cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the increase of sweetness under zero gravity

The reported increase in the sweetness of stimuli when tasted in zero gravity is analyzed with respect to the effect of gravity on the free-energy change of a chemical reaction. In the analysis, I question the assumption that the initial gustatory step for sweet is a stimulus-receptor site association. An earlier alternate hypothesis—a dissociation process—is reintroduced, and predictions are made for the responses of other gustatory qualities under zero gravity. The possibility is noted that this variation in the free-energy change of a reaction may have an effect on other biochemical processes.
Peripheral vascular spasm as a prodrome of herpes zoster.

A case of severe vascular spasm involving the major arterial circulation of the lower extremity has been reported. The unusual feature of this case is the fact that the arterial spasm apparently was a prodrome of herpes zoster, the cutaneous manifestations of which appeared 72 hours after the onset of vasospasm. Response of the vasospastic symptoms to non-operative therapy was good; the herpes zoster required roentgen therapy for relief.
Myofilament Calcium Sensitization Causes Pause-Dependent Ventricular Ectopy in Mouse Hearts with Acute and Chronic Myocardial Infarction

Background. Increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity has been associated with cardiac arrhythmias in several cardiomyopathies. During the course of myocardial infarction (MI), myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity is reduced during acute ischemia but increases in the chronic stage. Thus, we aimed to compare the arrhythmogenic patterns during an acute MI or after chronic MI in mice.Methods. In theacute MI group, isolated hearts were investigated 15 min after left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation. In the chronic MI group, hearts were harvested 4 weeks after LAD ligation. To measure arrhythmia susceptibility, isolated hearts from both groups underwent a ventricular pacing challenge consisting of pacing trains of increasing frequency, followed by a pause and an extra stimulus, in the presence or in the absence of the Ca2+ sensitizer EMD 57033 (3 µM) or the Ca2+ de-sensitizer and contractile uncoupler Blebbistatin (3 µM).Results. Acute MI caused frequent ventricular ectopyduring the steady-state pacing, but not after a pause. Acute MI hearts became susceptible to post-pause ectopy only after Ca2+ sensitization with EMD. In contrast, chronic MI hearts exhibited only very modest ventricular ectopy during the pacing trains (33.3%, p<0.01 vs acute MI), but consistently exhibited ectopy after a pause (91.6%), which was prevented by Ca2+ de-sensitization with blebbistatin (10%, p<0.05). Compared to acute MI, the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) was significantly increased in chronic MI, which could be prevented by blebbistatin (MI: 70%, MI+Bleb: 10%, p<0.05, n=10 per group).Conclusion. Different patterns of arrhythmia induction are involved in acute and chronic MI hearts. Our data suggest that increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity strongly promotes ventricular ectopy and VT's after a pause, but does not affect ectopy during regular pacing.
Stromatolites of the upper Siyeh Limestone (Middle Proterozoic), Belt Supergroup, Glacier National Park, Montana

Abstract Calcareous stromatolites of the upper Siyeh Limestone (ca. 1.1 ∘ 10 9 years old) were studied in the central part of Glacier National Park, Montana. The stromatolites, mound- and dome-shaped structures deposited in a shallow, generally submerged, tidally influenced setting, were formed by a combination of in situ carbonate precipitation and organic stabilization of detrital material. Well-developed, 1–4 cm diameter, branched columns occur in a single stromatolite bed. Physical factors, including the size and shape of sediment-surface irregularities upon which the stromatolites developed, the rate of sedimentation between stromatolites, and the water depth, played a major role in controlling stromatolite macrostructure. Deposition of non-organically stabilized detritus on stromatolite growth surfaces inhibited the development of small-diameter columns by smoothing over developing growth features. Columnar structures are absent in stromatolites that contain abundant non-organically stabilized sediment. In contrast, they are well-developed in a stromatolite bed that is relatively deficient in such material. “Molar-tooth” structures are common in the impure dolomitic limestones, and the abundant sheet-shaped forms appear to be sparry-calcite-filled syneresis cracks.
Exploitation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis reporter strains to probe the impact of vaccination at sites of infection.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) remains a major public health problem, with an effective vaccine continuing to prove elusive. Progress in vaccination strategies has been hampered by a lack of appreciation of the bacterium's response to dynamic changes in the host immune environment. Here, we utilize reporter Mtb strains that respond to specific host immune stresses such as hypoxia and nitric oxide (hspX′::GFP), and phagosomal maturation (rv2390c′::GFP), to investigate vaccine-induced alterations in the environmental niche during experimental murine infections. While vaccination undoubtedly decreased bacterial burden, we found that it also appeared to accelerate Mtb's adoption of a phenotype better equipped to survive in its host. We subsequently utilized a novel replication reporter strain of Mtb to demonstrate that, in addition to these alterations in host stress response, there is a decreased percentage of actively replicating Mtb in vaccinated hosts. This observation was supported by the differential sensitivity of recovered bacteria to the front-line drug isoniazid. Our study documents the natural history of the impact that vaccination has on Mtb's physiology and replication and highlights the value of reporter Mtb strains for probing heterogeneous Mtb populations in the context of a complex, whole animal model.
Nuestro Camino: A Review of Literature Surrounding the Latino Teacher Pipeline

