cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The cannabinoid transporter inhibitor OMDM-2 reduces social interaction: Further evidence for transporter-mediated endocannabinoid release.

Abstract Experimental evidence suggests that the transport of endocannabinoids might work bi-directionally. Accordingly, it is possible that pharmacological blockade of the latter affects not only the re-uptake, but also the release of endocannabinoids, thus preventing them from stimulating CB1 receptors. We used biochemical, pharmacological, and behavioral approaches to investigate the effects of the transporter inhibitor OMDM-2 on social interaction, a behavioral assay that requires activation of CB1 receptors. The underlying mechanisms of OMDM-2 were compared with those of the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597. Systemic administration of OMDM-2 reduced social interaction, but in contrast to URB597-induced social deficit, this effect was not reversed by the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine. The CB1 antagonist AM251, which did not affect URB597-induced social withdrawal, exacerbated OMDM-2 effect. In addition, the potent CB1 agonist CP55,940 reversed OMDM-2-, but not URB597-, induced social withdrawal. Blockade of CB1 receptor by AM251 reduced social interaction and the cholecystokinin CCK2 antagonist LY225910 reversed this effect. Similarly, OMDM-2-induced social withdrawal was reversed by LY225910, whereas URB597 effect was not. Elevation of endocannabinoid levels by URB597 or JZL184, an inhibitor of 2-AG degradation, failed to reverse OMDM-2-induced social withdrawal, and did not show additive effects on cannabinoid measurements when co-administered with OMDM-2. Taken together, these findings indicate that OMDM-2 impaired social interaction in a manner that is consistent with reduced activation of presynaptic CB1 receptors. As cannabinoid reuptake inhibitors may impair endocannabinoid release, caution should be taken when using these drugs to enhance endocannabinoid tone in vivo.
Phosphorylation of STAT1 and NF-κB by human plasmacytoid dendritic cells during HIV-infection (VIR9P.1154)

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) are critical for anti-viral immunity. TLR7 and TLR9 allow pDC to recognize viruses and initiate signals leading to IRF7 phosphorylation, which is responsible for IFN-α production, as well as NF-κB phosphorylation, which is responsible for TNF-α and IL-6 induction. During HIV-infection, lower pDC numbers are found, along with impaired IFN-α production. Chronic immune activation is also found, with patients paradoxically displaying an IFN-signature, indicating the presence of IFN-α, and higher serum TNF-α and IL-6. To see if pDC are affected in vivo by IFN-α or TNF-α, we compared baseline p-STAT1 and p-NF-κB in pDC in HIV-patients vs healthy controls. At baseline, HIV-patient vs. healthy pDC showed a trend towards elevated p-STAT1, while p-NF-κB levels were similar. HIV-patient pDC phosphorylated STAT1 and NF-κB less than healthy controls in response to IFN-α and TNF-α, respectively. In response to viruses, HIV-patient pDC phosphorylated STAT1 more than healthy controls. Despite normal production of TNF-α and IL-6, HIV-patient pDC were unable to phosphorylate NF-κB in response to viruses, suggesting that other mechanisms exist for TNF-α and IL-6 induction. In conclusion, impaired NF-κB phosphorylation by HIV-patient pDC suggest that they are immunologically exhausted and this can lead to a number of downstream effects on protein expression. In contrast, enhanced p-STAT1 in response to viruses can drive the IFN-signature seen in HIV-patients.
ASMR Mania, Trigger-Chasing, and the Anxiety of Digital Repletion

Performers in YouTube autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) videos speak directly into the camera, very close, in sibilant whispers, consonant repetitions, and with an attitude of oversolicitous caregiving that verges on the robotic. The goal is to trigger tingling sensations in the beholder’s head, neck, and spine. Whereas ASMR enthusiasts appear to seek a formula for tingly satisfaction, this chapter argues that ASMR is symptomatic of broader digital–millennial trends in its repudiation of the ‘lack of lack itself’ Lacan identifies as anxiety. ASMR’s empty verbal patter and sounds of extreme proximity mobilize the orifical locus of the drive. The beholder is not emotionally invested, but instead ‘triggered’ like a binary switch. Such millennial investments in trigger pleasure represent a drive-centered, anxiety-busting response to the oversaturation endemic to digital culture.
Product family platform selection using a Pareto front of maximum commonality and strategic modularity

Product family design offers a cost-effective solution for providing a variety of products to meet the needs of diverse markets. At the beginning of product family design, designers must decide what can be shared among the product variants in a family. Optimal design formulations have been developed by researchers to find one optimal component sharing solution based on commonality, cost or technical performance of a product family. However, these optimization methods may not be able to apply in consumer product design because some metrics (e.g., visual appeal and ergonomics) of a consumer product cannot be formulized. In this paper, we suggest a tradeoff between commonality and the quality of the modular architecture in product family platform selection. We introduce a method for designers to identify multiple component sharing options that lie along a Pareto front of maximum commonality and strategic modularity. The component sharing options along the Pareto front can be evaluated, compared, and further modified. We demonstrate the method using a case study of product family platform selection of high-end and low-end impact drivers and electric drills. In the case study, the quality of the modular architecture is evaluated using a design structure matrix (DSM) for each of product variants. Three architectures along the Pareto front with maximum commonality, optimal modularity, and a balanced solution of the two metrics are highlighted and further examined to validate the effectiveness of our method.
Model-checking DoS amplification for VoIP session initiation

