cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mast cell transcriptional networks

Unregulated activation of mast cells can contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory and allergic diseases, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Absence of mast cells in animal models can lead to impairment in the innate immune response to parasites and bacterial infections. Aberrant clonal accumulation and proliferation of mast cells can result in a variety of diseases ranging from benign cutaneous mastocytosis to systemic mastocytosis or mast cell leukemia. Understanding mast cell differentiation provides important insights into mechanisms of lineage selection during hematopoiesis and can provide targets for new drug development to treat mast cell disorders. In this review, we discuss controversies related to development, sites of origin, and the transcriptional program of mast cells.
Synthetic peptidoglycan substrates for penicillin-binding protein 5 of Gram-negative bacteria.

The major constituent of the bacterial cell wall, peptidoglycan, is comprised of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) with an appended peptide. Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are involved in the final stages of bacterial cell wall assembly. Two activities for PBPs are the cross-linking of the cell wall, carried out by dd-transpeptidases, and the dd-peptidase activity, that removes the terminal d-Ala residue from peptidoglycan. The dd-peptidase activity moderates the extent of the cell wall cross-linking. There exists a balance between the two activities that is critical for the well-being of bacterial cells. We have cloned and purified PBP5 of Escherichia coli. The membrane anchor of this protein was removed, and the enzyme was obtained as a soluble protein. Two fragments of the polymeric cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria (compounds 5 and 6) were synthesized. These molecules served as substrates for PBP5. The products of the reactions of PBP5 and compounds 5 an...
Pattern Recognition of Self‐Reported Emotional State from Multiple‐Site Facial EMG Activity During Affective Imagery

A multivariate pattern-classification system was developed for the study of facial electromy-ographic (EMG) patterning in 12 female subjects during affect-laden imagery and for posed facial expressions. A parameter-extraction procedure identified the dynamic EMG signal properties which accorded the maximal degree of self-reported emotion discrimination. Discriminant analyses on trialwise EMG vectors allowed assessment of specific EMG-site conformations typifying rated emotions of happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. The discriminability among emotion-specific EMG conformations was correlated with subjective ratings of affective-imagery vividness and duration. Evidence was obtained suggesting that the EMG patterns encoded complex, “blended” reported affective states during the imagery. Classification analyses produced point-predictions of reported emotional states in 10 of the 12 subjects, and provided the first computer pattern recognition of self-reported emotion from psychophysiological responses.
The thermal background of HST as measured by HST-NICMOS

The overall temperature environment of the NICMOS detectors onboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has changed since initial operation in 1997. These changes include an increased detector operating temperature and increases of the temperatures at the aft end of HST and the NICMOS enclosure. The aft shroud of HST is warmer due to on-going degredation of the MultiLayer Insullation (MLI) and increased power from the instruments installed during Servicing Mission 3B (The Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and the NICMOS Cryocooling System (NCS)). This warms the NICMOS fore-optics, affecting the thermal background in long wavelength camera 2 and camera 3 filters. These trends are well described by both direct engineering data from the telescope and thermal emission models which are able to estimate the total thermal contribution to an exposure by knowing the etendue, reflectance, emissivity and temperature of each of the optics. This work reflects the first evidence of spacecraft heating directly affecting science observations onboard HST.
Tumor size and location correlate with behavior of pancreatic serous cystic neoplasms

OBJECTIVES:The majority of pancreatic serous cystic neoplasms (SCNs) are benign. However, these neoplasms can cause symptoms and rarely can be aggressive. Identification of factors associated with symptomatic or aggressive SCNs may aid management decisions. The aim of this study was to identify vari
Occurrence of anticopalic acid in Pinus monticola

Abstract Anticopalic acid, a labdane diterpene not previously reported in the Gymnospermae, was found to be a major resin acid in the bark and in the wood of western white pine, Pinus monticola Dougl.
Weighted trigonometrical approximation on R1 with application to the Germ field of a stationary Gaussian noise

f∗(γ) (\(\gamma = a + ib\)) denotes the regular extension of \(f^{{\ast}}(a) = f(a)^{{\ast}}\) so that \(f^{{\ast}}(\gamma ) = (f(\gamma ^{{\ast}}))^{{\ast}}\), (\(\gamma ^{{\ast}} = a - ib\)).
Regulatory T cells essential to prevent the loss of self-tolerance in murine models of erythrocyte-specific autoantibody responses

The spontaneous appearance of anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies resulting in autoimmune hemolytic anemia described in NZB mice more than 40 years ago provided a model for the study of mechanisms behind the loss of self-tolerance. We developed an in vitro model of this anti-MRBC response in which CD8+ suppressor T cells were shown to be a controlling element. CD8+ T cells from young NZB mice co-cultured with spleen cells from old, actively autoimmune NZB mice suppressed the anti-MRBC responses of the old mice. Eliminating the CD8+ cells from young NZB spleen cells or even from non-autoimmune BALB/c spleen cells prior to culture removed the controlling influence of these CD8+ cells and allowed the development of anti-MRBC-secreting cells. This review will consider the role of the CD8+ suppressive cells in the anti-self-erythrocyte model in light of insights provided by current ‘regulatory T cell’ literature.
The Dialectic as a Tool for Teaching Psychology.

