cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Flax Pond ecosystem study: Exchanges of carbon in water between a salt marsh and Long Island Sound1

Flax Pond, a tidal marsh on the north shore of Long Island, New York, was used to examine the exchanges of carbon in its various forms between a salt marsh and the coastal waters. The marsh removed fine particulate carbon from the tidal water throughout the year; it tended to be a small source of C as total CO/sub 2/ and dissolved organic carbon during summer, and a sink for both forms in winter. The net flux of total carbon over a year, measured as total CO/sub 2/ and as particulate and dissolved organic C, was a small input into the marsh, estimated as about 51 g C m/sup -2/. The data were consistent with others showing the marsh to be a net consumer of chlorophyll throughout the year and a strongly heterotrophic system in summer and do not support the conventional view of marshes as net sources of fixed carbon to coastal waters.
Crystal Structure of the Second LNS/LG Domain from Neurexin 1α Ca2+ BINDING AND THE EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE SPLICING

Abstract Neurexins mediate protein interactions at the synapse, playing an essential role in synaptic function. Extracellular domains of neurexins, and their fragments, bind a distinct profile of different proteins regulated by alternative splicing and Ca2+. The crystal structure of n1α_LNS#2 (the second LNS/LG domain of bovine neurexin 1α) reveals large structural differences compared with n1α_LNS#6 (or n1β_LNS), the only other LNS/LG domain for which a structure has been determined. The differences overlap the so-called hyper-variable surface, the putative protein interaction surface that is reshaped as a result of alternative splicing. A Ca2+-binding site is revealed at the center of the hyper-variable surface next to splice insertion sites. Isothermal titration calorimetry indicates that the Ca2+-binding site in n1α_LNS#2 has low affinity (Kd ∼ 400 μm). Ca2+ binding ceases to be measurable when an 8- or 15-residue splice insert is present at the splice site SS#2 indicating that alternative splicing can affect Ca2+-binding sites of neurexin LNS/LG domains. Our studies initiate a framework for the putative protein interaction sites of neurexin LNS/LG domains. This framework is essential to understand how incorporation of alternative splice inserts expands the information from a limited set of neurexin genes to produce a large array of synaptic adhesion molecules with potentially very different synaptic function.
Frequent incidence of extrapulmonary sites of initial metastasis in patients with liposarcoma

Background. The vast majority of soft tissue sarcomas spread initially to the lungs and then to other sites. The lung has been the most carefully monitored organ system during routine surveillance for a metastasis. Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas and has been noted to have extrapulmonary sites of initial metastasis. This study was undertaken to investigate both the frequency and distinguishing features of initial extrapulmonary metastasis in patients with liposarcoma. Methods. A review of 60 patients with liposarcoma treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) from 1971 to 1990 was performed. Survival and regression analyses were used to analyze disease free intervals and prognostic factors. Results. Metastatic disease occurred in 37% of patients and local failure in 17%. Among the subset of patients who underwent primary definitive surgery at the MGH, the incidence of local failure was 3%. An unusually high incidence of extrapulmonary site of first metastasis was found. Isolated extrapulmonary disease was the site of initial metastasis in 59% of patients. In contrast to patients with an initial pulmonary metastasis, patients with an initial extrapulmonary metastasis had a statistically significant (P = 0.001) longer disease free interval from diagnosis to first metastasis. Conclusions. Liposarcoma, in comparison with other soft tissue sarcomas, has a different pattern of metastatic spread, with a tendency toward extrapulmonary sites. In addition, patients with extrapulmonary metastases have a longer disease free interval compared with patients with pulmonary metastasis. Cancer 1995;75:1120–7.
A QFT-type design methodology for a parallel plant structure and its application in idle speed control

Developed in this paper is a frequency domain design methodology for disturbance rejection in a MISO plant which has a special parallel structure. Shown in this paper is that it is not necessary to close all the parallel loops in order to achieve the hard time domain constraints. The proposed methodology is applied to the idle speed control of a fuel-injected engine.
Growth cones respond in diverse ways upon encountering neurites in cultures of chick dorsal root ganglia

