cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioactivities and modes of action of VUAA1.

BACKGROUND The compound 2-((4-ethyl-5-(pyridin-3-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-(4-ethylphenyl) acetamide (VUAA1) is reported to be an odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) agonist in insects with potential use as an insect repellent. For this study, the biological activity of VUAA1 was investigated in several bioassays with Aedes aegypti, including adult contact, spatial repellency, and larval repellency assays, as well as topical, injection, and feeding toxicity assays. Neurophysiological action was further explored by analysis of fruit fly central nervous system firing, cockroach axon recordings, patch clamp analysis of Kv2 potassium channel, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition studies. Finally, the metabolic impact on the toxicity of VUAA1 was explored by applying it in combination with established metabolic synergists. RESULTS In repellency and bite protection screens, VUAA1 showed little activity against adult mosquitoes, apparently due to its low volatility, since its effectiveness was increased by heating or mixing with transfluthrin acid and citronella oil. It did produce measurable repellency of mosquito larvae that was more potent than N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). Overall, VUAA1 showed low acute toxicity to both insects and mice, and it was weakly synergized by triphenyl phosphate. There was no observed cross-resistance in a pyrethroid-resistant strain of Anopheles gambiae. VUAA1 showed a two-phase effect on the central nervous system, with neuroexcitation at 1 μmol L-1 and an inhibitory effect at 100 μmol L-1 that may relate to block of Kv2 potassium channels. CONCLUSIONS VUAA1 presented low toxicity, similar to other insect repellents. Its limited solubility, low volatility, and resulting poor adult repellency without additional adjuvants may restrict the utility of VUAA1 in typical public health applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Adherence to gout guidelines: where do we stand?

Purpose of review Although gout is a common, well-recognized, and extensively researched rheumatologic disease, it continues to be underappreciated and undertreated. Although the prevalence of gout has been rising over the past several decades, adherence to urate lowering therapy continues to be suboptimal. Recent studies have underscored the potential success of guideline-directed therapy. Recent findings Adherence to gout treatment continues to be suboptimal according to multinational metaanalyses. Moreover, studies measuring adherence are prone to overestimation and each methodologic approach has intrinsic limitations. Adherence may be analyzed from the perspective of patient adherence to taking a medication, or provider adherence to treatment guidelines. In addition to considering traditional risk factors, adherence should be viewed through the lens of healthcare disparities. The RAmP-Up trial and Nottingham Gout Treatment trial demonstrate the success of protocolized gout treatment using existing guidelines for reference. Summary Standardized gout treatment protocols should be established for all primary care and specialty practices. Two successful methods of improving adherence include using nonphysician providers to coordinate urate lowering therapy titration and monitoring serum urate. Having more frequent outpatient visits to focus on direct patient care and education has also been successful.
Nutraceutical and Probiotic Approaches to Examine Molecular Interactions of the Amyloid Precursor Protein APP in Drosophila Models of Alzheimer's Disease

Studies using animal models have shed light into the molecular and cellular basis for the neuropathology observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, the role of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) plays a crucial role in the formation of senile plaques and aging-dependent degeneration. Here, we focus our review on recent findings using the Drosophila AD model to expand our understanding of APP molecular function and interactions, including insights gained from the fly homolog APP-like (APPL). Finally, as there is still no cure for AD, we review some approaches that have shown promising results in ameliorating AD-associated phenotypes, with special attention on the use of nutraceuticals and their molecular effects, as well as interactions with the gut microbiome. Overall, the phenomena described here are of fundamental significance for understanding network development and degeneration. Given the highly conserved nature of fundamental signaling pathways, the insight gained from animal models such as Drosophila melanogaster will likely advance the understanding of the mammalian brain, and thus be relevant to human health.
Strategies to boost international student success in US higher education: an analysis of direct and indirect effects of learning communities

Learning communities are often associated with higher student engagement and academic achievement. Few studies to date, however, have examined the impacts of these practices among international students. To address this gap, the following questions led the current study: “To what degree is participation in learning communities associated with international students’ (1) engagement in educationally beneficial activities, (2) learning outcomes (e.g., general, practical, and professional development), and (3) overall satisfaction with their institutional environment and educational experience?” Drawing on student development theory, we designed a path analysis using a structural equation modelling to assess both the direct and the indirect effects. The results suggest that while students’ participation in learning communities positively correlates to student learning gains and satisfaction, the student engagement indicators are the significant mediating predictors for both outcomes, thus recommending that institutions interested in assessing the impacts of learning communities should determine not only the direct effects but also the indirect effects of these practices. Our results also show differences in participation patterns among international student subgroups. Institutions should be aware of such differences and make efforts to scale high impact practices like learning communities to provide opportunities for more students to become involved in these educationally purposeful activities. The findings call for future research aimed at identifying the environmental and individual conditions that are most conducive to the cultivation of these practices for international students.
I. Nutrient intake of high school students Factors differentiating participants and non-participants of the National School Lunch Program