In this article, I present dialectical thinking as a useful tool in teaching psychology. The basic notion of dialectical thinking is that ideas evolve in a cycle, by which the statement of an idea—the thesis—is followed by the statement of a seemingly contrary or contradictory idea—the antithesis—that is in turn followed by a synthesis that incorporates the best elements of both of the original ideas. I also contrast the dialectical model for teaching about the history of psychology with the more traditional model.
Maternal Age-Adjusted Birth Prevalence of Down Syndrome Is Lower in States with Higher Levels of Per Capita Income

Maternal Age-Adjusted Birth Prevalence of Down Syndrome Is Lower in States with Higher Levels of Per Capita Income
The Porous Borders of the Protein World

Fold switching may play a role in the evolution of new protein folds and functions. He et al., in this issue of Structure, use protein design to illustrate that the same drastic change in a protein fold can occur via multiple different mutational pathways.
Studies on rat renal cortical cell kallikrein I. Separation and measurement

A technique has been developed to separate and measure kallikrein in a heterogeneous population of rat renal cortical cells in suspension. After rat kidneys were perfused in situ in anaesthetized rats, viable, counted cortical cell suspensions were obtained. Cells were suspended in a sucrose/Tris buffer containing 0.5% deoxycholate, homogenized, centrifuged, dialyzed, and gel filtered on Sephadex G-25. Column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose resulted in a single peak of esterase activity between 0.20 to 0.25 M NaCl/sodium phosphate buffer. Subsequent elution yielded an alkaline esterase which was identical to kallikrein isolated from rat urine, insofar as pH optimum, effects of inhibitors, bioassay activity and immunological properties were concerned. Calculated yields were about 70% of the total esterase activity present in the parent cell homogenates. Recoveries of a purified rat urinary kallikrein added to the cell homogenates, the DEAE-cellulose columns, or the eluates from the columns ranged from 83-108% (mean 96%). Using this technique, it was found that the amount of kallikrein activity present in non-incubated renal cortical cells ranged from 0.6-10(-2) to 4.6 - 10(-2) alpha-N-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester (Tos-Arg-OMe) esterase units per 10(8) cells. However, cells incubated in a nutrient medium at 37 degrees C for 3-8 h contained no measurable kallikrein activity, whereas the surrounding medium had kallikrein activity which could be significantly increased by aldosterone and decreased by spironolactone.
Diverting with Benevolent Military Force: Reducing Risks and Rising above Strategic Behavior

Research on the diversionary use of force has burgeoned in recent years, but the literature remains divided. This paper attempts to reconcile extant findings by advancing a new theoretical framework for diversionary force centered on the agenda-setting literature. It expands the conventional conception of diversionary behavior and distinguishes the benevolent use of force over low politics issues (which we term socioeconomic interventions, SEI) from belligerent force used over high politics issues (which we term politico-strategic interventions, PSI). This expansion also refines our understanding of strategic conflict avoidance (SCA). Using Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression on 140 countries from 1950 to 1996, we find that democracies and mixed regimes tend to use SEI for diversion even though strategic conflict avoidance does not prevent them from using PSI. We further find that autocracies do not externalize their internal problems with either type of armed force and that, surprisingly, strategic conflict avoidance may constrain autocracies suffering economic decline. These outcomes suggest that our theory has utility and that research on both diversion and SCA would benefit from further theoretical refinement.
Fuzzy dynamic programming, fuzzy adaptive neuro control, and the general medical diagnosis problem

Abstract The fuzzy medical diagnosis decision models of Esogbue and Elder employed fuzzy sets theory to directly and more correctly model all the information nets useful in reaching a scientific understanding of a patient's health status. This knowledge was utilized in constructing a sensible medical hypothesis decision problem. In this paper, we show how fuzzy dynamic programming and neural networks can be used to extend the process to other phases by linking the four stages of medical hypothesis, physician's observation, preliminary diagnosis, and final diagnosis in an adroit manner.
Crosscorrelation of m-sequences over nonprime finite fields

The crosscorrelation function of m-sequences over GF(q) where q = pm, p a prime and m an integer greater than 1 is developed. This crosscorrelation function is shown to have three and four levels similar to the case of m-sequences over GF(p) (a prime field) when the elements of GF(q) are expressed as elements of a vector space over the pth roots of unity. These nonbinary m-sequences can improve performance over binary m-sequences in spread spectrum and code division multiple access communication systems.
Going for distance and going for speed: Effort and optical variables shape information for distance perception from observation to response

