cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in central serotonergic function as a correlate of duration of illness in paranoid schizophrenia

There is evidence that the duration of untreated psychosis may affect both the course and outcome of treatment in schizophrenic patients. In the present study, we used neuroendocrine probes to test the hypothesis that untreated psychosis may induce time-dependent changes in central serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Prolactin responses to the administration of clomipramine (i.v.) and haloperidol (i.m.) were measured in healthy control subjects and in 16 never-treated male patients with DSM-IV diagnoses of schizophreniform or schizophrenic disorders of paranoid subtype, both before and after 5 weeks of treatment with haloperidol. In the drug-free state, schizophrenic patients exhibited significantly increased prolactin responses to clomipramine administration compared with both the healthy control subjects and the schizophreniform patients. Maximum prolactin responses to clomipramine in the total group of patients were positively correlated with the duration of psychotic illness and negatively correlated with changes in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total, negative symptoms and general psychopathology scores after 5 weeks of treatment with haloperidol. Prolactin responses to haloperidol challenge in the drug-free state were lower in the schizophreniform group than in the control and the schizophrenic groups, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. The results provide evidence that the persistence of psychotic psychopathology induces secondary neuroadaptive effects, which seem to involve changes in central serotonergic function.
Catechol amines and social relations in Siamese fighting fish.

Abstract Mirror-elicited aggressive displaying was observed in isolated male Betta splendens . Epinephrine and norepinephrine both suppressed aggressive displaying, compared with controls in sodium chloride solution or plain water. Subsequent group dominance encounters indicated that fish which displayed most in water, sodium chloride solution, or in catechol amines were dominant in groups of five fish. This was not true in dominance hierarchies based on paired, round-robin encounters. The third experiment showed that dominance-submission relations between pairs of fish were highly stable; epinephrine had the effect of making some dominant subjects appear and behave like all submissive fish in that they paled and did not display to live submissive opponents. Such dominant fish were however still able to assert their dominance by consistently chasing their opponents.
Molded rigid polymer monoliths as separation media for capillary electrochromatography. 2. Effect of chromatographic conditions on the separation.

The effect of chromatographic conditions on the performance of monolithic poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) columns in capillary electrochromatography has been studied. The flow velocity was found to be proportional to the strength of the electric field and both the pH and the composition of the mobile phase. A column efficiency of 120 000 plates/m at the optimum flow velocity of 1.5 cm/min is achieved for all the monolithic capillary columns of identical composition and porosity, regardless of their length, which varied from 30 to 120 cm. The polymeric separation medium exhibits retention and selectivity properties similar to those of typical ODS packings for reversed-phase chromatography. In addition to the “classical” use of monolithic capillary columns for the electrochromatographic separation of small molecules in reversed-phase mode, larger styrene oligomers were also separated under isocratic elution conditions. In addition, the elec...
MEMS design rule checking: a batch approach for remote operation

This paper describes a design rule checking (DRC) tool developed as an aid for designing microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) using AutoCAD running on a Windows NT workstation. The application suite, MEMSdrc, consists of: a graphical user interface integrated into AutoCAD to invoke DRC, translation and interface software to communicate with a commercial IC layout design checking software package, and routines to interactively display and review the results. The user interface provides the capability to select a checking window area and specific DRC rules to be applied to the design. The MEMS structures, defined as 2D AutoCAD geometry are translated first into DXF format, then to GDSII format. A remote process transfers the files to a Unix workstation where Mentor Graphics ICverify is invoked to perform the layout design rule checks. Upon completion, the results are translated into DXF geometry and returned back to the Windows NT workstation to be overlaid onto the original design. A set of icons are provided for the user to interactively review the results inside of AutoCAD using a first/next/previous technique.
Comparisons of host cell DNA insertions and altered transcription at the site of insertions in few polyhedra baculovirus mutants

Abstract Few polyhedra (FP) mutants of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) and the closely related strain Galleria mellonella (Gm) NPV have been reported which contain Trichoplusia ni host cell DNA sequences inserted into the viral genome between map units 35.0 and 37.7. New FP mutants are described with alterations of the HindIII-I restriction enzyme fragment (33.8 to 37.7 map units) of AcNPV, either deletions of viral DNA sequences or insertions of Spodoptera frugiperda host cell DNA sequences. S. frugiperda DNA insertions from FP mutants were compared to T. ni host DNA insertions from FP mutants previously isolated ( M. J. Fraser, G. E. Smith, and M. D. Summers (1983) J. Virol. 47, 287–300). Two host cell DNA sequences isolated from FP mutants, one of T. ni origin and one from S. frugiperda DNA, were transcribed in infected cells. Deletions of viral DNA sequences and insertions of host DNA sequences produce altered transcripts at the site of mutation as determined by both Northern and S1 nuclease analysis. Cell-free translation of cRNAs transcribed from wild-type viral DNA revealed an open reading frame coding for a 25-kDa protein at the site where host cell DNA insertions have been mapped. This was the same size as an infected-cell protein missing from most FP mutants examined.
Fault Diagnosis in the Automotive Electric Power Generation and Storage System (EPGS)