To help in understanding the role that interactions with other axons may have in helping to guide sensory neuron growth cones along the appropriate pathways in the chick hindlimb, we have examined how sensory growth cones respond when they contact the processes of other sensory neurons. Videotaping of neurons in dissociated cell cultures, as they participated in such encounters, showed that sensory growth cones can demonstrate any one of a number of responses: crossing, fasciculation, parallel growth, or retraction. We observed a variety of responses even among neurons from a single segment, suggesting the possibility that this is due to a heterogeneity of cell-surface labels among the neurons present within an individual dorsal root ganglion. If sensory neurons behave in vivo as we found they do in culture, the diverse behaviors of sensory growth cones may contribute to the process by which different subsets of axons sort out into separate, discrete bundles as they extend into the periphery during development. The diversity of responses we observed stands in contrast to the results of Kapfhammer, J.P., and Raper, J.A., [(1987) J. Neurosci. 7, 1595-1600] who found that sensory growth cones always cross sensory neurites. Possible explanations for the differences in the results were explored and are discussed.
Effects of deionized water on sensitivity of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) to toxic chemicals

Previous studies showed that zebra mussels begin to die within a few days of immersion in deionized water and that potassium was about 10 times more toxic to zebra mussels when applied in deionized than in normal aquarium water. This study investigated whether deionized water enhanced the sensitivity of zebra mussels to other toxic substances, by comparing viability of mussels after 24 hr exposure to various substances applied in aquarium water and deionized water. Toxicity of sodium hypochlorite was enhanced approximately two orders of magnitude in deionized water: in aquarium water, 10 mg/l < LD50 < 100 mg/l; in deionized water, 0.1 mg/l < LD50 < 1 mg/l. A shift of two orders of magnitude in toxicity was also observed for ouabain: in aquarium water, 10(-4) M < LD50 < 10(-3) M; in deionized water, 10(-6) M < LD50 < 10(-5) M. The toxicity of ouabain was unchanged by the addition of 37 mg KCl/l aquarium water. Virtually no shift in toxicity due to deionized water was observed for niclosamide and for Endod. For niclosamide, LD50 in deionized water was slightly less than 10(-5) mg/l and in aquarium water slightly above 10(-5) mg/l. For Endod, the LD50 was between 5 and 10 mg/l in both media. The largest shift in toxicity in deionized water occurred for Noxfish (rotenone), for which LD50 shifted from approximately 1 mg/l in aquarium water to less than 10(-4) mg/l in deionized water. Enhancement of toxicity due to deionized water is thus not an additive effect, but varies with the toxic substance, probably according to the mechanism of toxicity.
Further studies on the regulation of cultured rabbit endometrial cells by diethylstilbestrol and progesterone

Abstract The addition of diethylstilbestrol to cultured rabbit endometrial cells increased the number of DNA-replicating cells; progesterone had an opposite effect. However, both hormones induced a significant increase in the incorporation of labeled uridine and aminoacids into TCA precipitates. These hormonal effects were rapidly reversed upon removal of the hormones from the culture medium and were also inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide. Hydrocortisone did not change the effect produced by diethylstilbestrol on DNA replication but inhibited the progesterone action. Dibutyril 3',5'-cyclic AMP did not alter the effect of the same hormones on DNA replication. However it was surprisingly found to inhibit the hormonal effects on the incorporation of labeled uridine and amino acids. Neither sex hormone altered the specific activity of alkaline, acid phosphatase, or lactic dehydrogenase, or the uptake of 3-O-methyl- d -glucose or α-aminoisobutyric acid. It is suggested on the basis of our findings, (a) that progesterone induces these endometrial epithelial cells to differentiate in vitro into non-dividing, secretory cells and (b) that there is no need for hyperemic and/or cell membrane transport changes for the expression of these estrogenic effects.
Perinatal androgen manipulations do not affect feminine behavioral potentials in voles