This article reviews recent literature on how Latinos progress through critical junctures of the teacher pipeline: high school graduation, college access and persistence, obtaining a teaching degree, and securing a job as a classroom teacher. This thorough investigation of the Latino experience through each of these junctures offers a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that Latinos face as they pursue teaching careers. Findings suggest that the Latino teacher pipeline is unique and often nontraditional. The critical junctures along this pathway that are particularly challenging for students are explored further, and opportunities for growth are also noted.
INHIBITION OF CEREBRAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS: DISSOCIATION OF NONSPECIFIC EFFECTS AND AMNESIC EFFECTS

Injection of 210 mg/kg of anisomycin 5 hr prior to training produced more nonspecific behavioral side effects at the time of training than did a low dosage (30 mg/kg) given 20 min prior to training. Yet the low dosage 20 min pretraining produced greater protein synthesis inhibition at training and greater impairment of retention of passive avoidance training than did the high dosage 5 hr pretraining. These results demonstrate that the level of protein synthesis inhibition at or near the time of training is the critical factor for inducing amnesia, and not nonspecific side effects of a protein synthesis-inhibiting drug. Various alternative hypotheses would also predict greater amnesia after the high dosage of anisomycin given 5 hr prior to training than after the amnestic low dose given 20 min prior to training. Thus, these results provide further support for the hypothesis that brain protein synthesis is required for long-term memory formation.
Polymeric redox mediator enzyme electrodes for anaerobic glucose monitoring

Abstract An electrochemical oxidation process has been developed to fabricate enzyme electrodes, immobilized with an enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) and a polymeric mediator poly(vinylferrocene) (PVFc). The ferrocene moiety of PVFc transfers electrons successfully between the GOx and the electrode surface, and the macromolecular nature of PVFc helps to minimize the loss of mediator molecules. Enzyme electrodes fabricated by this process respond rapidly to glucose, with steady state currents being achieved in less than 10 s. Current responses to glucose concentrations were investigated under different operating conditions, such as pH, temperature, oxygen and anion interference. A mathematical model describing the steady state amperometric operation of the enzyme electrode has been derived. The reaction steps include diffusion, heterogeneous enzymatic catalysis, electron mediation and electrochemical regeneration of mediators. Simplified equations, corresponding to certain kinetic characteristics, are presented. Each case shows its unique relationship between the inverse current and the inverse analyte concentration. Therefore, a diagnostic plot of inverse current vs. inverse analyte concentration allows rate-limiting step(s) to be identified immediately. Experimental data obtained from known systems confirm the validity of this model.
The Reaction of Phosphoryl Chlorides with Enamines - A New Approach to β-Ketophosphonates

Abstract Several approaches are available for the preparation of β-ketophosphonate esters. A Michaelis-Arbuzov approach using the reaction of an α-halo ketone with a trialkyl phosphite may in certain instances be controlled to favor the preparation of the target materials. However, an alternative pathway leading to the formation of vinyl phosphate esters often predominates. (This reaction system has recently been reviewed by Borowitz and Borowitz.1) An alternative approach is that developed in recent years by Wiemer, et al.2 involving the rearrangement of vinyl phosphate esters to the β-ketophosphonates.
pH affects mercury distribution, not methylation.

Abstract Changing values of the pH in natural sediment-water systems did not affect the total amount of methylmercury generated in the sediments. However, partition of methylmercury between water and sediment did change, the amount of methylmercury in the water column doubling for a decrease in pH of 1.0 (sand) to 2.0 (organic sediment) units. This change is enough to explain, quantitatively, the observed elevations in mercury levels in fish taken from lakes of low pH.
The Great Power Struggle in East Asia 1944–50, Britain, America and Post-War Rivalry

The Great Power Struggle in East Asia 1944–50, Britain, America and Post-War Rivalry Christopher Baxter Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2009 Xiv + 250 pp., ISBN: 978-0-230-20297-9 (£55.00 hardback...
Platelet-activating factor and airway reactivity

Le PAF est un puissant agent chimiostatique pour les eosinophiles i vitro et peut provoquer une eosinophilie et une reactivite des voies respiratoires in vitro. Les eosinophiles des asthmatiques produisent plus de PAF que ceux des sujets normaux. Les antagonistes du PAF inhibent puissamment le chimiostatisme des eosinophiles et l'influx des eosinophiles dans les voies respiratoires des animaux. Ils inhibent l'infiltration des eosinophiles dans les voies respiratoires et la reactivite des voies respiratoires provoquees par les allergenes
Mortality and morbidity in the first year of widowhood.

