cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study of D-Cycloserine in Chronic Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the USA. Up to 60% of patients do not fully recover despite intensive physical therapy treatment. N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA-R) have been shown to play a role in synaptic plasticity when activated. D-Cycloserine promotes NMDA receptor function by binding to receptors with unoccupied glycine sites. These receptors are involved in learning and memory. We hypothesized that D-cycloserine, when combined with robotic-assisted physiotherapy (RAP), would result in greater gains compared with placebo + RAP in stroke survivors. Participants (n = 14) were randomized to D-cycloserine plus RAP or placebo plus RAP. Functional, cognitive, and quality-of-life measures were used to assess recovery. There was significant improvement in grip strength of the affected hand within both groups from baseline to 3 weeks (95% confidence interval for mean change, 3.95 ± 2.96 to 4.90 ± 3.56 N for D-cycloserine and 5.72 ± 3.98 to 8.44 ± 4.90 N for control). SIS mood domain showed improvement for both groups (95% confidence interval for mean change, 72.6 ± 16.3 to 82.9 ± 10.9 for D-cycloserine and 82.9 ± 13.5 to 90.3 ± 9.9 for control). This preliminary study does not provide evidence that D-cycloserine can provide greater gains in learning compared with placebo for stroke survivors.
How You Get There From Here Interaction of Visual Landmarks and Path Integration in Human Navigation

How do people combine their sense of direction with their use of visual landmarks during navigation? Cue-integration theory predicts that such cues will be optimally integrated to reduce variability, whereas cue-competition theory predicts that one cue will dominate the response direction. We tested these theories by measuring both accuracy and variability in a homing task while manipulating information about path integration and visual landmarks. We found that the two cues were near-optimally integrated to reduce variability, even when landmarks were shifted up to 90°. Yet the homing direction was dominated by a single cue, which switched from landmarks to path integration when landmark shifts were greater than 90°. These findings suggest that cue integration and cue competition govern different aspects of the homing response: Cues are integrated to reduce response variability but compete to determine the response direction. The results are remarkably similar to data on animal navigation, which implies that visual landmarks reset the orientation, but not the precision, of the path-integration system.
Amphibian Translocation Programs: Reply to Seigel and Dodd

In our essay on amphibian metapopulation dynamics (Marsh & Trenham 2001), we recommended amphibi-ans as “prime candidates” for egg and larval transloca-tion programs. We contended that translocation of am-phibians has been successful in some cases (e.g., Zvirgzdset al. 1995; Denton et al. 1997) and might be the best op-tion for preserving amphibians in highly disturbed land-scapes where dispersal barriers such as roads and devel-opment would prevent natural colonization fromoccurring. As Seigel and Dodd (2002 [this issue]) pointout, however, translocation is a complex issue, and am-phibian translocations potentially have large costs in ad-dition to their possible benefits. The issue of diseasespread through translocation is particularly important (Cun-ningham 1996). In addition, we believe that the scramblingof a species’ population genetic record (an issue not dis-cussed by Seigel and Dodd) should not be taken lightly(Storfer 1999). We did not intend to suggest that transloca-tions can be easily accomplished by simply moving amphib-ians from wetland to wetland or that this is a desirable man-agement method for most species.Nevertheless, we do believe that translocation has apotentially important role to play in amphibian conser-vation, even if this role is, according to Seigel and Dodd,“experimental.” In North America and Europe, restora-tion projects are reclaiming formerly drained wetlandsand creating ponds where there previously were none(Mitsch et al. 1998; Mierzwa 2000). Also, in many areasland uses incompatible with amphibian survival haveceased and habitats are again suitable (i.e., fish removalfrom naturally fishless habitats; Knapp et al. 2001). Butdistance or other landscape barriers may prevent am-phibian colonization of many such habitats, and in thesesituations translocation is probably the best way for pop-ulations of many amphibians to become established. Inaddition, when habitats have been created or restored,there is little risk of spreading disease.Seigel and Dodd point out that translocations could beparticularly damaging to critically endangered species.We agree, and we suggest that translocation should beattempted only if failure is an acceptable outcome. Forexample, Seigel and Dodd cite failed translocations of
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: new approaches to diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Pneumocystis carinii is the major opportunistic infection in children with HIV infection and can be the initial clinical manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This can be particularly devastating in infants younger than 1 year of age in whom mortality excessive. In this article Walter Hughes not only reviews current insights into the diagnostic of P. carinii pneumonia but also provides the latest deliberations on prophylaxis
Physical properties of the DNA from the blue-green algal virus LPP-1.

Abstract Deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from BGAV LPP-1 is double-stranded and has a base composition of 55% guanine plus cytosine. Sedimentation analysis indicated that the DNA is monodisperse with a molecular weight of 25 ± 2 million, based on comparison with T7 DNA.
Factors Determining Frequency Distribution of Lesions Induced by Papilloma Protein and Vaccinia Virus.