Adult voles show sexual differences in their behavioral responses to estrogen. To determine whether this sexual dimorphism is related to early androgen exposure as it is in other rodents, female voles were treated neonatally with testosterone. In addition, males were castrated neonatally or treated perinatally with either the antiandrogen, flutamide or with the antiaromatase, ATD. When androgenized females were treated with estrogen in adulthood, they exhibited normal sexual behaviors. Males deprived of androgen or treated with ATD during development did not display feminine behaviors when injected with estrogen in adulthood. These results suggest that the organizational hypothesis of sexual differentiation cannot explain the development of feminine behavior potentials in the vole. It is possible that the development of feminine behaviors in voles requires exposure to ovarian hormones during prepubertal development.
Simulations of one- and two-dimensional complex plasmas using a modular, object-oriented code

In a complex plasma, charged microparticles (“dust”) are added to a background of ions, electrons, and neutral particles. This dust fully interacts with the surrounding plasma and self-consistently alters the plasma environment leading to the emergence of new plasma behavior. Numerical tools that complement experimental investigations can provide important insights into the properties of complex plasmas. This paper discusses a newly developed code, named DEMON (dynamic exploration of microparticle clouds optimized numerically), for simulating a complex plasma. The DEMON code models the behavior of the charged particle component of a complex plasma in a uniform plasma background. The key feature of the DEMON code is the use of a modular force model that allows a wide variety of experimental configurations to be studied without varying the core code infrastructure. Examples of the flexibility of this modular approach are presented using examples of one- and two-dimensional complex plasmas.
Peptide-Derivatized Shell-Cross-Linked Nanoparticles. 2. Biocompatibility Evaluation

The conjugation of the protein transduction domain (PTD) from the HIV-1 Tat protein to shell cross-linked (SCK) nanoparticles is a method to facilitate cell surface binding and transduction. In the previous report, the preparation, derivatization, and characterization of peptide-functionalized SCK nanoparticles were reported in detail. Following assembly, the constructs were evaluated in vitro and in vivo to obtain a preliminary biocompatibility assessment. The effects of SCK exposure on cell viability were evaluated using a metabolic 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and a fluorescent apoptosis assay. Furthermore, stages of apoptosis were quantified by flow cytometry. Although higher levels of peptide functionalization resulted in decreased metabolic function as measured by MTT assay, significant apoptosis was not observed below 500 mg/L for all the samples. To evaluate the potential immunogenic response of the peptide-derivatized constructs, a real-time polymerase ch...
Scientists Debate Whether the Anthropocene Should Be a New Geological Epoch

By about 2017 or 2018, scientists probably will have determined whether or not the Earth has entered into the “Anthropocene” epoch. Although many people are convinced that we are already living in the Anthropocene, that's the estimate for when a scientific review process could culminate in officially designating this potential new epoch of the Quaternary Period (roughly the past 2.6 million years) signified by profound human alteration to geological conditions and processes. The epoch would encompass—for the time being—a sliver of geological time separate rom the Holocene (roughly 12,000 years ago to the present), starting from perhaps the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the end of World War II, or some other date determined to be a good marker to designate the beginning of the Anthropocene.
Understanding global transition assessments.

Objective: Several methods currently used for determining meaningful or important change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures are anchored by global transition items. It can be empirically demonstrated that patients’ responses to these gold standards for change do not adequately incorporate the prior condition, yet these transition items play an influential role in patient–clinician communications and cannot be disregarded. This follow-up study queried patients to better understand how they ascertained their transition assessments. Data source: Prior to their qualitative interviews, the 41 participants in this study had completed 1 year of enrollment in a clinical study with bi-monthly HRQoL telephone interviews that included the SF-36 and a disease-specific HRQoL instrument (asthma, COPD, or heart disease), as well as global transition assessments for each instruments domains. Study design: We used face-to-face cognitive interview and the think aloud approaches to obtain qualitative clues for understanding patient reports of HRQoL changes over time. Interview transcripts were coded using the four components of the Rapkin–Schwarz Appraisal Model: frame of reference; sampling strategy; standards of comparison; and combinatory algorithm. Principal findings: Patients’ explanations for determining global transition item responses often focused on current mobility and fatigue patterns, physicians’ statements about their conditions, comparisons of their current states with the prior health conditions, and strong personal convictions that reflected a resistance to voicing any emotional changes. Patients also expressed primary health concerns, like back pain, that were not related to the chronic conditions (asthma, COPD or heart disease) under investigation. >Conclusions: HRQoL studies and patient–clinician communications that incorporate global transition assessments to anchor the interpretations of HRQoL changes should also consider additional relevant questions to understand the process patients uses to appraise and report changes in HRQoL.
On inactivation of bacteriophage lambda by hydroxylamine.

