cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toll-like receptors in systemic autoimmune disease

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have a crucial role in the early detection of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and the subsequent activation of the adaptive immune response. Whether TLRs also have an important role in the recognition of endogenous ligands has been more controversial. Numerous in vitro studies have documented activation of both autoreactive B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells by mammalian TLR ligands. The issue of whether these in vitro observations translate to an in vivo role for TLRs in either the initiation or the progression of systemic autoimmune disease is a subject of intense research; data are beginning to emerge showing that this is the case.
Isolation and some properties of equine α1-antitrypsin

Abstract 1. 1. Equine α 1 -antitrypsin was isolated from horse plasma by a combination of ammonium sulfate and acidification precipitation followed by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, molecular sieve chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and affinity chromatography on Cibacron Blueagarose. 2. 2. The purified protein showed a single precipitin arc on immunoelectrophoresis in agarose but gave two bands on discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). 3. 3. Both bands appeared to interact equally with trypsin and were thought to represent two isoinhibitors of equine α 1 -AT.
Vertical movement and time allocation of a freshwater pulmonate snail

The paper presents an analysis of locomotion and location in a vertical water column of 10Biomphalaria glabrata, under constant conditions of light, temperature, and food availability. Individual snails varied in distance traveled, and in the percentage of time spent in different areas of the water column. Distance covered ranged from 53 cm to 100 cm h−1 . Approximately 21% of locomotion was observed to be passive (floating up or sinking down). Snails spent approximately 58% of the time in the bottom section, 35% in the top section and only 7% in the middle region. The study provides baseline data that can be used to compare further studies ofBiomphalaria glabrata as various conditions are altered.
A new matching condition for nonlinear robust control design

We study the control design problem for uncertain nonlinear systems. A new matching condition is presented. The main idea is to explore the route through which the (worst case) uncertainty may affect the stability. This route is then used to establish the new matching condition. Compared with the previous case, the current matching condition prescribes the route nonlinearly while the early matching condition is a special case of the linear description. A class of robust controls, which guarantees practical stability, can be designed based on this new matching condition. The size of the uniform ultimate boundedness ball can be made arbitrarily small by an appropriate choice of a design parameter.
Update in Lipid Alterations in Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormone has multiple effects on the regulation of lipid synthesis, absorption, and metabolism. Studies consistently demonstrate elevated levels of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), and possibly triglycerides in individuals with overt hypothyroidism, all of which are reversible with levothyroxine therapy. Although it is estimated that 1 to 11% of all patients with dyslipidemia have subclinical hypothyroidism, the effects of subclinical hypothyroidism on serum lipid values are less clear. Apolipoprotein B levels may be increased in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Although some studies have demonstrated that total cholesterol and LDL-C levels are elevated in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, others have not shown any effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on these lipid measurements. Serum triglycerides, lipid subparticle size, and LDL-C oxidizability may be altered in subclinical hypothyroidism, but these studies h...
Time-resolved degenerate four-wave mixing in thin films of C60 and C70 using femtosecond optical pulses

Abstract Thin films of pure C60 and C70 have been studied by time-resolved degenerate four-wave mixing using femtosecond optical pulses with a wavelength of 633 nm. Large optical nonlinearities were measured for both materials, with χ(3) values ≈ 10−10 esu. The degenerate four-wave mixing signal was monitored as a function of the relative arrival times for the excitation pulses. Along with a long-lived (≈ 100 ps) component to the four-wave mixing decay, response dynamics occurring on both femtosecond and picosecond time scales were observed for both materials.
Preparation of hyperbranched polyacrylates by atom transfer radical polymerization, 4: The use of zero-valent copper

The addition of zero-valent copper to the self-condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP) of novel AB* (meth)acrylic monomers using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) catalyst systems has allowed for their successful polymerization. Polymerization under homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst conditions without additional Cu(0) were unsuccessful. The catalyst system that was designed comprised of Cu(I) bromide, 4,4′-bis(5-nonyl)-2,2′-bipyridine, and Cu(0) metal (powder or turning). From 1H NMR spectroscopy, the degree of branching was estimated for the acrylic polymers, DB = 0.48. The degree of branching could not be determined for methacrylates by this method due to overlapping signals in the 1H NMR spectra.
Ties that blind: Will Germany and Japan rely too much on the United States?

