cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prion Seeded Conversion and Amplification Assays

The conversion of the normal prion protein (PrPC) into its misfolded, aggregation-prone and infectious (prion) isoform is central to the progression of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases. Since the initial development of a cell free PrP conversion reaction, striking progress has been made in the development of much more continuous prion-induced conversion and amplification reactions. These studies have provided major insights into the molecular underpinnings of prion propagation and enabled the development of ultra-sensitive tests for prions and prion disease diagnosis. This chapter will provide an overview of such reactions and the practical and fundamental consequences of their development.
Computer Storage and Arithmetic

Data represent information at various levels. The form of data, whether numbers, characters, or picture elements, provide different perspectives. Data of whatever form are represented by groups of 0s and 1s, called bits from the words “binary” and “digits”. (The word was coined by John Tukey.) For representing simple text (that is, strings of characters with no special representation), the bits are usually taken in groups of eight, called bytes, or in groups of sixteen, and associated with a specific character according to a fixed coding rule. Because of the common association of a byte with a character, those two words are often used synonymously. For representing characters in bytes, “ASCII” (pronounced “askey”, from American Standard Code for Information Interchange), was the first standard code widely used. At first only English letters, Arabic numerals, and a few marks of punctuation had codes. Gradually over time more and more symbols were given codified representations. Also, because the common character sets differ from one language to another (both natural languages and computer languages), there are several modifications of the basic ASCII code set. When there is a need for more different characters than can be represented in a byte (28), codes to associate characters with larger groups of bits are necessary. For compatibility with the commonly used ASCII codes using groups of 8 bits, these codes usually are for groups of 16 bits. These codes for “16-bit characters” are useful for representing characters in some Oriental languages, for example. The Unicode Consortium has developed a 16-bit standard, called Unicode, that is widely used for representing characters from a variety of languages. For any ASCII character, the Unicode representation uses eight leading 0s and then the same eight bits as the ASCII representation. An important consideration in the choice of a method to represent data is the way data are communicated within a computer and between the computer and peripheral components such as data storage units. Data are usually treated as a fixed-length sequence of bits. The basic grouping of bits in a computer is sometimes called a “word” or a “storage unit”. The lengths of words or storage units commonly used in computers are 32 or 64 bits.
On the Analysis of Motions Perpendicular to the Galactic Plane

Oort showed long ago in a classic paper (Oort 1932) that one can in principle derive the run of the acceleration perpendicular to the galactic plane by comparing the spatial distribution of stars in the z-direction with the Z-velocity distribution of stars of the same type. In practice, however, no one has succeeded in deriving a valid curve of the acceleration K z; typically the curve turns over in a way that implies negative densities at some distance from the galactic plane. What I would like to do in this brief note is to suggest some possible reasons for this difficulty--specifically, that the types of stars used have been unsuitable.
Individual Proteins Under Mechanical Stress: Lessons from Theory and Computer Simulations

Mechanically induced protein unfolding and other mechanically modulated conformational transitions are implicated in many vital biological processes. Motivated by single-molecule pulling studies that probe the mechanical response of proteins and other biomolecules, this chapter introduces essential theoretical ideas needed to understand how the dynamics and thermodynamics of proteins are affected by mechanical stress. Various computational approaches and theoretical models used to explore the relationship between protein structure and mechanical response are critically reviewed, and computational and theoretical predictions are then contrasted with experimental observations. Finally, recent computational efforts to identify globular protein domains with high mechanical stability are described and, whenever possible, compared with experiments.
An individual differences approach to design fixation: comparing laboratory and field research

The current study investigates the effects of environmental disruptions and individual differences in working memory capacity on design performance in controlled laboratory and field settings. In the laboratory, we measured participants' working memory capacity, asked them to view a poster design, then asked them to design their own poster in either a silent or distracting environment. The results of the study revealed a main effect of working memory capacity on design behavior, but no effect of environment. In the field, we asked practicing designers to take an online working memory capacity test, then to describe their distractibility and ideal work environment while designing. The results suggest that working memory capacity may influence perceived distractibility.
Comparison of automated clinical and research blood pressure measurements: Implications for clinical practice and trial design.

Discrepancies between clinic and research blood pressure (BP) measurements lead to uncertainties in translating hypertension management guidelines into practice. We assessed the concordance between standardized automated clinic BP, from a primary care clinic, and research BP, from a randomized trial conducted at the same site. Mean single-visit clinic BP was higher by 4.4/3.8 mm Hg (P = 0.007/<0.001). Concordance in systolic BP (SBP) improved with closer proximity of measurements (difference = 2.5 mm Hg, P = 0.21 for visits within 7 days), but not averaging across multiple visits (difference =5.1(9.2) mm Hg; P < 0.001). This discrepancy was greater among female participants. Clinic-based difference in SBP between two visits was more variable than research-based change (SD = 19.6 vs 14.0; P = 0.002); a 2-arm trial using clinic measurements would need 95% more participants to achieve comparable power. Implementation of a bundled standardization intervention decreased discrepancies between clinic and research BP, compared to prior reports. However, clinic measurements remained higher and more variable, suggesting treatment to research-based targets may lead to overtreatment and using clinic BP approximately halves power in trials.
Family-of-origin aggression, dating aggression, and physiological stress reactivity in daily life.

