cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neutrophils Mediate Maturation and Efflux of Lung Dendritic Cells in Response to Aspergillus fumigatus Germ Tubes

Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening complication of neutrophil deficiency or dysfunction. Neutropenia has previously been associated with enhanced influx of CD11b-expressing conventional dendritic cells to the lungs in response to Aspergillus species, but whether neutrophils directly modulate the function of dendritic cells in this infection is not known. We hypothesized that, in the setting of intrapulmonary challenge with Aspergillus, neutrophils promote the maturation and traffic of lung conventional dendritic cells to draining mediastinal lymph nodes. We report that neutropenia results in a marked accumulation of dendritic cells in the lungs of mice challenged with Aspergillus but greatly diminishes their egress to mediastinal lymph nodes independent of neutrophil microbicidal functions. Furthermore, the phenotype of lung dendritic cells was more immature in neutropenic animals than in nonneutropenic mice exposed to the microorganism. Consistent with this, coincubation with neutrophils greatly enhanced the upregulation of costimulatory molecules on dendritic cells exposed to Aspergillus in vitro, a process that was dependent on cell contact and the dendritic cell receptor DC-SIGN. Taken together, our data support an immunomodulatory cross talk between neutrophils and dendritic cells in the context of host response to Aspergillus that promotes the maturation and efflux of lung dendritic cells.
Differential effects on verbal-performance achievement levels on the WAIS-R as a function of progressive error rate on the Memory for Designs Test (MFD)

One hundred seventy-eight subjects participated in a study to measure the degree of selective subtest decline on the WAIS-R as a function of increased error rate on the Memory-for-Designs Test. The data show that there is an initial, significant decline in the verbal knowledge component of the verbal scale as error rate on the MFD progresses. Performance factors are only significantly related to error rate on the MFD when the latter are maximized.
Silicide formation from ternary metal-metal-silicon systems

Abstract Thin film interactions for ternary systems are presented and compared with those for bulk samples. The various outcomes of the reaction such as solid solution, phase separation or ternary compound formation are analyzed using specific examples in each case. As a possible first step of the reaction, the alloying behavior of the metals is described using Miedema's model. Ternary phases reported in bulk studies are rarely observed for thin film samples possibly because of unlimited supply of silicon, interfacial contamination or stress, and different kinetics or formation temperatures. The use of high temperature equilibrium phase diagrams is therefore limited in explaining the behavior of the system. However, for systems evolving towards a pseudobinary solid solution or complete solid solubility of the silicides, bulk data are valuable guides to predict or analyze the evolution of the structure submitted to thermal processing.
Self‐efficacy and Dietary Fat Reduction Behaviors in Obese African‐American and White Mothers

This study examined the influence of weight management and education on five types of fat reduction behaviors mediated through three task-specific domains of self-efficacy among young, low-income obese African-American and white mothers. It also investigated interaction of race with the relationships between weight management, education, self-efficacy, and fat reduction behaviors. A sample of obese African-American and white mothers was recruited from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Wisconsin. Participants reported their weight management status, education, self-efficacy for eating low-fat food, and fat reduction behaviors. For both racial groups, weight management status predicted low-fat food substitution and meat modification behaviors; education predicted meat modification behavior. Three task-specific domains of self-efficacy (negative mood, positive mood, and food availability) predicted different types of fat reduction behaviors and differed by race. Weight management influenced behaviors of low-fat food substitution, meat modification, and fried-food avoidance, mediated partially through self-efficacies of negative mood (African Americans), positive mood (African Americans, whites), and food availability (African Americans). Race affected the relationships between weight management, education, three task-specific domains of self-efficacy, and five types of fat reduction behaviors. Self-efficacies operated differentially for African Americans and whites. Thus, strategies to address specific fat reduction behaviors have the potential to be more effective when tailored to specific individual characteristics such as racial background, history of weightmanagement strategies and task-specific domains of self-efficacy.
Deposition of stable, low κ and high deposition rate SiF4-doped TEOS fluorinated silicon dioxide (SiOF) films

Abstract Fluorine doped silicon dioxide (SiOF) is recognized as a potential intermetal dielectric (IMD) film for sub-half micron devices, due to its low dielectric constant (κ) and good gap-fill capabilities. For the first time, physically stable and high deposition rate (1550 nm/min) SiOF films were deposited using a parallel-plate plasma CVD–single wafer DxZ reactor, involving SiF4/TEOS/O2 chemistry. The analytical results indicate that these SiOF films, having a F concentration up to 3.0%, contain only Si–F bonding, do not absorb moisture and show stable dielectric constants. A typical highly stable SiOF film has F concentration and dielectric constant values of 2.4% and 3.5, respectively. This film is thermally stable up to 600°C and can be used as a low cost cap layer for HDP–CVD oxides and other low κ spin-on-glass materials, as well as an IMD layer for damascene applications.
Paternity assurance and altered roles in the mating behaviour of a giant water bug, Abedus herberti (heteroptera: Belostomatidae)

