cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An exploratory study of violence, substance abuse, disability, and gender

Using a random sample of 1,876 individuals with disabilities, in this study we examined the relationships between victimization as a result of violence, substance abuse, disability, and gender. Multivariate analyses revealed that women with disabilities are more likely to be victims of substance abuse-related violence than are male counterparts. Some disability conditions, such as disability onset, multiple disabilities, and chronic pain, are significantly associated with violence for both men and women with disabilities. For people with disabilities, it was found that victims of substance abuse-related violence are more likely to have their own substance abuse problems than are those who have not been victimized. The authors discuss several issues relevant to a better understanding of violence, substance abuse, disability, and gender.
Degradation of benzylpenicillin at pH 7.5 to D-benzylpenicilloic acid

IN acid aqueous solution, benzylpenicillin (I) becomes rearranged to D-benzylpenicillic acid1a, and in alkaline aqueous solution, it is hydrolysed to the α-diastereomer of D-benzylpenicilloic acid1b (II). The product of degradation of benzylpenicillin in aqueous solution at pH 7.5 has not been identified. During work on the mechanism of antigenicity of penicillin, it was necessary to investigate the degradation pathway of benzylpenicillin under physiological conditions. It was found that in aqueous solution at pH 7.5, benzylpenicillin is degraded to D-benzylpenicilloic acid, which appeared to be present as a mixture of its diastereomers.
Estimation of Infiltration from Leakage and Climate Indicators.

Abstract A simple model is developed for the estimation of annual infiltration rates in single- family houses using indicators for both house tightness (air changes at 50 Pa) and site climate (the leakage-infiltration ratio). This technique is best suited to low-accuracy, large dataset problems where detailed data are not available. The method is similar to the method attributed to Kronvall and Persily (i.e. the K-P method), but is derived from a physical model, the LBL infiltration model. The estimation technique is developed assuming a typical, single-story dwelling; correction factors for common variations in building and environmental conditions are tabulated. A map of the leakage-infiltration ratio in the U.S. for the reference case is also presented.
Application of the active-pixel-sensor concept to guidance and navigation

Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) have been used extensively in the past in star trackers and fine guidance systems. A new technology, the active pixel sensor, is a possible successor to CCDs. This technology potentially features the same sensitivity and performance of the CCD with additional improvements. These improvements include random access capability, easy window-of- interest readout, non-destructive readout for signal-to-noise improvement, high radiation tolerance, simplified clocking voltages, and easy integration with other on-chip signal processing circuitry. The state-of-the-art of this emerging technology and its potential application to guidance and navigation systems is discussed.
Application of multiresolution wavelet pyramids and gradient search based on mutual information to subpixel registration of multisensor satellite imagery

Accurate geometric registration is an important step that precedes various tasks of processing of remotely sensed imagery. Assuming that, after radiometric and systematic correction, images are registered to within a few pixels, our goal is to develop fast and reliable automatic registration methods for multi-sensor data that would yield sub-pixel accuracy. This paper compares two gradient-based algorithms for sub-pixel image registration developed by Thevenaz et al. One of them optimizes intensity difference while the other maximizes mutual information between two images. The algorithms were combined with three invariant wavelet pyramids, a centered cubic spline pyramid as well as both low-pass and band-pass Simoncelli Steerable pyramids. This paper compared the different variations of the two algorithms on both synthetic and real satellite imagery. We found that for single-sensor data, the intensity-based algorithm combined with a band-pass wavelet pyramid produces the best results, while for multi-sensor images, the best choice is the mutual-information-based method combined with a steerable low-pass pyramid.
Release characteristics of a model plasmid DNA encapsulated in biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol fumarate)/acrylamide hydrogel microspheres.

Biodegradable hydrogel microspheres were synthesized by free radical suspension copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol fumarate) macromer with bisacrylamide (PEGF/PAM). The acidic initiator ammonium persulphate in combination with the basic accelerator, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyethylenediamine, were used to form the PEGF/PAM hydrogel at a neutral pH. The equilibrium water content of the microspheres was greater than 90% w/w. A model double stranded plasmid DNA (dsDNA) coding for the enhanced green fluorescence protein (pEGFP) gene was encapsulated in the hydrogel and the effect of loading and water content before swelling on release kinetics was investigated. Fluorescent confocal microscopy demonstrated that the encapsulated dsDNA was in the biologically active double stranded configuration. The highest loading of 0.81 mg ml−1 resulted in the best encapsulation efficiency of 95%. For that loading, 6% of the dsDNA was released in 25 days at a rate of 16 ng ml−1. The highest water content of 70% resulted in th...
A Case of Mistaken Identity

The heart is a unique organ that can use several fuels for energy production. During development, the heart undergoes changes in fuel supply, and it must be able to respond to these changes. We hav...
E. coli ribosomal protein L10 inhibits translation of L10 and L7/L12 mRNAs by acting at a single site

