cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing men and women with binge-eating disorder and co-morbid obesity.

Objective This study examined differences in clinical presentation of men and women with binge-eating disorder (BED) who participated in treatment research at a medical-school based program. Method Participants were 682 adults (n = 182 men, n = 500 women) with DSM-IV-defined BED. Doctoral-level research clinicians assessed eating-disorder psychopathology, including BED diagnosis, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID) and Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) interview. Research clinicians measured height and weight and participants completed a battery of established self-report measures. Results Men had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) than women; women had significantly higher eating-disorder psychopathology (EDE scales and global score) and depression than men. Differences in eating-disorder psychopathology and depression remained higher for women than men after adjusting for race/ethnicity and BMI. Frequency of binge-eating episodes, subjective binge-eating episodes, and overeating episodes did not differ significantly by sex. Women had younger ages of onset for dieting and binge-eating behaviors than men but ages of onset for obesity and BED did not significantly differ between men and women. Discussion There are some sex differences in clinical presentation and age-of-onset timeline of adults with BED. Men and women develop obesity and BED (at diagnostic threshold) around the same age but women begin dieting and binge-eating behaviors earlier than men. At presentation for treatment for BED, men and women did not differ in binge-eating frequency and although men and women differed significantly on BMI and eating-disorder psychopathology, the magnitude of these differences was quite modest.
Of Exact and Inexact Essences in Modern Physical Science

Husserl has argued in the Crisis that the application of mathematics to the physical sciences (the Galilean project) has effected a rather superficial (non-phenomenological) reduction of the qualities proper to the concretely intuitable physical world. On the bash of a close analysis of the essential motivations and implications of Einstein’stheory of relativity, it is possible to argue that a parallel to the phenomenological method operates within the modern physical conceptions of space, time, and matter. The main issue turns around the ideal of exactness, as the development of these conceptions tends to include inexactness as a primary quality of the world.
A Survey of Adaptive Sampling for Clinical Trials

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews some work on a subject that treats the design of clinical trials in the light of ranking and selection theory. Although adaptive sampling rules have a logical and mathematical appeal, equal allocation plans often have the virtue that patients can be matched with respect to relevant biological factors. There are, however, many trials in which patients enter sequentially in time and detailed matching is either not possible or not important. All the theories employ a single measure of what constitutes a better population. Very often, the physician is called on to balance several factors, with two obvious examples being cost and side effects. There has been no theoretical examination of such vector criteria, and there has been little formal work done on balancing different factors so that they can be included within a single theoretical framework. In a case presented in the chapter, it is shown that a two-stage procedure requires only a small number of preliminary tests to benefit from the possibility of choosing between allocation methods. Too little has been done on clinical trials in which the measured parameter is a patient's lifetime. The possibility of switching treatments on a patient for whom it is found that the initial treatment is leading to failure is important. This strategy is often used in cancer chemotherapy, but little is available by way of guidance to clinicians from theory. Many more allocation and stopping rules should be examined in light of the objective of reducing the number of patients on relatively poor treatments and on designing simple and efficient clinical trials.
Spatial Oncolytic Virus Dynamics

Tumors are often characterized by intricate spatial structures. Therefore, understanding the principles of virus spread in spatially structured tumor cell populations is of fundamental importance. This chapter describes a two-dimensional spatial model where cells and viruses can place their offspring only into the direct vicinity. This describes a cell culture situation where a virus spreads through a target cell population that is arranged in a two-dimensional monolayer. According to this model, infection can give rise to different types of spatial patterns. On the one hand, an expanding ring of infected cells can be observed that eventually eliminates the target cell population. On the other hand, a more diffuse growth pattern can occur where infected and uninfected cells mix without forming macroscopic patterns. This typically leads to failure to eliminate the target cell population. Conditions are defined under which the different outcomes are observed. Interestingly, nonspatial, ordinary differential equations that are applied to local neighborhoods of the system can predict the outcome of the entire spatial simulation. This can have implications for evaluating the ability of viruses to spread in a spatial setting by means of simple in vitro experiments that lack spatial structure.
Progress in Research on Nanomaterial-Plant Interaction

Nanomaterials (NMs) have received global attention because of their unique physicochemical properties. Recent advances in nanotechnologies have proved useful in improving plant growth and yield, quality of food materials, and efficacy of phytomedicine. Nanoparticles (NPs) of several metals and metal oxides are now being synthesized by using plant extracts or their products as the reducing and capping agents. Many NPs are used as nutrient carriers for plants and have shown positive impact on the overall plant performance. However, their reported toxicity in biological/physiological environment is a point of concern. This chapter provides an overview of the current and the expected future status of NM-plant interaction.
Sepsis surveillance: an examination of parameter sensitivity and alert reliability.