Individuals exposed to aggression and who perpetrate aggression against others show differences in their physiological activation during stress; the goal of the present study is to investigate physiological stress reactivity as a factor contributing to the intergenerational transmission of aggression. To test associations between family-of-origin aggression (FOA), physiological reactivity in daily life, and dating aggression perpetration, we used ecological momentary assessment to monitor fluctuations in young adult (Mage = 23.1 years) dating couples' electrodermal activity (EDA) over an entire day and examined how naturally-occurring bouts of annoyance between partners relate to EDA, FOA, and dating aggression perpetration. Dating perpetration was linked to lower general levels of EDA in both men and women, while FOA was linked to lower general levels of EDA in men only. For women, multi-group, multilevel models showed that FOA and dating aggression perpetration moderated the association between feeling annoyed and EDA, such that those with greater FOA and dating aggression perpetration showed greater EDA reactivity during naturally-occurring relationship stress. Furthermore, this pattern of EDA reactivity mediated the link between FOA and dating aggression perpetration in women. These results provide evidence that FOA and dating aggression perpetration are linked to patterns of physiological responsivity in everyday life and suggest that these patterns could be important factors contributing to the intergenerational transmission of aggression.
Prevalence of Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Doubled From 1998 to 2017

Strategic planning for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and treatment requires up-to-date information on the prevalence of HCV spontaneous clearance. Published estimates of HCV spontaneous clearance range from 15% to 60%.1-3 We conducted an observational study over 20 years to evaluate trends in the prevalence of HCV spontaneous clearance. Our goals were to estimate the proportion of HCV-antibody-positive patients who were viremic, and to identify factors associated with viremia, thus facilitating prediction of the number of patients needing treatment.
A 112 Gb/s PAM4 CMOS Optical Receiver with Sub-pJ/bit Energy Efficiency

We present a 112Gb/s PAM4 optical receiver to meet the requirements of emerging 400G Ethernet standards. Our receiver uses a 35GHz Ge-on-Si- Pdwire-bonded to a 28nm CMOS linear TIA. Measurement results verify target performance at 0.96pJ/bit efficiency, showing the potential for low-cost 100+G/λ optical receivers.
Why Wear a Battery? The Future of Wearables May be Batteryless

Wearable devices are very promising for addressing a range of urgent needs in health and eldercare, safety, activity tracking, wellbeing, entertainment, and myriad other applications. By continuously sensing and analyzing data these platforms have also enabled a broad set of research paths in these same domains. Despite this wide usage, the current state of wearables has not yet met the vision that many hold, of unobtrusive devices that support our life and well-being in perpetuity without maintenance; finally realizing Weiser's vision of invisible computing, where a person no longer need to manage or maintain personal devices. This next step in wearable technology requires re-imagining fundamental building blocks and assumptions held on what a wearable can do. Many challenges exist, including security and privacy, usability, social stigma and pressure, and of course, energy. In this talk we focus on the problem of energy and device lifetime in wearable devices and contemplate what the requirements are to realize wearables that are truly maintenance free and last for decades. We first discuss early efforts to sustain long battery lifetimes on commodity hardware devices. We then question the role of batteries and build on recent work showing that energy harvesting and battery-free operation offer a tantalizing path towards a new generation of wearable computing. This talk will end with a discussion of the real challenges in realizing ubiquitous computing with battery-free wearables, the potential research paths, and the exciting applications we can begin to tackle.
Heterogeneity Diffusion Imaging of gliomas: Initial experience and validation

Objectives Primary brain tumors are composed of tumor cells, neural/glial tissues, edema, and vasculature tissue. Conventional MRI has a limited ability to evaluate heterogeneous tumor pathologies. We developed a novel diffusion MRI-based method-Heterogeneity Diffusion Imaging (HDI)-to simultaneously detect and characterize multiple tumor pathologies and capillary blood perfusion using a single diffusion MRI scan. Methods Seven adult patients with primary brain tumors underwent standard-of-care MRI protocols and HDI protocol before planned surgical resection and/or stereotactic biopsy. Twelve tumor sampling sites were identified using a neuronavigational system and recorded for imaging data quantification. Metrics from both protocols were compared between World Health Organization (WHO) II and III tumor groups. Cerebral blood volume (CBV) derived from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion imaging was also compared with the HDI-derived perfusion fraction. Results The conventional apparent diffusion coefficient did not identify differences between WHO II and III tumor groups. HDI-derived slow hindered diffusion fraction was significantly elevated in the WHO III group as compared with the WHO II group. There was a non-significantly increasing trend of HDI-derived tumor cellularity fraction in the WHO III group, and both HDI-derived perfusion fraction and DSC-derived CBV were found to be significantly higher in the WHO III group. Both HDI-derived perfusion fraction and slow hindered diffusion fraction strongly correlated with DSC-derived CBV. Neither HDI-derived cellularity fraction nor HDI-derived fast hindered diffusion fraction correlated with DSC-derived CBV. Conclusions Conventional apparent diffusion coefficient, which measures averaged pathology properties of brain tumors, has compromised accuracy and specificity. HDI holds great promise to accurately separate and quantify the tumor cell fraction, the tumor cell packing density, edema, and capillary blood perfusion, thereby leading to an improved microenvironment characterization of primary brain tumors. Larger studies will further establish HDI's clinical value and use for facilitating biopsy planning, treatment evaluation, and noninvasive tumor grading.
Emphasizing Transdisciplinary Prowess in the Evaluation of STEAM Programs

