cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for Imaging Apoptosis Using a Caspase-1 Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe

Here we describe a novel method for imaging apoptosis in cells using a near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) probe selective for caspase-1 (interleukin 1β-converting enzyme, ICE). This biocompatible, optically quenched ICE-NIRF probe incorporates a peptide substrate, which can be selectively cleaved by caspase-1, resulting in the release of fluorescence signal. The specificity of this probe for caspase-1 is supported by various lines of evidence: 1) activation by purified caspase-1, but not another caspase in vitro; 2) activation of the probe by infection of cells with a herpes simplex virus amplicon vector (HGC-ICE-lacZ) expressing a catalytically active caspase-1-lacZ fusion protein; 3) inhibition of HGC-ICE-lacZ vector-induced activation of the probe by coincubation with the caspase-1 inhibitor YVAD-cmk, but not with a caspase-3 inhibitor; and 4) activation of the probe following standard methods of inducing apoptosis with staurosporine, ganciclovir, or ionizing radiation in culture. These results indicate that this novel ICE-NIRF probe can be used in monitoring endogenous and vector-expressed caspase-1 activity in cells. Furthermore, tumor implant experiments indicate that this ICE-NIRF probe can be used to detect caspase-1 activity in living animals. This novel ICE-NIRF probe should prove useful in monitoring endogenous and vector-expressed caspase-1 activity, and potentially apoptosis in cell culture and in vivo.
3D Force and Displacement Sensor for SFA and AFM Measurements

A new device has been designed, and a prototype built and tested, that can simultaneously measure the displacements and/or the components of a force in three orthogonal directions. The "3D sensor" consists of four or eight strain gauges attached to the four arms of a single cross-shaped force-measuring cantilever spring. Finite element modeling (FEM) was performed to optimize the design configuration to give desired sensitivity of force, displacement, stiffness, and resonant frequency in each direction (x, y, and z) which were tested on a "mesoscale" device and found to agree with the predicted values to within 4-10%. The device can be fitted into a surface forces apparatus (SFA), and a future smaller "microscale" microfabricated version can be fitted into an atomic force microscope (AFM) for simultaneous measurements of the normal and lateral (friction) forces between a tip (or colloidal bead probe) and a surface, and the topography of the surface. Results of the FEM analysis are presented, and approximate equations derived using linear elasticity theory are given for the sensitivity in each direction. Initial calibrations and measurements of thin film rheology (lubrication forces) using the "mesoscale" prototype show the device to function as expected.
African American Males’ Student Engagement: A Comparison of Good Practices by Institutional Type

Previous college impact studies attempt to estimate the impact of college on African American collegians as a whole. That is, most researchers study Black students as if they represent a monolithic group with similar inputs, experiences, and outcomes. Yet, a growing body of research provides compelling evidence that there are significant within group differences. Using three principles of good practices in undergraduate education defined by Chickering and Gamson (AAHE Bulletin 39:3–7, 1987), this study examined differences in African American males’ (N = 149) engagement by institutional type. A single significant predictor was found; Black men attending master’s institutions have a significant advantage over their counterparts at liberal arts colleges with respect to cooperation among students, controlling for an array of confounding factors. This study provides empirical support for the use of good practices in undergraduate education, particularly among African American men, and has important implications for future practice, policy, and research.
A reinterpretation of von Neumann's theory of measurement

Von Neumann's theory of measurement in quantum mechanics is reinterpreted so that the experimental arrangement specifies the location of the “cut” by calling for the separate observation of the object and the measuring apparatus after the initial measurement interaction. The measurement ascertains which element of the mixture describing the final state of the apparatus is actually present. The relevance and feasibility of observing the final coherent state of the object plus apparatus is criticized and the paradoxes of “Schrodinger's cat” and “Wigner's friend” are discussed.
Understanding query complexity and its implications for energy-efficient web search

Today's largest datacenters dissipate megawatts of power. Efficiency is rapidly becoming the primary determinant of datacenter capability. To understand microarchitectural factors that affect efficiency, we must study datacenter workloads. Most studies treat the workload as a large, monolithic piece of software. But a workload is often comprised of many, diverse software tasks. For example, a web search engine executes many individual queries. There is a vast difference between the complexity of searching for a single term and that of searching for a collection of related terms interspersed with Boolean and wildcard operators, which are increasingly common in search engines [1, 6].
DNA vaccines expressing glycoprotein complex II antigens gM and gN elicited neutralizing antibodies against multiple human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) isolates