Current techniques for the formal modeling analysis of DoS attacks do not adequately deal with amplification attacks that may target a complex distributed system as a whole rather than a specific server. Such threats have emerged for important applications such as the VoIP Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). We demonstrate a modelchecking technique for finding amplification threats using a strategy we call measure checking that checks for a quantitative assessment of attacker impact using term rewriting. We illustrate the effectiveness of this technique with a study of SIP. In particular, we show how to automatically find known attacks and verify that proposed patches for these attacks achieve their aim. Beyond this, we demonstrate a new amplification attack based on the compromise of one or more SIP proxies. We show how to address this threat with a protocol change and formally analyze the effectiveness of the new protocol against amplification attacks.
The physics of Lyman α escape from high-redshift galaxies

Lyman α (Lyα) photons from ionizing sources and cooling radiation undergo a complex resonant scattering process that generates unique spectral signatures in high-redshift galaxies. We present a detailed Lyα radiative transfer study of a cosmological zoom-in simulation from the Feedback In Realistic Environments (FIRE) project. We focus on the time, spatial, and angular properties of the Lyα emission over a redshift range of z = 5–7, after escaping the galaxy and being transmitted through the intergalactic medium (IGM). Over this epoch, our target galaxy has an average stellar mass of M⋆ ≈ 5×10^8M⊙ .We find that many of the interesting features of the Lyα line can be understood in terms of the galaxy’s star formation history. The time variability, spatial morphology, and anisotropy of Lyα properties are consistent with current observations. For example, the rest-frame equivalent width has an EW_(Lyα,0) > 20˚A duty cycle of 62 per cent with a non-negligible number of sightlines with >100˚A⁠, associated with outflowing regions of a starburst with greater coincident UV continuum absorption, as these conditions generate redder, narrower (or single-peaked) line profiles. The lowest equivalent widths correspond to cosmological filaments, which have little impact on UV continuum photons but efficiently trap Lyα and produce bluer, broader lines with less transmission through the IGM. We also show that in dense self-shielding, low-metallicity filaments and satellites, Lyα radiation pressure can be dynamically important. Finally, despite a significant reduction in surface brightness with increasing redshift, Lyα detections and spectroscopy of high-z galaxies with the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope is feasible.
PR-PROLONGATION AND LONG-TERM OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE TREATED WITH CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) and QRS width are commonly used predictors of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response and outcome. Recent data indicate that PR-prolongation is associated with increased risk for mortality in general population. The purpose of the study was to analyze the
GroupINN: Grouping-based Interpretable Neural Network for Classification of Limited, Noisy Brain Data

Mapping the human brain, or understanding how certain brain regions relate to specific aspects of cognition, has been and remains an active area of neuroscience research. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data---in the form of images, time series or graphs---are central in this research, but pose many challenges in phenotype prediction tasks (e.g., noisy, small training samples). Standardly employed handcrafted models and newly proposed neural network methods pose limitations in the expressive power and interpretability, respectively, in this context. In this work focusing on fMRI-derived brain graphs, a modality that partially handles some challenges of fMRI data, we propose a grouping-based interpretable neural network model, GroupINN, that effectively classifies cognitive performance with 85% fewer model parameters than baseline deep models, while also identifying the most predictive brain subnetworks within several task-specific contexts. Our method incorporates the idea of node grouping into the design of the neural network. That way, unlike other methods that employ clustering as a preprocessing step to reorder nodes, GroupINN learns the node grouping and extracts graph features jointly. Experiments on task-based fMRI datasets show that our method is $2.6-69\times$ faster than other deep models, while achieving comparable or better accuracy and providing interpretability.
How can joy escape jingle-jangle? Virtue and telos conceptualizations as alternative approaches to the scientific study of joy

ABSTRACTCurrent definitions of joy are afflicted by jingle-jangle fallacies. Definitions fail to distinguish joy from other positive emotions (e.g. happiness), explanatory styles (e.g. optimism), a...
Applied regression analysis bibliography update 1988-89

The 25-page Bibliography in Applied Regression Analysis, 2nd edition, by N.R. Draper and H. Smith, published by Wiley in 1981, is extended by a list of selected references available during 1988-89, and a few older references inadvertently omitted from previous lists. It is hoped that this will be useful to regression practictioners. Items were chosen on the basis of their perceived relevance to practical applications (sometimes rather widely interpreted). The classification system used is that of the book. The references were selected mostly from the issues of these journals: Annals of Statistics; Applied Statistics: Biometrika; Canadian Journal of Statistics; Bulletin of the International Statistical Institute; Journal of the American Statistical Association; Journal of Quality Technology; Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series A and B; and Technometrics. The author would appreciate being notified of errors, however slight, so that these do not persist in future compilations.
Evaluation of effectiveness of MGIT liquid medium culture manual method for Mycobacterium detection