In this paper, we present an initial study to develop fault detection and isolation techniques for the vehicle systems that are controlled by a network of electronic control units (ECUs). The root causes of the faults include hardware components such as actuators, software within the controllers (ECUs), or the interactions between hardware and software, i.e., between controllers and plants. These faults, originating from various interactions and especially between hardware and software, are particularly challenging to address. Our basic strategy is to divide the fault universe of the cyber-physical system in a hierarchical manner, and monitor the critical variables/signals that have impact at different levels of interactions. Diagnostic matrix is established to represent the relationship between the faults and the test outcomes (also known as fault signatures). A factorial hidden Markov model-based inference algorithm, termed dynamic multiple fault diagnosis, is used to infer the root causes based on the observed test outcomes. The proposed diagnostic strategy is validated on an electrical power generation and storage system controlled by two ECUs in an environment with CANoe/MATLAB co-simulation. Eleven faults are injected with the failures originating in actuator hardware, sensor, controller hardware, and software components (sensor faults are not considered in this paper). The simulation results show that the proposed diagnostic strategy is effective in addressing the interaction-caused faults.
Characteristics of Some Multiply Recombination-Deficient Strains of Escherichia coli

Strains of Escherichia coli have been made carrying lesions in more than one gene determining recombination. The following genotypes were constructed and verified: recC22 recB21 recA(+), recC22 recB21 recA13, recC22 recB(+)recA13, and recC(+)recB21 recA13. All multiple rec(-) strains carrying recA13 were similar to AB2463, which carries recA13 alone, in their UV sensitivities, recombination deficiencies, and inabilities to induce lambda phage in a lysogen. However, whereas AB2463 shows a high rate of ultraviolet (UV)-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) breakdown, the multiple rec(-) strains showed the low level characteristic of strains carrying recC22 or recB21 alone. The strain carrying both recC22 and recB21 was similar in all properties to the single mutants, suggesting that both gene products act in the same part of the recombination and UV repair pathways. It is concluded that in a Rec(+) strain, the recA(+) product acts to inhibit DNA breakdown determined by the recC(+) and recB(+) products.
Factors Influencing Masculinity Ideology among Latino Men

This research study assessed the factors that affect Latino men's endorsement of hypermasculinity, an exaggerated form of traditional masculinity ideology. One hundred and one Latino men from two u...
Anomalies in Yield Curves over the 992-kev Al 27 ( p , γ ) Si 28 Resonance

Gamma-ray yields from the ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Si}}^{28}$ reaction have been investigated at the 992-kev resonance using ${\mathrm{H}}_{1}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ ions on thick and thin aluminum targets. Thick-target yield curves due to proton bombardment show a prominent peak a few hundred ev above the resonance energy. This structure was predicted by Lewis and is caused by the discrete nature of the energy losses suffered by the protons as they penetrate the target. A Monte Carlo calculation gives good agreement with the general form of the experimental curve. Diatomic ion thick-target yield curves are more complex in structure than those found with protons. The largest effect here is due to Coulomb repulsion between the two protons as they pass through the target. Internal kinetic energy of the ions makes a contribution to the structure. The Lewis effect also appears to contribute. Some information regarding the relative populations of the vibrational levels of the ions was obtained from ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{+}$ ion thin-target yield curves.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor I by cultured skin substitutes does not replace the physiologic requirement for insulin in vitro.

Clinical efficacy of cultured skin substitutes may be increased if their carbohydrate metabolism is optimized by understanding whether endogenous insulin-like growth factor I can substitute for exogenous insulin. Cultured skin substitutes were prepared and incubated at the air–liquid interface for 4 wk in media containing 0.5 or 5 μg per ml insulin, 10 or 50 ng per ml insulin-like growth factor I, or 0 insulin and 0 insulin-like growth factor I (negative control). In situ hybridization showed that the epidermal and dermal cultured skin substitute components express insulin-like growth factor I mRNA throughout the 28 d interval. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of insulin-like growth factor I protein by the human keratinocytes and fibroblasts in cultured skin substitutes. Insulin-like growth factor I at 10 or 30 ng per ml could partially replace insulin in a clonal assay of keratinocyte growth. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays showed significantly higher values in cultured skin substitutes incubated with insulin at incubation days 14 and 28 compared to negative control or the 10 ng per ml insulin-like growth factor I condition. Cultured skin substitutes incubated in 50 ng per ml insulin-like growth factor I had MTT values similar to the insulin-treated cultured skin substitutes at day 14, but were significantly lower by day 28. Light microscopy agreed with MTT data showing that cultured skin substitutes grown with insulin media had multiple layers of nucleated keratinocytes and stratum corneum at days 14 and 28. The negative control and 10 ng per ml insulin-like growth factor I exhibited poor cultured skin substitute epidermal morphology throughout the experiment. In contrast, the cultured skin substitutes in 50 ng per ml insulin-like growth factor I were similar to the insulin-treated cultured skin substitutes at day 14, but by day 28 had deteriorated to resemble the negative control. Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation at day 28 was significantly higher for 5 μg per ml insulin cultured skin substitutes versus all other treatment groups. These data suggest that medium containing 5 µg per ml insulin supports greater physiologic stability in cultured skin sub stitutes over time, and that expression of insulin- like growth factor I by keratinocytes and fibroblasts in cultured skin substitutes is not sufficient to fully replace the requirement for exogenous insulin in vitro .
Knowledge of guidelines for the management of COPD: a survey of primary care physicians.

