cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Velocity Optimization of Pure Electric Vehicles with Traffic Dynamics and Driving Safety Considerations

As Electric Vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, their battery-related problems (e.g., short driving range and heavy battery weight) must be resolved as soon as possible. Velocity optimization of EVs to minimize energy consumption in driving is an effective alternative to handle these problems. However, previous velocity optimization methods assume that vehicles will pass through traffic lights immediately at green traffic signals. Actually, a vehicle may still experience a delay to pass a green traffic light due to a vehicle waiting queue in front of the traffic light. Also, as velocity optimization is for individual vehicles, previous methods cannot avoid rear-end collisions. That is, a vehicle following its optimal velocity profile may experience rear-end collisions with its frontal vehicle on the road. In this article, for the first time, we propose a velocity optimization system that enables EVs to immediately pass green traffic lights without delay and to avoid rear-end collisions to ensure driving safety when EVs follow optimal velocity profiles on the road. We collected real driving data on road sections of US-25 highway (with two driving lanes in each direction and relatively low traffic volume) to conduct extensive trace-driven simulation studies. Results show that our velocity optimization system reduces energy consumption by up to 17.5% compared with real driving patterns without increasing trip time. Also, it helps EVs to avoid possible collisions compared with existing collision avoidance methods.
A phone that cures your flu: generating imaginary gadgets in fictions with planning and analogies

Most computational story generation systems lack the ability to generate new types of imaginary objects that play functional roles in stories, such as lightsabers in Star Wars. We present an algorithm that generates such imaginary objects, which we call gadgets, in order to extend the ontological expressivity of existing, planning-based story generation systems. The behavior of a gadget is represented as a plan including typical events that happen when the gadget is used. Our algorithm creates gadgets by extrapolating and merging one or more commonly known objects in order to achieve a narrative goal provided by an existing story generator. We extend partial-order planning to establish open conditions based on analogies between concepts related respectively to common objects and the gadget. We show the algorithm is capable of generating gadgets created by human.
A Bayesian Framework of Transmissibility Model Selection and Updating

For the purpose of system identification and structural health monitoring, transmissibility, as an output-output transfer function, plays a very important role because of its compatibility with input absent data and local parameter sensitivity. However, data-driven transmissibility estimations are always subject to uncertainties, and tremendously increasing the length of measurements and/or number of averages to suppress some types of uncertainty influence are often impractical. Based upon the likelihood function established in previous work, this paper adopts a Bayesian framework to probabilistically select the most plausible class of models and update parameters with a limited amount of test data. A structural computational model is considered as a test-bed on which the approximated transmissibility model is computed; consequently, under a quantified confidence, the quality of transmissibility estimations is enhanced via a lower order approximate model, with a much lower demand on data acquisition requirements.
Toxins and Type II Secretion Systems

The type II secretion pathway is responsible for secretion of toxins and a variety of hydrolytic enzymes that include proteases, lipases, phospholipases, cellulases, and pectinases, which contribute to tissue damage and disease of animals and plants. Cholera toxin, exotoxin A, and aerolysin produced by Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophila, respectively, are examples of three toxins that utilize the type II pathway for extracellular secretion. The biogenesis of all three toxins has been analyzed, and their crystal structures have been solved. The secretion of CT across the bacterial cell envelope occurs in two distinct steps that have different requirements; transport across the cytoplasmic membrane is followed by outer membrane translocation. A current hypothesis postulates that molecules secreted by the type II system may encode information critical to their secretion within their tertiary and quarternary structures. Restriction of proaerolysin to the poles could be evidence of periplasmic compartmentalization with concomitant secretion at the poles. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) was fused with Eps proteins to determine the cellular location, in living cells, of the type II secretion apparatus in V. cholerae. Recent intriguing data based on experiments accomplished with an active blue fluorescent protein (BFP) fused with ribosomal protein L1 in B. subtilis showed that ribosomes are located around the periphery of nucleoids, predominantly at the cell poles.
Introduction to special issue on spelling

This special issue of Reading and Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal focuses on one important aspect of writing, spelling. Just as one cannot be a fluent reader if one has to laboriously sound out each word, so one cannot be a fluent writer if one must puzzle over each spelling. Learning to spell accurately and automatically is an important part of learning to read and write, and brings with it valuable experience in analyzing the sounds and meanings of language. Despite the importance of writing and spelling, there has been less research on these topics than there has on reading. For example, research articles in psychological journals have many more references to ‘reading’ (a total of 18,359 from 1974 to early 1997, according to a PsycLit search) than to either ‘writing’ (5,140) or ‘spelling’ (1,993). The purpose of this special issue is to refocus our attention on spelling as an important linguistic skill.
State-directed development : political power and industrialization in the global periphery

