cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of varenicline on alcohol-primed self-administration and seeking behavior in rats

Varenicline, a smoking-cessation agent, may be useful in treating alcohol use disorders. An important consideration when studying factors that influence drinking/relapse is influence of the pharmacological effects of alcohol on these behaviors. Pre-exposure to alcohol (priming) can increase craving, drinking, and seeking behaviors. The primary goal of this work was to determine the effects of varenicline on alcohol-primed self-administration and seeking behavior in male Long-Evans rats. First, we assessed whether varenicline (0, 0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg, IP) has alcohol-like discriminative stimulus effects and whether varenicline alters sensitivity to alcohol in rats trained to discriminate a moderate alcohol dose (1 g/kg, IG) vs. water. Second, animals trained to self-administer alcohol underwent assessments to test the effects of: (i) varenicline (0, 0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg, IP) on self-administration, (ii) alcohol priming (0, 0.3, 1 g/kg, IG) on self-administration and seeking behavior, and (iii) varenicline (1 mg/kg) in combination with alcohol priming (1 g/kg) on these behaviors. Varenicline did not substitute for alcohol but disrupted the expression of sensitivity to alcohol. Varenicline decreased self-administration but only at a motor-impairing dose (3 mg/kg). Alcohol priming decreased self-administration and seeking behavior. Varenicline (1 mg/kg) blocked this effect under self-administration conditions, but not seeking conditions, which effectively resulted in increased alcohol intake. These findings suggest the importance of further behavioral and mechanistic studies to evaluate the use of varenicline in treating alcohol use disorders and its potential impact on drinking patterns in smokers using varenicline as a smoking-cessation aid.
Three-Dimensional Simulations of Cumulus Congestus Clouds on GATE Day 261

Schlesinger's (1978) three-dimensional cumulus model is applied to showering congestus clouds on day 261 of GATE. Model results are compared with each other and with observations to analyze the effects of varying shear and altered sounding. Relationships between shear, mesovortices and dynamic entrainment are examined, as well as the model clouds' impact on the environment as a function of shear. The simulations appear to resemble reality in many important aspects. Altostratus layers observed on day 261 are found to be a by-product of convection in three-dimensional shear. Rapid erosion of cloud base to 3.6 km is related to the ambient thermal structure, with wind shear and initial perturbation playing a secondary role. Some of the apparent conflict regarding lateral versus cloud-top entrainment is clarified, as well as some factors governing convective downdraft structure and intensity.
A Novel Mini Calibrator for Thermochromic Liquid Crystals

A small calibrator has been constructed to facilitate wide-band liquid crystal temperature measurements on complex, curved surfaces. The calibrator's size, 21.3 mm by 20.3 mm by 10.0 mm thick, makes it ideal for in-situ calibrations at multiple sites on curved surfaces. Its design utilizes the heating/cooling ability of a thermoelectric cooler, and its temperature is quickly and accurately controlled by computer. To test the calibrator's accuracy, a liquid crystal sample was calibrated
MULTIPLE PULMONARY NODULES DETECTED BY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY: DIAGNOSTIC IMPLICATIONS

Prior to the advent of CT, the radiographic demonstration of multiple nonmiliary lung nodules usually indicated the presence of metastases or, less likely, granulomas. The increased sensitivity of CT at detecting small parenchymal pulmonary densities is accompanied by loss of specificity, creating uncertainty as to the significance of nodules detected at CT in any individual patient. During a 1 year period we reviewed all CT scans in our institution demonstrating three or more focal lung densities, noting these parameters: number of densities, maximum lesion size, presence of calcification as determined visually, and lesion morphology (linear or nodular). Of 137 patients with three or more focal lung densities at CT, nodule diagnosis was established on pathologic or clinical grounds in 114. Metastases accounted for 73%, with primary colon and lung malignancies and lymphoma the most common causes. Malignant nodules were statistically significantly larger, more numerous, and more rounded, whereas calcification was significantly associated with benign disease. However, no single criterion or combination of criteria was foolproof. Based on our results, we offer recommendations for further evaluation of nodules in several common clinical settings.
Generalized Lambda time-slot permuters

We present a new self-routing time slot permuter, the generalized Lambda time slot permuter (Lambda) Nq for a frame of N time slots (N equals 2n, n equals pq), which generalizes the previously proposed Lambda time slot permuter. The generalized Lambda time slot permuter is obtained by combining the idea of the Lambda time slot permuter and Q-way bitonic decomposition (Q equals 2q). Each instance of a switch setting in (Lambda) Nq is determined on-the-fly by a q-bit comparison of input destination tags. The local control complexity of a generalized Lambda time slot permuter (Lambda) Nq varies from n-bit comparison (q equals n) to a single bit control of the Lambda time slot permuter (q equals 1), while the hardware complexity varies from O(n2 to O(n3). The complexity of the q-bit comparison is O(1) if the data is presented serially, but allows some trade-offs to be made if data packets and destination tags have some parallel nature.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interpolation of Longitudinal Shape and Image Data via Optimal Mass Transport.