Objective To examine performance of a sepsis surveillance system in a simulated environment where modifications to parameters and settings for identification of at-risk patients can be explored in-depth. Materials and methods This was a multiple center observational cohort study. The study population comprised 14 917 adults hospitalized in 2016. An expert-driven rules algorithm was applied against 15.1 million data points to simulate a system with binary notification of sepsis events. Three system scenarios were examined: a scenario as derived from the second version of the Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (SEP-2), the same scenario but without systolic blood pressure (SBP) decrease criteria (near SEP-2), and a conservative scenario with limited parameters. Patients identified by scenarios as being at-risk for sepsis were assessed for suspected infection. Multivariate binary logistic regression models estimated mortality risk among patients with suspected infection. Results First, the SEP-2-based scenario had a hyperactive, unreliable parameter SBP decrease >40 mm Hg from baseline. Second, the near SEP-2 scenario demonstrated adequate reliability and sensitivity. Third, the conservative scenario had modestly higher reliability, but sensitivity degraded quickly. Parameters differed in predicting mortality risk and represented a substitution effect between scenarios. Discussion Configuration of parameters and alert criteria have implications for patient identification and predicted outcomes. Conclusion Performance of scenarios was associated with scenario design. A single hyperactive, unreliable parameter may negatively influence adoption of the system. A trade-off between modest improvements in alert reliability corresponded to a steep decline in condition sensitivity in scenarios explored.
Implementation and Investigation of a Weather- and Jam Density-Tuned Network Perimeter Controller

This paper implements and evaluates the performance of a network fundamental diagram (NFD) proportional-integral perimeter controller (PC) using base tuned parameters (clear weather conditions and a base jam density of 160 veh/km/lane). The parameters were then re-tuned separately for different weather conditions and jam density values (reflecting different percentage of trucks), resulting in two new control methods: a weather-tuned perimeter controller (WTPC) and a jam density-tuned perimeter controller (JTPC). The WTPC was shown to outperform the no control strategy and the PC for different weather conditions. Specifically, the WTPC decreased the congestion inside the protected network (PN) and improved the overall performance of the full network (FN) by decreasing the average vehicle travel time, decreasing the vehicle total delay, increasing the average vehicle speed and decreasing the average vehicle fuel consumption. Alternatively, the JTPC was shown to perform similar to the PC for jam densities higher than the base-case jam density used in the PC (in our case 160 veh/km/lane). However, the JTPC outperformed the PC for smaller jam densities given that these smaller jam densities result in queues spilling back faster to upstream traffic signals. The results demonstrate the need to tune the controller to the actual jam density especially when the jam density decreases (e.g. trucks are introduced to the network).
Spinal Cord Stimulation vs Conventional Therapies for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back and Leg Pain: A Systematic Review of Health Care Resource Utilization and Outcomes in the Last Decade

Objective The purpose of this review is to critically appraise the literature for evidence supporting the health care resource utilization and cost-effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) compared with conventional therapies (CTs) for chronic low back and leg pain. Methods The PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine databases were searched for studies published from January 2008 through October 2018, using the following MeSH terms: "spinal cord stimulation," "chronic pain," "back pain," "patient readmission," "economics," and "costs and cost analysis." Additional sources were added based on bibliographies and consultation with experts. The following data were extracted and analyzed: demographic information, study design, objectives, sample sizes, outcome measures, SCS indications, complications, costs, readmissions, and resource utilization data. Results Of 204 studies screened, 11 studies met inclusion criteria, representing 31,439 SCS patients and 299,182 CT patients. The mean age was 53.5 years for SCS and 55.6 years for CT. In eight of 11 studies, SCS was associated with favorable outcomes and found to be more cost-effective than CT for chronic low back pain. Compared with CT, SCS resulted in shorter hospital stays and lower complication rates and health care costs at 90 days. SCS was associated with significant improvement in health-related quality of life, health status, and quality-adjusted life-years. Conclusions For the treatment of chronic low back and leg pain, the majority of studies are of fair quality, with level 3 or 4 evidence in support of SCS as potentially more cost-effective than CT, with less resource expenditure but higher complication rates. SCS therapy may yet play a role in mitigating the financial burden associated with chronic low back and leg pain.
Activity labeling in vivo using CaMPARI2 reveals electrophysiological differences between neurons with high and low firing rate set points