The genes coding for ribosomal proteins L10 and L7/L12 and for the subunits for RNA polymerase β and β′ are clustered within the same transcription unit (β operon) located at the 88-min region of the Escherichia coli genome1,2. The regulation of these genes is of particular interest because of the ratio of synthesis of the proteins (copy ratio L10:L7/L12:β:β′ = 1 :⩾4: 0.2: 0.2) and because synthesis of the ribosomal proteins and of β and β′ is apparently subject to different regulatory signals (see ref. 3 for a review). It was previously shown that certain ribosomal proteins, including L10, can inhibit the translation of their own mRNA and of mRNA of other genes from the same transcription unit4–11. This regulation is physiologically significant in coordinating the synthesis of ribosomal proteins and ribosomes. Although L10 was previously shown to inhibit its own translation in vitro5, the mechanisms for regulation of L7/L12 synthesis have remained unknown. We report here the results of in vivo and in vitro investigations demonstrating that L10 regulates L7/L12 synthesis, as well as its own synthesis, by acting near the L10 translational start site.
Improved performance of ultra-thin HfO/sub 2/ CMOSFETs using poly-SiGe gate

Poly-SiGe is investigated as the gate material for CMOS transistors with ultra-thin HfO/sub 2/ gate dielectric. Compared with poly-Si, poly-SiGe reduces the gate depletion effect, and also results in thinner EOT of the gate dielectric after 1000/spl deg/C annealing, with low gate leakage maintained. The Si interface quality is also better than that achieved with surface nitridation, which has been used to reduce EOT. Therefore, the use of poly-SiGe as the gate material is effective for improving the performance of ultra-thin HfO/sub 2/ CMOS transistors.
Plasmapheresis with intravenous immunoglobulin G is effective in patients with elevated panel reactive antibody prior to cardiac transplantation.

Abstract Background Patients with a PRA > 10% are considered to be at greater risk for the development of not only acute cellular and humoral rejection but also increased mortality when compared to nonsensitized patients following transplantation. All patients with a PRA > 10% at our institution are treated with plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin G immediately prior to cardiac transplantation. Methods Sixteen (Group 1) of 118 patients awaiting cardiac transplantation were found to be sensitized. These patients underwent plasmapheresis followed by 20 gm of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) immediately prior to cardiac transplantation. Group 1 was compared to the remaining 102 patients with a PRA Results Despite more patients in Group 1 having a positive crossmatch, pulmonary hypertension, and requiring mechanical circulatory support, there was no statistically significant difference in length of stay or mortality at a mean follow-up of 21.6 ± 15.0 months. There was no difference in the occurrence of mild, moderate or severe cellular rejection or humoral rejection in these sensitized patients when compared to Group 2. Conclusions Pretransplant plasmapheresis followed by intravenous immunoglobulin G may be an effective therapy that obviates the need for a prospective crossmatch and allows sensitized patients to undergo cardiac transplantation. There is no increase in the post transplant length of stay, occurrence of rejection or short term mortality. Long term follow up is necessary to evaluate whether there is a difference in the development of late rejection, transplant vasculopathy and survival.
Risk Management vs. Risk Avoidance in Power Systems Planning and Operation

Civil and critical infrastructure systems such as transportation, communication, power, and financial systems have provided the foundation for modern society. Not surprisingly, much of the research work in many areas of engineering was directed over the years at the advancement and application of scientific principles to the design, maintenance and improvement of the critical infrastructures in our society. Risk assessment and systematic consideration of risk in the design and operation of infrastructure is a relatively new phenomenon that emerged within the last fifty years. While many engineering disciplines still do not consider probability and statistics as essential basic knowledge for engineers, like physics for instance, consideration of risk has penetrated all engineering disciplines. In most cases, however, such considerations take the form of setting thresholds and safety margins so as to avoid "unacceptable" risk, where acceptability levels are typically determined by experts. In power systems for instance, the common wisdom has traditionaly been to build sufficient capacity so that the system will fail to meet demand no more than one day in ten years. Similarly, power system operation is governed to a large extent by the "N-1 security criterion" which requires that the system as a whole can sustain failure of any one element (e.g. generator, transmission line, transformer etc.).
Infrequent C-F antibody response in mice with adenovirus type 12 tumors.