Visually guided distance perception reflects a relationship of geometrical optical variables with the effort required when traversing the distance. We probed how the representations encoding optical variables might define this relationship. Participants visually judged distances on sloped surfaces and reproduced these distances over flat terrain by walking while blindfolded. We examined the responses for the effects of optical variables (i.e., angular declinations from eye height) and tested whether four measures of trial-by-trial effort moderated the use of the represented optical variables. We predicted that observation time and response speed relative to the observed distance would accentuate the effects of encoded optical variables, and that response time and response speed relative to the traversed distance would reduce the effects of those variables. The results confirmed all of the effects except those of observation time. Given the benefits of longer study for strengthening a memory trace, the failure of observation time to predict the use of optical variables raises questions about the representational encoding of visual traces for distance perception. Relationships among optical variables and other effort measures implicate the interaction of processes across multiple time scales, as in cascade dynamics. Cascade dynamics may provide new directions for accounts of visually guided distance perception.
Neural Signatures of Test-Potentiated Learning in Parietal Cortex

Testing, or retrieval practice, is beneficial for long-term memory both directly, by enhancing performance on tested information, and indirectly, by facilitating learning from subsequent encounters with the information. Although a wealth of behavioral research has examined the “testing effect,” neuroimaging has provided little insight regarding the potential mechanisms that underlie the benefits of retrieval practice. Here, fMRI was used to examine the effects of retrieval practice on later study trials. Human subjects studied pairs of associated words, which were then tested, restudied, or neither tested nor restudied. All pairs were then studied once more in expectation of a final test. We asked how this Final Study episode was affected by prior history (whether the pair had been previously tested, restudied, or neither). The data revealed striking similarities between responses in lateral parietal cortex in the present study and those in a host of studies explicitly tapping recognition memory processes. Moreover, activity in lateral parietal cortex during Final Study was correlated with a behavioral index of test-potentiated learning. We conclude that retrieval practice may enhance learning by promoting the recruitment of retrieval mechanisms during subsequent study opportunities.
Life Expectancy Varies in Local Communities in Chicago: Racial and Spatial Disparities and Correlates

Objectives Life expectancy in the USA reached a record high of 78.7 years in 2010. However, the racial gap in life expectancy persists. National data, which are readily available, provide averages which mask important local-level differences. Local data are needed to identify the worst off groups, key to reducing disparities and pursuing health equity.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Offender Hopelessness: Lessons from Treatment of Forensic Inpatients

Patients remanded to forensic hospitals often experience a marked situational depression once initial psychotic symptoms subside and the reality of their legal situation becomes evident. Individual psychotherapy is not often used with this population due to a generally high level of impairment. It is suggested, that with modifications, the cognitive-behavioral therapy manual by Michael Thase (in: VanHasselt, Hersen (eds) Sourcebook of psychological treatment manuals for adult disorders, 1996) designed to treat depression in psychiatric inpatients can be used to treat situational depression in forensic inpatients. Modifications include the use of increased behavioral techniques, the addition of a group component, and lengthening of time limits for each treatment phase. Case examples from a first attempt to implement the new treatment program are presented.
Protecting Location Privacy with Dynamic Mac Address Exchanging in Wireless Networks

Location information of users can now be collected from most wireless communication using advanced wireless location tracking techniques. Providing location information can be advantageous in some situations. However, there are instances, where it may be critical to protect the location of the individual. Several protection strategies, such as periodically updating interface identifiers, have been proposed so that an adversary cannot track mobiles in long-term movements. In this paper, we introduce a new strategy, DMAS (Dynamical Mac Assignment with Shuffle), in which the mobile client dynamically exchanges its assigned Mac addresses with others.We present a security analysis to show this scheme can greatly secure a client's location privacy.
Ethics, religiosity and the question of community in Emmanuel Levinas

Se proposant d'eclaircir la relation entre l'inconditionnalite singuliere de l'ethique de Levinas et les conditions generales de la justice selon Levinas, l'A. etudie l'interconnexion entre l'ethique, la religiosite et la question de la communaute chez le philosophe francais, afin de montrer la dimension religieuse de la morale et la signification de la singularite dans le cadre de cette ethique religieuse, d'une part, et la tension irreductible entre la singularite du sujet et une pensee juste de la communaute, d'autre part
Potential regulation of membrane trafficking by estrogen receptor alpha via induction of rab11 in uterine glands during implantation.

The steroid hormone estrogen profoundly influences the early events in the uterus leading to embryo implantation. It is thought that estrogen triggers the expression of a unique set of genes in the preimplantation endometrium that in turn control implantation. To identify these estrogen-induced genes, we used a delayed implantation model system in which embryo attachment to endometrium is dependent on estrogen administration. Using a mRNA differential display (DD) method, we isolated a number of cDNAs representing mRNAs whose expression is either turned on or turned off in response to an implantation-inducing dose of estrogen. We identified one of these cDNAs as that encoding rab11, a p21ras-like GTP-binding protein (G protein), which functions in the targeting of transport vesicles to the plasma membrane. In normal pregnant rats, rab11 mRNA was expressed at low levels on days 1–2 of pregnancy, but its expression was markedly enhanced (∼6- to 8-fold) between days 3–5 immediately before implantation. In si...
Miniaturized chemical multiplexed sensor array.