STEM to STEAM transitions can affect not only the design and implementation of programs across the education spectrum, but also the design and execution of program evaluations. Without evidence of effectiveness derived from a program evaluation, it becomes difficult to publish about, obtain funding for, or convince various audiences to participate in or support a STEAM program. A program with well-understood goals and objectives, described in a logic model, articulates what the program is expected to accomplish and by what criteria success can be measured for whom. The logic model thus becomes the foundation for the design of a high-quality program evaluation. As STEAM programs are more likely to bridge disciplines by virtue of including the arts, they require the development and therefore the evaluation of transdisciplinary knowledge and skills across diverse stakeholder groups. One framework that can be used to describe what we define as transdisciplinary skills in STEAM programs is the 4 Cs – communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. We round out the discussion of each “C” with important evaluation practices and evaluator competencies to consider. Successful evaluators must possess a certain degree of transdisciplinary prowess themselves to stay current and to optimize the value and use of evaluation evidence in STEAM programs.
Nose like the foot of a pot.

Abstract Saddle nose is defined as a depression of the nasal dorsum, regardless of its dimensions or the anatomical structures involved. The purpose of this historical note is to discuss the term “nose like the foot of a pot (nez en pied de marmite)” used to describe this deformity in France between the 17th and 19th centuries and to recall its link with syphilis in the light of the texts of the time.
“No, just an alien”: disability, sexuality, and the extraterrestrial in Gloria Anzaldúa’s “Interface”

In this article, we read the Borderlands poem, "Interface," about a relationship between the speaker and an extraterrestrial being named Leyla. For Gloria Anzaldua, the extraterrestrial foregrounds the spiritual, linguistic, gender, racial, and ethnic otherness that are key features of her works. Through an embrace of the alien, Leyla, Anzaldua refuses to treat such categories as neatly separated or truly knowable. The poem's narrator vacillates between instructing her lover in the ways of human norms and celebrating her unique alienness. This back and forth reflects Anzaldua's own statements about sexuality and disability. In our reading of the poetics of "Interface," the extraterrestrial extends our understanding of how and why disability, a fraught category for the author, is essential to her body of work. The figure of the alien engages the lived realities of queerness and disability, and challenges readers to reconsider human connection, capacity, and intelligibility. Counter to phobic representations, human-alien encounters produce knowledge, erotic pleasure, and companionship in Anzaldua's world. Leyla's trajectory in the poem offers an entrada into her life as a misfit - vulnerable and powerful, apprenticing in the ways of humans while refusing to fully conform to our norms. Through its form and content, the poem provides an account of a struggle with a desire for alien difference and pressures to conform as Leyla becomes embodied.
Hiatal Hernia Associated with Higher Odds of Dysplasia in Patients with Barrett's Esophagus.

Patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) are more likely to have associated hiatal hernia (HH) compared to the general population. Studies show that HH are typically longer and wider in patients with BE. To determine whether patients with HH have associated increased odds of coexistence of BE by examining inpatient prevalence, as well as determining other inpatient outcomes. This was a case–control study using the NIS 2016, the largest public inpatient database in the USA. All patients with ICD10CM codes for BE were included. None were excluded. The primary outcome was determining the association between BE and HH in hospitalized patients, stratified by grade of dysplasia. Secondary outcomes included measuring use of endoscopic ablation in patients with BE and HH compared to patients with BE and no HH, determining the degree of association between HH and esophagitis in patients with or without BE, as well as the association between esophagitis and dysplasia in patients with BE and HH. A total of 118,750 patients with BE were identified, of which 24,030 had associated HH. Adjusted odds of having associated BE in patients with HH was 10.9 (p < 0.01) compared to patients without HH. Patients with HH also displayed significantly higher odds of both low-grade dysplasia (aOR 34.5, p < 0.01) and high-grade dysplasia (aOR 14.7, p < 0.01). For secondary outcomes, the odds of undergoing ablation for BE was higher 4.77 (p < 0.01) in patients with HH. Patients with HH have significantly higher odds of having associated BE, regardless of the level of dysplasia. Furthermore, the odds of undergoing ablation are much higher, likely reflecting higher odds of dysplasia. This highlights the importance of BE in patients with HH, and potentially consider these patients as higher risk.
Identification of Three Loci Associated with Achilles Tendon Injury Risk from a Genome-wide Association Study.