SummaryIn contrast to tumor bearing hamsters, in which 95% (59 of 62) of the animals in this series developed complement fixing (C-F) antibodies against homologous adenovirus type 12 tumors, only 18% (7 of 40) of the C3Hf/Gs mice bearing adenovirus type 12 transplant tumors developed C-F antibodies against homologous mouse tumors. Only 7% (5 of 69) of the tumor bearing mice developed C-F antibody when tested against adenovirus type 12 hamster tumor antigen. Also, there was no significant correlation in the mouse between tumor size and antibody titer as there was in the hamster. The disparity between the development of antibodies in the mouse and the hamster is not accounted for by absence of antigen in the mouse tumors because most contained antigen as determined by reactivity with positive hamster sera.
The molecular pathogenesis of prostate cancer: Implications for prostate cancer prevention

Prostate cancer has become 1 of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States and 1 of the leading causes of cancer death in North America and Western Europe. Survey studies of prostate tissues obtained at autopsy indicate that the development of life-threatening prostate cancer in the US likely occurs over decades. Insights from epidemiologic studies implicate environmental factors, principally dietary components, as major risk factors for prostate cancer development. An accumulating body of basic research data suggests that normal and neoplastic prostate cells may be subjected to a relentless barrage of genome-damaging stresses, and that dietary components and male sex steroids might modulate the level of genome threatening insults. Finally, over the past 5 years, analyses of somatic genome alterations in prostatic carcinoma cells have revealed that somatic inactivation of GSTP1, encoding the carcinogen-detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase pi, may serve as an initiating genome lesion for prostatic carcinogenesis. These diverse observations can be integrated into a transcendent mechanistic hypothesis for the pathogenesis of prostate cancer: normal prostate cells acquiring somatic GSTP1 defects may suffer chronic genome damage, influenced by dietary practices, that promote neoplastic transformation, while prostatic carcinoma cells, which characteristically contain defective GSTP1 alleles, remain susceptible to further genome-damaging stresses that promote malignant cancer progression. This hypothesized critical role for GSTP1 inactivation in the earliest steps of prostatic carcinogenesis provides several attractive opportunities for prostate cancer prevention strategies, including (1) restoration of GSTP1 function, (2) compensation for inadequate GSTP1 activity (via use of therapeutic inducers of other glutathione S-transferases (GST), and (3) abrogation or attenuation of genome-damaging stresses.
Timing hormonal therapy in prostate cancer

The history of the use of hormonal therapy to treat prostrate cancer is outlined, focusing on such treatments and disease scenarios as diethylstilboestrol therapy, androgen ablation alone or in conjunction with radiation, and the treatment of minimal disease burdens. Studies have pointed to the benefits of initiating androgen ablation therapy earlier in the treatment of prostate cancer; the greatest benefits of anti-androgen therapy may be gained when only tiny amounts of prostate cancer are present.
Facultative monogamy in obligate coral-dwelling hawkfishes (Cirrh tidae)

Obligate coral-dwelling hawkfishes have been hypothesized to be monogamous. This hypothesized mating system is at odds with what is known of those of other cirrhitids. Neocirrhites armatus, which inhabits Pocillopora spp. corals, and Oxycirrhites typus, which inhabits gorgonians and antipatharian corals, were examined for evidence of a monogamous mating system. Life history criteria that favor monogamy in reef fishes (Barlow 1986) were examined for these two species. Facultative monogamy was found in both. In this mating system, males are limited in their ability to acquire and maintain females, and thus have only a single mate, but may acquire additional females if conditions for doing so are favorable.
No Child Left Behind: Gifted Children and School Counselors.

A gifted-education researcher discusses the potential effects of No Child Left Behind on gifted children and adolescents as well as implications for those who counsel such children in public schools. With the primary purpose of stimulating thought, discussion, and action, she addresses the marginalization of gifted and other at-risk children in the current educational climate and provides recommendations for school counselors.
Flight performance of the ERTS-1 spacecraft power system

The initial spacecraft of the Earth Resources Technology Satellite Program, ERTS-1, was launched on July 23, 1972, and has provided broad earth resource data for use by numerous governmental and scientific agencies. This paper reports on the basic design and flight performance to date of the ERTS-1 power system. The design is based on earlier Nimbus spacecraft power system configurations with modifications introduced to provide increases in average and peak power capabilities. Data is presented showing overall design performance in terms of allowable load duty cycles, solar array capability, and battery charge and discharge behavior. Of special interest is the effect of solar flare activity occurring on August 3 to 7, 1972, in abruptly reducing the solar array output. After 10 months in orbit sufficient power remains for another 18 months of ERTS operation.
Sieving experiments and pore diameter: it's not a simple relationship.

The classic sieving experiment for estimating an ion channel’s diameter with successively larger ions is re-examined. Using a very reduced model of a calcium channel, it is shown that sieving experiments measure a combination of three mechanisms: the cross-sectional area available to the sieving ions (the classic interpretation), the exclusion of the sieving ions from a pore crowded with amino acid side chains that protrude into the permeation pathway, and competitive selectivity of the sieving ions with other ions in the bath (even if those are present only at trace concentrations). The latter two can be called sieving-by-crowding because they stem from the excluded volume of the amino acids in the permeation pathway. The model shows that—to a first-order approximation—sieving experiments measure the available volume inside a selectivity filter, rather than the available cross-sectional area. The two are only the same if the narrow part of the pore does not have flexible amino acid side chains interacting directly with the permeant ions; this may be true of potassium channels, but not calcium, sodium, and other channels with “crowded” selectivity filters.
The nature of existing systems