(2000). Ties that blind: Will Germany and Japan rely too much on the United States? Security Studies: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 98-138.
Inverted handwriting position, language laterality, and the Levy-Nagylaki genetic model of handedness and cerebral organization

Abstract Levy's hypothesis that left-handers who employ an “inverted” handwriting position (the pen being pointed toward the writer's body) are left hemisphere dominant for language functions was tested by assessing the relationship of the inverted and noninverted writing styles to dichotic and lateralized tachistoscopic indices of hemispheric language specializations. Results failed to show any difference in the degree of left hemisphere language dominance for the two writing position groups. It also was found that males employed the inverted hand position significantly more often than females. Both findings cast doubt on the validity of the Levy-Nagylaki genetic model of left-handedness and the cerebral organizations of the left- handed.
Evaluation of a screening protocol to exclude the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis among emergency department patients

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) screening protocol incorporating DVT pretest probability (PTP), selective D-dimer assay, and venous duplex imaging (VDI) to exclude the diagnosis of DVT among emergency department (ED) patients. Methods: A prospective study of all patients evaluated in the ED for suspected DVT during 1 year was undertaken. Patients were classified into PTP risk category by ED physicians before VDI. Correlation studies were completed using VDI as the gold standard. Charges associated with the protocol were calculated. Results: One hundred fourteen patients were included. The incidence of DVT was 9.6% (11). Thirty-six (55%) patients were classified as high risk, 23 (35%) as moderate, and 7 (10%) as low risk. All patients diagnosed with DVT were in the high-risk group (incidence, 16.7%). The sensitivity and negative predictive value were both 100% when PTP and D-dimer were used, but fell to 80% and 95%, respectively, when only D-dimer was considered. The true negative rates were 23% and 37%, respectively. Based on this study, we propose the following screening: for high-risk patients, use direct VDI (no D-dimer); for low-risk or moderate-risk patients, obtain D-dimer, and if it is positive, use VDI, and if it is negative, no further action is required. The average charge associated with the protocol was $170.50 as opposed to $202.00 for global VDI. Conclusion: A screening protocol using PTP along with selective D-dimer and VDI to exclude the diagnosis of DVT among ED patients is efficacious and cost efficient. This screening approach establishes criteria to satisfy billing requirements, can eliminate unnecessary VDI in 23% of ED referrals, and can reduce charges by 16%. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:1010-5.)
In vivo incorporation of tritiated cytidine and tritiated thymidine by the cestode, Hymenolepis microstoma

The mouse bile duct cestode, Hymenolepis microstoma, was exposed in vivo in separate experiments to tiitiated cytidine and tritiated thymidine, respectively. Nucleolar and nuclear labeling, by cytidine, and nuclear labeling, by thymidine, as revealed by autoradiographic methods, occurred in both host and cestode tissues. As expected, only mitotically or synthetically active nuclei were labeled, those of the neck, developing organs, and embryos of the cestode. Bile-duct epithelium and pancreatic acinar cells, autoradiographed as a control, showed the same degree and localization of cytidine labeling as the active cells of the cestode. The assimilation of cytidine amd thymidine by direct absorption from the fluid contents of the bile duct implies that cestodes can absorb such materials from their immediate environment. (auth)
Modeling Human Interindividual Variability in Metabolism and Risk: The Example of 4‐Aminobiphenyl

We investigate, through modeling, the impact of interindividual heterogeneity in the metabolism of 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP) and in physiological factors on human cancer risk: A physiological pharmacokinetic model was used to quantify the time course of the formation of the proximate carcinogen, N-hydroxy-4-ABP and the DNA-binding of the active species in the bladder. The metabolic and physiologic model parameters were randomly varied, via Monte Carlo simulations, to reproduce interindividual variability. The sampling means for most parameters were scaled from values developed by Kadlubar et al. (Cancer Res., 51: 4371, 1991) for dogs; variances were obtained primarily from published human data (e.g., measurements of ABP N-oxidation, and arylamine N-acetylation in human liver tissue). In 500 simulations, theoretically representing 500 humans, DNA-adduct levels in the bladder of the most susceptible individuals are ten thousand times higher than for the least susceptible, and the 5th and 95th percentiles differ by a factor of 160. DNA binding for the most susceptible individual (with low urine pH, low N-acetylation and high N-oxidation activities) is theoretically one million-fold higher than for the least susceptible (with high urine pH, high N-acetylation and low N-oxidation activities). The simulations also suggest that the four factors contributing most significantly to interindividual differences in DNA-binding of ABP in human bladder are urine pH, ABP N-oxidation, ABP N-acetylation and urination frequency.
User Friendly Real Time Display