Parker1 has presented statistical evidence for the concept that the frequency distribution of lesions with vaccinia virus is related to the chance distribution of virus particles in the inocula. This was based on the resemblance of the observed frequency to the theoretical Poisson frequency to be expected if a single virus particle causes infection. Similar studies on the purified papilloma protein2 have shown that results with this virus follow this theoretical expectation as well as did those with vaccinia virus. However, consistent deviations of observed from theoretical results at the extremes of the frequency distributions, and the finding of about 100,000,000 papilloma protein molecules in the dilution giving the 50% point (where only 0.69 particles should have been according to this concept) have led to critical examination of Parker's data and interpretations. Using the procedure recommended by Haldane3 for determining x2, the fit of observed to theoretical frequencies in Parker's data was good in...
Wound healing in the imaginal discs of Drosophila. II. Transmission electron microscopy of normal and healing wing discs.

The normal elements of the cell surface and the cytoskeleton of imaginal wing disc cells in third-instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster are described. This serves as a background for understanding the process of wound healing after experimentally cutting the two disc epithelia (columnar epithelium and peripodial membrane). The cells of both epithelial layers display microvilli at the apical surface, and there is a microvillar ridge at the periphery of each cell. The lateral cell surfaces display zonulae adhaerens, gap junctions, and septate junctions in characteristic patterns. A terminal web of 60–70-A microfilaments is located in the apical cell periphery, extends into the microvillar ridge, and is connected with the zonula adhaerens and probably also with the underlying belt of microtubules. Immediately after an incision is made in a normal disc, the two wound edges move apart to form a gape of about 45°. This fast wounding reaction is reversibly inhibited by treatment with cytochalasin B (0.5 μg/ml), suggesting that the wounding reaction is achieved by actinlike microfilaments. Initial wound closure results in an apposition of the columnar epithelium and the peripodial membrane (heterotypic contacts). Close (10–20 nm) heterotypic membrane contacts are found beginning at 12 hours after wounding, but cell junctions are not observed at such contact sites. Within 24 hours after wounding, the first focal cell membrane contacts are made between cells of corresponding epithelial types across the wound (homotypic contacts), at which time the heterotypic contacts are broken. At the time of epithelial healing, the wound surfaces shorten (“wound contraction”), and this is associated with cell-shape changes within the epithelial cells along the wound. Within 48 hours after wounding, homotypic cell junctions and nonjunctional membrane contacts are fully reestablished, and wound healing is completed. We propose that the homotypic contacts between cells of the columnar epithelium are involved in the intercellular interactions controlling pattern regulation in the imaginal wing disc.
False conflict reduction in the Swiss Transactional Memory (SwissTM) system

Software Transactional Memory (STM) is a programming paradigm that allows a programmer to write parallel programs, without having to deal with the intricacies of synchronization. That burden is instead borne by the underlying STM system. SwissTM is a lock-based STM, developed at EPFL, Switzerland. Memory locations map to entries in a lock table to detect conflicts. Increasing the number of locations that map to a lock reduces the number of locks to be acquired and improves throughput, while also increasing the possibility of false conflicts. False conflicts occur when a transaction that updates a location mapping to a lock, causes validation failure of another transaction, that reads a different location mapping to the same lock. In this paper, we present a solution for the false conflict problem and suggest an adaptive version of the same algorithm, to improve performance. Our algorithms produce significant throughput improvement in benchmarks with false conflicts.
Submicrometer Particles and Slip Flow in Liquid Chromatography

Smaller particles have progressively led to higher efficiency in liquid chromatography, particularly for proteins, due to smaller diffusion distances. Particle diameter has recently entered the sub...
Factors which influence the short-term success of pessary management of pelvic organ prolapse.

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify patient criteria which may affect the outcome of a pessary trial. Study design Records of 407 patients presenting with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who had a trial of pessary management were reviewed. Success was defined both by the initial fitting as well as by whether the patient was using the pessary at the 3-week follow-up visit. Outcomes were compared using chi-square test, 2-sample Student t test, or the Wilcoxon rank sum test, as appropriate. Statistical analysis was carried out at a significance of .05. Results One hundred sixty-eight patients (41%) were successfully fitted and continuing to use a pessary at the time of the 3-week follow-up visit. The likelihood of a successful pessary trial was significantly lower in subjects with a past history of hysterectomy ( P P =.010). There was no association between the stage of prolapse and pessary trial outcome. There was no significance found in the relationship between the predominant location of support loss and the pessary trial outcome at the 3-week follow-up visit. Conclusion The type and severity of pelvic organ prolapse do not influence the likelihood of a successful pessary fitting, and should not be used as a basis on which to select patients for pessary management.
Molecular approaches for the diagnosis of syphilis

