cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Natalizumab on Cognition and Neurodegeneration in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (P4.172)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how early treatment with natalizumab affects markers of neurodegeneration and cognitive function in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). BACKGROUND: Brain atrophy can occur early in the disease course of RRMS and lead to clinical disability and cognitive dysfunction. These changes may be delayed or reduced by natalizumab. DESIGN/METHODS: We conducted an ongoing, prospective, 96 week, single center, parallel group study of 20 patients with RRMS treated open-label with natalizumab. Analysis compared patients that started treatment less than two years after diagnosis with those starting treatment more than two years after diagnosis. Measures of neurodegeneration and cognitive function between the two groups were compared, with observations at baseline and follow-up after 24, 48, 72, and 96 weeks. Parameters measured included cognitive function indicated by Symbol-Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) z-scores, non-conventional MRI metrics estimated by FSL, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and macular volume as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: An interim analysis of the 8 patients that have completed 48 weeks of treatment revealed that those in the early treatment group had an increase in SDMT z-scores of 0.64 standard deviations that trended towards significance (p = 0.085). Those in the late treatment group did not see a change. For the cohort, cognitive decline was correlated with thalamic atrophy (r = 0.92, p < 0.05) but not whole brain atrophy. There was a trend towards a decrease in white matter fraction (-0.68 ± 0.80 %, p = 0.064) while gray matter fraction increased (0.63 ± 0.77 %, p = 0.075). There were no noticeable longitudinal changes in OCT measurements. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that treatment of RRMS with natalizumab early in the disease course may protect cognitive function. Further investigation into brain atrophy from week 48 to week 96 is warranted to evaluate neurodegeneration in the absence of pseudoatrophy. Study Supported by: Biogen; Ruth L. Kirchstein National Research Service Award Short-Term Institutional Research Training Grant 2T35DK062719-26 Disclosure: Dr. Talmage has nothing to disclose. Mr. Coppes has received research support from Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Finch has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sprayberry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Javed has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corp., Novartis, Questcor Diagnostics, and Biogen Idec as a consultant and speaker. Dr. Bernard has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec and Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Dr. Bernard has received research support from Biogen Idec.
Indirect role of T cells in development of polioencephalitis and encephalomyelitis induced by encephalomyocarditis virus.

Abstract Infection of female BALB/c mice with encephalomyocarditis virus results in the development of a paralytic syndrome in 7 to 10 days postinoculation. Previous studies had suggested the involvement of an immune component in the development of central nervous system pathology. We have examined the effects of T-cell depletion on the development of polioencephalitis (neuronal necrosis and inflammation of the brain and brain stem) and the relative contribution of the CD4+ and CD8+ subsets following the establishment of viremia. We show that monoclonal antibody depletion of T cells is effective in the reduction of polioencephalitis when given prior to viral inoculation. However, administration of the antibodies 12 h or more after viral inoculation failed to alter the development of polioencephalitis or encephalomyelitis. We conclude that T cells are involved in the development of central nervous system disease during the initial stages of infection but are not responsible for the later progression of disease.
Evaluating Econometric Evaluations of Post-Secondary Aid

Abstract In an ongoing evaluation of post-secondary financial aid, we use random assignment to assess the causal effects of large privately-funded aid awards. Here, we compare the unbiased causal effect estimates from our RCT with two types of non-experimental econometric estimates. The first applies a selection-on-observables assumption in data from an earlier, nonrandomized cohort; the second uses a regression discontinuity design. Selection-on-observables methods generate estimates well below the experimental benchmark. Regression discontinuity estimates are similar to experimental estimates for students near the cutoff, but sensitive to controlling for the running variable, which is unusually coarse.
Color and Cognition in Mesoamerica: Constructing Categories as Vantages.

Color and Cognition in Mesoamerica: Constructing Categories as Vantages. Robert E. MacLaury. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1997. 616 pp.
A rapid column chromatographic method for the isolation of catechol-type siderophores.

A column chromatographic method using a polyamide support has been developed which allows rapid isolation of catechol-type siderophores directly from culture supernatants. The method is superior to presently used methods with regard to speed, convenience, and lack of degradation products. Siderophores from Micrococous denitrificans (ATCC 19367). Klebsiella acrogenes (ATCC 13882), and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6051) have been purified and the method has been tested with two synthetic catechol-type chelators, N1,N2-bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)ethylenediamine and N1,N4-bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)putrescine.
ESR measurement of dissolved oxygen in 4-day chick embryo blood.