A fuller and more detailed exposition of the organicistic general systems theory criticizing inadequacies in previous systems philosophies, especially emergentistic (exemplified by A. Koestler) and structuralist (exemplified by E. Laszlo), focuses on the nature of naturally existing systems. Additional exploration of the nature of abstracted and constructed mental systems has been postponed for later treatment. The nature of existing systems involves (1) existing and thus all essential characteristics of existence, (2) existing as something in itself (being an entity, having individuality, and being not any other system), (3) existing as a whole of parts with their interrelations (negation, interdependence, interaction, intercausation and dialectic), (4) existing as an organic unity of whole and parts (which is complex, multinegative, partial, variable and entitive), (5) existing in a world of other systems (including its parts as systems, higher-level systems in which it is a part, coordinate systems, and larger and more comprehensive, multi-leveled systems including the universe) with which each interrelates multi-varyingly, intercausingly (involving novelty, interlevel causation, hierarchy, quanta and cessation) and (6) existing as an organic unity not only of its whole and parts but also of its participation in other systems (at all levels, including the universe as a whole) interdependingly, interactingly, intercausingly and dialectically.
Antecedents of mother-infant interaction and infant irritability in the first three months of life

Abstract This research investigated the relationship of infant and mother characteristics to the development of infant temperament and mother–infant interaction during the first 3 months of life. Fifty-six mothers and their low-risk newborn infants participated in the research. Maternal questionnaires were administered prenatally and neonatal behavioral assessments were administered in the early postnatal period; mother–infant interaction was observed at 1 and 3 months. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression techniques. The results indicate that neonatal irritability shows some consistency when time to calm is the criterion; that observed fussing and crying is associated not with neonatal irritability, but with unresponsive maternal attitudes and behavior; that initial irritability is associated with greater responsiveness to female than to male infants; and that by 3 months, antecedent mother and infant characteristics contribute significantly to the prediction of observed mother behavior. Findings are discussed in terms of a transactional model of development.
Linking Asymmetric Cell Division to the Terminal Differentiation Program of Postmitotic Neurons in C. elegans

How asymmetric divisions are connected to the terminal differentiation program of neuronal subtypes is poorly understood. In C. elegans, two homeodomain transcription factors, TTX-3 (a LHX2/9 ortholog) and CEH-10 (a CHX10 ortholog), directly activate a large battery of terminal differentiation genes in the cholinergic interneuron AIY. We establish here a transcriptional cascade linking asymmetric division to this differentiation program. A transient lineage-specific input formed by the Zic factor REF-2 and the bHLH factor HLH-2 directly activates ttx-3 expression in the AIY mother. During the terminal division of the AIY mother, an asymmetric Wnt/β-catenin pathway cooperates with TTX-3 to directly restrict ceh-10 expression to only one of the two daughter cells. TTX-3 and CEH-10 automaintain their expression, thereby locking in the differentiation state. Our study establishes how transient lineage and asymmetric division inputs are integrated and suggests that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is widely used to control the identity of neuronal lineages.
Measurement of photosynthetic parameters in benthic organisms in situ using a SCUBA-based fast repetition rate fluorometer

Benthic photoautotrophic organisms significantly contribute to the productivity of shallow tropical coastal ecosystems. However, measurements of photosynthetic light use and dissipation in benthic organisms are complicated by taxonomic diversity, spatial heterogeneity, natural variability in local nutrient, irradiance, and temperature regimes, as well as destructive sampling protocols. To help overcome these problems, we developed a SCUBA-based fast repetition rate (FRR) fluorometer for measurements of variable chlorophyll fluorescence in corals, sea grasses, macroalgae, and algal turfs. Photosynthetic light use and electron transport can be readily calculated from variable fluorescence kinetics. Using the SCUBA-based FRR fluorometer, changes in photosynthetic processes can be measured nondestructively in situ with high spatial and temporal resolution. Here we describe the instrument design and characteristics and present representative field results.
Hydrolysis of 3'-terminal mispairs in vitro by the 3' ⇒ 5' exonuclease of DNA polymerase δ permits subsequent extension by DNA polymerase α

Purified DNA polymerase alpha, the major replicating enzyme found in mammalian cells, lacks an associated 3'----5' proofreading exonuclease that, in bacteria, contributes significantly to the accuracy of DNA replication. Calf thymus DNA polymerase alpha cannot remove mispaired 3'-termini, nor can it extend them efficiently. We designed a biochemical assay to search in cell extracts for a putative proofreading exonuclease that might function in concert with DNA polymerase alpha in vivo but dissociates from it during purification. Using this assay, we purified a 3'----5' exonuclease from calf thymus that preferentially hydrolyzes mispaired 3'-termini, permitting subsequent extension of the correctly paired 3'-terminus by DNA polymerase alpha. This exonuclease copurifies with a DNA polymerase activity that is biochemically distinct from DNA polymerase alpha and exhibits characteristics described for a second replicative DNA polymerase, DNA polymerase delta. In related studies, we showed that the 3'----5' exonuclease of authentic DNA polymerase delta, like the purified exonuclease, removes terminal mispairs, allowing extension by DNA polymerase alpha. These data suggest that a single proofreading exonuclease could be shared by DNA polymerases alpha and delta, functioning at the site of DNA replication in mammalian cells.
A method for semi-permanent temporary salivary gland chromosome squashes in Diptera