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of MGIT liquid medium fluorescence instrument manual interpretation method for rapid detection of Mycobacterium. Methods Two hundred sputa with newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients were collected from October 2008 to January 2009 in the district hospitals in Shanghai. Of these 200 sputa, 67 sputa were positive AFB, 133 were negative. All the sputa were isolated by L-J, BacT / Alert 3D system and MGIT liquid medium methods. Results Of the 200 sputa specimens,105(52. 5% ) were isolated as Mycobacterium strains. The positive culture rate of the MGIT, BacT/Alert 3D and L-J method was 49. 5% ( 99/200 ), 48. 0% (96/200) and 45.0% ( 90/200), respectively. The MGIT culture positive rate was significantly higher than that of L-J method (x2 = 5.40, P = 0. 020 1 ). Of the 133 sputa with negative AFB, the positive culture rate was 24. 8% ( 33/133 ), 23. 3% ( 31/133 ) and 18. 8% (25/133) with MGIT, BacT/Alert 3D and L-J method, respectively. The MGIT culture positive rate with the AFB negative sputum was significantly higher than that of L-J method (x2 = 5. 33, P = 0. 020 9 ).The median time of detection with MGIT, BacT/Alert 3D system and L-J method was 11 days, 15 days and 22 days, respectively. Comparing the median time of detection of MGIT with BacT/Alert 3D, the difference was statistically significant ( Z = 3.414 ,P ＜ 0. 01 ). Comparing the median time of detection of MGIT with L-J method, the difference was statistically significant (Z =7.083,P＜0. 01).Conclusions MGIT liquid medium manual method is a rapid detection method of Mycobacterium with a high positive detection rate, and do not need expensive equipment This method may suitable to resource limited medical institutions due to its low cost and short round time. Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Bacteriological techniques; Culture media
Eastern Integrative Medicine and Ancient Sound Healing Treatments for Stress: Recent Research Advances

Eastern integrative medicine includes centuries-old practices and treatments which have quite recently garnered significant attention in Western society. Numerous traditional medicine techniques such as yoga, sound healing, Qigong, Tai Chi Chuan, and acupuncture have recently been studied in relation to their potential for reduction of human chronic stress, a widespread societal health problem. These ancient treatments present considerable potential for stress reduction globally. Thus, the present authors recommend that substantial resources be devoted to the study of these practices as potential tools for stress reduction and improvement in public health.
Supporting autonomy in youth mentoring relationships

The preference for and exercise of autonomous decision-making in adolescence is a normative developmental process. Yet, increased autonomy is associated with both risks and benefits. Connection to others through positive relationships, including mentoring relationships, is one context that predicts healthy autonomous decision-making. In other ways, such relationships can interfere or stifle the development of autonomy. In synthesizing the existing scientific literature on autonomy development and autonomy-supportive practices, we propose a framework for considering the role of mentors in supporting autonomy through five domains of influence: role modeling, encouraging, providing access to resources, relationships, and experiences, advocacy, and conversations about behavior change. We provide suggestions for research and practice.
Reducing Uncertainty and Offering Comfort: Designing Technology for Coping with Interpersonal Racism

Ranging from subtle to overt, unintentional to systemic, navigating racism is additional everyday work for many people. Yet the needs of people who experience racism have been overlooked as a fertile ground for better technology. Through a series of workshops we call Foundational Fiction, we engaged BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in participatory design to identify qualities of technology that can support people coping before, during, and after a racist interaction. Participants developed storyboards for digital tools that offer advice, predict consequences, identify racist remarks and intervene, educate both targets and perpetrators about interpersonal and systemic racism, and more. In the paper we present our workshop method utilizing interactive fiction, participants’ design concepts, prevalent themes (reducing uncertainty and offering comfort), and we provide critical analysis of the complexity of technology in these contexts. This work identifies specific opportunities for exploring anti-racist social tools.
A pilot study of the effects of faculty status for medical librarians in the United States.

Objectives: Within many institutions, there are debates over whether medical librarians should be classified as faculty or professional staff, a distinction that may have considerable effect on the perception of librarians within their local institutions. This study is a pilot exploration of how faculty status may affect the professional experiences of academic medical librarians within their local institutions. Methods: Surveys were sent to 209 medical librarians listed as having some instructional function at Liais on Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredited medical institutions in the United States. Survey responses were captured using Qualtrics survey tool and analyzed for frequencies and associations using SPSS version 27. Results: Sixty-four medical libr arians at academic medical institutions completed the survey developed for this study. Of the respondents, 60.9% indicated that librarians at their institution have faculty status, while 71.9% believe that librarians at their institution should have facult y status. Ninety percent of librarians with faculty status reported that they are expected to generate scholarly materials, compared to 28% of those without faculty status. Conclusions: Many medical libraries offer faculty status to librarians. While many medical librarians are active in instruction, research, and other activities normally associated with faculty status, it is not clear if faculty status impacts how librarians are perceived by other health care workers within their institutions.
A Simplified Lyapunov-Based Controller for a Robot Manipulator

This paper derives a controller with simplified structure to achieve trajectory following for a robot manipulator. Lyapunov's second method is used for the design. Bounds on the position error and the velocity error are given, and a computer simulation is provided to verify that the error bounds are correct.
Application of glycerol as a foliar spray activates the defence response and enhances disease resistance of Theobroma cacao.