Introduction: states and industrialization in the global periphery Part I. Galloping Ahead: Korea: 1. The colonial origins of a modern political economy: the Japanese lineage of Korea's cohesive-capitalist state 2. The rhee interregnum: saving South Korea for cohesive capitalism 3. A cohesive-capitalist state reimposed: Park Chung Hee and rapid industrialization Part II. Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: Brazil 4. Invited dependency: fragmented state and foreign resources in Brazil's early industrialization 5. Grow now, pay later: state indebted industrialization in modern Brazil Part III. Slow but Steady: India: 6. Origins of a fragmented-multiclass state and a sluggish economy: colonial India 7. India's fragmented-multiclass state and protected industrialization Part IV. Dashed Expectations: Nigeria: 8. Colonial Nigeria: origins of a neopatrimonial state and a commodity-exporting economy 9. Sovereign Nigeria: neopatrimonialism and failure of industrialization Conclusion: understanding states and state intervention in the global periphery.
Towards Interoperable Healthcare Information Systems: The HL7 Conformance Profile Approach

Typical healthcare organizations have many proprietary heterogeneous information systems that must exchange data reliably. Seamlessly sharing information among systems is complex. The widely adopted HL7 version 2 messaging standard has helped the process of systems integration. However, using the HL7 standard alone does not ensure system interoperability. The HL7 standard offers a wide range of options. Trading partners, without prior agreement, are not likely to implement options that are compatible. As a result, interoperability is stifled and organizations are left to employ their own ad hoc solutions. Conformance message profiles provide the solution to this problem. Message profiles define a standard template that provides a precise definition of the data exchanged between applications in a common format. Defining a set of message profiles for controlling message exchanges establishes a well defined communications interface among organizations and facilitates interoperability. We present a methodology based on message profiles for defining, implementing, and testing HL7 interfaces. We demonstrate how the use of message profiles improve system interoperability and present a collection of tools that we have developed to facilitate the use of message profiles.
Characterization of gadolinium via the temporal and spatial evolution of emissions from laser-created plasmas

Summary form only given. Atomic emission spectroscopy of laser generated plasmas can be used to analytically detect elements at ppm concentrations in harsh or radioactive environments. In this technique, a laser beam is focused onto the surface of a sample, the sample is vaporized and a high-temperature plasma is formed. Spectral analysis of the plasma light yields a determination of the elemental content of the original sample. Because the constituents of the laser-created plasma are not constant in time, time-resolved spectral analysis, whereby spectra are obtained only during a specified period of time following creation of the plasma, allows one to discern atomic emissions from ionic emissions and to improve signal-to-noise ratios because the initial large background can be eliminated from detection. A further characterization of the laser generated plasma is obtained by studying its spatial evolution, and is accomplished using a gated, two-dimensional detector, which allows the time-resolved spectroscopic image of the plasma plume to be captured. We chose gadolinium (Gd) for our experiments because many of its physical properties.
Exercise in pregnancy

We investigated cardiovascular and metabolic responses in 23 healthy pregnant volunteers in their third trimester prior to, during, and after a 15-minute period of treadmill exercise. The energy utilization of this exercise was 2.33 MET with an oxygen consumption under 0.5 L/minute. Exercise induced a significant increase in maternal heart rate and a shortening of the R time intervals; both returned to baseline by 30 minutes of recovery. This light exercise also induced a significant increase in glucagon, norepinephrine, and epinephrine concentrations, all of which were transitory and reversed within 30 minutes of the recovery period. No change in glucose or cortisol concentration resulted from this exercise. We conclude that light exercise of brief duration elicits appropriate and transitory cardiovascular and metabolic responses in normal pregnancy.
Use of RNA sequencing to evaluate rheumatic disease patients

Studying the factors that control gene expression is of substantial importance for rheumatic diseases with poorly understood etiopathogenesis. In the past, gene expression microarrays have been used to measure transcript abundance on a genome-wide scale in a particular cell, tissue or organ. Microarray analysis has led to gene signatures that differentiate rheumatic diseases, and stages of a disease, as well as response to treatments. Nowadays, however, with the advent of next-generation sequencing methods, massive parallel sequencing of RNA tends to be the technology of choice for gene expression profiling, due to several advantages over microarrays, as well as for the detection of non-coding transcripts and alternative splicing events. In this review, we describe how RNA sequencing enables unbiased interrogation of the abundance and complexity of the transcriptome, and present a typical experimental workflow and bioinformatics tools that are often used for RNA sequencing analysis. We also discuss different uses of this next-generation sequencing technology to evaluate rheumatic disease patients and investigate the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome.
Acoustic radiation from a plate thickness discontinuity of a fluid-loaded plate

It is a well known fact that structural non-homogeneities radiate acoustic energy in a very efficient manner. In this paper, the acoustic field radiated by a nonhomogeneous fluid loaded plate is presented. The non-homogeneity is caused by a variation in the plate thickness. The thickness is assumed to be constant and equal to h 1 for x 2 for x > 0. Continuity of plate displacement and bending moment is required and maintained at the plate junction location x = 0. Radiated frequency spectrum as a function of angular position and h 2 /h 1 are given.
Ventilatory Chemosensitivity in Subjects with a History of Childhood Cyanotic Breath-Holding Spells

