problems. The widespread acceptance of TDIE based solvers was historically hindered by the instability and inefficiency of their original implementations. As a consequence of this, the art of TDIE based solvers is not as refined as that for more conventional methods. While higher-order spatial discretizations have been used in the past, few claims of higher order temporal convergence can be found in the literature. This paper presents a stable and accurate scheme to solve TDIEs using higher order vector bases, coupled with bandlimited temporal basis functions and bandlimited extrapolation. It will be demonstrated that the proposed scheme demonstrates enhanced convergence in space and time.
Abstract P416: Low Vitamin D does not correlate with Cardiometabolic Risk in African Immigrants

Controversy exists as to whether low vitamin D levels contribute to the development of cardiometabolic disease. As African descent populations have a high prevalence of low vitamin D levels and cardiometabolic disease, clarification is important. However, current cross-sectional studies linking low vitamin D concentrations to cardiometabolic disease not only provide conflicting results, data specifically on people of African descent is very limited. Therefore, we evaluated the association between vitamin D levels, measured as 25(OH)D, and cardiometabolic risk factors in 78 African immigrants (77% male, age 35±y (mean±SD) age range 22-63y). Participants had oral glucose tolerance tests, insulin sensitivity index (SI) determined with the minimal model and abdominal computerized tomographic scans to measure visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Cardiometabolic risk factors were related to 25(OH)D levels by Pearson correlations and one-way ANOVA across quartiles of 25(OH)D. Mean 25(OH)D levels were 22±7, range 10-36...
Sulfone therapy in the treatment of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Report of three cases.

Dapsone therapy for leukocytoclastic (necrotizing) vasculitis has been little used, except for the variant forms of erythema elevatum diutinum and urticarial vasculitis. We report three patients with the common (palpable purpura) form of the disease, limited to the skin, and successfully treated with moderate doses of dapsone (100–150 mg daily). Although the natural course of leukocytoclastic vasculitis is highly unpredictable, the prompt disappearance of new lesion formation after initiation of treatment and the rapid recurrence of lesions after therapy is discontinued (both often within 4 to 8 days after the critical dose level is reached) reflect drug efficacy. We believe that dapsone deserves wider evaluation as a therapeutic agent for chronic or recurrent cases of the common form of leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Gastrointestinal Disease

There is a fine balance in the mutual relationship between the intestinal microbiota and its mammalian host. It is thought that disruptions in this fine balance contribute/account for the pathogenesis of many diseases. Recently, the significance of the relationship between gut microbiota and its mammalian host in the pathogenesis of obesity and the metabolic syndrome has been demonstrated. Emerging data has linked intestinal dysbiosis to several gastrointestinal diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and gastrointestinal malignancy. This article is intended to review the role of gut microbiota maintenance/alterations of gut microbiota as a significant factor as a significant factor discriminating between health and common diseases. Based on current available data, the role of microbial manipulation in disease management remains to be further defined and a focus for further clinical investigation.
Two Helpful MRI Signs for Evaluation of Posterolateral Bundle Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Pilot Study.

Background:Diagnosis of partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is difficult on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly the isolated tears of the posterolateral bundle.Purpose:To desc...
Prevalence of and factors associated with subclinical posttraumatic stress symptoms and PTSD in urban and rural areas of Montana: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an important clinical problem, but little is known about PTSD in rural, nonclinical populations. To better understand PTSD in rural areas, we examined the prevalence and risk and protective factors in urban, rural, and highly rural communities in Montana for both subclinical posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and PTSD. Methods We compared the prevalence of PTSS and PTSD in urban, rural, and highly rural communities in bivariate and multivariable regression analyses using self-reported cross-sectional survey data from the Montana Health Matters study (N = 3,512), a state-representative household-based survey done in 2010-2011. We also explore potential risk and protective factors for PTSS and PTSD and whether risk and protective factors for each differ by rurality. Findings There were no differences in the level of PTSS by rurality in bivariate or multivariate models, and the bivariate relationship between rurality and PTSD became nonsignificant in a multivariate model. Only locus of control was predictive for PTSS; however, gender, age, marital status, income, employment status, community fit, locus of control, and religiosity were associated with PTSD. Some risk and protective factors operate differently by rurality. Conclusions Although our findings are subject to weaknesses common to cross-sectional data and are based on questionnaire reports, it appears that there are different risk and protective factors for PTSS and PTSD, suggesting that PTSD may be qualitatively different from PTSS. Furthermore, differences in risk and protective factors across urban and rural communities suggest more attention is needed to understand PTSD in rural communities.
Schizophrenia, substance use, and brain morphology