Summary Is a molecular diagnostic method needed for the laboratory diagnosis of syphilis? The answer is that in several instances a sensitive and specific method for the direct demonstration of T. pallidum would be beneficial. To date, the clearest progress has been made in the area of GUD and congenital diagnosis. The multiplex PCR method promises to be useful in GUD. It may be particularly useful in large scale epidemiological studies of GUD. For diagnostic purposes, its use will likely be limited to larger centers seeing sufficient numbers of patients. Congenital syphilis diagnostics could certainly use a tool that would help distinguish truly infected from noninfected asymptomatic infants born to seropositive mothers. IgM serologies are useful tools in symptomatic infants but their role, and that of PCR, in asymptomatics is not clear at this time. Certainly, prospective studies with adequate follow-up of infants to clearly document infection are needed to resolve this. Finally, neurosyphilis patients would also benefit from a sensitive and specific test to identify the presence of T. pallidum in the CSF and monitor effective therapy. To date, the experience with PCR is not consistent and additional investigations are needed. The use of molecular diagnostics in syphilis is not as well established as it is for other STDs. However, there is a need and it is hoped that work in this area will continue.
Modeling volatility in political time series

Abstract Volatility in political phenomena raises important substantive and statistical issues for political scientists employing time series data. In this article, we argue that modeling the variance of time series data in addition to modeling the mean provides a unique opportunity to explore the dynamics of volatility associated with political phenomena. While political scientists have generally neglected these topics, we suggest that a class of variance models developed by economists to explain volatility in markets can provide useful insights as well as improve the efficiency of the mean model estimates. Monte-Carlo experiments demonstrate the importance of testing and controlling for autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH) processes when modeling the conditional mean of time series data.
Promoting prostate-specific antigen informed decision-making. Evaluating two community-level interventions.

Background Most medical associations recommend that patients make informed decisions about whether to be screened for prostate cancer with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Studies assessing how to promote PSA informed decision-making (IDM) have been conducted almost exclusively in healthcare settings; there is a need for similar research in community settings. Methods This paper describes the results of a 5-year study (2002–2007) in which two community-level interventions were developed, implemented, and evaluated in matched upper- and lower-SES comparison communities in Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Both interventions promoted PSA informed decision-making. One intervention (PSA-Only) consisted of educational information about prostate cancer and the PSA test, and the other (Men's Health) included additional information about recognizing and preventing heart attack, stroke, and colon cancer. Structured survey, semistructured interview, and structured observational data were combined to compare participating community residents' pre/post changes in knowledge, intentions, and behaviors related to PSA IDM. Results The community-level interventions successfully engaged community participants in discussions, educated individuals, encouraged deliberation of information, and facilitated PSA test discussions with physicians. Men who participated in the PSA-Only educational sessions were more likely than those who attended the Men's Health educational sessions to discuss the PSA test with their physician (p=0.037). Conclusions When prospective SES-related confounding factors are matched across comparison communities, PSA IDM interventions can be shown to promote IDM. Framing the PSA test decision relative to less-ambiguous screening decisions does not appear to increase the likelihood of PSA IDM.
Photoluminescence and thermal quenching of bound excitons in (BaS) 1- x (SrTe) x

Abstract Photoluminescence spectra are reported for the first time for (BaS) 1− x (SrTe) x ( x = 0.1, 1.0, and 5.0 wt%) powders. Changes in the luminescent spectra were attributed to bound exciton recombination at substituted Te on S (Te s ) sites. Peaks were observed at 420 and 465 nm, and were attributed to singlet and doublet Te emission, respectively. The binding energies and thermal quenching activation energies for the singlet and doublet excitons were found to be 630 and 860 meV, and 45 and 58 meV, respectively. The thermal quenching activation energy for singlet excitons was attributed to the energy required to excite the bound electron into the conduction band of the BaS host, and for doublet excitons was attributed to charge transfer between Te s and/or nonradiative quenching centers.
The effect of δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on sleep

Five volunteers slept 8 to 15 consecutive nights in the laboratory with electroencephalogram, chin electromyogram, and eye movements monitored by the method originated by Dement and Kleitman. δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 20 mg administered at bedtime decreased the amount of time spent in the REM or paradoxical phase of sleep. Abrupt withdrawal of THC after 4 to 6 consecutive nights of use produced a mild insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling and staying asleep but did not produce a marked REM rebound.
Methyl mercury exposure from fish consumption in vulnerable racial/ethnic populations: Probabilistic SHEDS-Dietary model analyses using 1999–2006 NHANES and 1990–2002 TDS data