The ability of children with cyanotic breath-holding spells to respond to anger or frustration by voluntary breath-holding for prolonged periods (often to the point of precipitating hypoxic seizure activity) suggested the hypothesis that such children may have a less powerful urge to breathe in the presence of hypoxia and/or hypercapnia than children who do not have breath-holding spells. Because ventilatory chemosensitivity is difficult to measure in infants and young children, this hypothesis was tested indirectly by measuring the ventilatory responses to hyperoxic progressive hypercapnia and to isocapnic progressive hypoxia of seven individuals who had a history of cyanotic breath-holding spells in infancy and 17 control subjects. The mean values for sensitivity to hypoxia and to hypercapnia were not significantly different between the two groups, and the responses of the majority of the subjects with cyanotic breath-holding spells were clearly within the normal range. There were fewer individuals with high-normal ventilatory responses among the subjects with cyanotic breath-holding spells. Although children with cyanotic breath-holding spells may have decreased ventilatory chemosensitivity transiently during infancy or may differ from other children in some other aspect of the control of breathing, the pathogenesis of infantile cyanotic breath-holding spells does not involve a permanently blunted sensitivity to hypercapnia or hypoxia.
Non-grafted Vaginal Depth Augmentation for Transgender Atresia, Our Experience and Survey of Related Procedures

Neovaginal atresia especially following male-to-female transgender vaginoplasty is a distressing concern. A pelvic space must be re-created. Traditionally, an epithelial or mucosal lining is employed to cover the space. However, in our series of 18 patients, a non-grafted approach has been equally efficacious, as previously described by others. To follow the outcome of male-to-female transsexuals undergoing secondary depth enhancement without use of graft or flap. Patient selection included two operated on elsewhere, one of whom had a lower abdominal skin graft, and the remainder done here using an inverted penile skin flap supplemented by a scrotal graft extension as needed. The time lag from primary to revision surgery varied from 5 months to 23 years, average 3.7 years. The fascial plane of Denonvilliers was reopened and packed for 7 days to facilitate maintenance of a pelvic space. Patients are requested to perform serial self-dilations with a stent set indefinitely to maintain patency and procure additional depth. Immuno-histochemistry staining was performed to demonstrate estrogen receptor (ER) presence in male genital skin. Estrogen cream may be utilized to facilitate wound healing. Main outcome measures were post-operative depth results and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores. Several attempts were made to contact all patients for completion of a FSFI. Ten out of 18 responded. Following revision of the pelvic space, static depths increased two-fold on average, from 2.4 in. (6.2 cm) to 5.0 in. (12.7 cm). The FSFI domain scores (of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) were all mid-range or above. Full scale FSFI scores (compilation score) averaged 23.4 (range limits 2–36). Histologic staining showed the presence of ER in genital skin of all genetic males tested regardless of estrogen usage and perceived gender. Given adequate development of the rectal-vesical space and preservation of that space with self-dilation, epithelialization will ensue providing sexual gratification for patient and partner (as per patient). This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Cyanuric and Isocyanuric Acids

Cyanuric acid has been known for over 200 years, but achieved commercial importance only in the mid-1950s primarily via its derivatives. The chemistry of cyanuric acid is diversified because of multiple reaction sites. N-Chlorination of cyanuric acid produces chloroisocyanurates that are widely used as disinfectants, sanitizers, and bleaches. The triallyl and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) derivatives are employed as cross-linking and curing agents, and tris(2,3-epoxypropyl)isocyanurate is used in weather-resistant powder coatings. Melamine cyanurate finds significant use as a fire retardant in plastics. Considerable interest has developed in the use of cyanuric acid for reduction of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases from combustion of oil, gas, and coal. Nomenclature is based on the keto–enol tautomers. The trihydroxy form is variously designated cyanuric acid, s-triazine-2,4,6-triol or 2,4,6-trihydroxy-s-triazine. The trioxo structure, or s-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione is the basis for the isocyanuric acid nomenclature. The triazine-based system is preferred in the scientific literature and is used by government regulatory agencies; however, the less cumbersome (iso)cyanurate designations persist in commerce. The keto form normally predominates in cases of keto-enol tautomerism. In alkaline solution, the anion formed is that of the hydroxy tautomer. Through common usage, both forms are collectively called cyanuric acid (CA). Keywords: isocyanuric acid; cyanuric acid; isocyanuric acid; urea pyrolysis; biuret; triuret; ammelide; ammeline; melamine; chloroisocyanurates; bromoisocyanurates; organoisocyanurates; organocyanurates; triallylisocyanurate; tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate; tris(epoxypropyl)isocyanurate; melamine cyanurate; NOx reduction; fire resistant additives; weather resistant coatings; cross linking agents; curing agents
A hypothetical homeotherm: The honeybee hive