The high rate of comorbid substance abuse in schizophrenia and the consistently poor outcome of this comorbidity are well established findings in the research literature. However, the reasons for the high rate of comorbidity are not adequately understood, and the question of why some patients with schizophrenia abuse substances and others do not remains unanswered. There is widespread agreement about the clinical heterogeneity of schizophrenia, and there is some evidence suggesting that the heterogeneous clinical presentation may reflect a parallel underlying heterogeneity of brain morphology. We were interested in examining the possibility that the high rate of substance abuse and the characteristically poor outcome may be associated with the underlying brain morphology. Our hypothesis was that study subjects with schizophrenia and substance abuse would have higher rates of gross brain abnormalities than subjects with only schizophrenia. In an attempt to explore this possibility, we looked at qualitative differences in magnetic resonance imaging scans for a large sample (n = 176) of schizophrenia patients. In the group of patients who abused both alcohol and drugs, we found the rate of gross brain abnormalities to be slightly less than half the rate found among the patients with no history of alcohol or substance abuse (8 vs. 19). Although these results are not statistically significant, they reflect a trend that is compatible with previous findings, suggesting that substance abuse history may be accompanied by less impairment in certain areas, which in turn may be reflected in a better premorbid adjustment. However, our findings are not compatible with previous findings that show substance abuse to be associated with more severe symptoms and a poorer outcome in schizophrenia.
I-rings with involution

Abstract The conditions of von Neumann regularity, π-regularity, and being an I -ring are placed on symmetric subrings of a ring with involution, and we determine when the whole ring must satisfy the same property. It is shown that any symmetric subring must satisfy any one of these properties if the whole ring does.
Lysyl oxidase propeptide inhibits prostate cancer cell growth by mechanisms that target FGF-2-cell binding and signaling

Lysyl oxidase propeptide inhibits prostate cancer cell growth by mechanisms that target FGF-2-cell binding and signaling
Substituent Effects in π−π Interactions: Sandwich and T-Shaped Configurations

Sandwich and T-shaped configurations of benzene dimer, benzene−phenol, benzene−toluene, benzene−fluorobenzene, and benzene−benzonitrile are studied by coupled-cluster theory to elucidate how substituents tune π−π interactions. All substituted sandwich dimers bind more strongly than benzene dimer, whereas the T-shaped configurations bind more or less favorably depending on the substituent. Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) indicates that electrostatic, dispersion, induction, and exchange-repulsion contributions are all significant to the overall binding energies, and all but induction are important in determining relative energies. Models of π-π interactions based solely on electrostatics, such as the Hunter-Sanders rules, do not seem capable of explaining the energetic ordering of the dimers considered.
A functional monomer to synthesize sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) with sulfonic acid group in the pendant side chain

A functional monomer which enables the synthesis of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) polymer with the sulfonic acid group in the pendant side chain has been successfully developed. 1, 3-propane sultone was used as the model compound to introduce the side chain moiety in the monomer. The above sulfonated monomer (0.50 mol) along with 4, 4′-difluorobenzophenone (0.50 mol) were reacted with bisphenol-A (1.0 mol) to obtain the SPEEK polymer with the sulfonic acid group in the pendant side chain. All the intermediates and the SPEEK polymer were characterized using 1H-NMR. The SPEEK polymer is expected to have improved mechanical and electrical properties for PEM fuel cell application. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Structure of a Protein Phosphatase 2A Holoenzyme: Insights into B55-Mediated Tau Dephosphorylation