PURPOSE This study aimed to screen the entire genome for genetic markers associated with risk for Achilles tendon injury. METHODS A genome-wide association analysis was performed using data from the Kaiser Permanente Research Board and the UK Biobank. Achilles tendon injury cases were identified based on electronic health records from the Kaiser Permanente Research Board databank and the UK Biobank from individuals of European ancestry. Genome-wide association analyses from both cohorts were tested for Achilles tendon injury using a logistic regression model adjusting for sex, height, weight, and race/ethnicity using allele counts for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Previously identified genes within the literature were also tested for association with Achilles tendon injury. RESULTS There were a total of 12,354 cases of Achilles tendon injury and 483,080 controls within the two combined cohorts, with 67 SNP in three chromosomal loci demonstrating a genome-wide significant association with Achilles tendon injury. The first locus contains a single SNP (rs183364169) near the CDCP1 and TMEM158 genes on chromosome 3. The second locus contains 65 SNP in three independently segregating sets near the MPP7 gene on chromosome 10. The last locus contains a single SNP (rs4454832) near the SOX21 and GPR180 genes on chromosome 13. The current data were used to test 14 candidate genes previously reported to show an association with Achilles tendon injury, but none showed a significant association (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Three loci were identified as potential risk factors for Achilles tendon injury and deserve further validation and investigation of molecular mechanisms.
Utility and Efficiency of Homologous Recombination for Introducing Targeted Modifications to the Pig Genome

The production and utilization of genetically modified animals greatly improves their utility in agriculture, as biomedical research models of human disease, for the production of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins, and for production of organs with greater potential for xenotransplantation. While numerous strategies have been utilized in the production of transgenic large animals, cell-based transgenesis followed by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is currently the most widely applied method. We constructed a targeting vector with 2774 and 1890 bp arms of homology flanking a neomycin resistant gene. Following delivery of the DNA targeting vector into the porcine fetal fibroblasts by electroporation and selection with G418, PCR and sequencing confirmed one of 547 transgenic clonal colonies contained the targeted introduction of the neomycin resistance gene. Genetically modified fibroblast donor cells can be utilized for SCNT for the development of genetically modified pigs to study biological mechanisms important for animal agriculture and to create biomedical models.
A 44GHz differentially tuned VCO with 4GHz tuning range in 0.12 /spl mu/m SOI CMOS

A differentially tuned VCO is fully integrated in a standard microprocessor 0.12 /spl mu/m SOI CMOS. A phase noise of -101.8dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset is measured with 7.5mW at 1.5V. The VCO tuning range is 9.8% from 40GHz to 44GHz. The output power is up to -6dBm after a single-stage buffer amplifier with 6mW at 1.5V.
Invited general interest paper: Power and propulsion in space

With the development of a manned space station permanently circling the earth, an efficient system is needed to provide both electrical power and propulsion. The electrodynamic tether system being developed by NASA will do this by using a long (e.g. 10 km) conducting tether to interact with the earth's magnetic field. In a low earth orbit, the induced voltage would be on the order of a few tenths of a kilovolt per kilometer of tether. Assuming sufficient electrical contact can be maintained with the ionosphere, a 10 km tether would supply several kilowatts of electrical power. The extraction of power via an associated current results in an I × B force that reduces the orbital speed of the spacecraft. Conversely, if a sufficiently large reverse voltage is applied to reverse the current, then the I × B force will increase the orbital speed and electrical energy will be converted into energy. Consequently, the electrodynamic tether system is expected to perform as a motor/generator system providing a simple, reliable and economical means of efficiently converting orbital energy into electrical energy in a fully reversible process. In addition to a general discussion of the electrodynamic tether system, this article will concentrate on the dynamics of the tether, the proposed electrical contacts or current brushes and the Alfven waves that will carry the charge through space.
Global Perspectives of American Elementary School Teachers: A Research Study

The importance of global education cannot be overstated in modern society. In order to be successful and live happily in the world, today’s young people must develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to interact with people and countries around the globe. The first step to promoting global perspectives in the classroom is to insure that the teachers we entrust those classrooms to have developed their own global perspectives. This study sought to determine the extent to which American elementary school teachers in a diverse, urban school district had developed global perspectives as well as the demographic, educational, and lifestyle factors that influenced those perspectives. The results indicated that while most of the teachers who participated in the study did have global perspectives, schools of education are not doing enough to promote globalization and global citizenship in pre-service teachers. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU ZH-CN X-NONE
Natives Making Nation: Gender, Indigeneity, and the State in the Andes

Natives Making Nation: Gender, Indigeneity, and the State in the Andes. Andrew Canessa, ed. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 2005. 201 pp.
Chapter 42 Asset Pricing

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the process of asset pricing. In field studies, it is customary to reject the random walk theory by identifying drift in prices. The drift is to be explained in terms of compensation for risk using some equilibrium asset pricing model. An alternative would be to view drift as evidence that equilibration forces are at work, verify whether the drift points in the direction of a given asset pricing equilibrium, and whether it eventually leads markets to this equilibrium. In the experiments discussed in this chapter, the data can best be understood in this fashion. Experiments make it easier to identify the forces of equilibrium asset pricing theory, because almost all parameters can be controlled.
Comparing Hasse diagrams