A method to preserve the temporary preparations of Dipteran salivary gland chromosomes during longer periods has been described. Departures from the usual procedure are: absence of heat treatment, destaining of cytoplasm with lactoacetic acid and the use of ‘rubber cement’ as the sealing material. This procedure preserves the banding details, ectopic pairing and clear background for exceptionally longer periods.
Diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory Susceptibility Test Results Discriminate Distinctive Antibiotic Resistance Plasmids

The sizes of the zones of inhibition around routinely tested antibiotic disks classified gentamicin-resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae from one hospital into four major antibiotype classes. From each isolate of the prevalent class (A1), two plasmids could be transferred conjugally. One carried genes for resistance to tetracycline, sulfonamides, and chloramphenicol, and for the SHV beta lactamase. The other carried genes for two aminoglycoside-inactivating enzymes, APH (3')-I and AAC (3)-III, for the TEM 1 beta lactamase, and for resistance to sulfonamides. Transconjugants of either plasmid from any A1 isolate yielded the same DNA fragments after restriction endonuclease digestion, but the two plasmids had no fragments in common. Fragments or genes from either plasmid were variously combined or lacking in plasmids from variant isolates (A2, A3, and A4). Plasmids transferable from isolates of classes B and C shared no common DNA restriction fragments with each other or with either plasmid from Class A. Fragments and genes of the plasmids from C isolates, however, were identical with those of a plasmid endemic in a nearby hospital. Routine monitoring by diagnostic microbiology laboratories of distinctive antibiotypes and of the plasmids that produce them would aid infection control and antibiotic usage policy.
Control of gene expression in Helicobacter pylori using the Tet repressor.

Abstract The lack of a versatile system to control gene expression in Helicobacter pylori has hampered efforts to study H. pylori physiology and pathogenesis. To overcome these limitations, we evaluated the utility of an inducible system based on the well-characterized Tet repressor (TetR) and Tet operator ( tetO ). As validation of this system, we introduced three copies of tetO into the promoter region upstream of the cagUT operon (encoding two virulence factors required for function of the H. pylori Cag type IV secretion system) and expressed tetR by introducing a codon-optimized gene into the chromosomal ureA locus. Introduction of the tetO copies upstream of cagUT did not disrupt promoter activity, as determined by immunoblotting for CagT. The subsequent introduction of tetR , however, did repress CagT synthesis. Production of CagT was restored when strains were cultured in the presence of the inducer, anhydrotetracycline. To demonstrate one potential application of this new tool, we analyzed the function of the Cag type IV secretion system. When the modified H. pylori strains were co-cultured with AGS cells, activity of the Cag type IV secretion system was dependent on the presence of anhydrotetracycline as evidenced by inducer-dependent induction of IL-8 secretion, CagA translocation, and appearance of type IV secretion system pili at the bacteria–host interface. These studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the tetR – tetO system to control gene expression in H. pylori and provide an improved system for studying H. pylori physiology and pathogenesis.
Electronic Band Structure of Group IV Elements and of III-V Compounds

The orthogonalized plane wave method is applied to the zincblende lattice. Crystal symmetrized combinations of plane waves are constructed for the zincblende lattice and the secular equations for the electronic levels at symmetry points of the reduced zone are derived as explicit functions of parameters depending on the crystal potential and on the core eigenstates. Calculations of valence and conduction eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are carried out on a number of group IV elements and of III-V compounds starting from the Hartree-Fock atomic core states and a model crystal potential constructed as a sum of atomic potentials in which the Slater approximation is used for the exchange contribution. The resulting band structures are very similar for all the semiconductors considered and the sequence of electronic levels confirms previous qualitative analyses. A comparison with experiments reveals, however, that those $s$-like conduction states which are most sensitive to the crystal potential are too high with respect to the other conduction states in the present approximation. An analysis of the approximation used indicates that the largest error in the calculations comes from the use of the Slater exchange in the model potential. Ways of improving on the accuracy of the calculations are suggested; one way is to use Hartree-Fock-Slater atomic results as a starting point. It is shown for the case of germanium that this improvement brings the results for the $s$-like conduction states into a closer agreement with experiment.
Effects of naloxone and acetylcholine on medial thalamic and cortical units in naive and morphine dependent rats.

