cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU-F-BRF-05: Level Set Based Segmentation with a Dynamic Shape Prior

Purpose: To perform accurate segmentation on low-SNR MR images subject to motion artifacts and signal voids. Methods: We have developed a novel level set based segmentation method that incorporates a dynamic shape prior. In contrast to conventional shape prior models that are either based on a single template or statistical models, we modeled the shape prior as sparse linear combinations of templates in a shape library. The proposed method was applied to segment real-time kidney geometry from an abdominal MR series acquired under respiration and compared with the Chan-Vese approach. Synthetic occlusions were further introduced to assess performance robustness. We compared the segmentation results with the ground truth contours and evaluated the segmentation accuracy based on the Dice similarity coefficient. Results: The proposed method successfully segmented all kidneys in the testing series. The corresponding shape priors were reasonably reconstructed from a small number of shape templates in the library, as expected. On testing dataset without occlusion, the proposed method achieved mean DSC of 0.97, which was more accurate than the Chan-Vese approach with a DSC of 0.93. When tested on dataset with synthetic occlusions, the proposed method made robust inference on the occlusion sites and achieved mean DSC of 0.95, compared to 0.76 from the Chan-Vese method, demonstrating the advantage of incorporating the proposed shape prior. Conclusion: We have developed a novel level set based segmentation method with a novel regularization to incorporate a dynamic shape prior. The shape prior is dynamically updated during the segmentation process as a sparse linear combination of templates from a shape library. Preliminary results have demonstrated the ability of the proposed method in improving segmentation accuracy, especially when noises and/or signal voids are present. Future work will consider dynamically update and evolve the shape library to encode shape priors as segmentations are being performed.
Tunable pH and temperature response of weak polyelectrolyte brushes: role of hydrogen bonding and monomer hydrophobicity

We report on weak polyacid brushes with highly tunable pH and temperature response characteristics. This was achieved by synthesizing a series of homo- and copolymers which contain 2-alkylacrylic acids (aAAs) of increased hydrophobicity, i.e. acrylic acid (AA), methacrylic acid (MAA), or 2-ethylacrylic acid (EAA), using surface-initiated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (SI-RAFT) polymerization. As revealed by contact angle measurements, in situ ellipsometry and AFM studies of brush swelling, the pH-response of PAA and PMAA brushes was similar, with brushes remaining highly swollen (swelling ratio 2.5–3.0) at low pH values. The PEAA brush, however, was unique as it showed low degrees of water uptake ( 70°) contact angles in the entire pH region from 2 to 8. Copolymer brushes of aAAs with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), denoted as P(AA-co-NIPAM), P(MAA-co-NIPAM) and P(EAA-co-NIPAM), demonstrated dual pH and temperature response, which was strongly dependent on the type of aAA co-monomer. P(AA-co-NIPAM) and P(MAA-co-NIPAM) brushes underwent large-amplitude pH-induced changes in brush swelling and water contact angle in the range of pH from 3 to 6, and were only weakly responsive to temperature in the transition region. In contrast, more hydrophobic P(EAA-co-NIPAM) brushes demonstrated both pH and temperature responses at physiologically relevant neutral/basic pH values even when the content of EAA units in the copolymer was as high as ∼50%. We discuss the role of inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding and monomer hydrophobicity and ionization (quantified by FTIR) in determining pH ranges for brush response. These findings might enable control of molecular/cellular adhesion and flow at interfaces potentially useful in microfluidic and biomedical applications.
d-amphetamine enhances gustatory responses in brief access tests, but withdrawal does not produce gustatory anhedonia.

Withdrawal from chronic d -amphetamine (AMPH), a putative animal model of anhedonia and depression, has been shown to reduce reward function, including operant and consummatory responses for 4% sucrose. However, a using microstructural analysis of licking for 4% sucrose, we found that AMPH withdrawal failed to alter measures associated with gustatory evaluation. To further explore the anhedonia hypothesis, we evaluated licking for sucrose in brief access tests before, during, and following AMPH treatment. Rats received a series of either 12 escalating AMPH doses (1–10 mg/kg, i.p.; n =10) or isotonic saline ( n =6) injections over 4 days. Licking for an array of 7 sucrose solutions (in M, 0, 0.015, 0.031, 0.062, 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5), presented randomly 4 times daily (20 s trials), was recorded starting 2 days before the start of AMPH/saline administration and ending 5 days after AMPH/saline withdrawal. Both AMPH and saline groups expressed sigmoidal concentration-licking functions, with no between-group differences in licking on baseline days ( p 's >0.23). Relative to saline, 3 days of AMPH treatment increased licking for 0.015, 0.031, and 0.0625 M sucrose, producing a left-shift in the concentration-licking curve. No significant decline in sucrose licking was observed after AMPH withdrawal. These results suggest that AMPH enhanced gustatory evaluation, but that the processes mediating AMPH withdrawal-induced behavioral suppressions are unrelated to the hedonic evaluation of palatable taste stimuli.
Hepatocyte fine structure during maturation and senescence