A group of randomly selected bereaved (average age 61 years) and age- and sex-matched controls were studied prospectively for one year to determine the mortality and morbidity of the first year of bereavement. In contrast to most published data, the groups showed no difference in the one-year mortality rates. The bereaved experienced significantly more psychological and physical depressive symptoms than their nonbereaved counterparts. Despite this, there were no differences in the two groups in number of physicians visits, hospitalizations, and use of tranquilizers. There was a small but significant increase in use of hypnotics by the bereaved. A review of the literature indicates there is an increased psychological morbidity in the younger widowed, but not in older widowed. The group reported here was of older age.
Nature of the Peculiar Galaxy NGC 5128

NGC 5128 is a peculiar galaxy which is of great interest, especially because it is at the centre of a very strong and exceedingly large source of radio emission known as Centaurus A1. The galaxy has been illustrated in the plate published by Baade and Minkowski2 and also in the Hubble Atlas3. It consists of a very bright elliptical galaxy classified EO with a very wide dust lane crossing it and roughly dividing the bright area of luminosity in half. Baade and Minkowski interpreted the structure as being due to a collision between an elliptical galaxy and a smaller spiral system. At that time the only spectra available were those of Hubble4 and Humason2. Neither gave sufficient information from which the true nature of the object could be deduced from the motions of the gas and stars in it, and the collision hypothesis based on interpretation of the direct plates alone has been a subject of controversy.
Interactions of human mesangial cells with IgA and IgA-containing immune complexes1

Interactions of human mesangial cells with IgA and IgA-containing circulating immune complexes. Background IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by IgA1-containing immune complexes in mesangial deposits and in the circulation. The circulating immune complexes (CIC) are composed of galactose- (Gal) deficient IgA1 and IgG or IgA1 antibodies specific for the Gal-deficient IgA1; interactions of these CIC with mesangial cells (MC) were studied. Methods Binding, internalization, and catabolic degradation of myeloma IgA1 protein as a standard control and the isolated CIC were studied using human MC, hepatoma cell line HepG2 expressing the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R), and monocyte-like cell line U937 expressing the Fcα-R (CD89). Biochemical and molecular approaches were used to assess expression of CD89 and ASGP-R by MC. Results At 4°C, radiolabeled IgA1 bound to MC and HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. The binding was inhibited by IgA-containing CIC or excess IgA1 or its Fc fragment but not by the Fab fragment of IgA1. At 37°C, the cell-bound IgA1 was internalized and catabolized. In addition to IgA1, HepG2 cells also bound (in a Ca 2+ -dependent manner), internalized, and catabolized asialoorosomucoid (ASOR), other asialo-(AS)-glycoproteins, and secretory component (SC). The binding by MC appeared to be restricted to IgA1 or AS-IgA1 and was not Ca 2+ -dependent. Furthermore, MC and HepG2 cells internalized and catabolized IgA1-containing CIC. Using RT-PCR with ASGP-R- or CD89-specific primers, mRNAs of the two respective genes were not detected in MC. Conclusions The data showed that the ability of MC to bind IgA1 and IgA1-containing CIC in vitro was mediated by an IgA receptor that was different from CD89 or ASGP-R and had a higher affinity for IgA-CIC than for uncomplexed IgA.
A computational investigation of c60 depth profiling of ag: molecular dynamics of multiple impact events

Using 20-keV C60 on a Ag sample, multiple cluster bombardment events have been performed with molecular dynamics simulations. The purpose of this investigation is to develop a protocol for making depth profiling simulations tractable, as well as to examine the topographical effects which arise due to multiple impacts on smooth surfaces. The results show that when the total yield is equivalent to the removal of one atomic layer (0.24 nm), the distribution of the ejected particles is spread throughout the top 5.5 nm of the sample. Examples of individual bombardment events on the damaged surface exhibit a diversity of dynamics that is not observed on flat surfaces. Using the computational methods outlined, we have been able to run depth profiling simulations on a large-scale system.
Conditions in the protoplanetary disk as seen by the type B CAIs

