cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental origins of brain disorders: roles for dopamine

Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, such as dopamine, participate in a wide range of behavioral and cognitive functions in the adult brain, including movement, cognition, and reward. Dopamine-mediated signaling plays a fundamental neurodevelopmental role in forebrain differentiation and circuit formation. These developmental effects, such as modulation of neuronal migration and dendritic growth, occur before synaptogenesis and demonstrate novel roles for dopaminergic signaling beyond neuromodulation at the synapse. Pharmacologic and genetic disruptions demonstrate that these effects are brain region- and receptor subtype-specific. For example, the striatum and frontal cortex exhibit abnormal neuronal structure and function following prenatal disruption of dopamine receptor signaling. Alterations in these processes are implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, and emerging studies of neurodevelopmental disruptions may shed light on the pathophysiology of abnormal neuronal circuitry in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Two lower bounds on the covariance for nonlinear filtering problems

Two covariance lower bounds for nonlinear filtering problems are presented in this paper. These bounds are based upon the Cramer-Rao bound for treating nuisance parameters. The tightness of these bounds are examined using a nonlinear system where the recursive equation for covariance computation can be obtained. These results are also compared with the bound of Bobrovsky and Zakai.
The Settling of Small Particles in a Fluid

Settling of small particles in a fluid; mathematical theory.---Small particles immersed in a liquid experience a motion which is the combination of a steady gravitational drift and a Brownian movement. If there are space variations in the density of distribution of particles, the Brownian movement produces a diffusion which tends to equalize the density. In the steady state the density $n$ of particles is an exponential function of $x$, the distance below the surface of the liquid. This paper investigates the manner in which the steady state is established. A consideration of the combined effect of fall and diffusion leads to a partial differential equation for the number density of particles as a function of depth and time. A set of special solutions is obtained in terms of which a solution satisfying initial and boundary conditions can be expressed. (1) Liquid of finite depth. The solution is obtained for a liquid of finite depth with an arbitrary initial distribution ${n}_{0}=f(x)$. For the case of uniform initial distribution a reduced form of the solution is obtained which contains a single parameter. This one parameter family of curves is plotted, and from these curves, either directly or by interpolation, may be obtained the density distribution at any time for a solution of any depth, density, and viscosity, and for particles of any size and density. For small values of $t$, since the solution obtained converges slowly, an image method is used to obtain an integral formula for the density. (2) Liquid of semi-infinite or infinite depth. In the case of a liquid of infinite depth the solution for an arbitrary initial distribution is expressed by the Fourier integral identity. The case of zero initial density for negative $x$, and constant initial density for positive $x$ is calculated, as is also the case of particles initially uniformly distributed over a layer of depth $h$. In the case of a liquid extending from $x=0$ to $x=\ensuremath{\infty}$, the boundary conditions are satisfied by assuming a suitable fictitious initial distribution over the range from $x=\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\infty}$ to $x=0$. The cases of uniform initial distribution, and initial distribution over a layer, are calculated. The latter case, while derived for a liquid of semi-infinite depth, gives approximately the distribution of density during the settling of a layer of particles initially distributed uniformly over a depth $h$ at the upper end of a very long column of liquid.
Alpe Arami: a peridotite massif from the Mantle Transition Zone?