1. 1. In the winter, honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) cluster core and shell temperatures showed a 24-hr periodicity with an inversion during the day. 2. 2. Lower metabolic rates of the cluster corresponded with higher ambient temperatures. 3. 3. Cluster core temperature was regulated between 18·4 and 32·2°C over an ambient temperature range of 11·1 to −16·7°C. 4. 4. Below an ambient temperature of 5°C, cluster core temperature increased as ambient temperature decreased, following: Tc = 25·209-0·217 Ta; sy·x = 2·505. 5. 5. Mean cluster conductance ( ± S.E.) was 0·818 ± 0·0040 cal (g hr °C)−1 and mean total conductance (cluster and hive) was 0·617 ± 0·0023 cal (g hr °C)−1. 6. 6. An hypothesis is proposed which states that a honeybee cluster thermoregulates so as to maintain a constant cluster surface temperature at low ambient temperatures.
The Role of Decreased Hip IR as a Cause of Low Back Pain in a Golfer: a Case Report

Background Among golf injuries, low back pain (LBP) is the most common compliant for both professional and amateur golfers. Hip rotational range of motion (ROM) might be related to LBP in those who repeatedly place specific activity rotational demands on the hip in one direction. Coordination of timing of movement (neural control) between the hip and lumbopelvic region during trunk movements is critical for normal mechanics. Altered timing can contribute to areas of high tissue loading and can lead to LBP symptoms seen during active lower limb movement tests. Patient was a 42-year-old male recreational golfer who presented with low back pain and decreased hip internal rotation ROM.
Recombinant human erythropoietin for the treatment of the anaemia associated with autologous bone marrow transplantation

Patients with solid tumours undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplantation use an average of 10 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) while awaiting haemopoietic reconstitution. They are also known to have inappropriately low endogenous erythropoietin levels for their degree of anaemia. This pilot study was designed to determine the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on erythroid recovery and PRBC transfusion requirements. Ten patients received high-dose chemotherapy (days -7 to -3), bone marrow reinfusion (day 0), and then rHuEPO (day 1 onward). RHuEPO (200 units/kg intravenous bolus daily), along with iron supplementation, was administered for 28 d or until a haematocrit (Hct) of 35% (independent of transfusions) was reached, whichever occurred first. PRBCs were routinely given for Hct or = 30% independent of red blood cell transfusions within 32 d of receiving marrow, as compared to 20/37 (54%) similarly treated controls. An unexpected finding was the more rapid engraftment in myeloid and platelet lineages in a subset of rHuEPO-treated patients. Quick return of red blood cells (17 v 33 d) (P = 0.0001), platelets (14 v 19 d) (P = 0.04), and neutrophils (13 v 25 d) (P = 0.01) (with circulating myeloblasts and early myeloid forms) characterized recovery from an ifosfamide-based intensification with rHuEPO support. Similar trilineage enhancement of haemopoiesis did not occur with the possibly more myeloablative cyclophosphamide-based regimens. Despite the enhancement by rHuEPO on reticulocytosis, there was no significant decrease in PRBC transfusion requirements. RHuEPO proved to be a well-tolerated agent in enhancing reticulocytosis following high-dose chemotherapy. Further study to elucidate the activity of erythropoietin on both erythroid and non-erythroid growth and maturation appears warranted.
SOCIAL ISOLATION OF THE URBAN POOR: Race, Class, and Neighborhood Effects on Social Resources

We focus on the effects of race, class, and neighborhood on social isolation. Using data from households in Atlanta, Georgia, we compare poor and nonpoor African Americans to nonpoor whites on two ...
Environmental exposures and prostate cancer

Many malignancies have been linked to specific environmental exposures. Several environmental and occupational factors have been studied for an association to prostate cancer (CaP) risk. These include Agent Orange exposure, farming and pesticides, sunlight/ultraviolet radiation, as well as trace minerals used in tire and battery manufacturing. This manuscript reviews the literature on these environmental exposures and CaP.
The effects of antihistaminic drugs upon the excretion of ascorbic acid by rats

Abstract 1.1. The results of our experiments show that Benadryl, Thephorin, Pyribenzamine, and Trimeton stimulate ascorbic acid synthesis in the rat while Neo-Antergan, Histadyl, and Antistine have little or no effect. 2.2. The stimulating action did not correlate with the narcotic effects of the drugs since Thephorin is somewhat stimulating and yet caused as much increase in ascorbic acid excretion as did Benadryl.
Crystal and molecular structure of [L3(μ2-OAr)3] (OAr = 2,6-diphenyl-3,5-di-tert-butylphenoxide); a cluster containing short LiO distances

Abstract Reaction of 2,6-diphenyl-3,5-di-tert-butylphenol (HOAr) with one equivalent of n-BuLi in toluene generates the hydrocarbon soluble cluster [Li3(μ2-OAr)3] 1. The molecular structure of 1 consists of a six-membered ring (crystallographically imposed C3 axis) of Li and O(aryloxide) atoms with alternating LiO distances of 1.78(a) and 1.840(7) A.
Management of a patient with shoulder pain and disability: a manual physical therapy approach addressing impairments of the cervical spine and upper limb neural tissue.