Does participation in the National School Lunch Program actually improve the nutrient intake of secondary school students?
Driver Performance While Interacting with the 511 Travel Information System in Urban and Rural Traffic

The national “511” highway information system is heavily used by drivers, especially during inclement weather, to plan and replan their trips. Few studies have explored the safety and usability of the 511 user interface, especially in the context of a mobile phone user who has the added workload of driving a vehicle. In this study, 36 drivers were divided into three groups (hand-held cell phone, hands-free cell phone, and control group) and drove a series of urban and rural scenarios in a high fidelity driving simulator. Drivers in the cell phone groups interacted with the Montana 511 travel information system to obtain road information on a segment of highway. Performance on the primary driving task (e.g., lanekeeping and speed control) was not affected by use of the 511 traveler information system. Driving tasks that required urgent attention (e.g., responding to unexpected traffic conflicts) were degraded by using the 511 travel system regardless of the type of phone used. Drivers using either cell phone to interact with the 511 information system were found to have a higher number of collisions and less situation awareness than those not interacting with the 511 system. Drivers using a hand-held cell phone were also found to have a higher frequency of braking responses. The increased crash risk of the phone users in our study (3.0 - 3.8) was very comparable to that reported by earlier studies of the risk of cell phone conversations.
The Poetry of Insanity

M ax was the son of a professor in a small college. His father considered himself to be a free spirit. He dabbled in various forms of politics, and more important for the future of his son, religion. Most likely, Max’s father was manic-depressive. During a period of mania, he “invented” a religion that contained what he considered to be the best parts of the various religions that he had studied. Both Max and his sister were taught this religion. However, as she matured, his sister abandoned it for more traditional beliefs.
Properties of the residual circle action on a toric hyperkahler variety

We consider a manifold X obtained by a Kahler reduction of C^n, and we define its hyperkahler analogue M as a hyperkahler reduction of T^*C^n = H^n by the same group. In the case where the group is abelian and X is a smooth toric variety, M is a toric hyperkahler manifold, as defined by Bielawski-Dancer, and further studied by Konno and Hausel-Sturmfels. The manifold M carries a natural action of S^1, induced by the scalar action of S^1 on the fibers of T^*C^n. In this paper we study this action, computing its fixed points and its equivariant cohomology. As an application, we use the associated Z/2 action on the real locus of M to compute a deformation of the Orlik-Solomon algebra of a smooth, generic, real hyperplane arrangement, depending nontrivially on the affine structure of the arrangement. This deformation is given by the Z/2-equivariant cohomology of the complement of the complexification, where Z/2 acts by complex conjugation.
Basic Principles of Light Emission in Semiconductors

This chapter is the first in a sequence of four chapters that describe the light sources used most often in integrated-optic applications. Because of their convenience, gas lasers are frequently used in the laboratory to evaluate waveguides or other integrated-optic devices; however, semiconductor lasers and light-emitting diodes are the only practical light sources for use in optical integrated circuits, due to their small size and compatibility with monolithic (or hybrid) integration. Also, LED’s and laser diodes are widely used in fiber-optic applications, because they can be modulated at high frequencies and can be efficiently coupled to the micrometer-size wave-guiding core of the fiber.
Poor, White, and Male

White people might not immediately come to mind when we discuss poverty. Statistics, nonetheless, tell us that in absolute numbers whites make up the largest group falling below the poverty line in...
An Smodels system with limited lookahead computation

We describe an answer-set programming solver smodels derived from smodels by eliminating some lookahead computations. We show that for some classes of programs smodels-outperforms smodels and demonstrate the computational potential of our approach.
Housing Market Price Tier Movements in an Expansion and Collapse

The subprime mortgage crisis has done more damage to the financial system than any financial crisis since the depression. This paper examines the Federal Reserve’s expansionary monetary policy during the early part of this decade, the effect of that expansionary policy on mortgage market liquidity, the effects of that liquidity on housing price movements, and the way that those price movements contributed to the severity of the financial crisis. House prices increased most in the low-priced tier of the market during the expansion, which prompted lenders and investors in mortgage-backed securities to finance highly leveraged purchases in this segment of the market. But house prices also decline most in the low-priced tier during a contraction or collapse, among borrowers with inadequate assets and income to absorb the decline in their home values if forced to sell their homes. Consequently, their losses were transmitted into the financial sector, with an impact far more devastating than in any crisis since the depression. In order to address this structural vulnerability of the residential real estate market, several problems with incentives and information disclosure at almost every stage in the lending and securitization process need to be addressed, including the incentives of home buyers, loan originators, loan servicers, bond rating firms, investment banks, and credit enhancement providers. Alternatively, many of the problems with risk assessment may need to be transferred to investors, who have a clear incentive to gather information and assess risks, and can discipline lenders by directing capital to those lenders who adequately manage lending risks.
Active uptake of bicarbonate by diatoms

