cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nadph Oxidase-Induced Oxidative Stress Impairs Autophagy in Dystrophic Skeletal Muscle

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal degenerative muscle disease, attributed to a defect in the gene that encodes dystrophin. Emerging evidence implicates oxidative stress may impair autophagy in DMD patients and mdx mice, a model of DMD, by activating cytotoxic mediators. However, the specific source of ROS and the mechanism(s) of impaired autophagy have not yet been elucidated in dystrophic muscle. Therefore, understanding the interaction between oxidative stress and defects in autophagy is pivotal as we seek effective therapeutic targets in DMD. Here we demonstrated that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphatase (NADPH oxidase or Nox2)-induced oxidative stress was linked to impaired autophagy in mdx mice through Nox2-dependent superoxide production, Src kinase activation and further NOX2 activation via p47phox phosphorylation. The defect in autophagy was accompanied by persistent activation of Src kinase, which activated the autophagy repressor mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) via PI3K/Akt phosphorylation. Inhibition of Nox2 or Src kinase reduced oxidative stress and partially rescued the defective autophagy in mdx mice. We also have genetically down-regulated Nox2 activity in the mdx mouse to further corroborate that NADPH oxidase was the main source of oxidative stress, which impaired autophagy in DMD. Our data highlights novel pathogenic aspects of DMD and proposes NADPH oxidase as a potential therapeutic target.
Prediction of burglary: A research note

Abstract This note examines the relationship between individual burglary and individual burglar characteristics. The primary contribution of this work is the development of a practical prediction model designed to assist in burglary investigations. By using various statistical techniques, a number of discriminating variables were identified, and subsequently clustered in such a fashion as to disclose a probability of occurrence figure based on ex post facto data. While the use of such a device may increase both the nature and extent of the information available to investigative officers, it is neither a substitute for the elements of probable cause nor a replacement for competent field investigation.
Thermal-convective instability in a liquid layer in a system with rotating pivots

The stability of the main stationary liquid motion defined by Dirichlet boundary conditions on lateral surfaces of pivots was considered for a heated layer of a viscous thermal conducting liquid periodically perforated by a set of thin pivots. It was established that at any type of perforation and exceeding the critical Rayleigh number loss of stability is monotonic. In addition, the asymptotics for the critical Rayleigh number were defined at different types of perforation of the liquid layer.
Strong Composition as Identity and Simplicity

The general composition question asks “what are the necessary and jointly sufficient conditions any xs and any y must satisfy in order for it to be true that those xs compose that y?” Although this question has received little attention, there is an interesting and theoretically fruitful answer. Namely, strong composition as identity (SCAI): necessarily, for any xs and any y, those xs compose y iff those xs are identical to y. SCAI is theoretically fruitful because if it is true, then there is an answer to one of the most difficult and intractable questions of mereology (The Simple Question). In this paper, I introduce the identity account of simplicity and argue that if SCAI is true then this identity account of simplicity is as well. I consider an objection to the identity account of simplicity. Ultimately, I find this objection unsuccessful.
Pathogenesis of mucoceles; report of a case.

Abstract A case has been presented which clinically and histologically is diagnosed as mucocele. The lesion is lined by connective tissue. This agrees with the findings of previous studies. 4–6 The demonstration of a defect in an interlobular duct opening into the cystic cavity confirms the observations made in the experimental animal, namely, that mucoceles are the result of severance of a duct and are not due to obstruction of the duct. 4
Feature identification as an aid to content-based image retrieval

In recent years, databases have evolved from storing pure textual information to storing multimedia information -- text, audio, video, and images. With such databases comes the need for a richer set of search keys that include keywords, shapes, sounds, examples, sketches, color, texture and motion. In this paper we address the problem of image retrieval where keys are object shapes or user sketches. In our scheme, shape features are extracted from each image as it is stored. The image is first segmented and points of high curvature are extracted. Regions surrounding the points of high curvature are used to compute feature values by comparing the regions with a number of references. The references themselves are picked out from the set of orthonormal wavelet basis vectors. An ordered set of distance measures between each local region and the wavelet references form a feature vector. When a user queries the database through a sketch, the feature vectors for high curvature points on the sketch are determined. An efficient nearest neighbor search then yields a set of images which contain objects that match the user's sketch closely. The process is completely automated. Initial experimental results are presented.
110. Investigation of Biochemical Factors That May Influence Immunogencity of AAV2 Vectors