Longitudinal analysis of medical imaging data has become central to the study of many disorders. Unfortunately, various constraints (study design, patient availability, technological limitations) restrict the acquisition of data to only a few time points, limiting the study of continuous disease/treatment progression. Having the ability to produce a sensible time interpolation of the data can lead to improved analysis, such as intuitive visualizations of anatomical changes, or the creation of more samples to improve statistical analysis. In this work, we model interpolation of medical image data, in particular shape data, using the theory of optimal mass transport (OMT), which can construct a continuous transition from two time points while preserving “mass” (e.g., image intensity, shape volume) during the transition. The theory even allows a short extrapolation in time and may help predict short-term treatment impact or disease progression on anatomical structure. We apply the proposed method to the hippocampus-amygdala complex in schizophrenia, the heart in atrial fibrillation, and full head MR images in traumatic brain injury.
Gastrointestinal bleeding from arteriovenous malformations in recipients of left ventricular assist devices

Background: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal blood vessels in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and are a common source of bleeding. They can develop through venous obstruction or hypoperfusion, and may be associated with aortic stenosis or renal insufficiency. It has been suggested that nonpulsatile left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) may contribute to AVMs due to the lower pulse pressure generated by these devices, similar to aortic stenosis. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 52 consecutive LVAD recipients. Nonpulsatile devices included VentrAssist, HeartMate II, and Jarvik 2000. Pulsatile devices included Novacor and HeartMate XVE. The primary endpoint was GI bleeding that was clinically evident by hematemesis, melena, guaiac positive stool, or iron deficiency anemia, and confirmed by endoscopy. Results: Only age was found to be an independent predictor of GI bleeding (p = 0.001). Ten subjects received pre-implant colonoscopies. Seven had pathologic findings (4 polyps, 2 diverticulosis, 1 colitis), 3 of whom went on to develop post-implant GI bleeding (p = 1.000). Conclusions: Nonpulsatile LVADs were not associated with an increase in AVMs or GI bleeding. The limited number of pre-implant colonoscopies was not predictive of post-implant GI bleeding.
SUMO modification is required for in vivo Hox gene regulation by the Caenorhabditis elegans Polycomb group protein SOP-2.

Post-translational modification of proteins by the ubiquitin-like molecule SUMO (sumoylation) regulates their subcellular localization and affects their functional properties in vitro1,2, but the physiological function of sumoylation in multicellular organisms is largely unknown. Here, we show that the C. elegans Polycomb group (PcG) protein SOP-2 interacts with the SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC-9 through its evolutionarily conserved SAM domain. Sumoylation of SOP-2 is required for its localization to nuclear bodies in vivo and for its physiological repression of Hox genes. Global disruption of sumoylation phenocopies a sop-2 mutation by causing ectopic Hox gene expression and homeotic transformations. Chimeric constructs in which the SOP-2 SAM domain is replaced with that derived from fruit fly or mammalian PcG proteins, but not those in which the SOP-2 SAM domain is replaced with the SAM domains of non-PcG proteins, confer appropriate in vivo nuclear localization and Hox gene repression. These observations indicate that sumoylation of PcG proteins, modulated by their evolutionarily conserved SAM domain, is essential to their physiological repression of Hox genes.
Do I need a body to encourage you? The effect of embodiment on social facilitation

Social facilitation refers to the phenomenon that the presence of others can improve one's performance in simple tasks. This work investigates whether/how we can achieve the same effect using virtual characters. In particular, we want to study the difference among using a digital character, a cognitive robot, and a real person to achieve this effect. We also want to investigate the importance of feeling being evaluated for social facilitation to take place.
Volatility clustering in real interest rates Theory and evidence

Abstract In this paper, we document that the volatility of monthly real interest rates is characterized by long periods of relatively constant volatility, interrupted by short periods of sharp increases in volatility. Moreover, volatility is correlated with measures of economic activity and financial market frictions. In particular, the conditional variance of real interest rates is negatively correlated with the growth rate of industrial production and positively correlated with the spread between the borrowing and the lending rate. We develop an equilibrium model with financial frictions that is able to mimic the observed behavior of the volatility of interest rates. The model can explain the negative correlation of the conditional variance with the business cycle and the positive correlation with the spread between the borrowing and the lending rate.
Beyond Bias? The Promise and Limits of Q Method in Human Geography

Q method is a quantitative technique for eliciting, evaluating, and comparing human subjectivity. We introduce the method here and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, especially with regards to its incorporation into human geographic research. We conclude that Q method is particularly appropriate for human geographies informed by anti-essentialist notions of the subject and constructivist accounts of social and natural reality. Claims by the founders of Q method that hold that the procedure distances and removes the bias of the researcher are shown to be unfounded and epistemologically naive. Nevertheless, Q method is a rigorous, hermeneutic, and iterative technique that allows the researcher to surrender the monopoly of control in their relationship with the researched and so contribute to more democratic research design and implementation.
Activation of human brain galactosylceramidase by phosphatidylserine.