Abstract Objectives : To evaluate primary care physicians' knowledge of guidelines for the management of COPD. Method : Survey to 455 primary care physicians in private practice in the state of Geneva, Switzerland, and to 243 physicians practicing in Geneva University Hospital. Results : Although 75% of respondents identified that the prevalence of COPD was increasing and 33% recognized it as a major public health issue, only 55% of physicians used spirometric criteria to define COPD, and one-third knew the correct GOLD criteria. Fifty-two percent felt uncomfortable with smoking cessation counselling. Sixty-two percent administered influenza vaccination annually and 29% had immunized their patients against Pneumococcus . Beta2-agonists were the first-line treatment for 89% of physicians, but 10% overestimated their clinical benefit. Twenty-five percent of respondents used systematically inhaled corticosteroids, but 46% ignored their indications. Oral corticosteroids were used by 42% of physicians outside of acute exacerbations. Seventy-nine percent thought that oral steroids had a beneficial effect on stable COPD. Finally, pulmonary rehabilitation was underused by 72% of physicians. Conclusions : This study shows major gaps in the knowledge of all core elements of guidelines for the management of COPD and identifies targets for future educational programs.
Differentiation of small alkane and alkyl halide constitutional isomers via encapsulation

Previously we have demonstrated that host 1 is capable of hydrocarbon gas separation by selective sequestration of butane from a mixture with propane in the headspace above a solution of the host (C. L. D. Gibb, B. C. Gibb, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2006, 128, 16498–16499). Expanding on the idea of using this host as a means to affect guest discrimination, we report here on NMR studies of the binding of constitutional isomers of two classes of small molecules: hexanes and chloropentanes. Our results indicate that even with these relatively straightforward classes of molecules, guest binding is complicated. Overall, host 1 displays a preference to bind guests with a X–C(R2)–C(R2)–Me (X = Cl or Me) structure, and more generally, a preference for branched guests rather than highly flexible, unbranched derivatives. The complexity of binding of these isomers is magnified when considering molecular differentiation between pairs of guests. In such cases, different guests demonstrated different propensities to self-sort; some self-sort exclusively, while others show very little propensity to do so. However, whereas the pool of guests reveals some general correlations between binding strength and structure, no obvious relationship between structure and degree of self-sorting was observed.
Evaluation of Essay Questions Used to Assess Medical Students' Application and Integration of Basic and Clinical Science Knowledge

Background: Educators need approaches to assess medical students' abilities to apply and integrate concepts essential to medical practice. Description: We used a multimethod approach to examine the quality of essay questions intended to elicit medical students' ability to apply and integrate their understanding of medical concepts. Evaluation: Three educators assigned essay questions (n = 120) to one of four levels of cognition. Kappa was computed before and after discussion. Faculty (n = 46) critiqued essay quality using a checklist (97% response), and students completed a questionnaire about the learning environment (91% response). Conclusions: We identified effective approaches to evaluate the quality of essay questions and to train faculty to write essay questions of sufficient complexity. This systematic review of essay questions also encouraged review of the curriculum to determine if core concepts were being taught. It is feasible to have faculty write and critique essay questions targeted at highe...
Antigen Experience Shapes Phenotype and Function of Memory Th1 Cells

Primary and secondary (boosted) memory CD8 T cells exhibit differences in gene expression, phenotype and function. The impact of repeated antigen stimulations on memory CD4 T cells is largely unknown. To address this issue, we utilized LCMV and Listeria monocytogenes infection of mice to characterize primary and secondary antigen (Ag)-specific Th1 CD4 T cell responses. Ag-specific primary memory CD4 T cells display a CD62LloCCR7hi CD27hi CD127hi phenotype and are polyfunctional (most produce IFNγ, TNFα and IL-2). Following homologous prime-boost immunization we observed pathogen-specific differences in the rate of CD62L and CCR7 upregulation on memory CD4 T cells as well as in IL-2+IFNγco-production by secondary effectors. Phenotypic and functional plasticity of memory Th1 cells was observed following heterologous prime-boost immunization, wherein secondary memory CD4 T cells acquired phenotypic and functional characteristics dictated by the boosting agent rather than the primary immunizing agent. Our data also demonstrate that secondary memory Th1 cells accelerated neutralizing Ab formation in response to LCMV infection, suggesting enhanced capacity of this population to provide quality help for antibody production. Collectively these data have important implications for prime-boost vaccination strategies that seek to enhance protective immune responses mediated by Th1 CD4 T cell responses.
Musculoskeletal: what is different in children? Running; steps in hole; ankle sprain; my foot hurts.