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein complex II (gcII) consists of two glycoproteins, gM and gN. Although gcII specific IgG purified from HCMV positive patient sera can neutralize HCMV, there has been no report describing the generation of virus-neutralizing antibodies by immunization with individual recombinant gM or gN antigens. In the current study, gM and gN antigens were expressed by the mammalian expression vector pJW4303 and used as DNA vaccines to determine the immunogenicity of these proteins. Sera from mice or rabbits immunized with individual or combinations of gM and gN DNA vaccines contained gM and gN specific antibodies as confirmed by ELISA and Western blot analyses. The combined gM and gN antigens induced the strongest antibody responses that recognized both gM and gcII complex while gM DNA vaccine alone could only elicit antibody specific for gM antigen. When given alone, the gN DNA vaccine did not induce detectable gcII specific antibody even though in vitro gN expression was confirmed by the formation of gM/gN complex in FSK cells using a gN-specific monoclonal antibody 14-16A. The neutralizing antibody titer of anti-gM/gN sera (1:128) was higher than that of anti-gM sera (1:32) against the autologous virus, HCMV AD169. Heterologous HCMV strains including Towne and Davis could also be neutralized by the anti-gM/gN antisera. Our data supported the rationale for the use of the HCMV gM/gN protein complex as protective antigens for subunit based HCMV vaccine development. DNA vaccination is an effective approach to express the gM/gN antigen complex in vivo without the need to express and purify these highly insoluble and structurally complicated antigens.
Evaluation of four simulation models of cattle growth and body composition: Part I—Comparison and characterization of the models

Abstract Four cattle growth models were compared for simulating weight gain, composition, and feed intake. All four models differed in their prediction of weight gain, composition, and intake. The definition of mature weight used in the models differed. More comparable results between models were obtained when the mature weight of the simulated animal was adjusted relative to the value defined for each model than when the same numerical value of mature weight was used in all models. Simulating the models with similar levels of intake produced different results than when using each model's own prediction of intake. Each growth model would be expected to provide different results if used as the growth submodel for a production system model.
Reconstructing the Theory of Action

L'A. examine de facon critique l'ouvrage d'Hans Joas : The Creativity of Action. Il s'efforce de mettre en lumiere l'influence de Talcott Parsons sur la perspective proposee dans ce livre. Il montre de quelle maniere ce dernier envisage la notion de creativite. Il estime que Parsons et Joas defendent une vision volontariste de la creativite. Il analyse l'influence du modele teleologique de l'action chez les deux auteurs. Il regrette que Joas ne propose aucune etude systematique du statut de la creativite au sein des modeles d'action rationnelle. Il note que la theorie de Joas, d'orientation pragmatiste, permet de mieux saisir le role des valeurs et des normes dans le cadre de l'action. Il souligne que cette theorie ne rejette a priori aucune des approches conceptuelles traditionnelles de l'action. Il presente les analyses du phenomene de l'habitude developpees par Joas.
Cognitive impairment in late-life generalized anxiety disorder

Objective This study sought to characterize cognitive functioning in elderly patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), as compared with normal comparison subjects and patients with major depression. Methods The cognitive functioning in GAD (N=19) was assessed with the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale and across specific domains of naming, executive ability, and memory, in comparison with late-life major depressive disorder (MDD; N=68) and versus no psychiatric illness (N=40). Results In comparison to healthy normal comparison subjects, anxious subjects were impaired on measures of short-term and delayed memory. Depressed subjects also performed worse than normal comparison subjects on delayed memory, as well as in naming. Anxious subjects did not differ significantly from depressed subjects in any measure of cognitive function. Conclusion In this preliminary study, anxious subjects displayed cognitive impairments in short-term memory; while depressed patients compared to normal comparison subjects showed executive dysfunction and more general cognitive impairments not evident in anxious subjects. Studies of neuropsychological function in elderly anxious subjects may be informative in developing treatment interventions that mitigate cognitive dysfunction and illuminate the course of illness and underlying neural pathways.
Clinical and neuropathologic heterogeneity of c9FTD/ALS associated with hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are part of a disease spectrum associated with TDP-43 pathology. Strong evidence supporting this is the existence of kindreds with family members affected by FTD, ALS or mixed features of FTD and ALS, referred to as FTD-MND. Some of these families have linkage to chromosome 9, with hexanucleotide expansion mutation in a noncoding region of C9ORF72. Discovery of the mutation defines c9FTD/ALS. Prior to discovery of mutations in C9ORF72, it was assumed that TDP-43 pathology in c9FTD/ALS was uniform. In this study, we examined the neuropathology and clinical features of 20 cases of c9FTD/ALS from a brain bank for neurodegenerative disorders. Included are six patients clinically diagnosed with ALS, eight FTD, one FTD-MND and four Alzheimer-type dementia. Clinical information was unavailable for one patient. Pathologically, the cases all had TDP-43 pathology, but there were three major pathologic groups: ALS, FTLD-MND and FTLD-TDP. The ALS cases were morphologically similar to typical sporadic ALS with almost no extramotor TDP-43 pathology; all had oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions. The FTLD-MND showed predominantly Mackenzie Type 3 TDP-43 pathology, and all had ALS-like pathology in motor neurons, but more extensive extramotor pathology, with oligodendroglial cytoplasmic inclusions and infrequent hippocampal sclerosis. The FTLD-TDP cases had several features similar to FTLD-TDP due to mutations in the gene for progranulin, including Mackenzie Type 1 TDP-43 pathology with neuronal intranuclear inclusions and hippocampal sclerosis. FTLD-TDP patients were older and some were thought to have Alzheimer-type dementia. In addition to the FTD and ALS clinical presentations, the present study shows that c9FTD/ALS can have other presentations, possibly related to age of onset and the presence of hippocampal sclerosis. Moreover, there is pathologic heterogeneity not only between ALS and FTLD, but also within the FTLD group. Further studies are needed to address the molecular mechanism of clinical and pathological heterogeneity of c9FTD/ALS due to mutations in C9ORF72.
Advancing Surveillance of Chronic and Non-Communicable Disease - Path Forward