Real-time viewing of high resolution infrared line scan reconnaissance imagery is greatly facilitated using Honeywell's Real Time Display in conjunction with a D-500 Infrared Reconnaissance System. The Real-Time Display (RTD) provides the capability of on-board review of high resolution infrared imagery using the wide infrared dynamic range of the D-500 infrared receiver to maximum advantage. The scan converter accepts, processes, and displays imagery from four channels of the IR Receiver after formatting by a multiplexer. The scan converter interfaces with a standard RS-170 video monitor. Detailed review and on-board analysis of infrared reconnaissance imagery stored on a videotape is easily accomplished using the many user-friendly features of the RTD. Using a convenient joystick controller, on-screen mode menus, and a moveable cursor, the operator can examine scenes of interest at four different display magnifications using a four step bidirectional zoom. Imagery areas of interest are first noted using the scrolling wide field display mode at 8x reduced display resolution. On noting an area of interest, the imagery can be marked on the tape record for future recovery and a freeze frame mode can be initiated. The operator can then move the cursor to the area of interest and zoom to higher display magnification for 4x, 2x, and lx display resolutions so that the full 4096 x 4096 pixel infrared frame can be matched to the 512 x 512 pixel display frame. At 8x wide field display magnification the full line scanner field of view is displayed at 8x reduced resolution. There are two selectable modes of obtaining this reduced resolution. The operator can use the default method, which averages the signal from an 8 x 8 pixel group, or it is also possible to select the peak signal of the 8 x 8 pixel block to represent the entire block on the display. In this alternate peak-signal display the wide field can be effectively scanned for hot objects which are more likely to be candidate targets. The intermediate 4x and 2x zoom steps are very useful in maintaining operator orientation in examining target clusters and industrial complexes. The four operating modes of the RTD are described and their use to the operator on a typical mission is outlined. Some installation details are given. The RTD as part of a complete D-500 Infrared Linescan Reconnaissance System is now being installed on a Beech 1900 Environmental Control Aircraft to monitor pollution in very sensitive and commercially important marine ecologies. Its application on military reconnaissance missions will allow the normal review of recorded videotape imagery at a ground station immediately after return of the aircraft to base. The areas of highest interest will have been previously marked during the airborne real-time review by the operator. The RTD packages into only two Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), a Scan Converter, and a Control Unit which includes a joystick hand controller. The CRT display is assumed to be part of the aircraft.
Service skills for service workers: emotional intelligence and beyond

This research documents the requisite skills for business‐to‐business service representatives. Using job observation and group interviews, a list of 28 potential service skills was developed and placed into a questionnaire format. Experienced service representatives rated the importance of these skills for job success, yielding a complex ability profile. These abilities dovetail with previous work discussing service provider characteristics, yet offer a more detailed and behaviorally oriented view of the worker skills that ensure effective service encounters. Implications for understanding service demands and staffing a workforce with the skills needed to deliver quality service are discussed.
External fields on the nightside of Mars at Mars Global Surveyor mapping altitudes

[1] More than four years of data taken from Mars Global Surveyor during its Mapping Phase Orbits (360–420 km altitude) over low field regions were examined. The nightside magnetic field data were binned according to a proxy solar wind pressure calculated from the dayside measurements. When the crustal field contribution calculated from the internal field model (FSU90) is removed, the distribution of residuals is bi-valued in the sunward component. Pass-by-pass inspections of the data sometimes show a sudden reversal of field, which occur on successive passes. Analysis indicates that for these orbits MGS traverses a current sheet that separates the two lobes of Mars' magnetotail. These results indicate that on the nightside the major contributor to the external field is the draping of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field about the planet and that care must be taken when utilizing such data for modeling Mars' internal field.
Dominant negative Bmp5 mutation reveals key role of BMPs in skeletal response to mechanical stimulation

Over a hundred years ago, Wolff originally observed that bone growth and remodeling are exquisitely sensitive to mechanical forces acting on the skeleton. Clinical studies have noted that the size and the strength of bone increase with weight bearing and muscular activity and decrease with bed rest and disuse. Although the processes of mechanotransduction and functional response of bone to mechanical strain have been extensively studied, the molecular signaling mechanisms that mediate the response of bone cells to mechanical stimulation remain unclear. Here, we identify a novel germline mutation at the mouse Bone morphogenetic protein 5 (Bmp5) locus. Genetic analysis shows that the mutation occurs at a site encoding the proteolytic processing sequence of the BMP5 protein and blocks proper processing of BMP5. Anatomic studies reveal that this mutation affects the formation of multiple skeletal features including several muscle-induced skeletal sites in vivo. Biomechanical studies of osteoblasts from these anatomic sites show that the mutation inhibits the proper response of bone cells to mechanical stimulation. The results from these genetic, biochemical, and biomechanical studies suggest that BMPs are required not only for skeletal patterning during embryonic development, but also for bone response and remodeling to mechanical stimulation at specific anatomic sites in the skeleton.
Classes and Collections: Principles of Organization in the Learning of Hierarchical Relations.

