cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inheritance of inflorescence architecture in sorghum

The grass inflorescence is the primary food source for humanity, and has been repeatedly shaped by human selection during the domestication of different cereal crops. Of all major cultivated cereals, sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] shows the most striking variation in inflorescence architecture traits such as branch number and branch length, but the genetic basis of this variation is little understood. To study the inheritance of inflorescence architecture in sorghum, 119 recombinant inbred lines from an elite by exotic cross were grown in three environments and measured for 15 traits, including primary, secondary, and tertiary inflorescence branching. Eight characterized genes that are known to control inflorescence architecture in maize (Zea mays L.) and other grasses were mapped in sorghum. Two of these candidate genes, Dw3 and the sorghum ortholog of ramosa2, co-localized precisely with QTL of large effect for relevant traits. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using genomic and mutant resources from maize and rice (Oryza sativa L.) to investigate the inheritance of complex traits in related cereals.
Children’s Perceptions of Television Characters

This study explores the cognitive dimensions used by children in differentiating among television characters. By linking content-free judgments of the differences among television characters with content attributes suggested by prior research, a four-dimensional mapping is identified. This cognitive mapping is virtually identical for children at three different ages. Further, dimensions identified are strong predictors of the children's desires to model the social behaviors of the TV characters. The dimensions identified and discussed include those of humor, attractiveness, strength, and activity. The findings also indicate that young boys and girls use the same dimensions in markedly different ways.
Clindamycin-induced alteration of ganglionic function. I. Direct effects on ganglion cell properties.

Abstract The influence of the lincosamide antibiotic, clindamycin, on the properties of bullfrog sympathetic ganglion B cells has been determined in vitro using conventional voltage recording methods or single microelectrode voltage-clamp recording techniques. Individual neurons were depolarized with both bath application or local perfusion of clindamycin. The amplitude of the depolarization was not altered by pretreatment with 50 μM (+)-tubocurarine, 10-μM atropine, or 1.5 μM tetrodotoxin (TTX), indicating that the clindamycin-induced depolarization does not result from either the activation of (1) nicotinic receptors, (2) muscarinic receptors, or (3) voltage-gated sodium channels. Clindamycin partially inhibited I M , an action which accounts for part of the clindamycin-induced depolarization. The duration of the hyperpolarizing afterpotential (HAP) following the action potential was decreased in the presence of clindamycin. Clindamycin decreased the amplitude and maximum rate of rise (MRR) of TTX-insensitive action potentials. As calcium influx is thought to contribute to the depolarizing phase of the TTX-insensitive spikes, we suggest that the decrease in HAP duration by clindamycin results from a decrease in the somal calcium current. Further, it is suggested that a decrease in I M and HAP duration may be responsible for the increasedexcitability exhibited during exposure to clindamycin.
Outlaw fishing in Missouri.

Abstract This study describes hand fishers and their unique method of harvesting catfish. Although the Missouri state legislature outlawed hand fishing in 1919, a segment of anglers still practice this sport. In 2000, some of the participants met with officials from the Missouri Department of Conservation and requested a legalized hand fishing season. Their petition was denied, partly due to the lack of information about this activity. A mail-back questionnaire was administered to hand fishers in Missouri and nearly 5 6% of them responded to the survey. Results indicated that hand fishers were primarily males who lived in rural areas of the state. Participants went hand fishing about 13 times per year (x = 12.5) and caught approximately 10 catfish annually {x = 10.4). A profile of hand fishers was developed and sent to decision-makers to assist them with policy formation. Since hand fishers reported numerous ways of catching catfish (only 1 5% used their hands exclusively), a better description of these p...
Pneumoperitoneum Therapy: Some Contraindications; Anatomy of Omental Bursa

1) Five cases have been presented which are considered to be representative of some contraindications to the continuance of pneumoperitoneum. 2) The anatomy of the omental bursa has been reviewed and an endeavor made to correlate the appearance of pneumatoceles with possible distension of the omental bursa. 3) Opinion has been expressed that pneumoperitoneum should be treated with the respect, if not the delicacy, accorded pneumothorax in previous years.
Concerning the relative acidities of simple alcohols

Abstract A plot of δ 13C vs. H_yields pKa values for alcohols in aqueous (KOH) solution as follows: CF3CH2OH, 13.17 (±0.10); FCH2CH2OH, 14.42 (±0.04); CH3OH, 14.46 (±0.04); CH3OCH2CH2OH, 14.83 (±0.09); CH3CH2OH, 15.18 (±0.10); (CH3)2CHOH, 15.27 (±0.08).
Galois Module Structure of the Integers in Wildly Ramified Cyclic Extensions