Aging is accompanied by a myriad of changes in cell structure, function, and composition. The fact that much of the information concerning age-related alterations in cellular morphology is qualitative precludes meaningful correlations with biochemical changes in order to enhance data interpretation. The mammalian liver has been subjected to both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of hepatocyte structure as a function of aging, i.e., development, maturation, and senescence. Although these data are characterized by considerable variability and, in some instances, blatant contradictions, there exists sufficient agreement in several parameters to permit a consensus in the inbred rat model. Certainly the volume of individual hepatocytes increases with age, and many of the organelle compartments reflect this change. While old rats exhibit a high incidence of polyploidy, there is no definitive evidence to demonstrate a concomitant increase in the binuclear hepatocyte index. Several specific hepatocellular organelles undergo changes in their relative volume or surface area that appear to correlate with functional alterations. The volume density of the lysosomal compartment enlarges significantly during senescence and is accompanied by increased activities of several constituent hydrolases. The hepatic concentration of smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum declines markedly with aging, as does the yield of liver microsomes and the activities of several microsomal enzymes, e.g., mono-oxygenases and glucose-6-phosphatase. However, the responses of the majority of hepatocyte organelles to aging is varied and inconsistent based on the limited data currently available.
Identification of rotenone-induced modifications in α-synuclein using affinity pull-down and tandem mass spectrometry

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder that results from a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The disease is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and the presence of “Lewy body” inclusions enriched with aggregated forms of α-synuclein, a presynaptic protein. Although α-synuclein is modified at various sites in Lewy bodies, it is unclear how sequence-specific posttranslational modifications modulate the aggregation of the protein in oxidatively stressed neurons. To begin to address this problem, we developed an affinity pull-down/mass spectrometry method to characterize the primary structure of histidine-tagged α-synuclein isolated from catecholaminergic neurons. Using this method, we mapped posttranslational modifications of α-synuclein from untreated neurons and neurons exposed to rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I. Various posttranslational modifications suggestive of oxidative damage or repair were identified in a region comprising a 20-res...
Attributional style as a mediator between parental abuse risk and child internalizing symptomatology

This study examined a model wherein children's attributional style mediates the relationship between parental physical child-abuse risk and children's internalizing problems. Using structural equation modeling, three indices of abuse risk were selected (child abuse potential, physical discipline use, and dysfunctional parenting style) and two indices of children's internalizing problems (depression and anxiety). The sample included 75 parent-child dyads, in which parents reported on their abuse risk and children independently completed measures of depressive and anxious symptomatology and a measure on their attributional style. Findings supported the model that children's attributional style for positive events (but not negative events) partially mediated the relationship between abuse risk and internalizing symptoms, with significant direct and indirect effects of abuse risk on internalizing symptomatology. Future directions to continue evaluating additional mediators and other possible contextual variables are discussed.
Dscam Expression Levels Determine Presynaptic Arbor Sizes in Drosophila Sensory Neurons

Expression of the Down syndrome cell-adhesion molecule (Dscam) is increased in the brains of patients with several neurological disorders. Although Dscam is critically involved in many aspects of neuronal development, little is known about either the mechanism that regulates its expression or the functional consequences of dysregulated Dscam expression. Here, we show that Dscam expression levels serve as an instructive code for the size control of presynaptic arbor. Two convergent pathways, involving dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), control Dscam expression through protein translation. Defects in this regulation of Dscam translation lead to exuberant presynaptic arbor growth in Drosophila somatosensory neurons. Our findings uncover a function of Dscam in presynaptic size control and provide insights into how dysregulated Dscam may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.
SALSA: systematic logic synthesis of approximate circuits

Approximate computing has emerged as a new design paradigm that exploits the inherent error resilience of a wide range of application domains by allowing hardware implementations to forsake exact Boolean equivalence with algorithmic specifications. A slew of manual design techniques for approximate computing have been proposed in recent years, but very little effort has been devoted to design automation. We propose SALSA, a Systematic methodology for Automatic Logic Synthesis of Approximate circuits. Given a golden RTL specification of a circuit and a quality constraint that defines the amount of error that may be introduced in the implementation, SALSA synthesizes an approximate version of the circuit that adheres to the pre-specified quality bounds. We make two key contributions: (i) the rigorous formulation of the problem of approximate logic synthesis, enabling the generation of circuits that are correct by construction, and (ii) mapping the problem of approximate synthesis into an equivalent traditional logic synthesis problem, thereby allowing the capabilities of existing synthesis tools to be fully utilized for approximate logic synthesis. In order to achieve these benefits, SALSA encodes the quality constraints using logic functions called Q-functions, and captures the flexibility that they engender as Approximation Don't Cares (ADCs), which are used for circuit simplification using traditional don't care based optimization techniques. We have implemented SALSA using two off-the-shelf logic synthesis tools — SIS and Synopsys Design Compiler. We automatically synthesize approximate circuits ranging from arithmetic building blocks (adders, multipliers, MAC) to entire datapaths (DCT, FIR, IIR, SAD, FFT Butterfly, Euclidean distance), demonstrating scalability and significant improvements in area (1.1X to 1.85X for tight error constraints, and 1.2X to 4.75X for relaxed error constraints) and power (1.15X to 1.75X for tight error constraints, and 1.3X to 5.25X for relaxed error constraints).
Triplex formation by oligonucleotides containing novel deoxycytidine derivatives