Study Design Case report. Background Shoulder pain and disability is a common clinical problem that may be influenced by impairments from a variety of sources. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate a manual physical therapy management approach for a patient with shoulder pain and disability, specifically addressing impairments of the cervical spine and upper limb neural tissue believed to contribute to the patient's symptoms. Case Description The patient was a 45-year-old female research scientist with symptoms of anterior shoulder and posterior scapular region pain that limited her ability to use her right upper extremity for normal activities of daily living. An examination and evaluation revealed impairments of the cervical spine and upper limb neural tissue that were believed to contribute to the patient's symptoms. Intervention consisted of joint mobilization directed at the impaired cervical spine segment. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and goniometric measurement of shoul...
Networks and crosstalk: integrin signalling spreads

Multicellular organisms must coordinate signals from adhesion receptors with those from other signalling receptors (for example, growth factor receptors). Here, we briefly review paradigms of integrin-adhesion-receptor signalling. We discuss how adhesive signalling is coordinately regulated through intersecting networks. We also examine some examples of how some forms of integrin crosstalk may lead to unforeseen and potentially deleterious responses.
Molecular computers: part 2

Programmability, evolvability, and efficiency are tied together by a tradeoff principle which may explain the radically different computational capabilities of biological systems and digital computers.
Heart failure with normal ejection fraction: current diagnostic and management strategies.

Heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF), previously known as diastolic heart failure (HF), is defined as a syndrome of HF with normal or near normal ejection fraction (≥50%) and evidence of abnormal left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. It represents about 50% of patients diagnosed with HF. HFNEF is not a benign disease as it carries a morbidity and mortality risk as high as that associated with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFREF). HFNEF shares some risk factors, hemodynamic consequences and clinical presentations with HFREF, though they differ in the pathophysiology and cardiac morphology. Therapies such as β-blockers (BBs) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), which are beneficial in HFREF have not shown a survival benefit in HFNEF. Therapies focus on control of hypertension, control of heart rate, revascularization in case of ischemia for long term management and use of diuretics in acute decompensated HFNEF. Exercise therapy improves performance in HFNEF.
(3R,5S,7as)-(3,5-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)tetrahydro-1H-oxazolo[3,4-c]oxazol-7a-yl)methanol, a novel neuroprotective agent.

Compounds that interact with microtubules, such as paclitaxel, have been shown to possess protective properties against β-amyloid (Aβ) induced neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease....
miR-203 Induces Oxaliplatin Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Negatively Regulating ATM Kinase

Chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is the standard of care, but ultimately nearly all patients develop drug resistance. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to resistance to individual chemotherapeutic agents may help identify novel targets and drugs that will, in turn, improve therapy. Oxaliplatin is a common component combination therapeutic regimen for use in patients with metastatic CRC, but is also used as a component of adjuvant therapy for patients at risk for recurrent disease. In this study, unbiased microRNA array screening revealed that the miR-203 microRNA is up-regulated in three of three oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cell lines, and therefore we investigated the role of miR-203 in chemoresistance. Exogenous expression of miR-203 in chemo-naive CRC cells induced oxaliplatin resistance. Knockdown of miR-203 sensitized chemoresistant CRC cells to oxaliplatin. In silico analysis identified ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), a primary mediator of the DNA damage response, as a potential target of miR-203. ATM mRNA and protein levels were significantly down-regulated in CRC cells with acquired resistance to oxaliplatin. Using TCGA database, we identified a significant reverse correlation of miR-203 and ATM expression in CRC tissues. We validated ATM as a bona fide target of miR-203 in CRC cells. Mutation of the putative miR-203 binding site in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the ATM mRNA abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-203 on ATM. Furthermore, stable knockdown of ATM induced resistance to oxaliplatin in chemo-naive CRC cells. This is the first report of oxaliplatin resistance in CRC cells induced by miR-203-mediated suppression of ATM.
Novel porous silicon vapor sensor based on polarization interferometry

Optical form birefringence property of porous silicon is used in a compact polarization interferometer to demonstrate a novel optical transduction mechanism for vapor or gas sensing applications. This technique uses high interferometric sensitivity of polarization interference intensity when the porous silicon sample is exposed to solvent vapors. We experimentally demonstrate that the relative variation in the polarization interference intensity at a fixed incidence angle provides means to quantify the detected concentration of solvent vapors. Examples of detecting heptane and ethanol vapors indicate good potential of the novel transduction mechanism for other chemical and biological sensing applications.
Characterization of conformational changes and protein-protein interactions of rod photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6).