This study demonstrates that children tend to distort class inclusion relations (e.g., the relation of oaks to trees) into the part-whole structure of collections (e.g., the relations of oaks to a forest). Children aged 6 to 17 were taught novel class inclusion hierarchies, analogous to the relation between oaks, pines, and trees. In one condition, the class inclusion relations were taught by ostensive definition alone, e.g., stating “These are trees” while pointing to trees and, “These are oaks” while pointing to oaks. in the second condition, children were additionally told what would be analogous to “Oaks and pines are two kinds of trees”. With this additional information to constrain their interpretation, even the youngest children correctly interpreted the relation as class inclusion. In contrast, with limited information, children as old as 14 erroneously imposed a collection structure on the inclusion hierarchies. They would deny, for example, that any single tree was a tree (as they should of they thought “tree” meant “forest”), and would pick up several trees despite being asked for a tree. The results indicated that the part-whole structure of collections is simpler to establish and maintain than the structure of inclusion.
Toxic Shock Syndrome and Other Tampon Related Risks

Most of the recent cases of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) reported have occurred in menstruating women and adolescents although some cases have been reported in nonmenstruating women, children, and men. The disease is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea and can rapidly progress to hypotension and shock. Tampon use has been linked to development of toxic shock syndrome, and Staphylococcus aureus has been cultured from a significant number of cases. The exact roles played by both Staphylococcus aureus and tampons in the pathogenesis of toxic shock syndrome remains unknown. Tampons also have been associated with other health problems in women. Nurses can advise preventive measures to reduce the risks of developing toxic shock syndrome and other tampon-related problems.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain CC-124 is highly sensitive to blue light in addition to green and red light in resetting its circadian clock, with the blue-light photoreceptor plant cryptochrome likely acting as negative modulator.

The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has long served as model organism for studies on the circadian clock. This clock is present in all eukaryotes and some prokaryotes allowing them to anticipate and take advantage of the daily oscillations in the environment. Although much is known about the circadian clock in C. reinhardtii, the photoreceptors mediating entrainment of the clock to the daily changes of light remain obscure. Based on its circadian rhythm of phototaxis as a reporter of the clock's phase, we show here that C. reinhardtii strain CC-124 is highly sensitive to blue light of 440 nm when resetting its circadian clock upon light pulses. Thus, CC-124 differs in this respect from what was previously reported for a cell wall-deficient strain. An action spectrum analysis revealed that CC-124 also responds with high sensitivity to green (540 nm), red (640-660 nm), and possibly UV-A (≤400 nm) light, and therefore shows similarities as well to what has been reported for the cell wall-deficient strain. We also investigated two RNA interference strains with reductions in the level of the blue light photoreceptor plant cryptochrome (CPH1). One of them, the strain with the greater reduction, surprisingly showed an increased sensitivity in clock resetting upon blue light pulses of 440 nm. This increase in sensitivity reverted to wild-type levels when the RNA interference strain reverted to wild-type protein levels. It suggests that plant cryptochrome in C. reinhardtii could function as negative rather than positive modulator of circadian clock resetting.
Transcriptional analyses of the unique short segment of EHV-1 strain Kentucky A

The unique short (Us) segment of the genome of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) strain KyA is comprised of six open reading frames (ORFs) that encode: a) a homolog of the Us2 protein of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); b) a serine threonine protein kinase that is a homolog of the HSV-1 Us3 protein; c) a homolog of pseudorabies virus glycoprotein gX and HSV-2 gG; d) a novel glycoprotein, EUS4, not encoded by other herpesviruses sequenced to date; e) a homolog of HSV-1 gD; and f) a homolog of HSV-1 Us9. The KyA strain is a deletion mutant that lacks Us sequences encoding gI, gE, and a potential 10 kD polypeptide, and thus may be useful as a parent virus for the generation of live virus vaccines. To complete the elucidation of the transcriptional program of the Us segment, Northern blot hybridization and S1 nuclease analyses were performed on poly(A)+-selected RNA isolated from infected cells maintained under early (phosphonoacetic acid-block) and late conditions. The findings revealed that the gene (EUS2 ORF) encoding the protein kinase is expressed as an early 2.9 kb transcript that overlaps and is 3′ coterminal with a 1.6 kb early transcript that encodes the gG/gX homolog (EUS3 ORF). Two transcripts of 1.6 kb and 5.8 kb are 5′ coterminal and may both encode the novel glycoprotein gene EUS4. The 1.6 kb transcript terminates at a poly(A) signal site downstream of the EUS4 ORF, and the 5.8 kb transcript terminates within the inverted repeat (IR) segment. Overall, the transcriptional program of the EHV-1 KyA Us segment is complex and exhibits similarities to that of HSV-1 Us segment: a) transcripts arise from both DNA strands; b) some transcripts, including those mapping at the termini of the Us segment, extend into the IR segments and are 3′ coterminal with the 1.2 kb IR6 transcript; c) at least one transcript reads through a functional polyadenylation signal; d) some transcripts encoding genes that lie in different reading frames exist as a family of overlapping mRNAs, some in an anti-sense manner. Lastly, of the six Us genes of the EHV-1 KyA strain, only those encoding the EHV-1 protein kinase and the HSV-2 gG/gX homolog are members of the early kinetic class.
Online Reliability Estimation of Physical Systems Using Neural Networks and Wavelets