Abstract Natural selection theory predicts that male brooding giant water bugs, Abedus herberti Hidalgo, should possess paternity assurance mechanisms and have altered roles in courtship. Mating behaviour of this species was studied to check these predictions. Females were aggressive in courtship, but male ‘display’ was an essential element. Copulation always preceded oviposition, and copulation and oviposition were cyclical events under male control. Females engaged in cyclical polyandry in the laboratory, and this threat under natural conditions presumably favoured the male-dominated system of alternating bouts of copulation and oviposition. Male and gravid female bugs seemed equally eager to exchange brooding services for eggs under laboratory conditions. Courtship roles are discussed in relation to relative parental investment and availability of eligible males.
Effective potential for moment-method simulation of quantum devices

Abstract In the simulation of submicron devices, complete quantum descriptions can be extremely computationally intensive, and reduced descriptions are desirable. One such description utilizes a few low-order moments of the momentum distribution that are defined by the Wigner function. Two major difficulties occur in applying this moment method: (i) An independent calculation is required to find quantum mechanically accurate initial conditions. (ii) For a system in a mixed state, the hierarchy of time evolution equations for the moments does not close. We describe an approach to solve these problems. The initial distribution is determined in equilibrium by means of a new effective potential, chosen for its ability to treat the sharp potential features which occur in heterostructures. It accurately describes barrier penetration and repulsion, as well as quantum broadening of the momentum distribution. The moment equation hierarchy is closed at the level of the second-moment time evolution equation, using a closure that is exact for a shifted Fermi distribution. Band-bending is included by simultaneous self-consistent determination of all the moments.
The benefits of social support for mentally ill offenders: prison‐to‐community transitions

This paper provides results of a longitudinal study of 27 mentally ill prison inmates who were released from Ohio state prisons in 1994-1996. The object of this paper is to test the hypothesis that subjects who receive better social support will experience more positive social adjustment, higher quality of life, and lower recidivism. Subjects, identified by prison staff, were interviewed and given independent psychological evaluations shortly before their release. They were then interviewed repeatedly during the first year after their release from prison about many aspects of social adjustment. Social support, provided both in and after release from prison, was associated with higher quality of life after release from prison. Social support provided in either context, however, was not significantly related to criminal recidivism or psychiatric hospitalization after release from prison.
Real-time measurement of radiation exposure to patients during diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous interventional procedures

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to accurately assess the radiation exposure received by patients during cardiac catheterization in a large sample representative of the current state of practice in cardiac angiography. Background Radiation exposure to patients and laboratory staff has been recognized as a necessary hazard in coronary angiography. The effects on x-ray exposure of the increased complexity of coronary angiographic procedures and, in particular, the increasing use of coronary artery stenting, have not been adequately addressed in previous studies. Methods X-ray exposure measurements were performed on a consecutive series of 972 patients undergoing 992 diagnostic and interventional studies in the Mayo Clinic catheterization laboratory within an eight week period in late 1997. Data were acquired from 706 diagnostic procedures and 286 interventional procedures using a real-time exposure measurement system to continuously calculate and record the exposure rate and total exposure, reflecting all parameters relevant to the specific patient and procedure situation. Results The median exposure for all 992 procedures was 41.8 mC/kg (162.1 R); the corresponding values for diagnostic and interventional procedures were 34.9 and 95.6 mC/kg, respectively (135.3 vs. 370.5 R). There were significant differences in the fluoroscopy exposure time between diagnostic and interventional procedures: 4.7 min vs. 21.0 min. Heavier patients (>83 kg) received x-ray exposures at a significantly higher rate than did lighter patients ( Conclusions Changes in practice have led to higher values for patient x-ray radiation exposures during cardiac catheterization procedures. The real-time display and recording of x-ray exposure facilitates the reduction of exposure in the catheterization laboratory.
High-resolution spectroscopic study of matrix-isolated reactive intermediates: Vibrational assignments for 3-fluoro-o-benzyne and perfluoro-o-benzyne*

A novel “site decompression technique” that takes advantage of specific pressure relaxation effects in cryogenic noble gas matrices was applied in a spectroscopic investigation of the two title compounds, resulting in virtually background-free, complete, high-resolution IR spectra with line widths of ca. 0.1 cm-1. The compounds were prepared photochemically in Ar and Ne matrices and, together with the related intermediates, fluorinated benzocyclopropenone and cyclopentadienylideneketene, characterized by IR and UV−visible absorption spectroscopy. Weak IR absorption bands observed at 1878 cm-1 for perfluoro-o-benzyne and at 1866 cm-1 for 3-fluoro-o-benzyne were assigned to CC triple bond stretching vibrations, corresponding to the transition at 1846 cm-1 in the parent o-benzyne. The application of polarization spectroscopy on photooriented samples led to the determination of transition moment directions for most of the observed vibrational transitions. Absolute IR absorption intensities were also obtained....
Structure of Macroscopic Monodomains and Its Soft Confinements of Chiral Smectic Phases on Crystallization in a Main-Chain Nonracemic Liquid Crystalline Polyester

