cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of cytochrome promotes liver injury in ob/ob mice

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activates several hepatotoxins and contributes to alcoholic liver damage. Obesity is a growing health problem in the United States. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether acetone- or pyrazole-mediated induction of CYP2E1 can potentiate liver injury in obesity. CYP2E1 protein and activity were elevated in acetone- or pyrazole-treated obese and lean mice. Acetone or pyrazole induced distinct histological changes in liver and significantly higher aminotransferase enzymes in obese mice compared to obese controls or acetone- or pyrazole-treated lean mice. Higher caspase-3 activity and numerous apoptotic hepatocytes were observed in the acetone- or pyrazole-treated obese mice. Increased protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts, elevated levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and higher 3-nitrotyrosine protein adducts were found in livers of acetone- or pyrazole-treated obese animals, suggesting elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress. Liver tumor necrosis factor α levels were higher in pyrazole-treated animals. The CYP2E1 inhibitor chlormethiazole and iNOS inhibitor N-(3-(aminomethyl)-benzyl) acetamidine abrogated the toxicity and the oxidative/nitrosative stress elicited by the induction of CYP2E1. Conclusion: These results show that obesity contributes to oxidative stress and liver injury and that induction of CYP2E1 enhances these effects. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:1355–1365.)
Resonant Compton scattering and gamma-ray burst continuum spectra

The Thomson limit of resonant inverse Compton scattering in the strong magnetic fields of neutron stars is considered as a mechanism for producing gamma-ray burst continuum spectra. Photon production spectra and electron cooling rates are presented using the full magnetic Thomson cross-section. Model emission spectra are obtained as self-consistent solutions of a set of photon and electron kinetic equations, displaying spectral breaks and other structure at gamma-ray energies.
Views of Fibonacci dynamics

Abstract The Binet formula gives a natural way for Fibonacci numbers to be viewed as a function of a complex variable. We experimentally study the complex dynamics of the Fibonacci numbers viewed in that manner. Attracting and repelling fixed points are related to the filled Julia set and to regions of escape time images with fascinating behavior.
INCREASED PROTEIN CATABOLISM IN THYROIDECTOMIZED RATS: RATES OF URINE UREA EXCRETION AND SERUM UREA CONCENTRATIONS1

Uniformity of opinion does not exist regarding the relationship of hypothyroidism to urinary nitrogen excretion. Magnus-Levy (1907) noted a low nitrogen excretion in myxedematous patients, while Underhill and Hilditch (1909) and Janney and Isaacson (1918) reported no definite change in nitrogen excretion after thyroidectomy. Johnston and Maroney (1939) described negative nitrogen balances in cretins, which could be made positive by the administration of thyroid. Small numbers of subjects were studied by these authors, and their investigations were performed under diverse conditions. This report is presented because no definite conclusion can be drawn from the existing literature on the relationship of hypothyroidism to protein metabolism, and because it was found in the experiments described here that the rate of urea excretion of thyroidectomized rats may increase markedly under certain conditions not associated with a high intake of dietary protein. Urea was measured instead of nitrogen, since these stu...
Ion-source dependence of the distributions of internuclear separations in 2 MeV HeH + beams

Abstract Experiments involving the use of MeV molecular-ion beams have yielded new information on atomic collisions in solids. A central part of the analyses of such experiments is a knowledge of the distribution of internuclear separations contained in the incident beam. In an attempt to determine how these distributions depend on ion-source gas conditions, we have studied foil-induced dissociations of H 2 + , H 3 + , HeH + and OH 2 + ions. Although changes of ion-source gas compositions and pressure were found to have no measurable influence on the vibrational state populations of the beams reaching our target, for HeH + we found that beams produced in our rf source were vibrationally “hotter” than beams produced in a duoplasmatron. This was also seen in studies of neutral fragments and transmitted molecules.
Interrelationships of Parapsychological Experiences, Dream Recall, and Lucid Dreams in a Survey with Predominantly Spanish Participants

Previous questionnaire studies of parapsychological experiences have found significant interrelations between the experiences in question and dream experiences. In this study we present a replication of these relationships using a nationality of participants neglected in previous studies, a predominantly Spanish sample. A questionnaire was published in a Spanish New Age magazine. Four hundred and ninety-two questionnaires were received. Most of the parapsychological experiences correlated significantly and positively with each other and with dream recall and lucid dream frequency (Bonferroni-corrected). The results are consistent with the idea discussed in terms of boundary thinness, dissociation, and fantasy proneness that there is a disposition, or openness in some individuals to have or to believe they have had seemingly parapsychological experiences.
Scanning a Photonic Crystal Slab Nanocavity by Condensation of Xenon for Cavity QED Experiments

Condensing xenon gas onto a quantum dot photonic crystal slab nanocavity at 10-25K produces a shift of the nanocavity mode wavelength b; much as 5nm. Strong coupling anticrossing curves were obtained using this technique.
Characterization of biological thin films at the solid-liquid interface by x-ray reflectivity.