NHANES subjects self-identified as "Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, or multiracial" (A/P/N/M) have higher levels of blood organic mercury than other racial/ethnic groups; however, the reasons for this have been unclear. This research uses exposure modeling to determine the reasons for elevated blood methylmercury (MeHg) levels, and also extends previous analyses of observed NHANES blood levels. The probabilistic SHEDS-Dietary model was applied, using MeHg fish residue data from FDA's Total Diet Study (1990-2002) combined with NHANES/WWEIA (1999-2006) fish consumption data, to generate exposure estimates by race/ethnicity, age group, and fish type. Statistical analyses of blood methylmercury levels in the (6 times larger) 1999-2006 NHANES data were compared against previous published results for 1999-2002 data. The A/P/N/M group has higher fish intake, modeled MeHg exposures, and blood levels than the general population and other racial/ethnic groups. Tuna, other saltwater fish, and other freshwater fish are key food types driving dietary MeHg exposure. The 1-<3 years-old A/P/N/M group has the highest mean dietary MeHg intake per body weight (0.06 μg/kg/day; ~2.3 times higher than the rest of the population). Fish intake and modeled exposure predictions correlate well with NHANES blood biomarker levels. This study, using the SHEDS-Dietary model with national data, reinforces and expands upon previous observations that dietary exposure via fish consumption is an important route for methylmercury intake by the general population, and especially for racial/ethnic groups with higher fish consumption. These probabilistic dietary modeling approaches could be applied for local populations (e.g., tribes) and other chemicals and foods, if data are available.
Block-matrix operations using orthogonal trees

Hypercube algorithms are presented for distributed block-matrix operations. These algorithms are based entirely on an interconnection scheme which involves two orthogonal sets of binary trees. This switching topology makes use of all hypercube interconnection links in a synchronized manner.An efficient novel matrix-vector multiplication algorithm based on this technique is described. Also, matrix transpose operations moving just pointers rather than actual data, have been implemented for some applications by taking advantage of the above tree structures. For the cases where actual physical vector and matrix transposes are needed, possible techniques, including extensions of the above scheme, are discussed.The algorithms support submatrix partitionings of the data, instead of being limited to row and/or column partitionings. This allows efficient use of nodal vector processors as well as shorter interprocessor communication packets. It also produces a favorable data distribution for applications which involve near neighbor operations such as image processing. The algorithms are based on an interprocessor communication paradigm which involves variable length, tagged block data transfers. They have been implemented on an Intel iPSC hypercube system with the support of the Hypercube Library developed at the Christian Michelsen Institute.
Comparative differences in the composition and biomechanical properties of tibiae of seven- and seventy-two-week-old male and female broiler breeder chickens

Skeletal problems are common in both young and old poultry and are often related to bone weakness. They affect mortality on the farm and condemnations within processing plant and thus raise both welfare and economic concerns. To understand the basis of bone strength, the metaphyseal histology, composition, and the biomechanical properties of tibiae from 7- and 72-wk-old male and female broiler breeder chickens were compared. The biochemical constituents included ash, collagen, proteoglycan, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), pyridinium crosslinks, and the organic matrix-associated fluorescence. Blood variables were measured to determine the metabolic status of these birds as related to bone physiology. Although there were no differences in blood chemistry of 7-wk-old males and females, there were several differences between young and old birds. The levels of calcium, triglyceride, and iron were higher in older females than in older males. The collagen content was reduced, and the proteoglycan content increased in 72-wk-old hens. The TGF-beta content of bones from 7-wk-old females was higher than that of other groups of birds. Bone strength and stiffness, measured using loads at break and Young's modulus, respectively, were higher in older birds. The presence of medullary bones in 72-wk-old hens did not affect their bone strength, although it reduced strain values and increased Young's modulus. Compared to other groups, the 72-wk-old hens had a higher content of an inorganic matrix. The levels of hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP) and the collagenase-extractable fluorescence of the organic matrix from older birds was higher. The decalcified bone matrix from older birds also showed higher susceptibility to bacterial collagenase than their younger counterparts. Bone strength showed positive correlations with its ash content, density, pyridinium crosslinks, and the fluorescence of the matrix. However, the correlation was strong with both pyridinium crosslinks and the fluorescence of the organic matrix. These results suggest that bone strength is influenced by the content of its collagen crosslinks.
Robust Estimation in Finite Populations I

Abstract This is an application of a least-squares prediction approach to finite population sampling theory. One way in which this approach differs from the conventional one is its focus on characteristics of particular samples rather than on plans for choosing samples. Here we study samples in which many superpopulation models lead to the same optimal (BLU) estimator. Random sampling is considered in the light of these results.
Clinical implications of aldosterone blockade.

Abstract Background Aldosterone contributes to hypertension, cardiac and vascular remodeling, and heart failure. The significant risk reduction provided by the addition of spironolactone to standard therapy in patients with severe heart failure has renewed interest in aldosterone blockade. Methods This review describes recent clinical studies of eplerenone, a selective aldosterone blocker, in patients with hypertension. Results In a 16-week study, eplerenone was more effective than placebo or losartan in lowering systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP in black patients with mild to moderate hypertension. The BP-lowering efficacy of eplerenone was similar in blacks and whites. In a separate study in patients whose BP was controlled inadequately by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers, addition of eplerenone significantly reduced systolic BP, and to a lesser extent, diastolic BP. There were no significant changes in potassium levels in this study. Eplerenone increased active renin and aldosterone levels, indicating that it blocks the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Gynecomastia, or breast tenderness, was uncommon and occurred at a rate comparable to placebo. Conclusions Eplerenone is a selective aldosterone blocker that effectively lowers BP in both white and black patients with hypertension and provides meaningful further antihypertensive efficacy when added to patients whose hypertension is inadequately controlled by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers. (Am Heart J 2002;144:S12-8.)
Effect of dimethyl sulphoxide on the cryo-tolerance of mitochondria.