Abstract An important role has been suggested for acetylcholine (ACh) in both the development and the expression of dependence upon morphine (1). However, the specific nature of this role has not been established. Much recent evidence implicates the medial thalamic (m. thalamic) region in the genesis of these phenomena. In particular, Wei et al. (2) report this area to be one of the most effective brain regions for the precipitation of withdrawal (WD) in opiate dependent rats by the direct implantation of naloxone. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of the m. thalamic region of naive rats can produce a series of responses reminiscent of the morphine WD syndrome (unpublished observations). Thus naloxone may precipitate WD in opiate dependent animals by exciting neurons in the m. thalamic region which are not similarly excited in naive animals. It might do this by releasing increased stores of ACh onto receptors made supersensitive secondary to inhibition of ACh release by morphine (2,3,4). However, recent work suggests that such a simplistic mechanism is probably inadequate to explain opiate WD (1). The present experiments were performed to test this theory more directly using the technique of microiontophoresis. The results indicate that the number of neurons excited by naloxone is increased in m. thalamus, but not cerebral cortex, of dependent animals. However, this cannot be attributed simply to a release of ACh by naloxone and receptors appear subsensitive rather than supersensitive to ACh in dependent animals.
Wideband 18–40 GHz Surface Micromachined Branchline Quadrature Hybrid

This letter demonstrates two 18-40 GHz rectangular coaxial branchline quadrature hybrids designed using circuit and full-wave simulations. The chosen topologies are fabricated in a surface micromachining technology PolyStrata. Measured in-band performance of baseline wideband branchline hybrid shows |S11|<;-10dB, |S21| = -4.1 ± 1dB, and |S31| = -4.3 ± 0.7 dB. This hybrid is miniaturized by meandering the rectangular coaxial lines to obtain 57% reduction in surface area and in-band performance with |S11| <; -10dB, |S21|= -4.2±1.2dB, and |S31| = -4.1 ± 0.7 dB.
Pegged versus keeled glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty.

Hypothesis Loosening of the glenoid component is a common complication in shoulder arthroplasty. We proposed to radiographically and clinically investigate the outcomes of keeled and pegged glenoid components to test the hypothesis that these implants would have equivalent performance. Materials and methods One hundred patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were reviewed. Fifty patients had pegged glenoid components, and fifty had keeled components. Standardized radiographs were taken. Preoperative films classified the severity of degenerative change. The postoperative films were analyzed for radiolucent lines and shift in component position—at-risk signs for loosening. Results Mean radiographic follow-up was 51.3 months (range, 24-90 months) for the keeled group and 45.7 months (range, 27-98 months) for the pegged group. There were no differences in the degree of preoperative arthritic change between groups. Both groups had significant improvement in motion and pain (P < .001) postoperatively, with no differences in clinical outcome between cohorts (P ≥ .20). Initial radiographs showed no radiolucencies around the pegs in 46 implants or around the keel in 49 components. At final follow-up, 10 glenoid implants were found to be at risk for loosening, 6 (12%) in the pegged group and 4 (8%) in the keeled group (P = .74). Conclusions Initial postoperative radiographs with pegged and keeled components show a low rate of radiolucent lines. These radiolucencies develop over time. However, there is no difference in clinical or radiographic outcomes between pegged and keeled components at intermediate-term follow-up.
Sub-nanosecond infrared optical parametric pulse generation in PPLN pumped by a seeded fiber amplifier

Sub-nanosecond pulses generated in a microchip laser were amplified in an Yb-doped, polarization-maintaining fiber amplifier and converted with 24% efficiency to infrared wavelengths using a periodically poled lithium niobate optical parametric generator.
A firm foundation for private data analysis

In the information realm, loss of privacy is usually associated with failure to control access to information, to control the flow of information, or to control the purposes for which information is employed. Differential privacy arose in a context in which ensuring privacy is a challenge even if all these control problems are solved: privacy-preserving statistical analysis of data. The problem of statistical disclosure control – revealing accurate statistics about a set of respondents while preserving the privacy of individuals – has a venerable history, with an extensive literature spanning statistics, theoretical computer science, security, databases, and cryptography (see, for example, the excellent survey [1], the discussion of related work in [2] and the Journal of Official Statistics 9 (2), dedicated to confidentiality and disclosure control). This long history is a testament the importance of the problem. Statistical databases can be of enormous social value; they are used for apportioning resources, evaluating medical therapies, understanding the spread of disease, improving economic utility, and informing us about ourselves as a species. The data may be obtained in diverse ways. Some data, such as census, tax, and other sorts of official data, are compelled; others are collected opportunistically, for example, from traffic on the internet, transactions on Amazon, and search engine query logs; other data are provided altruistically, by respondents who hope that sharing their information will help others to avoid a specific misfortune, or more generally, to increase the public good. Altruistic data donors are typically promised their individual data will be kept confidential – in short, they are promised “privacy.” Similarly, medical data and legally compelled data, such as census data, tax return data, have legal privacy mandates. In our view, ethics demand that opportunistically obtained data should be treated no differently, especially when there is no reasonable alternative to engaging in the actions that generate the data in question. The problems remain: even if data encryption, key management, access control, and the motives of the data curator
The relationship between temporal changes in blood pressure and changes in cognitive function: atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study.