Abstract This work is concerned with the Galois module structure of the ring of integers in totally ramified cyclic extensions, L / K , of local fields whose characteristic is zero, [ L : K ] = p m , m arbitrary and p an odd prime. Under a restriction on the first ramification number, the structure of the ring of integers of L is described in terms of explicit indecomposable Z p [ G ]- modules, G denoting the Galois group and Z p , the ring of p -adic integers. This explicit description is an extension of the results in a recent paper of M. Rzedowski-Calderon, G. D. Villa-Salvador, and M. L. Madan (1990, Math. Z . 204 , 401-424).
Decline of spotted knapweed density at two sites in western Montana with large populations of the introduced root weevil, Cyphocleonus achates (Fahraeus)

Abstract Spotted knapweed is an important weed of rangeland in the northwestern United States and western Canada, and has been the focus of considerable biological control efforts. Cyphocleonus achates, a Eurasian root weevil, has been released as a biocontrol agent against the weed in many areas of Montana and the Pacific Northwest. Spotted knapweed plant density was monitored over a 11-year period (1993–2004) at two sites in western Montana where C. achates was released. Spotted knapweed density declined significantly over time at both sites (99 and 77%, respectively), after C. achates numbers increased dramatically at both sites. The average annual population growth rate of C. achates during 1993–1995 was 14% at the two sites, compared to 10% during 1995–1998. The weevil population radially expanded a distance of 73 m per year at one study site compared to 99 m per year at the other site. The estimated C. achates population increase at the two sites was similar: in 1998, the C. achates population estimate for one site was 90,776 in a 23 ha area of occupation, compared to 97,173 in a 29 ha area at the other site. Evidence suggests that C. achates played a major role in the spotted knapweed population decline. Following the decline of spotted knapweed, two annual exotic weeds, Bromus tectorum and Descurainia sophia, became major components of the new plant community, with B. tectorum becoming the dominant plant. By 2004, B. tectorum comprised 89 and 50% of the replacement vegetation at the two sites.
Occupational risk of Lyme disease: an epidemiological review

Lyme disease is the most common vector borne disease in the United States. Since the early 1980s, a large body of literature has evaluated the occupational risk of Lyme disease. The availability of a new vaccine to prevent Lyme disease makes it necessary for occupational health professionals to make decisions regarding the occupational risk of the disease among employees.
Hereditary etiologies of hypomagnesemia.

Magnesium ions are essential to all living cells. As the second most abundant intracellular cation, magnesium has a crucial role in fundamental metabolic processes such as DNA and protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, enzyme function, ion channel regulation, and neuromuscular excitability. After presenting an overview of magnesium homeostasis, the authors review the etiologies of hypomagnesemia, with an emphasis on hereditary causes. Magnesium ions are essential to all living cells. As the second most abundant intracellular cation, magnesium has a crucial role in fundamental metabolic processes such as DNA and protein synthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, enzyme function, ion channel regulation, and neuromuscular excitability. After presenting an overview of magnesium homeostasis, we review the etiologies of hypomagnesemia, with an emphasis on hereditary causes.
γ-Hydroxybutyrate Reduces Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation via GABAB Receptor Activation in Mouse Frontal Cortex and Hippocampus

Abstract γ-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) naturally occurs in the brain, but its exogenous administration induces profound effects on the central nervous system in animals and humans. The intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying its actions remain unclear. In the present study, the effects of GHB on the activation (phosphorylation) of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP kinases), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), were investigated. Acute administration of GHB (500 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) induced a fast and long lasting inhibition of MAP kinase phosphorylation in both frontal cortex and hippocampus. The reduced MAP kinase phosphorylation was observed in the CA1 and CA3 areas but not in the dentate gyrus. Pretreatment with the specific γ-aminobutyric acid, type B (GABAB), receptor antagonist CGP56999A (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) prevented the action of GHB, and the effect of GHB was mimicked by baclofen, a selective GABAB receptor agonist, whereas the high affinity GHB receptor antagonist NCS-382 (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) had no effect on GHB-inhibited MAP kinase phosphorylation. Moreover, the GHB dehydrogenase inhibitor valproate (500 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), which inhibits the conversion of GHB into GABA, failed to block the effect of GHB on MAP kinase phosphorylation. Altogether, these data suggest that GHB, administered in vivo, reduces MAP kinase phosphorylation via a direct activation of GABAB receptors by GHB. In contrast, GHB (10 mm for 15 min) was found ineffective on MAP kinase phosphorylation in brain slices, indicating important differences in the conditions required for the second messenger activating action of GHB.
A novel finding to assess ischemia in pacing stress echocardiography (PASE)