Type B coarse-grained calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) are the oldest known materials to have formed in the solar system and are a unique source of information regarding conditions and processes in the protoplanetary disk around the young sun. Recent experimental results on the crystallization and evaporation of type B-like silicate melts allow us to place the following constraints on the conditions in the protoplanetary disk during the formation of type B CAIs. 1) Once type B CAIs precursors have been condensed from a solar composition gas, they were reheated at 1250-1450 °C, as is indicated by their igneous texture. 2) The melilite mantles characteristic of type B1 CAIs could be formed by crystallization of magnesium- and silicon-depleted melt in the outer part of the partially molten droplets. Such depletion can arise when evaporation is fast compared to chemical diffusion in the melt. This requires the pressure of the surrounding solar composition gas to be at least 10^(-4) bars during the initial crystallization of melilite mantle. Type B2 CAIs with uniform distribution of melilite are expected to form at pressures less than 10^(-5) bars. 3) Evaporation calculations are used to place bounds on the thermal history of the type B CAIs. Observed compositional zoning in melilite suggests that the temperatures in the protoplanetary disk where the type B CAIs resided after crystallization could not have exceeded ~1000 °C for more than a few tens of thousands of years. A recent calculation of the physical conditions associated with nebular shocks produced transient temperatures and gas pressures very much like what we find is required to melt reasonable CAI precursors and evaporate these sufficiently quickly to make a type B1 CAI.
PuCoGa5 and related materials

Temperature dependencies of the nuclear spin-relaxation rate and specific heat of PuCoGa5 and isostructural PuRhGa5 are consistent with their superconductivity being unconventional. A simple model of hybridization between localized f-electrons and itinerant conduction-band electrons gives a framework for interpreting basic similarities and differences between these Pu-based superconductors and their Ce-based analogs. This model also provides a rationale for the correlation between Tc and a characteristic spin-energy scale in these materials. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
CASE STUDY: Effects of Supplementing Injectable Trace Minerals on Dairy Calf Performance

Calves from a commercial dairy operation were studied to determine if an alternative method of supplying trace minerals would improve calf growth and mineral status. The objective of these trials was to determine the effects of supplementing trace minerals with an injectable mineral product (MIN), containing 16 mg/mL Cu, 10 mg/mL Mn, 5 mg/mL Se, and 48 mg/mL Zn, on ADG and blood and liver mineral concentrations of preweaned dairy calves. In trial 1, 123 Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to either the control or the MIN treatment. Calves on the MIN treatment (n = 60) received a 1-mL injection of MIN at 1 d of age. Calves were weighed on d 3 ± 2 and again on d 42 ± 3 to determine ADG. Trial 2 included 10 Holstein bull calves, with MIN calves (n = 5) receiving a 1-mL injection of MIN at d 4. Blood and liver samples were collected on d 3 and 43. In trial 1, ADG (0.29 and 0.30 kg/d for control and MIN, respectively) and weaning weights (49.0 and 50.1 kg for control and MIN, respectively) were similar (P > 0.10). In trial 2, ADG for control and MIN calves were similar (P > 0.10) and averaged 0.49 and 0.50 kg/d, respectively. Blood and liver mineral concentrations were similar (P > 0.10) for control and MIN calves. In these trials, an injection of this mineral product at birth did not significantly affect ADG or blood and liver mineral concentrations of dairy calves.
Proteases released from Xenopus laevis eggs at activation and their role in envelope conversion.

Abstract During fertilization of the Xenopus laevis egg, the egg envelope is converted so that further sperm contact with the egg is prevented. In this study two envelope conversion reactions were investigated, envelope hardening and limited hydrolysis of two structurally related envelope glycoproteins. Both of these reactions were shown to be sensitive to protease inhibitors. In an attempt to identify egg proteases involved in envelope conversion, the medium around activated dejellied eggs was collected and analyzed. The exudate was able to convert isolated envelopes and, when the exudate was analyzed using peptide substrates, two major activities were found, one with a preference for cleavage after argininyl peptide bonds and one with a preference for phenylalaninyl peptide bonds. Analysis of exudate using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with gelatin cast into the gel showed two bands of proteolytic activity, one at M r 45,000 that was identified as the trypsin-like activity and one at M r 30,000 that was identified as the chymotrypsin-like activity. When cortical granule exocytosis was suppressed using ammonium chloride, release of the two exudate proteases was also suppressed. Studies of the envelope conversion reactions using protease inhibitors indicated that the chymotrypsin-like protease was involved in envelope conversion once it had been activated by the trypsin-like protease.
A compressible magneto-rheological fluid damper – liquid spring system

In this study, a compressible magneto-rheological fluid damper – liquid spring (CMRFD-LS) system is designed, built and tested. The CMRFD-LS functions as a liquid spring and a controllable fluid damper in a single unit. The CMRFD-LS system has a Magneto-Rheolgical (MR) valve with tapered annular flow channel. The flow profile and pressure drops due to varying cross sections of the flow path under different applied magnetic fields are studied. To evaluate the spring effect, experiments are carried out using pure silicone oil under different input displacements and frequencies. The spring effect of the liquid spring and the energy dissipated due to damping are obtained from the performance tests conducted with MR fluid, which is composed of 80% (wt.) iron particles suspended in silicone oil. The equivalent spring coefficient, equivalent damping coefficients and energy dissipated for different sinusoidal input displacements at different motion frequencies and applied electric currents are determined from these force-displacement loops of experimental results. The effect of the tapered flow path on the pressure drops for compression and rebound is investigated.
Drug-drug interactions involving membrane transporters in the human kidney