Non-communicable diseases are a major and growing morbidity and mortality burden globally. This roundtable session will discuss key terms and definitions, formulate a rationale for the surveillance of non-communicable diseases and attempt to elicit participant's experiences in the surveillance of these conditions. It will discuss where and how existing surveillance efforts may be exploited in non-communicable disease surveillance and where unique surveillance methods may be needed to establish cost-effective and sustainable methods for longitudinal tracking of non-communicable diseases.
Linear demand functions in theory and practice

Abstract Integrability conditions for an incomplete system of linear demand functions are considered. The parameter restrictions consistent with integrability are identified, and the structure of the conditional preference map is obtained. It is found that the conditional preferences for a set of linear demand functions are either quadratic or Leontief from a translated origin. Welfare analysis with linear demand models is also considered.
The anatomy, physiology, acoustics and perception of speech: essential elements in analysis of the evolution of human speech

Abstract Inferences on the evolution of human speech based on anatomical data must take into account its physiology, acoustics and perception. Human speech is generated by the supralaryngeal vocal tract (SVT) acting as an acoustic filter on noise sources generated by turbulent airflow and quasi-periodic phonation generated by the activity of the larynx. The formant frequencies, which are major determinants of phonetic quality, are the frequencies at which relative energy maxima will pass through the SVT filter. Neither the articulatory gestures of the tongue nor their acoustic consequences can be fractionated into oral and pharyngeal cavity components. Moreover, the acoustic cues that specify individual consonants and vowels are “encoded”, i.e., melded together. Formant frequency encoding makes human speech a vehicle for rapid vocal communication. Non-human primates lack the anatomy that enables modern humans to produce sounds that enhance this process, as well as the neural mechanisms necessary for the voluntary control of speech articulation. The specific claims of Duchin (1990) are discussed.
Normal breast stem cells, malignant breast stem cells, and the perinatal origin of breast cancer

Both experimental and epidemiological evidence support the concept that the in utero environment can influence an individual's risk of breast cancer in adult life. Recently identified breast stem cells may be the key to understanding the mechanism underlying this phenomenon. It has been theorized that breast cancers arise from breast stem cells. Our emerging view of the characteristics of normal breast stem cells and their link to malignant breast stem cells is reviewed here. It has also been postulated that factors that expand the normal breast stem cell pool in utero would increase the probability that one such cell might undergo an oncogenic mutation or epigenetic change. We dicuss how a number of proposed perinatal determinants of adult breast cancer risk, including (1) in utero estrogen and IGF-1 levels, (2) birthweight, (3) breast density, and (4) early-life mutagen exposure, can be tied together by this “breast stem cell burden” hypothesis.
Lipopolysaccharide affects Golli expression and promotes proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitors

Proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) is important for initial myelination as well as for remyelination in demyelinating diseases. Previously, we showed that numerous OPCs and activated microglia, are present around multiple sclerosis lesions, and that they accumulate Golli proteins. Golli proteins, present in both neuronal and immune cells, might have a role in the immune processes, as well as in development of neurons and oligodendrocytes. We hypothesize that Golli proteins, generated by microglia in response to inflammation, promote proliferation of OPCs. To test this hypothesis, we induced inflammation in neonatal mouse brain slice culture with bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treated slices showed an increase in the number of OPCs. Several results support the notion that this effect of LPS is conveyed through activation of microglia and upregulation of Golli proteins. First, LPS-treated brain slices have increased expression of Golli proteins observed by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Second, Golli proteins were demonstrated only in the conditioned medium from LPS-treated microglial cell cultures (LPS-MCM), and were absent in either the conditioned media from LPS-treated astrocytes or the control media. Third, proliferation of purified OPCs was promoted with LPS-MCM or Golli proteins, but not with LPS alone. Taken together, these results demonstrate that microglia and/or microglia secreted factors, are necessary for the LPS-promoted proliferation of OPCs and suggest possible involvement of Golli proteins as one of mediators in this process.
Seasonal herd dynamics of a savanna elephant population