Abstract Petrologic discoveries made over the last ten years have shown that in regions of continent-continent collision, rocks of the continental crust can be subducted to much greater depths than previously considered reasonable. Documentation of such extreme subduction has come from discovery of diamond, coesite and other high pressure phases; in many cases these phases, metastable at the Earth's surface, are only preserved as inclusions in strong, refractory minerals that either have a broad pressure range of stability or exhibit very sluggish kinetics of reaction to low pressure forms. The Alpe Arami peridotite of the Swiss Alps displays extensive exsolution of FeTiO3 rods in the oldest generation of olivine. The shape, orientation and abundance of the titanate rods provide strong indication that the phase originally exsolved was the orthorhombic pervoskite phase stable only at pressures greater than 10 GPa (300 km depth) at mantle temperatures. We show here that the dislocation substructure of the oldest generation of olivine is younger than the titanate rods and similar to that observed in peridotites the world over and in experiments; the slip systems represented are incapable of producing the unique and unexplained lattice preferred orientation (LPO) displayed by this generation of olivine. We also have conducted preliminary experiments to investigate the maximum solubility of FeTiO3 in olivine. Our results suggest that the solubility of TiO2 implied by the abundance of titanate precipitates may be impossible under any conditions of olivine stability. On the other hand, the measured solubility in wadsleyite (β-olivine) under the conditions of our experiments is comparable to that inferred for Alpe Arami olivine. This latter observation combined with the determination that the titanate rods and LPO of this generation of olivine are the oldest features yet identified in these rocks, leads us to speculate that this massif has been brought to the Earth's surface from within the mantle transition zone, at depths of 410–660 km. The only mechanism by which we can envision this to have been accomplished is for the Lepontine gneisses that now surround the massif to have been subducted to great depth following collision of Africa and Europe, and to have picked up the peridotite on their way back to the surface by buoyant upwelling.
Whole genome sequencing identifies a deletion in protein phosphatase 2A that affects its stability and localization in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Whole genome sequencing is a powerful tool in the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small insertions/deletions (indels) among mutant strains, which simplifies forward genetics approaches. However, identification of the causative mutation among a large number of non-causative SNPs in a mutant strain remains a big challenge. In the unicellular biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we generated a SNP/indel library that contains over 2 million polymorphisms from four wild-type strains, one highly polymorphic strain that is frequently used in meiotic mapping, ten mutant strains that have flagellar assembly or motility defects, and one mutant strain, imp3, which has a mating defect. A comparison of polymorphisms in the imp3 strain and the other 15 strains allowed us to identify a deletion of the last three amino acids, Y313F314L315, in a protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit (PP2A3) in the imp3 strain. Introduction of a wild-type HA-tagged PP2A3 rescues the mutant phenotype, but mutant HA-PP2A3 at Y313 or L315 fail to rescue. Our immunoprecipitation results indicate that the Y313, L315, or YFLΔ mutations do not affect the binding of PP2A3 to the scaffold subunit, PP2A-2r. In contrast, the Y313, L315, or YFLΔ mutations affect both the stability and the localization of PP2A3. The PP2A3 protein is less abundant in these mutants and fails to accumulate in the basal body area as observed in transformants with either wild-type HA-PP2A3 or a HA-PP2A3 with a V310T change. The accumulation of HA-PP2A3 in the basal body region disappears in mated dikaryons, which suggests that the localization of PP2A3 may be essential to the mating process. Overall, our results demonstrate that the terminal YFL tail of PP2A3 is important in the regulation on Chlamydomonas mating.
Pilot study of cognition in children with unilateral hearing loss.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to obtain preliminary data on the cognitive function of children with unilateral hearing loss in order to identify, quantify, and interpret differences in cognitive and language functions between children with unilateral hearing loss and with normal hearing. Methods Fourteen children ages 9–14 years old (7 with severe-to-profound sensorineural unilateral hearing loss and 7 sibling controls with normal hearing) were administered five tests that assessed cognitive functions of working memory, processing speed, attention, and phonological processing. Results Mean composite scores for phonological processing were significantly lower for the group with unilateral hearing loss than for controls on one composite and four subtests. The unilateral hearing loss group trended toward worse performance on one additional composite and on two additional phonological processing subtests. The unilateral hearing loss group also performed worse than the control group on the complex letter span task. Analysis examining performance on the two levels of task difficulty revealed a significant main effect of task difficulty and an interaction between task difficulty and group. Conclusions Cognitive function and phonological processing test results suggest two related deficits associated with unilateral hearing loss: (1) reduced accuracy and efficiency associated with phonological processing, and (2) impaired executive control function when engaged in maintaining verbal information in the face of processing incoming, irrelevant verbal information. These results provide a possible explanation for the educational difficulties experienced by children with unilateral hearing loss.
Efficient Procedure for the Design and Upgrade of Sensor Networks Using Cutsets and Rigorous Decomposition

We present a decomposition procedure that accelerates the computational performance of the tree enumeration method presented by Gala and Bagajewicz [Gala, M.; Bagajewicz, M. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2006, 6679-6686], which is based on the union of cutsets. The new algorithm, which is rigorous, uses union and a ring sum of cutsets and is based on the decomposition of the graph into subgraphs. The robustness and the efficiency of the proposed algorithm are tested on a large scale refinery problem.
Stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions by cod protein extracts.

The ability of two protein fractions extracted from cod to form and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions was examined: a high salt extracted fraction (HSE protein) and a pH 3 acid extracted fraction (AE protein). Both fractions consisted of a complex mixture of different proteins, with the predominant one being myosin (200 kDa). The two protein fractions were used to prepare 5 wt % corn oil-in-water emulsions at ambient temperature (pH 3.0, 10 mM citrate−imidazole buffer). Emulsions with relatively small mean droplet diameters (d3,2 9 days) could be produced at protein concentrations ≥0.2 wt % for both fractions. The isoelectric point of droplets stabilized by both protein fractions was pH ∼5. The emulsions were stable to droplet flocculation and creaming at relatively low pH (≤4) and NaCl concentrations (≤150 mM) when stored at room temperature. In the absence of salt, the emulsions were also stable to thermal treatment (30−90 °C for 30 min), but in the presence of 100...
A structural pathway for activation of the kinesin motor ATPase.