This 11-year-old female was jumping around on a moonwalk. She misstepped and twisted her left ankle and foot. She heard a pop and the ankle was immediately sore. She thought she had fractured it. The ankle became more sore over the next 30 min and swelling was increasing over the lateral aspect of the ankle. When the patient got home, her parents became concerned and brought her to our Emergency Room (ER). On the way to the ER, the patient also began to complain of foot pain. When she arrived at the ER, she clearly had swelling of her left ankle and was tender over the lateral malleolus. When her foot was examined, it was decided that she was sore and tender over the forefoot but the examiner was not certain as to the exact site of maximal tenderness. She had no other problems and radiographs of the ankle and foot were obtained. An anteroposterior image of the feet is shown in Fig. 1. What do you see? Emerg Radiol (2008) 15:431–432 DOI 10.1007/s10140-008-0741-2
Determinants of atraumatic vertebral fracture rates in menopausal women: Biologic ν mechanical factors

In menopausal women, the susceptibility to atraumatic vertebral fractures is thought to be governed by both mechanical factors (as represented by bone density) and by biologic factors such as age, body size, and dietary calcium. Whether these biologic factors independently influence fracture rates beyond the effect of bone density is a matter of controversy. To compare the relative importance of mechanical and biologic factors on vertebral fractures, we elucidated the determinants of atraumatic compression fractures in 63 menopausal women who had no chronic diseases other than osteopenia. Trabecular bone density was determined by quantitative computerized tomography of the spine. Fracture frequency was expressed as the number of compressed vertebrae per person between T5 and L4. The analysis showed that fracture frequency, bone density, and the biologic factors were closely interrelated. Fracture frequency was inversely correlated to bone density [R2 (spline model) = .40, P < .0001], body size (r = −.26, P = .05), and dietary calcium (r = −.28, P = .04), and directly correlated with age (r = .46, P = .0002). Bone density decreased with age (r = −.65, P < .0001), increased with body size (r = .37, P = .004), and tended to increase with dietary calcium (r = .24, P = .08). After controlling for bone density, there was no perceptible residual relationship between fracture frequency and any of these biologic factors. We conclude that mechanical factors overshadow age, body size, and dietary calcium as determinants of vertebral fracture frequency. The apparent influence of these biologic factors on fracture frequency is explained by their surrogate effects on bone density.
Effect of VEGF receptor-2 antibody on vascular function and oxygenation in spontaneous and transplanted tumors.

Abstract Background and purpose The primary objectives of this study were to address two major questions. (1) Does VEGF receptor-2 antibody (DC101) produce detrimental effects on tumor vascular function and oxygenation that could compromise adjuvant therapies? (2) Is pathophysiological response to such antiangiogenic strategies different in transplanted versus primary spontaneous tumors? Materials and methods The effects of early and late initiation DC101 treatment were evaluated using spontaneous murine mammary carcinomas and two markedly different transplanted mammary tumors, MCa-35 and MCa-4. Mice were administered DC101 or saline, tumors were frozen, and immunohistochemical staining was quantified using image analysis of multiply-stained frozen sections. Total blood vessels were identified using antibodies to CD31 or panendothelial antigen, perfused vessels via i.v. injection of fluorescent DiOC 7 , and tumor hypoxia by hypoxia marker (EF5) uptake. Results Tumor growth was significantly inhibited following DC101 administration in all tumor models. In general, early initiation DC101 treatment reduced perfused vessel counts and increased tumor hypoxia, while late initiation treatment had no significant impact on either. Results indicate that DC101 slows tumor growth through a decrease in vascular function, leading to increased tumor cell apoptosis and necrosis at sites distant from perfused blood vessels, and suggest that DC101 accelerates the rate at which tumor cells outgrow their functional vascular supply. Conclusions Although highly variable among individual spontaneous tumors, the overall effects of DC101 on tumor hypoxia were quite similar between spontaneous and transplanted tumors. Since reductions in tumor oxygenation due to antiangiogenic treatment were transient, initial pathophysiological deficiencies that could compromise conventional therapies over the short-term may be of less relevance when administered over more extended treatment schedules.
Carcinoma of the nasopharynx. Eighteen years' experience with megavoltage radiation therapy