Miniaturized tin oxide semiconductor sensors are fabricated directly by site-specific dip-pen nanopatterning using precursor inks derived from the sol−gel method. The good flow characteristics and strong affinity of the sols to measurement electrodes enable intimate contact. The measurable, reproducible, and proportionate changes in the resistance of the sensors when exposed to trace quantities of oxidative and reducing gases constitute the basis for such sensors. These sensors show rapid response and ultrafast recovery for the detection of nitrogen dioxide and acetic acid. Furthermore, an array of eight miniaturized sensors is created by doping the pristine tin-based sol ink with different metal ions; the different responses of each sensor to certain gases constitute a reference response spectrum that can be used to recognize the gas. Such recognition ability, instant response and rapid recovery, compact size, and integration with the current microelectronics platform make the miniaturized sensor array a...
CREB and NF-κB Transcription Factors Regulate Sensitivity to Excitotoxic and Oxidative Stress Induced Neuronal Cell Death

1. Glutamate–NMDA receptor excitotoxicity and oxidative stress are two common mechanisms associated with most neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesize that the vital state of neurons is regulated in part by two key transcription factors, CREB and NF-κB. To test this hypothesis we used hippocampal–entorhinal cortex slice cultures.
Nonmuscle Myosin IIB, a sarcomeric component in the Extraocular Muscles

Extraocular muscles (EOMs) are categorized as skeletal muscles; however, emerging evidence indicates that their gene expression profile, metabolic characteristics and functional properties are significantly different from the prototypical members of this muscle class. Gene expression profiling of developing and adult EOM suggest that many myofilament and cytoskeletal proteins have unique expression patterns in EOMs, including the maintained expression of embryonic and fetal isoforms of myosin heavy chains (MyHC), the presence of a unique EOM specific MyHC and mixtures of both cardiac and skeletal muscle isoforms of thick and thin filament accessory proteins. We demonstrate that nonmuscle myosin IIB (nmMyH IIB) is a sarcomeric component in approximately 20% of the global layer fibers in adult rat EOMs. Comparisons of the myofibrillar distribution of nmMyHC IIB with sarcomeric MyHCs indicate that nmMyH IIB co-exists with slow MyHC isoforms. In longitudinal sections of adult rat EOM, nmMyHC IIB appears to be restricted to the A-bands. Although nmMyHC IIB has been previously identified as a component of skeletal and cardiac sarcomeres at the level of the Z-line, the novel distribution of this protein within the A band in EOMs is further evidence of both the EOMs complexity and unconventional phenotype.
USE OF SIMULATED ATMOSPHERIC NOISE IN THE CALIBRATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LORAN-C RECEIVERS FOR AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION

The LF band used for Loran-C navigation is susceptible to the effects of atmospheric noise. The two main components of LF atmospheric noise are background Gaussian noise and impulsive lightning noise. As the FAA continues in its efforts to incorporate Loran-C into the National Airspace System for use as a supplementary navigation aid, it is necessary to develop a better understanding of the effect of atmospheric noise on the accuracy, availability, and integrity of Loran-C. A simulation facility has been developed which provides a controlled, repeatable, and realistic noise environment for the calibration and testing of Loran receivers. This paper describes three of the noise models used in the simulator, and how they are created, calibrated, and used in the evaluation of Loran receivers.
Design of short pulse laser driven opacity experiments

Abstract Hot electrons created by short, intense laser pulses can heat solid density material to temperatures of order 500 eV. Inertial confinement can maintain such hot-dense plasmas for times of order 10 ps. This provides a platform for measurement of basic properties of hot dense matter, such as opacity and equation-of-state. In this paper we describe the role of computational modeling in the design and analysis of such opacity experiments. We describe a method to model the hot electron transport and deposition and the resulting target radiation-hydrodynamics. We present several design concepts to achieve uniform, long-lasting plasmas.
Low-Speed Time-Multiplexing with Magnetic Latching Relays

Many satellite and spacecraft telemetry systems require that measurements be time-shared at relatively low rates (less than one sample per second) and that several rates be available in order to minimize redundant sampling. This paper discusses a multiplexing system designed specifically for low-speed operation and multiple-rate flexibility so as to gain advantage in other critical areas of performance. A unique synthesis of the basic circuit provides for the time-multplexing of n measurements with n-1 magnetic latching relays. Assuming an external two-phase clocking source, no other components, active of passive, are required in the circuit. Other advantages of the circuit are: 1) low average power consumption, 2) no additional monitoring or reset circuitry required to insure proper operation at turn-on or after momentary power failure, and 3) the virtual impossibility of switching more than a single measurement to the common output line, even in the case of component or wiring failure.
Attenuation Artifact During Myocardial SPECT Imaging Secondary to Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