Individual excitatory neurons in visual cortex (V1) display remarkably stable mean firing rates over many days, even though these rates can differ by several orders of magnitude between neurons. When perturbed, each neuron9s firing rate is slowly regulated back to its pre-perturbation level, demonstrating that neurons maintain their mean firing rate around an individual firing rate set point (FRSP). To better understand the mechanisms that neurons within a single cell type use to maintain different FRSPs in vivo, we implemented a novel method of activity labeling that uses CaMPARI2, a fluorescent protein that undergoes Ca2+- and UV-dependent green-to-red photoconversion, to permanently label neurons in freely behaving mice based on their firing rates. We found that immediate early gene (IEG) expression was correlated with CaMPARI2 red/green ratio following an activity stimulation paradigm, and that neurons with greater photoconversion in vivo tended to have a higher firing rate ex vivo. In layer 4 (L4) pyramidal neurons in mouse monocular V1, which comprise a single transcriptional cell type, we found that high activity neurons had a left-shifted F-I curve, lower rheobase current, and decreased spike adaptation index relative to low activity neurons, demonstrating increased intrinsic excitability. Surprisingly, we found no difference in total excitatory or inhibitory synaptic current or in E/I ratio between high and low activity neurons. Thus, within a single cell type differences in intrinsic excitability and spike frequency adaptation can contribute to divergent activity set points. These results reveal that E/I ratio plays only a minor role in determining the firing rate set point of L4 pyramidal neurons, while intrinsic excitability is an important factor.
Gas sensing spectroscopy system utilizing a sample grating distributed feedback quantum cascade laser array and type II superlattice detector

Gas spectroscopy is a tool that can be used in a variety of applications. One example is in the medical field, where it can diagnose patients by detecting biomarkers in breath, and another is in the security field, where it can safely alert personnel about ambient concentrations of dangerous gas. In this paper, we document the design and construction of a system compact enough to be easily deployable in defense, healthcare, and chemical safety environments. Current gas sensing systems use basic quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) or distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers (DFB QCLs) with large benchtop signal recovery systems to determine gas concentrations. There are significant issues with these setups, namely the lack of laser tunability and the lack of practicality outside of a very clean lab setting. QCLs are advantageous for gas sensing purposes because they are the most efficient lasers at the mid infrared region (MIR). This is necessary since gases tend to have stronger absorption lines in the MIR range than in the near-infrared (NIR) region. To incorporate the efficiency of a QCL with wide tuning capabilities in the MIR region, sampled grating distributed feedback (SGDFB) QCLs are the answer as they have produced systems that are widely tunable, which is advantageous for scanning a robust and complete absorption spectrum. The system employs a SGDFB QCL array emitter, a Type II InAsSb Superlattice detector receiver, a gas cell, and a cooling system.
Racial Disparities in Adult Blunt Trauma Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Objective:Study incidence and mortality for blunt trauma patients developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) across race and insurance.Design:The National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2015) wa...
COVID-19 in Children: Initial Characterization of the Pediatric Disease.

* Abbreviation: COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease of 2019 The impact of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,1 has been widespread, with >500 000 cases diagnosed in >170 countries since the virus was identified in January 2020.2 The preliminary data have been focused on severe respiratory manifestations, which are seen predominantly in adults, with scant initial data on the burden of COVID-19 in children.3 We, therefore, read with interest the findings of Dong et al,4 who reported in this issue of Pediatrics a series of >2000 children with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The authors found that 4% of virologically confirmed cases had asymptomatic infection, and this rate almost certainly understates the true rate of asymptomatic infection because many children who are asymptomatic are unlikely to be tested. Among children who were symptomatic, 5% had dyspnea or hypoxemia (a substantially lower percentage than what has been reported for adults3), and 0.6% progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome or multiorgan system dysfunction (a rate that is also lower than that seen in adults). Preschool-aged children and infants were more likely than older children to have severe clinical manifestations. There are several salient points … Address correspondence to Andrea T. Cruz, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, 6621 Fannin St, Suite A2210, Houston, TX 77030. E-mail: acruz{at}bcm.edu
If Then: How the Simulmatics Corporation Invented the Future: by Jill Lepore, Liveright Publishing Corporation, New York, 2020. Hardcover, pp. 432, ISBN: 978-1-63149-610-3, $28.95

Decades before Cambridge Analytica algorithmically manipulated voters on both sides of the Atlantic, before Silicon Valley data barons threatened to disrupt democracy worldwide, and before social m...
ALTRO-C: A Fast Solver for Conic Model-Predictive Control

Model-predictive control (MPC) is an increasingly popular method for controlling complex robotic systems in which optimal control problems are solved on board the robot at real-time rates. However, successful application of MPC depends critically on the performance of the algorithms used to solve the underlying optimization problems. An ideal solver should both leverage the structure of the MPC problem and support efficient "warm starting" so that information from previous solutions can be recycled to speed convergence. We present ALTRO-C, a high-performance solver with both of these properties that utilizes an augmented Lagrangian method to handle general convex conic constraints. We demonstrate the new solver’s superior performance against several existing state-of-the-art solvers on a variety of benchmark control problems formulated as both quadratic and second-order cone programs.
Substrate-Assisted Catalysis in the Reaction Catalyzed by Salicylic Acid Binding Protein 2 (SABP2), a Potential Mechanism of Substrate Discrimination for Some Promiscuous Enzymes