As the central effector of visual transduction, the regulation of photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6) is controlled by both allosteric mechanisms and extrinsic binding partners. However, the conformational changes and interactions of PDE6 with known interacting proteins are poorly understood. Using a fluorescence detection system for the analytical ultracentrifuge, we examined allosteric changes in PDE6 structure and protein-protein interactions with its inhibitory γ-subunit, the prenyl-binding protein (PrBP/δ), and activated transducin. In solution, the PDE6 catalytic dimer (Pαβ) exhibits a more asymmetric shape (axial ratio of 6.6) than reported previously. The inhibitory Pγ subunit behaves as an intrinsically disordered protein in solution but binds with high affinity to the catalytic dimer to reconstitute the holoenzyme without a detectable change in shape. Whereas the closely related PDE5 homodimer undergoes a significant change in its sedimentation properties upon cGMP binding to its regulatory cGMP binding site, no such change was detected upon ligand binding to the PDE6 catalytic dimer. However, when Pαβ was reconstituted with Pγ truncation mutants lacking the C-terminal inhibitory region, cGMP-dependent allosteric changes were observed. PrBP/δ bound to the PDE6 holoenzyme with high affinity (KD = 6.2 nm) and induced elongation of the protein complex. Binding of activated transducin to PDE6 holoenzyme resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in the sedimentation coefficient, reflecting a dynamic equilibrium between transducin and PDE6. We conclude that allosteric regulation of PDE6 is more complex than for PDE5 and is dependent on interactions of regions of Pγ with the catalytic dimer.
Differential expression of miRNA-146a-regulated inflammatory genes in human primary neural, astroglial and microglial cells

Abstract Micro RNA-146a (miRNA-146a) is an inducible, 22 nucleotide, small RNA over-expressed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Up-regulated miRNA-146a targets several inflammation-related and membrane-associated messenger RNAs (mRNAs), including those encoding complement factor-H (CFH) and the interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1), resulting in significant decreases in their expression ( p
Parenting Styles and Beliefs about Parental Authority.

Baumrind's typological model of parenting styles is a global characterization that varies along the dimensions of demandingness and responsiveness. A consideration of conceptions of parental authority in different conceptual domains adds greater specificity to the model and potentially contributes to the prediction of child competence and development.
The principle of contraction mapping in nonlinear and adaptive control systems

The principle of contraction mapping is well established in mathematics. It has been used in control theory and its application to control systems considered as recursive processes has been investigated. The principle is valid for nonlinear systems and can be used to establish stability in nonlinear control. Also, because the existence of a solution can be obtained by a recursive algorithm, the principle can be used in adaptive or learning systems to generate a desired output function recursively. In this paper, after reviewing the background and recent results on the application of contraction mapping to control systems, the principle is applied to aircraft terrain following. Next, a scheme is presented for a learning model, involving the control of a system with undetermined parameters. In conclusion, the connection between a discrete iterative process and a continuous operation is discussed.
C-4′ Truncated carbocyclic formycin derivatives

Abstract Formycin is a naturally occurring C-glycoside (C-nucleoside) that possesses antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. In connection with our ongoing interest in the design and syntheses of C-nucleoside derived antiviral agents this report describes the preparation of carbocyclic formycin and its 7-hydroxy (oxo) analog lacking the C-4′ hydroxylmethylene moiety in racemic form (4 and 6, respectively). An antiviral analysis of (±)-4 did not disclose any activity.
Psychoactive mushroom use in Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan, Thailand

This paper presents the results of recent ethnomycological exploration in southern Thailand. Field observations, interviews and collection of fungi specimens were carried out primarily on two islands, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan, situated in the western region of the Gulf of Siam. Some fieldwork was also conducted in the northern Thai province of Chiang Dao and in the southern Thai province of Surat Thani. During five separate excursions (1989-90), observations were made of occurrence, harvesting, use, and marketing of psychoactive fungi by local Thai natives (males and females, adults and children), foreign tourists, and German immigrants. The first records of psychoactive Psilocybe subcubensis and Copelandia dung fungi in Thailand are presented in this paper. These fungi exhibited intense bluing reactions when handled, indicating the presence of psilocybin and/or psilocin. Seven collections of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer and/or Psilocybe subcubensis Guzman and four collections of Copelandia sp. were harvested and sun-dried for herbarium deposit. These fungi are cultivated or occur spontaneously, often appearing in the decomposed manure of domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and at least three different species of cattle (Bos indicus, B. guarus, and B. sundaicus). The psychoactive fungi are cultivated in clandestine plots, both indoors and outdoors, in the uplands and villages on Koh Samui by both Thai natives and some foreigners. The sale of psychoactive fungi directly to tourists and to resort restaurants for use in edible food items such as omelettes and soups is discussed in detail. The preparation and sale of mushroom omelettes adulterated with artificial hallucinogens in some restaurants is also discussed. In addition, the marketing of items such as hand painted T-shirts, post cards, and posters bearing mushroom related motifs in Thailand is described.
Vasopressin Induces Vascular Superoxide Via Endothelin-1 in Mineralocorticoid Hypertension