Summary Previous work has implicated glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) as a mobile inducer of systemic immunity in plants. We tested the hypothesis that the exogenous application of glycerol as a foliar spray might enhance the disease resistance of Theobroma cacao through the modulation of endogenous G3P levels. We found that exogenous application of glycerol to cacao leaves over a period of 4 days increased the endogenous level of G3P and decreased the level of oleic acid (18:1). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced (a marker of defence activation) and the expression of many pathogenesis-related genes was induced. Notably, the effects of glycerol application on G3P and 18:1 fatty acid content, and gene expression levels, in cacao leaves were dosage dependent. A 100 mm glycerol spray application was sufficient to stimulate the defence response without causing any observable damage, and resulted in a significantly decreased lesion formation by the cacao pathogen Phytophthora capsici; however, a 500 mm glycerol treatment led to chlorosis and cell death. The effects of glycerol treatment on the level of 18:1 and ROS were constrained to the locally treated leaves without affecting distal tissues. The mechanism of the glycerol-mediated defence response in cacao and its potential use as part of a sustainable farming system are discussed.
Comparative Toxicity of Gasoline and Diesel Engine Emissions

Better information on the comparative toxicity of airborne emissions from different types of engines is needed to guide the development of heavy vehicle engine, fuel, lubricant, and exhaust after-treatment technologies, and to place the health hazards of current heavy vehicle emissions in their proper perspective. To help fill this information gap, samples of vehicle exhaust particles and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) were collected and analyzed. The biological activity of the combined particle-SVOC samples is being tested using standardized toxicity assays. This report provides an update on the design of experiments to test the relative toxicity of engine emissions from various sources.
5. On Some Other Approaches to Electrodynamics in 1905

The thrust of fundamental research in 1905 was, as it is today, toward the unification of physics within a field-theoretical framework. During the first decade of the twentieth century many physicists believed that this goal was imminent, and their researches possessed an elegance and significance that seventy-four years of relativity have tended to obscure. Albert Einstein’s paper “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies,” the relativity paper, appeared September 26, 1905, but until 1911 many physicists referred to a “Lorentz-Einstein theory.” Einstein’s first paper on electrodynamics was considered to have enriched current research. This essay discusses some different approaches to those problems in electrodynamics that we now think of as posing the same puzzle — that is, relativity. The approaches to be analyzed are the theories of the electron that were proposed by Max Abraham, Paul Langevin, and H. A. Lorentz; these theories will be compared with each other and with Einstein’s work. Recently discovered correspondence of Lorentz and Henri Poincare will enable us to catch a glimpse of the drama that is science in the making.1
Genomic approach to selective vulnerability of the hippocampus in brain ischemia-hypoxia

Transient global ischemia selectively damages neurons in specific brain areas. A reproducible pattern of selective vulnerability is observed in the dorsal hippocampus of rodents where ischemic damage typically affects neurons in the CA1 area while sparing neurons in CA3 and granule cells. The "neuronal factors" underlying the differential vulnerability of CA1 versus CA3 have been of great interest. This review first provides on overview of the histological pattern of ischemic-hypoxic damage, the phenomenon of delayed neuronal death, the necrosis-apoptosis discussion, and multiple molecular mechanisms studied in the hippocampus. Subsequently, genomic studies of basal gene expression in CA1 and CA3 are summarized and changes in gene expression in response to global brain ischemia are surveyed. A formal analysis is presented for the overlap between genes expressed under basal conditions in the hippocampus and genes responding to ischemia-hypoxia in general. A possible role of the elusive vascular factors in selective vulnerability is reviewed, and a gene set for angiogenesis is then shown to be enriched in the CA3 gene set. A survey of selective vulnerability in the human hippocampus in relation to genomic studies in ischemia-hypoxia is presented, and neurodegeneration genes with high expression in CA1 are highlighted (e.g. WFS1). It is concluded that neuronal factors dominate the selective vulnerability of CA1 but that vascular factors also deserve more systematic studies.
The impact of resident involvement on surgical outcomes among patients undergoing hepatic and pancreatic resections