Although one of an enzyme's hallmarks is the high specificity for their natural substrates, substrate promiscuity has been reported more frequently. It is known that promiscuous enzymes generally show different catalytic efficiencies to different substrates, but our understanding of the origin of such differences is still lacking. Here we report the results of quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical simulations and an experimental study of salicylic acid binding protein 2 (SABP2). SABP2 has promiscuous esterase activity toward a series of substrates but shows a high activity toward its natural substrate, methyl salicylate (MeSA). Our results demonstrate that this enzyme may use substrate-assisted catalysis involving the hydroxyl group from MeSA to enhance the activity and achieve substrate discrimination.
Hydrologic Aspects of Saline Water Table Management in Regional Shallow Aquifers

This chapter considers hydrologie factors associated with irrigation and drainage in regions with saline shallow ground water. Soil water flow processes and the importance of regional analysis are described. Results of a simulation model which accounts for major processes governing shallow water table behavior in salinity-affected regions are discussed. The model is used to analyze the effects of irrigation-drainage management on water table depth, salinity, crop yield, and net economic returns to the grower over a 20-year planning period. Stochastic elements associated with soil hydraulic properties and irrigation applications have been incorporated into this model. These additions to the model indicate the importance of parameter uncertainty and enable results to be interpreted with the notions of stability and risk.
Studies on alfalfa mosaic virus: II. The structure of the virus components

Abstract Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) consists of 5 components with sedimentation coefficients of 99 S, 88 S, 76 S, 68 S, and 53 S. The nucleic acid contents of the various components were found to be very similar (17.8%). Bottom and topa components had molecular weights of 7.28 × 106 and 3.85 × 106, respectively. The sizes of particles of the various components were determined from electron micrographs of AMV preparations in various negative stains. Measurements of the diameter of the particles (18 mμ) were made from electron micrographs of AMV precipitated by MgCl2. Optical diffraction patterns from electron micrographs of particles gave information from which a model series, based on an icosahedron cut across its 3-fold axis and with hexamers added to form the tubular portion, is proposed. The model series fitted the data on the components of AMV and is discussed in relation to the nucleic acid components of AMV and some of the unusual properties of the virus.
Lys-tRNA4 and cell division. Changes in lys-tRNA during the growth of mouse L cells.

Abstract The presence of one isoaccepting tRNA species, lys-tRNA4, has been correlated with the ability of mammalian cells to carry out cell division. The levels of this tRNA were measured during the growth of mouse L cells in culture. RPC-5 profiles of the lys-tRNA population of mouse L cells were determined at 9 points during the growth of mouse L cells in culture. The level of lys-tRNA4 was constant at 13–14% of the total lys-tRNA population during log growth, increased to 18% when the cells became confluent and then returned to 13–14% when the cells were held at confluency. These results are in contrast to other cell lines where lys-tRNA4 decreased at confluency. Confluent cultures of mouse L cells retained full proliferative potential since the addition of medium containing 30% serum led to renewed exponential growth. Another lys-tRNA species, lys-tRNA5A, was present in variable amounts depending upon the nutritive state of the cells. The appearance of lys-tRNA5A correlated with a decrease in lys-tRNA5. These data suggest that lys-tRNA5A is a modified lys-tRNA5 which appears when the medium becomes depleted.
The 50:50 method for PCR‐based seamless genome editing in yeast

The ability to edit the yeast genome with relative ease has contributed to the organism being a model eukaryote for decades. Most methods for deleting, inserting or altering genomic sequences require transformation with DNA that carries the desired change and a selectable marker. One-step genome editing methods retain the selectable marker. Seamless genome editing methods require more steps and a marker that can be used for both positive and negative selection, such as URA3. Here we describe the PCR-based 50:50 method for seamless genome editing, which requires only two primers, one PCR with a URA3 cassette, and a single yeast transformation. Our method is based on pop-in/pop-out gene replacement and is amenable to the facile creation of genomic deletions and short insertions or substitutions. We used the 50:50 method to make two conservative loss-of-function mutations in MATα1, with results suggesting that the wild-type gene has a new function outside of that presently known. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Auctions with Buyer Preferences

Auctions and exchanges are one of the most important market mechanisms for price determination and allocation of goods. In this paper we consider the case when each buyer has a limited budget and wishes to buy at most one item in multi-item auctions. We show the limitations of two known mechanisms — sequence of single-item auctions and recently introduced XOR double auctions — and introduce a new mechanism, so called XOR (double) auction with buyer preferences (XOR-(D)ABP), which avoids these limitations. In the proposed mechanism buyers specify preferences on the items on which they bid. We seek allocations of the items to the buyers which are stable with respect to buyer’s preferences, i.e., items which are preferable to the item allocated to a buyer are sold for a price higher or equal to what she offered for them. In the case of double auctions, the allocation should also ensure fairness to the sellers: if an item received a bid with a higher value than the allocated price, then the buyer who placed that bid gets a more or equally preferable item. We first show that in an XOR auction with no ties in buyer preferences and bid values both buyers and sellers are better o_ than in an XOR auction. Second, we show that finding stable allocations with maximum revenue or buyer satisfaction can be done efficiently in an XOR-DABP without ties, and is NP-hard when ties are allowed. We propose a practical heuristic for finding maximum stable allocations in the presence of ties, and report promising experimental results. Finally, we give an efficient algorithm for the special case when all bids for an item have the same value.
A study of the focal troughs of three panoramic dental x-ray machines. Part I. The area of sharpness.