We demonstrate that 18 keV x rays can be used to study organic thin films at the solid-liquid interface by x-ray reflectivity. We establish that this is a powerful technique for investigating biological systems in a previously inaccessible manner. Our measurements enabled the density distribution of single phospholipid bilayer membranes in bulk water to be measured with unprecedented precision. Previously, characterization of biomimetic structures normal to a ``buried'' interface was a domain of neutron reflectivity.
Sterically crowded bicyclo[1.1.0]butane radical cations.

The variability of carbon−carbon single bonds by steric and electronic effects is probed by DFT calculations of sterically crowded bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes and their radical cations. The interplay of sterics and electronics on the gradual weakening and breaking of bonds was studied by investigating bridgehead substitution in 1,3-di-tert-butylbicyclo[1.1.0]butane and 2,2‘,4,4‘-tetramethyl-1,3-di-tert-butylbicyclo[1.1.0]butane and geminal substitution in 2,2‘-di-tert-butylbicyclo[1.1.0]butane and 2,2‘,4,4‘-tetra-tert-butylbicyclo[1.1.0]butane. Bridgehead substitution leads to a lengthening of the central bond, whereas bisubstitution on the geminal carbon leads to a shortening of this bond due to a Thorpe−Ingold effect. Although the character of the central bond can be modulated by substitution and electron transfer over a range of 0.35 A, the state forbidden ring planarization does not occur. Sterically crowded bicyclo[1.1.0]butane radical cations are therefore promising candidates for the investigation of ext...
Personal Space and Personality Characteristics: A Non-Confirmation

It was hypothesized that greater spatial distances would be used under the stress of talking about a difficult topic and by introverted and deviant Ss. In Study 1, 52 women completed an introversion-extraversion scale and half were assigned an easy or difficult topic to discuss with another student (an accomplice). In Study 2, 96 women completed four measures of deviancy and interacted with a student (accomplice) under nonstress and then under stress conditions. Difficult conversation topics did not lead to greater distances and, in contrast with previous research, introversion and deviancy did not correlate significantly with individual distance. Implications for the study of personal space are discussed.
Vestibular and attractor network basis of the head direction cell signal in subcortical circuits

Accurate navigation depends on a network of neural systems that encode the moment-to-moment changes in an animal’s directional orientation and location in space. Within this navigation system are head direction (HD) cells, which fire persistently when an animal’s head is pointed in a particular direction (Sharp et al., 2001a; Taube, 2007). HD cells are widely thought to underlie an animal’s sense of spatial orientation, and research over the last 25+ years has revealed that this robust spatial signal is widely distributed across subcortical and cortical limbic areas. Much of this work has been directed at understanding the functional organization of the HD cell circuitry, and precisely how this signal is generated from sensory and motor systems. The purpose of the present review is to summarize some of the recent studies arguing that the HD cell circuit is largely processed in a hierarchical fashion, following a pathway involving the dorsal tegmental nuclei → lateral mammillary nuclei → anterior thalamus → parahippocampal and retrosplenial cortical regions. We also review recent work identifying “bursting” cellular activity in the HD cell circuit after lesions of the vestibular system, and relate these observations to the long held view that attractor network mechanisms underlie HD signal generation. Finally, we summarize the work to date suggesting that this network architecture may reside within the tegmento-mammillary circuit.
Althusser, el infinito adios Althusser: une lecture de Marx Althusser et la psychanalyse Machiavel et nous, suivi de ‘Des problèmes qu’il faudra bien appeler d’un autre nom et peut-être politique’, Althusser et la insituabilité de la politique et de ‘la recurrence du vide chez Louis Althusser’

A review of recent French and Latin-American work on Althusser suggests that the received interpretations of the latter’s work may profitably be re-examined. The notion that there exists an early, middle and late Althusser, each distinct from the others in important ways, is called radically into question by this body of scholarship. Various authors show the presence of an aleatory dimension, usually associated with the late Althusser, in even his most ‘structuralist’ concepts (for example, structural causality). These works help us read Althusser in a new way.
Characterization of a novel cell wall-anchored protein with carboxylesterase activity required for virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Pooled mutant competition assays have shown that the Mycobacterium tuberculosis MT2282 gene (Rv2224c, annotated as encoding a proteinase) is required for bacterial survival in mice. To understand the mechanism of this requirement, we conducted a genetic and biochemical study of the MT2282 gene and its product. MT2282 encodes a member of the microbial esterase/lipase family with active site consensus sequences of G-X-S-X-G, and we have concluded that the MT2282 protein is, in fact, a cell wall-associated carboxylesterase rather than a proteinase, as initially annotated. The MT2282 gene product preferentially hydrolyzes ester bonds of substrates with intermediate carbon chain length. Purified MT2282 is a monomer with enzymatic catalysis properties that fit in the Michaelis-Menten kinetic model. Esterase activity was inhibited by paraoxon and dichlorvos. Replacement of Ser215, Asp450, and His477 by Ala in the consensus motifs completely abolishes esterase activity, suggesting that Ser215-Asp450-His477 forms a catalytic triad with Ser215 as an active site residue. To evaluate the role of the MT2282 in pathogenesis, the gene was deleted from the M. tuberculosis genome. BALB/c mouse aerosol infections showed reduced colony-forming unit loads in lungs and spleens and less lung pathology for the ΔMT2282 mutant. High dose intravenous infection of mice with the mutant resulted in a significantly delayed time to death compared with the wild type or complemented mutant. These results indicate that MT2282 encodes a cell wall-associated carboxylesterase, which is required for full virulence of M. tuberculosis. We propose that MT2282 (Rv2224c) and its adjacent paralogous gene MT2281 (Rv2223c) be named caeA and caeB respectively, for carboxylesterase A and B.
Temporally-aggregated atmospheric optical properties as a function of common climatic information: Systems development and application