Homopurine sequences of duplex DNA are binding sites for triplex-forming oligodeoxyribopyrimidines. The interactions of synthetic duplex DNA targets with an oligodeoxyribopyrimidine containing N4-(6-amino-2-pyridinyl)deoxycytidine (1), a nucleoside designed to interact with a single C-G base pair interruption of the purine target tract, was studied by UV melting, circular dichroism spectroscopy and dimethylsulfate alkylation experiments. Nucleoside 1 supports stable triplex formation at pH 7.0 with formation of a 1-Y-Z triad, where Y-Z is a base pair in the homopurine tract of the target. Selective interaction was observed when Y-Z was C-G, although A-T and, to a lesser extent, T-A and G-C base pairs were also recognized. The circular dichroism spectra of the triplex having a 1-C-G triad were similar to those of a triplex having a C(+)-G-C triad, suggesting that the overall structures of the two triplexes are quite similar. Removal of the 6-amino group from 1 essentially eliminated triplex formation. Reaction of a triplex having the 1-C-G triad with dimethylsulfate resulted in a 50% reduction of methylation of the G residue of this triad. In contrast, the G of a similar triplex containing a U-C-G triad was not protected from methylation by dimethylsulfate. These results are consistent with a binding mode in which the 6-amino-2-pyridinyl group of 1 spans the major groove of the target duplex at the 1-C-G binding site and forms a hydrogen bond with the O6 of G. An additional stabilizing hydrogen bond could form between the N4 of the imino tautomer of 1 and the N4 amino group of C.
Spectroscopic Properties and Potential Energy Surfaces for Curium Hydrides: CmH2, CmH2+, CmH, and CmH+†

A relativistic complete active space multiconfigurational self-consistent field followed by multireference singles + doubles configuration interaction computations are carried out on the potential energy surfaces of electronic states of CmH2 and CmH2+ for the insertion reaction of Cm and Cm+ into H2. We have also carried out corresponding computations on several electronic states of CmH and CmH+. Moreover, multireference relativistic configuration interaction computations including spin−orbit coupling were carried out on 75 electronic states of CmH+, which were found to be below the 45 000 cm−1 region. We have computed the first ionization energy of Cm as 5.94 eV in excellent agreement with experimental value of 5.99 eV. Our computations reveal barriers for the insertion of Cm and Cm+ in their ground electronic states into H2, but once the barriers are surmounted, both Cm + H2 and Cm+ + H2 form stable products. The potential energy curves of CmH and CmH+ reveal the existence of several low-lying open-shel...
Interstitial fluid flow in cortical bone.

Abstract After injection of ferritin into the tibial nutrient artery of adult dogs, ferritin was seen in the interstitial fluid compartment of the tibial cortex immediately and up to 25 min after injection. The pattern of movement was consistent with bulk interstitial fluid flow influenced by hydrostatic pressure. In osteons sectioned transversely, evidence was seen of centrifugal movement of ferritin in a halo pattern around the central capillary. Haloes in the superficial part of the cortex coalesced to form a ferritin front which moved toward the periosteal surface. Movement of ferritin was delayed by appositional bone of the periosteal surface. Ferritin was seen in channels in the matrix and perivascular spaces termed “matrix prelymphatics” and “perivascular prelymphatics,” respectively, because they lacked an endothelial lining.
Children's Perception of Conversational and Clear American-English Vowels in Noise

Purpose Much of a child's day is spent listening to speech in the presence of background noise. Although accurate vowel perception is important for listeners' accurate speech perception and comprehension, little is known about children's vowel perception in noise. Clear speech is a speech style frequently used by talkers in the presence of noise. This study investigated children's identification of vowels in nonsense words in noise and examined whether adults' use of clear speech would result in the children's more accurate vowel identification. Method Two female American-English (AE) speaking adults were recorded producing the nonsense word /gəbVpə/ with AE vowels /ɛ-ae-ɑ-ʌ/ in phrases in conversational and clear speech. These utterances were presented to 15 AE-speaking children (ages 5.0–8.5 years) at a signal-to-noise ratio of −6 dB. The children repeated the utterances. Results Clear-speech vowels were repeated significantly more accurately (87%) than conversational-speech vowels (59%), suggesting that...
Photoreduction of NADP+ by a chloroplast photosystem II preparation: effect of light intensity

Recent work in this and other laboratories has demonstrated that, contrary to the favored Z scheme hypothesis, photosystem II (PS II) can photoinduce electron transfer from water to NADP+, without the participation of photosystem I (PS I). One proposed explanation for this conflict between hypothesis and observation was that PS II can reduce NADP+ but only at high light intensities. We report here findings at variance with this proposal. A PS II preparation made from spinach chloroplasts by the two-phase aqueous polymer partition method photoreduced NADP+ without the involvement of PS I, at varying light intensities ranging from limiting to saturating.
Dimethylzinc-Mediated Addition of Alkenylzirconocenes to α-Keto and α-Imino Esters