Marine diatoms play a predominant role in the biological carbon pump1 transferring carbon dioxide from surface to deep waters. Laboratory studies show that a number of species take up HCO3− and concentrate inorganic carbon intracellularly allowing rapid growth despite low CO2 availability2,3. In contrast, many oceanographers, particularly when interpreting carbon isotope data4,5, have made the assumption that diatoms do not utilize the abundant HCO3− in seawater but rather take up CO2 by diffusion6. This has led to the hypothesis that large diatoms may be CO2-limited in the oceans7. We now demonstrate active uptake of HCO3− in the field and a carbon-concentrating mechanism in coastal Atlantic diatoms. By manipulating we show that growth of large diatoms in the California upwelling is not limited by availability.
A summary of recent research on continuous-wave chemical lasers

It has been a little over 5 years since the first pulsed chemical laser was developed by Kasper and Pimentel (1). During this time, important advances have been made contributing to our understanding of the kinetic mechanisms by which population inversions can be created in chemically reacting gases. Much of this information comes to us from the pulsed chemical laser experiments of Airey, Gross, Moore, Pimentel, and others (2–10), and from the pioneering experimental and theoretical studies of infrared chemiluminescence by Polanyi and co-workers (11–13).
Allosteric modulation in spontaneously active mutant γ-aminobutyric acidA receptors

Abstract Tryptophan substitutions were made in the second transmembrane domain of the γ-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor α and β subunits and the resulting mutant receptors, containing α2(S270W) and/or β1(S265W), were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Mutation of either or both subunits resulted in receptors that exhibited enhanced sensitivity to agonist and were spontaneously active in the absence of GABA. The spontaneous activity was blocked by picrotoxin or bicuculline. The enhancement of GABA-induced currents by pentobarbital, by the neurosteroid 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one, and by the benzodiazepine flunitrazepam was dramatically reduced in the mutant receptors. These results are consistent with the idea that a mutation that promotes gating behavior in a ligand-gated ion channel will also show reduced effects of all positive allosteric modulators in a generalized manner, even when these modulators act at distinct sites on the receptor.
Subspace Tracking under Dynamic Dimensionality for Online Background Subtraction

Long-term modeling of background motion in videos is an important and challenging problem used in numerous applications such as segmentation and event recognition. A major challenge in modeling the background from point trajectories lies in dealing with the variable length duration of trajectories, which can be due to such factors as trajectories entering and leaving the frame or occlusion from different depth layers. This work proposes an online method for background modeling of dynamic point trajectories via tracking of a linear subspace describing the background motion. To cope with variability in trajectory durations, we cast subspace tracking as an instance of subspace estimation under missing data, using a least-absolute deviations formulation to robustly estimate the background in the presence of arbitrary foreground motion. Relative to previous works, our approach is very fast and scales to arbitrarily long videos as our method processes new frames sequentially as they arrive.
Magnetic resonance imaging of interstitial laser photocoagulation

We have previously demonstrated the detection of reversible and irreversible changes on MR images oflaser energy deposition and tissue heating and cooling1. It is possible to monitor and control energy deposition during interstitial laser therapy. This presentation describes some first steps toward optimizing the power and total energy deposited in various tissues in vivo, by analyzing the irreversible tissue changes and their spatial distribution as revealed by spin echo imaging. We used various power settings of an Nd.YAG laser delivered by a fiber optic inserted into several tissues (brain, muscle, liver) of anesthetized rats and rabbits. MR imaging was performed at 1.9 T. Photothermally-produced lesions were seen on both T1- and Ta-weighted images. The overall size of the lesions correlated with the magnitude of the energy applied. The MR image appearance depended not only on the laser energy but also on the way it was delivered, on the type of tissue, and the MR pulse sequence applied. While Ti-weighted images adequately demonstrated an area of tissue destruction, T2- weighted images showed a more heterogeneous and more extensive lesion which could be better correlated with the complex histological representation of these lesions. Typically, when rabbit brain, liver, and muscle had been exposed to laser power of 2.5 Watts for a range of 55 to 120 seconds, depending on the tissue, a central area of signal void was surrounded by an inner hypointensity and an outer hyperintensity on T2-weighted images. The 3D extent of the lesions was well demonstrated on multislice images, providing correlation of the affected volumes seen on MRI with volumes seen in histological or histochemical preparations. We are developing an analytical model of laser heating and its effect on MR images to assess whether heating during imaging will produce unacceptable artifacts during surgery. The effect of heating is modeled as a change in magnetization during image acquisition. The region in which the change occurs is blurred by the Fourier transform of the change in magnetization as a function of time. Thus, blurring is minimized when changes occur slowly, compared to image acquisition times. We conclude that MRI can demonstrate the 3D extent of the lesions induced by lasers and can be used to investigate and optimize the control of induced tissue change within the affected volume.
Birth injury and method of delivery.