THE integrated structural and functional complexes of many biological entities have been conserved by freezing and storage at low temperatures. The cryo-tolerance of enzymes, viruses, bacteria, cells or tissues has been increased by the inclusion of ‘protective substances’ in the suspending medium1,2. We have reported recently the role of glycerol in protecting oxidative phosphorylation by suspensions of mitochondria during freezing or freezing and storage at low temperatures3. Dr. Audrey Smith, of the National Institute for Medical Research, London, suggested to us that dimethyl sulphoxide could replace glycerol. Our preliminary work has shown dimethyl sulphoxide to be equal to glycerol as a protective substance and to be superior in certain instances.
Metamodel-Assisted Ice Detection for Wind Turbine Blades

Icing is a complex atmospheric phenomenon that causes airflow disruption and degrades aerodynamically the original performance of the wind turbine blades (WTBs). This is due to blade sensitivity to minor changes in the airfoil geometry. Aerodynamic distortions induced by ice decrease the lift-to-draft ratio and pitch moment, increase the airfoil weight, and adversely alter the effectiveness of position angle and velocity. Typically, wind turbines exposed to all-weather conditions are equipped with icing prevention systems (IPS). However at the present time, no ice-detection technique has been proven effective, and the implementation of new strategies that effectively detect and mitigate blade icing adverse effects are needed. In this work, a WTB ice-detection technique that consists of a numerical design tool using Matlab/Simulink models and non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBs) based metamodeling algorithms is examined. This is carried out in terms of the blade icing effects on turbine aerodynamic performance in accordance to condition-based maintenance (CBM) and prognostics health management (PHM) techniques.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Learning a procedure from multimedia instructions: The effects of film and practice

College students were taught to build a model helicopter from an assembly kit. Their instructions consisted of a narrated film (one viewing or two), hands-on practice using a model as a guide (one building or two), or a combination (see film first, build second; or build first, see film second). Performance on assembly from memory was assessed either immediately or after a 1-week delay. Both structural and functional measures were used. (A new structural measure is introduced here.) Performance was best immediately for groups who had hands-on practice, either twice, or in conjunction with a film. After a week, the group who practised first and saw the film second performed significantly better than all others. A theoretical framework, based on multimedia concept formation, is briefly presented to account for the results. In order for lasting concepts to be formed in memory, a precedence is suggested: motoric elements with their accompanying mental components should be put in first, followed by visual, followed by linguistic.
Quantitative Sensory Testing Demonstrates That Subclinical Sensory Neuropathy Is Prevalent in Patients With Cancer

• Vibration threshold (VT) determinations were used to assess the function of the large nerve-fiber sensory system in 171 patients with cancer and 58 healthy subjects. Significant differences in VT indicate dysfunction of this sensory system in the cancer group. Twelve percent of the cancer patients had elevated VT compared with 1.7% of control subjects. Elevated VT was not associated with risk factors for neuropathy such as diabetes, renal disease, poor nutrition, or treatment with chemotherapy. Although VT elevation was associated with alcoholism and increasing age, these variables accounted for only a small proportion of the variance in VT. These data suggest that VT determinations are a useful method for quantifying sensory abnormalities in cancer patients. Sensory abnormalities occur in a significant proportion of patients with cancer and seem to be related directly to the neoplasm, rather than to known risk factors for neuropathy.
Functional Analysis of Conserved Structural Elements in Yeast Syntaxin Vam3p

Vam3p, a syntaxin-like SNARE protein involved in yeast vacuole fusion, is composed of a three-helical N-terminal domain, a canonical SNARE motif, and a C-terminal transmembrane region (TMR). Surprisingly, we find that the N-terminal domain of Vam3p is not essential for fusion, although analogous domains in other syntaxins are indispensible for fusion and/or protein-protein interactions. In contrast to the N-terminal domain, mutations in the SNARE motif of Vam3p or replacement of the SNARE motif of Vam3p with the SNARE motif from other syntaxins inhibited fusion. Furthermore, the precise distance between the SNARE motif and the TMR was critical for fusion. Insertion of only three residues after the SNARE motif significantly impaired fusion and insertion of 12 residues abolished fusion. As judged by co-immunoprecipitation experiments, the SNARE motif mutations and the insertions did not alter the association of Vam3p with Vam7p, Vti1p, Nyv1p, and Ykt6p, other vacuolar SNARE proteins implicated in fusion. In contrast, the SNARE motif substitutions interfered with the stable formation of Vam3p complexes with Nyv1p and Vti1p, although Vam3p complexes with Vam7p and Ykt6p were still present. Our data suggest that in contrast to previously characterized syntaxins, Vam3p contains only two domains essential for fusion, the SNARE motif and the TMR, and these domains have to be closely coupled to function in fusion.
NASA big winner in budget