Background Resident participation during hepatic and pancreatic resections varies. The impact of resident participation on surgical outcomes in hepatic and pancreatic operations is poorly defined. Methods We identified 25,511 patients undergoing a hepatic or pancreatic resection between 2006 and 2012 using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Multivariate regression models were constructed to determine any association between resident participation and surgical outcomes. Results Pancreatic resections (n = 16,045; 62.9%) were more common than liver resections (n = 9,466; 37%). Residents participated in the majority of cases (n = 21,857; 86%), with most involvement at the senior level (postgraduate year ≥ 3, n = 21,147; 97%). Resident participation resulted in slightly longer mean operative times (hepatic, 9 minutes; pancreatic, 22 minutes; both P .05). Resident participation resulted in a higher risk of overall morbidity (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.24; P = .001), but not major morbidity (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.93–1.20; P = .40) after liver and pancreas resection. Resident participation resulted in lower odds of 30-day mortality after liver and pancreas resections (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60–0.94; P = .01). Conclusion Although resident participation resulted in slightly longer operative times and a modest increase in overall complications after liver and pancreatic resection, other metrics such as duration of stay, major morbidity, and mortality were unaffected. These data have important implications for educating patients regarding resident participation in these complex cases.
Base conversion by using automata

A radix converter comprises a plurality of automata each combined of Moore and Mealy design. The automata are connected in cascade with the digits of the input number applied serially to one of the automata. The output of Moore machine in each stage is utilized to get the respective coefficient of the number in the transformed radix. The output of Mealy machine is determined both by its current state and the current inputs. The combination of Mealy machine and Moore machine helps us to find out the quotient and remainder of any input string, where this concept gives us a brief description about the base conversion technique.
Regulation of steroid 5-α reductase type 2 (Srd5a2) by sterol regulatory element binding proteins and statin

In this study, we show that sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) regulate expression of Srd5a2, an enzyme that catalyzes the irreversible conversion of testosterone to dihydroxytestosterone in the male reproductive tract and is highly expressed in androgen-sensitive tissues such as the prostate and skin. We show that Srd5a2 is induced in livers and prostate from mice fed a chow diet supplemented with lovastatin plus ezitimibe (L/E), which increases the activity of nuclear SREBP-2. The three fold increase in Srd5a2 mRNA mediated by L/E treatment was accompanied by the induction of SREBP-2 binding to the Srd5a2 promoter detected by a ChIP-chip assay in liver. We identified a SREBP-2 responsive region within the first 300 upstream bases of the mouse Srd5a2 promoter by co-transfection assays which contain a site that bound SREBP-2 in vitro by an EMSA. Srd5a2 protein was also induced in cells over-expressing SREBP-2 in culture. The induction of Srd5a2 through SREBP-2 provides a mechanistic explanation for why even though statin therapy is effective in reducing cholesterol levels in treating hypercholesterolemia it does not compromise androgen production in clinical studies.
Peripheral selectivity and apparent efficacy of dynorphins: comparison to non-peptidic κ-opioid agonists in rhesus monkeys

The potency and effectiveness of dynorphin A(1-17), E-2078 (a synthetic dynorphin A(1-8) analog) and non-peptidic kappa-opioid agonists were studied in rhesus monkeys in two assays: 1) a drug discrimination assay with the centrally-penetrating kappa-agonist U69,593 as the training stimulus (n=3) and 2) a prolactin release assay; a neuroendocrine effect thought to be mediated by kappa-receptors located in hypothalamic nuclei outside the blood-brain barrier. The non-peptidic kappa-agonists, U69,593 and bremazocine (0.00032-0.01 mg/kg, s.c.) were dose-dependently generalized by all the subjects trained to discriminate U69,593. U69,593 and bremazocine also caused dose-dependent prolactin release (n=4). By contrast, dynorphin A(1-17) and E-2078 (0.1-1 mg/kg, i.v.) were only generalized by one of the U69,593 discriminating subjects. However, both these dynorphins produced potent and robust prolactin release (0.0032-0.032 mg/kg, i.v.), when tested under an identical time course design as above. Naltrexone (0.1 or 0.32 mg/kg), caused a parallel rightward shift in the dose-effect curves for all the above ligands, consistent with kappa-receptor mediation of this neuroendocrine effect. The peripherally selective antagonist, quaternary naltrexone (0.32 mg/kg, s.c.) partially blocked the neuroendocrine effects of U69,593 and E-2078 (0.0032 mg/kg, s.c. and i.v., respectively). Overall, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the dynorphins act as high efficacy, peripherally selective kappa-agonists following systemic administration in primates.
Probability learning of response patterns

A 4-light, 4-key probability learning task was altered by having S predict which 2 of the 4 lights would occur each trial. The question is whether S’s habit hierarchy is best represented as composed of 4 single-key habits from which two responses are successively selected, or composed of 6 unitary response-pair habits from which one pair is selected per trial. The data favor the latter representation, since the asymptotic proportions of response pairs matched the corresponding light-pair probabilities.
From time representation in scheduling to the solution of strip packing problems