A main-chain nonracemic chiral liquid crystalline (LC) polyester was synthesized using an A−B type condensation reaction of a chiral monomer, R-(−)4‘-{ω-[2-(p-hydroxy-o-nitrophenyloxy)-1-propyloxy]-1-heptyloxy}-4-biphenylcarboxylic acid, and was abbreviated as PET(R*-7). Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) experiments combined with differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed multiple phase transitions including a chiral twist grain boundary A (TGBA*) phase, a chiral smectic A (SmA*) phase, a chiral smectic C (SmC*) phase, and a highly ordered monoclinic crystalline (KM) phase with decreasing temperature. Flat-elongated and right-handed double-twisted helical single crystals were grown thermotropically in the smectic LC states. Both crystal types possessed the identical monoclinic unit cell: a = 1.04 nm, b = 0.46 nm, c = 5.59 nm, α = β = 90°, and γ = 84.2° based on the WAXD and selected area electron diffraction results. Uniaxial elongation of centimeter-sized films (along the xz-plane in a th...
Blind man's bluff: The ethics of quantity surcharges

Empirical evidence, including a recent field study in Northwest Indiana, indicates that supermarkets and other retail merchants frequently incorporate quantity surcharges in their product pricing strategy. Retailers impose surcharges by charging higher unit prices for products packaged in a larger quantity than smaller quantity of the same goods and brand. The purpose of this article is to examine the business ethics of such pricing strategy in light of empirical findings, existing government regulations, factors that motivate quantity surcharges and prevailing consumer perceptions.
Context augmented Dynamic Bayesian Networks for event recognition

This paper proposes a new Probabilistic Graphical Model (PGM) to incorporate the scene, event object interaction, and the event temporal contexts into Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBNs) for event recognition in surveillance videos. We first construct the baseline event DBNs for modeling the events from their own appearance and kinematic observations, and then augment the DBN with contexts to improve its event recognition performance. Unlike the existing context methods, our model incorporates various contexts simultaneously into one unified model. Experiments on real scene surveillance datasets with complex backgrounds show that the contexts can effectively improve the event recognition performance even under great challenges like large intra-class variations and low image resolution.
Nonexistence of a class of variate generation schemes

Motivated by a problem arising in the regenerative analysis of discrete-event system simulation, we ask whether a certain class of random variate generation schemes exists or not. Under very reasonable conditions, we prove that such variate generation schemes do not exist. The implications of this result for regenerative steady-state simulation of discrete-event systems are discussed.
Results with Viabahn-assisted subintimal recanalization for TASC C and TASC D superficial femoral artery occlusive disease.

Objectives: Many investigators including TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) recommend against primary endovascular treatment for severe (TASC C and D) superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. Vein bypass is preferable but may not be appropriate due to comorbidities or lack of suitable vein. This study reviews our results with Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization (VASIR) for TASC C and D SFA atherosclerosis. Methods: In all, 13 males and 14 females, mean age 72 ± 11 years underwent 28 VASIR for severe (TASC C 8 of 28, TASC D 20 of 28, and 5 of 28 no continuous infrapopliteal runoff artery) SFA disease. Indications were claudication (14 of 28 limbs), ischemic rest pain (6 of 28), and tissue loss (8 of 28). Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization was chosen instead of bypass due to comorbidities or lack of vein. Patients received aspirin and, if not already taking warfarin, they also received clopidogrel. Patients were examined with Ankle-brachial Index (ABI) and d...
CT findings of increased splanchnic circulation in a case of celiac sprue

We report a diagnosis of celiac disease first suggested by the computed tomographic appearance, which included findings indicative of increased splanchnic circulation. Similar findings have been reported with angiography and ultrasound but, to our knowledge, have not been reported with computed tomography.
Immunoglobulin allotypes and response to tetanus toxoid in Papua, New Guinea.