Abstract Assays of Sphingolipid hydrolases in vitro generally require bile salts or other detergents. A few ‘activator proteins’ have been reported that can partially replace the detergents in the assay mixture. We report here that phosphatidyl-serine from bovine brain is a relatively specific activator of human brain galactosylceramidase in the absence of sodium taurocholate (phosphatidylserine system). Activity similar to that obtained with the conventional assay system containing taurocholate and oleic acid (taurocholate system) could be obtained. Other lipids tested generally gave less than 10% of the taurocholate system activity, but sulfatide could activate human brain galactosylceramidase to 20–30% of the taurocholate system. The properties of the reaction in the phosphatidylserine system were examined with human brain whole homogenate, crude soluble post-concanavalin A preparations, and partially purified preparations as the enzyme source and compared with those obtained with the tauro-cholate system. The pH optimum shifted from 4.2 in the taurocholate system to 4.7 in the phosphatidylserine system. The phosphatidylserine system was superior in the linearity of the reaction with respect to the enzyme protein. Reasonably linear Lineweaver-Burk plots could be obtained. The K m values for the phosphatidylserine system were greater than those for the taurocholate system. The effect of phosphatidylserine was not additive to that of taurocholate. Additional phosphatidylserine to the taurocholate system was either without effect at lower concentrations or inhibitory at higher concentrations. The assays of galactosylceramidase with phosphatidylserine and without taurocholate do not necessarily provide pragmatic advantages but offer a potentially useful system with which to study the mechanism of in vivo degradation of the membrane-bound glycosphingolipid.
Identity Work and Collective Action in a Repressive Context: Jewish Resistance on the “Aryan Side” of the Warsaw Ghetto

Research on social movements has found that activists often deploy their identity strategically, putting forth certain images of themselves in order to best achieve their goals. However, such work has focused mostly on settings in which activists are relatively free to pursue different identity-based strategies. In contrast, less is known about the strategic use of identity in more repressive contexts, where the expression of certain identities may be curtailed. This paper addresses this issue by examining the “identity work” of Jewish resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Poland. While their resistance was fueled by a strong sense of collective identity, the heavy costs associated with public displays of Jewishness meant that identity also had to be kept hidden in order for the resistance to occur. Unlike the freely chosen, “harmonic” identity work that has been described by most research, these activists' work was forced and more dissonant, characterized by the simultaneous amplification and suppression of identity and emotion. The analysis points to the need for additional studies of activism in high-risk, repressive settings.
The Epistemology of Darkness: Preliminary Reflections

The theologian after the death of God, the end of philosophy, and the end of theology is left with a critical vocation in what has sometimes been called a postcritical age. The call to discernment, separation, and judgment about claims from the history of theology amidst the persistence of religious experience is complexified by the attraction of planting at least one foot firmly on the soil of ordinary language usage. The quick and uneasy alliance with the social sciences, the preemptory rise of secular studies in religion, and the delimitation of the range of theological inquiry by positivistic philosophies have not dispelled the surplus of unsaid meaning calling from the darkness of primary religious experience. This oxymoronic state of affairs is a conceptual impertinence that is itself a trace of a forgotten moment of originating consciousness. The unsaid, the unconscious, and the order of the nonrealized name the memory trace that reminds the theologian of both the subversion and transcendence of the subject. When the clean, crisp reflections of ordinary language philosophies become paradigmatic for the study of religion, the growing residue of unintelligible confessions becomes for theology an inheritance of the unsaid. The semantic anxiety in the face of the unsaid has frequently led to a delimitation of the tasks of theology and the study of religion. The inclination is then to dismiss arrogantly or to mourn the fate of those who continue to see through a glass darkly.
The international consensus process on psychopharmacology and intellectual disability

The present authors invited 115 scientists, practitioners and consumers from 11 nations to form an international consensus panel on best practices and clinical effects regarding psychoactive medicines and intellectual disability. Co-sponsors included the American Association on Mental Retardation, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Association on Dual Diagnosis and The Arc of the United States. The panel developed 21 reports that were revised to reflect comments from 351 participants at a 1995 Ohio State University conference in Columbus, OH, USA. The reports will be published as chapters in a forthcoming book entitled Psychotropic Medication and Developmental Disabilities: The International Consensus Handbook. The need for research and training programmes is discussed.
Spherical Beads as Filters: Separation and Size Determination of Coccidia