In May 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory to all practitioners who deliver babies. The advisory, entitled “Need for Caution When Using Vacuum Assisted Deli...
The Determinants and Effects of Right-To-Work Laws: A Review of the Recent Literature

I review the recent literature on the determinants and effects of right-to-work (RTW) laws. The focus is primarily on the econometric studies published since the early 1980s. Five major areas of impact are assessed: unionization, free riding, union organizing activities and successes in NLRB elections, wage structure, and state industrial development. While individual findings are quite sensitive to model specification, the accumulated evidence indicates that RTW laws have at least a significant short-run impact on all of these areas except perhaps wages.
Photoluminescence and magneto-optical properties of multilayered type-II ZnTe/ZnSe quantum dots

Abstract Multilayered Zn–Se–Te structures grown by migration enhanced epitaxy are studied by temperature- and excitation-dependent photoluminescence (PL) as well as magneto-PL. The PL consists of two bands: a blue band, overlaid with band edge sharp lines, dominant at low temperatures and high excitation, and a green band, which appears at elevated temperature and low excitation. Upon varying excitation intensity by four orders of magnitude, the green band peak energy shifts by ∼60 meV, indicating recombination of excitons in type-II quantum dots (QDs); no significant shift is observed for the blue band. Therefore, the green emission is attributed to ZnTe/ZnSe type-II QDs, which co-exist with isoelectronic centers, responsible for the blue and band edge emissions. The existence of type-II ZnTe/ZnSe QDs is further confirmed by magneto-PL, for which the observed oscillations in the PL intensity as a function of magnetic field is explained in terms of the optical Aharonov–Bohm effect.
Psychometric Properties of a Behavioral Test of Contamination-Related Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms

In this study, we evaluated the psychometric properties of a Behavioral Approach Task (BAT) for contamination-related obsessive–compulsive symptoms. We adapted the BAT from Cougle et al’s. (2007) design, which comprised three tests corresponding to three different contamination-related stimuli and a hierarchy of six steps of approach within each test. We obtained anxiety and disgust ratings at each BAT step. Participants with low or high contamination fear completed self-report measures of obsessive–compulsive symptoms and depression before completing the BAT. Internal consistency of the BAT was high. Furthermore, the BAT demonstrated good convergent validity with a self-report measure of contamination-related obsessive–compulsive symptoms. The BAT also had sound discriminant validity with self-report measures of depression and of obsessive–compulsive symptoms other than contamination. Our study suggests that the use of this test as an observable measure of contamination-related fears is not only psychometrically sound but also easy to administer.
Neural network pattern recognition analysis of graft flow characteristics improves intra-operative anastomotic error detection in minimally invasive CABG.

Objective: The intra-operative assessment of the quality of anastomosis in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is critical. Recent investigations demonstrated that flow probes used intra-operatively to assess anastomotic errors may give the surgeon a false sense of confidence as only severely stenotic anastomoses (.90%) could be reliably detected. We developed a neural network system using graft flow data and assessed its potential to improve anastomotic error detection. Methods: Mammary to LAD grafts (na 46) were constructed in mongrel dogs off-pump. Continuous beat-to-beat graft flow was recorded using transit-time flow probes. Various degrees of anastomotic stenoses (0‐100%) were created by an additional suture. The degree of anastomotic stenosis was confirmed by postoperative angiography. A learning vector quantization neural network was created using heart rate, mean aortic pressure, mean systolic, maximum systolic, minimum systolic, mean diastolic, maximum diastolic, minimum diastolic, and mean graft flows. In addition, a spectral analysis of the flow waveforms was performed and the magnitude and phase of the first five harmonics were used to further develop the neural network. Results: The neural network pattern recognition system was 94% accurate in detecting any stenosis .50%. To validate the model, a testing set was used with 20% of the data values, and the accuracy remained at 100% above chance alone. Conclusion: Pattern recognition of transittime flow probe tracings using neural network systems can detect anastomotic errors significantly better than the surgeon’s visual assessment, thereby improving the clinical outcome of minimally invasive CABG. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Interrelating excess thermodynamic functions using fusion properties