Abstract Hydroxylamine is a mutagen which is much more active on single-stranded DNA than on double-stranded DNA. It is shown here that the cohesive ends of λ DNA, with 10 cytidine residues, constitute a hydroxylamine target roughly equal in magnitude to the entire duplex part of the molecule, which contains ca. 25 000 cytidine residues.
Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy reversed by repair of two unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

The association of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and various aneurysms has been well recognized. Such findings are usually encountered with unstable aneurysms or as a perioperative occurrence. Four cases of stable, infrarenal, abdominal aortic aneurysms associated with DIC in whom the coagulopathy was reversed by repair of the aneurysms have been previously reported in the world literature. This report presents two additional cases. The possibility that this association is more common than usually recognized is suggested.
Bariatric surgery outcomes in the elderly: an ACS NSQIP study.

Mortality and complications following bariatric surgery occur at acceptable rates, but its safety in the elderly population is unknown. We hypothesized that short-term operative outcomes in bariatric surgery patients ≥65 years would be comparable to younger persons. Patients with a body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 who underwent bariatric surgery in the 2005–2009 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were identified. Controlling for confounders, multivariate regression was used to predict the impact of age on mortality, major events and prolonged length of stay at 30 days. We identified 48,378 patients who underwent bariatric procedures between 2005 and 2009. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated advancing age trended towards predicting mortality, but was not statistically significant. Additionally, patients ≥65 years did not experience higher risk of major complications for either open or laparoscopic procedures. However, patients age ≥65 years were more likely to experience prolonged length of stay for both open and laparoscopic procedures. This multi-hospital study demonstrates older age predicts short-term prolonged length of stay but not major events following bariatric surgery. Older age trends toward predicting mortality, but it is not statistically significant.
Action of Certain Sulfonamides on Anaerobic Activity of Respiratory Center of Young Animals

SummarySulfanilamide and sodium sulfathiazole in non-toxic doses prolonged the survival of the anaerobic activity of the respiratory center of young rats and increased the overall energy release. Neither sodium sulfadiazine nor sodium sulfamerazine acted similarly.
The Development of a Counter-Epistemic Community: AIDS, South Africa, and International Regimes

The South African government’s open challenging of the international AIDS control regime presents a paradox for the study of international regimes and epistemic communities: why would a state that ...
Cell-surface sensors: lighting the cellular environment

Cell-surface sensors are powerful tools to elucidate cell functions including cell signaling, metabolism, and cell-to-cell communication. These sensors not only facilitate our understanding in basic biology but also advance the development of effective therapeutics and diagnostics. While genetically encoded fluorescent protein/peptide sensors have been most popular, emerging cell surface sensor systems including polymer-, nanoparticle-, and nucleic acid aptamer-based sensors have largely expanded our toolkits to interrogate complex cellular signaling and micro- or nano-environments. In particular, cell-surface sensors that interrogate in vivo cellular microenvironments represent an emerging trend in the development of next generation tools which biologists may routinely apply to elucidate cell biology in vivo and to develop new therapeutics and diagnostics. This review focuses on the most recent development in areas of cell-surface sensors. We will first discuss some recently reported genetically encoded sensors that were used for monitoring cellular metabolites, proteins, and neurotransmitters. We will then focus on the emerging cell surface sensor systems with emphasis on the use of DNA aptamer sensors for probing cell signaling and cell-to-cell communication.
THE PKA OF THE PROTONATED SCHIFF BASES OF GECKO CONE AND OCTOPUS VISUAL PIGMENTS