Abstract The magnetic interactions between dissolved oxygen molecules and nitroxide radical spin probes lead to broadening of electron spin resonance (ESR) lines. Based on this property we described an ESR methodology to measure PO 2 values in 4-day chick embryo and adult human blood. The total blood volume required for the measurement was only 9 μl. Using this method PO 2 for adult human mixed venous blood was found to be 36.7 mmHg. This is within the established clinical range of 25–40 mmHg for mixed venous blood PO 2 . The range of mean PO 2 values for 4-day chick embryo blood was 27.3–35.0 mmHg. This is the first time that PO 2 values have been reported for individual chick embryos at such an early stage.
Technology-enhanced distance education: From experimentation to concerted action

Despite the rush to embrace technology-enhanced learning (TEL), descriptions of how schools of nursing move toward systemwide implementation of this type of teaching are scarce. There is a wide gap between sporadic dabbling by individual instructors in specific courses and adoption and implementation of TEL throughout a program. This article describes the experiences of a group of nursing faculty who helped move one school of nursing from experimentation with TEL in distance education to concerted action toward a strategic schoolwide plan. J Prof Nurs 17:135-140, 2001.
How to create an online internet course

The authors have developed two hybrid internet courses with one weekly meeting per week instead of the traditional two or three meetings. One course teaches how to use Microsoft Office and is a service course. The other teaches Computer Graphics to computer science majors. The internet materials are structured to use each of the three student learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. The steps the authors used to create the internet materials with Adobe Captivate© are presented and parts of a sample lecture are available for download.
Remote double stereodiffrentiation in macrocylizations of α-alkoxyallylstannanes

Abstract The homochiral epoxy stannane aldehyde 13 affords a 2.3:1 mixture of cis-Z and cis-E cyclization products 14 and 15 upon treatment with BF3 · Et2O at - 78°C whereas the diastereomeric epoxy stannane aldehyde 16 gives the cis-Z product 17 with only a trace of the cis-E isomer 18.
Diffusion of water in zeolites.

The self-diffusion coefficient D of water occluded in samples of near-faujasite has been determined by pulsed field-gradient spin-echo nuclear magnetic resonance. The value of D in square centimeters per second x 105 at 30°C is 1.34, 1.65, and 1.88 in the following zeolites, respectively: Na X, Ca X, and Ca Y (X and Y being an indication of ratio of silicon to aluminum in the zeolites). By comparison, the value of D in pure water at 30°C is 2.5 x 10-5 cm2/sec. Arrhenius activation energies for D are 6.9, 6.8, and 5.6 kilocalories per mole, respectively, for the three faujasites and 5.0 kcal/mole for pure water. Thus, there appears to be little difference in diffusion behavior between free water and water occluded in faujasite.
Nucleolar fragmentation in cells infected with alphaviruses (39886).

SummaryIt was observed that nucleoli of chick embryo cells infected with certain al-phaviruses fragmented before the cells themselves showed any other cytopathic effects. The nucleoli in cells infected with SFV or SIN virus were fragmented 2 hr after inoculation, but fragmentation was first observed 4 hr postinoculation in cells infected with EEE or Chikungunya viruses. No fragmentation was observed with VEE or any of three strains of WEE virus. These results were obtained with electron and/or light microscopy. Fragmentation was observed in a variety of other cells and cell lines infected with SIN virus. The fragmentation was independent of the multiplicity of infection (MOI) at MOIs greater than 10. No other RNA viruses have been shown to cause this type of fragmentation. Since fragmentation occurred early and proceeded rapidly, components of the infecting virus or early viral proteins which apparently are not common to all members of the alphavirus group appear to be responsible for this fragmentation.W...
Food composition tables in the calculation of the nutrient content of mixed diets

Food composition tables are a frequently used tool in the calculation of the nutrient composition of mixed diets. Recent studies comparing calculated and analysed estimates of intake are reviewed; the sources of inter-study error and the ‘real’ differences between calculated and analysed results are examined separately, and the usefulness of estimates of variability and possible future developments in food composition tables are discussed.
The effects of merchandising and temporary promotional activities on the sales of fresh fruits and vegetables in supermarkets

Retail price, newspaper advertising, display space, and display location quality were tested at two levels for selected fruits and vegetables according to a fractional factorial research design in ...
Cholinergic mechanisms in depression

Evidence supporting a cholinergic hypothesis of depression is presented. First, cholinergic overdrive produces behavioral, neuroendocrine, and polysomnographic features of melancholia, and melancholics exhibit state-independent supersensitivity to cholinergic overdrive. Drugs inducing up-regulation and supersensitivity of cholinergic systems produce behavioral, polysomnographic, and neuroendocrine effects of melancholia when withdrawn. These observations also implicate cholinergic system supersensitivity as a factor in the pathophysiology of certain affective disorders. Cholinergic and monoaminergic mechanisms reciprocally regulate drive-reduction, and substances of abuse either activate monoaminergic networks or antagonize cholinergic systems. These points are consistent with the hypothesis that dynamic interaction between cholinergic and monoaminergic systems is involved in the regulation of mood and affect. Finally, antimuscarinic agents have antidepressant effects. Thus, the hypothesis that supersensitivity of cholinergic systems is involved in the pathophysiology of affective disorders is supported by several lines of evidence. This evidence is reviewed; directions for future research and promising methods of investigation are discussed.
EFFECT OF CALCIUM ENTRY BLOCKERS ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND VASOCONSTRICTOR RESPONSES TO ALPHA-1 ADRENOCEPTOR STIMULATION IN CONSCIOUS SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