Molecular motors move along actin or microtubules by rapidly hydrolyzing ATP and undergoing changes in filament‐binding affinity with steps of the nucleotide hydrolysis cycle. It is generally accepted that motor binding to its filament greatly increases the rate of ATP hydrolysis, but the structural changes in the motor associated with ATPase activation are not known. To identify the conformational changes underlying motor movement on its filament, we solved the crystal structures of three kinesin mutants that decouple nucleotide and microtubule binding by the motor, and block microtubule‐activated, but not basal, ATPase activity. Conformational changes in the structures include a disordered loop and helices in the switch I region and a visible switch II loop, which is disordered in wild‐type structures. Switch I moved closer to the bound nucleotide in two mutant structures, perturbing water‐mediated interactions with the Mg 2+ . This could weaken Mg 2+ binding and accelerate ADP release to activate the motor ATPase. The structural changes we observe define a signaling pathway within the motor for ATPase activation that is likely to be essential for motor movement on microtubules.
Calibration of the SMCS Criterion for Ductile Fracture in Steels: Specimen Size Dependence and Parameter Assessment

The stress modified critical strain (SMCS) criterion provides a local index for the initiation of ductile fracture in metals as a function of plastic strain and stress triaxiality. Previous research has confirmed the SMCS criterion to be an accurate index for fracture initiation in mild steels and demonstrated its application to civil/structural engineering. To facilitate practical implementation of the SMCS criterion, two key aspects of its calibration for steel materials are examined. The first pertains to the sensitivity of the measured SMCS material toughness parameter to the size of the test coupon. New results from 23 tests of cylindrically notched tension (CNT) specimens of various sizes and notch geometries indicate that the toughness parameter is relatively insensitive to calibration specimen size. This finding validates the use of miniature bar specimens to calibrate the SMCS model for thin plate steels and in-service structures, where extraction of larger coupons is impossible. The second aspec...
Effects of Temperature, Nucleotides and Sodium Molybdate on Activation and DNA Binding of Estrogen, Glucocorticoid, Progesterone and Androgen Receptors In MCF-7 Human Cancer Cells

AbstractWe studied the effects of temperature, ribonucleotides and sodium molybdate on the activation and DNA cellulose binding of estrogen, glucocorticoid, progesterone and androgen receptor complexes in MCF-7 cells. Using DNA cellulose binding as a measure of receptor activation, we found that ribonucleotides activated all four of these receptor complexes. Temperature also activated glucocorticoid receptor complexes efficiently but activated progesterone and androgen receptor complexes less well. Temperature did not activate estrogen receptor complexes. Sodium molybdate blocked either ATP or temperature induced activation of glucocorticoid, progesterone and androgen receptor complexes but only partially blocked estrogen activation. Sodium molybdate also prevented the formation of multiple forms of estrogen and glucocorticoid receptor complexes seen on DEAE cellulose and hydroxylapatite chromatography of crude cytosol. The mechanism by which ribonucleotide enhances and molybdate inhibits activation are d...
Dual Therapy With Infliximab and Immunomodulator Reduces One-Year Rates of Hospitalization and Surgery Among Veterans With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background & Aims Effectiveness of early treatment with biologics and immunomodulator therapy on healthcare utilization remains poorly defined. We assessed rates of hospitalization and surgery within 1 year after initiation of infliximab and/or immunomodulator therapy in a United States cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study of veterans with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis by using administrative data from 176 Department of Veteran Affairs facilities (October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2009). Inpatient, outpatient, and death records were linked longitudinally with prescription fill data. Each person-day of follow-up was assessed for treatment with infliximab, immunomodulators, both (dual therapy), or neither. We calculated drug exposure time and used Poisson and logistic regression analyses to assess outcomes. Results The cohort of 20,474 patients included 8042 patients with Crohn's disease and 12,432 with ulcerative colitis (93.9% male; 72.5% white; mean age, 60.9 ± 14.5 years) prescribed infliximab (0.17%), immunomodulator (1.3%), or dual therapy (1.5%). Adjusted models revealed 50% relative reductions in hospitalization among patients who received 9.2 months of immunomodulator monotherapy, 8 months of infliximab, or 7.7 months of dual therapy. A 50% relative reduction in surgery was observed among patients receiving 7 months of infliximab or 5 months of dual therapy. Analysis of dose-response data revealed 73.1% and 92% reductions in risk of hospitalization and surgery, respectively, after 9 months of dual therapy. Conclusions On the basis of a retrospective cohort study, dual therapy with infliximab and an immunomodulator for
The Prevalence of Apraxia Characteristics in Patients with Velocardiofacial Syndrome as Compared with Other Cleft Populations

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the oral-motor function of children with a history of cleft lip and palate, cleft palate only, velocardiofacial syndrome, and children with normal oral structures to determine if children with velocardiofacial syndrome have more apraxia characteristics than the other populations have. Design: The Apraxia Profile (Hickman, 1997) was administered to all participants in a prospective study. Setting: The investigation was conducted at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Participants: In this study, 10 children with cleft lip and palate, 10 with cleft palate only, 7 with velocardiofacial syndrome, and 47 with normal structures were tested. Results: This study revealed that when compared with children with normal structures, children with cleft lip and palate did not demonstrate significant apraxia characteristics, children with cleft palate only demonstrated some apraxia characteristics, and children with velocardiofacial syndrome demonstra...
Calibration of the JDSU MicroNir 1700 for Agricultural Product Analysis