The President's budget request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration contains a dramatic increase of 24%, or $2.8 billion, over Fiscal Year 1990, bringing the total figure for FY 1991 to $15.1 billion. Of the $4.5 billion the administration has proposed in increases for civilian and defense R&D, NASA receives $2 billion. The largest single increase in the NASA budget is slated for Space Station Freedom, which increases by $700 million (36%) to a total of $2.6 billion. Other big increases go to the lunar/Mars initiative, which is up 47% to a total of $408 million, and the first element of NASA's Mission to Planet Earth, the Earth Observing System (EOS), to receive $264 million.
The gut-brain peptide cyclo(His-Pro) is secreted in a pulsatile fashion in fasting humans

Abstract Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine (CHP) is a cyclic dipeptide that is found in many animal tissues, most notably brain and gut. It has been found to have a variety of biologic actions and has been postulated to play a role in appetitive behavior and energy metabolism. This study was conducted in order to characterize the secretory pattern of CHP during a 24 h fast. Four subjects (2 obese and 2 lean) were studied during the latter 24 h of a 36 h fast. Blood was sampled every 10–15 min and assayed for CHP concentration using a specific radioimmunoassay. Analysis revealed that circulating CHP oscillates in humans and that diurnal variation occurred but only in the obese subjects.
Rapid isothermal annealing of high- and low-energy ion-implanted InP and In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As

Rapid isothermal annealing (RIA) was performed on 0.5-16-MeV Si/sup +/, 1-MeV Be/sup +/, and 150-keV Ge/sup +/ implanted InP:Fe and 380-keV Fe/sup +/ implanted InGaAs. Annealings were performed in the temperature range 800-925 degrees C using an InP proximity wafer in addition to the Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ dielectric cap. Dopant activations close to 100% were obtained for 3*10/sup 14/ cm/sup -2/ Si/sup +/ and 2*10/sup 14/ cm/sup -2/ Be/sup +/ implants in InP:Fe. For the elevated temperature (200 degrees C) 1*10/sup 14/ cm/sup -2/ Ge/sup +/ implant, a maximum of 50% activation was obtained. No redistribution of dopant was observed for Si and Ge implants due to annealing. However, redistribution of dopant was seen for Be and Fe implants due to annealing. Phosphorous coimplantation has helped to eliminate the Be in-diffusion problem in InP, but did not help to reduce Fe in-diffusion and redistribution in InGaAs. Using an RIA cycle with low temperature and short duration is the only solution to minimize Fe redistribution in InGaAs. >
fMRI auditory language differences between dyslexic and able reading children.

During fMRI, dyslexic and control boys completed auditorylanguage tasks (judging whether pairs of real and/or pseudowords rhymed or were real words) in 30s ‘on’ conditionsalternating with a 30s ‘off’ condition (judging whether tonepairs were same). During phonological judgment, dyslexics hadmore activity than controls in right than left inferior temporalgyrus and in left precentral gyrus. During lexical judgment,dyslexics were less active than controls in bilateral middlefrontal gyrus and more active than controls in left orbitalfrontal cortex. Individual dyslexics were reliably less active thancontrols in left insula and left inferior temporal gyrus. Dyslexicand control children differ in brain activation during auditorylanguage processing skills that do not require reading. Neuro-Report 12:1195–1201
The critical angle of the anisotropic elastic wedge subject to uniform tractions

The classical solution for an isotropic elastic wedge loaded by a uniform pressure on one side of the wedge becomes infinite when the wedge angle 2θ0 satisfies the equation tan 2θ0 = 2θ0. This is the critical wedge angle which also renders infinite solutions for other types of loadings. In this paper, we study the associated problem for the anisotropic elastic wedge. We first present uniform stress solutions which are possible for symmetric loadings. For antisymmetric loadings, a uniform stress solution is in general not possible and we present a non-uniform stress solution in which the stress depends on θ but not on r. The non-uniform stress solution breaks down at a critical angle. We present an equation for the critical angle which depends on the elastic constants. The Stroh formalism is employed in the analysis. An integral representation of the solution is obtained by using new identities which are derived in the paper.
QM/MM Study of the Effect of Local Environment on Dissociative Adsorption in BaY Zeolites