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulates many essential aspects of cellular physiology. Members of the regulatory B/B55/PR55 family are thought to play a key role in the dephosphorylation of Tau, whose hyperphosphorylation contributes to Alzheimer's disease. The underlying mechanisms of the PP2A-Tau connection remain largely enigmatic. Here, we report the complete reconstitution of a Tau dephosphorylation assay and the crystal structure of a heterotrimeric PP2A holoenzyme involving the regulatory subunit Balpha. We show that Balpha specifically and markedly facilitates dephosphorylation of the phosphorylated Tau in our reconstituted assay. The Balpha subunit comprises a seven-bladed beta propeller, with an acidic, substrate-binding groove located in the center of the propeller. The beta propeller latches onto the ridge of the PP2A scaffold subunit with the help of a protruding beta hairpin arm. Structure-guided mutagenesis studies revealed the underpinnings of PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of Tau.
Intraocular pressure response to medication in a clinical setting: the Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project.

PURPOSE To estimate glaucoma and ocular hypertension prevalence and to describe temporal trends in prescribing patterns and intraocular pressure (IOP) response to topical medications used in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records of adult subjects enrolled in the population-based Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project were searched to identify participants who had been diagnosed with ocular hypertension or glaucoma and prescribed agent(s) to lower IOP. All IOPs before and after prescription of the IOP agents were recorded. RESULTS As of December 31, 2005, 18,773 adults were enrolled in the Personalized Medicine Research Project, 57.1% were female, and their mean age was 50.3 years (range, 18 to 101 y). The overall rate of definite glaucoma in subjects aged 50 years and above was 2.1% (95% confidence interval=1.2, 2.4) and the rate of treated ocular hypertension was 1.4% (95% confidence interval=1.2, 1.7). Topical beta-blockers were the agents prescribed for the majority of subjects until the year 2000, when prostaglandins, first used in 1995, became the primary agent prescribed. In 2005, 75% of subjects used prostaglandin analogs and 46% used topical beta-blockers. The largest relative reduction in IOP in the first 3 months after prescription was observed for prostaglandin analogs (21.4% mean relative reduction), followed by beta-blockers (20.9% mean relative reduction). There has been a significant decrease over time in mean IOP before initiating medical therapy (linear regression beta coefficient=-0.30, P<0.0001, r=0.09). CONCLUSIONS In this clinic-based setting, we found that treatment of glaucoma has changed over the past 20 years, with ophthalmologists more likely to begin treatment at lower baseline levels of IOP, and prostaglandin analogs the most commonly prescribed and agent to lower IOP.
Observation and quantification of self-associated adenosine extracted from royal jelly products purchased in USA by HPLC

Abstract The concentration of adenosine in pure royal jelly creams and dietary supplements purchased in the United States was determined by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Preliminary studies revealed the existence of several forms of adenosine via self-association and base-pairing in solutions. Therefore, proper optimisation of pH and compositions of extraction solvents and mobile phases was critical for successful separation and quantification. In this work, adenosine in samples was extracted by sonication in a mixture consisting of 5% ethanol and 95% deionized water and separated using a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm) and a mobile phase of 93% deionized water and 7% acetonitrile at 25 °C. The flow rate of a mobile phase was set to 1.0 ml/min and the UV detection was performed at 260 nm. The average recovery rate of adenosine was 92.8–99.2% with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.1–1.3% over concentrations ranging from 5 to 160 μg/ml. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be ∼0.01 and ∼0.05 μg/ml, respectively. Quantification was carried out using calibration curves constructed by both internal standard (ISTD) and external standard (ESTD) methods. Our results show that the concentration of adenosine lies between ∼27 and 50 μg/g for pure royal jelly creams and between ∼2 and ∼173 μg/g for royal jelly supplements.
Informational processing of complex sound. II. Cross‐dimensional analysis