Individual component reliability can often be estimated from degradation signals. In this paper, we examine the utility of the wavelet transform in preprocessing degradation signals for online reliability estimation. Wavelet preprocessing facilitates examination of degradation signals in both the time- and frequency-domains, simultaneously. Neural networks are used for forecasting the degradation signals (or a transformation thereof) and estimating the likelihood that these signals would exceed a predetermined critical plane representative of unit failure in the immediate future. This leads to an online estimate for individual unit reliability. The proposed method is applied for analyzing degradation signals collected from avertical CNC drilling machine using drill bits. The degradation signals, force and torque, were collected as the drill bits were destructively tested.
Thermal rearrangement of dienolesters. Sequential [1.3] sigmatropic rearrangement and intramolecular diels-alder cycloaddition of 1-methylene-2-methyl-2-propenyl hex-5-enoate

Abstract The high temperature thermal rearrangement of the title dienol ester is reported. Its reactions entail a [1.3] acyl shift followed by intramolecular Diels-Alder cyclo-addition of the resulting β-diketone.
The Bioeconomics of Honey Bees and Pollination

We develop a model of beekeeping economics that incorporates within-year and between-year dynamics in the size of the honey bee population. Our model also accounts for the fact that the pollen and nectar collected by bees on crops are limiting resources for both bee growth and honey production. We argue that diminishing returns to foraging by bees is a central constraint of the economic problem of beekeeping and that availability of forage plays an important role in determining the abundance of honey bees. Furthermore, we show how the behaviors of individual beekeepers are aggregated through markets for bees and characterize the response of the beekeeping industry to changes in honey prices, winter losses, and other factors. Our model sets the bases for an empirical approach to estimate the relative contributions of different biological and economic factors to changes in honey bee populations in the United States over the past 60 years.
Development of bile acid metabolism: Effect of glucocorticoids on bile acid metabolism in the neonatal rat

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the effect of glucocorticoid treatment in early neonatal life on plasma cholesterol and hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CH-7A), the rate-limiting enzyme of bile acid biosynthesis from cholesterol, measured at weaning (Postnatal Day 20). Neonatal rat pups were injected subcutaneously with 5 μg of dexamethasone (DEXA) or vehicle (CON) for 5 days between Postnatal Days 4 and 8. On Postnatal Day 20, the animals were used for various studies. DEXA-treated pups weighed significantly less ( P P P P P in situ ileal loops in anesthetized rats was significantly greater in the DEXA-treated animals in agreement with the in vitro observations of Little and Lester (3). The basis for the reduced CH-7A activity in DEXA-treated pups is not known. It may be due in part to a new steady state in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids resulting from a glucocorticoid-induced enhanced conservation of bile acids.
Excitation of fluorescent dyes inactivates the outer hair cell integral membrane motor protein prestin and betrays its lateral mobility

The outer hair cell motor protein, prestin, which resides exclusively in the cell's lateral membrane, underlies the mammal's exquisite sense of hearing. Here we show that photoexposure of the commonly used dyes Lucifer yellow, 6-carboxy-fluorescein, and 4-{2-[6-(dioctylamino)-2-naphthalenyl]ethenyl}-1-(3-sulfopropyl)-pyridinium (di-8-ANEPPS), that are in contact with the cell's lateral membrane can photo-inactivate the motor irreversibly, as evidenced by reduction in prestin's gating charge displacement or non-linear capacitance. Furthermore, utilizing restricted fiber optic illumination of the lateral membrane, we show that whole-cell, non-linear capacitance is depleted beyond that expected for an immobile population in the exposed area. These data indicate that lateral diffusion of prestin occurs within the cell's lateral plasma membrane.
Toward a Dynamic Model of Job-Person Relationships: Findings, Research Questions, and Implications for Work System Design

Research findings concerning factors that shape job-person relationships over time are reviewed. Based on these findings, the basic components of a dynamic job-person model are identified, and critical research questions about job-person dynamics are discussed. Implications of the model for the design of developmental work systems are examined.
A superelement model based parallel algorithm for vehicle dynamics

Abstract This paper presents a superelement model based parallel algorithm for a planar vehicle dynamics. The vehicle model is made up of a chassis and two suspension systems each of which consists of an axle-wheel assembly and two trailing arms. In this model, the chassis is treated as a Cartesian element and each suspension system is treated as a superelement. The parameters associated with the superelements are computed using an inverse dynamics technique. Suspension shock absorbers and the tires are modeled by nonlinear springs and dampers. The Euler-Lagrange approach is used to develop the system equations of motion. This leads to a system of differential and algebraic equations in which the constraints internal to superelements appear only explicitly. The above formulation is implemented on a multiprocessor machine. The numerical flow chart is divided into modules and the computation of several modules is performed in parallel to gain computational efficiency. In this implementation, the master (parent processor) creates a pool of slaves (child processors) at the beginning of the program. The slaves remain in the pool until they are needed to perform certain tasks. Upon completion of a particular task, a slave returns to the pool. This improves the overall response time of the algorithm. The formulation presented is general which makes it attractive for a general purpose code development. Speedups obtained in the different modules of the dynamic analysis computation are also presented. Results show that the superelement model based parallel algorithm can significantly reduce the vehicle dynamics simulation time.
AMORPHOUS WATER-ICE RELAXATIONS MEASURED WITH SOFT-LANDED IONS