A general lack of information on atmospheric optical properties (e.g., the transmission coefficient) is a major obstacle to the use of the Lambert-Beer Laws in numerical modeling. This paper reports on an effort to extract those properties from solar irradiance records and capture their variations in relation to commonly available climatic information. The end product of the effort is a Lambert-Beer Laws-based model that is complete with functions projecting atmospheric coefficients and that differentiates direct, sky-diffuse and terrestrially-reflected solar irradiance. The model is driven by calendar day, four location factors (latitude, elevation, slope azimuth, slope inclination) and three climatic variables (bright-sunshine duration, precipitation, temperature). It effectively reproduces monthly solar irradiance data from around the world.
Power Properties of the Transverse Short-Circuited Thermoelement

The short-circuited thermoelement (SCTE) with slanted shorting was studied in electric power generation mode by means of computer simulation. The basic power characteristics and the distribution of physical fields in the thermoelement were obtained. The transverse thermo-electromotive force (EMF) and efficiency of the SCTE were studied as functions of the material, number, cross-sectional area, and orientation with respect to the temperature gradient of the shorting elements. The optimal parameters of the thermoelement to achieve maximum efficiency were determined. Recommendations for SCTE optimization are described.
Petrotectonic characterization of the Central Andean Terrane, Colombia

Abstract The Central Andean Terrane is a lower Paleozoic metavolcanoclastic-metapelitic belt that extends from the Central Andes of Colombia to northern Peru. On a section across the Central Cordillera of Colombia, the terrane consists mainly of amphibolitic schists and graphitic schists that range from greenschist facies to epidote-amphibolite facies. The mineral assemblages depict one prograde metamorphic event. Schists are isoclinally folded and, toward the western margin of the terrane, foliation is transposed. This transposition is probably related to overthrusting of the Amaime Terrane, which lies west of the Central Andean Terrane. Major and trace element geochemistry reveals two distinct sources for the terrane's protolith: an intra-oceanic island arc, and a continental margin. Accretion and metamorphism of the terrane took place in Late Silurian-Early Devonian time. Based on current Paleozoic reconstructions, two models of tectonic evolution of the Central Andean Terrane are presented here, both involving closure of a back-arc basin. The first model is within an Andean-type margin setting and the second is within a continental collision setting.
Thymosin alpha-1 and FA-1 monoclonal antibody affect fertilizing capacity of human sperm by modulating protein phophorylation pattern

Abstract The present investigation was conducted to investigate the modulation of phosphorylation pattern of human sperm membrane proteins during capacitation by thymosin α-1 (Tα1) (which enhanced sperm penetration index) and anti-FA-1 monoclonal antibody (anti-FA-1 mAb) (which completely blocked sperm penetration) using 32 P metabolic labeling, in vitro kinase assay and Western immunoblot analysis. In 32 P metabolic labeling experiments, Tα1 (0.25 and 0.5 μg/100 μl) enhanced phosphorylation of 7 proteins in four molecular regions namely one protein (190 kDa) in 200-kDa, two proteins (112 and 104 kDa) in 97-kDa, two proteins (48 and 42 kDa) in 43-kDa and two proteins (31 and 25 kDa) in 29-kDa molecular regions, respectively. Anti-FA-1 mAb (10 μg/100 μl) resulted in a general decrease in the 32 P labeling of these sperm proteins. In in vitro kinase assay using non-capacitated sperm extracts, Tα1 (0.5 μg/100 μl) enhanced autophosphorylation of 14 proteins in various molecular regions (122, 105, 95, 89, 73, 62, 48, 46, 40, 33, 30, 28, 25 and 22 kDa, respectively). The same concentration of Tα1 did not affect autophosphorylation of proteins in capacitated sperm extract. Anti-FA-1 mAb (10 μg/100 μl) inhibited autophosphorylation of a subset of 8 proteins (122, 104, 95, 89, 73, 62, 48 and 46 kDa, respectively) in non-capacitated sperm membrane extracts, and 12 proteins (112, 104, 95, 89, 73, 62, 48, 46, 33, 30, 28 and 25 kDa, respectively) in capacitated sperm membrane extracts. In the Western immunoblot analysis, Tα1 resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of two proteins (95 and 51 kDa) during capacitation of human sperm, whereas anti-FA-1 mAb inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of both proteins. These results indicate that Tα1 and anti-FA-1 mAb affect the fertilizing capacity of human sperm by modulating phosphorylation of proteins especially tyrosine phosphorylation of 95- and 51-kDa proteins during capacitation. These findings also suggest that there may be a signal transduction pathway(s) involved in phosphorylation of membrane proteins during capacitation and that an exogenous stimulus affecting a single membrane protein component can modulate phosphorylation of all the relevant proteins involved in capacitation/acrosome reaction of human sperm.
Stranger and stranger: creating theory through ethnographic distance and authority