A new model that interrelates the liquid-phase excess Gibbs energy, enthalpy and volume, called the GHV model, is developed and discussed. The model is based on the fact that most mixtures are immiscible in solid phases and, therefore, have steep solid-phase boundaries. This single assumption allows the model to be applied potentially to all types of mixtures, including organic, metallic, electrolytic and polymeric solutions. The model, which predicts that excess properties are related to one another through various fusion properties, pure component volumes, and enthalpies of fusion in particular, has been applied to a wide variety of organic and liquid metal mixtures. The results show at least qualitative validity without adjustable parameters and more quantitative ability with “effective” fusion properties. The model is also shown to rationalize some sign, magnitude and shape phenomena.
A framework for rapid visual image search using single-trial brain evoked responses

We report the design and performance of a brain computer interface for single-trial detection of viewed images based on human dynamic brain response signatures in 32-channel electroencephalography (EEG) acquired during a rapid serial visual presentation. The system explores the feasibility of speeding up image analysis by tapping into split-second perceptual judgments of humans. We present an incremental learning system with less memory storage and computational cost for single-trial event-related potential (ERP) detection, which is trained using cross-session data. We demonstrate the efficacy of the method on the task of target image detection. We apply linear and nonlinear support vector machines (SVMs) and a linear logistic classifier (LLC) for single-trial ERP detection using data collected from image analysts and naive subjects. For our data the detection performance of the nonlinear SVM is better than the linear SVM and the LLC. We also show that our ERP-based target detection system is five-fold faster than the traditional image viewing paradigm.
Multi-object near-IR Grism spectroscopy with the 6.5-m MMT

Wide-field infrared cameras, operating on the new generation of large telescopes, offer unprecedented gains in the detection of faint sources and in observing efficiency for both direct imaging and spectroscopy. PISCES, a near-IR (1-2.5 micron) wide-field camera designed for the f/9 secondaries of the Steward 2.3m and 6.5m MMT, is one such instrument that has been operational for over one year. Equipped with a 1024x1024 HAWAII HgCdTe array, PISCES offers an 8.5 arcminute field at the 2.3m and a 3.1 arcminute field at the MMT. Here we present our design to upgrade PISCES with a low resolution (R=200-500) grism for single and multi-object spectroscopy. The design allows J, H, and K-band spectroscopy in orders 5, 4 and 3, respectively. The combination of 6.5m aperture and multi-object capability will make PISCES a powerful tool for extending our knowledge of the low-mass regime of the initial mass function as well as star-formation in 0.5 < z < 1 galaxy clusters. We discuss design and fabrication issues and simulate the performance of the grism system.
Nitrogen fertilization effects on foliar nutrient dynamics and autumnal resorption in maidenhair tree (Gingko biloba L.)

Abstract We quantified seasonal foliar nutrient dynamics and autumnal N and P resorption of individuals of the deciduous gymnosperm Gingko biloba (maidenhair tree) growing in compacted, urban soils over two years following a single fertilization with 150 kg/ha/yr of N (and no P). Mean foliar nutrient concentrations were more similar to those reported for angiosperm trees than for other gymnosperms. During the autumn following fertilization, 46% and 48 of foliar N and P were resorbed, respectively; during the second year both increased significantly, to 68% of foliar N and 74% of foliar P. Absolute N resorption was also greater during the second year, whereas absolute P resorption did not differ significantly between years. During the second year, the level of N resorption rates was similar to that reported for Larix laricina (larch or tamarack), a needle‐leafed, deciduous gymnosperm, and greater than those reported for broad‐leafed deciduous angiosperms. The level of 1992 P resorption was similar to those...
Facebook recruitment of young adult smokers for a cessation trial: Methods, metrics, and lessons learned

Further understanding is needed of the functionalities and efficiency of social media for health intervention research recruitment. Facebook was examined as a mechanism to recruit young adults for a smoking cessation intervention. An ad campaign targeting young adult smokers tested specific messaging based on market theory and successful strategies used to recruit smokers in previous clinical trials (i.e. informative, call to action, scarcity, social norms), previously successful ads, and general messaging. Images were selected to target smokers (e.g., lit cigarette), appeal to the target age, vary demographically, and vary graphically (cartoon, photo, logo). Facebook's Ads Manager was used over 7 weeks (6/10/13 - 7/29/13), targeted by age (18-25), location (U.S.), and language (English), and employed multiple ad types (newsfeed, standard, promoted posts, sponsored stories) and keywords. Ads linked to the online screening survey or study Facebook page. The 36 different ads generated 3,198,373 impressions, 5,895 unique clicks, at an overall cost of $2,024 ($0.34/click). Images of smoking and newsfeed ads had the greatest reach and clicks at the lowest cost. Of 5,895 unique clicks, 586 (10%) were study eligible and 230 (39%) consented. Advertising costs averaged $8.80 per eligible, consented participant. The final study sample (n=79) was largely Caucasian (77%) and male (69%), averaging 11 cigarettes/day (SD=8.3) and 2.7 years smoking (SD=0.7). Facebook is a useful, cost-effective recruitment source for young adult smokers. Ads posted via newsfeed posts were particularly successful, likely because they were viewable via mobile phone. Efforts to engage more ethnic minorities, young women, and smokers motivated to quit are needed.
Effects of methylphenidate dosage in hyperactive reading-disabled children: II. Reading achievement.