A visual pigment is composed of retinal bound to its apoprotein by a protonated Schiff base linkage. Light isomerizes the chromophore and eventually causes the deprotonation of this Schiff base linkage at the meta II stage of the bleaching cycle. The meta II intermediate of the visual pigment is the active form of the pigment that binds to and activates the G protein transducin, starting the visual cascade. The deprotonation of the Schiff base is mandatory for the formation of meta II intermediate. We studied the proton binding affinity, pKa, of the Schiff base of both octopus rhodopsin and the gecko cone pigment P521 by spectral titration. Several fluorinated retinal analogs have strong electron withdrawing character around the Schiff base region and lower the Schiff base pKa in model compounds. We regenerated octopus and gecko visual pigments with these fluorinated and other retinal analogs. Experiments on these artificial pigments showed that the spectral changes seen upon raising the pH indeed reflected the pKa of the Schiff base and not the denaturation of the pigment or the deprotonation of some other group in the pigment. The Schiff base pKa is 10.4 for octopus rhodopsin and 9.9 for the gecko cone pigment. We also showed that although the removal of Cl- ions causes considerable blue-shift in the gecko cone pigment P521, it affects the Schiff base pKa very little, indicating that the lambda max of visual pigment and its Schiff base pKa are not tightly coupled.
Creep of polymer foams

The linear and non-linear creep of polymeric foams are analysed. Measurements of the creep of rigid polyurethane foams under constant shear indicate that their behaviour is linear at stresses up to half the shear strength; the model describes the data well.
Band structure and electronic properties of native defects in cubic SiC

A set of semiempirical expressions for the two-center integrals which show the explicit dependence of these quantities on the atomic characteristics, on the dielectric constant, on the ionicity of the solid, and also on the interatomic separations is constructed for silicon carbide. These integrals enter the Slater-Koster parameters representing the Hamiltonian matrix elements in the tight-binding method of calculating the electronic band structure of the semiconductors. A large-cluster recursion method is then used to determine the local density of states associated with each orbital at a given atomic site and also to study the electronic states associated with native defects in SiC.
Efficacy and residues of phloxine B and uranine for the suppression of Mediterranean fruit fly in coffee fields.

The field efficacy of a bait containing phloxine B, uranine and Provesta 621 protein was tested against Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata; Medfly) by aerial and ground spraying in about 84 ha of coffee fields in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. Concurrently, soil and crop samples were collected from the aerially sprayed field and its unsprayed control field for residue studies. Efficacy of the sprays was assessed through trapping with both protein-baited and trimedlure-baited traps and through the infestation level of coffee cherries collected at least three-quarters ripe. The C capitata population was low at the start of the aerial and ground spray studies, but dramatically increased in the control fields. This increase coincided with initial ripening of coffee cherries. During times of peak population levels, C capitata populations were reduced by more than 91% in the ground-sprayed field and 99% in the aerial-sprayed field, relative to the populations in their respective control fields and based on protein-baited trap catches. Results of residue analyses indicated that uranine dissipated quickly compared with phloxine B on coffee and soil. Coffee samples collected at pre-spray periods had phloxine B residues of 7.2–25.5 ng g−1 on berries. Phloxine B concentrations were much higher on coffee leaves (163–1120 ng g−1). Lower concentrations of the dye were found from coffee samples collected during rainy days. Average phloxine B concentrations immediately after spraying were 56 and 2840 ng g−1 in coffee berries and leaves, respectively. Dissipation of phloxine B on berries was fast, with a half-life (t1/2) of 3 days. Dissipation of phloxine B on leaves was fitted to two linear phases: the initial (0–4 days) with a shorter t1/2 of 3 days and the later phase (4–28 days) with a longer t1/2 of 15 days. Average concentrations of phloxine B in the top soil ranged from 50 to 590 ng g−1 at pre-spray. Phloxine B initial concentration (770 ng g−1) reached a plateau immediately after the last spraying, but showed a steady decline over time with t1/2 of 16 days. Fast dissipation of the dyes in the field indicates that these chemicals may be environmentally compatible and therefore a promising alternative for fruit fly control. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of welfare and work in predicting foster care reunification rates for children of welfare recipients