Abstract Background. Although previous epidemiological studies have reported that hypertension is a major risk factor for decline in brain perfusion and atrophy, which are known to be related to cognitive decline, the impact of temporal changes in blood pressure on age-related cognitive declines has not been assessed. Methods. The present study evaluates changes in blood pressure and cognitive decline over a 6-year period in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. This report is based on 8,058 men and women aged 48–67 years examined in the second (1990–92), and fourth (1996–98) ARIC cohort visits. Changes between these visits were measured in hypertension status and three cognitive function tests: Delayed Word Recall (DWR), the Digit Simbol Subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (DSS/WAIS-R), and the Word Fluency (WF). Adjusted mean differences in cognitive function were compared among five categories of hypertension status by using linear regression modeling. Results. In the present study, older subjects with uncontrolled hypertension had a significantly larger mean DSS/WAIS-R score decline than normotensive subjects. Although other cognitive declines did not achieve statistical significance, both cross-sectional and change analysis suggested that partially controlled or uncontrolled hypertension is associated with a less favorable cognitive profile, particularly when considering results of the DSS and the WF tests. Conclusions. The present study results provide some support to the hypothesis that hypertension status changes over 6 years in individuals initially aged 48–67 years are related to cognitive changes.
The activity of dentate neurons during an arm movement sequence.

Abstract Extracellular unit recordings were obtained from 350 dentate nucleus cells in squirrel monkeys during a performance of a brief, stereotyped sequence of visually guided arm movements. The operant paradigm involves hypothalamic stimulation as a reward. Units which participate in the performance can be divided into three functional subsets based upon physiologic and anatomic properties. Burst units are characterized by periods of silence or slow, irregular firing punctuated by high frequency discharges of short duration occurring spontaneously and during the motor performance. During the performance, they produce extraordinary correlation to short epochs or parts of the performance. Such units exist in natural, anatomic clusters or ‘collectives’ of a maximum 800–1000 μm depth. Each member of the ‘collective’ gives a similar response during the same epoch in the performance. ‘Collectives’ correlating with different periods in the performance exist and appear to congregate in the same part of the nucleus. Non-burst cells are those which gradually modulate up or down discharge rates (including complete inhibition) during performance. Their anatomic organization appears less precise; they correlate with longer epochs in the performance. Non-participant burst and non-burst units comprise the third subset. Functional questions are raised by this organization of dentate with respect to the correlation and execution of eye-limb pattern tasks.
High-Throughput Sequencing and Metagenomics

The fields of biology and environmental health are undergoing an unprecedented transformation in the way communities are characterized and studied. One of the catalysts for this change has been the advent of high-throughput sequencing (aka next-generation sequencing). Though high-throughput sequencing is a relatively new concept, the principles behind it are fairly straightforward (PCR and pyrosequencing) and have been in the published literature since the early 1990s. Herein, I will highlight some of the more commonly encountered issues involving experimental design as well as important considerations for metagenomic sample collection (both quantity and quality) and data handling for high-throughput sequencing using the Roche/454 Life Sciences genome sequencing platform.
A computing method for incompressible flows bounded by moving walls

Abstract A modified type of Marker and Cell computing method is presented for solving problems in incompressible hydrodynamics. The method is applicable to time dependent problems in two spatial dimensions or three spatial dimensions with axial symmetry. Details are presented for calculation of arbitrarily shaped curved wall boundaries and flexible moving wall boundaries. Example problems with moving walls and free surfaces are given.
Pre- and postsynaptic neurochemical alterations following estrogen-induced striatal dopamine hypo- and hypersensitivity.

Abstract The administration of pharmacologie doses of estrogen results in a biphasic response in striatal dopamine sensitivity, as measured by apomorphine-induced stereotypy. At 24 hr after the last dose of estradiol benzoate (EB) there is a suppression of apomorphine-induced stereotypy, which is followed by an increased sensitivity to apomorphine at 48 hr. The dopamine hyposensitivity is reflected postsynaptically by an increased K D (i.e., decreased affinity) for 3 H-spiroperidol binding to striatal membranes, while the hypersensitive phase is reflected by an increased B max for 3 H-spiroperidol binding to striatal membranes. Presynaptically during the hyposensitive phase the tyrosine hydroxylase displayed a decreased K M for the pterine cofactor. The decreased K M for the cofactor was retained in the hypersensitive animals, however the V max for tyrosine hydroxylase was decreased during the hypersensitive phase of the EB-induced changes in dopamine sensitivity. The presynaptic or autoreceptor sensitivity of the dopamine neurons projecting to the striatum was assessed by determining the apomorphine IC 50 value for the inhibition of synaptosomal tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Utilizing this assay the animals that were hyposensitive to dopamine showed a normal presynaptic sensitivity, while those animals that had developed a hypersensitivity to dopamine following EB were also hypersensitive to dopamine presynaptically.
Water-Aided Colonoscopy