A series of experiments investigated listeners’ ability simultaneously to process information across different acoustic dimensions. On each trial, the listener heard a pair of brief n‐tone sequences (n=1 to 12). The frequency, intensity, and duration of each tone in the sequence varied randomly from trial to trial. On average, the values of these three parameters were greater for one sequence, the target, than the other, the nontarget. The listener’s task was to identify the target on each trial. For an ideal observer in this task, d’ performance grows as the square root n. Obtained d’ grew at a rate slightly less than the square root of n. Close to cube root of n growth was observed when the average difference occurred in only one of the three tone parameter values within a block of trials. Although performance fell short of ideal, optimum weights were consistently given to each tone and each parameter. The results are consistent with a model in which performance depends predominantly on the information content of the sounds regardless of how the information is ‘‘packaged’’ in the stimulus. Transmitted information is estimated to be 0.9–2.0 bits within a single acoustic dimension, 2.1–3.0 bits when distributed across dimensions.
Identifying the Basis for the Word Frequency Effect in Recognition Memory

Recent theories of recognition memory have identified two bases on which recognition-memory judgments may be made: recollection, which involves retrieval of contextual information from an earlier episode of stimulus presentation; and familiarity, which is distinguished by a general sense of familiarity in the absence of recollection. Four experiments were conducted to test whether the word frequency effect (WFE) in recognition memory (superior performance with low- in comparison with high-frequency targets) results from recollection-based processes, familiarity-based processes, or both. In two of the experiments, superior memory for aspects of the study context was found for low-frequency in comparison with high-frequency words, suggesting frequency-related differences in recollection. The other two experiments used Jacoby's (1991) inclusion/exclusion paradigm to provide estimates of the contribution of recollection and familiarity to recognition. In both experiments the data suggested that the WFE is primarily a recollection-based phenomenon. These findings suggest that the recognition memory WFE for old items results primarily from the effects of word frequency on recollection. The implications of these findings for theories of recognition memory are discussed.
Accessing transmission-mode dispersion in super-prisms

Abstract Breaking the symmetry of a photonic crystal allows external access to large near band-edge optical dispersion and exploitation of super-prism effects in a transmission mode device. Acceptable performance is obtained by spatially varying the scattering strength of the dielectric structure according to a modified exponential function. However, our analysis shows that useful devices operating with incident wavelength near 1550 nm will require fabrication tolerances on the scale of less than 10 nm.
Maturational changes in cell surface antigen expression in the mouse retina and optic pathway

Abstract The distribution of the cell surface molecules M6 and L1 was studied using the immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in the developing and adult mouse retina and optic nerve. L1 is a cell adhesion molecule while M6 is a cell surface molecule homologous to the myelin protein proteolipid protein (PLP/DM20). Although both molecules were expressed in retina and optic nerves of embryonic and neonatal mice, our studies show that their patterns of postnatal expression are quite different. While L1 continues to be expressed in optic axons throughout adulthood, expression of M6 on optic axons declines after birth and instead becomes strongly expressed on Muller glial endfeet and in the inner plexiform layer. The modulation of these molecules after birth could provide clues to changing cell–cell interactions occurring in the proximal portion of the optic pathway.
The Cost for Agriculture to Coexist With Wildlife in Colorado

This study estimated costs incurred by agricultural producers to coexist with wildlife in Colorado, where there is little data, and demonstrates that secondary data sources can provide reliable estimates. Three secondary sources were used: government expenditures, spatial data (e.g., geographic information systems), and published studies. Results showed that secondary data provide comparable estimates to more expensive and time consuming surveys. Costs covered by the government sum to $14,478,523. Total costs increase to $77,162,499 when farm and ranch costs that are not reported to the government are included (e.g., property damage, opportunity costs, prevention, and management). These results inform policy makers and producers alike about the value that agricultural stewardship provides wildlife. Results also provide evidence that secondary data sources are a cost-effective, powerful approach that can supplement surveys.
Buyer-seller relationships and technology strategy

Abstract This paper presents the results of an exploratory study designed to investigate the impact of buyer-seller relationships on the technology strategies of industrial manufacturing firms. A theoretical model is developed based on empirical and conceptual research in marketing, organization theory, industrial organization, and studies of technological innovation. A version of this model is tested using data obtained from the Profit Impact of Market Strategies (PIMS) database. Finally results from this analysis and directions for future research are discussed.
Improvement in detection of small wildfires