Purpose – Classical ethnographic research begins with the recognition that the observer starts as a stranger to the group being studied, a recognition as evident in the analysis of formal organizations as of gangs or tribes. From this position of difference the researcher must learn the themes and dynamics of a setting of otherness. The researcher begins as an outsider, a stance that creates initial challenges, yet permits the transmittal of novel information to external audiences. This is particularly true while studying organizational worlds that explicitly focus on occupational socialization. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper relies on the close reading and analysis of three major ethnographies of occupational socialization. Findings – The reality that (many) ethnographers begin as strangers permits them to understand socialization processes while observing how group cultures change. The authors defines this as the “stranger paradigm.” This othe...
How useful is combined chromoendoscopy and endomicroscopy in patients with ulcerative colitis

How useful is combined chromoendoscopy and endomicroscopy in patients with ulcerative colitis?
Structural and Thermal Expansions in Alkali Silicate Binary Glasses

Two volume-changing processes that should be considered in detail are (1) distention of networks by added oxides which may swell glass volumes in proportion to the added oxide volumes and (2) angular change in intertetrahedral bonding which may take place at and above annealing temperatures in proportion to the number of metal ions introduced by the modifications. Accordingly, the partial molar volumes of modifiers, νR, are assumed as those of their crystal or liquid states and the partial molar volumes of silica are computed from (1/νS) = 2.20 + 0.00057 (rm– 0.12) (1723 –t). Tentative glass volumes are then computed as Vg= SmνS+ rmνR by use of the mole fractions Sm and rm for silica and nonsilica, respectively. The excess of computed glass volumes, V0, over V as derived from observed densities is taken as a measure of the penetration of modifiers into the network cavities without corresponding distention of the network. By using the computed density of 1.95 for vitron, the value 2.20 for silica glass, and 2.30 as reported for irradiated silica, one can estimate that silica glass consists of 28% vitron and 72% disordered silica in the intervitron tissues. The values of Vg, –V mentioned are found to be in fair accord with expectations computable from the vitron theory.
Use of behavior to evaluate reproductive problems in captive mammals

Behavioral analyses constitute a logical starting point for discerning the causes of reproductive failure in captive mammals and should be completed before moving on to more invasive diagnostic procedures. Behavioral inadequacies affecting reproductive performance may be attributable to deficient early rearing environments, to the social milieux in which breeding-age animals are held on a long-term basis, or in the way pairings for mating are staged. Diagnoses may be focused on uncovering motivational, motoric, social, or communicative deficiencies. A biologically based approach which integrates species-typical behavior with concerns for genetics, physiology, and health in designing breeding programs will improve prospects for success. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mutagenesis of a Single Amino Acid in the Rat μ‐Opioid Receptor Discriminates Ligand Binding

To investigate the role of Asp 114 in the cloned rat μ-opioid receptor for ligand binding, the charged amino acid was mutated to an asparagine to generate the mutant μ receptor D114N. The wild-type μ receptor and the D114N mutant were then stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, and the binding affinities of a series of opioids were investigated. The μ-selective agonists [D-Ala 2 ,MePhe 4 ,Gly-ol 5 ]enkephalin and morphine and the endogenous peptides Met-enkephalin and β-endorphin exhibited greatly reduced affinities for the D114N mutant compared with the wild-type μ receptor, as did the potent synthetic agonist etorphine. In contrast to the full agonists, the partial agonists buprenorphine and nalorphine and the antagonists diprenorphine and naloxone bound with similar affinities to the wild-type and D114N mutant μ receptors. The reduced affinities of the full agonists for the D114N mutant did not involve an uncoupling of the receptor from G proteins because methadone and etorphine stimulated the D114N μ receptors to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Although the Asp 114 to Asn 114 mutation reduced full-agonist binding, mutation of His 297 to Asn 297 in the μ receptor did not but, in contrast, did reduce binding affinity of the partial agonist buprenorphine and the antagonist diprenorphine. These results indicate that some partial agonists and antagonists may have different determinants for binding to the μ receptor than do the prototypical full agonists.
A model for risk classification of banks