BACKGROUND Normalization of heart rate post-pacing stress echocardiography (PASE) could enable evaluation of effect of ischemia on diastolic function. METHODS We examined the effect of pacing on left ventricular (LV) filling in 55 patients who underwent a transesophageal PASE. Pulse wave Doppler of mitral inflow was obtained at baseline and during transition from peak pacing to up to three beats immediate post pacing. RESULTS Thirty-four patients (62%; 62 +/- 12 years) had normal (NL) PASE, wall motion score index (WMSI) 1 +/- 0 at baseline and during PASE. Sixteen patients (29%; 64 +/- 12 years) had ischemic (ISCH) PASE, WMSI 1.07 +/- 0.08 at baseline and 1.40 +/- 0.21 during PASE. Five patients (9%; 81 +/- 5 years) had abnormal (ABN) PASE, WMSI 1.55 +/- 0.34 at baseline and 1.55 +/- 0.34 during PASE. The ABN group had the most pronounced decrease in deceleration time (DT) seen in all three post-PASE beats (221 +/- 29 ms at baseline vs. 145 +/- 46, 144 +/- 26 and 144 +/- 18 ms at beats 1, 2, and 3, P < 0.005 from baseline for all). The DT reduced significantly at post-PASE beat 1 from baseline (234 +/- 45 ms vs. 158 +/- 36 ms, P = 0.02) in the ISCH group, whereas no significant change in DT occurred in the NL group (239 +/- 74 ms vs. 222 +/- 58 ms, P = 0.14) at beat 1. CONCLUSION In ISCH and ABN ventricles the duration of early diastolic filling decreased post-pacing. This new finding of a shortened deceleration time (DT) may be a marker of an ischemic response in PASE reflecting abnormal LV compliance.
Graphs on uniform points in [0,1]d

Statistical problems in pattern or structure recognition for a random multidimensional point set may be addressed by variations on the random graph model of Erdos and Renyui. The imposition of graph structure with a variable edge criterion on a large random point set allows a search for signature quantities or behavior under the given distributional hypothesis. The work is motivated by the question of how to make statistical inferences from sensed mine field data. This article describes recent results obtained in the following special cases. On independent random points U1,...,Un distributed uniformly on [0,1]d, a random graph Gn(x) is constructed in which two distinct such points are joined by an edge if the l(infinity )-distance between them is at most some prescribed value 0 = 2.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gated multicycle integrator (GMCI): a readout circuit for repetitive imaging of FPA

A gated multi-cycle integrator (GMCI) is presented to recover weak repetitive image signal from strong background. The GMCI could operate in several modes such as Capacitive- transimpedance amplifier (CTIA), gated integration (GI) and background-cancellation integration (BCI). When GMCI operates at BCI mode, the storage well of a pixel is mainly used for signal integration even there exists strong background or large dark current. Thus the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), dynamic range and the sensitivity of detection are greatly improved. In addition, the transmission windows of BCI peak at odd harmonics of the modulation frequency. Therefore the detector's 1/f and other low frequency noises can be attenuated. A switched capacitor integrator (SCI) was designed to carry out the performance of GMCI. The switch induced fixed pattern can be obliterated by taking the differentia of two multi-cycle integrated signals with 180° phase difference. Preliminary chip test shows that the GMCI can read out modulated signal that is five orders less than the background.
Studies of the binding and signaling of surface-immobilized periplasmic glucose receptors on gold nanoparticles: a glucose biosensor application.

Abstract Genetically engineered periplasmic glucose receptors as biomolecular recognition elements on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have allowed our laboratory to develop a sensitive and reagentless electrochemical glucose biosensor. The receptors were immobilized on AuNPs by a direct sulfur–gold bond through a cysteine residue that was engineered in position 1 on the protein sequence. The study of the attachment of genetically engineered and wild-type proteins binding to the AuNPs was first carried out in colloidal gold solutions. These constructs were studied and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, particle size distribution, and zeta potential. We show that the genetically engineered cysteine is important for the immobilization of the protein to the AuNPs. Fabrication of the novel electrochemical biosensor for the detection of glucose used these receptor-coated AuNPs. The sensor showed selective detection of glucose in the micromolar concentration range, with a detection limit of 0.18 μM.
The Incidence of Sugar Beet Seedling Diseases and Effects of Seed Treatment in England

SUMMARY On average, 180 samples of sugar beet seed grown in England between 1958 and 1970, and examined before being steeped in ethyl mercuric phosphate (EMP), had 39 per cent of clusters infected with Phoma betae. However, the fungus damaged few seedlings in commercial crops because this treatment controlled it. In 1969, Aphanomyces sp. was unusually prevalent in sugar beet crops. Treating EMP-steeped seed with a protectant fungicide did not, on average, significantly increase seedling emergence or final plant stand.
Pluripotent embryonic stem cells from the rat are capable of producing chimeras

Abstract Embryonic stem cells have been enormously important in the production of targeted mutations in mice ruled in the study of gene function and biological aspects of disease states. The use of these cells for mouse studies is now widespread but the production of animals from similar cell lines derived from other species has not been previously reported. We demonstrate here the derivation of diploid rat embryonic stem cells (RESC-01). RESC-01 cells are SSEA-1 and alkaline phosphatase positive, grow best on primary rat embryonic fibroblasts, and can differentiate extensively in vivo RESC-01 cells form cystic embryoid bodies capable of rhythmic contractions. Rat blastocysts injected with RESC-01 cells form chimeras. The results indicate that the successful in vitro propagation and chimera production with embryonic stem cells is not limited to the mouse. The long-term culture of rat ES cells will provide an important resource for the study of normal physiology and disease models where rat is the species of choice.
Random and Systematic Error in Voting in Presidential Elections