Quantum chemical calculations were carried out to study the characteristics of dissociative adsorption on BaY zeolites, that is, adsorption of neutral HX versus H+X−. The calculations were performed using the QM/MM method ONIOM with the B3LYP functional, SDD basis set, and UFF force field. Key intermediates from the NOx reduction reaction were studied, including nitromethane, aci-nitromethane, acetic acid, CH2COOH, HNO3, HNO2, H2O, and O2NCH2COOH. Two factors were found to affect dissociative adsorption: the local environment in the zeolite and the acidity of the adsorbate molecule. The local environment can vary due to different aluminum arrangements around the active site. It was found that adsorbates in both neutral and dissociated forms are further stabilized as aluminum atoms are further apart because of the electrostatics. Generally, neutral intermediates adsorb with one oxygen atom coordinated to barium, whereas the dissociated intermediates adsorb with two oxygen atoms coordinated to barium in a b...
Optimal bridge maintenance planning based on probabilistic performance prediction

Abstract Current automated maintenance planning procedures for deteriorating bridges are usually based on deterministic prediction of bridge performance and whole-life maintenance costing. In these procedures, uncertainties associated with the deterioration process under no maintenance and under maintenance are not taken into consideration. In this paper, such uncertainties are confined to the parameters that define the selected computational models and their effects are evaluated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. A multiobjective genetic algorithm based numerical procedure is used to locate, in the Pareto optimal sense, the best possible tradeoff maintenance planning solutions with respect to three objective functions, namely, condition index, safety index, and cumulative life-cycle maintenance cost. By computing these objectives in terms of either sample mean or sample percentile values, bridge managers’ specific confidence levels on the performance of maintenance solutions can therefore be conveniently incorporated into the optimization process.
Intraspecific correlations of basal and maximal metabolic rates in birds and the aerobic capacity model for the evolution of endothermy.

The underlying assumption of the aerobic capacity model for the evolution of endothermy is that basal (BMR) and maximal aerobic metabolic rates are phenotypically linked. However, because BMR is largely a function of central organs whereas maximal metabolic output is largely a function of skeletal muscles, the mechanistic underpinnings for their linkage are not obvious. Interspecific studies in birds generally support a phenotypic correlation between BMR and maximal metabolic output. If the aerobic capacity model is valid, these phenotypic correlations should also extend to intraspecific comparisons. We measured BMR, Msum (maximum thermoregulatory metabolic rate) and MMR (maximum exercise metabolic rate in a hop-flutter chamber) in winter for dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis), American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis; Msum and MMR only), and black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus; BMR and Msum only) and examined correlations among these variables. We also measured BMR and Msum in individual house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in both summer, winter and spring. For both raw metabolic rates and residuals from allometric regressions, BMR was not significantly correlated with either Msum or MMR in juncos. Moreover, no significant correlation between Msum and MMR or their mass-independent residuals occurred for juncos or goldfinches. Raw BMR and Msum were significantly positively correlated for black-capped chickadees and house sparrows, but mass-independent residuals of BMR and Msum were not. These data suggest that central organ and exercise organ metabolic levels are not inextricably linked and that muscular capacities for exercise and shivering do not necessarily vary in tandem in individual birds. Why intraspecific and interspecific avian studies show differing results and the significance of these differences to the aerobic capacity model are unknown, and resolution of these questions will require additional studies of potential mechanistic links between minimal and maximal metabolic output.
Maternal renal insufficiency: a cause of congenital rickets and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

We present a case of a newborn with congenital rickets and radiographic evidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism in which the infant's mother had severe, longstanding untreated renal insufficiency.
Autonomous receivers for complex format identification and demodulation

We demonstrate a new universal DSP receiver architecture for ground-based optical communications that autonomously identifies and decode TDHMFs in addition to conventional formats. The combination of a flexible and modular architecture with proper statistical tools has enabled successful validation of autonomous identification and demodulation, suggesting that these methods are extensible to any format including those not yet examined. Similar architectural concepts can be generalized to wireless communications, thus spanning the whole communication range of the avionics ecosystem.
Higher order neurons in the cerebral ganglia ofPleurobranchaea have diverse effects on buccal motor patterns

Structures of the buccal mass (radula, jaws, and lips) of the gastropodPleurobranchaea are used during several behaviors: feeding (ingestion and swallowing phases), regurgitation (writhing and vomiting phases), and rejection. In so far as the ‘command’ neurons for the above behaviors are largely unknown, the present study examined the diversity of motor patterns elicited by ‘descending’ neurons in the cerebral ganglia and the relationship of these cells to vomiting motor activity, which can be identified in isolated preparations.
The centrosome: built on an mRNA?

The mode of propagation of the centrosome has suggested the participation of nucleic acid but four decades of inquiry have been inconclusive. A recent study has provided evidence that centrosomes isolated from clam oocytes are associated with specific RNAs, at least one of which seems to be an mRNA.
Abdominal segment reduction: development and evolution of a deeply fixed trait.