In order to investigate whether vascular alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonism plays a role in the antihypertensive effect of verapamil, tiapamil, and nifedipine, we studied their potencies to inhibit K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx in rat isolated aorta and [3H]prazosin binding in rat brain membranes in vitro as well as their antihypertensive effect and functional alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in vivo. Tiapamil proved 70 times less potent than verapamil in inhibiting calcium influx, but was equipotent in displacing [3H]prazosin. Nifedipine proved 10 times more potent than verapamil as calcium channel blocker but displayed negligible affinity for alpha-1 adrenoceptors in vitro. In conscious SHR, the three calcium channel blockers dose-dependently reduced mean arterial pressure after oral administration. Only at maximal anti-hypertensive doses, the increases in diastolic pressure to intravenous injection of the selective alpha-1 adrenoceptor agonist cirazoline were temporarily suppressed by nifedipine, verapamil, and tiapamil. No relationship existed between the relative potencies as calcium channel blocker and affinities for alpha-1 adrenoceptor binding sites in vitro with functional vascular alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade in vivo. The data do not support the hypothesis that vascular alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade plays a significant role in the anti-hypertensive effect of verapamil and related calcium channel blockers.
A Survey on Lifting-based Discrete Wavelet Transform Architectures

In this paper, we review recent developments in VLSI architectures and algorithms for efficient implementation of lifting based Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). The basic principle behind the lifting based scheme is to decompose the finite impulse response (FIR) filters in wavelet transform into a finite sequence of simple filtering steps. Lifting based DWT implementations have many advantages, and have recently been proposed for the JPEG2000 standard for image compression. Consequently, this has become an area of active research and several architectures have been proposed in recent years. In this paper, we provide a survey of these architectures for both 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional DWT. The architectures are representative of many design styles and range from highly parallel architectures to DSP-based architectures to folded architectures. We provide a systematic derivation of these architectures along with an analysis of their hardware and timing complexities.
In-beam axial β-ray spectrometer for the measurement of internal conversion electrons

Abstract An axial beta-ray spectrometer for in-beam internal conversion measurements is described. Spectra taken for electrons from p+ 90 Zr reactions at 11.2 MeV bombarding energy demonstrate the high transmission and low background provided by this instrument.
Synthesis of oxazolidinedione derived bicalutamide analogs.

Abstract The synthesis of chiral oxazolidinedione derived bicalutamide analogs has been discussed.
Maximizing the giant liquid slip on superhydrophobic microstructures by nanostructuring their sidewalls.

In an effort to maximize the liquid slip on superhydrophobic surfaces, we investigate the role of the nanoscale roughness on microscale structures by developing well-defined micro−nano hierarchical...
Plasma catecholamines in primary hypertension

Abstract In 60 patients with primary hypertension and 23 normotensive healthy subjects of comparable age, blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma catecholamine concentration were measured in the recumbent and upright positions and in some during isometric handgrip exercise. Plasma catecholamines were measured by a sensitive radioenzymatic assay. Plasma norepinephrine was significantly higher in the recumbent and upright position and increased significantly more during exercise in the hypertensive than in the normotensive group. Twenty-five percent of the hypertensive patients had plasma norepinephrine levels greater than 2 standard deviations above the mean of the normotensive group. Plasma norepinephrine was significantly correlated with age in both groups of subjects and with blood pressure in the hypertensive group only. However, age was significantly correlated with blood pressure in both groups. During exercise, blood pressure increased slightly less in the hypertensive than in the normotensive group, despite the significantly greater rise in the catecholamines in the hypertensive than in the normotensive group. It is concluded that the elevated plasma NE may reflect increased sympathetic activity, which could account for elevation of blood pressure in primary hypertension.
Synchrotron radiation to be used to generate holographic x-ray gratings

Abstract The synchrotron radiation generated by high electrons circulating in storage rings may be used to produce holographic X-ray gratings of up to about 5 × 104 lines per millimeter. Such gratins could then be employed as elements in X-ray optics. They could also serve to test recording resolution of various surfaces, to study narrow strips of monolayers, to investigate Block oscillations, to observe the fine structure of Landau levels as well as in the construction of artificial crystals.
Impact of motivational salience on affect modulated startle at early and late probe times

Abstract This study systematically manipulated both picture content and noise probe time in order to evaluate the effects of motivational salience (as distinguished from affective valence) on both early and late modulation of the startle response. Specifically, modulation was compared for erotic versus action/adventure scenes, and for direct threat versus victim scenes, at early (300 and 800 ms) and late (3500 ms) probe times — all relative to neutral. Blink inhibition was observed at all probe times during presentation of erotic pictures, and blink potentiation was evident at all times during presentation of direct threat pictures. Patterns of blink modulation were less consistent for action and victim picture contents. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that under conditions of high motivational salience, affective startle modulation indexes the activation of appetitive-approach and defensive motivational states, even at early stages of picture processing.
Market reactions to announcements to expense options