Condorcet’s theory of voting rests on the crucial proposition that voting errors are random and not systematic. Using Lau and Redlawsk’s voting correctly measure, I test whether voting error is systematic or random in presidential elections from 1972 to 2004. I show that errors are systematically skewed toward Republican candidates. I also show that the level of skew of incorrect voting has led to the incorrect candidate being elected in three out the last nine elections. In addition, I find that greater skew in Republican campaign spending increases skew of incorrect votes toward Republican candidates.
Analysis of short alkylsilane bonded silica gel high-performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases ussing hydrofluoric acid digestion and headspace analysis by capillary gas chromatography

Abstract A quantitative hydrofluoric acid digestion-headspace gas chromatography (GC) method was developed for the analysis of n -butyldimethylsilane and other short alkyl bonded silica gel high-performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases. The method requires only 10–30 mg of material and simple reaction vials. Digestion of the bonded silica requires 75 min, followed by a 4-min GC analysis. The average of the absolute value of the relative error for a range of alkyl bonded silica surface concentrations was 6.44% compared to elemental analysis, with an average precision of 1.55% (relative standard deviation). The method was used to identify and quantify both laboratory bonded and commercial stationary phases.
Transilient turbulence algorithms to model mixing across finite distances

Abstract Algorithms are given to model turbulent processes within the atmosphere and ocean. These algorithms are based on the transilient turbulence theory, which allows turbulent eddies of all sizes to transport fluid parcels across finite distances. The technique is absolutely numerically stable, and is compact enough to be executed on microcomputers.
The homunculus at home

In Gray's conjecture, mismatches in the subicular comparator (needing problem resolution) and matches (during appetitive approach) have equal prominence in consciousness. In rival cognitive views novelty and difficulty (i.e., information-processing mismatches) especially elicit more conscious modes of cognition and higher levels of self-regulation. The mismatch between Gray's conjecture and these views is discussed.
Using perceptual rules in interactive visualization

In visualization, data are represented as variations in grayscale, hue, shape, and texture. They can be mapped to lines, surfaces, and glyphs, and can be represented statically or in animation. In modem visualization systems, the choices for representing data seem unlimited. This is both a blessing and a curse, however, since the visual impression created by the visualization depends critically on which dimensions are selected for representing the data (Bertin, 1967; Tufte, 1983; Cleveland, 1991). In modem visualization systems, the user can interactively select many different mapping and representation operations, and can interactively select processing operations (e.g., applying a color map), realization operations (e.g., generating geometric structures such as contours or streamlines), and rendering operations (e.g., shading or ray-tracing). The user can, for example, map data to a color map, then apply contour lines, then shift the viewing angle, then change the color map again, etc. In many systems, the user can vary the choices for each operation, selecting, for example, particular color maps, contour characteristics, and shading techniques. The hope is that this process will eventually converge on a visual representation which expresses the structure of the data and effectively communicates its message in a way that meets the user's goals. Sometimes, however, it results in visual representations which are confusing, misleading, and garish.
Deletion of internal structured repeats increases the stability of a leucine-rich repeat protein, YopM

Mapping the stability distributions of proteins in their native folded states provides a critical link between structure, thermodynamics, and function. Linear repeat proteins have proven more amenable to this kind of mapping than globular proteins. C-terminal deletion studies of YopM, a large, linear leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein, show that stability is distributed quite heterogeneously, yet a high level of cooperativity is maintained [1]. Key components of this distribution are three interfaces that strongly stabilize adjacent sequences, thereby maintaining structural integrity and promoting cooperativity. To better understand the distribution of interaction energy around these critical interfaces, we studied internal (rather than terminal) deletions of three LRRs in this region, including one of these stabilizing interfaces. Contrary to our expectation that deletion of structured repeats should be destabilizing, we find that internal deletion of folded repeats can actually stabilize the native state, suggesting that these repeats are destabilizing, although paradoxically, they are folded in the native state. We identified two residues within this destabilizing segment that deviate from the consensus sequence at a position that normally forms a stacked leucine ladder in the hydrophobic core. Replacement of these nonconsensus residues with leucine is stabilizing. This stability enhancement can be reproduced in the context of nonnative interfaces, but it requires an extended hydrophobic core. Our results demonstrate that different LRRs vary widely in their contribution to stability, and that this variation is context-dependent. These two factors are likely to determine the types of rearrangements that lead to folded, functional proteins, and in turn, are likely to restrict the pathways available for the evolution of linear repeat proteins.
Network flow based resource brokering and optimization techniques for distributed data streaming over optical networks