SummaryCopolymer and glass beads were separated by sieving into uniform sizes. When packed in columns, they provided sieves with pore spaces of about 15% the diameter of the beads. Sharp cutoff points allowed for the removal of larger particulates and the isolation of those of a chosen size range. Differential filtration of cat coccidia varying in size provided a characterization of the filter's utility in the 8 to 40 μ range.
Induction of system A amino acid transport through long-term treatment with ouabain: correlation with increased (Na+/K+)-ATPase activity

Mouse embryo fibroblast cells (C3H-10T1/2) and the methylcholanthrene-transformed derivative (MCA-10T1/2) were treated with basal modified Eagle's medium (BME) containing 10% fetal bovine serum and varying concentrations of ouabain ranging from 0.05 mM to 0.7 mM for 16 h in culture. After replacing the ouabain-containing medium with Earl's balanced salts solution, System A amino acid transport activity increased from approximately 40 to 500 pmol AIB accumulated.mg protein-1.min-1 in the C3H-10T1/2 cells and from approximately 300 to 700 pmol AIB accumulated.mg protein-1.min-1 in the MCA-10T1/2 cells. The (Na+/K+)-ATPase pump activity also increased from approximately 12 to 46 nmol Rb+ accumulated.mg protein-1.min-1 in the normal cells and from approximately 20 to 42 nmol Rb+ accumulated.mg protein-1.min-1 in the transformed cells. System A and the (Na+/K+)ATPase activity were maximally increased at approximately 0.4-0.6 mM ouabain in the normal cells in contrast to the transformed cells which were maximally stimulated at a concentration of approximately 0.2 mM ouabain. This treatment with ouabain increased the [Na+]i/[K+]i as measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and thereby decreased the Na+ and K+ electrochemical gradients. Our data show that the internal ion gradients inverted at a lower concentration of ouabain in the transformed cells compared to the normal cells. The ouabain-induced increase in pump and System A activity shown here was used as a tool to further investigate the coordinated ion transport regulation in the control of cell growth.
Draft Genome Sequences of Enterobacter sp. Isolate Ag1 from the Midgut of the Malaria Mosquito Anopheles gambiae

An isolate of Enterobacter sp. was obtained from the microbial community within the gut of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito, a major malaria vector in Africa. This genome was sequenced and annotated. The genome sequences will facilitate subsequent efforts to characterize the mosquito gut microbiome.
Emphysematous cholecystitis: pitfalls in its plain film diagnosis.

The clinical and radiographic findings of emphysematous cholecystitis are usually characteristic. However, on occasion the radiographic findings may be simulated by other processes. In such circumstances accurate diagnosis can usually be rapidly established by a variety of simple radio-graphic maneuvers and procedures. Five illustrative cases are presented herein and the pertinent literature is reviewed.
E-plane performance trade-offs in two-dimensional microstrip-patch element phased arrays

A systematic analysis of probe-fed microstrip-patch phased arrays is discussed based on an infinite array model. E -plane scan and frequency parametric study of two-dimensional strip arrays show characteristic scan-bandwidth trade-offs.
Indoxacarb resistance in the house fly, Musca domestica

Indoxacarb (DPX-MP062) is a recently introduced oxadiazine insecticide with activity against a wide range of pests, including house flies. It is metabolically decarbomethoxylated to DCJW. Selection of field collected house flies with indoxacarb produced a New York indoxacarb-resistant (NYINDR) strain with >118-fold resistance after three generations. Resistance in NYINDR could be partially overcome with the P450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO), but the synergists diethyl maleate and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorothioate did not alter expression of the resistance, suggesting P450 monooxygenases, but not esterases or glutathione S-transferases are involved in the indoxacarb resistance. Conversely, the NYINDR strain showed only 3.2-fold resistance to DCJW, and this resistance could be suppressed with PBO. Only limited levels of cross-resistance were detected to pyrethroid, organophosphate, carbamate or chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in NYINDR. Indoxacarb resistance in the NYINDR strain was inherited primarily as a completely recessive trait. Analysis of the phenotypes vs. mortality data revealed that the major factor for indoxacarb resistance is located on autosome 4 with a minor factor on autosome 3. It appears these genes have not previously been associated with insecticide resistance.
Differential Interaction with and Regulation of Multiple G-proteins by the Rat A3 Adenosine Receptor