The authors investigate the applicability of some relational strength measures when comparing and analyzing Hasse diagrams. The structures used were derived from a particular line of ongoing research that deals with human perception of an urban environment. Knowledge was elicited by allowing interviewees to relate bipolar constructs, containing both positive and negative poles, to tangible landmarks in the vicinity of their neighborhood. The triangular products of these fuzzified relations were used to derive, say, construct-construct relations from which Hasse diagrams are generated. These diagrams represent certain knowledge structures that the interviewee possesses. The mappings presented can be used to compute certain congruences between structures. >
Retinoids Modulate Expression of the Endocytic Partners Megalin, Cubilin, and Disabled-2 and Uptake of Vitamin D-Binding Protein in Human Mammary Cells

The major circulating form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25D3), circulates bound to vitamin D-binding protein (DBP). Prior to activation to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in the kidney, the 25D3-DBP complex is internalized via receptor-mediated endocytosis, which is absolutely dependent on the membrane receptors megalin and cubilin and the adaptor protein disabled-2 (Dab2). We recently reported that mammary epithelial cells (T-47D) expressing megalin, cubilin, and Dab2 rapidly internalize DBP via endocytosis, whereas cells that do not express all 3 proteins (MCF-7) do not. The objectives of this study were to characterize megalin, cubilin, and Dab2 expression and transport of DBP in human mammary epithelial cells. Using immunoblotting and real-time PCR, we found that megalin, cubilin, and Dab2 were expressed and dose dependently induced by all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) in T-47D human breast cancer cells and that RA-treated T-47D cells exhibited enhanced DBP internalization. These are the first studies to our knowledge to demonstrate that mammary epithelial cells express megalin, cubilin, and Dab2, which are enhanced during differentiation and may explain, at least in part, our finding that receptor-mediated endocytosis of DBP is upregulated in differentiated mammary epithelial cells.
N‐Methylquinolinium Hexafluorophosphate

[85191-65-7] C10H10F6NP (MW 289.16) InChI = 1S/C10H10N.F6P/c1-11-8-4-6-9-5-2-3-7-10(9)11;1-7(2,3,4,5)6/h2-8H,1H3;/q+1;-1 InChIKey = OKBCJRPQFFDUJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used as a single electron oxidant in photoinitiated electron transfer reactions) Physical Data: mp 218–219 °C. Solubility: soluble in CH3CN, DMF, and acetone; sparingly soluble in most other organic solvents and H2O. Preparative Methods: 1 quinoline and iodomethane are stirred at room temperature for 24 h. Following removal of the excess iodomethane, the resulting N-methylquinolinium iodide is dissolved in water and treated with an aqueous solution of potassium hexafluorophosphate. N-Methylquinolinium hexafluorophosphate precipitates and is collected by filtration. The product forms white needles. recrystallization from water. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: reagent can be stored in an opaque bottle at room temperature indefinitely. Toxicity is unknown so the reagent should be handled with care.
Presence and Absence: An Exploration of Scurvy in the Commingled Subadults in the Spring Street Presbyterian Church Collection, Lower Manhattan

This paper presents the results of an examination of scurvy in the commingled subadult remains (minimum number of individuals = 70) of the Spring Street Presbyterian Church. This historic congregation in New York City had active burial vaults from 1820 to 1846. Scurvy is a vitamin C deficiency that results in haemorrhaging at the sites of muscle origin and insertion, particularly around the skull. These resulting lesions can occur in subadults undergoing growth, weaning and dietary stress. Applying diagnoses suggested by recent research, this article examines specific sites on the skull for lesions consistent with and suggestive of scurvy. Findings include 30 elements that display associated pathology. This population data are drawn from maxillae, sphenoids and orbits. Two osteobiographies are also presented. By connecting the biological data to the socio-cultural environment of the church, this article raises questions of how to interpret the presence and absence of scurvy in a commingled collection. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overview of Ka-band communications technology requirements for the space exploration initiative

In the Space Exploration Initiative, Ka-band frequencies are likely to carry the bulk of the communications traffic both in the vicinity of and on the return links from the moon and Mars. The four exploration architectures identified by the Synthesis Group are examined and Ka-band technology requirements to meet the data traffic needs and schedule are identified. Specific Ka-band technology requirements identified are: transmitters - 0.5 to 200 W with high efficiency; antennas - 5m and 9m diameter, with multiple beams and/or scanning beams; and spacecraft receivers - noise figure of 2 dB. For each component, the current state of technology is assessed and needed technology development programs are identified. It is concluded that to meet the schedules of lunar and Mars precursor missions beginning in approximately the year 2000, aggressive technology development and advanced development programs are required immediately for Ka-band communications systems components. Additionally, the greater data transmission rates for the cargo and piloted phases of the exploration program require further Ka-band communications technology developments targeted for operations beginning in about 2010.
Traversing a wormhole to combat Parkinson’s disease