We have recently reported that endothelin-1 (ET-1), which is increased in the arteries of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt hypertensive rats, stimulates superoxide production. However, the humoral mechanisms responsible for ET-1–induced superoxide formation in low-renin models of hypertension, such as DOCA-salt hypertension, remain undefined. Vasopressin is known to upregulate vascular preproET-1 gene expression in DOCA-salt rats, an effect that is absent in vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats treated with DOCA-salt. The present study tested the hypothesis that vasopressin contributes to ET-1–induced vascular superoxide production in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Carotid arterial segments of DOCA, sham (uninephrectomized), or normal (untreated) rats were used for the study. In vitro vasopressin treatment of carotid arteries from normal rats for 24 hours, but not 4 hours, increased both ET-1 and superoxide levels. The increase of vasopressin-induced superoxide was reduced by pretreatment of the vessels with ABT627, a selective ET A receptor antagonist ABT627. Vasopressin, ET-1, and superoxide levels were significant elevated in carotid arteries of DOCA-salt rats compared with sham controls. The selective V1-vasopressin receptor antagonist (β-Mercapto-β, β-cyclopentamethylenepropiony 1 , O-Me-Tyr 2 , Arg 8 vasopressin, ME-AVP), decreased superoxide both in vasopressin-treated vessels of normal rats and in vessels of DOCA-salt rats, with a concomitant reduction of ET-1 content. These results suggest that vasopressin increases vascular superoxide levels by stimulating ET-1 formation in mineralocorticoid hypertension, and that V1-vasopressin receptors play an important role in this process.
Olfactory information processing in the brain: encoding chemical and temporal features of odors.

A fundamental problem in studying the neural mechanisms of odor recognition and discrimination in the olfactory system lies in determining the features or “primitives” of an odor stimulus that are analyzed by glomerular circuits at the first level of processing in the brain. Several recent studies support the idea that it is not simply the molecular features of odors that contain important information, but also the intermittent pattern of their presentation to the olfactory epithelium that helps determine the behavioral response to odor. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A different look at the epidemiological paradox: self-rated health, perceived social cohesion, and neighborhood immigrant context

We use data from Waves 1 and 2 of the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey to examine the effects of neighborhood immigrant concentration, race-ethnicity, nativity, and perceived cohesion on self-rated physical health. We limit our sample to adults whose addresses do not change between waves in order to explore neighborhood effects. Foreign-born Latinos were significantly less likely to report fair or poor health than African Americans and U.S.-born whites, but did not differ from U.S.-born Latinos. The main effect of immigrant concentration was not significant, but it interacted with nativity status to predict health: U.S.-born Latinos benefited more from neighborhood immigrant concentration than foreign-born Latinos. Perceived cohesion predicted health but immigrant concentration did not moderate the effect. Finally, U.S.-born Latinos differed from others in the way cohesion is associated with their health. Results are discussed within the framework of the epidemiological paradox.
Comparative survival after permanent ventricular and dual chamber pacing for patients with chronic high degree atrioventricular block with and without preexistent congestive heart failure.

To determine whether survival after permanent ventricular demand (VVI) pacing differs from survival after permanent dual chamber (DVI or DDD) pacing in patients with chronic high degree atrioventricular (AV) block (Mobitz type II or trifascicular block), 132 patients who received a VVI pacemaker (Group 1) and 48 patients who received a DVI or DDD pacemaker (Group 2) were followed up for 1 to 5 years. There was no significant difference in sex distribution, mean age or incidence of coronary heart disease, hypertension, valvular heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke or renal failure between Groups 1 and 2. Overall, the predicted cumulative survival rate at 1, 3 and 5 years was 89, 76 and 73%, respectively, for Group 1 and 95, 82 and 70%, respectively, for Group 2. In patients with preexistent congestive heart failure, the predicted cumulative survival rate at 1, 3 and 5 years was 85,66 and 47%, respectively, for Group 1 (n = 53) and 94, 81 and 69%, respectively, for Group 2 (n = 20). The 5 year predicted cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in Group 1 patients with preexistent congestive heart failure than in Group 2 patients with the same condition (p The results suggest that permanent dual chamber pacing enhances survival to a greater extent than does permanent ventricular demand pacing in patients with high degree AV block and preexistent congestive heart failure.
Internal representation and rule development in object-oriented design

This article proposes a cognitive framework describing the software development process in object-oriented design (OOD) as building internal representations and developing rules. Rule development (method construction) is performed in two problem spaces: a rule space and an instance space. Rules are generated, refined, and evaluated in the rule space by using three main cognitive operations: Infer, Derive, and Evoke. Cognitive activities in the instance space are called mental simulations and are used in conjunction with the Infer operation in the rule space. In an empirical study with college students, we induced different representations to the same problem by using problem isomorphs. Initially, subjects built a representation based on the problem description. As rule development proceeded, the initial internal representation and designed objects were refined, or changed if necessary, to correspond to knowledge gained during rule development. Differences in rule development processes among groups created final designs that are radically different in terms of their level of abstraction and potential reusability. The article concludes by discussing the implications of these results for object-oriented design.
S100A4 calcium-binding protein is key player in tumor progression and metastasis: preclinical and clinical evidence