This article analyzes the problem of optimizing access to and transport of large remote data through intelligent resource selection and configuration. With the availability of high speed optical networks, the main problem for remote data access is shifting from having enough network bandwidth to having enough data ready to saturate the network when requested by the application. Network bandwidth is now higher than disk bandwidth and this gives us the possibility of utilizing multiple distributed resources to saturate the network links. We are considering two types of scenarios, one where we use only disks as data sources and a more advanced scenario where compute resources in the network can be utilized as caches to increase instantaneous throughput.The problem we are facing is choosing and configuring the resources for this scenario. This is a non-trivial problem however as we are using application-driven network resource allocation (which gives us predictability and determinism in terms of network performance) the problem becomes tractable. We discuss optimization algorithms that are applicable to this problem, and present an algorithm that divides the problem in two sub-problems that can be solved using existing network flow algorithms.
Using a one-electron shuttle for the multielectron reduction of CO2 to methanol: kinetic, mechanistic, and structural insights.

Pyridinium and its substituted derivatives are effective and stable homogeneous electrocatalysts for the aqueous multiple-electron, multiple-proton reduction of carbon dioxide to products such as formic acid, formaldehyde, and methanol. Importantly, high faradaic yields for methanol have been observed in both electrochemical and photoelectrochemical systems at low reaction overpotentials. Herein, we report the detailed mechanism of pyridinium-catalyzed CO2 reduction to methanol. At metal electrodes, formic acid and formaldehyde were observed to be intermediate products along the pathway to the 6e−-reduced product of methanol, with the pyridinium radical playing a role in the reduction of both intermediate products. It has previously been thought that metal-derived multielectron transfer was necessary to achieve highly reduced products such as methanol. Surprisingly, this simple organic molecule is found to be capable of reducing many different chemical species en route to methanol through six sequential e...
Listening to the Music: Compositional Processes of High School Composers

The purpose of the study was to investigate the compositional processes of adolescents to clarify effective strategies for implementing composition activities in high school music programs. The study charted the progress of four high school music students as they completed two separate composition tasks. Data collection techniques consisted of semi-structured interviews, observation, and document analysis. Analysis consisted of studying the field note and interview texts, making marginal notes, sorting, and coding. A model was constructed that reflected the common processes of composition used by the four student participants. Important features of the model are the role played by listening, the necessity of individual thinking time, and the improvisatory character of the final products. Findings from the study suggest that although there may be common elements in student compositional processes, the nature of the compositional process is idiosyncratic.
Multilayer adsorption of ethylene on graphite: Layering, prewetting, and wetting

We report the results of a comprehensive x-ray-scattering study of multilayer ethylene physisorbed on graphite. At temperatures well below the triple point of bulk ethylene (103.8 K), adsorption only occurs up to a finite number of layers; any further addition of material results in the nucleation of bulk crystallites. The number of layers that coexist with bulk increases at successively increasing transition temperatures. Reversible, first-order transitions between the total number of layers absorbed and the coexisting bulk are observed at $T=75$ K (oneto two layers) and at $T=98$ K (two to three layers). Bulk particle-size information is obtained as a function of both temperature and the amount of material in the cell. We present evidence that suggests that ethylene undergoes a thin-film to thick-film transition immediately below the triple point and that the triple point is the wetting temperature of ethylene on graphite. Pronounced hysteresis effects are observed both at the layering transitions and in the neighborhood of the triple point.
'Recognition units' at the top of a neuronal hierarchy? Prepacemaker neurons in Eigenmannia code the sign of frequency differences unambiguously.

The electric fish,Eigenmannia, is able to discriminate the sign of the frequency difference, Df, between a neighbor's electric organ discharges (EODs) and its own. The fish lowers its EOD frequency for positive Dfs and raises its frequency for negative Dfs to minimize jamming of its electrolocation ability by a neighbor's EODs of similar frequency. This jamming avoidance response (JAR) is controlled by a group of ‘sign-selective’ neurons in the prepacemaker nucleus (PPN) that is located at the boundary of the midbrain and the diencephalon (Fig. 1). Extracellular recordings from a total of 35 neurons revealed a great similarity between behavioral and neuronal response properties:
STOMATA ON SEEDS AND FRUITS OF BAUHINIA (LEGUMINOSAE: CAESALPINIOIDEAE)

Seeds of 45 species of Bauhinia (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Seeds of eight species have stomata which are mostly normal in appearance but lack subsidiary cells and are slightly recessed. Varying degrees of distortion or obscuring cuticular deposits were found in some species. This is the first unambiguous report of stomata on seeds of Leguminosae. Fruits of two of the eight species were also examined. Raised stomata with conspicuous subsidiary cells were found only on the outer pericarp surface. STOMATA are uncommon on seeds, but they have been reported occasionally on seeds from species scattered among 23 dicot and monocot families (Jernstedt and Clark, 1979). In the Leguminosae, Corner (1951, 1976) document
When Insurance Companies and Clinicians Pay Attention to Data, Everybody Wins: A Commentary on Koons, O'Rourke, Carter, and Erhardt (2013)