T he MicroNIR 1700 is a miniature near infrared spectrometer developed and manufactured by JDSU (JDS Uniphase Corporation, www. jdsu.com). It is distinguished by its small size (45 mm diameter × 42 mm height), low weight (60 g) and requirement for short analysis times (a few seconds). This technology can be controlled and operated by a tablet, smartphone or portable computer. The MicroNIR spectrometer is an ultracompact instrument designed to be used in diffuse reflection, transflection or transmission modes. It uses a linear variable filter (LVF) component mounted over a diode array detector that separates incoming light into individual wavelengths. The spectrometer integrates the light source and readout electronics in a small construction. Key attributes of the MicroNIR 1700 spectrometer are summarised in Table 1. A white reference measurement was obtained using a Spectralon disc, while a black (or dark) reference was obtained from a fixed place in the room. Absorbance values were calculated as –log (Sample–Black/ White–Black) with the data being sent to the host computer as .csv files. The unit did not have a full prediction engine in its software but the data collection software worked smoothly.
Role of mitochondrial inner membrane permeabilization in necrotic cell death, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation progresses to uncoupling when opening of cyclosporin A-sensitive permeability transition pores increases permeability of the mitochondrial inner membrane to small solutes. Involvement of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) in necrotic and apoptotic cell death is implicated by demonstrations of protection by cyclosporin A against oxidative stress, ischemia/reperfusion, tumor necrosis factor-α exposure, Fas ligation, calcium overload, and a variety of toxic chemicals. Confocal microscopy directly visualizes the MPT in single mitochondria within living cells from the translocation of impermeant fluorophores, such as calcein, across the inner membrane. Simultaneously, mitochondria release potential-indicating fluorophores. Subsequently, mitochondria swell, causing outer membrane rupture and release of cytochrome c and other proapoptotic proteins from the intermembrane space. In situ a sequence of decreased NAD(P)H, increased free calcium, and i...
Extraocular Modification of Photoreception in Intact and Pinealectomized Coturnix

Abstract The single and combined effects of pinealectomy and bilateral ocular enucleation on sexual maturation and the photo-gonadal response of male and female coturnix (Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica) were studied. Observations were made on cloacal gland activity in males and rate of egg production in females. Immature males and females were exposed to short (6L:18D) photoperiods until sexually mature. Thereafter, a period of either short days (6L:18D) or total darkness was used alternately with long days (16L:8D) to induce gonadal regression or recrudescence, respectively. These alternating periods were continued until the birds were 59 weeks old. Neither the presence of the eyes nor the pineal gland were essential to gonadal maturation and function in the coturnix. Accelerated sexual maturity of males was observed after enucleation, and pinealectomy did not alter this response. Enucleated coturnix were resistant to photo-induced gonadal regression, and pinealectomy did not prevent this response. Thus, the eyes appeared to be necessary for the termination of egg production and cloacal gland activity due to shortened photoperiods. The data indicated an extraocular modification of the photo-induced gonadal activity but did not implicate the pineal as a functional mediator of these responses.
A family history of pancreatic cancer

Background A 65-year-old white male with a family history of pancreatic cancer and a personal history of two episodes of acute pancreatitis was referred to our department in January 2005 by his primary-care physician for an assessment of his pancreatic cancer risk. Investigations Physical exam, laboratory investigations, CT scan, endoscopic ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography Diagnosis Familial pancreatic cancer Management Subtotal pancreatectomy, referral to genetic counselor, and continued surveillance
College Proximity: Mapping Access to Opportunity:

The process by which students decide whether and where to attend college has been based most commonly on a college-choice model that is independent of the students' geographic context. However, the ability to attend college close to home is often among the most important factors that U.S. high school students, especially minorities and the socioeconomically disadvantaged, consider. The study presented here mapped the place of residence of a national sample of high school seniors, as well as the location of all colleges within commuting distance of each student, and showed that seniors have a wide range of colleges in proximity. Furthermore, after taking account of important student and zip code-level factors, the study found that each additional college in proximity is associated with a small but significant increase in the odds of applying to college, especially a four-year college. These findings suggest that researchers should stop treating the college-choice process as though it were independent of lo...
Influence of situational variables on brand-choice models

Abstract The observed stochasticity in choice behavior was hypothesized to be partly influenced by situational factors. Consumption history of subjects was used to estimate binomial and Markov probabilities. The accuracy of these models was improved with the addition of situational variables. The classification accuracy of the binomial and Markov models was also improved by including availability of alternative brands. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Global nonlinear parametric modelling with application to F-16 aerodynamics