Summary The data indicates that Papuans with the Austronesian haplotype Gmf,a;b produce significantly higher levels of tetanus specific antibody, than Papuans without this haplotype, suggesting that response to tetanus toxoid in man is associated with the Gm phenotype of the individual. Km (1) status was not related to response.
Expression of proangiogenic chemokine GRO 1 in low and high metastatic variants of PAM murine squamous cell carcinoma is differentially regulated by IL-1α, EGF and TGF-β1 through NF-κB dependent and independent mechanisms

We previously reported that chemokine Growth Regulated Oncogene 1 (Gro 1) is over-expressed in murine squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with metastatic tumor progression. The enhanced expression of Gro-1 gene by SCC is regulated by activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), leading to accelerated tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in vivo. In our study, we investigated the effect of the regulatory cytokines, IL-1α, EGF and TGF-β1 on activation of NF-κB and Gro1 in primary and metastatic sublines of the murine SCC Pam 212. We found that Gro 1 expression could be induced by IL-1α or EGF in the low cytokine producing Pam 212 cells, but no significant induction was observed in high cytokine producing and metastatic LY-2 cells. Conditioned medium from LY-2 containing functional IL-1α induced Gro 1 expression in Pam 212 cells, which can be blocked by IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). IL-1RA, however, had a minimal effect on constitutive Gro 1 production by LY-2 cells. TGF-β1 suppressed constitutive as well as IL-1α and EGF-inducible Gro 1 production in both Pam 212 and LY-2 cells. IL-1α and EGF, but not TGF-β1, were found to activate NF-κB in Pam 212, whereas none of the stimulants showed a significant effect on constitutive activation of NF-κB in LY-2 cells. Overexpression of a super repressor IκBαM in Pam 212 inhibited NF-κB binding activity, which led to impaired Gro 1 induction by IL-1α and EGF. These results demonstrate that IL-1α, EGF, and TGF-β1 are important modulators of Gro 1 expression in SCC. Different responses to these modulators observed along with SCC metastatic progression may suggest a transition mechanism(s) for Gro 1 expression from host factor dependent to an independent stage involving NF-κB activation. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Correlations for zero‐shear and shear‐rate dependent viscosity of polymeric solutions

Solution viscosity is known to be sensitive to the nature of solvent and the polymer concentration. The magnitude of such effects, however, is not quantitatively understood. Correlations to predict zero-shear and shear-rate dependent viscosity of polymer solutions from polymer solution parameters are presented. Polymer domain volume is found to be the controlling parameter for the zero-shear viscosity of dilute polymer solutions, that is solutions with insignificant entanglements. At higher concentrations, where polymer-polymer interactions become significant, it is found that, except for the magnitude of the solvent viscosity, the nature of the solvent is of no consequence. In this region zero-shear viscosity is correlated as a function of the parameter cM5/8, where C and M represent concentration and molecular weight, respectively. A relaxation time such as Bueche's time constant satisfactorily represents the solvent effects on the non-Newtonian behavior of polymer solutions by incorporating the measured zero-shear and solvent viscosities.
Spermine is not essential for growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: identification of the SPE4 gene (spermine synthase) and characterization of a spe4 deletion mutant.

Abstract Spermine, ubiquitously present in most organisms, is the final product of the biosynthetic pathway for polyamines and is synthesized from spermidine. In order to investigate the physiological roles of spermine, we identified the SPE4 gene, which codes for spermine synthase, on the right arm of chromosome XII of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and prepared a deletion mutant in this gene. This mutant has neither spermine nor spermine synthase activity. Using the spe4 deletion mutant, we show that S. cerevisiae does not require spermine for growth, even though spermine is normally present in the wild-type organism. This is in striking contrast to the absolute requirement of S. cerevisiae for spermidine for growth, which we had previously reported using a mutant lacking the SPE3 gene (spermidine synthase) [Hamasaki-Katagiri, N., Tabor, C.W., Tabor, H., 1997. Spermidine biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Polyamine requirement of a null mutant of the SPE3 gene (spermidine synthase). Gene 187, 35–43].
Integrated RFID data modeling: an approach for querying physical objects in pervasive computing

Radio frequency identiﬂcation(RFID) technology uses radio-frequency waves to transfer data between readers and mov-able tagged objects without line of sight. RFID holds thepromise of real-time identifying, locating, tracking and mon-itoring physical objects, and can be used for a wide range ofpervasive computing applications. To achieve these goals,RFID data have to be collected, transformed and expres-sively modeled as their virtual counterparts in the virtualworld. RFID data, however, have their own unique char-acteristics { including aggregation, location, temporal andhistory-oriented { which have to be fully considered and inte-grated into the data model. The diversity of RFID applica-tions pose further challenges to a generalized framework forRFID data modeling. In this paper, we explore the funda-mental characteristics of RFID data and classify RFID ap-plications into a set of typical scenarios. We then propose ageneralized RFID data modeling framework with constructsfor each typical scenario. These constructs can be combinedto model most RFID applications in real world.
On-the-fly detection of changes on and below the surface in epithelium mucosal tissue architecture from scattered light.