From 1956 through 1973, 82 patients with carcinoma of the nasopharynx received high dose megavoltage radiation therapy at Stanford University. The actuarial disease-free (NED) survival was 62 percent at 5 years and 56 percent at 10 years. The NED survivals at 5 years for patients with T1, T2, and T3 lesions were 76 percent, 68 percent, and 55 percent, respectively. No T4 patients were salvaged, but two of 10 patients who presented with cranial nerve dysfunction were long-term survivors. The degree of nodal involvement also had prognostic significance. Involved lymph nodes were successfully controlled in all instances when doses of at least 6500 rads were given. Initial treatment failed in 32 patients. In 24 (75 percent) this occurred within 18 months. Thirteen patients with initial recurrences in head and neck sites were retreated and three remain alive. Survival after retreatment ranged from 2 months to 10 years, with a median of 16 months. Although nearly one-third (6/17) of the patients with local recurrences had initial T1 or T2 lesions, there have been no failures in patients treated for these early stages in the last 7 years. This may be attributed to the use of larger treatment fields. Likewise, prophylactic irradiationmore » of the neck was always successful in preventing nodal disease if the primary site was controlled.« less
Kinetics of Condensation in Supersonic Expansion (Ar)

The temperature and density in an overexpanded jet (Ar) were mapped by the method of characteristics. The kinetics of condensation in the supersaturated gas along the central streamline was analyzed on the basis of four models, but constrained by thermodynamic relations which must apply during the homogeneous condensation of any supersaturated vapor. Cluster growth is due to successive associations: An−1 + A1 → An, each stabilized by a single collision or by a sequence of two energy-removing collisions, for which kinetic parameters based on LO potentials were estimated. Coupled differential rate equations (up to 192) were solved, both for cases when the heat of condensation was neglected, and when it was partially or fully distributed throughout the flow fluid. The distribution of cluster sizes declines exponentially, according to: N(n)=A exp(−an)+B exp(−bn), in agreement with generally observed distributions for monatomic species. Downstream, past a distance somewhat less than twice the aperture diameter, condensation becomes kinetically controlled. After (3–4) aperture lengths “freezing-in” takes place. A fraction of the nascent clusters retain some of the heat of condensation and remain at temperatures higher than the ambient gas.
Negative Poisson's ratio polymeric and metallic foams

Foam materials based on metal and several polymers were transformed so that their cellular architecture became re-entrant, i.e. with inwardly protruding cell ribs. Foams with re-entrant structures exhibited negative Poisson's ratios as well as greater resilience than conventional foams. Foams with negative Poisson's ratios were prepared using different techniques and materials and their mechanical behaviour and structure evaluated.
Aggregate production planning — a multiple objective approach

Abstract Companies continuously plan their aggregate production quantities and are always faced with variations and uncertainties in demand which is one of the major inputs in those plans. Due to multiple objectives in aggregate production plans, the problem usually requires more in-depth analysis. This paper provides some insights into the most common objectives in solving aggregate production planning problems under different environments.
Influence of Local Structural Correlations on Free-Radical Reactions in Supercritical Fluids: A Hierarchical Approach

We present a general methodology that can be used to study the structural effects of supercritical solvents on fast reactions. Using a hierarchy of theoretical, computational, and spectroscopic methods, we investigate the effect of local solvent structure on a model free-radical reaction. Our results from theory and experiments indicate the existence of locally high solvent densities around reactants at subcritical bulk densities. By comparing simulations and experiments, we show how these local structural correlations enhance the rate constant for Heisenberg spin exchange in supercritical fluids.
Queer Punk Macha Femme: Leslie Mah's Musical Performance in Tribe 8

This essay analyzes the musical performances of Leslie Mah, biracial lead guitarist and backup vocalist for the legendary all-female, queercore punk band Tribe 8, whose members broke up in 2005 after fifteen years together. Inspired by the recent turn in performance studies toward studies of music as performance, this work employs multiple methods and objects to get at the complex totality of popular music’s performativity. Mah’s macha femme persona, playing style, and performance of identity as a lesbian woman of color within queercore punk music allow her to enter a carnivalesque realm of feminist menace, palpable rage, and unruly pleasure. Mah’s performance strategies and articulations of her queer and biracial identities in interviews are contextualized within feminist performance, riot grrrl, and punk music studies. Tribe 8’s lyrics, music, marketing, and band member personas provide cultural context for Mah’s distinctive performance of macha femme.
Mutations in two regions upstream of the Aγ globin gene canonical promoter affect gene expression

Abstract Two regions upstream of the human fetal (A gamma) globin gene, which interact with protein factors from K562 and HeLa nuclear extracts, have functional significance in gene expression. One binding site (site I) is at a position -290 to -267 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site, the other (site II) is at -182 to -168 bp. Site II includes the octamer sequence (ATGCAAAT) found in an immunoglobulin enhancer and the histone H2b gene promoter. A point mutation (T----C) at -175, within the octamer sequence, is characteristic of a naturally occurring HPFH (hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin), and decreases factor binding to an oligonucleotide containing the octamer motif. Expression assays using a A gamma globin promoter-CAT (chloramphenicol acetyl transferase) fusion gene show that the point mutation at -175 increases expression in erythroid, but not non-erythroid cells when compared to a wild-type construct. This correlates with the actual effect of the HPFH mutation in humans. This higher expression may result from a mechanism more complex than reduced binding of a negative regulator. A site I clustered-base substitution gives gamma-CAT activity well below wild-type, suggesting that this factor is a positive regulator.
Ostracods and other prey survive passage through the gut of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