This paper deals with designing a bank risk classification scheme based on readily available performance data. This risk rating is referred to as ‘Risk rating’. Due to non-availability of data on CAMEL rating (C rating), R risk rating has potential for studying risk-based premiums insurance policy and for determining optimal frequencies for variable frequency on-site examination policy. A composite non-performance measure is developed to estimate probability of failure of a bank based on performance data available in bank call reports by fitting a Logit curve and estimating its parameters using maximum likelihood method. Division of banks into healthy and watchful types is based on critical dividing value of probability of failure.
Structural properties of matroid matchings

Abstract This paper refines Lovasz's duality theory for the linear matroid parity problem by: 1. (1) characterizing a minimum cover in terms of maximum matchings, 2. (2) characterizing maximum matchings in terms of a minimum cover and 3. (3) characterizing critical structures called hypomatchable components. We describe a naturally arising lattice of minimum covers for primitive parity problems and characterize the least and greatest elements in this lattice. For not necessarily primitive parity problems, we introduce a class of minimum covers whose members form a lattice and show that the critical components in the least element of this lattice exhibit a special property called “hypermatchability”.
An Exploration of Right-Hemisphere Contributions to the Pragmatic Impairments of Autism

This study examined the potential contribution of the right hemisphere to the communicative impairments of autism. Pragmatic language measures sensitive to right-hemisphere damage were administered to nonretarded adults with autism and to controls matched on age and intellectual ability. The experimental battery included measures of humor, inference, and indirect request comprehension. Autistic subjects performed significantly less well than controls on all measures, replicating results of an earlier investigation by Rumsey and Hanahan (Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 12, 81, 1990). The performance of the autistic group on the three tasks was also similar to that of right-hemisphere stroke patients reported previously (Molloy, Brownell, & Gardner, in Y. Joanette and H. M. Brownell (Eds.), Discourse ability and brain damage: Theoretical and empirical perspectives, New York: Springer-Verlag, 1990,pp. 113-130). Generalizability of these results and implications for the neuropathology of autism are discussed.
The functions of two species of calcium channel in cardiac muscle excitation-contraction coupling

The contractile state of cardiac muscle cell is determined by the level of calcium in the cytosol. Each action potential produces a transient elevation of cytosolic calcium. The interaction of calcium ions with the contractile elements of the cell initiates a series of events which culminate in cell shortening. The process by which cell excitation is coupled to contraction involves the function of two distinct species of calcium-selective membrane ion channel; the L-type, dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel of the cell surface membrane or sarcolemma and the ryanodine-sensitive calcium-release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum intracellular membrane network. The aim of this article is to provide information on the properties of these channels and to discuss the mechanisms involved in the coordination of their function in the coupling of cardiac muscle cell excitation to contraction.
Changes in Corporate Capital Structures: Evidence from the 1986 Tax Reform Act

This paper employs choice‐theoretic models to study the impact of the 1986 Tax Reform Act on firms' issue behavior and the determinants of corporate capital structures. Choice‐theoretic models allow researchers to examine firms' leverage decisions at the margin. Both parametric and semi‐parametric estimations are employed to perform a more precise statistical inference. The results show that firms tend to issue more debt after the 1986 Tax Reform Act. The results also support the theories based on the trade‐off between tax shields and financial distress costs, corporate non‐debt tax shields, and agency costs inclusive of those from free cash flows.
Development of a new physics‐based internal coordinate mechanics force field and its application to protein loop modeling

We report the development of internal coordinate mechanics force field (ICMFF), new force field parameterized using a combination of experimental data for crystals of small molecules and quantum mechanics calculations. The main features of ICMFF include: (a) parameterization for the dielectric constant relevant to the condensed state (e = 2) instead of vacuum, (b) an improved description of hydrogen-bond interactions using duplicate sets of van der Waals parameters for heavy atom-hydrogen interactions, and (c) improved backbone covalent geometry and energetics achieved using novel backbone torsional potentials and inclusion of the bond angles at the C(α) atoms into the internal variable set. The performance of ICMFF was evaluated through loop modeling simulations for 4-13 residue loops. ICMFF was combined with a solvent-accessible surface area solvation model optimized using a large set of loop decoys. Conformational sampling was carried out using the biased probability Monte Carlo method. Average/median backbone root-mean-square deviations of the lowest energy conformations from the native structures were 0.25/0.21 A for four residues loops, 0.84/0.46 A for eight residue loops, and 1.16/0.73 A for 12 residue loops. To our knowledge, these results are significantly better than or comparable with those reported to date for any loop modeling method that does not take crystal packing into account. Moreover, the accuracy of our method is on par with the best previously reported results obtained considering the crystal environment. We attribute this success to the high accuracy of the new ICM force field achieved by meticulous parameterization, to the optimized solvent model, and the efficiency of the search method.
A case-comparison analysis of elder abuse and neglect