Global nonlinear parameteric modeling technique is described and demonstrated. The technique uses multivariate orthogonal modeling functions generated from the data to determine nonlinear model structure, then expands each retained modeling function into an ordinary multivariate polynomial. The final model form is a finite multivariate power series expansion for the dependent variable in terms of the independent variables. Partial derivatives of the identified models can be used to assemble globally valid linear parameter varying models. The technique is demonstrated by identifying global nonlinear parametric models for nondimensional aerodynamic force and moment coefficients from a subsonic wind tunnel database for the F-16 fighter aircraft. Results show less than 10% difference between wind tunnel aerodynamic data and the nonlinear parameterized model for a simulated doublet maneuver at moderate angle of attack. Analysis indicated that the global nonlinear parametric models adequately captured the multivariate nonlinear aerodynamic functional dependence.
Reply to |[ldquo]|PET concerns in bevacizumab treatment|[rdquo]|

The objective of our study was to examine the biological and clinical effects on rectal cancer of an initial bevacizumab infusion, before the initiation of radiation therapy and 5-fluorouracil. Six patients with clinical stage T3 or T4 rectal cancer completed the neoadjuvant therapy consisting of the first bevacizumab infusion followed by three 2-week cycles of bevacizumab administered concurrently with external beam radiation therapy (50.4 Gy in 28 1.8-Gy fractions over 5.5 weeks) and 5-fluorouracil (225 mg/m2/24 h by continuous peripheral venous infusion). Effects of the combined treatment on tumors were evaluated before surgery endoscopically and by PET scan and perfusion CT scan. Details of the protocol may be found in a corrigendum to our article, printed in this issue1. The 18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the neck seen on one representative sagittal image of the presurgery PET scan (patient 1 in the original figure) was, in fact, seen on all three PET scans (pretreatment, day 12 and presurgery) and was interpreted as upper-limit normal activity in the thyroid gland. This PET finding was not judged to represent a metastasis, and similarly, PET findings showed no detectable evidence of metastasis in any of the other five patients (see Fig. 1 below). Although the goal of this study was to examine the biological and clinical response to a single dose of bevacizumab, the longer-term results of combined therapy in six consecutive patients have been promising.
A geostatistical approach for describing spatial pattern in stream networks

The shape and configuration of branched networks influence ecological patterns and processes. Recent investigations of network influences in riverine ecology stress the need to quantify spatial structure not only in a two-dimensional plane, but also in networks. An initial step in understanding data from stream networks is discerning non-random patterns along the network. On the other hand, data collected in the network may be spatially autocorrelated and thus not suitable for traditional statistical analyses. Here we provide a method that uses commercially available software to construct an empirical variogram to describe spatial pattern in the relative abundance of coastal cutthroat trout in headwater stream networks. We describe the mathematical and practical considerations involved in calculating a variogram using a non-Euclidean distance metric to incorporate the network pathway structure in the analysis of spatial variability, and use a non-parametric technique to ascertain if the pattern in the emp...
Fractal-wavelet neural-network approach to characterization and upscaling of fractured reservoirs

Characterization of field-scale porous media (FSPM), such as oil, gas and geothermal reservoirs, is a complex problem. Field data are often difficult to analyze because they exhibit complex patterns of behavior. The problem is even more complex when one has to deal with fractured porous media. In this paper we describe a new hybrid approach to comprehensive characterization of FSPM, development of accurate fine-grid geological models for them, and their upscaling. First, we describe the fractal approach to analyzing the porosity logs, the permeability distributions, and other properties of FSPM. We show that an accurate and efficient method of analyzing such data is provided by wavelet transformations. These transformations can also be used for the analysis of the patterns of fracture networks of FSPM, and processing of seismic data, and therefore they provide a unified approach to the treatment of practically all types of data for FSPM. We then propose a fractal neural network that can recognize fractal data and construct accurate correlations for estimating those properties of FSPM for which the data are scarce, e.g., their permeability distribution. Next, the results of the fractal-wavelet neural-network model are combined with stochastic conditional simulations to generate an accurate geological (fine-grid) model for FSPM, including their fracture network. A wavelet transformation method is then described for upscaling of the geological model of FSPM. Thus, one has a unified approach to reservoir characterization and modeling in which three key concepts play prominent roles: fractal analysis, wavelet transformations, and fractal neural networks.
Electron microscopic observations on early events of frog virus 3 replication.