${\mathrm{D}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{+}$ ions $(\ensuremath{\le}1\mathrm{eV})$ were soft landed on vacuum-deposited amorphous water ice at 30 K. The samples charged capacitively with an initial dielectric constant of 2. Then the voltage was measured via a Kelvin probe while the sample temperature was ramped. A sharp drop in voltage occurred near 50 K, due to dielectric responses occurring at much less than the expected 135 K. This was due to relaxations of the highly strained amorphous ice. Preannealing the ice could move the electrical relaxation up to as high as 120 K. Ion migration through the ice was not observed below 190 K.
Environmental and social influences on reading skills as indexed by brain and behavioral responses

The research described in this article uses findings from longitudinal studies involving electrophysiological and behavioral assessments of infants and young children. Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) offer a basis for understanding how areas of the brain react to specific stimuli that are thought to play a role in the development of language and reading abilities. In this paper, we review a series of studies that identify markers in the ERPs that are related to differences in the development of language and reading skills. In addition, there is compelling evidence supporting the role of the home environment and other variables that influence the intellectual level of the child’s environment (e.g., SES, parental IQ, parenting practices, family activities) in the development of language and reading in preschool and school-aged children. In this paper, measures of these environmental variables are linked with predictions of language and reading skill development. Efforts to integrate information about the influence of the environment on brain responses to better understand the development of early language and reading skills are described.
QUANTUM MECHANICAL AND QUASICLASSICAL TRAJECTORY SURFACE HOPPING STUDIES OF THE ELECTRONICALLY NONADIABATIC PREDISSOCIATION OF THE A STATE OF NAH2

Fully coupled quantum mechanical scattering calculations and adiabatic uncoupled bound-state calculations are used to identify Feshbach funnel resonances that correspond to long-lived exciplexes in...
AIB1/SRC-3 deficiency affects insulin-like growth factor I signaling pathway and suppresses v-Ha-ras-induced breast cancer initiation and progression in mice.

Although the amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) coactivator is amplified and overexpressed in breast cancers, its role in mammary carcinogenesis remains unknown. We demonstrate that during mammary development and tumorigenesis, the elevation of AIB1 level and its nuclear localization correlate with normal and transformed mammary epithelial proliferation, whereas its lower expression and cytoplasmic localization correlate with mammary epithelial quiescence and differentiation. In this study, the role of AIB1 in breast tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis was studied by generating AIB1 +/+ , AIB1 +/− , and AIB1 −/− mice harboring the mouse mammary tumor virus/ v -Ha- ras (ras) transgene that induces breast tumors. Breast tumor incidence was reduced dramatically in the intact AIB1 −/− -ras virgin mice and inhibited completely in the ovariectomized AIB1 −/− -ras mice. Breast tumor latency was delayed significantly in AIB1 −/− -ras virgin mice with natural estrous cycles, multiparous mice with cyclically elevated reproductive hormones, and virgin mice bearing pituitary isografts with persistently elevated hormones. Although AIB1 deficiency significantly suppressed mammary tumorigenesis under all of the concentrations of ovarian hormones, it did not affect the promotional role of ovarian hormones on mammary tumorigenesis, suggesting that AIB1 and ovarian hormones contribute to mammary carcinogenesis through different pathways. AIB1 deficiency did not alter the expression of estrogen and progesterone-responsive genes in the mammary gland, but it caused partial resistance to the insulin-like growth factor I because of a significant reduction in the insulin receptor substrates. The impaired insulin-like growth factor I pathway in AIB1 −/− -ras mammary epithelium and tumor cells was responsible in part for the suppression of mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis caused by inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. These results suggest that a more effective strategy to control breast cancer is to target AIB1-mediated and ovarian hormone-initiated pathways.
Efficient multi-modal image registration using local-frequency maps

Fusing of multi-modal data involves automatically estimating the coordinate transformation required to align the multi-modal image data sets. Most existing methods in literature are not fast enough for practical use (taking more than 30 min to 1 h for estimating non-rigid deformations). We propose a very fast algorithm based on matching local-frequency image representations, which naturally allows for processing the data at different scales or resolutions, a very desirable property from a computational efficiency view point. For the rigid motion case, this algorithm involves minimizing - over all rigid transformations - the expectation of the squared difference between the local-frequency representations of the source and target images. In the non-rigid deformations case, we propose to approximate the non-rigid motion by piece-wise rigid motions and use a novel and fast PDE-based morphing technique that estimates this non-rigid alignment. We present implementation results for synthesized and real (rigid) misalignments between CT and MR brain scans. In both the cases, we validate our results against ground truth registrations which for the former case are known and for the latter are obtained from manual registration performed by an expert. Currently, these manual registrations are used in daily clinical practice. Finally, we present examples of non-rigid registration between T1-weighted MR and T2-weighted MR brain images wherein validation is only qualitatively achieved. Our algorithm's performance is comparable to the results obtained from algorithms based on mutual information in the context of accuracy of estimated rigid transforms but is much faster in computational speed.
Transient Outward K+ Current Underlies Heterogeneity of Action Potential Duration and Early Afterdepolarization from Right Ventricle in Transgenic Rabbit Model of Long QT Type 1