This study examines factors which contribute to elderly abuse and neglect by caregivers in a domestic setting. Methodological and conceptual variations and problems in previous studies have led to considerable confusion as to the determinants of this important social problem. A more rigorous research design was used in this study than has been previously employed. Fifty-nine abused elders from a model project site for the study of elderly abuse were compared with forty-nine non-abused clients from a home care program in the same agency. Using a research instrument designed by the authors, data related to the following aspects of the lives of the elders and their caregivers were collected: psychological status, stressful life events, social networks, mutual dependency, and the nature of their relationships. The study indicates that members of abusive families are more likely to have emotional problems which contribute to interpersonal difficulties. Abused elders are not more dependent on caregivers for many of their daily needs. However, the abused elderly and their caregivers have become increasingly interdependent prior to the onset of abuse because of the loss of other family members, increased social isolation, and the increased financial dependency of the perpetrator on the elderly person.
External work output and force generation during synchronized intermittent mechanical ventilation. Effect of machine assistance on breathing effort.

We measured the mechanical work performed by 12 acutely ill patients during synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation to determine the influence of volume-cycled machine assistance on inspiratory timing, respiratory muscle force development, and external work output. The frequency and tidal volume of spontaneous breaths increased at lower levels of mechanical ventilation, but inspiratory time fraction did not vary across the spectrum of machine support. As machine support was withdrawn, inspiratory work and pressure-time product increased progressively for both spontaneous and assisted breathing cycles. On a per cycle basis, work output was greater for assisted than for spontaneous breaths at all levels of comparison. Although the mean pressure developed by the patient during assisted cycles averaged ≌ 20% less than during adjacent unassisted cycles, contraction time averaged ≌ 20% longer, so that the pressure-time products were nearly equivalent for both types of cycle. Two indices of force reserve...
Heart Rate Variability Predicts Cognitive Reactivity to a Sad Mood Provocation

Cognitive reactivity—the tendency to think negatively in response to a sad mood—is an important predictor of depression vulnerability. The current study examined whether heart rate variability, a physiological index of emotion regulation capacity, predicts individual differences in cognitive reactivity. Heart rate variability in the high frequency spectrum was assessed during a 5-min rest period among a sample of healthy, female adults (N = 67). Participants then completed an assessment of dysfunctional attitudes before and after watching a movie designed to elicit a sad mood. Lower heart rate variability was associated with greater change in dysfunctional attitudes. This relationship persisted after controlling for (a) current depressive symptoms and history of depressive disorder, and (b) other physiological indices, including resting skin conductance, respiration, and heart rate. Findings suggest that low physiological capacity to regulate emotions may contribute to depression vulnerability via increased cognitive reactivity.
A Comparison of Land Use/Cover Mapping with Varied Radar Incident Angles and Seasons

This study examined the classification accuracy of specific land use/cover categories from original and derived spaceborne radar measures for a site in Nepal. Six RADARSAT images were compiled and registered to evaluate the effects of incident angle and seasonality on feature delineations. Examination of an initial RADARSAT image for Kathmandu provided poor classification results (56 percent overall accuracy) for the four generalized land covers of urban, residential, agriculture, and grass. Measures of Variance texture were applied to this original RADARSAT data over varied window sizes, improving overall classification accuracy to 75 percent. Dry-season results were generally better than wet-season along with a pattern of improved separability as the incident angle increased from averages of ca. 23.5° to 39.5 to 47°.
Characterization of Monolayer-Level Composition and Optical Gap Profiles in Amorphous Silicon-Carbon Alloy Bandgap-Modulated Structures

Over the past few years we have applied real time spectroscopie ellipsometry (RTSE) to characterize the structural, compositional, and optical gap profiles in continuously-graded amorphous silicon-carbon alloy films (a-Si 1-x C x :H). Most recently, we have extended the RTSE methods to their monolayer sensitivity and resolution limits. In this study, continuous triangular variations in the carbon content × (0.02≤x≤0.24) within ∼25 to 130 A thick graded layers were introduced at the i/p interfaces of the n-i-p solar cell structures using continuous variations in the flow ratio z=[CH 4 ]/{[SiH 4 ]+[CH 4 ]} during rf plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). A virtual interface approximation has been applied to interpret the RTSE data collected during the growth of the graded interface layers. This analysis yields C-content depth-profiles with monolayer-level resolution and a compositional uncertainty of ±0.004. Even compositional gradients in which x changes by >0.2 within a few monolayers’ thickness are readily characterized. Lastly, a continuous increase in open circuit voltage with increasing graded interface layer thickness, saturating at ΔV oc =0.1 V after 100 A, is observed in the n-i-p solar cells with graded layers. These results demonstrate the importance of the RTSE analysis in assessing bandgap engineered device designs.
Lithium-induced neuroprotection is associated with epigenetic modification of specific BDNF gene promoter and altered expression of apoptotic-regulatory proteins