Abstract We propose two mixed-integer linear programming based approaches for the 2D orthogonal strip packing problem. Using knowledge from the alternative forms of time representation in scheduling formulations, we show how to efficiently combine three different concepts into the x- and y-dimensions. One model features a discrete representation on the x-axis (strip width) and a continuous representation with general precedence variables on the y-axis (strip height). The other features a full continuous-space representation with the same approach for the y-axis and a single non-uniform grid made up of slots for the x-axis. Through the solution of a set of twenty nine instances from the literature, we show that the former is a better approach, even when compared to three alternative MILP models ranging from a pure discrete-space to a pure continuous-space with precedence variables in both dimensions. All models are available in www.minlp.org .
Utilization of γ-32P-GTP by ectoprotein kinase of 3T3 and SV40 3T3 cells

Abstract The ectoprotein membrane kinase(s) of 3T3 and SV40 3T3 cells were found to use GTP as a phosphate donor. Phosphorylation with GTP was similar to that found with ATP, previously used to identify the kinase activity in this system ( Mastro and Rozengurt, 1976 ). Under the same conditions, phosphorylation was greater with ATP than GTP. However, with either nucleotide the phosphorylation was higher in SV40 transformed and growing 3T3 cells than in quiescent ones. Using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and radioautography we found that similar substrates were phosphorylated with GTP or ATP.
Electrochemical characterization of doped and undoped CVD diamond deposited by microwave plasma

Abstract Undoped and doped polycrystalline diamond films have been deposited over molybdenum substrate by microwave plasma CVD process using a methane and hydrogen gas mixture at a pressure of 35±0.5 Torr. A.C. impedance of undoped diamond films in 0.5 M NaCl solution has been determined as a function of time and compared to the results obtained with molybdenum substrate. Double-layer capacitance, solution resistance, film resistance, film capacitance, and polarization resistance have been determined using the data plotted in Nyquist and Bode formats. Existence of two time constants due to electrical double-layer and film capacitance at the diamond/solution interface is clear from the impedance data. D.C. polarization techniques such as linear and Tafel polarization have been used to evaluate the undoped diamond-coated molybdenum, doped-diamond-coated molybdenum, and molybdenum for corrosion resistance characteristics in terms of charge-transfer coefficients and corrosion rate. The interfacial resistance of the undoped diamond electrode/solution interface is in the range of 108 Ω · cm2 according to impedance spectroscopy studied over a wide frequency range and Tafel polarization. This indicates the faradaic reaction rates are insignificant at the interface. Corrosion rate of diamond (doped and undoped) is three orders of magnitude lower than bare molybdenum substrate. The measured double-layer capacitance of diamond/solution interface is substantially lower than the molybdenum. Cyclic voltammetry has been used to evaluate the molybdenum, platinum, and diamond (doped and undoped)-coated molybdenum materials in 0.5 M NaCl solution. Diamond is stable with respect to molybdenum and platinum over a wide potential range (+ 1.5 to −1.5 V) for the decomposition of H2O to occur to evolve hydrogen and oxygen during cathodic and anodic polarization, respectively, according to cyclic voltammetry. Redox kinetics of ferri/ferro cyanide in 0.5 M NaCl solution at the doped diamond and platinum electrodes has been investigated.
Inverse semigroups through groups

In most introductory abstract algebra courses the topics covered are groups, rings and fields. In recent years, semigroups have been included due to their value in certain areas of computer science. However, after a few examples of familiar semigroups, the subject is forgotten and concentration is placed on developing the group structure. In this paper we attempt to show how one could continue examination of semigroups in conjunction with the development of groups. Since the group structure is such a rich and useful one, it would be natural to explore semigroups which are, in some sense, close to groups. The class of inverse semigroups fits this description.
Single-Stage Tendon Transfer Reconstruction for Active Pinch and Grasp in Tetraplegia

Surgically restoring hand and upper extremity function in people with tetraplegia is well established with a long, reliable history. Individuals, properly selected and counseled, are consistently pleased with the improvements they gain in terms of both independence and meaningful activities of daily living. Restoration of complex hand functions, such as palmar grasp, tends to involve sophisticated techniques and multiple surgeries in people with lower level tetraplegia. We have identified a subgroup of individuals for whom we have been restoring such function in a single-stage operation. This article will review pertinent concepts of tetraplegia hand and upper extremity restoration with particular focus on the former techniques.
Do self-report measures of life history strategy exhibit the hypothesized differences between blacks and whites predicted by Differential K theory?

Abstract Rushton’s Differential K theory posits that a large number of differences between racial groups can be explained by the groups’ different life history strategies. Recently self-report measures of life history strategy have been developed. Data aggregated from a number of studies were used to examine the hypothesized difference in life history strategy between Blacks and Whites on these self-report measures. The results were mixed and effect sizes were small. Analyses with one measure supported the hypothesized difference between Blacks and Whites while analyses using a second measure found a difference between Blacks and Whites that was the opposite of that predicted by Differential K theory. In both cases less than two percent of the variance on the measures was explained by ethnicity. The results are discussed in relation to Differential K theory and the measurement of life history strategies.
Developing a Functional Screening Assay of Small Molecules That Can Reduce Leakage of Liposomes Induced by Amyloid-Beta Peptides