The kidneys play a critical role in the elimination of xenobiotics. Factors affecting the ability of the kidney to eliminate drugs may result in marked changes in the pharmacokinetics of a given compound. Drug-drug interactions due to competitive inhibition of renal organic anion or cation secretion systems have been noticed clinically for a long time. However, our understanding of the physical sites of interactions, that is, the specific transport proteins that the interacting drugs act on, has just begun very recently. This review summarises the latest progress in molecular identification and functional characterisation of major drug transporters in the human kidney. In particular, the review focuses on relating cloned renal drug transporters to clinically observed drug-drug interactions. The authors' opinion on the current status and future directions of research in these areas is also offered.
Inhibitors of Asparagine-linked Oligosaccharide Processing Alter the Kinetics of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor

We used selective inhibitors of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharide processing pathway to study the effect of sugar trimming on the functional properties of the nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor expressed in clonal mammalian BC3H-1 cells. Inhibitors of initial steps of the processing pathway (1-deoxynojirimycin[DNJ] and castanospermine[CS]) reduced the density of ACh receptors on the cell surface (3- to 5-fold) but their responsiveness to ACh was more reduced (5- to 10-fold). These results suggest that the function of the ACh receptor was altered. When the ACh receptors were expressed in the presence of DNJ or CS, analysis of ACh-evoked single-channel currents (-100 mV and 11 degrees C) revealed an approximate threefold reduction in the opening rate (control: 600-650 s(-1)), treated: 130-250 s(-1)) and an approximate twofold reduction in the rate of agonist dissociation (control: 900-1,000 s(-1), treated: 400-500 s(-1)). In addition, the proportion of brief duration bursts (tau = 50-100 microseconds) was increased (1.5- to 2-fold) by treatments with DNJ or CS. In contrast, an inhibitor of a late processing step (swainsonine) did not produce such alterations. The single-channel conductance was not altered by any of the three inhibitors, and the slopes of log-log dose-response curves at low concentrations and desensitization did not appear to be affected. Each inhibitor altered the electrophoretic mobility of the ACh receptor subunits. We conclude that early sugar trimming can influence the kinetics of the nicotinic ACh receptor in BC3H-1 cells.
Atlastin GTPases are required for Golgi apparatus and ER morphogenesis

The hereditary spastic paraplegias (SPG1-33) comprise a cluster of inherited neurological disorders characterized principally by lower extremity spasticity and weakness due to a length-dependent, retrograde axonopathy of corticospinal motor neurons. Mutations in the gene encoding the large oligomeric GTPase atlastin-1 are responsible for SPG3A, a common autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia. Here we describe a family of human GTPases, atlastin-2 and -3 that are closely related to atlastin-1. Interestingly, while atlastin-1 is predominantly localized to vesicular tubular complexes and cis-Golgi cisternae, mostly in brain, atlastin-2 and -3 are localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are most enriched in other tissues. Knockdown of atlastin-2 and -3 levels in HeLa cells using siRNA (small interfering RNA) causes disruption of Golgi morphology, and these Golgi structures remain sensitive to brefeldin A treatment. Interestingly, expression of SPG3A mutant or dominant-negative atlastin proteins lacking GTPase activity causes prominent inhibition of ER reticularization, suggesting a role for atlastin GTPases in the formation of three-way junctions in the ER. However, secretory pathway trafficking as assessed using vesicular stomatitis virus G protein fused to green fluorescent protein (VSVG-GFP) as a reporter was essentially normal in both knockdown and dominant-negative overexpression conditions for all atlastins. Thus, the atlastin family of GTPases functions prominently in both ER and Golgi morphogenesis, but they do not appear to be required generally for anterograde ER-to-Golgi trafficking. Abnormal morphogenesis of the ER and Golgi resulting from mutations in atlastin-1 may ultimately underlie SPG3A by interfering with proper membrane distribution or polarity of the long corticospinal motor neurons.
Comments from Readers: Continuity of Care and Placement Mobility in Child Welfare

Gustavsson and MacEachron's (2011) article, No Foster Child Left Behind: Child Welfare Policy Perspectives on Education, articulates some important issues in the care of foster children. The authors suggest that foster children have lower academic skills, often must repeat grades, and can be generally academically challenged. The authors suggest the moves from home to foster homes, or placement mobility, and corresponding school mobility contribute to a depressed level of academic skills (p. 277).
Rudin-Osher-Fatemi Total Variation Denoising using Split Bregman