Introduction: Long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) is a congenital disease lacking slowly activating K+ channel (IKs), associated with polymorphic VT (pVT) and sudden cardiac death. Tissue heterogeneity has been proposed as an important factor to trigger and maintain pVT. We investigated ionic mechanisms that underlie regional differences in the formation of early afterdepolarization (EAD) using transgenic rabbit model of LQT1.Methods: The initiation of pVT under isoproterenol was mapped using optical mapping and myocytes isolated from RV and septum were studied using voltage clamp and confocal calcium imaging.Results: Optical mapping of LQT1 hearts showed pVT preferentially originating from right ventricle (RV) (16 of 18 pVTs), which was changed after perfusing transient outward K channel (Ito) blocker, 0.5 mM 4-aminopyridine (only 1 of 5 pVTs from RV, n=5 hearts). Myocytes isolated from RV demonstrated higher incidence of EADs under 50 nM isoproterenol (8 of 12 cells from RV vs. 2 of 11 cells from septum). Voltage clamp study highlighted regional differences of Ito (4.7 ± 0.5 in RV vs. 2.9 ± 0.7 pA/pF in septum at 0 mV) but other currents such as ICaL, IKr and RyR-mediated Ca2+ leak and SERCA-mediated Ca2+ uptake were same between RV and septum. Computer modeling study of rabbit action potential lacking IKs exhibit frequent EADs but reduction of Ito prevented EAD formation, verifying that Ito plays a major role in EAD formation by providing repolarizing currents during the plateau phase to maintain the membrane potential lower enough to re-activate ICa window current to form EADs.Conclusion: Regional differences of Ito in LQT1 rabbits underlie frequent pVTs originating mostly from RV myocytes with high incidence of EADs.
Towards Hermes/dl, a design language for interactive systems

This poster introduces the principles that underly Hermes/dl, a design language for interactive systems. This ongoing effort is part of Hermes, a broader cross-cutting integrative project initiated and lead by the author. Hermes aims to create a common infrastructure for all parties involved to communicate during the creation, design, realization and evolution of complex, dynamic, interactive software systems. Hermes/dl establishes a theoretically grounded design language in which to develop Hermes' vocabulary and idioms for digital interaction. As a design language, Hermes/dl comprises of a collection of primitives, a set of organizing principles, and collections of qualifying situations. A graphical notation shields users from traditional algebraic notation, making Hermes/dl more accessible and appealing to potential users in creative and scientific fields. A rigorous graph theoretic formulation will enable mathematical manipulations, and underlie productivity and collaboration tools that assist users in the design and creation process.
Magneto-optical trapping and ultracold collisions of potassium atoms

We present measurements of loading and loss rates for a vapor-cell optical trap of the two naturally occurring potassium isotopes 39K and 41K. The unresolved excited-state hyperfine structure makes trapping of K fundamentally different from trapping of the other alkalis and leads to an enhanced loading rate. We measure the loading rate as a function of laser intensity, beam size, and detuning and find that the results are in reasonable agreement with a simple rate-equation model for the loading process. The dependence of the loss rate on trapped-atom density determines the contribution to the loss rates from excited-state collisions. We find a substantial difference between the collisional loss rates for the two isotopes.
The Optimality of Pure Competition in the Capacity Problem: Comment

tive industry will supply optimal capacity under the conditions of Peter Steiner's multi-period demand model 2 and that optimal prices for utility services in the several periods will also emerge. Steiner's solution, presented initially as a normative rule for the welfaremaximizing public-enterprise monopoly, is held to describe the equilibrium results of a decentralized competitive process. Officer deserves credit for calling attention to a neglected area of analysis. Economists are prone to search for solutions to allocation and pricing problems which are then offered to the welfareoriented government agency that exists only in the economist's own scheme of things. They are reluctant to examine the outcomes that emerge under the spontaneous coordination imposed by competitive market structures, whether these be perfect or imperfect. For those of us whose utility functions include centralization of decisionmaking as a "bad," demonstrations of the efficiency of market order in unexpected places are always heartening. Nonetheless, the limits of the competitive models must be fully recognized. In this note I shall show that the competitive organization of supply in the capacity problem will only produce the results claimed for it under a highly restricted set of conditions. These seem to be more confining than Officer appreciated. I shall demonstrate that his interpretation of Steiner's model is only one of several possibilities. My analysis shows that, even given all of Steiner's assumptions, the' competitive organization of supply need not generate either an optimal level of capacity or an efficient set of prices. In his analysis, Steiner sought to separate the two classical public-utility problems. His emphasis was on the problem of determining optimal capacity and efficient prices under conditions where the level of demand differs among separate time periods. He wanted to examine these issues independently from the more familiar investment and pricing problems that arise under conditions of decreasing average costs. In order to accomplish this separation,
Serum Injection of the HPLC Column for Carbamazepine Assay