Breast attenuation artifacts are a major cause of false-positive results in gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies in women. The presence of a saline or silicone breast implant as a foreign object anterior to the heart will increase the likelihood of these attenuation artifacts. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration approved silicone implants for cosmetic use again in the United States. This brief report highlights the impact of breast implants on the accuracy of diagnostic cardiac SPECT imaging.
Framing Effects: Dynamics and Task Domains

The author examines the mechanisms and dynamics of framing effects in risky choices across three distinct task domains (i.e., life-death, public property, and personal money). The choice outcomes of the problems presented in each of the three task domains had a binary structure of a sure thing vs a gamble of equal expected value; the outcomes differed in their framing conditions and the expected values, raging from 6000, 600, 60, to 6, numerically. It was hypothesized that subjects would become more risk seeking, if the sure outcome was below their aspiration level (the minimum requirement). As predicted, more subjects preferred the gamble when facing the life-death choice problems than facing the counterpart problems presented in the other two task domains. Subjects' risk preference varied categorically along the group size dimension in the life-death domain but changed more linearly over the expected value dimension in the monetary domain. Framing effects were observed in 7 of 13 pairs of problems, showing a positive frame-risk aversion and negative frame-risk seeking relationship. In addition, two types of framing effects were theoretically defined and empirically identified. A bidirectional framing effect involves a reversal in risk preference, and occurs when a decision maker's risk preference is ambiguous or weak. Four bidirectional effects were observed; in each case a majority of subjects preferred the sure outcome under a positive frame but the gamble under a negative frame. In contrast, a unidirectional framing effect refers to a preference shift due to the framing of choice outcomes: A majority of subjects preferred one choice outcome (either the sure thing or the gamble) under both framing conditions, with positive frame augmented the preference for the sure thing and negative frame augmented the preference for the gamble. These findings revealed some dynamic regularities of framing effects and posed implications for developing predictive and testable models of human decision making.
Effects of the Transition Magnetic Moment of the Neutrino

It is shown that a sizable transition magnetic moment between ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ and a massive neutrino ${\ensuremath{\nu}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ (of mass of approximately 100 MeV) leads to some detectable effects. These effects could be revealed significantly in ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}} ({\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}})$ electron scattering, but would remain hidden in most other cases. It is also pointed out under what circumstances a large transition magnetic moment arises in gauge models.
Physical Metallurgy in Lead-Free Electronic Solder Development

Classical physical metallurgy principles play significant roles in the pursuit of suitable substitutes for traditional lead-based solders in the electronic industry. Phase diagrams, alloy development, solidification, diffusion, wetting, aging, precipitation of second-phase particles, microstructural coarsening, temperature effects, thermomechanical behavior, and creep are among the issues to be considered. This article focuses on the importance of physical metallurgy in these developments.
Hippocampal mediation of raphe lesion- and PCPA-induced hyperactivity in the rat

These experiments provide a direct test of the hypothesis that median raphe lesion- or PCPA-induced hyperactivity in the rat is mediated specifically by the hippocampus. Previous studies had shown that a marked depletion of hippocampal serotonin accompanied median lesion-induced hyperactivity. In the present studies, aspiration of the anterodorsal hippocampus of adult male rats prior to median raphe lesions or PCPA administration abolished the ability of both of these treatments to produce locomotor hyperactivity in animals chronically housed in tilt cages. Control lesions of the overlying dorsal cortex and corpus callosum were ineffective in blocking the hyperactivity produced by these two treatments. The possibility that serotonin depletion-induced hyperactivity was dependent on the pituitary was excluded by the fact that PCPA effectively elevated the activity of hypophysectomized rats. These data indicate that serotonin depletion-induced hyperactivity in the rat is mediated by the hippocampus.
Topology optimization of periodic layouts of dielectric materials

A topology optimization method is used to design two dimensional periodic structures with desirable transmission properties by distributing two materials of different permittivity over a rectangular representative cell. A plane wave expansion of the electric field at the input and output boundaries is used in the analysis. This allows non-homogeneous material distributions near the boundaries. Numerical examples are used to verify the robustness of the method and to investigate the importance of retaining higher modes in the expansions. It is found that the optimization problem typically admits possibly many local optima and the relevance of higher modes depends on the nature of the solution found. In some instances, higher modes play an important role and using only the dominant mode in the analysis is shown to result in errors in the evaluation of the performance of the design.
Proteasomes: Machines for All Reasons

Emerging data reveal that besides degrading proteins tagged with ubiquitin, the proteasome plays a more varied and decisive role in cellular regulation than previously imagined. In this issue, Hanna et al. (2007) expand our view of the proteasome by showing that under certain conditions, proteasome composition can be altered to control ubiquitin homeostasis.
A protocol for tracking mobile targets using sensor networks