Abstract Most research on children's experiences in foster care has focused on child and system level factors related to length of stay and returns home. This article reports results from an analysis of family factors—welfare and work activities—that predict foster care reunification. The sample is 133 children of welfare recipients in California who entered foster care after December 1, 1992. In this sample, 42% of children reunified with their parents during the observation period, while 27% remained in foster care. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to predict reunification rates. We focused on the welfare and work activities of the families from which the children had been removed, examining welfare history, welfare and work at the time of placement, loss of welfare after placement and work during placement. Control variables included child's age and race, mother's marital status, education and health, county, removal reason, placement type, number of placements and whether there were siblings placed. We found that work at the time a child was placed increased the likelihood of reunification and losing welfare benefits following a placement decreased the likelihood. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for welfare and child welfare policy and practice.
High Risk of New Episode of Symptomatic Vasospasm in Unaffected Arteries in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients Receiving Targeted Endovascular Treatment for Symptomatic Focal Vasospasm

There is controversy whether asymptomatic vasospasm in other arteries should be concurrently treated (global treatment) in patients receiving targeted endovascular treatment [percutaneous-transluminal-angioplasty (PTA) and/or intra-arterial (IA) vasodilators] for focal symptomatic vasospasm. To determine the rates of occurrence of new symptomatic vasospasm in previously asymptomatic arterial distributions among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who underwent targeted endovascular treatment for focal symptomatic vasospasm. We identified all patients with SAH who had received targeted endovascular treatment during a 4-year period. We ascertained any new occurrence of symptomatic vasosopasm requiring endovascular treatment in previously unaffected (and untreated) arterial distributions within the same hospitalization. Blinded reviewers quantitatively graded angiographic vasospasm (<25, 26–49, ≥50 %) in all major arteries for each patient at the time of targeted treatment. Of the 41 patients who received targeted endovascular treatment (PTA in 41 % and vasodilators in 59 %), 11 (27 %) developed new symptomatic vasospasm in previously asymptomatic vascular distributions requiring endovascular treatment. Moderate severity of angiographic vasospasm in asymptomatic arteries at the time of targeted treatment tended to predict the occurrence of new symptomatic vasospasm. The rate of death and disability at discharge [modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 3–6] was 82 % (9/11) among those who developed a new episode of symptomatic vasospasm compared with 70 % (21/30) in those who did not (P = 0.58). High risk of new occurrence of ischemic symptoms in previously asymptomatic (and untreated) arterial distributions among patients receiving targeted treatment should be recognized. Further studies should evaluate the benefit of performing global endovascular treatment during the initial targeted endovascular treatment session.
Obtaining and screening compound collections: a user's guide and a call to chemists

Advances in genetics, proteomics and cell biology over the past 20 years have unearthed a multitude of potential macromolecular targets for the selective treatment of disease. The challenge remains to find appropriate small molecule ligands for these proteins (or nucleic acids), and to use these ligands to validate novel disease targets. The advent of low-cost instrumentation has made industrial-style high-throughput screening possible in academic settings. Unfortunately for many, access to large collections of compounds is still limited and limiting. This article is aimed at the user who has an interest in compound screening but does not have ready access to large collections of small molecules. High-throughput screening need not be the exclusive domain of institutions and centers with vast resources and NIH Roadmap-funded compound repositories. As it turns out, many of the most interesting compounds are probably within arm's reach, in our laboratory freezers and in those of our colleagues.
Tup1 stabilizes promoter nucleosome positioning and occupancy at transcriptionally plastic genes