In this paper we present a technique to raise a flag on the fly when a transition occurs between different mucosal architectures on or below the surface. The segmentation is based on a novel difference metric for detecting an abrupt change in the parameters extracted from a Stochastic Decomposition Method (SDM) that models the scattered light reflected from the mucosal tissue structure over an area (2-D scan) illuminated by an optical sensor (fiber) emitting light at either one wavelength or with white light. This work has the potential to enhance the endoscopist's ability to locate and identify abnormal mucosal architectures in particular when the disease is developing below the surface and hence becoming hidden during colonoscopy or endoscopic examination. It also has also potential in helping deciding as to when and where to take biopsies; steps that should lead to improvement in the diagnostic yield. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evidence-Based Practices for Young Children With Autism: Contributions for Single-Subject Design Research

The purpose of this article Was to examine the scientific evidence provided by single-subject design studies that supported effective intervention and educational practices for young children With ...
A comparison of the toxicity and metabolism of phenol and chlorinated phenols by Lemna gibba, with special reference to 2,4,5-trichlorophenol

The toxicity of a series of chlorinated phenols, from phenol to pentachlorophenol, was determined using frond reproduction in aseptically grown Lemna gibba. The toxicities of the phenols tended to increase as the number of chlorine substituents on the phenol ring increased. The plants metabolized each of the phenols in the same manner producing metabolites that were more polar than their parent compounds. The metabolite for 2,4,5-trichlorophenol was isolated and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and chemical ionization mass spectroscopy. The structural identity was confirmed by comparison with synthetic material as 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside. These results, together with previously published results, suggest that conjugation with D-glucose is a stereotypic response of duckweed to challenge by phenol and chlorinated phenols.
A Traditional Rice and Beans Pattern Is Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Puerto Rican Older Adults

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was approximately 50% for Puerto Rican elders living in Massachusetts. Diet is known to be associated with metabolic syndrome. Little information exists regarding the dietary intakes of Puerto Ricans. We aimed to characterize the dietary patterns of 1167 Puerto Ricans (45-75 y) using principal components analysis and to further examine associations with metabolic syndrome. Factor solutions were examined for robustness using a random split sample. Adjusted means for metabolic syndrome components were calculated for factor quintiles. Logistic regression models examined associations between factors, metabolic syndrome, and its components. Analyses were also performed excluding subjects with diabetes. "Meat and French fries," "traditional," and "sweets" patterns emerged as most meaningful. A meat and French fries pattern was associated with higher blood pressure (systolic P-trend = 0.03 and diastolic < 0.001) and waist circumference (P-trend = 0.04). The traditional pattern was associated with lower HDL concentrations (P-trend = 0.007) and a higher likelihood of metabolic syndrome [odds ratio (OR): 1.7, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.7]). The sweets pattern was associated with lower HDL concentrations (P-trend < 0.001) and higher waist circumference (P-trend < 0.05). After excluding individuals with diabetes, the sweets pattern was no longer associated with fasting serum glucose and was associated with metabolic syndrome (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.3). Dietary patterns were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome and its components. More research is needed to make appropriate nutritional recommendations for this high-risk population.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN MITOCHONDRIAL ASSEMBLY

▪ Abstract The mitochondrion has developed an elaborate translocation system for the import of nuclear-coded proteins and the export of proteins coded on the mitochondrial genome. Precursor proteins contain targeting and sorting information to reach the mitochondrion, whereas the translocons recognize the information and direct the precursor to the correct compartment. The outer membrane contains the TOM (translocase of the outer membrane) complex for translocation and the SAM (sorting and assembly machinery) complex for assembly of outer membrane proteins with complex topologies. At the inner membrane, the TIM23 (translocase of the inner membrane) mediates the import of mitochondrial proteins with a typical N-terminal targeting sequence, and the TIM22 complex mediates the import of polytopic inner membrane proteins. Based on its prokaryotic origin, the inner membrane also contains several components that mediate the export and assembly of proteins from within the matrix. Together the translocation and as...
The Identification of Consonants and Vowels by Cochlear Implant Patients Using a 6-Channel Continuous Interleaved Sampling Processor and by Normal-Hearing Subjects Using Simulations of Processors with Two to Nine Channels

Objective:To compare the vowel and consonant identification ability of cochlear implant patients using a 6-channel continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) processor and of normal-hearing subjects using simulations of processors with two to nine channels.Design:Subjects, 10 normal-hearing listeners and
The Rhetorical Construction of Radical Africanism at the United Nations: Metaphoric Cluster as Strategy:

This essay discusses the three-part construction of a radical Africanist stance through metaphor in Nigeria's UN addresses. This includes: (1) the redefinition of Africa and Africans' identity; (2) the construction of grim conditions in Africa, and blame of foreign adversaries; and (3) the construction of force. The essay suggests that the clusters deflect attention from the reality of African leadership's culpability. Also, though the clusters help advocate Africa's empowerment, they also mask a reality that power still resides mainly with Africa's ruling elite. This discourse, in effect, serves to maintain the dominance of this elite. Finally, there is discussion of some methodological implications of the radical Black nationalist framework used in the study.
Introducing software architecture specification and analysis in SAM through an example

Abstract Software architecture study has become one of the most active research areas in software engineering in the recent years. Although there have been many published results on specification and analysis method of software architectures, information on sound systematic methodology for modeling and analyzing software architectures is lacking. In this article, we present a formal systematic software architecture specification and analysis methodology called SAM and show how to apply SAM to specify a command control (C2) system and to analyze its real-time constraints.
Analysis of the molecular quality of human tissues: an experience from the Cooperative Human Tissue Network.

The scientific usefulness of the data obtained from tissue analysis is related to specimen quality, which may be affected by conditions that may contribute to the degradation of the specimen before processing and analysis. We determined the usability of nucleic acids extracted from banked human tissues for further molecular analyses. We assayed 151 tissue specimens, stored for various times at 4 divisions of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, for DNA and RNA degradation. Simple electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse-transcriptase (RT)-PCR, and Northern blot analysis were compared to determine the optimal quality control procedure. In addition, a time course degradation procedure was performed on human lung tissue. Gel electrophoresis was as informative as PCR, RTPCR, and Northern blot analysis in determining the molecular usefulness of the human tissues. Overall, 80% of the stored human tissues had good-quality DNA, and 60% had good-quality RNA. Electrophoresis procedures for DNA and RNA offer a quick and valuable measure of the molecular quality of stored human tissues. The DNA and RNA degradation of one tissue type (lung) was stable for both nucleic acids for up to 5 hours after excision. Clinical and molecular pathology are undergoing a revolution based on the accelerated advances in biotechnology such as DNA microarrays and proteomics. Answers to fundamental questions such as “How does the DNA sequence differ between individuals?” and “What makes one individual more prone for a certain disease?” are eagerly sought in this postgenomic era. Several novel genes and their products have been identified in human cancers by screening archival tissue samples using molecular methods. 1,2 More important, molec
An Academic Model for Educating the Mathematically Talented.

A usually unrecognized aspect of the "school reform" movement during the past two decades has been the huge increase in extracurricular academic efforts on behalf of intellectually exceptionally able boys and girls. Whereas in 1971 few students less than 14 years old took the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), by 1990 more than 100,000 did. Those who score well are offered special, supplemental educational opportunities. The movement began at Johns Hopkins University in 1971 with the creation of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY) and spread within a dozen years to other private universities, i.e., Duke, Northwestern, and the University of Denver. Also, many public universities have begun such talent searching and educational facilitating. This article traces the origin and development of the network of independent centers and projects based on the SMPY model.
Photoelectron and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Pu

We have performed Photoelectron Spectroscopy and X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy upon highly radioactive samples of Plutonium at the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, CA, USA. First results from alpha and delta Plutonium are reported as well as plans for future studies of actinide studies.
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome revisited again

We described experimental evidence indicating that electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) was a bona fide neurological syndrome (that not all self-identified sufferers had a purely psychosomatic di...
Developmental Coordination of Gene Expression between Synaptic Partners During GABAergic Circuit Assembly in Cerebellar Cortex.

The assembly of neural circuits involves multiple sequential steps such as the specification of cell types, their migration to proper brain locations, morphological and physiological differentiation, and the formation and maturation of synaptic connections. This intricate and often prolonged process is guided by elaborate genetic mechanisms that regulate each step. Evidence from numerous systems suggests that each cell type, once specified, is endowed with a genetic program that unfolds in respond to, and is regulated by, extrinsic signals, including cell-cell and synaptic interactions. To a large extent, the execution of this intrinsic program is achieved by the expression of specific sets of genes that support distinct developmental processes. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the developmental progression of gene expression in synaptic partners of neurons may provide a basis for exploring the genetic mechanisms regulating circuit assembly. Here we examined the developmental gene expression profiles of well-defined cell types in a stereotyped microcircuit of the cerebellar cortex. We found that the transcriptomes of Purkinje cell and stellate/basket cells are highly dynamic throughout postnatal development. We revealed “phasic expression” of transcription factors, ion channels, receptors, cell adhesion molecules, gap junction proteins, and identified distinct molecular pathways that might contribute to sequential steps of cerebellar inhibitory circuit formation. We further revealed a correlation between genomic clustering and developmental co-expression of hundreds of transcripts, suggesting the involvement of chromatin level gene regulation during circuit formation.
The amino acid/polyamine/organocation (APC) superfamily of transporters specific for amino acids, polyamines and organocations