ABSTRACT Effects of methylphenidate (MP) on reading achievement in 7- to 13-year-old children with hyperactivity and reading disorder were investigated. Forty-two children were assigned to one of four MP dose groups (placebo, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.7 mg/kg). Behavior ratings and academic achievement scores were obtained at the beginning of the study, after 12 weekly reading sessions, and again after 12 additional weekly reading sessions. Results showed positive effects of MP on reading that were mediated through behavioral control (i.e., achievement was significantly related to behavioral response to MP treatment), especially during the first 3 months of treatment. A specific effect of MP on word recognition involving verbal retrieval, as opposed to phonic skills, was also found. Implications for clinical treatment are discussed, and questions regarding the interaction of drug dose, behavioral response, and academic learning are posed.
Regulation of Cellular Protein Phosphatase-1 (PP1) by Phosphorylation of the CPI-17 Family, C-kinase-activated PP1 Inhibitors *

The regulatory circuit controlling cellular protein phosphatase-1 (PP1), an abundant group of Ser/Thr phosphatases, involves phosphorylation of PP1-specific inhibitor proteins. Malfunctions of these inhibitor proteins have been linked to a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Upon phosphorylation at Thr38, the 17-kDa PP1 inhibitor protein, CPI-17, selectively inhibits a specific form of PP1, myosin light chain phosphatase, which transduces multiple kinase signals into the phosphorylation of myosin II and other proteins. Here, the mechanisms underlying PP1 inhibition and the kinase/PP1 cross-talk mediated by CPI-17 and its related proteins, PHI, KEPI, and GBPI, are discussed.
Emotion, Cognition and Artificial Intelligence

Some have claimed that since machines lack emotional “qualia”, or conscious experiences of emotion, machine intelligence will fall short of human intelligence. I examine this objection, ultimately finding it unpersuasive. I first discuss recent work on emotion (from cognitive science, neuroscience and philosophy) that suggests that emotion plays various roles in cognition. I then raise the following question: are phenomenal experiences of emotion an essential or necessary component of the performance of these cognitive abilities? I then sharpen the question by distinguishing between four possible positions one might take. I reject one of these four positions largely on empirical grounds. But the remaining three positions all suggest that even if emotional qualia play an important role in human cognition, emotional qualia are not essential to the performance of these cognitive abilities in principle, so, e.g., a machine that lacks emotional qualia might still be able to perform them.
EX VIVO SPINAL CORD SLICE MODEL OF NEUROMYELITIS OPTICA REVEALS NOVEL IMMUNOPATHOGENIC MECHANISMS

Objective: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a neuroinflammatory disease of spinal cord and optic nerve associated with serum autoantibodies (NMO–immunoglobulin G [IgG]) against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Recent studies suggest that AQP4 autoantibodies are pathogenic. The objectives of this study were to establish an ex vivo spinal cord slice model in which NMO-IgG exposure produces lesions with characteristic NMO pathology, and to test the involvement of specific inflammatory cell types and soluble factors. Methods: Vibratome-cut transverse spinal cord slices were cultured on transwell porous supports. After 7 days in culture, spinal cord slices were exposed to NMO-IgG and complement for 1 to 3 days. In some studies inflammatory cells or factors were added. Slices were examined for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), AQP4, and myelin immunoreactivity. Results: Spinal cord cellular structure, including astrocytes, microglia, neurons, and myelin, was preserved in culture. NMO-IgG bound strongly to astrocytes in the spinal cord slices. Slices exposed to NMO-IgG and complement showed marked loss of GFAP, AQP4, and myelin. Lesions were not seen in the absence of complement or in spinal cord slices from AQP4 null mice. In cultures treated with submaximal NMO-IgG, the severity of NMO lesions was increased with inclusion of neutrophils, natural killer cells, or macrophages, or the soluble factors tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, or interferon-γ. Lesions were also produced in ex vivo optic nerve and hippocampal slice cultures. Interpretation: These results provide evidence for AQP4, complement- and NMO-IgG–dependent NMO pathogenesis in spinal cord, and implicate the involvement of specific immune cells and cytokines. Our ex vivo model allows for direct manipulation of putative effectors of NMO disease pathogenesis in a disease-relevant tissue. ANN NEUROL 2011
Hyperfine coupling constants for nitroxide spin probes in water and carbon tetrachloride