Abstract Serum was injected directly on an HPLC column packed with C1, 6.5 μm particle size, 300 A pore-packing material for carbamazepine determination. The use of a wide-pore column with low hydrophobicity eliminated excessive pressure buildup in the column from protein precipitation which is usually caused by the high concentration of organic solvents in the mobile phase. This simple approach can be utilized for the determination of other drugs and endogenous compounds in serum.
Local Polarization, Charge Compensation, and Chemical Interactions on Ferroelectric Surfaces: a Route Toward New Nanostructures

The local potential at domains on ferroelectric surfaces results from the interplay between atomic polarization and screening charge. The presence of mobile charge affects surface domain configuration, switching behavior, and surface chemical reactions. By measuring the temperature and time dependence of surface potential and piezo response with scanning probe microscopies, thermodynamic parameters associated with charge screening are determined. This is illustrated for the case of BaTiO3 (100) in air, for which the charge compensation mechanism is surface adsorption and enthalpy and entropy of adsorption are determined. The local electrostatic fields in the vicinity of the domains have a dominant effect on chemical reactivity. Photoreduction of a large variety of metals can be localized to domains with the appropriate surface charge. It has been demonstrated that proximal probe tips can be used to switch polarization direction locally. Combining the ability to ‘write’ domains of local polarization with domain specific reactivity of metals, vapors of small molecules, and organic compounds leads to a new approach to fabricating complex nanostructures.
Immunological cross reactions among strains of Hydrogenomonas, Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes.

Immunodiffusion tests were used to determine the serological interrelationships of extracts of Hydrogenomonas eutropha and H. facilis with antisera to 19 strains of Pseudomonas, 2 Alcaligenes species and the 2 homologous antisera. The existence of 3 antigens common to H. facilis and H. eutropha was demonstrated. The 3 serologically identical antigens were also shared among some pseudomonads and Alcaligenes species. We conclude that strains within the genera Hydrogenomonas, Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes represent a continuous series of serologically interrelated organisms.
Altered hematopoiesis in trisomy 21 as revealed through in vitro differentiation of isogenic human pluripotent cells

Trisomy 21 is associated with hematopoietic abnormalities in the fetal liver, a preleukemic condition termed transient myeloproliferative disorder, and increased incidence of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. Human trisomy 21 pluripotent cells of various origins, human embryonic stem (hES), and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, were differentiated in vitro as a model to recapitulate the effects of trisomy on hematopoiesis. To mitigate clonal variation, we isolated disomic and trisomic subclones from the same parental iPS line, thereby generating subclones isogenic except for chromosome 21. Under differentiation conditions favoring development of fetal liver-like, γ-globin expressing, definitive hematopoiesis, we found that trisomic cells of hES, iPS, or isogenic origins exhibited a two- to fivefold increase in a population of CD43(+)(Leukosialin)/CD235(+)(Glycophorin A) hematopoietic cells, accompanied by increased multilineage colony-forming potential in colony-forming assays. These findings establish an intrinsic disturbance of multilineage myeloid hematopoiesis in trisomy 21 at the fetal liver stage.
Signaling by environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human lymphocytes.

During the past decade there has been significant progress made in understanding how environmental agents, drugs, certain chemicals present in the diet, and occupational agents affect the immune system of animals and humans. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an important class of environmentally prevalent xenobiotics that exert complex effects on the immune system. These agents, typified by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), have been shown to alter antigen and mitogen receptor signaling pathways, leading to suppression of humoral and cell-mediated immunity, and at high exposure levels to activation of genes involved in apoptosis in lymphoid cells. Interestingly, at low exposure levels, PAHs may actually augment cell signaling pathways, resulting in immune enhancement or an adjuvant effect. While the biochemical targets and mechanisms responsible for immune modulation are still under investigation, several themes are evolving. PAHs, principally through their cytochrome-P450-derived metabolites, activate oxidative and electrophilic signaling pathways in lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells, including myeloid, epithelial, and other cells. Although PAHs affect signaling pathways in nonlymphoid cells leading to complex interactions between antigen-specific and nonspecific immune and inflammatory responses, this brief review focuses on the mechanisms of signaling by environmentally prevalent PAHs in human lymphocytes. Understanding the mechanisms by which xenobiotics alter adaptive and nonadaptive immune responses may shed light on the etiology of environmental and occupational immune diseases.