Abstract Attachment, penetration, and uncoating of frog virus 3 (FV 3) has been studied by electron microscopy and electron microscopic radioautography. FV 3 attached to host cell plasma membrane at the vertex of the icosahedral virion. Phagocytosis (viropexis) appeared to be a predominant mode of entry, although evidence that direct penetration may also be operative was obtained. Disruption of FV 3 virions in phagocytic vacuoles was interpreted as virus uncoating.
Constant-frequency voltage-scanned reflecto-directive system

A novel constant-frequency voltage-scanned reflecto-directive system is presented. In this system, the operating frequency can be kept constant and the desired reflected angle is determined by the reverse bias voltage of an electronically-scanned leaky-wave antenna (LWA). The incoming signal is received from an arbitrary angle at the fixed frequency of 3.1 GHz and resent toward any desired angle at the same frequency. The system is experimentally demonstrated by bistatic RCS measurements at 3.1 GHz. The proposed system is composed of a low noise amplifier (LNA), a band-pass filter (BPF) and only two antennas (Rx/Tx). A patch antenna is used for Rx because its omni-directivity allows detection of the incoming signal from any arbitrary angle at a fixed frequency. It is simpler and provides more functionality (arbitrary angle) than conventional retro-directive systems. In addition, the full system can be easily integrated on a single substrate for implementation in cheap wireless packages.
Analysis of murine leukemia virus replication complemented by yeast tRNAPhe reveals inherent preferences for the tRNA primer selected for reverse transcription

The replication of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) requires the capture of a cellular tRNA(Pro) as a primer for reverse transcription. To further study the specificity of primer selection, we have utilized a defective MuLV in which the primer-binding site (PBS) has been altered to be complementary to a nonmammalian tRNA, yeast tRNA(Phe). Infectivity of the defective MuLV is dependent upon co-expression of yeast tRNA(Phe) in the cell. Defective MuLV genomes have been constructed in which the PBS was altered to be complementary to tRNA(Phe) that also encoded the cDNA for tRNA(Phe). Transfection of these defective proviral genomes into cells resulted in the production of infectious MuLV as determined by a single-round assay. The amount of infectious virus produced using this complementation system, though, was approximately 6-fold lower than that produced following transfection of defective proviral genomes with a wild-type PBS complementary to tRNA(Pro). The lower infectivity was not due to reduced expression of tRNA(Phe) in the transfected cells as compared to endogenous tRNA(Pro) or tRNA(Lys,3). Serial passage of the MuLV genome with a PBS complementary to tRNA(Phe) that encoded tRNA(Phe) resulted in amplification of the virus. Using this rescue system, we have passaged the virus for four serial passages, after which time a revertant genome in which the PBS was altered to be complementary to tRNA(Gln) was detected that grew to high titers following subsequent serial passage. The results of these studies suggest that MuLV has preferences for the tRNA primer used in reverse transcription and are discussed with respect to the mechanism of primer selection.
Characteristics of Low Temperature Degradation Free ZTA for Artificial Joint

Low temperature degradation free Zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) has been developed. It is reported that ZTA has higher mechanical strength compared to alumina due to the stress induced transformation and spontaneously transformation of zirconia phase on some ZTA have been occurred. For achieving the higher reliability of artificial joint prosthesis alternative to alumina and other ceramic materials, it is necessary to improve and validate the both mechanical characteristics and phase stability at the same time. We evaluated that microstructure, mechanical characteristics and phase stability of newly developed ZTA (BIOCERAM® AZUL). It was confirmed that four-point bending strength and weibull modulus were extreamly high, and ZTA has higher reliability. There were no significant changes and deterioration in four-point bending strength, crystal structure and wear property with and without accelerated aging test. Newly developed ZTA not only with high mechanical characteristics but also with phase stability could be quite useful as bearing materials in artificial joints for longer clinical use.
New Commercially Viable Processing Technologies for the Production of Sugar Feedstocks from Sweet Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) for Manufacture of Biofuels and Bioproducts

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) has been widely recognized as a promising sugar feedstock crop because it: (i) is among the plants giving the highest yields of carbohydrates per hectare; (ii) is easily cultivated from seed; (iii) has low input requirements and wide geographic suitability; and (iv) has huge breeding potential. One of the fundamental processing areas identified by industry for the commercial, large-scale manufacture of liquid biofuels and bioproducts from sweet sorghum is the stabilization and clarification of juice to make it suitable for concentration into syrup for long-term storage, year-round supply, efficient transport, and acceptable fermentation yields. This paper reviews and discusses recent developments of commercially viable processing technologies to stabilize sweet sorghum juice and syrup feedstocks for use in downstream fermentations for manufacture of biofuels and bioproducts.
Synthesis and MAO inhibitory activity of 6-(2-propynyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz(c,e)azepine.

A propynyl dibenzazepine was synthesized with a view to design a compound that would possess the structural features essential for biological activity present in the antiadrenergic compound azapetine and in the MAO inhibitor pargyline, both of which have been used as antihypertensives. The new compound possesses MAO-inhibiting activity weaker than that of pargyline.
Reducing the sampling complexity of topic models

Inference in topic models typically involves a sampling step to associate latent variables with observations. Unfortunately the generative model loses sparsity as the amount of data increases, requiring O(k) operations per word for k topics. In this paper we propose an algorithm which scales linearly with the number of actually instantiated topics kd in the document. For large document collections and in structured hierarchical models kd ll k. This yields an order of magnitude speedup. Our method applies to a wide variety of statistical models such as PDP [16,4] and HDP [19].At its core is the idea that dense, slowly changing distributions can be approximated efficiently by the combination of a Metropolis-Hastings step, use of sparsity, and amortized constant time sampling via Walker's alias method.
Otolaryngological manifestations of velocardiofacial syndrome: a retrospective review of 35 patients.