Top of pageAbstract Recombinant AAV2 expressing human coagulation factor IX has been demonstrated to efficiently transduce human hepatocytes leading to expression of therapeutic levels of human factor IX in a human subject. However a T cell response directed to the AAV2 capsid was reported that resulted in elimination of transduced cells (Manno et al, Nat. Med. 2006). In order to better understand determinants of immunogenicity, we report here preliminary assessment of biochemical features that may influence vector immunogenicity. We tested whether purposely induced vector aggregation or oxidation could lead to increased immune responses in a mouse model. To induce aggregation, a common concentrated stock (E14 particles / mL) of highly purified, non aggregated AAV2 empty capsids in PBS was subjected to conditions of reduced ionic strength (60min) followed by readjustment to physiological ionic strength. A control sample was adjusted to the same final volume and concentration by addition of PBS only. To induce oxidation, capsid was treated with 1|[mu]|M Cu2+ (60min). Modified and control capsid preparations were administered via portal vein injecftion to C57/BL6 mice previouly immunized with AAV2 empty capsids. Assessment of anti-AAV2 IgG antibody titers post administration showed no significant difference between mice receiving control, aggregated or oxidized vector. Similarly T lymphocytes isolated from spleens of animals in each group did not secrete IFNgamma in response to AAV2 capsid-derived peptides as assessed by ELISPOT and intracellular cytokine staining. A third biochemical feature that we begun to investigate is structure and provenance of the nucleic acids packaged by AAV vectors. The bacterial plasmid DNA used as a template for the transgene cassette in AAV vectors produced using transient transfection may be incorporated into vector particles. If so, a subpopulation of vector particles would be predicted to contain pathogen associated molecular patterns such as non-methylated CpG motifs. We looked for evidence of packaging of bacterial DNA by AAV2 by producing AAV2 vectors (GFP) by transient transfection using a vector plasmid prepared using the thymidine analogue BrdU. The resulting vector was purified and fractionated by CsCl gradient ultracentrifugation, and fractions were tested for transduction on HEK293 cells. We observed the major (expected) vector band at approx 1.39 g/mL, and a minor higher density band at approx. 1.44 g/mL. These data support that a subpopulation of AAV2 vectors produced using transient transfection contains bacterial plasmid DNA, which may contribute to activation of innate immune responses following in vivo administration. In vivo testing is required to further assess this parameter.
Taphonomy and sample size estimation in paleoethnobotany

Abstract This paper investigates how to gain quantitative comparability of macroscopic plant remains by estimating sample sizes representative to each population. First, this study reviews taphonomic pathways of plant remains to clarify how far we can draw cultural implications from the retrieved remains. The target population is defined here as the deposited assemblage, that is, plants that were deposited into the soil matrix. Through time, the deposited assemblage becomes reduced to the fossil assemblage, which is subject to being sampled (sampled population). The relation between the sampled population and samples is a statistical issue. A systematic recovery and a well-designed sampling strategy can help maintaining the same degree of representativeness of samples to the sampled population. The paper thus focuses on a statistical measure that estimates the sample sizes, based on a relative error and a confidence level of a small number of pilot samples. Data for the test is the plant remains recovered from the Nam River sites in south-central Korea, dating to the Early and Middle Mumun periods (3400–2400 BP). This measure ensures that quantitative differences between the plant remains in the two samples were due to real differences between the populations from which they were drawn rather than due only to variation within a single population. Thus this method strengthens cultural interpretations on quantitative differences in plant remains.
The enantiomer of progesterone acts as a molecular neuroprotectant after traumatic brain injury

Previous work shows that neurosteroid enantiomers activate specific molecular receptors that relay neuroprotection. However, the actions of the enantiomer of progesterone (ent-PROG) at the PROG receptor (PR) are unknown. PR binding and transcriptional assays were performed to determine the actions of ent-PROG at the classical PR. Additionally, the neuroprotective effects of ent-PROG in traumatic brain injury (TBI) were investigated and compared to the actions of PROG and its metabolite allopregnanolone (ALLO), both of which have been shown to have neuroprotective properties when given after TBI. Binding studies performed in COS cells over-expressing the PR showed that ent-PROG inhibited PROG binding to the PR. In contrast, ent-PROG did not activate PR-mediated transcription. Rats received bilateral medial frontal cortex injury followed by treatments at 1, 6, 24 and 48 h with PROG, ALLO or ent-PROG. Brains were processed for edema, protein and enzyme activity. ent-PROG treatment in vivo decreased cerebral edema, cell death mediators, inflammatory cytokines, and reactive gliosis, and increased antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that the progestin-mediated pro-survival response seen with TBI is regulated either independently of the classical PR or via nongenomic PR-regulated actions.
Robust Textural Features for Real Time Face Recognition

Automatic face recognition in real life environment is challenged by various issues such as the object motion, lighting conditions, poses and expressions. In this paper, we present the development of a system based on a refined Enhanced Local Binary Pattern (ELBP) feature set and a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier to perform face recognition in a real life environment. Instead of counting the number of 1's in ELBP, we use the 8-bit code of the thresholded data as per the ELBP rule, and then binarize the image with a predefined threshold value, removing the small connections on the binarized image. The proposed system is currently trained with several people's face images obtained from video sequences captured by a surveillance camera. One test set contains the disjoint images of the trained people's faces to test the accuracy and the second test set contains the images of non-trained people's faces to test the percentage of the false positives. The recognition rate among 570 images of 9 trained faces is around 94%, and the false positive rate with 2600 images of 34 non-trained faces is around 1%. Research work is progressing for the recognition of partially occluded faces as well. An appropriate weighting strategy will be applied to the different parts of the face area to achieve a better performance.
MODIFICATION OF NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR THROUGH REINFORCEMENT OF RELATED VERBAL BEHAVIOR.