The joint hypotheses of informationally efficient markets, transparent financial statements, and adequate accounting disclosure suggest that announcements of changes in the accounting treatment of employee stock options from footnote disclosure to expense recognition should not trigger stock price reactions because free-cash-flows will not change. Event study results from a sample of 241 firms that announce such changes reveal statistically significant negative price changes followed by positive price changes about equal in magnitude. We propose the learning, sophisticated investor, neglected firm, and firm size hypotheses to explain the observed announcement-period stock price reaction.
Telomere dysfunction and Atm deficiency compromises organ homeostasis and accelerates ageing

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) results from the loss of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (Atm) function and is characterized by accelerated telomere loss, genomic instability, progressive neurological degeneration, premature ageing and increased neoplasia incidence1. Here we evaluate the functional interaction of Atm and telomeres in vivo. We examined the impact of Atm deficiency as a function of progressive telomere attrition at both the cellular and whole-organism level in mice doubly null for Atm and the telomerase RNA component (Terc)2,3,4. These compound mutants showed increased telomere erosion and genomic instability, yet they experienced a substantial elimination of T-cell lymphomas associated with Atm deficiency. A generalized proliferation defect was evident in all cell types and tissues examined, and this defect extended to tissue stem/progenitor cell compartments, thereby providing a basis for progressive multi-organ system compromise, accelerated ageing and premature death. We show that Atm deficiency and telomere dysfunction act together to impair cellular and whole-organism viability, thus supporting the view that aspects of A-T pathophysiology are linked to the functional state of telomeres and its adverse effects on stem/progenitor cell reserves.
Changes in subpopulations of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and supramammary and prescapular lymph nodes of cows with mastitis and normal cows

Abstract Direct immunofluorescence (IF) and indirect IF techniques were employed to analyze the distribution of B and T lymphocyte populations in peripheral blood, and in supramammary (draining), and prescapular (non-draining) lymph nodes of cows with mastitis and normal cows. In the peripheral blood there was a significant decrease in the percent and absolute number of B lymphocytes in mastitic cows (n=29; 17.1±10.2%; 3.4±2.7×105 cells/ml) as compared to normal cows (n=38; 25.2±7.8%; 9.3±5.4×105 cells/ml). The percent T lymphocyte count in mastitic cows (71.2±7.1%) was slightly increased over that of normals (65.8±7.2%), although the absolute number of T lymphocytes was decreased in mastitic cows (1.49±0.91×106 cells/ml vs. 2.47±1.28×106 cells/ml). In the prescapular lymph node the percent of B lymphocytes, but not T or “null lymphocytes”, decreased significantly in mastitic cows as compared to that of normals. The decrease, i.e. 32%, paralleled the 32.1% decrease found in peripheral blood B lymphocytes. In contrast, in the supramammary lymph node of mastitic cows, the percent B lymphocytes increased over that of normals (35.1±2.0% vs. 20.4±9.4%), whereas the percent T lymphocytes decreased to 54.5±2.8% compared to 70.7±3.5% in normal cows. There was no significant change in percent “null lymphocytes”. The weight of prescapular lymph nodes did not change in mastitic cows when compared to that of normals. As a result, the estimated number of B lymphocytes, but not of T and “null lymphocytes”, decreased. In contrast, the weight of supramammary lymph nodes draining the mastitic udder was three times that of normal nodes (153.1±29.1 g vs. 54.7±9.2 g). As a result, estimated numbers of T, B, and “null lymphocytes” in mastitic cows were greater than those of normal cows.
Predicting lignite devolatilization with the multiple parallel and two-competing reaction models

Abstract A comparison is performed between the multiple parallel and two-competing reaction models in their ability to predict high-temperature (above 1000°K) lignite devolatilization data. The multiple parallel reaction model was subsequently seen to be the better fit of this high-temperature data. Finally, this multiple parallel reaction scheme was shown to adequately model lignite devolatilization data at temperatures from 973 to 2100°K, residence times from 0.001 to 10.0 sec. and heating rates from 180 to 1,000,000°K/s.
Risk and Protective Factors Among African American Adolescent Males That Predict Adult Involvement in the Criminal Justice System: Evidence From a National Sample

The current study examined risk and protective factors in adolescence that predicted involvement in the criminal justice system among young adult African American men. Participants (n = 2,274) drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were adolescents (11–19 years, M = 15) at Wave 1 and young adults (18–27, M = 22) at Wave 3. We examined how racial differences in social environments (e.g., socioeconomic status, parental supervision, parental quality time, religiosity, peer substance use, and academic achievement) during adolescence predict involvement in the criminal justice system in young adulthood. Results revealed peer substance use as a risk factor, and religiosity and academic achievement as both protective factors against later involvement in the criminal justice system. Implication are discussed in regard to understanding the types of preventative services that may prove to decrease the number of African American young adult men involved in the criminal justice system.
Teaching and emotions in a nonformal educational setting