Abstract The round goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ) is a Ponto-Caspian invader of North America that preys heavily on dreissenid mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis ) in its native and invaded ranges. Efficient predation on mollusks by fish requires crushing of shells so that digestive enzymes can access soft tissue of the prey. The purpose of this experiment was to determine if dreissenids and other prey survive passage through the digestive system of round gobies. N. melanostomus were collected from Presque Isle Bay of Lake Erie and a nearby invaded pond (Erie Co., Pennsylvania) and placed individually into containers filled with aged tap water. After 24–48 h of isolation, feces were surveyed under a stereomicroscope for moving prey. Neutral red, which stains lysosomes of living cells, was also used to determine if intact bivalves were alive. No dreissenids survived passage through the gut of N. melanostomus , but variable numbers of other prey, including 16.6% of ostracods, were recovered alive. These results suggest that N. melanostomus is adapted to feeding on dreissenids, but round gobies may be less well-adapted to feeding on other hard-bodied prey. Passage of live prey through the gut also has implications on energy budgets of the round goby and its ability to function as a dispersive agent for other species.
Overexpression of the Arabidopsis 14-3-3 Protein GF14λ in Cotton Leads to a “Stay-Green” Phenotype and Improves Stress Tolerance under Moderate Drought Conditions

The Arabidopsis gene GF14 lambda that encodes a 14-3-3 protein was introduced into cotton plants to explore the physiological roles that GF14 lambda might play in plants. The expression level of GF14 lambda under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter varied in transgenic cotton plants, and lines that expressed GF14 lambda demonstrated a "stay-green" phenotype and improved water-stress tolerance. These lines wilted less and maintained higher photosynthesis than segregated non-transgenic control plants under water-deficit conditions. Stomatal conductance appears to be the major factor for the observed higher photosynthetic rates under water-deficit conditions. The stomatal aperture of transgenic plants might be regulated by GF14 lambda through some transporters such as H(+)-ATPase whose activities are controlled by their interaction with 14-3-3 proteins. However, since 14-3-3 proteins interact with numerous proteins in plant cells, many metabolic processes could be affected by the GF14 lambda overexpression. Whatever the mechanisms, the traits observed in the GF14 lambda-expressing cotton plants are beneficial to crops under certain water-deficit conditions.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Cefepime in the Neonate

Newborn infants cared for in neonatal intensive care units may develop nosocomial infections. Cefepime, a "fourth-generation" cephalosporin (i.e., with activity against virtually all of the chromosomal-beta-lactamase-producing and many extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing organisms), provides excellent activity against many gram-negative pathogens resistant to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins currently used to treat neonatal infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of cefepime in this population to optimize dosing and minimize potential adverse events. Premature and term infants 30 weeks (0.51 versus 0.39 liter/kg, respectively). The Bayesian analysis-predicted cefepime trough concentration at a dose of 50 mg/kg every 12 h for infants < or = 14 days of age was 29.9 +/- 16.6 microg/ml. Cefepime, dosed at 30 mg/kg/dose every 12 h for infants less than 14 days of age, regardless of gestational age, should provide antibiotic exposure equivalent to or greater than 50 mg/kg every 8 h in older infants and children.
Nonlinear model-based control of pneumatic artificial muscle servo systems

This paper proposes a control methodology of the pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) actuated servo systems. The four major processes in such systems, including the flow dynamics, pressure dynamics, force dynamics, and load dynamics, are studied to develop a full nonlinear model that encompasses all the major nonlinearities. The developed single-input-single-output model takes the valve command as the input and calculates the third-order derivative of the load position as the output. Since this model is expressed in the control canonical form, nonlinear control approaches can be easily applied. Based on this model, a sliding model controller is developed to obtain robust control in the existence of model uncertainties and disturbances. The controller is implemented on an experimental system, and the effectiveness of the proposed approach demonstrated by step response and sinusoidal tracking at different frequencies.
Compact organization of the hepatitis B virus genome.