With recent advances in device fabrication technology, economical deployment of large scale sensor networks, capable of pervasive monitoring and control of physical systems have become possible. Scalability, low overhead anti distributed functionality are some of the key requirements for any protocol designed for such large scale sensor networks. In this paper, we present a protocol, Distributed Predictive Tracking, for one of the most likely applications for sensor networks: tracking moving targets. The protocol uses a clustering based approach for scalability and a prediction based tracking mechanism to provide a distributed and energy efficient solution. The protocol is robust against node or prediction failures which may result in temporary loss of the target and recovers from such scenarios quickly and with very little additional energy use. Using simulations we show that the proposed architecture is able to accurately track targets with random movement patterns with accuracy over a wide range of target speeds.
Illness Management and Recovery: A Review of the Literature

Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) was developed as a way to pull together evidence-based practices regarding self-management of serious mental illness into a single program. More than a decade later, studies from the United States and around the world have provided encouraging evidence that the IMR package leads to positive consumer outcomes. This literature review summarizes research indicating the effectiveness of IMR and describes facilitators and barriers uncovered in IMR implementation studies.
Mechanisms of an autoimmunity syndrome in mice caused by a dominant mutation in Aire

Homozygous loss-of-function mutations in AIRE cause autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS 1), which manifests in a classic triad of hypoparathyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and candidiasis. Interestingly, a kindred with a specific G228W AIRE variant presented with an autosomal dominant autoimmune phenotype distinct from APS 1. We utilized a novel G228W-knockin mouse model to show that this variant acted in a dominant-negative manner to cause a unique autoimmunity syndrome. In addition, the expression of a large number of Aire-regulated thymic antigens was partially inhibited in these animals, demonstrating the importance of quantitative changes in thymic antigen expression in determining organ-specific autoimmunity. Furthermore, the dominant-negative effect of the G228W variant was exerted through recruitment of WT Aire away from active sites of transcription in the nucleus of medullary thymic epithelial cells in vivo. Together, these results may demonstrate a mechanism by which autoimmune predisposition to phenotypes distinct from APS 1 can be mediated in a dominant-negative fashion by Aire.
A Reconceptualized Model of Self-Control and Crime: Specifying the Role of Self-Control Variability

In this article an argument is developed that criminologists’ focus on individuals’ levels of self-control has caused us to miss another key component within this theoretical tradition: within-individual situational variability in self-control. Accordingly, in the present study, self-control variability is treated as an important theoretical construct that should explain criminal behavior independent of one’s level of self-control. This proposition is tested empirically on a sample of young adults, using measures of both self-control and situational self-control variability in a series of multivariate regression models. The results demonstrate that both self-control and self-control variability exert significant and independent effects on criminal behavior. These results reveal support for a reconceptualized model of self-control that incorporates both static and dynamic dimensions.
THE SETTLING OF FEMALE HAEMATOPOTA INSIDIATRIX AUSTEN (DIPTERA, TABANIDAE) ON CLOTH SCREENS

The response of female Haematopota insidiatrix towards cloth screens is considered as part of the host-finding behaviour. When black, dark grey, light grey and white cloths were compared as regards attractiveness, more flies settled on the black than on the other shades. When a screen was carried horizontally flies settled on the under surface but not on the upper surface and more flies were caught. A black screen with three white stripes was progressively less attractive as the width of these stripes was increased. Even narrow white stripes reduced the catch, particularly if they were horizontally arranged. When differently sized black screens were compared, fewer flies were caught on the smaller ones. Flies settled on the lower part of a screen, as they do on a host animal. When a screen was divided so that its lower half was white and its upper half black, fewer flies settled on it than on the all-black reverse side (control). Conversely, with black below white approximately the same number of flies were caught on this as on the black control side of the screen. At temperatures below 19° C and humidities above 77% R.H., more flies settled on the sunny than on the shaded side of the screen. At higher temperatures and lower humidities this preference was reversed. Zusammenfassung DIE WAHL VON STOFFSCHIRMEN VERSCHIEDENER HELLIGKEIT DURCH WEIBLICHE HAEMATOPOTA INSIDIATRIX AUSTEN (DIPTERA, TABANIDAE) Die Reaktion der weiblichen Haematopota insidiatrix auf Stoffschirme wird als ein Teil des Verhaltens bei der Suche nach einem Wirtstier betrachtet. Beim Vergleich von schwarzen, dunkelgrauen, hellgrauen und weissen Stoffen in Beziehung auf ihre Anziehungskraft setzten sich mehr Fliegen auf die schwarzen Stoffe als auf anders getonten. Wenn ein Schirm horizontal getragen wurde, setzten sich die Fliegen auf die untere Seite doch nicht auf die obere Seite. Ausserdem stieg die Anzahl der gefangenen Fliegen. Ein schwarzer Schirm mit drei weissen Streifen versehen ubte um so weniger Anziehungskraft aus, je breiter die Streifen gemacht wurden. Seibst enge weisse Streifen verminderten die Anzahl der gefangenen Fliegen, besonders wenn sie horizontal angebracht waren. Wenn Schirme von verschiedener Grosse herumgetragen wurden, fingen sich auf den kleineren Schirmen weniger Fliegen. Die Fliegen setzten sich auf den unteren Teil der Schirme genau wie sie es bei Wirtstieren machen. Wurde ein Schirm in eine untere Halfte (weiss) und eine obere Halfte (schwarz) geteilt, so liessen sich weniger Fliegen darauf nieder als auf der ganzschwarze Ruckseite (Kontrolle). Im umgekehrten Falle, (untere Halfte schwarz, obere Halfte weiss) wurde ungefahr dieselbe Anzahl von Fliegen auf dieser Seite wie auf der vollig schwarzen Ruckseite gefangen. Bei Temperaturen unter 19° C und einen relativen Feuchtigkeit von uber 77% setzten sich mehr Fliegen auf die sonnige Seite als auf die beschattete Seite des Schirmes. Bei hoheren Temperaturen und niedrigerem Luftfeuchtigkeitsgehalt war diese Vorliebe umgekehrt.
Access and Equity in Greenspace Provision: A Comparison of Methods to Assess the Impacts of Greening Vacant Land