Abstract A comparison of three panoramic x-ray machines revealed that the focal trough of the Panorex curved inward in the posterior region, that of the GE-3000 remained straight, and that of the Orthopantomograph flared outward. The Panorex was found to have the widest trough in the anterior region; the GE-3000 had the widest trough in the posterior regions.
EPA’s Cooling Tower Plume Research

A comprehensive review is made of EPA’s cooling tower plume research program with particular attention to plume modeling. The research began in 1969 with a modest effort to define the problem and continued through a multidisciplinary research project at a site where a single-cell salt-water cooling tower was installed to assess its impact on the local terrestrial ecosystem. The evolutionary process involving the analytical developments and advanced instrumentation techniques required for such an undertaking is examined. Plans for continued efforts are presented.
An isotopic mass effect on the intermolecular potential

Abstract The impact of isotopic variation on the electronic energy and intermolecular potentials is often suppressed when calculating isotopologue thermodynamics. Intramolecular potential energy surfaces for distinct isotopologues are in fact equivalent under the Born–Oppenheimer approximation, which is sometimes used to imply that the intermolecular interactions are independent of isotopic mass. In this communication, the intermolecular dipole–dipole interaction between hetero-nuclear diatomic molecules is considered. It is shown that the intermolecular potential contains mass-dependent terms even though each nucleus moves on a Born–Oppenheimer surface. The analysis suggests that mass dependent variations in intermolecular potentials should be included in comprehensive descriptions of isotopologue thermodynamics.
Structure and Properties of Silane Primers for Adhesive Bonding of Metals

The structure and properties of thin films formed by Y-amino-propyltriethoxysilane (γ-APS) adsorbed onto iron, titanium, and aluminum from dilute aqueous solutions is described. γ-APS was adsorbed onto iron and titanium mirrors at pH 10.4 and 8.0 to form siloxane polymers. The structures of the siloxane polymers were only slightly affected by the substrate and the pH. However, the properties of the films as primers for improving the wet strength of iron/epoxy and titanium/epoxy lap joints depended significantly on the substrate and on the pH at which the films were formed. It was concluded that the properties of the films depended more on the orientation of the γ-APS molecules at the oxide surface than on the overall structure of the films. The structure of films formed by γ-APS adsorbed onto aluminum was a strong function of pH. At high pH values, the oxides on aluminum were etched and aluminosiloxane polymers were obtained. At intermediate pH values little etching was observed and siloxane polymers were obtained. The siloxane polymers formed at pH 7.0 inhibited hydration of the native oxide on aluminum in water at 60 °C.
The use of angiogenic biomarkers in maternal blood to identify which SGA fetuses will require a preterm delivery and mothers who will develop pre-eclampsia.

AbstractObjective: To determine (1) whether maternal plasma concentrations of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors can predict which mothers diagnosed with “suspected small for gestational age fetuses (sSGA)” will develop pre-eclampsia (PE) or require an indicated early preterm delivery (≤ 34 weeks of gestation); and (2) whether risk assessment performance is improved using these proteins in addition to clinical factors and Doppler parameters.Methods: This prospective cohort study included women with singleton pregnancies diagnosed with sSGA (estimated fetal weight <10th percentile) between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation (n = 314). Plasma concentrations of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1), soluble endoglin (sEng) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were determined in maternal blood obtained at the time of diagnosis. Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical (Umb) and uterine (UT) arteries was performed. The outcomes were (1) subsequent development of PE; and (2) indicated preterm...
A Comparison of the LR and DFIT Frameworks of Differential Functioning Applied to the Generalized Graded Unfolding Model.

Recently, applied psychological measurement researchers have become interested in the application of the generalized graded unfolding model (GGUM), a parametric item response theory model that posits an ideal point conception of the relationship between latent attributes and observed item responses. Little attention has been given to considerations for the detection of differential item functioning (DIF) under the GGUM. In this article, the authors present a Monte Carlo simulation meant to assess the efficacy of the likelihood ratio (LR) and differential functioning of items and tests (DFIT) frameworks, two popular ways of detecting DIF. Findings indicate a marked superiority of the LR approach over DFIT in terms of true and false positive rates under the GGUM. The discussion centers on possible explanations for the poor performance of the DFIT framework in detecting DIF under the GGUM and addresses limitations of the current study as well as future research directions.
Experimentally Induced Alterations in Periapical Tissues of the Cat

Ten cats were immunized with subcutaneous injections of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). After it was determined that the experimental animals had developed circulating antibodies to KLH, challenge doses of KLH were administered via the root canal system. The radiographic and histologic findings suggest that antigen-antibody complex reactions can occur in periapical tissues of teeth, and that they can play a role in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions. In contrast, no radiographic and histologic changes were noted in non-immunized cats.
Long-lasting effects of chronic stress on DOI-induced hyperthermia in male rats.