Emotions play a key role in teaching in nonformal educational settings. Developing an awareness of learner emotions and their relationship to nonformal learning experiences is an essential practice for the nonformal educator.
Evaluation of a patient with both aquagenic and cholinergic urticaria

An 11-yr-old girl presented with a history of urticaria induced by warm or cool showers, exercise, and emotional stimuli. During evaluation she repeatedly developed generalized punctate urticaria, pruritus, palpitations, and headaches after warm baths or exercise, and she had a positive methacholine skin test. She developed similar lesions and pruritus after local application of sterile water, tap water, ethanol, normal saline, or 3% saline. The diagnosis of combined aquagenic and cholinergic urticaria was made and presented a unique opportunity to study and compare mediator release and clinical symptoms in both conditions. The patient was submerged in bath water at either 37 degree or 41 degree C to induce either aquagenic or cholinergic urticaria, respectively. Histamine was released into the systemic circulation in both conditions in a similar time course; however, systemic symptoms occurred only after the 41 degree C bath. After failure to induce tolerance to the 41 degree C bath water, hydroxyzine therapy was instituted. One week later she was rechallenged; few symptoms appeared, and a rise in serum histamine was not detected as had been shown in previous challenges. The data suggest that in our patient, hydroxyzine may have contributed to the inhibition of both histamine release and the appearance of symptoms during hot bath challenging.
Calcium Dysregulation, IP3 Signaling, and Alzheimer’s Disease

Ca2+ ions subserve complex signaling roles in neurons, regulating functions ranging from gene transcription to modulation of membrane excitability. Ca2+ ions enter the cytosol from extracellular sources, such as entry through voltage-gated channels, and by liberation from intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores through inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptors and/or ryanodine (RyR) receptors. Disruptions of intracellular Ca2+ signaling are proposed to underlie the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and recent studies examining AD-linked mutations in the presenilin genes demonstrate enhanced ER Ca2+ release in a variety of cell types and model systems. The development of transgenic AD mouse models provides a means to study the mechanisms and downstream effects of neuronal ER Ca2+-signaling alterations on AD pathogenesis and offers insight into potential novel therapeutic strategies. The author discusses recent findings in both the physiological functioning of the IP3-signaling pathway in neu...
Amplification of Thalamic Projections to Middle Suprasylvian Cortex following Ablation of Immature Primary Visual Cortex in the Cat

The purpose of the present study was to identify expansions in thalamic projections to middle suprasylvian (MS) cortex that could be linked to the sparing of visually guided behaviors that follow the removal of visual cortex early in postnatal life. Injections of retrograde tracers were made into the medial bank of the middle suprasylvian sulcus in intact, adult cats and in adult cats that had incurred ablations of areas 17 and 18 on the day of birth (P1), P28, or > or = 6 months of age, and the numbers of labeled neurons in the thalamus were counted. In the thalamus of the intact cat, the greatest number of labeled neurons are located in the lateral division of the lateral posterior nucleus and there are intermediate numbers in the medial division of the lateral posterior nucleus (LPm); and smaller numbers within the medial interlaminar nucleus, the C-complex of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), the geniculate wing, and the pulvinar nucleus. Following the removal of areas 17 and 18 at different ages, thalamic projections to MS cortex exhibit an age-dependent reorganization. Removals on P1, induce twice the normal number of neurons in LPm and three times the normal number of neurons in the C-complex of dLGN to project to MS cortex. Removals on P28 induce five times the normal number of neurons in the C-complex to project to MS cortex. In addition, removals at both ages resulted in projections from the A-laminae to MS cortex becoming permanently established. No changes in the pattern or number of neurons that project to MS cortex were detected when areas 17 and 18 were removed in adulthood. These results show that pathways through the C-complex of dLGN and through LPm expand substantially following ablation of immature areas 17 and 18. These expanded pathways are linked to Y- and W-functional streams of visual signals that are relayed from the retina to extrastriate cortex either directly through dLGN or indirectly via the superior colliculus and LPm. These signals may be critical for the sparing of neural operations following ablation of areas 17 and 18 early in development.
On Transient and Periodic Signal Detection in Time-Varying Noise Power

Detectability of periodic and synchronously recurrent transient signals in a noisy environment in which the noise power is time varying is investigated. For at least one noise model, it is shown that the basic nonlinearity of the optimum detector is a limiter. Performance of this optimum detector is compared with analog cross-correlation and clipper cross-correlation (CCC) detectors. It is shown that the CCC performs nearly optimally, especially at low signal-to-noise ratios, and that its performance is significantly better than that of the analog cross correlator.
Kinesin-5 Allosteric Inhibitors Uncouple the Dynamics of Nucleotide, Microtubule, and Neck-Linker Binding Sites