Interaction of the rat A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) with G-proteins has been assessed using a stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cell system. The non-selective AR agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) increased the labeling of a 41-kDa membrane protein by 4-azidoanilido-[alpha-32P]guanosine 5'-triphosphate (AA-[32P]GTP), a photolabile GTP analogue. Subsequent immunoprecipitation of Gi alpha-subunits indicated that NECA stimulated incorporation of label into both Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3. Additional experiments revealed an A3AR stimulation of label into Gq and/or G11 alpha-subunits, albeit to a lesser degree than that elicited by endogenous P2U purinergic receptors. No interaction with Gs could be detected. Sustained cellular exposure to NECA induced A3AR desensitization and specific down-regulation of Gi alpha-3 and G-protein beta-subunits without changing levels of Gi alpha-2, Gs alpha, or Gq+11 alpha-subunits. Therefore the A3AR can interact with Gi alpha-2, Gi alpha-3, and, to some extent, Gq-like proteins, but sustained agonist exposure down-regulates only one of the G-proteins with which it interacts. This is the first description of the differing specificities of A3AR/G-protein coupling versus down-regulation in situ and provides a potential mechanism by which the A3AR could elicit the heterologous desensitization of signaling events mediated by Gi3.
Effect of guanxi on Chinese subordinates' work behaviors: a conceptual framework

Purpose – This study aims to investigate a subordinate's perception of supervisor-subordinate guanxi and its impact on the subordinate's work-related outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – This study draws upon relevant literature and develops a theoretical framework that investigates the relationships among a subordinate's perceived supervisor-subordinate guanxi, loyalty to supervisor, challenge-oriented organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), affiliation-oriented OCB, job security perception, and task performance. Findings – This study suggests first, subordinate-supervisor guanxi will have a positive impact on a subordinate's loyalty to supervisor. Second, subordinate-supervisor guanxi will negatively affect a subordinate's challenge-oriented OCB, but will positively affect a subordinate's affiliation-oriented OCB. Third, a subordinate's loyalty to supervisor will negatively influence his or her challenge-oriented OCB, but will positively influence his or her affiliation-oriented OCB. Fourth, chal...
Long-term quality of life outcome after proton beam monotherapy for localized prostate cancer

Objectives High-dose external radiation for localized prostate cancer results in favorable clinical outcomes and low toxicity rates. Here, we report long-term quality of life (QOL) outcome for men treated with conformal protons. Methods QOL questionnaires were sent at specified intervals to 95 men who received proton radiation. Of these, 87 men reported 3- and/or 12-month outcomes, whereas 73 also reported long-term outcomes (minimum 2 years). Symptom scores were calculated at baseline, 3 months, 12 months, and long-term follow-up. Generalized estimating equation models were constructed to assess longitudinal outcomes while accounting for correlation among repeated measures in an individual patient. Men were stratified into functional groups from their baseline questionnaires (normal, intermediate, or poor function) for each symptom domain. Long-term QOL changes were assessed overall and within functional groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Statistically significant changes in all four symptom scores were observed in the longitudinal analysis. For the 73 men reporting long-term outcomes, there were significant change scores for incontinence (ID), bowel (BD) and sexual dysfunction (SD), but not obstructive/irritative voiding dysfunction (OID). When stratified by baseline functional category, only men with normal function had increased scores for ID and BD. For SD, there were significant changes in men with both normal and intermediate function, but not poor function. Conclusions Patient reported outcomes are sensitive indicators of treatment-related morbidity. These results quantitate the long-term consequences of proton monotherapy for prostate cancer. Analysis by baseline functional category provides an individualized prediction of long-term QOL scores. High dose proton radiation was associated with small increases in bowel dysfunction and incontinence, with more pronounced changes in sexual dysfunction.
Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis with Losartan: A Pilot Project

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive interstitial lung disease with no current effective therapies. Treatment has focused on antifibrotic agents to stop proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen deposition in the lung. We present the first clinical trial data on the use of losartan, an antifibrotic agent, to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of losartan on progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis measured by the change in percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (%FVC) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included the change in forced expiratory volume at 1 second, diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide, 6-minute walk test distance, and baseline/transition dyspnea index.
Evidence that Human Thyroid Cells Express Uncleaved, Single-Chain Thyrotropin Receptors on Their Surface

The prevailing concept is that, in human thyroid tissue in vivo, all cell-surface TSH receptors (TSHR) cleave into disulfide linked A and B subunits. Because this viewpoint is based on studies using homogenized thyroid tissue and because of TSHR fragility, we studied TSHR subunit structure in intact thyroid cells, primary human thyrocyte cultures, FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells, and WRO (follicular) and NPA (papillary) thyroid cancer cell lines. To overcome the handicap of very low TSHR expression in thyroid cells, we generated a TSHR-expressing adenovirus (TSHR-Ad-RGD) with an integrin-binding RGD motif enabling efficient entry into cells lacking the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor. Two days after TSHR-Ad-RGD infection, [125I]TSH cross-linking to intact cells revealed uncleaved, single-chain TSHR as well as cleaved TSHR A subunits on the surface of all four thyroid cell types. The extent of TSHR cleavage, which is independent of the level of TSHR expression, was consistently lower in the human thyroid cancer cell lines than in the other cell lines. In flow cytometry studies after TSHR-Ad-RGD infection, strong signals were detected in all four thyroid cell types using a monoclonal antibody that primarily recognizes the uncleaved TSHR. Finally, using the same monoclonal antibody, confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of single-chain TSHR on TSHR-Ad-RGD-infected thyroid cells. In summary, TSH covalent cross-linking, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy demonstrate the presence of uncleaved TSHR on the human thyrocyte surface. These data provide stronger evidence for this alternative than the contrary view based on the finding of only cleaved TSHR in homogenized thyroid cells.
Chemical and Biological Folding Contribute to Temperature Sensitive ΔF508 CFTR Trafficking