Exposure to chronic stress can affect the serotoninergic (5-HT) system and behavioral measures associated with 5-HT. Repeated stress increases 5-HT receptor subtype 2 (5-HT2) mediated behaviors in rodents, such as wet dog shakes and head twitch. The current study investigated whether exposure to chronic unpredictable stress would augment 5-HT2A/C receptor-mediated hyperthermia. Furthermore, the persistence of these hyperthermic effects was investigated by testing rats up to 60 days after the stress procedure terminated. For 2 or 10 days, rats were either not stressed (controls) or exposed to chronic unpredictable stress, i.e. two stressors per day of the following: cage rotation, cold exposure, swim, restraint, light cycle manipulations, single housing, and food and water deprivation. After the termination of stress (day 3 or 11), the 5-HT2A/C receptor agonist DOI (1.5 mg/kg) or saline, was injected and the rectal temperature of the rats was monitored. In a separate experiment, the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, LY-53,587, was injected 30 min prior to the injection of DOI or saline. Finally, DOI was injected into rats 8, 30 or 60 days after the 10-day stress procedure ended. Rats exposed to 10 days, but not 2 days, of unpredictable stress exhibited higher rectal temperatures following DOI than non-stressed rats. The DOI-induced hyperthermia was attenuated by LY-53,587. The augmentation of DOI-induced hyperthermia in stressed rats persisted when examined 8, 30 and 60 days following the stress procedure. The enhancement of 5-HT receptor function by chronic stress persists even after the environmental stressor is removed. This lasting increase in 5-HT receptor function may have implications for clinical disorders associated with stress, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Molecular basis of ageing.

The 94th Annual Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds International Titisee Conference was held at the Schwarzwald hotel in Titisee, Germany, from 11 to 15 April 2007. The conference was co‐chaired by J. Hoeijmakers and J. Campisi, and was organized by H. Frolich. ![][1] The 94th Annual Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds International Titisee Conference brought scientists from around the world together to discuss recent progress in studies of the basic biology of ageing (biogerontology). The field of biogerontology has seen a marked growth in scientific and popular interest over the past few years, leading to an influx of new investigators working on diverse aspects of cellular and organismal ageing. This diversity was well represented at the conference, where topics included the molecular causes of ageing, cell senescence and apoptosis, stem cells, cancer, the genetics of longevity and anti‐ageing interventions, among others. Although the range of topics was broad, the meeting gave rise to potential models through which this diversity might coalesce into a more comprehensive understanding of how and why we age. One theme underlying much of the discussion at the conference was which approaches—both current and future—might facilitate the transition from basic research to therapeutic treatments for age‐associated diseases. The potential benefits of successfully accomplishing such a transition are considerable. For example, it has been estimated that a single intervention to slow ageing in humans—such as dietary restriction (DR), which is now routine in mice—would increase life expectancy in the United States to a greater extent than simultaneously curing cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Miller, 2002; Olshansky et al , 1990). The molecular basis of ageing was therefore a timely and exciting topic for the 2007 Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds International Titisee Conference. At a fundamental level, biological ageing can be thought of as a progressive decline in the function of the cells of an … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Raman amide bands of type‐II β‐turns in cyclo‐(VPGVG)3 and poly‐(VPGVG), and implications for protein secondary‐structure analysis

The cyclopentadecapeptide, c(VPGVG)3, a model structure for protein type-II β-turns [W. J. Cook et al. (1980) J. Am. Chem. Soc.102, 5502–5505], has been investigated by laser Raman spectroscopy. Data obtained from both normal and deuterated crystals identify amide I, III, I′, and III′ bands characteristic of the β(II)turn. The structurally related polypentapeptide poly(VPGVG) in normal and deuterated forms has also been investigated, and exhibits the same Raman amide bands as c(VPGVG)3. The coacervate of poly(VPGVG), obtained by heating the solution to 40°C, likewise exhibits a Raman spectrum very similar to that of the c(VPGVG)3 crystal. Raman spectra thus indicate closely similar secondary structures for crystalline c(VPGVG)3 and aqueous poly(VPGVG), and provide an empirical basis for interpreting the conformation sensitive amide bands of globular proteins in terms of β(II)turn structures that may be present. An important conclusion from the present findings is that the amide I Raman profile of a protein may not be sufficient in general to distinguish turns from helix and sheet secondary structures, since the major amide I peaks of the β(II)turn at 1676 and 1652 cm−1 overlap, respectively, with amide I profiles generated by β-sheet and α-helix conformations.
Expression of self-incompatibility and fertility of Brassica napus L. resynthesized by interspecific somatic hybridization