Kinesin motor domains couple cycles of ATP hydrolysis to cycles of microtubule binding and conformational changes that result in directional force and movement on microtubules. The general principles of this mechanochemical coupling have been established; however, fundamental atomistic details of the underlying allosteric mechanisms remain unknown. This lack of knowledge hampers the development of new inhibitors and limits our understanding of how disease-associated mutations in distal sites can interfere with the fidelity of motor domain function. Here, we combine unbiased molecular-dynamics simulations, bioinformatics analysis, and mutational studies to elucidate the structural dynamic effects of nucleotide turnover and allosteric inhibition of the kinesin-5 motor. Multiple replica simulations of ATP-, ADP-, and inhibitor-bound states together with network analysis of correlated motions were used to create a dynamic protein structure network depicting the internal dynamic coordination of functional regions in each state. This analysis revealed the intervening residues involved in the dynamic coupling of nucleotide, microtubule, neck-linker, and inhibitor binding sites. The regions identified include the nucleotide binding switch regions, loop 5, loop 7, α4-α5-loop 13, α1, and β4-β6-β7. Also evident were nucleotide- and inhibitor-dependent shifts in the dynamic coupling paths linking functional sites. In particular, inhibitor binding to the loop 5 region affected β-sheet residues and α1, leading to a dynamic decoupling of nucleotide, microtubule, and neck-linker binding sites. Additional analyses of point mutations, including P131 (loop 5), Q78/I79 (α1), E166 (loop 7), and K272/I273 (β7) G325/G326 (loop 13), support their predicted role in mediating the dynamic coupling of distal functional surfaces. Collectively, our results and approach, which we make freely available to the community, provide a framework for explaining how binding events and point mutations can alter dynamic couplings that are critical for kinesin motor domain function.
Effect of soil type on water quality improvement during soil aquifer treatment

Bench-scale soil column experiments were performed at The University of Arizona to examine the effects of soil type and infiltration rate on the removal of wastewater organics during soil aquifer treatment (SAT). The suitability of such waters for potable uses following a combination of above-ground treatments and SAT polishing was under investigation. SAT was simulated in 1-meter soil columns containing repacked homogenized soils ranging from poorly graded sands to silty sands. Soils were obtained from existing and potential effluent recharge sites in Arizona. All columns received chlorinated/dechlorinated secondary effluent, ponded to a 25-cm depth above the soil surface, under alternating wet/dry conditions. Treatment efficiencies in biologically active and inhibited columns were compared to determine the mechanism(s) of water quality improvements and the sustainability of SAT. Water quality parameters included: (i) non-purgable dissolved organic carbon and (ii) UV absorbance at 254 nm (used as a measure of disinfection-by-product precursors). Differences in through-column removal of non-purgable dissolved organic carbon were significant for columns containing sandy loam (56%), sand (48%) and silty sand (44%). Removal of UV-absorbing organics was not significantly different for columns containing sand and sandy loam (22 and 20%, respectively). There was no significant correlation between infiltration rate and removal efficiency of either organic parameter for both soils.
Double dissociation between rules and memory in music: An event-related potential study

Language and music share a number of characteristics. Crucially, both domains depend on both rules and memorized representations. Double dissociations between the neurocognition of rule-governed and memory-based knowledge have been found in language but not music. Here, the neural bases of both of these aspects of music were examined with an event-related potential (ERP) study of note violations in melodies. Rule-only violations consisted of out-of-key deviant notes that violated tonal harmony rules in novel (unfamiliar) melodies. Memory-only violations consisted of in-key deviant notes in familiar well-known melodies; these notes followed musical rules but deviated from the actual melodies. Finally, out-of-key notes in familiar well-known melodies constituted violations of both rules and memory. All three conditions were presented, within-subjects, to healthy young adults, half musicians and half non-musicians. The results revealed a double dissociation, independent of musical training, between rules and memory: both rule violation conditions, but not the memory-only violations, elicited an early, somewhat right-lateralized anterior-central negativity (ERAN), consistent with previous studies of rule violations in music, and analogous to the early left-lateralized anterior negativities elicited by rule violations in language. In contrast, both memory violation conditions, but not the rule-only violation, elicited a posterior negativity that might be characterized as an N400, an ERP component that depends, at least in part, on the processing of representations stored in long-term memory, both in language and in other domains. The results suggest that the neurocognitive rule/memory dissociation extends from language to music, further strengthening the similarities between the two domains.
Cell lineage analysis of pancreatic islet development: glucagon and insulin cells arise from catecholaminergic precursors present in the pancreatic duct.