Twenty children were allowed a 4-minute play session with two toys before and after a session in which they talked with a mechanized puppet who gave approval and candy when they made verbal statements about one toy. Ss' verbal statements made about the reinforced toy became longer and more promptly given during the puppet session. During the second play session there was a significant increase in both time attended to and number of toy-playing responses for the reinforced toy. Results are discussed in terms of changes in discriminative stimuli setting the occasion for toy playing and in reinforcing properties of the toys.
Scalable broadband wireless systems using dense WDM backbones

A scalable transparent fiber-based microcellular system is proposed. Optical coherent detection is used in both MSC and antenna unit. The user units access the antenna by time division multiplexing access technology
Conformal mapping solution of Laplace's equation on a polygon with oblique derivative boundary conditions

We consider Laplace's equation in a polygonal domain together with the boundary conditions that along each side, the derivative in the direction at a specified oblique angle from the normal should be zero. First we prove that solutions to this problem can always be constructed by taking the real part of an analytic function that maps the domain onto another region with straight sides oriented according to the angles given in the boundary conditions. Then we show that this procedure can be carried out successfully in practice by the numerical calculation of Schwarz-Christoffel transformations. The method is illustrated by application to a Hall effect problem in electronics, and to a reflected Brownian motion problem motivated by queueing theory.
A comparison of social support variables between women who intend to breast or bottle feed

Social support has been identified as an important element for encouragement and success of lactation. The sources, types and amounts of perceived social support were determined for women during their third trimester of pregnancy and at four weeks of postpartum breastfeeding. Differences in social support were reported for women who stated an intention to breastfeed and those who planned to bottle feed. The tangible, emotional and informational functions of social support were measured as aggregate values across support sources. Tangible and emotional support were not significantly different between intended breast or bottle feeders. However, informational support was higher for women who intended to breastfeed compared to those who intended to bottle feed. Mean scores were then analyzed for specific individuals who might provide support. The baby's father was a more important source of tangible support for intended breastfeeders. Intended breastfeeders also indicated they received more emotional and informational support from the baby's father and prenatal classes. Tangible, emotional and information support did not change pre- and postnatally for women who breastfed. However, certain sources did provide more support postnatally. Finally, predictors such as level of education, a belief that breastfeeding was better for health and emotional closeness, fewer children, moderate tangible and emotional support and more informational support were identified for women who intended to breastfeed.
Design and simulation of a DC electric vehicle charging station connected to a MVDC infrastructure

Medium Voltage DC (MVDC) infrastructure serves as a platform for interconnecting renewable electric power generation, including wind and solar. Abundant loads such as industrial facilities, data centers, and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) can also be powered using MVDC technology. MVDC networks are expected to improve efficiency by serving as an additional layer between the transmission and distribution level voltages for which generation sources and loads could directly connect with smaller rated power conversion equipment. This paper investigates an EVCS powered by a MVDC bus. A bidirectional DC-DC converter with appropriate controls serves as the interface between the EVCS and MVDC bus. Two scenarios are investigated for testing and comparing EVCS operation: 1) EVCS power supplied by the interconnected MVDC model and 2) EVCS power supplied by an equivalent voltage source. Comparisons between both are discussed. The CCM/DCM buck mode operation of the bidirectional DC-DC converter is explored as well as the system isolation benefits that come with its use.
Complete amino acid sequence of chicken liver acyl carrier protein derived from the fatty acid synthase

The acyl carrier protein domain of the chicken liver fatty acid synthase has been isolated after tryptic treatment of the synthase. The isolated domain functions as an acceptor of acetyl and malonyl moieties in the synthase-catalyzed transfer of these groups from their coenzyme A esters and therefore indicates that the acyl carrier protein domain exists in the complex as a discrete entity. The amino acid sequence of the acyl carrier protein was derived from analyses of peptide fragments produced by cyanogen bromide cleavage and trypsin and Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease digestions of the molecule. The isolated acyl carrier protein domain consists of 89 amino acid residues and has a calculated molecular weight of 10,127. The protein contains the phosphopantetheine group attached to the serine residue at position 38. The isolated acyl carrier protein peptide shows some sequence homology with the acyl carrier protein of Escherichia coli, particularly in the vicinity of the site of phosphopantetheine attachment, and shows extensive sequence homology with the acyl carrier protein from the uropygial gland of goose.
Andrew: a distributed personal computing environment