Human movement disorders represent a significant and unresolved societal burden. Among these, the most prevalent is Parkinson's disease (PD), a disorder afflicting millions worldwide. Despite major advances, stemming primarily from human genetics, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of what factors underlie disease susceptibility, onset, and progression. Innovative strategies to discern specific intracellular targets for subsequent drug development are needed to more rapidly translate basic findings to the clinic. Here we briefly review the recent contributions of research using the nematode roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for identifying and characterizing gene products associated with PD. As a microscopic but multicellular and genetically tractable animal with a well-defined nervous system and an experimentally tenable lifespan, C. elegans affords significant advantages to researchers attempting to determine causative and therapeutic factors that influence neuronal dysfunction and age-associated neurodegeneration. The rapidity with which traditional genetic, large-scale genomic, and pharmacological screening can be applied to C. elegans epitomizes the utility of this animal for disease research. Moreover, with mature bioinformatic and functional genomic data readily available, the nematode is well positioned to play an increasingly important role in PD-associated discoveries.
Maternal and cytoplasmic inheritance of mitochondrial DNA in Xenopus

Abstract The inheritance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA1) has been studied in the progeny of an interspecific cross of the amphibians Xenopus laevis and Xenopus mulleri. The mtDNAs of these two species were distinguished by molecular hybridization with cRNA transcribed from the mtDNA of the two species. F1 hybrid frogs from either reciprocal cross always contained only maternal mtDNA. Therefore, the mitochondria in somatic cells of the progeny are derived from the numerous mitochondria in the egg. Large oocytes in F1 hybrid frogs, or embryos obtained by backcrossing female F1 hybrids to parental animals, contained mtDNA derived from the original female parent. These experiments show that mtDNA is inherited cytoplasmically and maternally in Xenopus. Molecular hybridization of nuclear DNA and cRNA transcribed from mtDNA was used to test the question whether copies of the mitochondrial sequences exist in the nucleus. Contamination of nuclear DNA preparations by cytoplasmic mtDNA was excluded by looking for paternal mtDNA sequences in nuclear DNA preparations from hybrid animals. Since no paternal sequences were found we conclude that the nucleus does not contain a “master copy” of the mitochondrial sequences.
Risk stratification in patients with first non-q wave infarction: Limited value of the early low level exercise test after uncomplicated infarcts☆

Abstract Risk stratification using clinical and historical variables plus early low level exercise testing was performed in 141 patients with a first non-Q wave myocardial infarction. The 111 patients who performed the exercise test had a 3.6% cardiac mortality rate in the first year compared with 13.3% in the 30 patients who could not exercise (p = 0.063), and a 1 year incidence rate of recurrent cardiac events (cardiac death or recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction) of 10.8% compared with 23.3% (p = 0.127). Patients who developed ischemia (ST depression or angina) during the test had an increased incidence of cardiac events in the year after the infarction (odds ratio >3, p When patients were subgrouped by the presence or absence of pulmonary congestion, the discriminatory value of the exercise test was seen to reside primarily in the cohort with pulmonary congestion. For example, ST depression during exercise in this group identified patients with a 71 % incidence of cardiac events in the year after the infarction compared with 5.3% for those without ST depression (odds ratio 45, p = 0.002). In the patients without pulmonary congestion, the exercise test had no discriminatory value. It is concluded that early low level exercise testing has a limited role after an uncomplicated non-Q wave infarction, but is useful in patients with clinical markers of higher risk.
Caspase-3 and -7 mediate apoptosis of human Chang's conjunctival cells induced by enterovirus 70.

Abstract Enterovirus 70 (EV70) is the major etiological agent of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). EV70 m.o.i.- (multiplicity of infection) and time-dependently induced apoptosis in human Chang's conjunctival (HCC) cells. UV- or heat-inactivated EV70 did not induce apoptosis. EV70-induced apoptosis was inhibited by cycloheximide and methoxysuccinyl–Ala–Ala–Pro–Val–chloromethylketone (MPCMK), but not actinomycin D and guanidine·HCl (although guanidine·HCl inhibited the apoptosis induced by EV70 infection at 0.5 PFU/cell for 18 h). EV70 infection induced activation of caspase-3 and -7 and degradation of the constitutively activated caspase-6. EV70-induced apoptotic DNA ladders and activated caspase-3 and -7, correlated with virus release. Caspase inhibitor IX (Z-VD-FMK) inhibited EV70-induced apoptosis and virus release, but not intracellular viral production. The results suggest that infectious virus and the syntheses of viral proteins especially EV70 proteases, but not viral genome RNA, are required for caspase-3 and -7-mediated EV70-induced apoptosis, and that apoptosis through cell lysis promotes EV70 release from HCC cells.
1001-30 Comparison of Different Vasodilators on Coronary Flow Reserve In Patients with Documented Coronary Artery Disease