Abstract Insurance companies and clinicians may appear to be strange bedfellows, however, both have common objectives. This commentary describes how, using Koons, O’Rourke, Carter, and Erhardt (2013) as a model, CBT clinicians can learn to actively change the system to benefit both the providers and the clients. By doing so, we can increase the availability of evidence-based practices to a larger proportion of the population and not just individuals who can afford to pay out-of-network.
Conditionally Replicating Adenovirus Expressing TIMP2 Increases Survival in a Mouse Model of Disseminated Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer remains difficult to treat mainly due to presentation of the disease at an advanced stage. Conditionally-replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) are promising anti-cancer agents that selectively kill the tumor cells. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a novel CRAd (Ad5/3-CXCR4-TIMP2) containing the CXCR4 promoter for selective viral replication in cancer cells together with TIMP2 as a therapeutic transgene, targeting the matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) in a murine orthotopic model of disseminated ovarian cancer. An orthotopic model of ovarian cancer was established in athymic nude mice by intraperitonal injection of the human ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV3-Luc, expressing luciferase. Upon confirmation of peritoneal dissemination of the cells by non-invasive imaging, mice were randomly divided into four treatment groups: PBS, Ad-ΔE1-TIMP2, Ad5/3-CXCR4, and Ad5/3-CXCR4-TIMP2. All mice were imaged weekly to monitor tumor growth and were sacrificed upon reaching any of the predefined endpoints, including high tumor burden and significant weight loss along with clinical evidence of pain and distress. Survival analysis was performed using the Log-rank test. The median survival for the PBS cohort was 33 days; for Ad-ΔE1-TIMP2, 39 days; for Ad5/3-CXCR4, 52.5 days; and for Ad5/3-CXCR4-TIMP2, 63 days. The TIMP2-armed CRAd delayed tumor growth and significantly increased survival when compared to the unarmed CRAd. This therapeutic effect was confirmed to be mediated through inhibition of MMP9. Results of the in vivo study support the translational potential of Ad5/3-CXCR4-TIMP2 for treatment of human patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
The photodynamics of Ag thin metal film surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been widely demonstrated to be capable of single molecule detection. In addition to enhancement of Raman scattering, the substrates used for SERS also display other unique optical properties such as photoluminescence and blinking. In this work, the photoactivation of Ag thin metal films as it relates to the mechanism of SERS enhancement and the production of Ag cluster SERS active sites was explored. Specifically, the photodynamics of SERS-active thin Ag films were qualitatively studied using a combination of optical imaging and high and low resolution spectroscopy. A key hypothesis tested in this work addressed the role of oxygen in thin metal film photodynamics. Based on spectroscopic and kinetic differences observed from thin Ag films under both ambient and nitrogen atmospheres, a simple photochemical mechanism for blinking in optical phenomena was developed and tested. The proposed mechanism relies on the photoreduction of silver oxide to produce an active species, which was postulated to be silver clusters.
In vivo and in vitro responses to tumor-associated antigens: apparent absence of T cell participation.

The tumor-associated antigens of the murine tumors B16, SAD2 and C3HBA readily induced antibody production in vivo, but produced little transplantation immunity. These tumors grew better in normal syngeneic hosts than they did in lethally irradiated or thymectomized lethally irradiated, marrow reconstituted hosts, where they grew equally well. When blood or spleen cells were reacted with anti-H-2 sera directed against the responder cells or with anti-Θ C3H sera and complement and then cultured with irradiated syngeneic tumor cells or extracts of these tumors, the responses to the tumor-associated antigens and to two thymus-independent antigens were not impaired; however, the same treatment greatly reduced the responses to allogeneic tumor or spleen cells and to two thymus-dependent antigens. The observations suggested that the tumor-associated antigens under study primarily stimulated B rather than T cells.
The neurological dynamics of the imagination

This article examines the imagination by way of various studies in cognitive science. It opens by examining the neural correlates of bodily metaphors. It assumes a basic knowledge of metaphor studies, or the primary finding that has emerged from this field: that large swathes of human conceptualization are structured by bodily relations. I examine the neural correlates of metaphor, concentrating on the relation between the sensory motor cortices and linguistic conceptualization. This discussion, however, leaves many questions unanswered. If it is the case that the sensory motor cortices are appropriated in language acquisition, how does this process occur at the neural level? What neural preconditions exist such that this appropriation is possible? It is with these questions in mind that I will turn my attention to studies of neural plasticity, degeneracy and the mirror neuron activation. Whereas some scholarship in philosophy and cognitive neuroscience has aimed to identify the neurological correlates of consciousness, examining plasticity, degeneracy and activation shifts the discussion away from a study of correlates toward an exploration of the neurological dynamics of thought. This shift seems appropriate if we are to examine the processes of the “imagination.”
From low to high-temperature superconductivity: A dimensional crossover phenomenon? A finite size effect?