Bipolar disorder (BD), one of the most debilitating mental disorders, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Lithium is the first line of treatment option for BD and is often used for maintenance therapy. Recently, the neuroprotective action of lithium has gained tremendous attention, given that BD is associated with structural and functional abnormalities of the brain. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which lithium exerts its neuroprotective action is not clearly understood. In hippocampal neurons, the effects of lithium on neuronal viability against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity, dendritic length and number, and expression and methylation of BDNF promoter exons and expression of apoptotic regulatory genes were studied. In rat hippocampal neurons, lithium not only increased dendritic length and number, but also neuronal viability against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity. While lithium increased the expression of BDNF as well as genes associated with neuroprotection such as Bcl2 and Bcl-XL, it decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic genes Bax, Bad, and caspases 3. Interestingly, lithium activated transcription of specific exon IV to induce BDNF gene expression. This was accompanied by hypomethylation of BDNF exon IV promoter. This study delineates mechanisms by which lithium mediates its effects in protecting neurons.
Drosophila type II neuroblast lineages keep Prospero levels low to generate large clones that contribute to the adult brain central complex

Tissue homeostasis depends on the ability of stem cells to properly regulate self-renewal versus differentiation. Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts) are a model system to study self-renewal and differentiation. Recent work has identified two types of larval neuroblasts that have different self-renewal/differentiation properties. Type I neuroblasts bud off a series of small basal daughter cells (ganglion mother cells) that each generate two neurons. Type II neuroblasts bud off small basal daughter cells called intermediate progenitors (INPs), with each INP generating 6 to 12 neurons. Type I neuroblasts and INPs have nuclear Asense and cytoplasmic Prospero, whereas type II neuroblasts lack both these transcription factors. Here we test whether Prospero distinguishes type I/II neuroblast identity or proliferation profile, using several newly characterized Gal4 lines. We misexpress prospero using the R19H09-Gal4 line (expressed in type II neuroblasts but no adjacent type I neuroblasts) or R9D11-Gal4 line (expressed in INPs but not type II neuroblasts). We find that differential prospero expression does not distinguish type I and type II neuroblast identities, but Prospero regulates proliferation in both type I and type II neuroblast lineages. In addition, we use R9D11 lineage tracing to show that type II lineages generate both small-field and large-field neurons within the adult central complex, a brain region required for locomotion, flight, and visual pattern memory.
A teaching pedagogy for networking/system administration courses: freshman through senior years

After teaching in undergraduate information technology (IT) degree programs for ten years and focusing heavily on the curriculum for such programs, particularly networking and system administration coursework, the authors have honed a pedagogical strategy for course delivery and evaluation. This strategy centers on the theory/hands-on mix, as students progress from their freshman through senior years of study. An IT degree program relies heavily on the application and integration of technologies, relative to other computing disciplines, but this paper focuses on the proper mix between theoretical understanding and hands-on technology in the coursework. In the framework laid out, early courses focus more towards the theory aspect of the technologies and then as students gain more understanding and confidence with applicable technologies, more relevance is given to in-depth networking/system integration and management tasks. An analysis of the framework is presented in relation to Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives.
Capacity and coding for flat fading channels without channel state information

This paper presents a method for calculating arbitrarily tight upper and lower bounds on the capacity of a flat fading channel with M-ary inputs, where the fading process is modelled as a Gaussian random process with any spectral density. Neither the transmitter nor the receiver knows the channel state. The paper also presents a practicable method for adapting any family of codes designed for i.i.d. channels to work on correlated fading channels. Thus, the near-capacity performance of existing codes with iterative decoders can be translated directly to fading channels.
Association of prostate cancer risk with insulin, glucose, and anthropometry in the baltimore longitudinal study of aging

Abstract Objectives To examine the relationship of insulin, glucose, and anthropometry with the subsequent risk of prostate cancer. Methods The relative risk of prostate cancer by insulin, glucose, and anthropometric measures was evaluated in 823 male participants (87 patients with prostate cancer in 10,737 person-years of follow-up) of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who had at least one fasting plasma insulin measurement, which was prediagnostic for those with prostate cancer. Age-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted relative risks were estimated from Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results Insulin concentrations were in the normal range (defined as less than 20 μU/mL) for 95.1% of participants. Fasting insulin and glucose levels were unrelated to prostate cancer risk in our overall analysis ( P for trend = 0.56 and 0.45, respectively). The relative risk of prostate cancer for the second through fourth quartiles of the waist/hip ratio compared with the lowest quartile was 2.10, 1.96, and 2.06, respectively ( P for trend = 0.32). Risk was unrelated to waist circumference and body mass index. Conclusions The results of this study do not conclusively support positive associations of markers of insulin and glucose metabolism and obesity with prostate cancer. Additional larger prospective studies with repeated measure of these parameters are warranted to explore these associations further.
Intense terahertz pulses by four-wave rectification in air

We describe a new four-wave rectification method for the generation of intense, ultrafast terahertz (THz) pulses from gases. The fundamental and second-harmonic output of an amplified Ti:sapphire laser is focused to a peak intensity of ~5x10(14)W/cm (2) . Under these conditions, peak THz fields estimated at 2 kV/cm have been observed; the measured power spectrum peaks near 2 THz. Phase-dependent measurements show that this is a coherent process and is sensitive to the relative phases of the fundamental and second-harmonic pulses. Comparable THz signals have been observed from nitrogen and argon as well as from air.
Pediatric Heart Failure Therapy with β-Adrenoceptor Antagonists