The Information Technology Center (ITC), a collaborative effort between IBM and Carnegie-Mellon University, is in the process of creating Andrew, a prototype computing and communication system for universities. This article traces the origins of Andrew, discusses its goals and strategies, and gives an overview of the current status of its implementation and usage.
Is variability in mate choice similar for intelligence and personality traits? Testing a hypothesis about the evolutionary genetics of personality

Abstract This study tests the hypothesis presented by Penke, Denissen, and Miller (2007a) that condition-dependent traits, including intelligence, attractiveness, and health, are universally and uniformly preferred as characteristics in a mate relative to traits that are less indicative of condition, including personality traits. We analyzed between-culture mean standard deviations of preference ratings and rankings provided by nearly 10,000 people in 37 cultures for 18 characteristics in a potential mate. Contrary to the hypothesis, preferences for traits indicating agreeableness and conscientiousness were not more variable than preferences for intelligence, and preferences for traits indicating low neuroticism were more uniform than preferences for intelligence. Discussion addresses implications of these results for hypotheses about the evolutionary genetics of intelligence and personality.
Appearance of virus-specific RNA, virus particles, and cell surface changes in cells rapidly transformed by the murine sarcoma virus.

Abstract The time course of viral RNA synthesis, virus maturation, and cell surface alteration was studied in a clonal line of mouse 3T6 cells infected and transformed by the Harvey strain of the murine sarcoma-leukemia virus complex, H-MSV(MLV). The majority of cells (80%) were infected and gave rise to transformed foci after exposure to 2–3 focus-forming units of virus/cell for 60 min. Most cells became spindle shaped by 24 hr, and virtually all cells assumed a round shape, presumably the final stage of morphological transformation, within 3–4 days. The transcription of virus-specific RNA, as measured by hybridization of RNA from infected cells with the [ 3 H]DNA product of the virion DNA polymerase, was detected at 7 hr after infection, and reached maximal levels at 25 hr. Virus replication in newly infected cells was measured by the appearance in the culture medium of (1) [ 3 H]uridine labeled particles banding at a density of 1.14–1.16 g/ml in sucrose density gradients, (2) particles with RNA and DNA-directed DNA polymerase activity banding at a similar density, and (3) focus-forming units. Of the three methods, the most sensitive was the assay for polymerase, which detected the formation of extracellular virus at 14–15 hr after infection. Maximal virus production occurred at about 63 hr. Surface alterations, as revealed by agglutination of cells by concanavalin A, were detected 22 hr after infection and reached maximal levels at 63 hr.
Effects of femoral tunnel placement on knee laxity and forces in an anterior cruciate ligament graft.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of variation in placement of the femoral tunnel upon knee laxity, graft pretension required to restore normal anterior–posterior (AP) laxity and graft forces following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Two variants in tunnel position were studied: (1) AP position along the medial border of the lateral femoral condyle (at a standard 11 o'clock notch orientation) and (2) orientation along the arc of the femoral notch (o'clock position) at a fixed distance of 6–7 mm anterior to the posterior wall. AP laxity and forces in the native ACL were measured in fresh frozen cadaveric knee specimens during passive knee flexion-extension under the following modes of tibial loading: no external tibial force, anterior tibial force, varus–valgus moment, and internal–external tibial torque. One group (15 specimens) was used to determine effects of AP tunnel placement, while a second group (14 specimens) was used to study variations in o'clock position of the femoral tunnel within the femoral notch. A bone-patellar tendon-bone graft was placed into a femoral tunnel centered at a point 6–7 mm anterior to the posterior wall at the 11 o'clock position in the femoral notch. A graft pretension was determined such that AP laxity of the knee at 30 deg of flexion was restored to within 1 mm of normal; this was termed the laxity match pretension. All tests were repeated with a graft in the standard 11 o'clock tunnel, and then with a graft in tunnels placed at other selected positions. Varying placement of the femoral tunnel 1 h clockwise or counterclockwise from the 11 o'clock position did not significantly affect any biomechanical parameter measured in this study, nor did placing the graft 2.5 mm posteriorly within the standard 11 o'clock femoral tunnel. Placing the graft in a tunnel 5.0 mm anterior to the standard 11 o'clock tunnel increased the mean laxity match pretension by 16.8 N (62%) and produced a knee which was on average 1.7 mm more lax than normal at 10 deg of flexion and 4.2 mm less lax at 90 deg. During passive knee flexion-extension testing, mean graft forces with the 5.0 mm anterior tunnel were significantly higher than corresponding means with the standard 11 o'clock tunnel between 40 and 90 deg of flexion for all modes of constant tibial loading. These results indicate that AP positioning of the femoral tunnel at the 11 o'clock position is more critical than o'clock positioning in terms of restoring normal levels of graft force and knee laxity profiles at the time of ACL reconstruction.
The Spitzer Space Telescope