ummary The ecology and behaviour of the Amboseli elephant population in southern Kenya has, unlike most populations studied so far, been largely unaffected by human pressures, so provides an opportunity to examine and explain natural seasonal cycles in movement, habitat selectivity and herd dynamics. Water distribution and forage quality largely dictate seasonal migrations. During dry seasons elephants are confined within the vicinity of permanent water and, like the other wild herbivores in the ecosystem, select habitats with progressively more abundant but less digestible forage. Herd size increases spontaneously at the onset of each rains, and declines progressively through the dry season as food reserves diminish. Various hypotheses for the seasonal aggregations are considered, including foraging, social, reproductive and anti-predator. The evidence is still inadequate to show conclusively whether recent changes in elephant movement result from increased human pressures, or changes in rainfall and food availability. Resume L'ecologie et le comportement de la population d'elephants de l'Amboseli (S Kenya) a ete, au contraite de la plupart de celles etudiees jusqu'ici, epargnee de toute pression anthropique, ce qui a permis d'etudier et de discuter les cycles naturels de mouvements saisonniers, la selectivite des habitats et la dynamique des populations. La disponibilite en eau et la qualite du fourrage dictent manifestement les migrations saisonnieres. Durant la saison seche les elephants sont confines au voisinage des points d'eau permanents et, tout comme les autres herbivores sauvages de cet ecosysteme, choisissent progressivement des milieux offrant une nourriture plus abondante mais moins digeste. La taille du troupeau augmente spontanement des la venue des pluies et decroit progressivement au long de la saison seche lorsque les reserves de nourriture s'amenuisent. Differentes hypotheses quant aux aggregations saisonnieres sont considerees y compris celles relatives au comportement alimentaire, social, reproducteur et defensif. Il n'y a pas encore d'evidence permettant de conclure que les recentes modifications des deplacements sont dues a une pression humaine croissante, une modification des chutes de pluies ou de la disponibilite de nourriture.
PLL low pass filter design considering unified specification constraints

To appropriately configure the low pass filter (LPF) coefficients plays an important role in determining phase locked loop circuit performance. Most phase locked loop (PLL) design methods calculate LPF coefficients based on preselected loop bandwidth, phase margin, and then adjust LPF parameters to meet other specification requirements, i.e. locking time and phase noise. Such design approaches typically involve a number of iterative simulations, which are time consuming and are not very efficient. In this paper, we develop an analytical method to determine the allowable range of LPF coefficient values by considering unified PLL specification constraints. With the range identified, a clear guidance is obtained to facilitate LPF tuning and adaptive PLL design. For model validation, a charge pump PLL is designed and simulated using a 3rd party PLL simulation program--Cppsim.
Strain within the anterior cruciate ligament during hamstring and quadriceps activity

The objectives of this study were to measure strain in the ACL during simulated: hamstring activity alone, quadriceps activity alone, and simultaneous quadriceps and hamstring activity. Seven knee specimens removed from cadavers were studied. Heavy sutures applied to load cells were attached to the hamstring and quadriceps tendons. Loads were then applied manually (hamstrings) and/or with an Instron testing machine (quadriceps) to simulate isometric contractions of the various muscle groups. Strain was measured using a Hall effect transducer. Acting alone, the isometric hamstring activity decreased ACL strain relative to the passive normal strain at all positions tested. Thus, hamstring exercises are not detrimental to ACL repairs or reconstruction and can be included early in the rehabilitation program after ACL surgery. Acting alone, at flexion angles of 0 degree to 45 degrees, the quadriceps significantly increased the strain within the ACL relative to the passive normal strain. Strain in the ACL during simultaneous hamstring and quadriceps activity was significantly higher than that during passive normal motion from full extension to 30 degrees of flexion. The hamstrings are not capable of masking the potentially harmful effects of simultaneous quadriceps contraction on freshly repaired or reconstructed ACLs unless the knee flexion angle exceeds 30 degrees.
Acute ST segment elevation secondary to acute gastric distention.

Abstract An adolescent male trauma patient developed new asymptomatic ST segment elevations that mimicked a myocardial infarction on infero-lateral telemetry leads on hospital day #8, following burn excision and skin grafting. This was confirmed on 12 lead electrocardiogram. Laboratory test results indicated normal potassium. Troponins ×3 were negative. X-rays indicated marked gaseous gastric distention. A nasogastric tube was placed with evacuation of 400mL of fluid and resolution of gastric distention. After gastric decompression, the ST segment elevations resolved. This case illustrates the need to consider acute gastric distention in the differential of acute ST segment elevation. Learning objective : Electrocardiographic ST segment elevation generally indicates myocardial infarction. However, in the asymptomatic patient with normal troponins, alternative explanations, such as gastric distention should be considered.>
Optimal head position during transesophageal echocardiographic probe insertion for pediatric patients weighing up to 10 kg.