Management of chronic heart failure in pediatrics has been altered by the adult literature showing improvements in mortality and hospitalization rates with the use of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (beta-blockers) for routine therapy of all classes of ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure. Many pediatric heart failure specialists have incorporated these agents into their routine management of pediatric heart failure related to dilated cardiomyopathy or ventricular dysfunction in association with congenital heart disease. Retrospective and small prospective case series have shown encouraging improvements in cardiac function and symptoms, but interpretation has been complicated by the high rate of spontaneous recovery in pediatric patients. A recently completed pediatric double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial showed no difference between placebo and two doses of carvedilol over a 6-month period of follow-up, with significant improvement of all three groups over the course of evaluation. Experience with adults has suggested that only certain beta-blockers, including carvedilol, bisoprolol, nebivolol, and metoprolol succinate, should be used in the treatment of heart failure and that patients with high-grade heart failure may derive the most benefit. Other studies surmise that early or prophylactic use of these medications may alter the risk of disease progression in some high-risk subsets, such as patients receiving anthracyclines or those with muscular dystrophy. This article reviews these topics using experience as well as data from all the recent pediatric studies on the use of beta-blockers to treat congestive heart failure, especially when related to systolic ventricular dysfunction.
Application of tree-ring isotopic analyses to reconstruct historical water use of riparian trees

Historical patterns of water source use by trees inferred from long-term records of tree-ring stable isotopic content could assist in evaluating the impact of human alterations to natural stream flow regimes (e.g., water impoundments, stream flow diversions, and groundwater extraction). Our objective was to assess the utility of the hydrogen stable isotopic composition (SD) of tree rings as an index of historical water source use by riparian trees. We investigated the influence of site conditions that varied in climate and hydrology on the relationship between deltaD of Populus xylem water (deltaD(xyl)) and tree-ring cellulose (deltaD(cell)). deltaD(xyl) and deltaD(cell) were strongly correlated across sites (r2 = 0.89). However, the slope of this relationship was less than 1, indicating that factors other than deltaD(xyl) influenced deltaD(cell). Inverse modeling with an isotopic fractionation model for tree-ring cellulose suggested that the lack of one-to-one correspondence between deltaD(xyl) and deltaD(cell) was due to the influence of the hydrogen isotopic content of the atmospheric water vapor (deltaD(atm)). Empirically measured values of deltaD(cell) were typically within the seasonal range of deltaD(cell) predicted from the fractionation model. Sensitivity analyses showed that changes in deltaD(xyl) generally had a greater influence at high-elevation montane sites, whereas deltaD(xyl) and deltaD(atm) had about equal influence on deltaD(cell) at low-elevation desert sites. The intrasite relationship between deltaD(cell) and deltaD(xyl) among individual trees was poor, perhaps because of the within-site spatial variation in hydrologic conditions and associated tree physiological responses. Our study suggests that historical variation in deltaD(cell) of Populus provides information on historical variation in both time-integrated water source use and atmospheric conditions; and that the influence of atmospheric conditions is not consistent over sites with large differences in temperature and humidity. Reconstruction of xylem water sources of Populus in riparian ecosystems from deltaD(cell) will be more direct at higher elevation mountain sites than at low-elevation desert sites.
Speculative hedge: regulating compile-time speculation against profile variations

Path-oriented scheduling methods, such as trace scheduling and hyperblock scheduling, use speculation to extract instruction-level parallelism from control-intensive programs. These methods predict important execution paths in the current scheduling scope using execution profiling or frequency estimation. Aggressive speculation is then applied to the important execution paths, possibly at the cost of degraded performance along other paths. Therefore, the speed of the output code can be sensitive to the compiler's ability to accurately predict the important execution paths. Prior work in this area has utilized the speculative yield function by Fisher, coupled with dependence height, to distribute instruction priority among execution paths in the scheduling scope. While this technique provides more stability of performance by paying attention to the needs of all paths, it does not directly address the problem of mismatch between compile-time prediction and run-time behavior. The work presented in this paper extends the speculative yield and dependence height heuristic to explicitly minimize the penalty suffered by other paths when instructions are speculated along a path. Since the execution time of a path is determined by the number of cycles spent between a path's entrance and exit in the scheduling scope, the heuristic attempts to eliminate unnecessary speculation that delays any path's exit. Such control of speculation makes the performance much less sensitive to the actual path taken at run time. The proposed method has a strong emphasis on achieving minimal delay to all exits. Thus the name, speculative hedge, is used. This paper presents the speculative hedge heuristic, and shows how it controls over-speculation in a superblock/hyperblock scheduler. The stability of output code performance in the presence of execution variation is demonstrated with six programs from the SPEC CINT92 benchmark suite.