The successful intubation of the cecum during screening or surveillance colonoscopy is vital to ensure complete mucosal inspection of the colon on withdrawal. Even when performed by an experienced endoscopist, colonoscope insertion can sometimes be challenging. Water-aided colonoscopy can be used to assist the endoscopist in navigating colons with anatomies that may be challenging owing to severe angulation or redundancy. Water-assisted colonoscopy involves the infusion of water without air and subsequent suctioning during insertion (exchange) or withdrawal (immersion or infusion). This review discusses the technique, effectiveness, safety of water-assisted colonoscopy as well as the application in sedationless endscopy.
Genomic instability induced by mutant succinate dehydrogenase subunit D (SDHD) is mediated by O2(-•) and H2O2.

Abstract SDHD mutations are associated with human cancers but the mechanisms that may contribute to transformation are unknown. The hypothesis that mutations in SDHD increase levels of superoxide leading to genomic instability was tested using site-directed mutagenesis to generate a truncated SDHD cDNA that was expressed in Chinese hamster fibroblasts. Stable expression of mutant SDHD resulted in 2-fold increases in steady-state levels of superoxide that were accompanied by a significantly increased mutation rate as well as a 70-fold increase in mutation frequency at the hprt locus. Overexpression of MnSOD or treatment with polyethylene glycol conjugated (PEG)-catalase suppressed mutation frequency in SDHD mutant cells by 50% (P l -buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO) in SDHD mutant cells caused a 4-fold increase in mutation frequency (P
A novel 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid-substituted diacylglycerol (15-HETrE–DAG) selectively inhibits epidermal protein kinase C-β

Abstract Diacylglycerol containing 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE–DAG) was biosynthesized and examined for modulation of epidermal protein kinase C (PKC) activity. 15-HETrE–DAG competitively inhibited diolein-activated total PKC activity in a dose-dependent manner and further, selectively inhibited epidermal PKC-β activity.
Representing contrast detection as an eigenvalue problem

Contrast detection can be formulated as an cigenvalue problem. One of the simplest resulting models has only two parameters. The model is space variant and employs the Hermite functions as eigenfunctions. Computing the response to a sinusoidal acuity grating yields the observer's contrast response. The model itself, however, is developed within an abstract mathematical framework which is general enough to include Fourier analysis as a special case. Consequently, the methods of Fourier analysis are generalized to those of eigenfunction expansion and the spectral theory of linear operators.
A Binary Interaction Model for Miscibility of Copolymers in Blends

Abstract Miscibility windows often exist in polymer blend systems when the chemical structure of one of the components is systematically varied, e.g. a random copolymer may be miscible with another polymer when neither limiting homopolymer is. A binary interaction model is developed which explains such behaviour. From this prediction, the general notion is advanced that many cases exist where the net exothermic heat of mixing required for miscibility of high molecular weight polymer mixtures may result from appropriate considerations of both intermolecular and intramolecular interactions of component units without an exothermic interaction existing between any individual pair of units. However, it is shown that for a net exothermic mixing the individual interaction parameters for the pairs of units must differ from those predicted by solubility parameter theory. Moreover, the departures from the geometric mean assumption of the solubility parameter theory need not be large to achieve conditions for miscibility. Several examples of the use of such a model are given including one where the homologous series of aliphatic polyesters is treated as ‘copolymers’ by considering their CH x and COO constituents as the ‘monomers’.
Calorie Restriction and SIRT3 Trigger Global Reprogramming of the Mitochondrial Protein Acetylome

Summary Calorie restriction (CR) extends life span in diverse species. Mitochondria play a key role in CR adaptation; however, the molecular details remain elusive. We developed and applied a quantitative mass spectrometry method to probe the liver mitochondrial acetyl-proteome during CR versus control diet in mice that were wild-type or lacked the protein deacetylase SIRT3. Quantification of 3,285 acetylation sites—2,193 from mitochondrial proteins—rendered a comprehensive atlas of the acetyl-proteome and enabled global site-specific, relative acetyl occupancy measurements between all four experimental conditions. Bioinformatic and biochemical analyses provided additional support for the effects of specific acetylation on mitochondrial protein function. Our results (1) reveal widespread reprogramming of mitochondrial protein acetylation in response to CR and SIRT3, (2) identify three biochemically distinct classes of acetylation sites, and (3) provide evidence that SIRT3 is a prominent regulator in CR adaptation by coordinately deacetylating proteins involved in diverse pathways of metabolism and mitochondrial maintenance.