The Spitzer Space Telescope, which has operated very successfully since 2003 in its unique Earth-trailing solar orbit, is NASA's Great Observatory for infrared astronomy. We provide a quick overview of the optical characteristics of Spitzer and review the observatory design. The main emphasis is on two unique on-orbit activities used to optimize the scientific return from Spitzer: 1. an unusual approach to focusing the telescope that minimized the use of the cryogenic focus mechanism, and 2. a methodology for extending the cryogenic lifetime of Spitzer by actively controlling the telescope temperature.
The role of toll-like receptors in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against a relatively limited range of nuclear antigens. These autoantibodies result in the formation of immune complexes that deposit in tissues and induce inflammation, thereby contributing to disease pathology. Growing evidence suggests that recognition of nucleic acid motifs by Toll-like receptors may play a role in both the activation of antinuclear B cells and in the subsequent disease progression after immune complex formation. The endosomal localization of the nucleic acid-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs), TLR3, 7, and 9, is believed to contribute to the distinction between endogenous nucleic acids and those of foreign origin. In this article we review recent work that suggests a role for the B-cell receptor and Fcγ receptors in delivering nuclear antigens to intracellular compartments allowing TLR activation by endogenous nucleic acids. A number of in vitro studies have presented evidence supporting a role for TLRs in SLE pathology. However, recent studies that have examined the contributions of individual TLRs to SLE by using TLR-deficient mice suggest that the situation is far more complicated in vivo. These studies show that under different circumstances TLR signaling may either exacerbate or protect against SLE-associated pathology. Further understanding of the role of TLRs in pathological autoreactivity of the adaptive immune system will likely lead to important insights into the etiopathogenesis of SLE and potential targets for novel therapies.
L-Uncoupling Effects on the Electron-Paramagnetic-Resonance Spectra of N 14 O 16 and N 15 O 16

High-resolution paramagnetic-resonance spectra have been obtained for the molecules ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ in the $J=\frac{3}{2}$ and $J=\frac{5}{2}$ rotational levels of the $^{2}\mathrm{II}_{3/2}$ ground state at $X$-band and $S$-band microwave frequencies. The results are: ${g}_{J}({\mathrm{N}}^{14}{\mathrm{O}}^{16};J=\frac{3}{2})=0.777246\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.000018$, ${g}_{J}({\mathrm{N}}^{15}{\mathrm{O}}^{16};J=\frac{3}{2})=0.778072\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.000020$; ${g}_{J}({\mathrm{N}}^{14}{\mathrm{O}}^{16};J=\frac{5}{2})=0.316648\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.000045$; and ${g}_{J}({\mathrm{N}}^{15}{\mathrm{O}}^{16};J=\frac{5}{2})=0.317617\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.000040$ for the molecular $g$ factors. The measured $g$ factors were compared with those calculated from the theory of magnetic effects on $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-type doubling previously developed by Radford. Somewhat improved values for the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-type doubling frequencies and nuclear hyperfine-structure coupling constants were also obtained.
Increased female autosomal burden of rare copy number variants in human populations and in autism families

Autosomal genetic variation is presumed equivalent in males and females and makes a major contribution to disease risk. We set out to identify whether maternal copy number variants (CNVs) contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Surprisingly, we observed a higher autosomal burden of large, rare CNVs in females in the population, reflected in, but not unique to, ASD families. Meta-analysis across control data sets confirms female excess in CNV number (P=2.1 × 10(-5)) and gene content (P=4.1 × 10(-3)). We additionally observed CNV enrichment in ASD mothers compared with control mothers (P=0.03). We speculate that tolerance for CNV burden contributes to decreased female fetal loss in the population and that ASD-specific maternal CNV burden may contribute to high sibling recurrence. These data emphasize the need for study of familial CNV risk factors in ASDs and the requirement of sex-matched comparisons.
The interrelationships of shock and critical periods in infancy as they affect adult learning and activity

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the inter-relationships among intensity of infantile stimulation, developmental period during which stimulation was administered, and adult shock levels as these variables affected several performance measures. The Ss were 290 highly inbred C57BL/10Sc mice. The Ss received infantile stimulation on days 2 and 3, 8 and 9, or 15 and 16. At these ages independent groups of Ss were administered 10 1-second shocks of 0·1, 0·3, or 0·5 ma. Other Ss were placed on the grid but did not receive shock at these ages. Still other Ss served as non-stimulated controls; they were never disturbed from birth until weaning. After weaning the Ss were reared undisturbed until the start of testing at 60 days. Starting at this age the Ss received, in sequence, habituation to an avoidance learning apparatus where an activity measure was obtained, three days of open field testing, seven days of avoidance learning testing, and one day of extinction testing. All three independent variables—age of stimulation in infancy, intensity of stimulation, and level of adult shock—singly or in varying combinations significantly affected each of the dependent variables.
A Physical Model for the Distribution of Sonar Clutter from a Rough Interface