In this paper an analysis of 175 currently sequenced transport proteins that comprise the amino acid/polyamine/organocation (APC) superfamily is reported. Members of this superfamily fall into 10 well-defined families that are either prokaryote specific, eukaryote specific or ubiquitous. Most of these proteins exhibit 12 probable transmembrane spanners (TMSs), but members of two of these families deviate from this pattern, exhibiting 10 and 14 TMSs. All members of these families are tabulated, their functional properties are reviewed and phylogenetic/sequence analyses define the evolutionary relationships of the proteins to each other. Evidence is presented that the APC superfamily may include two other currently recognized families that exhibit greater degrees of sequence divergence from APC superfamily members than do the proteins of the 10 established families from each other. At least some of the protein members of these two distantly related families exhibit 11 established TMSs. Altogether, the APC superfamily probably includes 12 currently recognized families with members that exhibit exclusive specificity for amino acids and their derivatives but which can possess 10, 11, 12 or 14 TMSs per polypeptide chain.
Moving Object Detection on a Runway Prior to Landing Using an Onboard Infrared Camera

Determining the status of a runway prior to landing is essential for any aircraft, whether manned or unmanned. In this paper, we present a method that can detect moving objects on the runway from an onboard infrared camera prior to the landing phase. Since the runway is a planar surface, we first locally stabilize the sequence to automatically selected reference frames using feature points in the neighborhood of the runway. Next, we normalize the stabilized sequence to compensate for the global intensity variation caused by the gain control of the infrared camera. We then create a background model to learn an appearance model of the runway. Finally, we identify moving objects by comparing the image sequence with the background model. We have tested our system with both synthetic and real world data and show that it can detect distant moving objects on the runway. We also provide a quantitative analysis of the performance with respect to variations in size, direction and speed of the target.
Marine flooding events and coal bed sequence architecture in southern West Virginia

Abstract Eight regional Lower to Middle Pennsylvanian coal beds (Namurian B/C to Westphalian C) in southern West Virginia were examined. Beds were divided into their component sedimentary parts or benches by identifying bounding surfaces and associated siliciclastic partings within beds. Bounding surfaces represent the cessation of peat accumulation. Paleo-peat mire morphology at the bench level was determined using shape analysis, petrographic indices and coal chemistry data. Planar and raised paleo-peat mire benches were identified. All gas coal and some splint coal benches were derived from raised mires. Heterolithic coal and the remaining splint coal benches were derived from planar mires. Most bounding surfaces are thin, composed of oxidized and degraded organic materials, high in ash and sulfur content, and contain clay minerals and silt-sized quartz. Vitrinite reflectance is suppressed in the upper part of some benches. The associated siliciclastic parting materials, when thick, show evidence of tidal influence and contain brackish water to marine trace fossil assemblages. Bounding surfaces and the associated sediments represent a sudden increase in water depth and the lateral continuity of these surfaces indicates regional to basinal extent. Bounding surfaces are the up-paleoslope expression of rapid (
Interactive exploration of RNA22 microRNA target predictions

Summary: MicroRNA (miRNA) target prediction is an important problem. Given an miRNA sequence the task is to determine the identity of the messenger RNAs targeted by it, the locations within them where the interactions happen and the specifics of the formed heteroduplexes. Here, we describe a web-based application, RNA22-GUI, which we have designed and implemented for the interactive exploration and in-context visualization of predictions by RNA22, one of the popular miRNA target prediction algorithms. Central to our design has been the requirement to provide informative and comprehensive visualization that is integrated with interactive search capabilities and permits one to selectively isolate and focus on relevant information that is distilled on-the-fly from a large repository of pre-compiled predictions. RNA22-GUI is currently available for Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Availability: http://cm.jefferson.edu/rna22v1.0/. Contact: Isidore.Rigoutsos@jefferson.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Angina in revascularization of ischemic cardiomyopathy: the whole quilt, or just a STICH?

In this issue of the Journal , Jolicœur et al. [(1)][1] assessed the role of angina in regard to the outcomes of revascularization of ischemic cardiomyopathy by performing a subgroup analysis of the STICH (Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure) trial [(2)][2]. Angina has long played a
Defensiveness is related to increased startle magnitude

Abstract Previous work has demonstrated that individuals with a repressive coping style (i.e. those high in defensiveness and low in trait anxiety) tend to show higher levels of physiological reactivity than non-repressors. The present study examined archival data from a two-session experiment to assess whether repressors would show greater reactivity as measured by the eye blink component of the acoustic startle response. Following Weinberger et al.’s (1979) fourfold repression taxonomy, and using the EPQ-L and EPQ-N scales as measures of defensiveness and anxiety, participants were identified as repressors, true low anxious, true high anxious, and defensive high anxious. Results revealed that defensiveness, but not repression per se, was associated with greater startle magnitude. The effect was observed in the first session, but not in the second. Implications for these findings are discussed.
A Pharmacological Study of a New Orally Effective Adrenergic Blocking Agent (A–2077)