Objective Because many patients with velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) are first examined by otolaryngologists for ear or speech problems before being diagnosed with VCFS, we describe a series of patients with this genetic disorder, which is associated with multiple anomalies, including velopharyngeal insufficiency, cardiac defects, characteristic facial features, and learning disabilities. Study Design We retrospectively analyzed the medical charts and available nasoendoscopic observations for 35 patients who were diagnosed with VCFS and who had a microscopic deletion in chromosome 22q11 as shown by DNA probe and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results For most patients, the medical chart documented cardiac anomalies, velopharyngeal insufficiency with hypernasal speech, and characteristic facial features including nasal, auricular, craniofacial, and ocular abnormalities. Incidence of middle ear infection with associated conductive hearing loss was also high and necessitated early placement of pressure equalization tubes. Some patients were treated with adenoidectomy for chronic otitis media; consequently, velopharyngeal insufficiency and hypernasal speech worsened. Nasoendoscopic examination as documented in the medical chart showed occult cleft palate, a small adenoid pad, and pulsation in the muscular wall. Conclusion Otolaryngologists have an important role in diagnosis and treatment of persons with VCFS and therefore should familiarize themselves with the typical history and most frequent head and neck manifestations of this syndrome.
Mechanism of nucleotide binding to actomyosin VI: evidence for allosteric head-head communication.

Abstract We have examined the kinetics of nucleotide binding to actomyosin VI by monitoring the fluorescence of pyrene-labeled actin filaments. ATP binds single-headed myosin VI following a two-step reaction mechanism with formation of a low affinity collision complex (1/K1′ = 5.6 mm) followed by isomerization (k+2′ = 176 s–1) to a state with weak actin affinity. The rates and affinity for ADP binding were measured by kinetic competition with ATP. This approach allows a broader range of ADP concentrations to be examined than with fluorescent nucleotide analogs, permitting the identification and characterization of transiently populated intermediates in the pathway. ADP binding to actomyosin VI, as with ATP binding, occurs via a two-step mechanism. The association rate constant for ADP binding is ∼five times greater than for ATP binding because of a higher affinity in the collision complex (1/K5b′ = 2.2 mm) and faster isomerization rate constant (k+5a′ = 366 s–1). By equilibrium titration, both heads of a myosin VI dimer bind actin strongly in rigor and with bound ADP. In the presence of ATP, conditions that favor processive stepping, myosin VI does not dwell with both heads strongly bound to actin, indicating that the second head inhibits strong binding of the lead head to actin. With both heads bound strongly, ATP binding is accelerated 2.5-fold, and ADP binding is accelerated >10-fold without affecting the rate of ADP release. We conclude that the heads of myosin VI communicate allosterically and accelerate nucleotide binding, but not dissociation, when both are bound strongly to actin.
Factors Affecting the Conditioned Reinforcing Strength of Stimuli in Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior and Fixed-Time Schedules

In an experiment that investigated the effects of a low-rate response requirement on the strength of conditioned reinforcing stimuli, pigeons’ observing responses (treadle presses) produced stimuli associated with either a short (10-sec) or a long (30-sec) schedule component. Naive pigeons were exposed to a mixed schedule with two differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) components, which were later replaced by fixed-time (FT) components. Differ- ential observing behavior was not maintained during the DRO procedure, but preference was demonstrated for the shortest FT component stimulus. Fantino’s delay-reduction hypothesis was supported. However, the absence of differential observing under the DRO procedure suggests that either the low-rate response requirement or the lack of specific stimuli that unambiguously predict reinforcement delivery interfered with the establishment of the schedule stimuli as conditioned reinforcers.
Transfer Functions of One-Dimensional Distributed Parameter Systems by Wave Approach