A physical model for clutter from rough interface scatter in low frequency active sonar systems is developed. Perturbation theory relates the mean scattering strength from a rough surface to the mean rough surface wavenumber spectrum at the Bragg wavenumber. Perturbation scattering theory is generalized to relate the clutter statistics to statistics of the interface surface roughness spectrum evaluated at Bragg wavenumbers. Focusing on application to ocean bottom reverberation, an examination of high resolution bathymetry data reveals that bathymetry spectra obey power laws. The power laws apply not only to the mean spectra, but also to higher order statistics. Therefore, these power laws can be used to extrapolate lower resolution bathymetry data to the required Bragg wavenumbers. The non-Gaussian distributions of clutter are then directly related to the non-Gaussian distributions of these rough interface wavenumber spectra.
Effect of microelectrode impalement on the reflex discharge of motoneurons

Abstract Cat spinal motoneurons were impaled with glass pipet microelectrodes. Cells exhibiting apparently normal electrical properties (membrane and action potentials > 55 mV) were shown to have markedly altered excitability to reflex inputs. It is concluded that microelectrode penetration can alter the functional behavior of neurons without producing obvious abnormalities in resting or action potential amplitudes.
Outcome Variables and Their Assessment in Alcohol Treatment Studies: 1968‐1998

Background: This article provides a historical overview of the assessment of outcome variables in alcohol treatment studies that were first published between 1968 and 1998. The review focuses on changes over time in (1) the number of outcome variables and the number of different types of outcome variables assessed, (2) the likelihood of assessing specific types of outcome variables, (3) the methods used to assess outcome variables, and (4) the status of outcome assessment in more recent studies first published between 1990 and 1998. Methods: Reports of 357 alcohol treatment trials with two or more treatment/control groups were coded with respect to the number and types of outcome variables assessed, sources of outcome data, and methodological aspects of outcome assessment. Results: Although the number of outcome variables assessed in studies, on average, did not increase significantly over time, the number of different types of outcome variables did increase. An expected decrease in the assessment of categorical abstinence was not found, but another categorical variable, global ratings of drinking improvement, did decrease over time. More recent studies were more likely to assess such continuous variables as time abstinent, alcohol consumption, time drinking, dependence symptoms, and drinking-related problems. Physiological markers of drinking/alcohol misuse also were assessed more frequently in later years. Some aspects of outcome assessment methods exhibited improvement over time; validity data were more likely to be provided or cited, and self-reports of drinking behaviors were more likely to be corroborated in studies first published in more recent years. However, the percentages of studies that provided/cited reliability data for outcome measures, indicated that follow-up data collectors were not affiliated with treatment and were unaware of respondents' treatment conditions, and reported that respondents were alcohol-free at follow-up did not rise significantly over time. Conclusions: Although the methods of outcome assessment improved between 1968 and 1998, much room for improvement remains.
On almost strong approximation for algebraic groups

Abstract If G is a simply connected reductive group defined over a number field k and ∞ is the set of all infinite places of k, then G has strong approximation with respect to ∞ if and only if the archimedean part of any k-simple component of the adele group G A is non-compact. Using affine Bruhat–Tits buildings we formulate an almost strong approximation (ASAP) for groups of compact type, extending the version treated in [J.S. Hsia, M. Jochner, Invent. Math. 129 (1997) 471–487]. The validity of ASAP for G(k) is proved for all classical groups of compact type whose Tits indices over k are not 2 A n (d) with d⩾3. Application to genera of integral forms (similar to Gross' notion of Z -models [B. Gross, Invent. Math. 124 (1996) 263–279]) is given with attendant results on integral representations of positive definite quadratic, hermitian or skew-hermitian forms.
Double labeling of neural circuits using horseradish peroxidase and cobalt.

Abstract This describes for the first time a non-fluorescent method for studying the connectional interrelationship of two neuronal systems in the same histological sections in which the systems are stained in two different colors (blue and brown). Since HRP and cobaltous-lysine are transported in both anterograde and retrograde directions, it is possible to manipulate the experiments to determine, for example, how the terminal fields of two systems overlap in a given neuropil, or cell aggregate, or how the projections of one system relate to retrogradely stained neurons of another system. The simple staining of HRP and cobalt is accomplished on cryostat sections and involves the combined technology of two previously published methods. The results described here are limited to a comparison of the overlap or lack of overlap of inputs to the thalamus from the two eyes in Xenopus , but the method has also proven useful in similar studies on Ambystoma tigrinum and Esox niger .
Interacting with large displays

Today's computing systems often rely on display technologies originally designed for the desktop, but wall-size screens and large table-top displays have qualitatively different requirements. As our research moves beyond basic input devices and interaction techniques, we aim to enable a complete large-screen user experience by rethinking existing applications as well as developing new ones that exploit these displays unique capabilities.
Structural basis for the potent and selective inhibition of casein kinase 1 epsilon.