We explore the Ginzburg-Landau version of a model for layered superconductors, in which superconducting material consisting ofM unit cells is separated by insulating layers that areN unit cells thick. Invoking the recently proposed interlayer coupling—which enhances pairing within the superconducting sheets—the order parameter coupling turns out to be of Heisenberg type, analogous to layered magnets. The mean field result forTc (M, N) is found to be in remarkable agreement with experiment for ultrathin NbSe2 crystals and Sn−SiO, Al−AlO2, YBCO/PrBCO superlattices. The fact thatTc (M, N) increases with increasingM is traced back to a finite size effect, corresponding to a crossover from nearly two to three-dimensional superconductivity. This change from low to high-temperature superconductivity is found to be independent of the sign of the interlayer interaction. An electrostatic model for the interaction on YBCO/PrBCO superlattices is in reasonable agreement with experiment. The orbital upper critical fieldHc2‖ turns out to be unlimited ited whileHc2⊥ is proportional toTc (M, N).
Neural integrated fuzzy controller (NiF-T) and real-time implementation of a ball balancing beam (BBB)

A controller with blend of neural networks and fuzzy logic is proposed for a nonlinear control problem. Fuzzy logic membership functions are utilized to fuzzify input parameters; neural network interpolates the fuzzy rule set; after defuzzification, the output is used to train a smaller size of neural network; the weights of the later neural network can be adjusted to fine tune the controller. This controller successfully balances balls with one third of the required 27 rules. With learning capability, it approaches its goal more frequently in general.
Mandatory vs. Voluntary Disclosure in Markets with Informed and Uninformed Customers

Numerous rules mandate the disclosure of information. This article analyzes why such rules are enacted. Specifically, 1) why wouldn't firms voluntarily disclose their private information; and 2) given that voluntary disclosure would not be forthcoming, who has the incentive to lobby for mandatory disclosure rules? Previous analyses of disclosure assume that all customers understand the disclosures that can be made. A key result in these analyses is that there is no role for mandatory disclosure. Either voluntary disclosure is forthcoming or if it is not, no one is better off with mandatory disclosure. We analyze a market in which not all customers understand the disclosures that can be made. We show that if the fraction of customers who would understand a firm's disclosure is too low, then voluntary disclosure may not be forthcoming. In this case, mandatory disclosure benefits some (possibly all) customers and may also benefit firms. Thus we identify a motive for someone to lobby for such rules. Our results suggest that we should find mandatory disclosure rules with regard to information that is relatively difficult to understand.
Unsaturated Soil Modeling for Airfield Pavement Design

This study presents results of one of the first in situ assessment studies on the use of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (M-EPDG) methodology applied to the design of airfield pavements. The M-EPDG’s Enhanced Integrated Climatic Model (EICM) introduces unsaturated soil modeling techniques into the prediction of moisture changes in the unbound materials throughout the life of pavements for highway conditions. Field soil moisture content changes measured at several Air Force bases in the U.S. were collected from historic studies and compared to MEPDG predictions. Details and outcomes from this comparative study are presented herein. Despite significant differences in structural dimensions and geometric design, this study showed that the EICM promises to be a suitable predictive methodology to be adapted for airfield pavement conditions and has the potential to become a tool for the incorporation of unsaturated soil modeling for the design of airfield pavements, provided that several enhancements are made to the model applied to highway design. Also, a discussion on possible sources of uncertainty in the predictions of the MEPDG and a series of alternative revisions and enhancements required to incorporate the EICM with current airfield pavement design methodologies are presented.
Birth Control Vaccine Targeting Leukemia Inhibitory Factor

SUMMARY The population explosion and unintended pregnancies resulting in elective abortions continue to impose major public health issues. This calls for a better method of contraception. Immunocontraception has been proposed as a valuable alternative that can fulfill most, if not all, of the properties of an ideal contraceptive. There are several targets that are being explored for contraceptive vaccine development. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of interleukin-6 family, is required for embryo development and successful blastocyst implantation in several mammalian species. The present study was conducted to examine if LIF can be a target for the development of a birth control vaccine. Three sequences from LIF and two sequences from LIFreceptor (LIF-R) that span the regions involved in ligand-receptor binding were delineated, and peptides were synthesized based upon these sequences. Antibodies raised against these five peptides reduced LIF bioactivity in the in vitro culture assay using BA/F3 mLIF-R-mpg130 cells. Vaccines were prepared by conjugating these peptides to various carrier proteins. Immunization of female mice with these peptide vaccines induced a long-lasting, circulating as well as local antibody response in various parts of the genital tract, and resulted in a significant (p≤0.05) inhibition in fertility in all the three trials; the LIF-R peptide vaccines proved to be a better vaccine target. The data indicate that LIF/LIF-R is an excellent target for the development of a birth control vaccine. This is the first study, to our knowledge, that examined LIF/LIF-R as a target for immunocontraception. The findings of this study can be easily translated to humans since LIF/ LIF-R is also important for implantation and pregnancy in women.
Favorable selection, risk adjustment, and the Medicare Advantage program.