Proteostasis (Balch WE, Morimoto RI, Dillin A, Kelly JW. Adapting proteostasis for disease intervention. Science 2008;319:916–919) refers to the biology that maintains the proteome in health and disease. Proteostasis is challenged by the most common mutant in cystic fibrosis, ΔF508, a chloride channel [the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)] that exhibits a temperature-sensitive phenotype for coupling to the coatomer complex II (COPII) transport machine for exit from the endoplasmic reticulum. Whether rescue of export of ΔF508 CFTR at reduced temperature simply reflects energetic stabilization of the chemical fold defined by its primary sequence or requires a unique proteostasis environment is unknown. We now show that reduced temperature (30°C) export of ΔF508 does not occur in some cell types, despite efficient export of wild-type CFTR. We find that ΔF508 export requires a local biological folding environment that is sensitive to heat/stress-inducible factors found in some cell types, suggesting that the energetic stabilization by reduced temperature is necessary, but not sufficient, for export of ΔF508. Thus, the cell may require a proteostasis environment that is in part distinct from the wild-type pathway to restore ΔF508 coupling to COPII. These results are discussed in the context of the energetics of the protein fold and the potential application of small molecules to achieve a proteostasis environment favoring export of a functional form of ΔF508.
Langerhans histiocytosis of temporal bone: role of magnetic resonance imaging.

Summary:Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) may involve nearly every organ of the body. In children, head and neck involvement has been reported in as many as 82% of patients. Sites of head and neck involvement include skull, temporal bone, orbit, mandible, maxilla and cervical nodes. In addition, p
Prenatal exposure to cocaine is associated with increased number of spine synapses in rat prelimbic cortex

Prenatal exposure to cocaine has been associated with cognitive deficits in children and in animal models. An excess activation of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex has been proposed as a potential cause for these deficits based on previous studies. The goal of this study was to determine if prenatal exposure to cocaine was associated with an increase in the number of excitatory synapses on dendritic spines in layer II/III of the prelimbic cortex. Frontal cortex of young adult male and female rats, exposed to either saline or cocaine (3 mg/kg i.e., twice a day, embryonic day 10-20), were examined using electron microscopy and the number of asymmetric spines synapses were estimated using the physical disector method. Both male and female rats prenatally exposed to cocaine had about twice as many synapses on dendritic spines as the prenatal saline controls. The increase in number of excitatory synaptic inputs associated with prenatal cocaine exposure could contribute to the increased neuronal activation and cognitive deficits noted.
A SELF-ASSEMBLED MATRIX MONOLAYER FOR UV-MALDI MASS SPECTROMETRY

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry has in recent years significantly advanced the field of polymer analysis. However, the mechanisms of the desorption and ionization processes, and in particular the critical role played by the matrix, remain unclear. In the present work, the usual matrix is replaced with a self-assembled monolayer consisting of a UV absorbing matrix-like compound covalently linked to a gold surface. Analytes such as proteins or oligonucleotides are directly deposited on the covalently modified probe tips and mass analyzed by laser desorption time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. Several types of monolayers were investigated and tested for their ability to produce positive and negative analyte ions. Molecular ion signals were obtained for dT10 oligonucleotides and proteins as large as cytochrome C on monolayers of methyl N-(4-mercaptophenyl)carbamate (MMPC). The amenability of this model system to characterization with established physical and chemical ...
Flow-aware Cross Packet Inspection using Bloom Filters for High Speed Data-path Content Matching

Content matching based algorithms form the core of many network security devices. It is one of the critical components due to the fact that it allows making decisions based on the actual content flowing through the network. The most important parameters that go into the design of a content matching algorithm are its performance and accuracy of detection. Although this topic had received significant attention in literature over past decade, much of the work was focused on improving the performance. The accuracy of detection was limited within a packet instance. Protocols like TCP do not guarantee that message boundaries are preserved. This can result in a segmented pattern across packets. This paper demonstrates a novel flow-aware content matching algorithm that solves this limitation without compromising the performance.
The large-area time-of-flight upgrade for STAR