Denoising is the problem of removing noise from an image. The most commonly studied case is with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN), where the observed noisy image f is related to the underlying true image u by f = u + , and is at each point in space independently and identically distributed as a zero-mean Gaussian random variable. Total variation (TV) regularization is a technique that was originally developed for AWGN image denoising by Rudin, Osher, and Fatemi [9]. The TV regularization technique has since been applied to a multitude of other imaging problems, see for example Chan and Shen’s book [20]. We focus here on the split Bregman algorithm of Goldstein and Osher [31] for TV-regularized denoising.
Bidirectional communication between the brain and the immune system: implications for behaviour

Abstract The focus in the study of pathways between the brain and the immune system has, until recently, been on brain-to-immune communication. In the present review we focus instead on immune-to-brain pathways by which events in the immune system can alter neural activity and thus behaviour. We argue that aspects of the immune system function as a diffuse sense organ, informing the brain about events in the body regarding infection and injury; that the proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 play key communicative roles in this regard, signalling the brain via both blood-borne and neural routes; and that the brain plays a major role in coordinating host defence. Behaviour is part of host defence, and is shown to be integrated into the pattern of immune processes. We argue that the circuitry that has evolved to mediate these effects has taken on a wider role in regulating behaviour, and we discuss implications for understanding stress. We conclude that immune processes may be a major source of behavioural regulation.
Solving Alignment Using Elementary Linear Algebra

Data and computation alignment is an important part of compiling sequential programs to architectures with non-uniform memory access times. In this paper, we show that elementary matrix methods can be used to determine communication-free alignment of code and data. We also solve the problem of replicating read-only data to eliminate communication. Our matrix-based approach leads to algorithms which are simpler and faster than existing algorithms for the alignment problem.
One atmosphere glow discharge structure revealed by computer modeling

A one-dimensional and self-consistent model of an atmospheric pressure, dielectric controlled, parallel-plate RF discharge is presented. The computer modeling provided information about the unexpected uniform glow structure of this discharge. The calculated parameters of the plasma, including the electric field, the potential, and the space charge density are analogous to those observed in a normal DC glow discharge. Images of plasma properties are presented and discussed.
Advanced photonic sensors for homeland security

The development highly reliable optical sensors are crucial not only to prevent failure of the most vital part engineering constructions such as nuclear or power plants, airplanes, submarines, etc., but operate under high level electrically hazardous environment caused by explosions or high level nuclear radiation. Proposed sensor and measurement technology, which operated light by light can dramatically reduce failures most vital part of engineering constructions listed above and is not vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation during explosions or terrorist attacks.
Organization of the olfactory system in the adult zebrafish: histological, immunohistochemical, and quantitative analysis.

The zebrafish, Danio rerio, is becoming an important model system for developmental studies. We have used a variety of histological techniques to characterize the adult structure of the olfactory system in this teleost to form a base for future developmental work. The olfactory epithelium in this fish contains ciliated and microvillar sensory neurons, microvillar supporting cells, secretory goblet cells, and basal cells, and the adjacent nonsensory epithelium contains ciliated supporting cells. The olfactory bulb is a diffusely organized structure with four laminae: olfactory nerve, glomerular, mixed mitral cell/plexiform, and granule cell layers. These structures and the synapses observed in the olfactory bulb are typical of what is found in other vertebrates. We also examined the distribution of several neurotransmitter markers (tyrosine hydroxylase, neuropeptide Y, dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and serotonin) in the olfactory bulb. Antibodies to neuropeptide Y, dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and serotonin labeled fibers in the olfactory bulb and cell bodies in caudal regions of the brain in distributions comparable to other species. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was observed in a set of intrinsic bulb neurons with extensive processes in the glomerular layer. In addition, the structural proteins glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin have distributions similar to those in the olfactory bulbs of other animals. Thus, the adult olfactory structures are analogous to the structures in other vertebrate animals in morphology and chemical neuroanatomy. This similarity, along with its numerous advantages for developmental studies, makes the zebrafish a good model for studies of olfaction and forebrain maturation. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cross-Caption Coreference Resolution for Automatic Image Understanding

Recent work in computer vision has aimed to associate image regions with keywords describing the depicted entities, but actual image 'understanding' would also require identifying their attributes, relations and activities. Since this information cannot be conveyed by simple keywords, we have collected a corpus of "action" photos each associated with five descriptive captions. In order to obtain a consistent semantic representation for each image, we need to first identify which NPs refer to the same entities. We present three hierarchical Bayesian models for cross-caption coreference resolution. We have also created a simple ontology of entity classes that appear in images and evaluate how well these can be recovered.
A Role for IRF8 in B Cell Anergy