The genome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a circular DNA molecule approximately 3,200 base pairs (bp) in length. Relative to other double-stranded DNA viruses capable of independent replication, HBV possesses the smallest genome of any virus known to infect man. Therefore, it is not surprising that HBV utilizes its genetic material economically. This is accomplished by two rare genetic arrangements: proteins are encoded from overlapping translation frames, and all regulatory signal sequences reside within protein-encoding sequences. Thus, HBV obtains multiple use from many regions of its genome, which underscores the sophistication of this virus from an evolutionary standpoint.
Dynallax: Solid State Dynamic Parallax Barrier Autostereoscopic VR Display

A novel barrier strip autostereoscopic (AS) display is demonstrated using a solid-state dynamic parallax barrier. A dynamic barrier mitigates restrictions inherent in static barrier systems such as fixed view distance range, slow response to head movements, and fixed stereo operating mode. By dynamically varying barrier parameters in real time, viewers may move closer to the display and move faster laterally than with a static barrier system. Furthermore, users can switch between 3D and 2D modes by disabling the barrier. Dynallax is head-tracked, directing view channels to positions in space reported by a tracking system in real time. Such head-tracked parallax barrier systems have traditionally supported only a single viewer, but by varying the barrier period to eliminate conflicts between viewers, Dynallax presents four independent eye channels when two viewers are present. Each viewer receives an independent pair of left and right eye perspective views based on their position in 3D space. The display device is constructed using a dual-stacked LCD monitor where a dynamic barrier is rendered on the front display and the rear display produces a modulated VR scene composed of two or four channels. A small-scale head-tracked prototype VR system is demonstrated.
A Laboratory Demonstration of the Fraudulent Telemarketers’ 1‐in‐5 Prize Tactic1

Two laboratory experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the 1-in-5 prize tactic for perpetrating telemarketing fraud crimes. Across these experiments, the 1-in-5 prize tactic (securing acquiescence to a request by misleading a person to believe that he or she has won a valuable prize) resulted in a 5-fold increase in compliance, including 100% yielding in conditions most similar to those used by fraudulent telemarketers. Possible psychological mechanisms underlying the tactic (including phantom fixation) are discussed.
Public Sector Transformation, Racial Inequality and Downward Occupational Mobility

“New governance” reforms entailing shifts toward privatization have permeated the public sector over the last decade, possibly affecting workplace-based attainments. We examine the consequences of this reform for African American men, who during the civil rights era reached relative parity with whites. We analyze race-based inequities on one socioeconomic outcome–downward occupational mobility–among professionals, managers and executives. Results from a Panel Study of Income Dynamics sample indicate that the “new government business model,” characterized by increased employer discretion has disproportionately disadvantaged African Americans. Narrower racial gaps in the incidence, determinants and timing of downward mobility found in the public sector, relative to the private sector, during the pre-reform period (1985–90) eroded during the reform period (2002–07) because of widening racial gaps in the public sector.
Early Infection of Interdigitating Dendritic Cells in the Pig Lymph Node with African Swine Fever Viruses of High and Low Virulence: Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Studies

The role of interdigitating dendritic cells (IDCs) in the early pathogenesis of African swine fever (ASF) was investigated using mandibular lymphoid tissue from normal pigs and pigs inoculated oronasally with highly virulent Lisbon 60 (L-60) and moderately virulent Dominican Republic 1979 (DR-2) ASF virus (ASFV) isolates. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were immunostained for ASFV antigen and S-100 protein, a marker of IDCs, using an avidin-biotin alkaline phosphatase procedure. Swine IDCs were identified morphologically by light microscopy, electron microscopy, and S-100 immunostaining. Infection with ASFV caused a marked reduction in S-100 staining by 3 days postinfection (DPI) that persisted through 14 DPI. Early ASFV infection of IDCs was demonstrated at 3 DPI by double immunohistochemical staining of cryosections and by transmission electron microscopy. These results support the hypothesis that the failure of a humoral immune response to virulent ASFV may be due to a primary infection of IDCs and the inability of IDCs to initiate an immune response. Infection of IDCs has also been demonstrated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), and these infections have some aspects in common.
B-Site Doped Lanthanum Strontium Manganites by the DAAS Technique

Magnetic perovskites of the general form La0.7Sr0.3Mn1−yFeyO3 (y = 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15) have successfully been synthesized using deposition by aqueous acetate solution (DAAS). Crystalline, iron-doped, lanthanum strontium manganite (Fe-doped LSMO) powders are obtained by preparing an aqueous solution of metal acetate precursors in the proper stoichiometry, drying the solution to generate a glassy gel, consolidating the gel, and then firing the gel for short periods of time (<2hrs). This novel technique has the potential for depositing large area thin films with high throughput and low cost. Powder samples of La0.7Sr0.3Mn1−yFeyO3 prepared by DAAS and annealed for 100 minutes at 1200°C are of high purity, are single phase, and exhibit excellent electrical and magnetic characteristics. Powders annealed at 1200°C or greater exhibit sharp metalinsulator transitions. Increasing the iron dopant concentration in these powders from 0% to 15% decreases the metal-insulator transition temperature of these samples from ~360K to about 140K. The resistivity of these powders also increases with increasing substitution of the lattice B-site with iron, as does the unit cell volume of the lattice. Preparation of an iron doped LSMO powder that exhibits a maximum magnetoresistance at 305K was successfully carried out via a careful selection of iron content and anneal temperature. This compound, La0.7Sr0.3Mn0.93Fe0.07O3, exhibits a magnetoresistance of 40% at 305K and an applied field of 5 Tesla.
Rate-based data propagation in sensor networks