Abstract The STAR experiment at RHIC concentrates on the tracking of charged hadrons via ionization in gas- and silicon-based detectors, and the detection of electrons and photons via calorimetry, in a wide and azimuthally complete acceptance that’s unique at RHIC. STAR’s ability to directly identify the species of the tracked charged hadrons is however limited to “low” hadron momenta. Approximately 30% of the charged particles in the event at higher momenta cannot be directly identified, which hampers the physics reach of STAR in a number of key areas. To address this blind spot, STAR aims to surround the entire cylindrical surface of the tracking detectors with a large-area (∼50 m 2 ) time-of-flight (TOF) system based on the relatively new technology called the multi-gap resistive plate chamber (MRPC). Prototype TOF systems based on this technology were operated in STAR throughout the last two RHIC running periods. The design and operation of STAR’s MRPCs, the performance of the two prototype systems, and an overview of the design of the planned large-area system, will be discussed.
Classroom Ecology The Effects of Seating Position on Grades and Participation

A two-phase study was conducted to examine the effects of classroom seating position on test scores and participation. When students selected their seats (Phase 1), those in the front performed better on the exam than did those in the rear. There was, however, no effect of proximity on participation. When students were randomly assigned to seats (Phase 2), there were no differences in test scores as a function of proximity; however, students in the front of the class participated more than did those in the rear. These results imply that the relationship between seating position and grades is mediated by self-selection processes, while participation is influenced by seat location per se.
Multimodal person tracking and attention classification

The problems of human detection, tracking, and attention recognition can be solved more effectively by integrating multiple sensory modalities, such as vision and range data. We present a system that uses a laser range scanner and a single camera to detect and track people, and to classify their attention relative to a socially interactive robot.
Influence of long-term residue management on soil enzyme activities in relation to soil chemical properties of a wheat-fallow system

Soil enzyme activities (acid and alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, β-glucosidase, urease and amidase) were determined (0- to 20-cm depth) after 55 years of crop-residue and N-fertilization treatment in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow system on semiarid soils of the Pacific Northwest. All residues were incorporated and the treatments were: straw (N0), straw with fall burn (N0FB), straw with spring burn (N0SB), straw plus 45 kg N ha−1 (N45), straw plus 90 kg N ha−1 (N90), straw burned in spring plus 45 kg N ha−1 (N45SB), straw burned in spring plus 90 kg N ha−1 (N90SB), straw plus 2.24 T ha−1 pea-vine residue and straw plus 22.4 T ha−1 of straw-manure. Enzyme activities were significantly (P<0.001) affected by residue management. The highest activities were observed in the manure treated soil, ranging from 36% (acid phosphatase) to 190% increase in activity over the control (N0). The lowest activities occurred in the N0FB (acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase and β-glucosidase) and N90 treated soils (alkaline phosphatase, amidase and urease). Straw-burning had a significant effect only on acid phosphatase activity, which decreased in spring burn treated soil when inorganic N was applied. Urease and amidase activity decreased with long-term addition of inorganic N whereas the pea vine and the manure additions increased urease and amidase activity. There was a highly significant effect from the residue treatments on soil pH. Arylsulfatase, urease, amidase and alkaline phosphatase activities were positively correlated and acid phosphatase activity was negatively correlated with soil pH. Enzyme activities were strongly correlated with soil organic C and total N content. Except for acid phosphatase, there was no significant relationship between enzyme activity and grain yield.
Theory of Acyclic Chemical Networks and Enumeration of Polyenoids via Two-Dimensional Chirality

Procedure for constructing acyclic chemical networks is delineated through the example of polyenoids, CNHN+2. Chirality in two-dimensional space is introduced to enumerate polyenoids. Cis−trans dichotomies, each arising from a 2D chiral center, are stacked to form stereoisomers. Redundancy caused by rotating the molecular plane in 3D space is eliminated to obtain the net count of isomers.
Numerical computation of space shuttle heating and surface streamlines

Exact inviscid flow-field codes are used together with a quasi-three-dimensional boundary-layer analysis to provide estimates of the windward surface heating and streamline patterns of the shuttle orbiter vehicle. The accuracy and limitations of the methods are established by comparison with available wind-tunnel experiments and with more exact numerical solutions for simple flows. Flight predictions are presented showing the effects of finite-rate (nonequilibrium) chemical reactions, and the effects of varying boundary-layer edge conditions due to the growth of the boundary-layer into the inviscid flow (entropy layer swallowing). Differences between flow-field predictions at wind-tunnel and nominal flight conditions are discussed.
Do Financial Restatements Lead to Auditor Changes