Hydrozirconation of alkynes followed by in situ transmetalation to dimethylzinc and 1,2-addition to activated ketones and N-diphenylphosphinoylimines leads to tertiary allylic alcohols and amines in high overall yield. With 8-phenylmenthol as the chiral auxiliary, si-face attack proceeds in good to excellent diastereoselectivities.
Asymmetric cell divisions are concentrated in the dermomyotome dorsomedial lip during epaxial primary myotome morphogenesis

To determine if somitic stem cell pools could be identified by an intrinsic difference in mitotic behaviour, the orientation of mitoses in the dermomyotome epithelium was analysed. We describe a concentration of apico-basal mitoses within the dermomyotome dorsomedial lip (DML). The occurrence of apico-basal divisions is closely associated with asymmetric localisation of the notch pathway factor numb, allowing description of such divisions as asymmetric. In contrast, planar divisions, occurring in the plane of the epithelium, are symmetric. Further, we show that the DML environmental niche is sufficient to promote numb expression in epaxial dermomyotome tissue that does not normally express this factor. These data provide, for the first time, a non-retrospective tracing analysis of the mechanism by which the DML fulfils the stem-cell pool role it plays during epaxial primary myotome morphogenesis.
Vascular Response to Modified Widman Flap Surgery in Monkeys

Revascularization of the periodontal tissues was studied after flap surgery. Modified Widman flap procedures were performed in four young Rhesus monkeys. All premolare and molars were involved. Experimental periods covered from 1 day to 90 days. The animals were sacrificed by exsanguination and perfused through the carotid arteries with a combined solution of equal parts of India ink and 10% buffered formalin solution. After fixation and decalcification, part of the blocks were processed to obtain cleared specimens following the Spalteholtz method. The remaining blocks were processed for routine histologic examination. The findings, mainly from the cleared specimens, showed that 1 day after surgery the supraperiosteal vessels in the flap demonstrated an overt hyperemic response. Patency of the vessels in the periodontal membrane and cancellous bone was evident; however, vessels were not depicted in the exposed cortical bone, nor in the clot. Vascular continuity apical to the surgical detachment was observ...
The relationship of blood pressure and cortisol reactivity to family history of hypertension of African American adolescents.

UNLABELLED Ethnicity and family history of hypertension (FHH) have been associated with the development of hypertension. Blood pressure and cortisol reactivity during physiologic stress are hypothesized to function as biologic markers for hypertension. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of blood pressure and cortisol reactivity physiologic to FHH in a selected sample of African American adolescents. METHODS Demographic data and physiologic measurements were obtained from 48 African American adolescents (14-17 years). Reactivity was induced by a cold pressor test of hand immersion in cold water. chi, t tests, and multivariate repeated-measures analysis were used to determine relationships. RESULTS Thirty-one (65%) subjects reported an FHH. Thirty (63%) subjects demonstrated cardiovascular reactivity. Although the mean systolic blood pressure was 4 mm Hg higher, t tests indicated no significance between group in systolic blood pressure (P = .32), diastolic pressure (P = .73), and cortisol (P =.81). Blood pressure reactivity of the FHH group was significantly different than the no family history group (P = .0338). Cortisol levels for the total group were markedly elevated (19 nmol/dL) and there was no significant difference in reactivity. CONCLUSION African American adolescents with FHH demonstrate increased blood pressure reactivity. Cortisol levels were elevated for all participants. This study adds support to the association of blood pressure reactivity, a biologic marker of HTN and FHH.
A Cauchy problem for Milne's integral equation with a pincherle-goursat kernel

In a series of our preceding papers (cf. Bellman and Ueno, 1971a, 1971b, 1972a, 1972b, 1972c; Ueno 1972), with the aid of invariant imbedding technique, we transformed the two point boundary value problem for integral equations into the initial-value problem. In this paper, extending the procedure to the Milne's integral equation, whose kernel is expanded into a double Fourier cosine series, we show how to find a Cauchy system for the required solution of Milne's integral equation and the Fredholm resolvent. The obtained integro-differential equations are reduced to large system of ordinary differential equations with known initial conditions. Then, they are suitable for the numerical computation of the solution by the modern high-speed computer.
RelB/p50 Dimers Are Differentially Regulated by Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Lymphotoxin-β Receptor Activation CRITICAL ROLES FOR p100

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and lymphotoxin-β receptor (LTβR) signaling both play important roles in inflammatory and immune responses through activation of NF-κB. Using various deficient mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, we have compared the signaling pathways leading to NF-κB induction in response to TNF-α and LTβR activation. We demonstrate that LTβR ligation induces not only RelA/p50 dimers but also RelB/p50 dimers, whereas TNF-α induces only RelA/p50 dimers. LTβR-induced binding of RelB/p50 requires processing of p100 that is mediated by IKKα but is independent of IKKβ, NEMO/IKKγ, and RelA. Moreover, we show that RelB, p50, and p100 can associate in the same complex and that TNF-α but not LTβ signaling increases the association of p100 with RelB/p50 dimers in the nucleus, leading to the specific inhibition of RelB DNA binding. These results suggest that the alternative NF-κB pathway based on p100 processing may account not only for the activation of RelB/p52 dimers but also for that of RelB/p50 dimers and that p100 regulates the binding activity of RelB/p50 dimers via at least two distinct mechanisms depending on the signaling pathway involved.
The effect of a plant-based diet on plasma lipids in hypercholesterolemic adults: a randomized trial.