Detecting and imaging small wildfires with an Airborne Scanner is done against generally high background levels. The Airborne Scanner System used is a two-channel thermal IR scanner, with one channel selected for imaging the terrain and the other channel sensitive to hotter targets. If a relationship can be determined between the two channels that quantifies the background signal for hotter targets, then an algorithm can be determined that removes the background signal in that channel leaving only the fire signal. The relationship can be determined anywhere between various points in the signal processing of the radiometric data from the radiometric input to the quantized output of the system. As long as only linear operations are performed on the signal, the relationship will only depend on the system gain and offsets within the range of interest. The algorithm can be implemented either by using a look-up table or performing the calculation in the system computer. The current presentation will describe the algorithm, its derivation, and its implementation in the Firefly Wildfire Detection System by means of an off-the-shelf commercial scanner. Improvement over the previous algorithm used and the margin gained for improving the imaging of the terrain will be demonstrated.
Multi-scale performance of carbon microfiber reinforced cement-based composites exposed to a decalcifying environment

Abstract The effect of decalcification on the fiber–cement interface and, in turn, on the compressive and splitting tensile behavior of carbon microfiber (CF) reinforced cement-based composites was studied. The CFs were added to Portland cement (PC) pastes and PC pastes with 10% silica fume (SF). Exposure to ammonium nitrate solution was used to accelerate decalcification. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and derivative thermogravimetric analysis were used to investigate the microstructural and morphological alterations within the composites and at the fiber–cement interface. Results showed a strong coupling between decalcification, microstructural evolution of the composite and of the fiber–cement interface, and the composite mechanical properties. Preferential leaching around the fibers occurred in the PC composite, resulting in debonding of the fibers and a greater loss of strength. Addition of SF to the mix slowed the degradation process, stabilized the fiber–cement interface during decalcification, and reduced the loss of strength. The loss of strength in the SF composites was primarily due to the loss of cohesion of the paste and not due to debonding of the fibers as occurred for the PC composites.
Effects of added Zn, Ni and Cd on desert shrubs grown in desert soil.

Abstract Desert shrubs ‐ Ambrosia dumosa, Lycium andersonii, Larrea triden‐tata, and Ephedra nevadensis were grown in a glasshouse in desert (calcareous) soil with different levels of added Zn, Ni, and Cd. The objective was to study effects of the metals on growth and yield and uptake and trans‐location of metals in desert plant species which are common in the Mojave Desert (areas of Nevada and southeast California). Zinc and Cd considerably decreased yields of all four species. Yields of E. nevadensis were increased by Ni at 250 and 500 mg/kg applied to desert soil. Ephedra nevadensis was more tolerant of Ni than were the other three desert shrubs. Some interactions were observed among various elements: manganese concentration was increased in shrubs by Zn. Particularly, application of Ni reduced the concentrations of Zn and Mn over the control.
Determining selenium in plant tissue with optimal digestion conditions

Abstract A procedure is described for optimizing plant tissue digestion conditions for accurate selenium (Se) analysis. Optimal concentrations of nitric acid, ceric ammonium nitrate, hydroxylamine HCl and the use of vapor trapping funnel were evaluated for total recovery of Se in NIST wheat flour reference material using atomic absorption spectrophotometry with continuous Se hydride generation. During sample digestion, excessive or insufficient amounts of nitric acid ( 1.02 M), ceric ammonium nitrate ( 6.6 x 10‐4 M), or hydroxylamine HCl ( 0.398 M) caused a 15–20% reduction in the total Se recovered. Additional losses up to 15% were observed in the same samples without the use of the vapor trapping funnel. These results demonstrated how digestion conditions must be optimized for precise and accurate Se analysis in plant tissue.
Valproic acid embryopathy: Report of two siblings with further expansion of the phenotypic abnormalities and a review of the literature