Abstract We have previously reported that cells transiently expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the first enzyme of the catecholamine biosynthetic pathway, are present in the pancreas of mouse embryos from prenatal Day 11 (E11) and that, at E12, some TH cells contain glucagon. Cells containing TH were also found in adults which, unlike the TH cells of embryos, did not contain glucagon ( G. Teitelman, T. H. Joh, and D. J. Reis (1981). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 78, 5225 ). These findings suggested to us that the TH cells of embryonic pancreas were the precursors of glucagon cells of adults. In this study we used immunocytochemical and autoradiographic techniques to determine whether cells containing TH (a) were present in pancreas throughout pre- and postnatal development, (b) were localized to a specific region of the gland, (c) contained insulin at any time, and (d) proliferated. We found that TH cells were present in pancreas throughout life. In embryos, cells containing TH localized only along the pancreatic duct, also contained either glucagon or insulin, and were able to proliferate. In contrast, after birth, the pancreatic duct contained no TH cells. Cells containing TH in postnatal and adult mice also differed from embryonic TH cells in that they were found in all islets, contained insulin but not glucagon, and did not synthesize DNA, and hence did not proliferate. These findings suggest that progenitor cells that contain catecholamines and are present in the pancreatic duct give rise to glucagon and insulin cells of adult islets. They also indicate that the TH-insulin cells of postnatal and adult mice are not stem cells but are postmitotic cells that appear in the islets after birth.
Kaon Factory with TRIUMF as Injector

A kaon factory is defined as a proton accelerator in the energy range of 15-30 GeV and with the average current range of 10-100 ..mu..A so that it can produce kaons copiously. Cost considerations become prohibitive, at these energy and current ranges, for any candidate accelerator mode except the synchrotron. The required average beam current of 100 ..mu..A is just possible with a fast cycling synchrotron, say, pulsing at 30 Hz and having 2 X 10/sup 13/ protons per pulse. The design of such a synchrotron with a linac injector is straightforward. To obtain a long beam spill for experiments one needs a beam-spill stretcher ring which is a dc storage ring having the same radius and installed in the same tunnel as the synchrotron. Accelerated beam pulses from the synchrotron are injected and stored in the stretcher ring to be spilled out uniformly in time by a resonant slow extraction system. The stretcher ring is an ideal application for superconducting magnets. To use a CW accelerator, or a cyclotron such as TRIUMF as the injector, one needs an accumulator ring which is an injection energy dc storage ring, again having the same radius and installed in the same tunnel more » as the synchrotron. The CW beam from the injector is accumulated in the accumulator during one complete cycle of the synchrotron and is transferred to the synchrotron in one turn to be accelerated as one pulse. This paper covers details of the timing properties between the accumulator, the synchrotron and the stretcher and goes on to describe the TRIUMF beam packet, the accumulator and accumulation scheme, and the foil scattering technique of the proposed kaon factory. « less
Sampling and analysis methods for use in source apportionment studies to determini impact of wood burning on fine particle mass

Abstract Aerosol sampling and analysis procedures are described which may be used to obtain ambient air measurements for input into source apportionment studies to estimate the impact of wood burning on ambient particulate loadings. Ambient wintertime fine particle compositions in Denver, CO, and Albuquerque, NM, are used as examples for receptor model calculations.
CR15 LOCAL RECURRENCE AFTER CURATIVE RESECTION FOR RECTAL CANCER IS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTERIOR POSITION OF THE TUMOUR

Background Mobilization of rectal cancer can be difficult if the tumour is located anteriorly and may result in a higher incidence of local recurrence. The aim of this study was to determine whether local recurrence and survival following curative resection of rectal cancer were associated with the position of the tumour. Methods Data were drawn from a comprehensive, prospective hospital registry of all resections for rectal cancer from January 1990 to December 1998, with follow-up to December 2003. Results The 5-year local recurrence rate was 15.9 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 11.0 to 22.8) per cent in 176 patients with tumours that had an anterior component compared with 5.8 (95 per cent c.i. 2.8 to 11.9) per cent in 132 patients with tumours without an anterior component (P = 0.009). This association persisted after adjustment for other factors linked to local recurrence (hazard ratio (HR) 2.4 (95 per cent c.i. 1.1 to 5.4)). Similarly, anterior position had a significant negative independent association with survival (HR 1.4 (95 per cent c.i. 1.0 to 2.00)). Conclusion Anterior position is an independent negative prognostic factor for both local recurrence and survival after curative resection of rectal cancer.
Effect of scaling and root planing on the composition of the human subgingival microbial flora