When a new student first begins to push flies, an immediate skill that must be learned is sorting the sexes. In Drosophila melanogaster several sexually dimorphic characters can be used to readily distinguish males from females including abdominal pigmentation, male sex combs and genital morphology. Another, often-overlooked, sexual dimorphism is adult abdominal segment number. Externally, adult Drosophila males possess one fewer abdominal segment than females; the terminal pre-genital segment apparently either absent or fused with the next-most anterior segment. Beyond known roles for the homeotic protein Abdominal-B (Abd-B) and the sex-determining transcription factor Doublesex (Dsx) as key regulators of this trait, surprisingly little is known about either the morphogenetic processes or the downstream genetics responsible for patterning these events. We have explored both and found that rapid epithelial reorganization during pupation eliminates a nascent terminal male segment. We found this Abd-B-dependent process results from sex- and segment-specific regulation of diverse developmental targets including the wingless gene and surprisingly, dsx itself.1,2 Here, I review our observations and discuss this trait as a model to explore both dynamics of epithelial morphogenesis as well as the evolution of developmental mechanisms.
Pose estimation of unresolved targets using polarimetric imaging

Polarimetric remote sensing has demonstrated utility for improving contrast between man-made targets and complex backgrounds. More specifically, polarimetric signatures of man-made targets can be useful for cueing analysts in widearea search applications. However, taking the target cueing to the next level of identification and tracking may require tasking of other sensing modalities. We present research that aims to understand what pose information might be extracted from the polarimetric signatures of under-resolved targets. Through experimentally collected and simulated imagery, we examine the variation in target signatures with respect pose and the relative sensor position aiming to extend the intelligence value of polarimetric imagery.
Transition From Adolescence to Early Adulthood: Adaptation and Psychiatric Status of Women With 47,XXX

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the adolescent and early adult adaptation of a group of 47,XXX women as compared with their siblings, addressing developmental differences in adaptation and psychiatric status. Method Subjects included eleven 47,XXX women and nine female sibling controls. Interviews during adolescence and during early adulthood were semi-structured and included a psychiatric evaluation. Four areas of inquiry were (1) relationships with other family members, (2) sense of self-esteem, (3) sexual identity and preference, and (4) responses to life stressors. A DSM-IV psychiatric diagnosis was assigned where appropriate. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Lifetime version was also administered, and assessments of overall functioning and adaptation were completed. Results The 47,XXX women during adolescence and young adulthood were less well adapted; had more stress; had more work, leisure, and relationship problems; had a lower IQ; and showed more psychopathology when contrasted with the comparison group. However, most of the 47,XXX women were self-sufficient and functioning reasonably well, albeit less well than their siblings. Conclusions This longitudinal study has clarified that previously reported outcomes of severe psychopathology and antisocial behavior in individuals with sex chromosome anomalies are rare and variability in the behavioral pheno-type is much larger than originally appreciated. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1998, 37(3):286–291.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae recJ mutants show defects in recombinational repair of alkylated bases and UV-induced pyrimidine dimers.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae lacks several common DNA repair pathways found in other organisms. As recent evidence had indicated that gonococci use recombinational repair to repair UV-induced DNA lesions, this study examined whether the gonococcal RecJ homologue contributes in this repair capacity. The recJ gene from strain MS11 was cloned and sequenced and was found to show a considerable degree of identity to its Escherichia coli homologue. A N. gonorrhoeae Δ recJ mutant was constructed and tested for recombinational proficiency as well as for defects in DNA repair. In the absence of the RecJ exonuclease, DNA transformation and pilin switching occurred at wild type levels, indicating that the efficiency of recombination remained unimpaired. In contrast, N. gonorrhoeae ΔrecJ mutants showed extreme sensitivity to low levels of UV irradiation and to exposure to DNA-alkylating reagents [e.g. ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS)]. Complementation of the gonococcal recJ mutant in cis restored resistance to low-level UV, indicating that the gonococcal RecJ protein is involved in recombinational repair, and can act independently of other single-strand-specific exonucleases. Furthermore, transformation competence was not required for RecJ-dependent DNA repair. Overall, the data show that N. gonorrhoeae recJ mutants present a unique phenotype when compared to their E. coli recJ counterparts, and further support the contention that RecORJ-dependent recombinational repair is a major DNA repair pathway in the genus Neisseria.
An electrogenic chloride pump in a zoological membrane.

Two widely documented mechanisms of chloride transport across animal plasma membranes are anion-coupled antiport and sodium-coupled symport. No direct genetic evidence has yet been provided for primary active chloride transport despite numerous reports of cellular Cl−-stimulated ATPases coexisting, in the same tissue, with uphill chloride transport that could not be accounted for by the two common chloride transport processes. Cl−-stimulated ATPases are a common property of practically all animal cells, with the major location being of mitochondrial origin. It also appears that the plasma membranes of animal cells are sites of Cl−-stimulated ATPase activity. Recent studies of Cl−-stimulated ATPase activity and chloride transport in the same membrane system, including liposomes, suggest a mediation by the ATPase in net movement of chloride up its electrochemical gradient across animal plasma membranes. Further studies, especially from a molecular biological perspective, are required to confirm a direct transport role to plasma membrane-localized Cl−-stimulated ATPases. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.