No-reflow phenomenon after angioplasty or atherectomy may result in important ischemic complications. No-reflow phenomenon is related to distal embolization of microparticulate material and/or spasm in the microcirculation. Maximal vasodilatation of the coronary microcirculation may prevent or terminate episodes of no-reflow phenomenon. In this preliminary study, we evaluated the vasodilatory capacities of agents commonly used during coronary procedures, The coronary flow reserve (CFR = hyperemic/basal flow velocity) was measured with 0.018” Doppler FloWire in coronary arteries with l50% diameter stenoses (6 RCA, 4 LAD, and 10 LCX) in 20 patients (mean age = 64 ± 7 years; 15 men) undergoing angiography (n = 6) or angioplasty (n = 14) in another coronary artery. Random paired CFR measurements in the same artery were obtained with intracoronary adenosine, nitroglycerin (NTG), verapamil, and contrast agents (Hypaque, Hexabrix, and Optiray), with blood injection as a control. After each measurement, basal flow conditions were restored before subsequent test injections. At the doses chosen, there were no hemodynamic or conduction abnormalities, which could influence coronary flow responses. adenosine (6 or 12 μ g) verapamil (100 μ g) verapamil (200 μ g) NTG (50 μ g) NTG (200 μ g) Hypaque (6 ml) Blood (6 ml) CFR * 2.2 ± 0.9 ** 14 ± 0.3 1.5 ± 03 1.7 ± 0.4 1.8 ± 0.5 2.1 ± 0 8 1.2 ± 0 1 Duration * 29 ± 9 *** 58 ± 63 77 ± 57 21 ± 7 22 ± 9 35 ± 10 9 ± 5 * p l 0.001 by ANOVA and multiple pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction, using adenosine as the comparison group ** p l 0,001 vs. all others except Hypaque *** p l 0.05 vs. all others except verapamil (100 μ g ) and Hypaque: Duration of hyperemic response in seconds Among different contrast agents, there was no difference in CFR, although duration of hyperemia was significantly longer with Hypaque vs. other contrast agents (p l 0.001 by ANOVA). We conclude that adenosine and Hypaque had the highest vasodilatory effect among the agents tested. These agents should be further studied for a potential benefit in the prevention or treatment of no-reflow phenomenon during angioplasty and atherectomy procedures.
Apodization for maximum Strehl ratio and specified Rayleigh limit of resolution

Earlier authors have considered the apodization problem of determining the pupil function that has the maximum Strehl ratio in the class of all pupil functions that have the same Rayleigh limit of resolution, specified in advance. They did not, however, verify that the solution they offered for this problem actually has the desired, rather than a smaller, Rayleigh limit. We shall supply this verification when the specified Rayleigh limit does not exced 139% of the Rayleigh limit for the classical Airy-type objective. For larger values of the specified Rayleigh limit, the offered solution does indeed have a smaller Rayleigh limit and is accordingly not a solution to the apodization problem. We show in this case that there is no solution, but that the Strehl ratio computed for the offered solution is a least upper bound that can be approached (but not attained) arbitrarily closely by using a suitably chosen complex-valued pupil function.
Reaction of FO Radicals with CO: An ab Initio Study of the Reaction Mechanism

The FO + CO f F + CO2 reaction is studied by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. The potential energy surface of the reaction system is explored with second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory, quadratic configuration interaction (QCISD) method, and Brueckner theory. QCISD(T) methods are used to compute the energetics. The mechanism of the reaction is proposed for the first time. It is found that the FOCO intermediate is transient with respect to dissociation to F and CO2, and the addition of FO to CO is the rate-determining step. The best estimate for the heat of reaction is -75.8 kcal mol -1 at the QCISD(T)/ 6-311+G(3df)//QCISD/6-31G(d) level of theory. At the same level of theory, the activation barrier height of the overall reaction is estimated to be 10.9 kcal mol -1 . These results are consistent with experimental values. The FO + CO reaction is compared with the OH + CO reaction. I. Introduction The gas-phase chemistry of halogen monoxide (XO where X ) Cl and Br) has long been of atmospheric interest because of its role in catalytic cycles for ozone destruction. The chemistry of inorganic fluorine oxides has not received as much attention as chlorine oxides and bromine oxides. The reason is that the fluorine atom produced almost exclusively from the photooxidation of the CFCs has largely been assumed to be scavenged by water and methane to form stable hydrogen fluoride, 1,2 which is usually rained out of the atmosphere. However, fluorine atoms can also rapidly react with molecular oxygen to produce fluorine peroxide (FO2) radical.
Hierarchical Deployment of Factors Regulating Temporal Fate in a Diverse Neuronal Lineage of the Drosophila Central Brain

The anterodorsal projection neuron lineage of Drosophila melanogaster produces 40 neuronal types in a stereotypic order. Here we take advantage of this complete lineage sequence to examine the role of known temporal fating factors, including Chinmo and the Hb/Kr/Pdm/Cas transcriptional cascade, within this diverse central brain lineage. Kr mutation affects the temporal fate of the neuroblast (NB) itself, causing a single fate to be skipped, whereas Chinmo null only elicits fate transformation of NB progeny without altering cell counts. Notably, Chinmo operates in two separate windows to prevent fate transformation (into the subsequent Chinmo-indenpendent fate) within each window. By contrast, Hb/Pdm/Cas play no detectable role, indicating that Kr either acts outside of the cascade identified in the ventral nerve cord or that redundancy exists at the level of fating factors. Therefore, hierarchical fating mechanisms operate within the lineage to generate neuronal diversity in an unprecedented fashion.
Theory of electron capture from a hydrogenlike ion by a bare ion