No data exists for the optimal head position during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion in children. Turning the head to the side closes the ipsilateral pyriform sinus and dilates the contralateral pyriform sinus, theoretically making probe insertion safer and easier. In this study, 94 children (weight, ≤10 kg) undergoing TEE during heart surgery between March 2000 and August 2001 were studied. The head position was either midline or left. A scale was devised to grade the resistance during probe insertion: grade 1 (none), grade 2 (mild), grade 3 (moderate), grade 4 (severe), and grade 5 (inability to insert probe). Probe insertion was midline in 38 and left in 56 of the children. Mild or no resistance was encountered in 86% of the head left versus 63% of the head midline children (p = 0.002). Probe insertion was easier with the head left in three subgroups: I (weight, >5 kg), II (weight, 4–5 kg), and III (weight, <4 kg). The difference was statistically significant only for subgroup III (p = 0.0001). Insertion failed in four children with the head in the midline position but was successful when the head was turned leftward. Children undergoing TEE who weigh less than 10 kg should have the head positioned to the side rather than in the midline position during probe insertion. If insertion is unsuccessful or difficult with the head in the midline position, the authors recommend turning the head to the side and reattempting probe insertion.
Three-dimensional unstructured-grid discontinuous Galerkin method for Maxwell's equations with well-posed perfectly matched layer

In this paper, a 3D discontinuous Galerkin method (DGM) is developed to solve Maxwell's equations. It utilizes an unstructured grid, where objects are divided into a number of tetrahedrons. To model the propagation of electromagnetic waves in an open region, a well-posed perfectly matched layer (PML) is applied to truncate the computational domain by absorbing outgoing waves. The analyses show that this method is highly accurate and efficient and has the ability to accurately model curved objects. Therefore, it is well-suited for modeling large-scale, broadband problems with complex geometries. Some examples, including a photonic bandgap structure, are shown to illustrate the features and applications of this discontinuous Galerkin method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 46: 459–463, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21016
Accurate Method for Calculating Mesopore Size Distributions from Argon Adsorption Data at 87 K Developed Using Model MCM-41 Materials

Argon adsorption isotherms were measured at 87 K for two macroporous silicas and a series of high-quality MCM-41 silicas with approximately cylindrical pores of average diameters from 2 to 6.5 nm. The pore sizes of the MCM-41 samples were accurately determined in earlier studies on the basis of powder X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption using a geometrical relation between the pore volume, pore−center distance, and pore size in the honeycomb structure. Thus acquired model argon adsorption data for cylindrical mesopores were used to determine the statistical film thickness in the pores and the relation between the pore core radius and the capillary condensation/evaporation pressure. The statistical film thickness curve (t-curve) was extrapolated over the entire pressure range by using data for suitable macroporous silicas. The t-curve is reported in forms of a simple empirical equation and tabulated data. The relation between the pore core radius and the capillary condensation pressure was interpolat...
Effect of Surface Roughness and Joint Material on Torque-Tension Relationship in Threaded Fasteners

An experimental study is presented in order to investigate the effect of surface roughness on the torque-tension relationship in bolted assemblies. Three levels of surface roughness are considered for the fastener underhead and the joint surface; namely, low, medium, and high levels of surface roughness. The study is conducted for two joint materials, two fastener classes, and for coarse and fine threads. In this study, the torque-tension data is expressed in terms of the value of the nut factor as well as its scatter. The effect of the number of tightenings on surface roughness and on the torque-tension relationship is investigated as well. The surface roughness is measured before tightening, and after each loosening using a WYKO optical profiling system. An M12 fastener is used in this study. Both fine and coarse threads and fastener material Classes 8.8 and 10.9 for M12 fasteners are used in this study. The torque-tension data is analyzed for both steel and aluminum joints. The safety and reliability of bolted assemblies are mainly determined by the level and the stability of the clamp load provided by the initial tightening of the threaded fastener. The value of initial clamp load, which is achieved by a specific level of tightening torque, is highly sensitive to the friction torque components. This study provides an insight into the reliability of the existing engineering practices for estimating the clamp load level from the tightening torque. Hence, the findings of the study would help enhance the reliability and the safety of bolted assemblies, especially in critical applications.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Stereo Analysis for Vision-based Guidance and Control of Aircraft Landing