Brassica napus is a natural allotetraploid derived from the diploid species B. rapa L. (syn. campestris L.) and B. oleracea L. Somatic hybrids synthesized from highly heterozygous lines of these two diploid species were evaluated for fertility. The hybrids were obtained from two fusion experiments which differed in the B. rapa full-sibling parent used as the source of protoplasts. Both B. rapa siblings were lelf-incompatible (SI) yet contained different S-alleles; the B. oleracea species parent was self-compatible (SC). Eight tetraploid hybrids examined had very high female and male fertility; eight hybrids with higher ploidy had low fertility. Hybrids derived from one B. rapa sibling were self-incompatible, whereas those derived from the other B. rapa sibling were fully self-compatible. These data suggest that the different S-alleles of each B. rapa sibling displayed varying penetrance relative to the SC of the B. oleracea parent when combined in B. napus.
Mouse spleen and IgD-secreting plasmacytomas contain multiple IgD δ chain RNAs

Immunoglobulin gene expression requires that cells combine the correct genetic information by DNA rearrangement and RNA processing to produce mature, translatable mRNAs. The mechanisms that operate to produce IgD heavy chain (δ chain) mRNA are thought to be especially complex1–3. Like other immunoglobulins, IgD exists in membrane and secreted forms4,5. By analogy with results of studies of μ6–10 and γ11,12 gene expression, we expected that δ chains would also be encoded by two different mRNAs, containing common sequence information transcribed from constant region gene segments but different information transcribed from coding sequences located 3′ to the constant region gene segments. Instead, we identified13 more than two δ mRNAs in normal mouse spleen and in two IgD-secreting plasmacytomas14, TEPC 1017 and TEPC 1033. Now we have used 32P-labelled DNA fragments prepared from a δ cDNA clone15 and a δ genomic clone16 to characterize by hybridization these δ RNAs, fractionated on methyl mercury hydroxide agarose gels. We find that normal mouse spleen contains a major 2.9-kilobase (kb) and a minor 2.1-kb RNA encoding membrane-bound δ chains (δm) and that TEPC 1017 and TEPC 1033 contain similar δm RNAs plus a 1.75-kb RNA encoding secreted δ chains (δm). We have also observed less abundant δ RNA species (2.65 and 3.2 kb). Different gene segments or combinations of segments are used in the 3′ termini of the multiple δ RNAs.
High current, low voltage carbon nanotube enabled vertical organic field effect transistors.

State-of-the-art performance is demonstrated from a carbon nanotube enabled vertical field effect transistor using an organic channel material. The device exhibits an on/off current ratio >105 for a gate voltage range of 4 V with a current density output exceeding 50 mA/cm2. The architecture enables submicrometer channel lengths while avoiding high-resolution patterning. The ability to drive high currents and inexpensive fabrication may provide the solution for the so-called OLED backplane problem.
Problem space local search for number partitioning

We show how simple and effective metaheuristics can be developed for the number partitioning problem using the “problem space” approach [1]. In a previous application of local search to number partitioning [2], it was found that the performance of simulated annealing used in conjunction with “swap neighborhoods” was disappointing relative to the differencing heuristic of Karmarkar and Karp [3]. Using problem space neighborhoods as an alternative to swapping, we empirically demonstrate several orders of magnitude improvement over the differencing algorithm, albeit with greater computation time. This improvement in performance comes as little surprise since a modified version of the differencing heuristic is explicitly embedded in the problem space algorithm.
XV. Additional objections to Redfield's theory of storms

(1843). XV. Additional objections to Redfield's theory of storms. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 23, No. 150, pp. 92-106.
Subfossil Indri indri from the Ankarana Massif of northern Madagascar.

Subfossil specimens of Indri indri have been recovered recently from the Ankarana Massif cave system in the far north of Madagascar. Taken together with material from the central highland site of Ampasamba-zimba, the range of this species appears to have once included much of the northern half of the island and to have extended north and west beyond the eastern rainforest (not unlike Hapalemur simus). It is probable that forest corridors connected the subfossil localities to the current range at some time in the past. Climatic desiccation (fluctuating or long-term) and/or human degradation of the environment may have created the disjunct distributions of living and subfossil I. indri. It is also possible that I. indri once included populations or subspecies that were better adapted to dry forest, woodland, or mosaic environments, habitats very different from those occupied by their living conspecifics. Such adaptive diversity would have been similar to that of Propithecus diadema which today has subspecies in the montane forests and one (P.d. perrieri) in the dry forests of the northeast. These discoveries add new information on range extensions to the distributional database for the primates of Madagascar, and illustrate the piecemeal process of their extinctions. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sociopolitical Development and Vocational Expectations Among Lower Socioeconomic Status Adolescents of Color