B cell central tolerance is a process through which self-reactive B cells are removed from the B cell repertoire. Self-reactive B cells are generally removed by receptor editing in the bone marrow and by anergy induction in the periphery. IRF8 is a critical transcriptional regulator of immune system development and function. A recent study showed that marginal zone B cell and B1 B cell populations are dramatically increased in IRF8-deficient mice, indicating that there are B cell-developmental defects in the absence of IRF8. In this article, we report that mice deficient for IRF8 produced anti-dsDNA Abs. Using a hen egg lysozyme double-transgenic model, we further demonstrate that B cell anergy was breached in IRF8-deficient mice. Although anergic B cells in the IRF8-proficient background were blocked at the transitional stage of development, anergic B cells in the IRF8-deficient background were able to mature further, which allowed them to regain responses to Ag stimulation. Interestingly, our results show that IRF8-deficient B cells were more sensitive to Ag stimulation and were resistant to Ag-induced cell death. Moreover, our results show that IRF8 was expressed at a high level in the anergic B cells, and an elevated level of IRF8 promoted apoptosis in the transitional B cells. Thus, our findings reveal a previously unrecognized function of IRF8 in B cell anergy induction.
Illinois Supreme Court Clarifies Owner's Payment Obligations Under the Mechanics Lien Act

This article focuses on the recent Illinois Supreme Court decision in Weather-Tite, Inc. v. University of St. Francis, and how that decision interpreted the Mechanics Lien Act. In Weather-Tite, the court held that a property owner who relies on a section 5 sworn statement and pays the general contractor without retaining sufficient funds to pay the subcontractors, acts illegally and in violation of the subcontractor's rights. Thereafter, the subcontractor has the right to foreclose his lien against the owner's property. This article examines the Illinois Supreme Court's prescription for how the Mechanics Lien Act functions, and gives particular attention to the payment responsibilities that run from the property owner to the general contractor and from the property owner to the subcontractor. Additionally, this article discusses the rights of the property owner and some of the responsibilities the subcontractor has to the property owner.
Hysterotomy and insertion of an intrauterine device for endometrial sclerosis: importance of long term followup.

A case report is given of a 24-year-old woman with endometrial sclerosis treated with abdominal hysterotomy and the insertion of a Teflon intrauterine device. The IUD was used to maintain the patency of the endometrial cavity and was later modified and used as a stent for the reconstruction of a Fallopian tube. Short-term effects showed a return to normal menses but at 7-8 months postoperative signs of the sclerosis returned. The limited success of this procedure is hopeful but is clearly restricted in use in other patients to the extent of her disease. Long-term followup is essential to determine the efficacy of the treatment.
Diagnostic yield of cystoscopy in the evaluation of recurrent urinary tract infection in women

Aims Due to a paucity of evidence-based guidelines, anecdotal practice patterns often dictate clinical management of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in women. Our aim was to identify pathologic findings of the urinary tract through cystoscopy and imaging in women with recurrent UTI, and to determine if specific risk factors are associated with a higher rate of abnormal findings. Methods In a single-institutional cohort, cystoscopy was performed for women with recurrent UTI between 1/2010 and 7/2014. All eligible patients were included in a maintained database and those with gross or microscopic hematuria were excluded. Abdominopelvic imaging was recommended and included in study data when completed. Associations between clinical risk factors (history of renal transplant, urogynecologic surgery, or urolithiasis) and abnormal findings were analyzed by Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 163 women (mean age 60.6 years) were included in final analysis. Abdominopelvic imaging was available in 133 (82%) cases. Cystoscopy identified 9 (5.5%) cases of significant clinical findings. Of these only 5 (3.8%) cases were uniquely identified on cystoscopy and missed on imaging modalities. When imaging was normal, cystoscopy was also normal in 94% of cases. The examined clinical risk factors were not associated with higher risk of abnormal cystoscopy (P = 0.49) or imaging (P = 0.42). Conclusions Cystoscopy performed solely for recurrent UTI is low yield in patients with normal imaging studies, but a small number of abnormal findings may be missed by foregoing this element of the patient workup. No studied risk factor was predictive of an abnormal workup. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:692–696, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reanalysis of α+α scattering and the β-delayed α spectra from 8 Li and 8 B decays

We reanalyzed the Wilkinson-Alburger delayed-\ensuremath{\alpha} spectra from ${}^{8}\mathrm{Li}$ and ${}^{8}\mathrm{B}$ decay, accounting for lepton-recoil broadening that had been neglected in previous analyses. This substantially improved the quality of the fits. The ${}^{8}\mathrm{Li}$ and ${}^{8}\mathrm{B}$ delayed-\ensuremath{\alpha} spectra are now consistently described by the same ${}^{8}\mathrm{Be}$ final-state continuum. In our analysis, which did not invoke a low-lying intruder state, the discrepancy between the final-state continua inferred from the delayed-\ensuremath{\alpha} spectra and from the $L=2$ \ensuremath{\alpha}+\ensuremath{\alpha} phase shifts is much less than found by previous authors. This largely resolves discrepancies noted by Barker and Warburton; the remaining differences may be artifacts of the assumption that the \ensuremath{\beta}-decay matrix elements are independent of excitation energy. Our analysis of the Wilkinson-Alburger data is consistent with results from the recent coincidence study of Ortiz et al., which gives additional confidence in using delayed-\ensuremath{\alpha} spectra to infer the spectrum of ${}^{8}\mathrm{B}$ neutrinos that dominate the counting rate of many solar neutrino detectors.
High Resolution Copper Lines by direct Imprinting