With the advances in processor and memory technology, sensor nodes are likely to be widely deployed leading to creation of sensor networks involving a large number of sensors for monitoring and tracking data. In this paper, we study the problem of rate-based data collection and routing in the context of sensor networks. We consider networks wherein data sources are sampling/collecting data and making it available to potential consumers. Consumers may require data at rates that may vary for each consumer. The problem studied is that of constructing a data distribution tree to efficiently disseminate data at the required rate to each consumer. We first propose an algorithm based on breadth-first tree construction which operates in two phases. The first phase constructs a breadth first tree (by ignoring the rates) and the second phase assigns rates to the tree edges. Subsequently, we present a more efficient algorithm that constructs the tree in a single phase taking rates into account. We also study a variation of the problem taking into consideration weights of the edges. The algorithms have been evaluated using discrete event simulation and we present experimental results comparing the performance of the algorithms.
Improving Circuit Robustness with Cost-Effective Soft-Error-Tolerant Sequential Elements

Soft errors induced by alpha particles and cosmic radiation have become a highly challenging problem in the design of UDSM or nanoscale circuits, making the incorporation of circuit hardening techniques essential. In this paper, a design technique for soft-error-tolerant sequential elements is presented to improve circuit robustness. The proposed technique exploits time and space redundancy using an elaborate flip-flop structure, and provides complete soft error immunity for both the transient faults generated in the combinatorial logic and the particle strikes inside the flip- flops. The proposed technique is developed to be compatible with current digital design technology, thus having minimal impact on design flow and hardware cost. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Explanation-based facial motion tracking using a piecewise Bezier volume deformation model

Capturing real motions from video sequences is a powerful method for automatic building of facial articulation models. In this paper, we propose an explanation-based facial motion tracking algorithm based on a piecewise Bezier volume deformation model (PBVD). The PBVD is a suitable model both for the synthesis and the analysis of facial images. It is linear and independent of the facial mesh structure. With this model, basic facial movements, or action units, are interactively defined. By changing the magnitudes of these action units, animated facial images are generated. The magnitudes of these action units can also be computed from real video sequences using a model-based tracking algorithm. However, in order to customize the articulation model for a particular face, the predefined PBVD action units need to be adaptively modified. In this paper, we first briefly introduce the PBVD model and its application in facial animation. Then a multiresolution PBVD-based motion tracking algorithm is presented. Finally, we describe an explanation-based tracking algorithm that takes the predefined action units as the initial articulation model and adaptively improves them during the tracking process to obtain a more realistic articulation model. Experimental results on PBVD-based animation, model-based tracking, and explanation-based tracking are shown in this paper.
Primary care of the liver transplant recipient

Chronic rejection of liver graft is an insidious process. Major immunosuppression medications such as tacrolimus, cyclosporin, and sirolimus have dose-related toxicity and narrow therapeutic windows. Certain drugs can affect metabolism of calcineurin inhibitors. Primary care physicians should be vigilant for any unusual opportunistic infection in liver transplant recipients. The quality of life of liver transplant recipients is an important aspect of care by primary care physicians. Alcohol relapse and possibility of depression in liver transplant recipients should be a continuous concern for primary care physicians. This article provides a guideline for the care of liver transplant recipients.
Automated manual training using adaptive neuro-controllers

This paper presents an application of artificial neural networks in automated manual training. The idea of an automated manual trainer is to train a human to operate a complex system automatically with limited human interaction. An automated helicopter training system was used to demonstrate the feasibility of this study. Neuro-controllers in conjunction with critic models are used to implement the automated helicopter trainer to perform hover maneuvers. The simulation results indicate that the automated helicopter trainer is capable of performing the hover maneuvers. To verify the concept of the automated trainer, a simple one axis manual control cart-pole system was used. Two groups of four students each were used in the experiment with one being the experimental group which was trained with the automated trainer, and the other being the control group which was trained with no automated trainer. The experimental results show that the automated manual trainer did not "mess up" the training process, but no further conclusions can be drawn since the experimental group is too small to generalize the results. Further study in this area is recommended.
No slot wasting bandwidth balancing with immediate use of TAR bit

The no slot wasting bandwidth balancing (NSW BWB) mechanism has been recently proposed for high speed DQDB networks. Its advantage is that it introduces fairness without wasting channel slots and can converge very fast to the steady state where fair bandwidth allocation is achieved. However, it may discriminate against lightly loaded stations in terms of delay. In this paper we propose a variation of the NSW BWB mechanism which enables lightly loaded stations to have a faster access to the transmission medium and thus lower delays. We provide a proof of the fairness of the new mechanism and investigate its delay performance. Furthermore, we compare it with NSW BWB as well as with the BWB mechanism which has been incorporated in the IEEE 802.6 standard. >