This work considers the feasibility of binocular stereo imaging for use in aircraft guidance and control. Of particular interest is the use of stereo-based ranging as an aid in autonomous or semiautonomous landing of General Aviation (GA) class aircraft. With monocular image analysis, an aircraft’s position can be estimated up to a scale factor only, unless prior knowledge (e.g., width of the runway) is available. With calibrated stereo cameras, complete three-dimensional position and orientation estimates are possible when point correspondences are known for the two images. The major difficulty, however, lies in the development of algorithms that can identify the runway and determine point correspondences reliably. This paper presents a method for detecting runway edges and estimating distances from the aircraft to the touchdown point during an approach. The method has been tested using stereo image sequences obtained during flight tests in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. These tests have allowed us to examine the effectiveness of stereo matching techniques for images of precision and nonprecision runways during landing operations. Additional tests involving feature tracking and optic flow recovery were conducted at a visual runway. Although full calibration was not available for accuracy assessment, regression analysis indicated very good results (
Quantitative analysis of neural stem cell migration and tracer clearance in the rat brain by MRI.

This study describes a quantitative method to estimate the migratory capacity of neural stem cells (NSCs) using magnetic resonance imaging. NSCs were labeled with ferumoxides and injected stereotaxically into the corpus callosum of the normal rat brain. Control subjects received either free ferumoxides or nonviable labeled cells. Subjects were scanned after initial injection and at 1 week. Image sets were coregistered, compared morphologically, and analyzed parametrically to determine migration speed. Subjects receiving injections of viable cells had a significantly greater spread of the tracer after 1 week than either control group (p < 0.05). The speed of migration for viable NSCs was significantly higher than that of controls along the corpus callosum (p < 0.05). Migratory speeds estimated from histology and imaging were significantly correlated. This study provides a quantitative assessment of posttransplantation neural stem cell migration that is clearly distinguishable from tracer clearance.
DBL-1, a TGF-β, is essential for Caenorhabditis elegans aversive olfactory learning

The TGF-β superfamily is conserved throughout metazoan, and its members play essential roles in development and disease. TGF-β has also been implicated in adult neural plasticity. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we report that DBL-1, a Caenorhabditis elegans TGF-β homolog known to control body morphology and immunity, is essential for aversive olfactory learning of potentially harmful bacteria food. We show that DBL-1 generated by the AVA command interneurons, which are critical for sensorimotor responses, regulates aversive olfactory learning, and that the activity of the type I TGF-β receptor SMA-6 in the hypodermis is needed during adulthood to generate olfactory plasticity. These spatial and temporal mechanisms are critical for the DBL-1 signaling to achieve its diverse functions in development and adult neural plasticity. Interestingly, aversive training decreases AVA calcium response, leading to an increase in the DBL-1 signal secreted from AVA, revealing an experience-dependent change that can underlie the role of TGF-β signaling in mediating plasticity.
Protein-free spliceosomal snRNAs catalyze a reaction that resembles the first step of splicing.

Splicing of introns from mRNA precursors is a two-step reaction performed by the spliceosome, an immense cellular machine consisting of over 200 different proteins and five small RNAs (snRNAs). We previously demonstrated that fragments of two of these RNAs, U6 and U2, can catalyze by themselves a splicing-related reaction, involving one of the two substrates of the first step of splicing, the branch site substrate. Here we show that these same RNAs can catalyze a reaction between RNA sequences that resemble the 5′ splice site and the branch site, the two reactants of the first step of splicing. The reaction is dependent on the sequence of the 5′ splice site consensus sequence and the catalytically essential domains of U6, and thus it resembles the authentic splicing reaction. Our results demonstrate the ability of protein-free snRNAs to recognize the sequences involved in the first splicing step and to perform splicing-related catalysis between these two pre-mRNA-like substrates.
NDE applications of SQUID magnetometry to electrochemical systems

A technique utilizing state-of-the-art SQUID magnetometers for noninvasive evaluation of the electrochemical reactivity of materials has been extended to practical systems. For example, sensitization of type-304 stainless steel has been identified. Magnetic signals produced by sensitized and unsensitized samples in acid demonstrate clear differences between the two types of samples. As a second example, electrodeposition of zinc, simulating recharging of Zn/Ni and Zn/Ag batteries, has been noninvasively monitored via magnetic signals. Disturbances in the current distribution over time, caused by nonuniform deposition, have been detected and compared to simulations of dendritic growth. Further investigations will be enhanced by increased flexibility, sensitivity, and spatial resolution available in a prototype SQUID instrument being developed.
Kinetic Scheme for Thymidylate Synthase from Escherichia coli: Determination from Measurements of Ligand Binding, Primary and Secondary Isotope Effects, and Pre-Steady-State Catalysis†