Objectives To examine the effects of changes in payment and risk adjustment on (1) the annual enrollment and switching behavior of Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries, and (2) the relative costliness of MA enrollees and disenrollees. Data From 1999 through 2008 national Medicare claims data from the 5 percent longitudinal sample of Parts A and B expenditures. Study Design Retrospective, fixed effects regression analysis of July enrollment and year-long switching into and out of MA. Similar regression analysis of the costliness of those switching into (out of) MA in the 6 months prior to enrollment (after disenrollment) relative to nonswitchers in the same county over the same period. Findings Payment generosity and more sophisticated risk adjustment were associated with substantial increases in MA enrollment and decreases in disenrollment. Claims experience of those newly switching into MA was not affected by any of the policy reforms, but disenrollment became increasingly concentrated among high-cost beneficiaries. Conclusions Enrollment is very sensitive to payment levels. The use of more sophisticated risk adjustment did not alter favorable selection into MA, but it did affect the costliness of disenrollees.
Cultivation of measles virus in stable line of human amnion cells.

SummaryCytopathogenic changes induced by measles virus propagated in a stable line of human amnion cells is described. The prominent change is necrosis in contrast to formation of “giant multinuclear cells” occurring in primary human amnion cultures infected with measles virus. Preliminary studies indicate the general utility of this line of cells for investigations on measles virus.
Impulse-based PD control for joints and muscles

Introduction We propose a novel approach to proportional derivative (PD) control that exploits the fact that these equations can be solved analytically for a single degree of freedom. The analytic solution tells us what the PD controller would accomplish in isolation without interference from neighboring joints, gravity and external forces, outboard limbs, etc. Our approach to time integration uses an inverse dynamics style formulation that automatically incorporates global feedback so that the per joint predictions are achieved. Stiffness is decoupled from control without the need for estimating external forces as in [Neff and Fiume 2002] so that we obtain the desired target regardless of a joint’s stiffness, which merely determines when a target angle is hit. Whereas PD is typically applied via torques allowing drift, we follow [Guendelman et al. 2003] working with impulse and velocity as opposed to force and acceleration. This also allows for robust incorporation of collisions and contact. In particular, we use the framework of [Weinstein et al. 2005] making heavy use of post-stabilization to implement our PD control method.
Beyond the genome: epigenetic mechanisms in lung remodeling.

The lung develops from a very simple outpouching of the foregut into a highly complex, finely structured organ with multiple specialized cell types that are required for its normal physiological function. During both the development of the lung and its remodeling in the context of disease or response to injury, gene expression must be activated and silenced in a coordinated manner to achieve the tremendous phenotypic heterogeneity of cell types required for homeostasis and pathogenesis. Epigenetic mechanisms, consisting of DNA base modifications such as methylation, alteration of histones resulting in chromatin modification, and the action of noncoding RNA, control the regulation of information “beyond the genome” required for both lung modeling and remodeling. Epigenetic regulation is subject to modification by environmental stimuli, such as oxidative stress, infection, and aging, and is thus critically important in chronic remodeling disorders such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Technological advances have made it possible to evaluate genome-wide epigenetic changes (epigenomics) in diseases of lung remodeling, clarifying existing pathophysiological paradigms and uncovering novel mechanisms of disease. Many of these represent new therapeutic targets. Advances in epigenomic technology will accelerate our understanding of lung development and remodeling, and lead to novel treatments for chronic lung diseases.
Discovery of molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection using cell-based bioassays and oligonucleotide arrays

Oxidative injury and the resulting death of neurons is a major pathological factor involved in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. However, the development of drugs that target this mechanism rema...
Second-harmonic generation at liquid-liquid interface

The technique of optical second harmonic generation (SHG) is applied to the measurement of molecular adsorption at the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES). The resonant second harmonic response from 2-(N-octadecyl)aminonaphthalene-6-sulfonate (ONS) is used in conjunction with interfacial tension measurements to optically determine the relatively surface coverage of the anionic surfactant molecule at a charged water- dichloroethane interface. At a pH of 9, ONS adsorption occurs at all potentials positive of the potential of zero charge. The potential dependent adsorption of ONS can be described by a Frumkin isotherm with a free energy of adsorption that varies linearly with applied potential. The potential dependence of the SHG from the interface provides important information on the position of the adsorbed ONS molecules with respect to the ITIES. At a pH of 3, both the anionic form of ONS and the protonated zwitterionic form of ONS are present at the liquid- liquid interface.