The effect of a single session of scaling and root planing on the subgingival periodontal flora of 14 adult human subjects was investigated by darkfield microscopy. At baseline, one randomly selected periodontally diseased site in each subject was assessed for GI and P1I scores, probing depth and the percentage distribution in subgingival debris of coccoid cells, spirochetes, motile cells and other microorganisms. Following a single full mouth scaling and root planing session, these criteria were reevaluated at other initially diseased sites, one per subject and time interval. The intervals tested were days 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 70 and 90. The P1I and GI scores tended to decrease during the first 14 days, returning to baseline around days 21–28. After another transient decline around 35–42 days the values stabilized around baseline levels till the end of the experiment. Probing depth decreased below baseline during the first 7 days and with the exception of day 28, remained below baseline level till the end of the experiment. Coccoid cells increased from 25.1 % at baseline to 76.1 % on day 3. Return to the baseline level occurred by day 21. Spirochetes did not return to baseline until day 42. The percentage of motile cells decreased significantly from baseline on day 3 only (14.8 % to 3.8 %). The results indicated that a single session of scaling and root planing is capable of disturbing the proportions of certain bacterial forms in the subgingival periodontal flora, and that it may require approximately 42 days for the proportions to return to baseline levels. Probing depth was significantly decreased by the debridement throughout most of the 90-day experimental period. The proportion of coccoid cells was negatively correlated with both GI and P1I scores, while the percentage of spirochetes was positively correlated with GI and P1I scores as well as probing depth measurements.
The relationship between progesterone and prostaglandin f concentrations in the plasma of pregnant rabbits

Abstract The concentrations of progesterone and PGF have been measured in the peripheral plasma of 7 rabbits during pregnancy. The mean concentration of progesterone reached a maximal value on day 13 post coitum (p.c.), declined gradually until day 29 p.c., and then fell more sharply between days 29–32 p.c., before delivery on day 32. The mean concentration of PGF was less than 300 pg/ml for much of pregnancy but showed a significant increase between days 21 and 30 p.c. In 5 out of 7 animals, the rise in PGF during late pregnancy occurred prior to or coincident with the preparturient decline in progesterone.
Forged ties: Cooperation and conflict in the metals industries

Abstract This research examines the relationships between changing institutional mechanisms that structure class relations and the settlement of strikes. We analyze strike settlement in primary metals industries between 1960 and 1977. Combining event-history analytic techniques and the logic of “moving time-series regressions” we model the settlement of those strikes occurring during the renegotiation of a contract and over wage and benefit issues. Consistent with prior research our findings confirm those theories that cite the importance of economic conditions to strike settlement. However, our findings also indicate that theories of strike settlement need to explicitly recognize conflicting class interests, the recalcitrance those interests create, as well as the institutional mechanisms that attempt to coordinate those interests.
Dynamic Approach to Measurement of Children's Metacomponential Functioning.

Abstract This study examined the validity of a dynamic assessment approach to the measurement of metacomponential (executive level) processing of young children. Forty-eight children were administered two measures of executive-level functioning, one of which was a dynamic assessment interview, and a standardized achievement test. Reliability measures supported the use of the interview instrument as a measure of general executive-level functioning, but not of specific metacomponents. Correlation and regression analyses provided evidence of construct and criterion-related validity, with mixed support for the application of Sternberg's (1985) componential theory to investigations of young children's cognition, and for the use of a nontraditional measure in that application. Evidence is provided that the interview instrument measures both content knowledge and metacomponential processing, but additional research is needed on this issue.
Ultrasonic welding of PEEK graphite APC-2 composites

The ultrasonic welding process is modeled using a five part model that includes mechanics and vibration of the parts, viscoelastic heating, heat transfer, flow and wetting, and intermolecular diffusion. The model predicts that melting and flow occur in steps, which has been confirmed by experiments. The model also indicates the possibility of monitoring joint quality by measuring the dynamic mechanical impedance of the parts during welding, which has also been verified experimentally by indirectly monitoring the magnitude of the impedance. via measurements of both the power and the acceleration of the base. When the melt fronts of the energy directors meet, at the end of welding, the dynamic impedance of the composites' interface is shown to rise rapidly. This raises the possibility of developing closed loop control procedures for the ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composites. Ultrasonic welding of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) graphite APC-2 composites produced joints with excellent strengths.
Fixed-nuclei and laboratory-frame formalisms for electron scattering by a spherical top, with full incorporation of symmetry

We discuss molecule-frame and laboratory-frame symmetry-adapted formalisms for electron scattering by a spherical top. The molecule-frame formalism is based on the fixed-nuclear-orientation approximation, both for electronically elastic scattering by a vibrationally rigid molecule and also for the more general case where electronic excitation and vibrational degrees of freedom are included. The laboratory-frame formalism is based on the exact symmetries of the problem, which are carefully related to the approximate symmetries of the molecule-frame treatment. We present both the forward and backward transformations between the two representations.
Making Change Materialize: An Archaeology of Social Reform in the Age of Obama

The 2008 American presidential election led some to believe that an era of possibility had finally dawned. But change remains elusive, and questions about how to advance social justice causes persist in the age of Obama. Critical examinations of past social movements help answer these questions, and to this end I offer research on Smithfield and North Elba, two New York towns imagined as utopias by reformer Gerrit Smith (1797–1874). While some have emphasized a narrative of utopia realized, research on the artifacts, landscapes, and texts associated with them has revealed past struggles and knowledge of what hinders future imaginaries.