We have determined kinetic and thermodynamic constants governing binding of substrates and products to thymidylate synthase from Escherichia coli (TS) sufficient to describe the kinetic scheme for this enzyme. (1) The catalytic mechanism is ordered in the following manner, TS + dUMP --> TS x dUMP + (6R)-5,10-CH2-H4folate --> TS x dUMP x (6R)-5,10-CH2H4folate --> TS x dTMP x H2folate --> TS x dTMP --> TS as predicted previously by others from steady-state measurements. (2) When substrates are saturating, the overall reaction rate is governed by the slow conversion of enzyme-bound substrates to bound products as demonstrated by (i) large primary and secondary isotope effects on k(cat) and (ii) high rates of product dissociation compared to k(cat). (3) Stopped-flow studies measuring the binding of 10-propargyl-5,8-dideazafolate, an analog of (6R)-5,10-CH2H4folate, with the active site mutant C146A or the C-terminus-truncated mutant P261Am enabled us to identify physical events corresponding to spectral changes which are observed with the wild-type enzyme during initiation of catalysis. A kinetically identifiable reaction step, TS x dUMP x (6R)-5,10-CH2H4folate --> (TS x dUMP x (6R)-5,10-CH2H4folate)*, likely represents reorientation of the C-terminus of the enzyme over the catalytic site. This seals the substrates into a relatively nonaqueous environment in which catalysis can occur. (4) Although TS is a dimer of identical subunits, catalysis is probably confined to only one subunit at a time. (5) The "high-resolution" kinetic scheme described herein provides a framework for the interpretation of the kinetics of catalysis by mutant ecTS chosen to provide insights into the relationship between structure and function.
I Think, Therefore I Persist

Suppose that you're lying in bed. You just woke up. But you're alert. Your mind is clear and you have no distractions. As you lie there, you think to yourself, ‘2 + 2 = 4.’ The thought just pops into your head. But, wanting to be sure of your mathematical insight, you once again think ‘2 + 2 = 4’, this time really meditating on your thought. Now suppose that you're sitting in an empty movie theatre. The lighting is normal and the screen in front of you is blank. Then at some point an image of a peach is flashed on the screen. The image isn't up there for long. In fact, it's only on the screen for what seems like an instant—just long enough for you to see it. These two scenarios are a bit mundane. But, as I will show, reflection on them can yield significant results concerning the nature of persons and their persistence through time. First I will show that thought and perception have temporal constraints whereby your thinking or perceiving in the above scenarios implies that you exist through a temporally ...
Minireview: Progress and Challenges in Proteomics Data Management, Sharing, and Integration

The proteome represents the identity, expression levels, interacting partners, and posttranslational modifications of proteins expressed within any given cell. Proteomic studies aim to census the quantitative and qualitative factors regulating the biological relationships of proteins acting in concert as functional cellular networks. In the field of endocrinology, proteomics has been of considerable value in determining the function and mechanism of action of endocrine signaling molecules in the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus and for the discovery of proteins as candidates for clinical biomarkers. The volume of data that can be generated by proteomics methodologies, up to gigabytes of data within a few hours, brings with it its own logistical hurdles and presents significant challenges to realizing the full potential of these datasets. In this minireview, we describe selected current proteomics methodologies and their application in basic and translational endocrinology before focusing on mass spec...
A compact quantum surface potential model for a MOSFET device

Quantum confinement effect near the silicon/silicon-oxide interface reduces the total channel charge, capacitance, current but it increases the surface potential of the MOSFET device due to thin gate dielectric (below 4 nm). The surface potential compact models with quantum effect are usually derived using a semiconductor band gap widening approach. In this paper we construct a compact surface potential model for the MOS structure directly from the Density Gradient (DG) equations.
Anesthetic management of a pregnant patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries for labor and vaginal delivery

A patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA), which is a rare form of congenital heart disease that is characterized by discordant atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial connections, was admitted for induction of labor at 40 weeks' gestation. This patient was first diagnosed with CCTGA at 20 weeks' gestation and had experienced recurrent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) during her pregnancy. An early epidural infusion of local anesthetic and opioid was administered to decrease maternal catecholamine release and prevent tachycardia associated with labor pain. Noninvasive blood pressure, continuous lectrocardiography, and pulse oximetry were monitored, and supplemental oxygen was provided. Various cardiac medications were made immediately available to promptly treat a SVT if necessary. The patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout labor and vaginal delivery. The anatomical defects of CCTGA, associated conditions, physiologic concerns, and treatment options are reviewed.
Toward a more globally effective standard for occupational electrical safety

Electrical safety is highly regulated in all industrialized countries. There is both commonality and differences in electrical safety standards and regulations country to country. This paper suggests a path forward to compare standards and regulations applicable in North America (NFPA70E, CSAZ462, ANSI/IEEE C2), Europe (EN 50110), Brazil (NR 10) and China (DL 408), and benchmark against the comprehensive hazard mitigation measures contained in ANSI Z10 Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems, which is harmonized with other safety management systems standards recognized globally. By comparing these standards against recognized safety management systems standards, such as ANSI Z10, it will identify gaps in electrical safety management. The comparison will highlight unique differences in the electrical safety standards, and will identify opportunities for improving individual standards.
A framework for evaluating regional hydrologic sensitivity to climate change using archetypal watershed modeling