Casein kinase 1 epsilon (CK1e) and its closest homologue CK1δ are key regulators of diverse cellular processes. We report two crystal structures of PF4800567, a potent and selective inhibitor of CK1e, bound to the kinase domains of human CK1e and CK1δ as well as one apo CK1e crystal structure. These structures provide a molecular basis for the strong and specific inhibitor interactions with CK1e and suggest clues for further development of CK1δ inhibitors.
Computer-assisted intervention improves patient-centered diabetes care by increasing autonomy support.

Objective: To determine if a patient-centered, computer-assisted diabetes care intervention increased perceived autonomy support, perceived competence (from self-determination theory), and if these constructs mediated the effect of the intervention on ADA/NCQA recommended diabetes care outcomes. Design: A randomized controlled trial of 866 adult type 2 diabetes patients in heterogeneous primary care settings in Colorado. Main Outcome Measures: Perceived autonomy support, perceived competence, patient satisfaction, glycemic control (HbAlc), ratio of total to HDL cholesterol, diabetes distress, and depressive symptoms. Results: The computer-assisted intervention increased patient perception of autonomy support relative to a computer-based control condition (p <.05). Change in perceived competence partially mediated the effects of increased autonomy support on the change in lipids, diabetes distress, and depressive symptoms. The construct of autonomy support was found to be separate from that of patient satisfaction. Conclusions: A patient-centered, computer-assisted intervention was effective in improving diabetes self-management outcomes, in part, because it increased patients' perception that their autonomy was supported which changed perceived competence. These findings support the self-determination model for health behavior change and the chronic care model and support the further study of the use of these technologies to motivate patients to improve their health outcomes.
An essential role for putrescine biosynthesis during meiotic maturation of amphibian oocytes

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the role of polyamines during meiotic maturation of Xenopus oocytes. The results indicate a rapid and significant increase in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, during the meiotic maturation induced by either progesterone or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This increase in the enzyme activity was followed by an accumulation of putrescine without any effect on the levels of spermidine or spermine. The inhibition of ODC activity and the accumulation of putrescine levels by α-difluoromethyl ornithine (DFMO), a catalytic irreversible inhibitor of ODC, also resulted in the inhibition of maturation mediated by progesterone in Xenopus oocytes. DFMO caused an inhibition of both maturation and ovulation induced by HCG in ovarian fragments. This inhibition was readily reversible by exogenous supply of putrescine to the medium. These observations suggest that putrescine plays an important role during the meiotic maturation of amphibian oocytes.
Development of second generation epigenetic agents

DNA in the nucleus of eukaryote cells is packaged in the nucleosomes around histone proteins, and this is highly organized and tightly regulated to control gene transcription. This packaging is not static and the histone tails undergo a wide variety of post-translational modifications that regulate gene transcription, and these patterns have been shown to be aberrantly regulated in multiple disease states. The biology behind these histone modifications is being elucidated, and it is now known that multiple proteins control the writing, reading and removal of these covalent histone modifications. The first agents, vorinostat and romidepsin, which inhibit histone deacetylase enzymes responsible for removing one of these marks have been approved for use in humans. This review focuses on the progress in the development of the second generation of epigenetic modifiers able to modulate histone marks, and restore normal gene transcription.
Large fluxes and rapid turnover of mineral-associated carbon across topographic gradients in a humid tropical forest: insights from paired 14C analysis

Abstract. It has been proposed that the large soil carbon (C) stocks of humid tropical forests result predominantly from C stabilization by reactive minerals, whereas oxygen (O2) limitation of decomposition has received much less attention. We examined the importance of these factors in explaining patterns of C stocks and turnover in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico, using radiocarbon (14C) measurements of contemporary and archived samples. Samples from ridge, slope, and valley positions spanned three soil orders (Ultisol, Oxisol, Inceptisol) representative of humid tropical forests, and differed in texture, reactive metal content, O2 availability, and root biomass. Mineral-associated C comprised the large majority (87 ± 2%, n = 30) of total soil C. Turnover of most mineral-associated C (66 ± 2%) was rapid (11 to 26 years; mean and SE: 18 ± 3 years) in 25 of 30 soil samples across surface horizons (0–10 and 10–20 cm depths) and all topographic positions, independent of variation in reactive metal concentrations and clay content. Passive C with centennial–millennial turnover was typically much less abundant (34 ± 3%), even at 10–20 cm depths. Carbon turnover times and concentrations significantly increased with concentrations of reduced iron (Fe(II)) across all samples, suggesting that O2 availability may have limited the decomposition of mineral-associated C over decadal scales. Steady-state inputs of mineral-associated C were statistically similar among the three topographic positions, and could represent 10–25% of annual litter production. Observed trends in mineral-associated Δ14C over time could not be fit using the single-pool model used in many other studies, which generated contradictory relationships between turnover and Δ14C as compared with a more realistic two-pool model. The large C fluxes in surface and near-surface soils documented here are supported by findings from paired 14C studies in other types of ecosystems, and suggest that most mineral-associated C cycles relatively rapidly (decadal scales) across ecosystems that span a broad range of state factors.
Optimal Planning of Distribution System Considering Distributed Generators