Fetal Valproate Syndrome (FVS) results from prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). It is characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, a cluster of minor and major anomalies, and central nervous system dysfunction. In this study, two siblings who were exposed to monotherapy with VPA are described with documentation of long-term follow up. Both children had craniofacial findings, multiple systemic and orthopedic abnormalities, an overgrowth pattern, and developmental deficits. The literature from 1978-2000 is reviewed. A total of 69 cases that were solely exposed to VPA with adequate phenotypic description were identified. The clinical manifestations of FVS encompass a wide spectrum of abnormalities including consistent facial phenotype, multiple systemic and orthopedic involvement, central nervous system dysfunction, and altered physical growth. The facial appearance is characterized by a small broad nose, small ears, flat philtrum, a long upper lip with shallow philtrum, and micro/retrognathia. In this review, 62% of the patients had musculoskeletal abnormalities, 30% had minor skin defects, 26% had cardiovascular abnormalities, 22% had genital abnormalities, and 16% had pulmonary abnormalities. Less frequently encountered abnormalities included brain, eye, kidney, and hearing defects. Neural tube defects were seen in 3% of the sample. Twelve percent of affected children died in infancy and 29% of surviving patients had developmental deficits/mental retardation. Although 15% of patients had growth retardation, an overgrowth pattern was seen in 9%. The data from this comprehensive review especially the developmental outcome should be added to the teratogenic risk, that arises in association with the use of VPA during pregnancy.
Does carboxypeptidase Y have intrinsic endopeptidase activity

Abstract Carboxypeptidase Y preparations from baker's yeast have been found to exhibit endopeptidase activity when assayed with oxidized insulin B-chain. Amino acid analysis and peptide isolation studies indicate that a specific internal cleavage occurs between Leu-15 and Tyr-16 in addition to the C-terminal carboxypeptidase activity. Blocking the C-terminal residue of the substrate prevents the exopeptidase activity of the enzyme, but has no effect on the endopeptidase activity. On the other hand, pepstatin A inhibits the endopeptidase but not the exopeptidase activity. These results suggest that the endopeptidase activity is due to the presence of contaminating amounts of yeast proteinase A and indicate that caution should be taken when employing carboxypeptidase Y preparations for sequence studies.
Thoracic force-deflection studies in primates

Thoracic force-deflection characteristics have been measured in the living sub- human primate as a step towards the analysis of cardio-thoracic injuries. Mechanisms of injury were investigated by subjecting Rhesus monkeys seated on a sled to static and dynamic chest displacements (24 tests) by means of a charge fired projectile equipped with a 3 in. dia. impact plate and compensated strain gauges. Forces up to 30 lb were developed in the static press tests for 2 in. deflections. Dynamic tests were run with similar deflections at 3 different initial impact velocities: 36-45 ftlsec, 43-57 ftlsec and 65-85 ftlsec with corresponding peak forces at 80-245 lb, 150-370 lb and 4 lo-700 lb. The thorax of the Rhesus monkey thus shows a very low linear stiffness under static loading but then exhibits a progressive change with increasing velocity, showing more of a spring-mass- like response with an initial linear region of stiffness followed by a pronounced drop off. These data may thus help explain the wide disparity noted between human thoracic behavior during closed chest heart massage and that noted in full scale cadaver tests.
Accelerated weight loss may precede diagnosis in Alzheimer disease.

Objectives To determine the association of weight loss and the onset of dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and to characterize the rate of weight change over time in older adults (aged 65-95 years) who develop DAT vs those who remain without dementia. Design Rates of weight change were investigated in older adult research participants (N = 449) who were enrolled as control subjects without dementia and followed up longitudinally (6 years on average) at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine. Some individuals (n = 125) eventually developed DAT; the others (n = 324) remained without dementia. Body weight was measured at each annual assessment. Piecewise linear regression and random effects models were used to test longitudinal rates of weight change between the groups. Results Participants without dementia lost about 0.6 lb per year. For those individuals who developed DAT, about 1 year before the detection of DAT, the rate of weight loss doubled (1.2 lb per year). As a group, participants who eventually developed DAT weighed less (about 8 pounds) at study enrollment (ie, when they did not have dementia) than participants who remained without dementia. Conclusions Aging with and without DAT is associated with weight loss; however, weight loss may accelerate before the diagnosis of DAT. Specific factors contributing to weight loss are unknown, but these data suggest they operate before the development of DAT. Hence, weight loss may be a preclinical indicator of Alzheimer disease.