Alzheimer's disease (AD), an ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by the presence of plaques containing fibrillar aggregates of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides. These peptides, with 39-43 amino acids, especially Aβ(1-40) and Aβ(1-42), are the major components of plaques formed in the brain of patients with AD and are considered to be pathologically important. Both peptides aggregate rapidly in aqueous solution to form Aβ oligomers as well as Aβ fibrils over time. Increasing evidence indicates that Aβ peptides, especially in their oligomeric state, play an important role in pathogenesis of AD. One possible pathogenic mechanism of these Aβ oligomers is the formation of pores through neuronal membranes, resulting in cell death. This research examined the effect of Aβ on permeabilization of liposomes by monitoring the change of fluorescence intensity of pH-sensitive dye which was encapsulated in the liposomes due to the leakage of protons. These experiments showed that the effect of Aβ depended on the lipid composition and on the aggregation state of Aβ. The developed liposome leakage assay makes it possible to screen several potential drug candidates for their ability to inhibit or reduce the leakage of liposomes.
Public services in Peruvian libraries

Fonctionnement des bibliotheques publiques au Perou d'apres les observations d'un bibliothecaire americain en stage dans ce pays: problemes financiers poses par les acquisitions, etat des collections, pratique differenciee du pret, acces a l'information plus difficile, programme d'orientation et d'education des utilisateurs et service des publications
The stimulation of amino acid incorporation in the cell-free Escherichia coli system by thermally degraded tobacco mosaic virus ribonucleic acid

Abstract The tobacco mosaic virus RNA induced incorporation of amino acids by crude extracts of Escherichia coli is independent of the molecular weight of the RNA above 400 000 when the latter is degraded thermally. RNA samples having molecular weights between 300 000 and 75 000 show a gradual decrease in their incorporating activity which is not offset by increasing the ribosome concentration. These results are consistent with a highly degenerative code, but also indicate that some minimum chain length is required if viral RNA is to function as messenger.
Robotic surgery, telerobotic surgery, telepresence, and telementoring. Review of early clinical results.

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy rapidly became the standard of care for the surgical treatment of cholelithiasis, very few other abdominal or cardiac operations are currently performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The inherent limitations of traditional laparoscopic surgery make it difficult to perform these operations. We, and others, have attempted to use robotic technology to (a) provide a stable camera platform, (b) replace two-dimensional with three-dimensional (3-D) imaging, (c) simulate the fluid motions of a surgeon's wrist to overcome the motion limitations of straight laparoscopic instruments, and (d) offer the surgeon a comfortable, ergonomically optimal operating position. In this article, we review the early published clinical experience with surgical robotic and telerobotic systems and assess their current limitations. The voice-controlled AESOP robot replaces the cameraperson and facilitates the performance of solo-surgeon laparoscopic operations. AESOP provides a stable camera platform and avoids motion sickness in the operative team. The telerobotic Zeus and da Vinci surgical systems permit solo surgery by a surgeon from a remote sight. These telerobots hold the camera, replace the surgeon's two hands with robotic instruments, and serve in a master–slave relationship for the surgeon. Their robotic instruments simulate the motions of the surgeon's wrist, facilitating dissection. Both telerobots use 3-D imaging to immerse the surgeon in a three-dimensional video operating field. These robots also provide operating positions for the surgeon console that are ergonomically superior to those required by traditional laparoscopy. The technological advances of these telerobots now permit telepresence surgery from remote locations, even locations thousands of miles away. In addition, telepresence permits the telementoring of novice surgeons who are performing new procedures by expert surgeons in remote locations. The studies reviewed here indicate that robotics and telerobotics offer potential solutions to the inherent problems of traditional laparoscopic surgery, as well as new possibilities for telesurgery and telementoring. Nonetheless, these technologies are still in an early stage of development, and each device entails its own set of challenges and limitations for actual use in clinical settings.
Cloning of rat Sertoli cell follicle-stimulating hormone primary response complementary deoxyribonucleic acid: regulation of TSC-22 gene expression

The molecular mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic effects of FSH were investigated by screening a plasmid cDNA library for clones hybridizing to FSH-regulated RNAs. Recombinant colonies were selected at random, and plasmids were purified, radiolabeled, and hybridized to Northern blots containing RNA extracted from control and FSH-treated Sertoli cells. Of 210 clones screened by this method, 10 hybridized to transcripts that were regulated either positively or negatively by FSH. DNA sequence comparisons with the GenBank database revealed that 3 clones that hybridized to positively regulated RNAs have sequences similar to known or putative transcription regulating factors. Clone 99 encodes the rat homolog of transforming growth factor-beta 1-stimulated clone 22 (TSC-22), which contains a putative leucine zipper region. Clone 18 has 93% sequence identity in the coding region with the cDNA for mouse nuclear factor-kappa B p50 subunit. Clone 325 encodes rat TIS11b, which contains zinc finger-like motifs thought to confer DNA-binding capacity. Among the other cDNAs, 2 have strong sequence similarity to RNA-binding proteins, including splicing factors, 1 corresponds to the rat mitochondrial transcript that encompasses the abundant 12S and 16S ribosomal RNAs, and another has 93% homology with the human B-cell translocation gene-1 (BTG-1), which encodes a putative antiproliferative factor. The remaining 3 clones had no identity with sequences in the GenBank database. Regulation of rat TSC-22 mRNA was analyzed in primary Sertoli cell cultures. TSC-22 mRNA transiently increased 4-fold in the presence of FSH, reached maximal levels at 3 h, and returned to prestimulation levels by 12 h. The FSH-stimulated increase was independent of protein synthesis because it occurred in the presence of cycloheximide and FSH. TSC-22 mRNA was detected in all tissues examined in male and female rats, and the highest levels in the 16-day animal were observed in the testis, ovary, uterus, and lung. Testicular 1.8-kilobase (kb) TSC-22 mRNA decreased by 50% from 14 to 60 days of age. A 5-kb transcript became detectable by 30 days and decreased after 50 days of age. Ovarian 1.8-kb TSC-22 transcript levels increased about 2-fold during the same maturation period.
The blood-brain barrier during immune responses