Abstract The hyperfine coupling constants of eight commonly used nitroxide spin probes (di-t-butyl nitroxide (DTBN) and its perdeuterated analog (PDDTBN); the piperidine nitroxides, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylydine-N-oxyl (TEMPO), -4-hydroxy (TEMPOL), -4-amino (TEMPAMINE), -4-keto (TEMPONE), and -4-keto-d16 (PDTEMPONE); and 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl, 3-carbamidopyrroline-1-oxyl (TEMPYO)) were determined in water and carbon tetrachloride by EPR and, in the case of TEMPAMINE, also by NMR. Intrinsic linewidths were obtained and correlation times calculated. The use of the data to determine the hyperfine structures of probes in environments of intermediate polarity is given.
Current status of intensive behavioral interventions for young children with autism and PDD-NOS

Abstract The development of learning based interventions has proven to be an effective means of remediating symptoms of autism and PDD-NOS. The central focus of these effects in recent years has been on early intensive behavioral interventions (EIBI) with preschool children. We use the term EIBI since it is the most often used, and we assume, preferred term. This research appears to be quite promising; however, controversies have arisen regarding who responds best and to what degree. Also, despite the widespread adoption of the notion that these programs result in long term benefits for the autism spectrum disorders child, marked holes in our knowledge, largely due to methodological considerations, are evident. This paper provides a review of existing reviews and data-based EIBI studies with an eye to a specific analysis of strengths, shortcomings, and trends in the data.
SculptUp: A rapid, immersive 3D modeling environment

The SculptUp system enables the rapid creation of 3D models. All of the models in Figure 3 were created in under five minutes. Scenes such as Figure 1 and 4 could be easily created in ways that would be extremely difficult in traditional modeling systems.
Seasonal shoot growth of planted red pine predicted from air temperature degree days and soil water potential

Abstract On-site climatic measurements were used to model red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) shoot elongation. Three study sites each consisting of three 0.2-ha plots were cleared and planted with red pine. Shoot growth was measured weekly for 2 years. Incremental seasonal growth of the leading shoot was estimated using a difference form of a modified Chapman-Richards growth function. Weekly growth was estimated as a function of air temperature degree days (4.4°C basis), soil water potential, and total expected seasonal growth. An example using the model compares varying site and climatic conditions and their effect on the pattern of seedling height growth during the growing season as well as their effect on the total amount of height growth realized at the end of the growing season.
Anisocoria from transdermal scopolamine

A transdermal scopolamine patch is an effective medication for relieving motion sickness, treating nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and decreasing withdrawal side-effects from wearing off opioids. A 14-year-old boy with chronic granulomatous disease and severe infection was admitted to the hospital because of left shoulder aspergillus' infection and pain. The patient required high dose opioid to control the shoulder pain. A unilateral fixed and dilated pupil was noted. We assumed this to be related to the advancing central nervous system aspergillosis. After extensive neurological 'work up', we realized that the anisocoria was related to the transdermal scopolamine patch that we had prescribed for weaning off the opioid.
Women, Citizenship, and the Social Studies

In the United States, citizenship and its fundamental perquisite, the vote, have his­ torically been limited by means of race , re­ ligion, ethnicity, gender, and class. Though U.S. citizens rightfully extol the virtues of their democracy, they often overlook the central paradox of this nation's history­ that the U.S. Constitution established un­ precedented freedom for some while deny­ ing it to the great majority of citizens of the new republic. Arguably, the history of this nation reflects the denial of rights, citizen­ ship, and the vote every bit as much as it demonstrates the expansion of such privi­ leges to ever-larger circles within the popu­ lation. To what extent has the field of so­ cial studies, dedicated to the mission of citizenship education, engaged these reali­ ties in examining its past and defining an agenda for its future? Using the case of women as an ex­ ample, the denials of citizenship preroga­
Arabidopsis camelliol C synthase evolved from enzymes that make pentacycles

We establish by heterologous expression that the Arabidopsis thaliana oxidosqualene cyclase At1g78955 (CAMS1) makes camelliol C (98%), achilleol A (2%), and beta-amyrin (0.2%). CAMS1 is the first characterized cyclase that generates predominantly a monocyclic triterpene alcohol. Phylogenetic analysis shows that CAMS1 evolved from enzymes that make pentacycles, thus revealing that its pentacyclic beta-amyrin byproduct is an evolutionary relic. Sequence alignments support prior suggestions that decreased steric bulk at a key active-site residue promotes monocycle formation.
RSA blocking and multisignature schemes with no bit expansion

Implementations of the RSA scheme have inherent difficulties related to bit expansion, with consequent difficulties for blocking and multisignatures. Solutions to these latter two problems, which flow naturally from a solution to the root problem of bit expansion are presented.
Influence of age and gender on the mechanism of supraventricular tachycardia