Background A variety of food combinations can be used to meet national U.S. guidelines for obtaining 30% of energy or less from total fat and 10% of energy or less from saturated fat. Objective To contrast plasma lipid responses to 2 low-fat diet patterns. Design Randomized clinical trial. Setting 4-week outpatient feeding study with weight held constant. Participants 120 adults 30 to 65 years of age with prestudy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations of 3.3 to 4.8 mmol/L (130 to 190 mg/dL), body mass index less than 31 kg/m2, estimated dietary saturated fat at least 10% of calories, and otherwise general good health. Measurements Plasma lipid levels. Intervention Two diets, the Low-Fat diet and the Low-Fat Plus diet, designed to be identical in total fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrate, and cholesterol content, consistent with former American Heart Association Step I guidelines. The Low-Fat diet was relatively typical of a low-fat U.S. diet. The Low-Fat Plus diet incorporated considerably more vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, consistent with the 2000 American Heart Association revised guidelines. Results Four-week changes in the Low-Fat and Low-Fat Plus groups were -0.24 mmol/L (-9.2 mg/dL) versus -0.46 mmol/L (-17.6 mg/dL) for total cholesterol (P = 0.01) and -0.18 mmol/L (-7.0 mg/dL) versus -0.36 mmol/L (-13.8 mg/dL) for LDL cholesterol (P = 0.02); between-group differences were -0.22 mmol/L (-9 mg/dL) (95% CI, -0.05 to -0.39 mmol/L [-2 to -15 mg/dL]) and -0.18 mmol/L (-7 mg/dL) (CI, -0.04 to -0.32 mmol/L [-2 to -12 mg/dL]) for total and LDL cholesterol, respectively. The 2 diet groups did not differ significantly in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Limitations 4-week duration. Conclusions Previous national dietary guidelines primarily emphasized avoiding saturated fat and cholesterol; as a result, the guidelines probably underestimated the potential LDL cholesterol-lowering effect of diet. In this study, emphasis on including nutrient-dense plant-based foods, consistent with recently revised national guidelines, increased the total and LDL cholesterol-lowering effect of a low-fat diet.
NEW ASSEMBLY TECHNOLOGY FOR SMALL SURFACE MOUNT LEDS

The Optoelectronics Division of Hewlett-Packard has developed a new technology for making surface mount L.E.D lamps and indicators whereby the internal wire bond is eliminated. The new technology clears the way for products with enhanced reliability while offering a path to fast and inexpensive proliferations. That will enable OED to increase its range of products in a fast growing market.
Tobacco and pregnancy: Overview of exposures and effects

This opening article will review the epidemiology of the effects of cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco exposure on human development. Sources of exposure described include cigarettes and other forms of smoked tobacco, secondhand (environmental) tobacco smoke, several forms of smokeless tobacco, and nicotine from nicotine replacement therapy. Exposure is immense and worldwide, most of it due to smoking, but in some parts of the world and in some populations, smoking is exceeded by smokeless tobacco use. Nicotine and carbon monoxide exposure are of large concern, but cigarette smoke contains over 4000 chemical constituents and additives including known carcinogens, toxic heavy metals, and many chemicals untested for developmental toxicity. The impact of tobacco on human development will be reviewed. Fertility, conception, survival of the conceptus, most phases and aspects of development studied to date, as well as postnatal survival and health are adversely impacted by maternal tobacco use or exposure. Effects in surviving offspring are probably life-long, and are still being elucidated. It is hoped that this review and those to follow in this issue will serve to keep a focus on the critical and continuing problem of tobacco use impacting human development.
Bright light treatment for high-anxious young adults: a randomized controlled pilot study.