Abstract. The current study focuses on the development of a regional framework to evaluate hydrologic and sediment sensitivity, at various stages of urban development, due to predicted future climate variability. We develop archetypal watersheds, which are regional representations of observed physiographic features (i.e., geomorphology, land cover patterns, etc.) with a synthetic basin size and reach network. Each of the three regional archetypes (urban, vegetated and mixed urban/vegetated land covers) simulates satisfactory regional hydrologic and sediment behavior compared to historical observations prior to a climate sensitivity analysis. Climate scenarios considered a range of increasing temperatures, as estimated by the IPCC, and precipitation variability based on historical observations and expectations. Archetypal watersheds are modeled using the Environmental Protection Agency's Hydrologic Simulation Program–Fortran model (EPA HSPF) and relative changes to streamflow and sediment flux are evaluated. Results indicate that the variability and extent of vegetation play a key role in watershed sensitivity to predicted climate change. Temperature increase alone causes a decrease in annual flow and an increase in sediment flux within the vegetated archetypal watershed only, and these effects are partially mitigated by the presence of impervious surfaces within the urban and mixed archetypal watersheds. Depending on the extent of precipitation variability, urban and moderately urban systems can expect the largest alteration in flow regimes where high-flow events increase in frequency and magnitude. As a result, enhanced wash-off of suspended sediments from available pervious surfaces is expected.
Theoretical dissolution model of poly-disperse drug particles in biorelevant media.

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to construct the theoretical dissolution model of poly-disperse drug particles in biorelevant media containing bile salt/lecithin aggregates (micelles or vesicles). The effective diffusion coefficient in the biorelevant medium and the particle size distribution of drug particles were simultaneously factored into the Nernst-Brunner equation. The effective diffusion coefficient of a drug in the biorelevant medium was calculated to be smaller than that in the blank buffer, since the diffusion coefficient of a drug bound to the aggregates became similar to that of the aggregates. The particle size distribution of a drug powder was simulated as the sum of mono-disperse fractions covering the particle size range. To verify the modified equation, the dissolution profile of griseofulvin and danazol in a taurocholic acid/egg lecithin (4:1 mixture, taurocholic acid-=-0-30 mM) system was investigated. It was clearly demonstrated that both modifications on the Nernst-Brunner equation improved the prediction accuracy. When the effect of the particle size distribution was neglected, the theoretical curve underestimated the observed value at the early phase of dissolution process. When the diffusion coefficient of a free drug was used instead of the effective diffusion coefficient, the theoretical curve overestimated the observed value. The results of the present study suggested that the effect of the particle size distribution and the effective diffusion coefficient should be taken into consideration.
Factors Influencing Self-Rated Preparedness for Graduate School: A Survey of Graduate Students

Numerous studies have found a host of factors that are likely to result in more successful applications to graduate schools. This study was a retrospective examination of the variables that distinguish graduate students who believed they were better prepared for graduate school. We examined several of these factors, including variables associated with undergraduate education and the individual for their relation to self-rated preparedness for graduate school. Our findings highlighted quality faculty interactions and participation in research as important factors in graduate students' post hoc ratings of their preparedness for graduate school. We also found that different types of institutions differed in the degree to which these opportunities were available to or accessed by students.
How psychosocial alcohol interventions work: a preliminary look at what FMRI can tell us.

Background: Current work in motivational interviewing (MI) has supported the role of in-session client and therapist language in predicting postintervention substance use outcomes. In particular, a relationship has been found between specific therapist language (e.g., MI-consistent behaviors), specific types of client speech (e.g., change talk; CT and counterchange talk; CCT), and subsequent drinking outcomes. One hypothesis to explain this phenomenon is that CT is an indication of a neurocognitive shift that happens during the course of a psychosocial intervention. And, it is possible that this shift is responsible for catalyzing and maintaining changes in drinking behaviors following MI interventions. To investigate this question, the effect of CT on blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response during the presentation of alcohol cues was evaluated using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Methods: To examine changes in neural response to alcohol cues following client language, 10 adults with alcohol dependence (50% men; 40% Caucasian; 40% Hispanic; M age = 42.6; M years of education = 13.3) were presented with CT and CCT derived from their prescan MI session during the presentation of alcohol cues. Results: Following CCT, there was significant neural response to alcohol cues in several key reward areas (cluster-corrected p 2.3; orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, anterior insula, posterior insula, caudate, and putamen). On the contrary, there were no areas of significant reward activation following CT. Conclusions: These results indicate that CT may be effectively inhibiting activation in brain regions that respond to the salience of alcohol cues. These findings provide preliminary biological support of the psychosocial literature findings, highlighting the critical importance of change talk during psychosocial interventions. Language: en