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the impact of age and gender on the mechanism of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Background Previous studies have indicated that PSVT mechanism may be influenced by age and gender, but contemporary data are limited. Methods In 1,754 patients undergoing catheter ablation of 1,856 PSVTs between 1991 and 2003, the mechanism was classified as atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), or atrial tachycardia (AT). Patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and age Results The mean age was 45 ± 19 years (range 5–96), and the majority were women (62%). Overall, AVNRT was the predominant mechanism (n = 1,042 [56%]), followed by AVRT (n = 500 [27%]) and AT (n = 315 [17%]). There was a strong relationship between age and PSVT mechanism; the proportion of AVRT in both sexes decreased with age, whereas AVNRT and AT increased ( PM P Conclusions The mechanism of PSVT in patients presenting for ablation is significantly influenced by both age and gender.
Chronology of late Pliocene and early Pleistocene glacial and magnetic events in southern Argentina

Abstract K-Ar and paleomagnetic studies of basalt flows in southern Argentina indicate that the three major normal-polarity events of the Matuyama reversed geomagnetic polarity epoch are recorded in a single cliff section. Till interbedded with the lava flows indicates at least four separate incursions of ice, the earliest prior to 2.06 my ago. Till is present above the basalt flows that record the Reunion event and immediately beneath flows formed during the Olduvai and Jaramillo events.
Failure of Adrenal Scintigraphy to Exhibit 131I Cholesterol Uptake in a CT-Demonstrated, Surgically Proven Aldosteronoma

ABSTRACT: This is the case of a large 2 × 1.5 cm adrenal tumor demonstrated on CT scan that was proven biochemically and surgically to be an aldosteronoma and that did not concentrate 6- β ( 131 I)-iodo-methyl- 19-norcholesterol (NP- 59). Before the publication of this case, all CT- identified aldosteronomas of greater than 1 cm have concentrated NP-59. Previously, an adrenal mass of greater than 1 cm that failed to concentrate NP-59 was excluded from being an aldosteronoma. This concept must be reevaluated with the publication of this case.
Confronting the Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction: A Special Challenge for Social Work With Offenders

Millions of former offenders—often members of racial/ethnic minority or other disenfranchised groups—experience restrictions on their legal and civil rights as the collateral consequences of their criminal conviction. It is critical for the social workers and other human service professionals who frequently interface with this population to understand these collateral consequences to effectively serve their clients with criminal convictions. This exploratory study examined the impact these collateral consequences may have on social work practice with offenders. We assessed practitioners' awareness, knowledge, and experiences with the collateral consequences of clients' criminal convictions and practitioner efforts as “agents of restoration” to pursue statutorily available court-ordered expungements of their clients' criminal conviction records. Findings revealed that practitioners lacked awareness of collateral consequences, their application, and expungement. Recommendations to enhance social work practi...
Composition measurement of aerosols of submicrometer particles by phase fluctuation absorption spectroscopy.

Phase fluctuation optical heterodyne spectroscopy is employed to obtain the first nonextractive data on size-mass distribution of submicrometer ammonium sulfate aerosols. The required theory of aerosol absorption of electromagnetic energy and subsequent thermalization is presented. Based on this theory, the predicted behavior was confirmed by experiments using IR absorption of ammonium sulfate aerosols. The results show good agreement with measurements using conventional methods including condensation nuclei counter, electron micrography, and filtration. In addition, a conversion constant for the photothermal signal of ammonium sulfate aerosols is calculated to be 2.3 μV/(μg/m3). Furthermore, the signal is shown to be linear in excitation energy and modulation frequency and scalable.
The endocannabinoid system: directing eating behavior and macronutrient metabolism

For many years, the brain has been the primary focus for research on eating behavior. More recently, the discovery of the endogenous endocannabinoids (EC) and the endocannabinoid system (ECS), as well as the characterization of its actions on appetite and metabolism, has provided greater insight on the brain and food intake. The purpose of this review is to explain the actions of EC in the brain and other organs as well as their precursor polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that are converted to these endogenous ligands. The binding of the EC to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain stimulates food intake, and the ECS participates in systemic macronutrient metabolism where the gastrointestinal system, liver, muscle, and adipose are involved. The EC are biosynthesized from two distinct families of dietary PUFA, namely the n-6 and n-3. Based on their biochemistry, these PUFA are well known to exert considerable physiological and health-promoting actions. However, little is known about how these different families of PUFA compete as precursor ligands of cannabinoid receptors to stimulate appetite or perhaps down-regulate the ECS to amend food intake and prevent or control obesity. The goal of this review is to assess the current available research on ECS and food intake, suggest research that may improve the complications associated with obesity and diabetes by dietary PUFA intervention, and further reveal mechanisms to elucidate the relationships between substrate for EC synthesis, ligand actions on receptors, and the physiological consequences of the ECS. Dietary PUFA are lifestyle factors that could potentially curb eating behavior, which may translate to changes in macronutrient metabolism, systemically and in muscle, benefiting health overall.