SUMMARY: This paper examines whether financial restatements are associated with subsequent auditor changes. A financial restatement represents a breakdown in a company's financial reporting, but, importantly, also of its audit. We argue that in response to pressure from capital markets, restating firms will dismiss their auditors to increase audit quality and restore reputational capital lost when the restatements are announced to the investing public. Using a large sample of restatements and auditor changes we find that, consistent with our hypothesis, the likelihood of auditor-client realignments increases after firms announce restatements. As expected, we also find that the positive association between restatements and auditor turnovers is more pronounced when restatements are more severe and the quality of corporate governance is high. Finally, we find that stock market returns surrounding auditor changes increase as the severity of restatements increases. The last result supports the idea that stock ...
Staggering error control of a class of inelastic processes in random microheterogeneous solids

In this work a staggering solution strategy for the simulation of the time-dependent inelastic mechanical deformation of a class of solids, possessing irregular heterogeneous microstructure, is developed. The system of coupled equations involved consists of (1) a dynamic equation of momentum balance, where the primary field variable is the displacement, (2) an evolution equation for material degradation, where the primary field variable is a state damage function, and (3) an evolution equation for the inelastic strains in the solid where the primary field variable is a plastic strain field. Clearly, the damage and plasticity variables are implicit functions of the displacement, however, for the staggering scheme strategy, it is convenient to formulate them as individual fields during the solution process. The key concept for the strategy to operate efficiently is to estimate and control the so-called staggering error, i.e. the error due to incompletely resolving the coupling between the field equations in a staggering process. This error is a function of the time step size. However, because the coupling is temporally variable, possibly becoming stronger, weaker, or oscillatory, it is extremely difficult to ascertain a priori the time step size needed for prespecified error control. In the present work, to induce desired staggering rates of convergence within each time step, thus controlling the staggering error, an adaptive strategy is developed whereby the time step size is manipulated, enlarged or reduced, to control the intrinsic contraction mapping constant of the staggering system operator. The overall goal is to deliver accurate solutions where temporal discretization error control dictates the upper limits on the time step size, while the iterative staggering strategy refines the step size further to control the staggering error. Three-dimensional numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the solution strategy.
Stress intensity factors in shafts subjected to torsion and axial loading

Abstract The finite element method has been used to determine stress intensity factors (SIFs) of surface cracks in plain and fillet notched shafts subjected to torsion and axial loadings. The SIFs were obtained as part of a simulation of surface crack growth under fatigue conditions. The shape of the crack front was also predicted and compared to the crack front shapes observed on several test specimens.
Prevalence of Alcohol-use Disorders and Alcohol-Related Problems in a College Student Sample

Most studies of alcohol consumption patterns and alcohol-related problems among college students have failed to include a diagnostic measure based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) criteria. Applying the DSM-IV standards would facilitate an analysis of the prevalence of alcohol-use disorders and individual symptoms of those disorders. A structured diagnostic interview based on DSM-IV criteria (the alcohol section of the Substance Abuse Module) and several alcohol screening instruments were administered to 306 undergraduate students at an urban commuter campus. The prevalence of current and lifetime alcohol-use disorders, individual symptoms of those disorders, and other alcohol-related problems are reported, as well as data regarding alcohol consumption patterns and binge drinking. The data are analyzed in terms of demographic variables, including sex, ethnicity, year in school, age, and marital status of those in the sample.
CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors as a Therapeutic Target—What Does the Future Hold?

The past decades have seen an exponential rise in our understanding of the endocannabinoid system, comprising CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade endocannabinoids. The primary focus of this review is the CB2 receptor. CB2 receptors have been the subject of considerable attention, primarily due to their promising therapeutic potential for treating various pathologies while avoiding the adverse psychotropic effects that can accompany CB1 receptor–based therapies. With the appreciation that CB2-selective ligands show marked functional selectivity, there is a renewed opportunity to explore this promising area of research from both a mechanistic as well as a therapeutic perspective. In this review, we summarize our present knowledge of CB2 receptor signaling, localization, and regulation. We discuss the availability of genetic tools (and their limitations) to study CB2 receptors and also provide an update on preclinical data on CB2 agonists in pain models. Finally, we suggest possible reasons for the failure of CB2 ligands in clinical pain trials and offer possible ways to move the field forward in a way that can help reconcile the inconsistencies between preclinical and clinical data.
Design of vector control speed modulated system on AC motors based on DSP

The paper studies the theory of vector control system and the fuzzy control theory. Firstly, the system chart combing with the current model is given in the paper. Then in MATLAB simulation model of the fuzzy control subsystem and the vector control system is established. So we can derive the simulation results in MATLAB that can prove the system is valid. At last, based on the simulation results the paper designs a vector control speed modulated using PM15RSH120 IPM as switches of converter and TMS320F2407A as DSP machine together with vector control algorithm and PWM. Results of all experiments prove that the designed system has nicer static and dynamic capability.
Assessing prosthetic mitral valve regurgitation by transoesophageal echo/Doppler

Transoesophageal echocardiography has greatly improved our ability to detect structural and regurgitant abnormalities associated with prosthetic mitral valves