Background: Available treatments for anxiety have limitations and/or side effects. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of bright light exposure as a treatment in high-anxious young adults. Methods: In an acute exposure study, participants (n = 33) were randomly assigned to 45 min of (1) bright light or (2) placebo. Participants then performed a 5-week study (n = 29). Following a 1-week baseline, participants were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of daily exposure to either (1) bright light (45 min/day) or (2) placebo treatment, initiated ≤1 hr after awakening. Before and after the experiment, clinical ratings were conducted with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Scale, and Clinical Global Impressions scale. Following each week, blood pressure, anxiety (Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory Y1), depression, mood, sleep, and side effects were assessed. Results: No significant treatment effect was found in the acute exposure study. Likewise, in the 5-week study, no significant treatment effect was found. However, bright light elicited marginally greater reductions in psychic symptoms of the HAM-A (P = .06) and other measures. Conclusions: This pilot study provides little compelling evidence for an anxiolytic effect of bright light in high-anxious young adults. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A wireless laser sensor web for human gait disorder recognition based on the Buffons needle model

This paper presents a wireless laser sensing system based on the Buffon's needle model for human gait recognition. This research aims to develop a minimalist sensing system for gait disorder recognition based on integral geometry theories. In this study, each gait is modeled as a pair of rotating sticks (i.e. arms and legs). The wireless laser sensing system includes laser modules, photo detectors, and wireless motes. The subject interrupting the laser beams can be detected by the photo detectors. The two-bit binary data stream generated by intersections between arms/legs and laser beams are utilized to identify human gait disorders. Three statistical parameters are chosen as signal features: (1) correlation between two binary streams, (2) temporal correlation of each binary stream, and (3) intersection probability of arms/legs and laser beams. These three parameters are orthogonal to each other and can constitute a well-conditioned feature space. Metrics of symmetry, coordination, and balance are defined to describe the degree of gait disorders. The initial experiments results have demonstrated the gait recognition capability by using such a laser sensor web with high data efficiency and energy efficiency.
Carboxyl Terminus of hVIP/mov34 Is Critical for HIV-1-Vpr Interaction and Glucocorticoid-mediated Signaling

Human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) vpr is a highly conserved gene among lentiviruses. The diverse functions of Vpr support interactions of this HIV accessory protein with host cell partners of important pathways. hVIP/mov34 (human Vpr Interacting Protein) is one of these identified Vpr ligands. hVIP is a 34-kDa member of the eIF3 family that is vital for early embryonic development in transgenic mice and important in cell cycle regulation. Its interaction with Vpr, however, is not yet clearly defined. Therefore, we constructed a panel of deletion mutants of this cytoplasmic cellular ligand to map the protein domain that mediates its interaction with Vpr. We observed that the carboxyl-terminal region of hVIP is critical for its interaction with Vpr. In the absence of Vpr or HIV infection, full-length hVIP is expressed in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic localization pattern of full-length hVIP protein, however, is shifted to a clear nuclear localization pattern in cells expressing both hVIP and Vpr. In contrast, Vpr did not alter the localization pattern of hVIP mutants, which have their carboxyl-terminal domain deleted. The movement of hVIP supported prior work that suggested that Vpr triggers activation of the GR receptor complex. In fact, we also observed that dexamethasone moves hVIP into the nucleus and that glucocorticoid antagonists inhibit this effect. Interestingly, the expression of an hVIP carboxyl-terminal mutant, which is not responsive to Vpr, is also not responsive to dexamethasone. These data illustrate that the carboxyl-terminal domain of hVIP is critical for mediating hVIP-Vpr interaction as well as for its glucocorticoid response. These results support the view that hVIP is a member of the complex array of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling proteins that are regulated by HIV infection and glucocorticoids.
Collapsin: A protein in brain that induces the collapse and paralysis of neuronal growth cones

Repulsive guidance cues can steer neuronal growth cones during development and prevent mature axons from regenerating. We have identified a 100 kd glycoprotein in the chick brain that is a good candidate for a repulsive cue. Since it induces the collapse and paralysis of neuronal growth cones in vitro, we have named it collapsin. It is effective at concentrations of approximately 10 pM. The C-terminal half of collapsin contains a single immunoglobulin-like domain and an additional highly basic region. The N-terminal half of collapsin shares significant homology with fasciclin IV, a growth cone guidance protein in grasshopper. Recombinant collapsin causes sensory ganglion growth cones to collapse but not retinal ganglion cell growth cones. We propose that collapsin could serve as a ligand that guides specific growth cones by a motility-inhibiting mechanism.
N-Mannich base derivatives of 5-fluorocytosine: A prodrug approach to improve topical delivery

Abstract A series of N-Mannich bases of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) were synthesized and characterized. The prodrugs exhibited decreased melting points and increased lipid solubilities when compared to 5-FC. In addition, the prodrugs were found to hydrolyze readily in buffer, but were stable in isopropyi myristate (IPM) which was therefore used as the vehicle in the diffusion cell studies. The effect on delivery of 5-FC through hairless mouse skin by the Mannich bases was studied and it was found that improved delivery of the drug through skin was obtained. In addition, the effect of these compounds upon skin was investigated. After application of 5-FC and the prodrugs in IPM to the skin, a suspension of theophylline in propylene glycol (PG) was applied to the skins. The fluxes obtained from this second application were compared to the flux of theophylline from PG through skins which had not been previously treated with anything. It was found that 5-FC in IPM and IPM caused a significant increase in the flux of theophylline from PG. While there was also an increase in the flux of theophylline from PG through skins to which the prodrugs were applied, it was less than that seen for either 5-FC in IPM or IPM alone.
Parental Pregnancy Wantedness and Child Social-Emotional Development