The well-documented aspiration-expectation gap refers to lower socioeconomic status (SES) adolescents of color expecting to attain occupations with lower pay and status than the occupations to which they aspire. Sociopolitical inequity, such as structural racism and asymmetrical access to resources, may explain this gap. This article examines the capacity to cope with sociopolitical inequity (i.e., sociopolitical development) and its relationship to vocational expectations among this population. Analyses revealed that sociopolitical development was associated with higher vocational expectations and may contribute to reducing the vocational aspiration-expectation gap among lower SES adolescents of color. Furthermore, career counseling, guidance, and psychosocial interventions may be augmented by incorporating sociopolitical development.
Systematic review of response rates of sarcomatoid malignant pleural mesotheliomas in clinical trials

Rationale Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an almost universally fatal malignancy primarily related to asbestos exposure. Based on the differences in immunologic markers and gene expression between histologic subtypes of mesothelioma, and our clinical impression that response rates vary by histology, we decided to examine the reported response rates of mesothelioma subtypes.
Effect of Ammonia in Gaseous Fuels On Nitrogen Oxide Emissions

The effect of ammonia in the fuel on NOx emissions was investigated through laboratory experiments and field burner tests. It was found that the degree of conversion of pm-monia to NOx was a strong function of excess air, ammonia content in the fuel, and of the degree of mixing in the flame. In premixed laboratory flames concentrations of NOx above the peak equilibrium amounts were produced. In furnace diffusion flames the conversion to NOx was much less. At substoichiometric air-fuel ratios all the ammonia appears to pyrolize, forming N2, and only very little NOx. Several methods for burning ammonia to produce low NOx emissions were investigated.
Development of a distribution level data acquisition system and preliminary results

With the development of smart grids and the deployment of their enabling technologies, improved data acquisition will be needed at the distribution level to understand the full impact of these changes. With this in mind, NREL has developed a high-speed measurement and data collection network targeted specifically at the distribution level. This network is based around adaptable, rugged measurement devices designed for deployment at a variety of low and medium voltage locations below the substation. Each of these devices is capable of real-time data transmission via an internet connection. This paper presents the data collection results and a preliminary data analysis, as well as a brief introduction to some of the distribution level visualization applications that have been developed based on the incoming data streams.
Image segmentation using domain constraints

ABSTRACT Image segmentation techniques which employ domain knowledge produce, in general, much betterresults than context-free methods, but often suffer from lack of portability and excessive devel-opment and computation time. We describe a new segmentation technique which employs verygeneral knowledge of domain characteristics to improve the performance of context-free systemswhile avoiding many of the problems of existing domain-specific methods. 1 INTRODUCTION Current trends in image segmentation indicate that in order to achieve consistently good resultssome form of domain knowledge must be used. Knowledge-based image segmentation systemstraditionally use structural models of objects and their interrelationships to guide or postprocessthe low-level segmentation operation. These systems often classify objects prior to finalizing thesegmentation. A major shortcoming of this approach is the size and complexity of the knowledgebase needed for all but trivial domains. The knowledge is often quite difficult and tedious to specifyand does not usually carry over to other domains gracefully. Processing time, too, is often excessive.Intensity values in an image result from a complex relationship between lighting, surface reflectivitycharacteristics, and the orientation and relative positioning of the various surfaces of the domain ,
An indirect method of attitude measurement

In three experiments, attitudes were measured using a direct method and then measured using an indirect method of profile rating. In two of the experiments, interaction effects were detected, indicating that the hypothesized bias is not present as a main effect but is a function of contextual factors. In a third experiment, main effects not disclosed by a direct method were observed.The profile rating method appears useful for the detection of bias not revealed by direct methods and for specification of some of the complex conditions under which bias will occur.
Junctional sequences of T cell receptor γδ genes: Implications for γδ T cell lineages and for a novel intermediate of V-(D)-J joining

Abstract Nucleotide sequences of a large number of V-(D)-J junctions of T cell receptor (TCR) γ and δ genes show that most fetal thymocytes express on their surface one of just two γδ TCRs known to be expressed by epidermal γδ T cells (s-IEL) or intraepithelial γδ T cells associated with female reproductive organs (r-IEL). In contrast, γδ TCRs expressed on adult thymocytes are highly diverse as a result of multiple combinations of gene segments as well as junctional deletions and insertions, indicating that developmental time- and cell lineage-dependent mechanisms exist that control the extent of γδ TCR diversity. In addition, this study revealed a new type of junctional insertion (P nucleotides), which led to a new model of V-(D)-J joining generally applicable to immunoglobulin and TCR genes.