This research explores three methods of measuring access to greenspace in Philadelphia and their implications for assessing equity in access based on race and socioeconomic status. These three methods are then used to assess the impacts of a vacant land greening program which turns vacant lots into temporary greenspaces. This research explores the differences between findings when access to greenspace is measured based on distance to any greenspace, total amount of greenspace to which residents have access, or a hybrid measure in which access is determined based on proximity to a threshold amount of greenspace. Not only do assessments of equity differ between the three approaches, but so do determinations of the impact of greening vacant land. Blacks, Hispanics and renters are more likely to live close to a public greenspace than whites or homeowners, but live in proximity to smaller overall amounts of greenspace. Greening vacant land increases the proportion of all residents who live within walking distance of a greenspace and lessens but does not eliminate differences in total greenspace access. The greatest effects of greening vacant land are seen in addressing differences in relative likelihood of having access to a threshold amount of greenspace.
Cognitive influences on the development and maintenance of gender segregation

Both children's explicit gender knowledge and implicit thtorits of gender can bt profitably examined as part of a cognitive approach to the development and maintenance of gender segregation.
Scheduling with Rate and Duty-Cycle Constraints for Wireless Networks over an Interference Channel

We consider the problem of finding a minimum energy transmission schedule for duty-cycle and rate constrained nodes transmitting over a AWGN interference channel. Since traditional optimization methods using Lagrange multipliers do not work well and are computationally expensive given the non-convex constraints, we develop polynomial time approximation schemes for finding optimal rate and duty-cycle constrained energy schedule by considering a restricted version of the problem using discrete power levels. We first show a simple dynamic programming solution that optimally solves the restricted problem using two fixed power levels. We then find a 2-factor approximation to the problem of finding the optimal fixed power level that generates the optimal (minimum) energy schedule. We then develop a (2,beta)-FPAS (fully polynomial time approximation scheme) for the problem that approximates the optimal power consumption and rate constraints to within factors of 2 and arbitrarily close beta, respectively. The running time of the FPAS is polynomial in 1/beta.
Chronic hypoxia induces Rho kinase-dependent myogenic tone in small pulmonary arteries.

Myogenic tone in the pulmonary vasculature of normoxic adult animals is minimal or nonexistent. Whereas chronic hypoxia (CH) increases basal tone in pulmonary arteries, it is unclear if a portion o...
Listening, Communication & Trust: Practitioners' Perspectives of Business/Organizational Relationships

“Relationship” is a term that is used frequently in business communication. But what exactly is a business/organizational relationship? How is one built and maintained? Are processes such as listening and communication integral elements? This study attempts to suggest answers to the aforementioned questions using data collected from interviews with business communication professionals.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling Deficiencies Impact Female Reproduction and Kisspeptin Neurons in Mice