We have systematically developed a new approximation for the calculation of the cross section for electron capture from a hydrogenlike ion of large nuclear charge Z/sub T/e/sup 2/ by a bare ion of charge Z/sub P/e/sup 2/ moving with speed v. The amplitude in the wave treatment is obtained through consistent expansion in the small parameters Z/sub P//Z/sub T/ and Z/sub P/e/sup 2//hv; however, the ratio Z/sub T/e/sup 2//hv is not assumed small. Following a careful analysis of the approach to the energy shell, an off-shell factor is seen to arise which does not appear in the impulse approximation. The effects of this factor on the capture amplitude are explored. Using a peaking approximation, we derive a closed-form expression for the 1s..-->..ns capture amplitude which includes the effects of the off-shell factor and is accurate to order (Z/sub P/e/sup 2//hv)/sup 2/. We tabulate the peaking-approximation cross section. The derivation of the asymptotic form of the cross section when Z/sub P//Z/sub T/<<1 is justified. Using a realistic one-electron model, K-shell capture cross sections are calculated for protons on carbon, neon, and argon. These are seen to represent the data generally better than do the impulse-approximation cross sections.
Is acne really a disease?: a theory of acne as an evolutionarily significant, high-order psychoneuroimmune interaction timed to cortical development with a crucial role in mate choice

Adolescent acne is considered from the perspective of evolutionary psychology with an emphasis on a role in mate choice. The fact that acne, which is almost universal and not a true infection, is (1) initiated at puberty by the action of pubertal hormones on likely distinct, pro-acne follices, and (2) typically resolves in one's early twenties when prefrontal cortex development is complete, suggests that the condition's timeframe is meaningful. Acne's conspicuous localization on the face, and its ability to elicit reflexive disgust and avoidance in observers, suggests a possible role in sexual selection. The pathophysiology of acne is reviewed, and the suggestion made that, far from being a disease, adolescent acne is a normal physiological process - a high-order psychoneuroimmune interaction - that functions to ward off potential mates until the afflicted individual is some years past the age of reproductive maturity, and thus emotionally, intellectually, and physically fit to be a parent.
Oxygen solubility, rheology and hemodynamics of perfluorocarbon emulsion blood substitutes

Perfluorocarbon-based blood substitute emulsions have been under development for more than a quarter century. The first generation emulsions have provided confirmation that the physical principals of high gas solubility and low viscosity can effectively support organ and organism respiration and metabolism. Clinical trials led the US FDA in 1990 to be the first to approve a 20 w/v % perfluorocarbon emulsion for human use as coronary angioplasty adjuvant therapy. Hemodynamic responses to hemodilution with intravascular perfluorocarbon emulsions have varied with species and the mechanisms for adverse reactions are better understood now as second generation emulsions containing up to 100 w/v % perfluorocarbon are under development as blood substitutes, imaging agents, and for other therapeutic applications. This report describes the evolution of perfluorocarbon emulsions as blood substitutes by emphasizing oxygen solubility, rheology and hemodynamic aspects of the emulsions as they have been applied in experimental laboratory animal and human clinical settings.
The Pathogenesis of Milia and Benign Tumors of the Skin1

Although milia are among the most common tumors of the skin, it is impossible to gain from the literature a clear notion of how they arise. It is our intention to establish that milia are benign proliferative growths and to correct the fallacy, almost universally held, that they are retention cysts developing from plugged hair follicles.
Potassium-channel opener cardioplegia is superior to St. Thomas’ solution in the intact animal

Background. In isolated hearts, the potassium-channel opener pinacidil is an effective cardioplegic agent. This study tested the hypothesis that pinacidil is superior to St. Thomas’ solution in the more clinically relevant intact animal. Methods. Sixteen pigs were placed on full cardiopulmonary bypass. Hearts underwent 2 hours of global ischemia (10° to 15°C). Either St. Thomas’ or 100 mmol/L pinacidil was administered every 20 minutes (10 mL/kg). Preischemic and postreperfusion slopes of the preloadrecruitable stroke work relationship were determined. Changes in myocardial adenine nucleotide levels and cellular ultrastructure were analyzed. Results. Pinacidil cardioplegia resulted in an insignificant change in the slope of the preload-recruitable stroke work relationship (40.6 6 2.1 mm Hg/mm before ischemia and 36.5 6 3.7 mm Hg/mm after ischemia; p 5 0.466). In contrast, St. Thomas’ solution resulted in a significant decrease in the slope after reperfusion (34.3 6 5.5 mm Hg/mm and 13.5 6 2.3 mm Hg/mm; p 5 0.003). Adenine nucleotide levels, myocardial tissue water, and ultrastructural changes were similar between groups. Conclusions. Pinacidil ameliorated myocardial stunning associated with traditional hyperkalemic cardioplegia without causing significant differences in cellular metabolism.