To examine how maternal and paternal pregnancy wantedness and couple concordance regarding pregnancy wantedness predict children’s social-emotional development in kindergarten. We used data from nationally representative US sample from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort. Exposures of interest were maternal and paternal pregnancy wantedness, and couple concordance regarding pregnancy wantedness. Children’s social-emotional development was evaluated by the child’s kindergarten teacher using an adapted version of the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales. We examined bivariate associations between pregnancy wantedness and key socio-demographic variables in relation to children’s social-emotional development. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between each pregnancy wantedness predictor and children’s social-emotional development scores. Items related to child concentration and attention appeared to be the components driving almost all the associations with social-emotional development. Maternal report of unwanted pregnancy, resident father’s report of mistimed pregnancy, and discordance of parental pregnancy wantedness (specifically when the mother wanted but the father did not want the pregnancy) predicted lower children’s social-emotional development scores. Results suggest that maternal unwanted pregnancy and couple discordance in pregnancy wantedness were associated with poorer social-emotional development, especially in the area of concentration and attention, in kindergarten.
Wavelength agile FSO receiver

The design of a free-space optical (FSO) transceiver suitable for the demands of establishing reliable communication between mobile nodes such as UAVs requires the solution of difficult problems related to pointing, acquisition and tracking. To accommodate the inevitably larger misalignment conditions encountered in mobile applications, the receiver must possess a large field of view (for angular misalignments), be tolerant of translations away from the optical axis of the receiver antenna, and maintain a large collecting area to realize a workable power budget for the overall link. The transmitter must be able to deliver the best quality beam, in terms of peak power and power distribution, in the direction of the receiver as possible. Ideally, the ability to tolerate misalignments due to mobility at the receiver and proper choice of parameters at the transmitter allows the system to also tolerate the effects of atmospheric turbulence and weather on the transmitted beam, which normally can cause signal fade or complete signal loss even in well-designed FSO systems between stationary platforms. One approach to turbulence mitigation is to use a wavelength diversity scheme. The optimum wavelength for transmission varies as such factors as turbulence strength, absorption, and weather effects such as rain and fog vary. An FSO system for mobile communication that is wavelength agile will perform better than one that uses a single wavelength. We have constructed a FSO transmitter and receiver based on optical fiber bundles and adapted the transmitter to be capable of wavelength diverse transmission. In this paper, we present an experimental investigation of the performance of the system as a function of transmission misalignment, turbulence, and weather for a wavelength diversity scheme, which consists of switching between multiple transmission wavelengths, for reducing the impact of turbulence. Three wavelengths, 850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm, are emitted by one or more transmitting fibers, and the effects of turbulence and misalignment experimentally evaluated in an indoor environment. A system is designed to detect changes in transmission and switch the transmitter to the appropriate wavelength. The receiver retained the link for a reduced range of misalignment at all wavelengths without adjustments, indicating that adjustment of the receiver immediately after a wavelength changes was not necessarily required.
Pathophysiological influences of the Heterorhabditis bacteriophora complex on fifth-instar larvae of the red humped caterpillar, Schizura concinna: Changes in feeding rate, larval weight, and frass production

Abstract At 28.5°C, oral dosages of the invasive juveniles of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and intrahemocoelic injections of its associated bacterium, Xenorhabdus luminescens, resulted in a decrease in larval feeding rate, larval wet weight, and frass production in its host, the seventh-instar larvae of Schizura concinna.
ROSAT HRI Observations of NGC 4038/4039, “The Antennae” Galaxies

This paper presents data extracted from an image of the merging galaxies NGC 4038/39 obtained with the ROSAT High-Resolution Imager (HRI). This 5''-resolution image reveals complex and intricate X-ray emission associated with both galaxies, including: (1) regions of almost filamentary emission, closely following the Hα distribution and generally related with star-forming regions; (2) emission peaks coincident with H II regions; (3) three possibly pointlike super-Eddington sources with LX 4 × 1039 ergs s-1; and (4) prominent nuclear emission peaks with LX near ~1040 ergs s-1. Estimates suggest that X-ray emission from early-type stars in these galaxies is a small component of the total emission. Most of the observed X-ray emission can probably be explained as a combination of emission from discrete luminous evolved X-ray sources (binaries and supernova remnants) and from a diffuse hot interstellar medium (ISM). The morphology of the image suggests that there may be both nuclear outflows analogous to those observed in other starburst galaxies (e.g., NGC 253) and superbubbles (as, e.g., in LMC). The latter, however, would be 100-400 times more luminous than analogous features observed in the LMC and in M101.
Reflections on Barbara K. Townsend's Scholarship, Mentoring, and Being

I am honored to have this opportunity to reflect on an individual who has had a profound impact on my professional and personal life. Barbara K. Townsend was a senior scholar who sought me out when...
Cloud distributions in a Bay of Bengal monsoon depression