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for the development of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system. Mice harboring deficiencies in Fgf8 or Fgf receptor 1 (Fgfr1) suffer a significant loss of GnRH neurons, but their reproductive phenotypes have not been examined. This study examined if female mice hypomorphic for Fgf8, Fgfr1, or both (compound hypomorphs) exhibited altered parameters of pubertal onset, estrous cyclicity, and fertility. Further, we examined the number of kisspeptin (KP)-immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the anteroventral periventricular/periventricular nuclei (AVPV/PeV) of these mice to assess if changes in the KP system, which stimulates the GnRH system, could contribute to the reproductive phenotypes. Single hypomorphs (Fgfr1(+/-) or Fgf8(+/-)) had normal timing for vaginal opening (VO) but delayed first estrus. However, after achieving the first estrus, they underwent normal expression of estrous cycles. In contrast, the compound hypomorphs underwent early VO and normal first estrus, but had disorganized estrous cycles that subsequently reduced their fertility. KP immunohistochemistry on Postnatal Day 15, 30, and 60 transgenic female mice revealed that female compound hypomorphs had significantly more KP-ir neurons in the AVPV/PeV compared to their wild-type littermates, suggesting increased KP-ir neurons may drive early VO but could not maintain the cyclic changes in GnRH neuronal activity required for female fertility. Overall, these data suggest that Fgf signaling deficiencies differentially alter the parameters of female pubertal onset and cyclicity. Further, these deficiencies led to changes in the AVPV/PeV KP-ir neurons that may have contributed to the accelerated VO in the compound hypomorphs.
Heterotrimeric G Proteins Regulate a Noncanonical Function of Septate Junction Proteins to Maintain Cardiac Integrity in Drosophila

SUMMARY The gene networks regulating heart morphology and cardiac integrity are largely unknown. We previously reported a role for the heterotrimeric G protein gsubunit 1 (Gg1) in mediating cardial-pericardial cell adhesion in Drosophila. Here we show G-oa47A and Gb13F cooperate with Gg1 to maintain cardiac integrity. Cardial-pericardial cell adhesion also relies on the septate junction (SJ) proteins Neurexin-IV (Nrx-IV), Sinuous, Coracle, and Nervana2, which together function in a common pathway with Gg1. Furthermore, Gg1 signaling is required for proper SJ protein localization, and loss of at least one SJ protein, Nrx-IV, induces cardiac lumen collapse. These results are surprising because the embryonic heart lacks SJs and suggest that SJ proteins perform noncanonical functions to maintain cardiac integrity in Drosophila. Our findings unveil the components of a previously unrecognized network of genes that couple G protein signaling with structural constituents of the heart.
Immune Cells Are Required for Cutaneous Ulceration in a Swine Model of Chancroid

Cutaneous lesions of the human sexually transmitted genital ulcer disease chancroid are characterized by the presence of intraepidermal pustules, keratinocyte cytopathology, and epidermal and dermal erosion. These lesions are replete with neutrophils, macrophages, and CD4(+) T cells and contain very low numbers of cells of Haemophilus ducreyi, the bacterial agent of chancroid. We examined lesion formation by H. ducreyi in a pig model by using cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced immune cell deficiency to distinguish between host and bacterial contributions to chancroid ulcer formation. Histologic presentation of H. ducreyi-induced lesions in CPA-treated pigs differed from ulcers that developed in immune-competent animals in that pustules did not form and surface epithelia remained intact. However, these lesions had significant suprabasal keratinocyte cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that the host immune response was required for chancroid ulceration, while bacterial products were at least partially responsible for the keratinocyte cytopathology associated with chancroid lesions in the pig. The low numbers of H. ducreyi present in lesions in humans and immune-competent pigs have prevented localization of these organisms within skin. However, H. ducreyi organisms were readily visualized in lesion biopsies from infected CPA-treated pigs by immunoelectron microscopy. These bacteria were extracellular and associated with necrotic host cells in the epidermis and dermis. The relative abundance of H. ducreyi in inoculated CPA-treated pig skin suggests control of bacterial replication by host immune cells during natural human infection.
Anti-platelet antibodies associated with the Canale-Smith syndrome bind to the same platelet glycoprotein complexes as those of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura patients.

The Canale–Smith syndrome (CSS) is an inherited disease characterized by massive lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and systemic autoimmunity to erythrocytes and platelets. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disease in which approximately 60–80% of patients have anti-platelet antibodies directed against specific platelet glycoprotein complexes (GPCs) located on their membrane: GP IIb/IIIa, GPIb/IX, and GPIa/IIa. Almost all (95–100%) of the antibody-positive patients have antibodies directed against GPIIb/IIIa alone, or in combination with other glycoprotein targets. Our objective was to determine the specificities of the anti-platelet antibodies in CSS patients. The detection of anti-platelet antibodies was performed using a commercially available ELISA, the Pak-AUTO (GTI, Brookfield, WI), in which highly purified GPIIb/IIIa, GPIb/IX, and GPIa/IIa are immobilized on microtitre plates, incubated with serum or plasma, and subsequently developed with an antihuman polyclonal immunoglobulin. Of 14 CSS patients tested, 11 (79%) had anti-platelet antibodies in their serum directed toward at least one of the three major GPC, nine (82%) of which were against GPIIb/IIIa alone or in combination. Antibodies detected in the sera of ITP patients had similar specificities. No such antibodies were detected in samples from 25 consecutive normal controls. These results demonstrate that a genetically defined defect in lymphocyte apoptosis results in a humoral autoimmune response with anti-platelet specificities very similar to the common idiopathic form of autoimmune thrombocytopenia.