An alternative analysis technique, which does not require eigensolutions as a priori, for the dynamic response solutions, in terms of the transfer function, of one-dimensional distributed parameter systems with arbitrary supporting conditions, is presented. The technique is based on the fact that the dynamic displacement of any point in a waveguide can be determined by superimposing the amplitudes of the wave components traveling along the waveguide, where the wave numbers of the constituent waves are defined in the Laplace domain instead of the frequency domain. The spatial amplitude variations of individual waves are represented by the field transfer matrix and the distortions of the wave amplitudes at point discontinuities due to constraints or boundaries are described by the wave reflection and transmission matrices. Combining these matrices in a progressive manner along the waveguide using the concepts of generalized wave reflection and transmission matrices leads to the exact transfer function of a complex distributed parameter system subjected to an externally applied force. The transient response solution can be obtained through the Laplace inversion using the fixed Talbot method. The exact frequency response solution, which includes infinite normal modes of the system, can be obtained in terms of the complex frequency response function from the system's transfer function. This wave-based analysis technique is applicable to any one-dimensional viscoelastic structure (strings, axial rods, torsional bar, and beams), in particular systems with multiple point discontinuities such as viscoelastic supports, attached mass, and geometric/material property changes. In this paper, the proposed approach is applied to the flexural vibration analysis of a classical Euler-Bernoulli beam with multiple spans to demonstrate its systematic and recursive formulation technique.
Associations between a polymorphism in the gene encoding glycoprotein IIIa and myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether a common variant (PIA2) of the membrane glycoprotein (GP) IIIa gene is associated with myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND Platelet GP IIb/IIIa is believed to play a central role in MI, binding fibrinogen, cross-linking platelets and initiating thrombus formation. Genetically determined differences in binding properties of GP IIb/IIIa might result in changes in platelet activation or aggregation and affect the risk of MI or CAD. METHODS To determine associations (odds ratios [OR] ≥1.5 to 2.0) of genotype with MI or CAD, blood was drawn from 791 patients (pt) undergoing angiography. A 266 base pair fragment of the GP IIIa gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and digested with the MspI restriction enzyme. Genotypes were identified after electrophoresis of digestion products in 1.5% agarose gel. RESULTS Of the 791 pt, 225 had acute (n = 143) or previous MI, and 276 did not have MI or unstable angina. The PIA2allele was carried by 33.8% of MI pt versus 26.9% of no-MI control subjects, OR = 1.39 (95% CI, 0.95 to 2.04, p = 0.09). Angiographically, 549 pt had severe (>60% coronary stenosis) CAD, and 170 had normal coronary arteries (<10% stenosis). The PIA2allele was found in 31.0% of CAD pt versus 28.2% of no-CAD control subjects, OR = 1.14 (CI, 0.78 to 1.67, p = 0.50). When adjusted for six standard risk factors, ORs were 1.47 (CI, 0.98 to 2.20, p = 0.062) for MI and 1.20 (CI, 0.80 to 1.81, p = 0.38) for CAD. CONCLUSIONS The PIA2variant of the gene encoding GP IIIa is modestly associated (OR ≈ 1.5) with nonfatal MI but shows little if any association with CAD per se.
INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS PROPHYLAXIS – CURRENT PRACTICE AMONGST PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGISTS: ARE WE FOLLOWING 2007 GUIDELINES?

The indications for antibiotics prophylaxis for prevention of Infective endocarditis (IE) have been revised in 2007. A web-based, anonymous survey was conducted in 2013 to evaluate the current practice for IE prophylaxis amongst the pediatric cardiologists. Total 302 responses were received. The
A General Synthetic Route to Defined, Biologically Active Multivalent Arrays

A new, general strategy for the synthesis of biologically active multivalent arrays displaying diverse functionality has been developed. This method exploits the ability of ring-opening metathesis polymerizations to produce polymers of defined lengths. By incorporating N-hydroxysuccinimide esters into the polymers, recognition epitopes bearing nucleophilic functional groups, in this case an α-mannose derivative, can be attached. The synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of mannose-bearing polymers demonstrated the utility of this new methodology. This strategy will facilitate the creation of diverse multivalent libraries and the large-scale production of multidentate ligands.
Stroke patient evaluation in the emergency department before pharmacologic therapy

Abstract The standard of care for acute thromboembolic stroke is changing rapidly with the advent of new pharmacologic therapies. The deterioration of focal cerebral ischemia to infarction can be lessened with timely restoration of cerebral blood flow. As pharmacologic therapy of acute stroke evolves, emergency physicians will increasingly facilitate its implementation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate those factors significantly affecting the acute stroke patient's emergency department (ED) evaluation time. The pretreatment ED evaluations of 20 patients entered in an ongoing trial of a fibrinolytic agent (ancrod) for acute ischemic stroke were reviewed. Pretreatment screening factors included the assessment of hematologic status, concurrent illness, and potential neoplastic disease or cerebral hemorrhage as the etiology for the neurological deficit. The following factors had a statistically significant effect on pretreatment evaluation time (range, 2.6 to 11.4 hours) by multiple linear regression analysis: time from arrival until bleeding time completed ( P P v neurological step-down unit; P P P
Homophily Among Peer Groups Members’ Perceived Self-Regulated Learning

The present study is one of the first examining whether peer group members hold similar levels of self-regulated learning. The study specifically addresses the potential homophily among group members’ regulative abilities (metacognition, environment regulation, effort regulation, peer learning, and help seeking) and whether group members’ regulative abilities predict affiliates’ academic performance. The study surveyed 9th-grade students from a Midwestern high school about their regulative abilities for mathematics. Results suggest that peer groups members’ effort regulation is similar among peer affiliates but not other regulative abilities. In addition, peer group members’ regulative abilities do not predict each others’ academic performance.