Abstract The blood-brain barrier is critical to the maintenance of homeostasis within nervous system tissue. During immunemediated events, however, blood-brain barrier function is lost and components of the immune system gain access to the nervous system. The formation of edema frequently accompanies these events and may have serious consequences. Studies in various model systems have shown that edema occurs by both transcellular and paracellular mechanisms and involves blood vessels at all levels of the vascular tree. The parajunctional area of the vascular endothelium appears to be particularly involved. Altered levels of circulating inflammatory mediators may contribute to these events.
A Comparative Readability Study of Materials Used To Teach Adults To Read

A comparative readability assessment of 29 most frequently used books or work units in Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes in Tennessee was made to determine whether a significant differ ence and/or significant correlation exists between selected types of readability indices. Readability indices selected for study were: (a) teacher judgment; (b) publisher's estimate; (c) Dale-Chall Readability Formula score; (d) Fry's Readability Graph estimate; and (e) Gunning's Fog Index of Readability assessment. Teacher judgment data were gathered from a random sample of 43 ABE teachers representing a cross-section of the state. Statistical analysis of coefficients of correlation, one way analysis of variance, and Duncan's New Multiple Range Test were used to test for signifi cance. For over two-thirds of the materials analyzed, no significant correlation was found for formula pairs. The greatest number of materials for which a significant correlation was indicated was between the Fry Readability Graph and the Gunning...
Cholinergic signaling through synaptic SK channels: it's a protein kinase but which one?

Cholinergic signaling modulates synaptic responses and influences cognition. In this issue of Neuron, two groups (Buchanan et al. and Giessel and Sabatini) present evidence that cholinergic signaling enhances postsynaptic responses in CA1 neurons by decreasing synaptic SK channel activity. However, they come to different conclusions about the protein kinases involved in this process.
Scaffold/Extracellular Matrix Hybrid Constructs for Bone-Tissue Engineering

The limited natural ability of the body to fully repair large bone defects often necessitates the implantation of a replacement material to promote healing. While the current clinical strategies to address such bone defects generally carry associated limitations, bone-tissue engineering approaches seek to minimize any adverse effects and facilitate complete regeneration of the lost tissue. Of particular interest are hybrid constructs that incorporate multiple components found within the native bone matrix to enhance the osteogenicity of biocompatible materials, which might otherwise be non-osteogenic. This Progress Report will focus on such hybrid constructs that incorporate multiple components from native bone matrix for bone-tissue engineering and will highlight the synthesis and characterization of the hybrid constructs, cellular attachment and proliferation within the constructs, in vitro osteogenicity of the constructs, and the biological response to in vivo implantation of the constructs at ectopic and orthotopic sites.
Mapping light strand transcripts near the origin of replication of Xenopus laevis; mitochondrial DNA

Abstract Transcription of the light strand of Xenopus laevis mitochondrial DNA initiates at two promoters located approximately 350 to 450 nucleotides upstream from the 5' ends of major D-loop DNA strands. Small RNAs within this region have been mapped by blot hybridization, primer extension and S1 nuclease protection methods. The results reveal that the large majority of RNAs within this region have 3' termini located at a sequence element, designated CSB 2, that is conserved in sequence and position in Xenopus, mouse, rat and human mtDNA. However, the X. laevis CSB 2 appears to be a site of RNA processing only, since RNA-to-DNA transitions are not detectable at this site. RNAs containing sequences downstream of CSB 2 are extremely rare. A significant fraction of these RNAs are processed by cleavage at a site just upstream of the most predominant 5' ends of D-loop DNAs. We suggest that RNA processing at this site may play a role in priming mtDNA replication.
Effects of estradiol on acute and recurrent insulin-induced hypoglycemia-associated patterns of arcuate neuropeptide Y, proopiomelanocortin, and cocaine- and amphetamine-related transcript gene expression in the ovariectomized rat.

The ovarian steroid hormone, estradiol, is one of several peripheral metabolic signal modulators that are integrated at the level of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH), and is implicated in