One-micrometer wide copper lines are patterned by direct imprinting and thermolysis. First, a layer of plastic copper hexanoate is spun on a substrate and patterned by direct imprint. Then the copper hexanoate line pattern is converted to copper metal lines by thermal and hydrogen anneals. The converted copper film resistivity is ∼8 μωcm. The direct imprinting of a fine metal pattern points the way to the direct patterning of device materials at high resolution
Smoking in the workplace

Both, smoking and certain work place emissions can cause similar disorders. Among those are chronic obstructive bronchitis and--more rarely--cancer of the lung. If both risk factors are associated their relative noxious effects have sometimes to be weighed and assessed separately. As a rule the greater importance has to be attributed to smoking. Rarer and thus less known are work related noxious substances (mainly nitroglycols, carbon sulfur, carbon monoxide) that lead to or at least accelerate cardiovascular diseases. These substances can thereby interact with concomitant nicotine abuse. While it is now accepted that passive smoking in general increases the risk for cancer, investigations on the exclusive effects of passive smoking at the work place are scarce. In daily life complaints about the various molestations prevail in the working environment. These can only be resolved in mutual openness and a factual comprehension. To this end certain legal prescriptions may prove helpful. Non smoking in institutions not only furthers the working climate but cautious estimates suggest that corporations may hereby economize resources. From this latter point of view the introduction of 'no smoking rules' could thus be rewarding as well.
A disposable, continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction device: design, fabrication and evaluation

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to amplify a specific segment of DNA through a thermal cycling protocol. The PCR industry is shifting its focus away from macro-scale systems and towards micro-scale devices because: micro-scale sample sizes require less blood from patients, total reaction times are on the order of minutes opposed to hours, and there are cost advantages as many microfluidic devices are manufactured from inexpensive polymers. Some of the fastest PCR devices use continuous flow, but they have all been built of silicon or glass to allow sufficient heat transfer. This article presents a disposable polycarbonate (PC) device that is capable of achieving real-time, continuous flow PCR in a completely disposable polymer device in less than 13 minutes by thermally cycling the sample through an established temperature gradient in a serpentine channel. The desired temperature gradient was determined through simulations and validated by experiments which showed that PCR was achieved. Practical demonstration included amplification of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) derived cDNA.
Minimax causal transmission of Gaussian stochastic processes over channels subject to correlated jamming

This paper has studied the problem of transmitting a Gaussian stochastic process {θt, t ∈[0, tf]} over a continuous-time channel which is subjected to an unknown jamming noise under a given power constraint. The noise process has been allowed to be correlated with the message process, and also a noiseless feedback has been allowed between the receiver and the transmitter. Under a quadratic distortion measure, we have obtained a saddle-point solution with probabilistic encoder structure, linear receiver structure, and a least favorable jamming policy given by a Wiener intergal.
Motor Disorders in Rett Syndrome

The motor and behavioral findings in 32 patients with Rett syndrome aged 21 months to 30 years, are reported from the Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
Genocide in Syria: International Legal Options, International Legal Limits, and the Serious Problem of Political Will

This essay addresses the failure of the international community to rein in the violence in Syria, and suggests that much of the problem is a lack of political will, not only on the States in the region, but on the part of several Permanent Members of the UN Security Council. Nonetheless, the essay suggests several legal options – that might bring a modicum of justice to the situation – in the short, medium and long term. In particular, the essay addresses the possibility that the Syrian situation might be referred to the International Criminal Court, and addresses some of the current obstacles to doing so.
Sintering of Powder Compacts

When we have compacted a powder to some shape, turning it into a useful part is, in principle, quite simple. All that should be necessary is to put the compact in a furnace for awhile, between 0.5 and 0.8 of its melting temperature, and hold it there for a few hours. Since elimination of internal surfaces means lowering the free energy of the system, diffusion should redistribute the atoms inside the powder compact, slowly trying to fill up the voids (pores). You could expect a final product that has some pores in it and in which the grain size has increased, in some cases significantly, compared to the initial particle size. Typically, if we start with a powder particle size of 1 µm or less, we might have a final grain size of 10 to sometimes 100 µm. Since there was no massive melting in the powder mix (we allow for some powder mixtures to have some liquid present during sintering) the compact retains its form, and the final shape is a shrunken version of the initial compact shape. For large parts we will need to guard against sagging during sintering and judicious support may have to be used.