The fatality of cancer is mainly bestowed to the property of otherwise benign tumor cells to become malignant and invade surrounding tissues by circumventing normal tissue barriers through a process called metastasis. S100A4 which is a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins has been shown to be able to activate and integrate pathways both intracellular and extracellular to generate a phenotypic response characteristic of cancer metastasis. A large number of studies have shown an increased expression level of S100A4 in various types of cancers. However, its implications in cancer metastasis in terms of whether an increased expression of S100A4 is a causal factor for metastasis or just another after effect of several other physiological and molecular changes in the body resulting from metastasis are not clear. Here we describe the emerging preclinical and clinical evidences implicating S100A4 protein, in both its forms (intracellular and extracellular) in the process of tumorigenesis and metastasis in humans. Based on studies utilizing S100A4 as a metastasis biomarker and molecular target for therapies such as gene therapy, we suggest that S100A4 has emerged as a promising molecule to be tested for anticancer drugs. This review provides an insight in the (1) molecular mechanisms through which S100A4 drives the tumorigenesis and metastasis and (2) developments made in the direction of evaluating S100A4 as a cancer biomarker and drug target.
High Resolution Full Wavefield Inversion: Impact on Imaging and Reservoir Characterisation

Seismic imaging has been advancing rapidly over the last two decades, transitioning from post-stack time migration to pre-stack depth migration and from ray-theoretic algorithms (Kirchhoff migration) to one-way wave equation solvers (wave equation migration) and recently to two-way wave equation methods like Reverse Time Migration (RTM). The most recent step in this evolving sequence is Full Wavefield Inversion (FWI), which has rapidly become a focal area of research, development, and application within the geophysical community and industry. FWI products, unlike migration results, are not depictions of seismic reflectivity, but rather high resolution images of subsurface properties such as compressional and shear velocities and density. The high resolution velocity models generated with FWI can be used to address challenging imaging problems that are difficult to solve using conventional processing tools. High fidelity velocity models will assist in imaging below fault shadows and shallow channels and may also better identify and quantify overpressured drilling hazards. FWI estimates of other elastic paramters, in particular the Vp/Vs ratio, are promising lithology indicators useful in reservoir characterization applications. In addition to imaging challenges, the broadband nature of FWI is ideally suited to address reservoir monitoring problems with the ability to provide high resolution updates of property changes in the subsurface due to production. FWI products, appropriately integrated into an interpretation strategy, will allow us to better understand subtler subsurface features such as stratigraphic traps or non-DHI plays. In our presentation, we will use FWI examples from several real data studies to explain the nature of the process and illustrate some of the potential applications.
Physiologic and metabolic alterations associated with seizures in normoxic and asphyxiated neonatal dogs.

Summary: The effect of asphyxia on seizures was determined in neonatal dogs. In normoxic (paralyzed and ventilated) neonatal dogs, bicuculline-induced seizures produced significant elevations of arterial blood pressure, Po2, glucose, lactate, and epinephrine. Cerebral blood flow increased severalfold; brain glucose, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and phosphocreatine (PCr) did not decrease significantly. In contrast, seizures during asphyxia were associated with hypoxia, hypotension, hypercarbia, and acidosis. Significant cerebral ischemia developed. Brain glucose, ATP, and PCr were significantly depleted. Complete oxygen deprivation during neonatal seizures exhausts brain energy stores, which leads to cessation of seizure activity. RESUMEN Se ha estudiado el efecto de la asfixia en perros recien nacidos. En perros normoxicos (paralizados y ventilados) recien nacidos, los ataques inducidos por bicuculina produjeron elevaciones significativas de la presion arterial, pO2, glucosa, lactato, y epinefrina. El flujo cerebral aumento varias veces su valor; la glucosa cerebral, ATP, y fosfocreatina no se redujeron significativamente. En contraste con esto, los ataques durante la asfixia se asociaron con hipoxia, hipotension, hipercarbia, y acidosis. Se desarrollo isquemi'a cerebral significativa. La glucosa cerebral, ATP, y PCr se deplecionaron significativamente. La deprivation total de oxigeno durante los ataques neonatales extingue los almacenamientos cerebrales de energia, lo que conduce a la interrupcion de los ataques. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die Wirkung der Asphyxie auf Anfalle wurde bei neugeborenen Hunden untersucht. Bei neugeborenen Hunden unter nor-maler Sauerstoffsattigung (immobilisiert und beatmet) verursachten Bicucullin—induzierte Anfalle einen Anstieg des arteriellen Blutdrucks, des pO2, der Glucose, von Lactat und Epinephrin. Die Hirndurchblutung nahm auf das Mehrfache zu; die Glucose im Gehirn, ATP und Phosphokreatin verminderten sich in signifikanter Weise. Im Gegensatz hierzu waren Anfalle wahrend Asphyxie mit einer Hypoxie, Hypotension, Hypercarbie und Acidose vergesellschaftet. Es entwickelte sich eine signifikante cerebrale Ischamie. Die Hirnglucose, ATP und PCr wurden in signifikanter Weise vermindert. Eine komplette Sauerstoffdeprivation wahrend Neugeborenenkrampfen erschopft die Energievorrate des Gehirns; das fuhrt zu einer Unterbrechung des Krampfes.