Preliminary pharmacologic evaluation of a new series of benzodioxane derivatives indicated that 2 - (N,N - diethyl-carbamylmethyl) - aminomethyl -1,4 - benzodioxane (A-2077) possesses low acute toxicity, provides protection against the lethal effects of epinephrine in mice, produces moderate and fairly sustained reduction of blood pressure in anesthetized normotensive cats and dogs following oral and intravenous doses which also inhibit or reverse the pressor response to sympathomimetic amines. This compound appears to be an adrenergic blocking agent with considerable oral effectiveness.
Biochemical Monitoring of Acetylcholinesterase Sensitivity to Organophosphorus Insecticides in Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Homalodisca coagulata Say (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) and Smoke-Tree Sharpshooter H. lacerta Fowler

The glassy-winged sharpshooter Homalodisca coagulata Say (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) is a new pest to California agriculture. It is the principal vector of several plant pathogenic diseases, particularly Pierce's Disease in grapevines, and oleander leaf scorch. A microplate-based assay is described that measures the sensitivity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity to inhibition by organophosphorus (OP) insecticides in this important pest. The technique provides users with an accurate measure of the efficacy of OP binding to this target site, and is a valuable tool for monitoring field populations of the insect to determine whether the use of OP insecticides has selected for resistant individuals. The technique will also measure AChE sensitivity in the smoke-tree sharpshooter, H. lacerta Fowler. This species is native to California and is regarded only as a minor pest. Both inhibition and kinetic measurements for the AChE enzymes in these sharpshooters demonstrate the close phylogenetic relationships between the two species.
Use and Utility of Hemostatic Screening in Adults Undergoing Elective, Non-Cardiac Surgery.

Introduction One view of value in medicine is outcome relative to cost of care provided. With respect to operative care, increased attention has been placed on evaluation and optimization of patients prior to undergoing an elective surgery. We examined more than 2 million patients having elective, non-cardiac surgery to assess the incidence and utility of pre-operative hemostatic screening, compared with a composite of history variables that may indicate a propensity for bleeding, to assess several important outcomes of surgery.
Positive and negative DNA sequence elements are required to establish the pattern of Pax3 expression

The transcription start site and DNA sequence elements required for the induction of Pax3 expression in differentiating P19 embryonal carcinoma cells have been localized. These elements consist of a promoter and additional elements located within 1.6 kbp 5' to the transcription start site. Sequence elements within this 1.6 kbp region are also sufficient to mediate the induction and dorsal restriction of Pax3 in the neural tube and somites of transgenic mice throughout the hindbrain and trunk. Additional elements required for expression anterior to the hindbrain and in migrating myoblasts are located within 14 kbp 5' to the transcription start site. This region also contains element(s) that repress Pax3 expression in the ventral body wall mesoderm of the tail bud.
Does Audit Committee Accounting Expertise Help to Safeguard Auditor Independence

In this study, we examine whether greater accounting expertise among audit committee members helps safeguard auditor independence by reducing the likelihood of auditor dismissal following an adverse internal control opinion or an income-decreasing restatement of previously filed financial statements. We find that auditors are less likely to be dismissed in the year following an adverse internal control opinion or an income-decreasing restatement of previously filed financial statements when the audit committee has greater accounting expertise (measured by the proportion of accounting experts on the audit committee). Importantly, we find similar results when limiting the sample to observations where the CEO likely wields greater influence over the audit committee. These findings have important implications for corporate nominating committees choosing board members that will serve on the audit committee, especially in light of recent research suggesting that greater CEO influence over the audit committee can reduce audit committee effectiveness.
Low-Reynolds-number flow

Newton’s second law of motion stipulates that the rate of change of momentum of a fluid parcel must be balanced by the body force exerted over the parcel volume and by the surface force exerted on the parcel boundary. Under certain conditions, the rate of change of momentum of the parcel is small compared to the body and surface force, and can be neglected without introducing serious error. The flow is then governed by a balance between the body force and the surface force.
The Category of the Personal and the Problem of God

The centrality of the concept of personality in Temple’s philosophy is particularly apparent in the use he makes of personality as a metaphysical principle of explanation. Two points need to be evaluated in Temple’s analysis: (1) the justification for using purpose as the only adequate explanatory principle; (2) the adequacy of Temple’s approach in arriving at the nature of the Supreme Being whose purpose is held to explain the universe.
Justice and the Moral Lexicon

As Nick Haslam (this issue) describes, democratic senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan proposed in 1993 that a pattern of “defining deviancy down” threatened to normalize harmful and pathological behavi...