This paper presents a methodology for substation optimal planning considering DG for peak shaving. Utility can take effective demand-side management (DSM) to encourage customer-owned DG to participate in peak load shaving, and it can also construct utility DG to meet the peak load demand. In this paper, the impact of DG on peak load shaving is analyzed, and DG is taken as a complement to T&D system to meet load demand, which is considered in the substation planning. Substations sizing and location and new-built utility DG capacity is optimized using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), in which supply area of each substation is obtained by Voronoi diagram method. Case study shows that planning result considering DG for peak shaving can defer T&D system expansion so that considerable investment can be saved. Especially for those areas with high cost of T&D system construction, constructing DG to meet peak load demand would be a more economic way. (4 pages)
Characterization of uterine estrogen receptors by size-exclusion and ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography.

This report presents the first application of ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography in the study of ER from the rabbit uterus. In the presence of sodium molybdate (20 mM), native ER was eluted as a sharp peak at 0.29 M NaCl by a linear salt gradient, but without molybdate, it resolved into 4 major peaks. Molybdate-stabilized ER from the DEAE column, similar to ER from crude cytosol, sedimented at the 6–8S region in low salt and 4S region in high salt linear sucrose gradients, and was excluded from size-exclusion HPLC. In contrast, dissociated ER subunits from DEAE eluates ranged from 3.5 to 4.5S, and showed differences in molecular weights in a size-exclusion column. These results show that the native ER is a large molecule which dissociates into smaller subunits in the absence of molybdate; each of the steroid-bound moieties differs in molecular weight and surface charge from the native molecule.
Optical waveguide techniques for structural and chemical analysis in thin film and interfacial systems

Abstract This review considers some of the problems with which analytical chemists interested in thin-film and interfacial structures must deal. It is advocated that the types of classical spectroscopies which have served so well for so long in the solution regime are not particularly well suited to attacking these problems and that entirely new approaches are required. One such approach uses the generation of resonant optical waveguide modes in thin-film structures as the basis for spectroscopic excitation. The details of the waveguiding process are discussed and the properties important for spectroscopic experiments emphasized. The power of the technique for generating qualitative spectroscopic information is demonstrated by considering some specific Raman and resonance Raman experiments, and the implementation of an optical depth profiling capability is discussed. Finally, some recent four-wave mixing experiments are detailed to demonstrate both the breadth of capabilities and the vitality of research in the area. It should be noted that several fairly extensive efforts have not been covered. Notable among these is the use of resonant optical modes for thin-film absorption spectroscopy in which active research is ongoing (D. A. Stephens and P. W. Bohn, unpublished results).
Computer-generated vitreous silica networks

A large fully-bonded periodic continuous random network model of vitreous silica is generated via a computer simulation. This is done by introducing the defects into a diamond lattice and then decorating with oxygen atoms. The model shows good agreement in radial distribution function with experiment although the spread in angles at the silicon atoms is too large.
Novel Applications of an Injectable Radiopaque Hydrogel Tissue Marker for Management of Thoracic Malignancies

Abstract Background Radiopaque markers (otherwise known as fiducials) are used clinically to mark sites of biopsy or resection, which aids with targeting of local therapy, including surgery and radiation therapy. We performed a human cadaveric imaging series with a novel, injectable, radiopaque, absorbable hydrogel marker to demonstrate its potential in the management of thoracic malignancies. Methods Baseline CT imaging was performed on three unfixed cadaveric specimens. Hydrogel marker implants were placed in the submucosa of the esophagus, the mediastinum, and lung parenchyma by an endoscopic approach with real-time endobronchial and esophageal ultrasound guidance. Subpleural implants in peripheral lung parenchyma were also performed through an anterolateral thoracotomy. Postimplant simulation CT imaging, T2-weighted MRI, and cone-beam CT imaging were performed. Gross dissection of the lung parenchyma was used to evaluate localization of the hydrogel. Results Transthoracic and endoscopic marker placement was readily achieved. The hydrogel appeared hyperechoic by ultrasound, hyperenhancing on T2-weighted MRI, and demonstrated radiopacity of ∼300 Hounsfield Units in simulation CT imaging and cone-beam CT imaging. Gross dissection of the lung revealed well-localized blebs of hydrogel marker within lung parenchyma. Conclusions This cadaveric series demonstrates the excellent visibility of a radiopaque injectable hydrogel marker in the human thorax by multiple common imaging techniques. The hydrogel marker forms a well-localized bleb within tissue, which can assist with triangulation of disease during minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Esophageal applications include radiographic delineation of tumor defined by endoscopy and image guidance for radiotherapy. Future in vivo studies are warranted because radiopaque injectable compounds are promising alternatives to metal fiducials.