Much of the volume of a monsoon depression studied over the Bay of Bengal on July 7, 1979 featured thin, fragmentary layers of stratus, implying an absence of strong vertical motion. Coverage by cumulus updrafts was about 20 times less than coverage by inert cumulus remnants, and a great number density of humilis was found moistening the central area, following subsidence and drying. Detailed observations were made of a cloud line growing out of the southwesterly flow south of the center of the depression, which propagated faster than the low level winds. Aircraft altimetry showed an abrupt height drop from 6097 to 6090 m at 483 hPa, over a distance of 50 km from southeast to northwest through the line. Southwesterly momentum was lifted from 900 to 600 hPa and from southeast to northwest through the line. Other colocated singularities in convection and wind fields were found.
Generation of Electricity Utilizing Solar Hot Water Collectors and a Tesla Turbine

Threats of climate change and depleted petroleum supplies have prompted the need for eco-conscious alternative energy. This paper introduces a ground-breaking concept for harnessing the sun’s power that is significantly more efficient than existing systems. Solar collectors gather the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun and heat a propylene glycol to a high temperature that will then transfer the heat to a working fluid (Care30) through a plate heat exchanger. The Care30 then exits the heat exchanger in a gaseous state, and is passed through a Tesla turbine, which in turn rotates a shaft. The shaft is connected to a generator, which transforms the mechanical energy into electricity. The absorption efficiency of the solar collectors allows for mechanical loses while maintaining the overall efficiency at higher levels than any existing PV based system. Ambient temperatures drastically reduce the effectiveness of flat plate solar collectors, cooling the liquids inside before the heat can be efficiently consumed. In contrast, an evacuated tube collector maintains efficiency during such conditions. The collectors are insulated from ambient temperatures by the vacuum pressure inside the tube. A stainless steel flat plate heat exchanger is used to transfer the heat from the glycol/water solution to the refrigerant, which is sent to the turbine after it has been converted to its gaseous state. The solution also provides freeze protection in colder climates. A heat exchanger then cools the gas, returning it to its liquid state, which completes the cycle for the working fluid. The water used in the heat exchanger is then used as a supplementary heating source for the home, for domestic or radiant heating needs. As it is effective even in environments that compromise the functionality of existing PV systems, the proposed system responds effectively to the need for more efficient alternative energy sources.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Post-CMOS and Post-MEMS Compatible Flexible Skin Technologies: A Review

This paper reviews flexible skin technologies that enable monolithic integration of silicon CMOS circuits and high temperature MEMS devices on flexible substrates. The monolithic integration is achieved by fabricating CMOS circuits or MEMS sensors on silicon wafers first and then forming flexible skins by post-processing. In this sense, these flexible skin technologies are termed as post-CMOS and -MEMS compatible. Most flexible devices developed using these technologies share a common structure - silicon islands connected by flexible cables. Representative works in this field are reviewed. Important aspects such as materials, releasing methods, and interconnection methods are discussed. A brief comparison of post-CMOS and -MEMS compatible flexible skin technologies with other technologies is presented.
The amygdala mediates memory consolidation for an amphetamine conditioned place preference.

Abstract Drug-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) behavior requires memory for an association between environmental cues and the affective state produced by the drug treatment. The present study investigated whether memory consolidation underlying an amphetamine CPP could be modulated by post-training intra-amygdala infusion of the local anesthetic drug bupivacaine. On 4 alternating days adult male Long–Evans rats received peripheral injections of amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg) or saline vehicle prior to confinement for 30 min to one of two compartments of a place preference apparatus, followed by post-training intra-amygdala infusions of bupivacaine (0.75% solution/1.0 μl) or saline. On day 5 the rats were given a drug-free 20-min test session, and the amount of time spent in each of the pairing compartments of the apparatus was recorded. On the test day, rats receiving post-training intra-amygdala saline injections displayed an amphetamine conditioned place preference. Post-training intra-amygdala infusions of bupivacaine blocked amphetamine CPP. Intra-amygdala infusions of bupivacaine that were delayed 1 h post-training did not block amphetamine CPP, indicating a time-dependent effect of the treatment on memory storage processes. Pre-training or pre-retention test intra-amygdala infusions of bupivacaine also blocked acquisition and expression of an amphetamine CPP, respectively. The findings indicate that the mechanism(s) by which amphetamine elicits conditioned approach responses to environmental cues can be manipulated post-training, and suggest a role for the amygdala in acquisition, consolidation, and expression of amphetamine CPP behavior.
Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysm Causing Superior Vena Cava Syndrome and Congestive Heart Failure

Coronary artery aneurysms are defined as localized coronary artery dilations >1.5 times the diameter of the adjacent segments. In adults, they are commonly of atherosclerotic origin and are usually asymptomatic. This is the first case report of a coronary artery aneurysm causing superior vena cava syndrome and heart failure. Chest x-ray showed cardiomegaly, and transthoracic echocardiography showed a mass that was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, and coronary angiography. In conclusion, giant coronary artery aneurysms can cause superior vena cava syndrome.
A cell fractionation approach for the quantitative analysis of subcellular drug disposition.

Purpose. The purpose of this work was to develop and validate a method that can be used to quantify drugs associated with intracellular compartments.