Despite technical advances, the future of chromatin mapping studies requires an ability to draw accurate comparisons between different chromatin states to enhance our understanding of genome biology. In this study, we used matched chromatin preparations to enable specific and accurate comparisons of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromatin structures in the presence and absence of the co-repressor protein Tup1. Analysis of wild-type and tup1 Δ chromatin data sets revealed unique organizational themes relating to the function of Tup1. Regulatory regions bound by Tup1 assumed a distinct chromatin architecture composed of a wide nucleosome-depleted region, low occupancy/poorly positioned promoter nucleosomes, a larger number and wider distribution of transcription factor-binding sites and downstream genes with enhanced transcription plasticity. Regions of Tup1-dependent chromatin structure were defined for the first time across the entire yeast genome and are shown to strongly overlap with activity of the chromatin remodeler Isw2. Additionally, Tup1-dependent chromatin structures are shown to relate to distinct biological processes and transcriptional states of regulated genes, including Tup1 stabilization of Minus 1 and Minus 2 promoter nucleosomes at actively repressed genes. Together these results help to enhance our mechanistic understanding of Tup1 regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression.
Exercise counteracts declining hippocampal function in aging and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) afflicts more than 5.4 million Americans and ranks as the most common type of dementia (Thies and Bleiler, 2011), yet effective pharmacological treatments have not been identified. Substantial evidence indicates that physical activity enhances learning and memory for people of all ages, including individuals that suffer from cognitive impairment. The mechanisms that underlie these benefits have been explored using animal models, including transgenic models of AD. Accumulating research shows that physical activity reinstates hippocampal function by enhancing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other growth factors that promote neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. In addition, several studies have found that physical activity counteracts age- and AD-associated declines in mitochondrial and immune system function. A growing body of evidence also suggests that exercise interventions hold the potential to reduce the pathological features associated with AD. Taken together, animal and human studies indicate that exercise provides a powerful stimulus that can countervail the molecular changes that underlie the progressive loss of hippocampal function in advanced age and AD.
Affective Feedback from Computers and its Effect on Perceived Ability and Affect: A Test of the Computers as Social Actor Hypothesis

We report an experimental study that examined two questions: (a) The effect of affective feedback from computers on participants’ motivation and self-perception of ability; and (b) whether people respond similarly to computer feedback as they do to human feedback. This study, framed within the Computers As Social Actors (CASA) framework, essentially replicated a prior study on human-human interaction (Meyer, Mittag, & Engler, 1986) except that human evaluators were replaced with computer evaluators. The Meyer et al. study showed that there was a paradoxical relationship between praise and blame feedback and students perception of ability and motivation to engage in a task. Results of our study indicate that, consistent with the CASA hypothesis, people do respond to praise and blame feedback when provided by a computer. However, there are important differences between the results of our study and the Meyer et al. study. The participants in our study took the feedback from the computer at “face value” and seemed unwilling to commit to the same level of “deep psychological processing” about intentionality as they appeared to do with human respondents. We believe that this research combining existing theory and research on motivation and human computer interaction offers signifi cant implications for the design of educational technology and also points to directions for future research. Praise, like penicillin, must not be administered haphazardly. There are rules and cautions that govern the handling of potent medicines—rules
Reduction of iodonitrotetrazolium violet by superoxide radicals.

Abstract p-Iodonitrotetrazolium (2-(4-iodophenyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)- 5-phenyltetrazolium; INT) was reduced to a water-soluble product with an absorbance maxima at about 505 nm (reddish pink) by superoxide anion ( O 2 − · ) generated by xanthine/xanthine oxidase. The rate of INT reduction was linearly related to the xanthine oxidase activities, and was inhibited by superoxide dismutase. The soluble product may further be converted to an insoluble product, presumably nonionic formazan, with an absorbance maxima of 490 nm (purplish), under certain conditions, and the rate of the formazan formation depended on pH and protein concentration.
Comparison of the dependence of the TD50 on maximum tolerated dose for mutagens and nonmutagens.

The relationship between the minimum TD50 (i.e., the TD50 measured at the most sensitive site) and the maximum dose administered (maxD) in rodent carcinogenicity bioassays was investigated separately for mice and rats. The relationship between log(1/TD50) and log(1/maxD) was analyzed as a function of (1) mutagenicity and (2) the statistical significance cutoff for selecting the minimum TD50 values. For rat bioassays, the variance of log(1/TD50) is larger and the correlation of log(1/TD50) with log(1/maxD) is weaker for mutagens than for nonmutagens, suggesting that the relationship between minimum TD50 and MTD is, in general, stronger for nonmutagens than for mutagens. The difference in correlation does not depend on the TD50 statistical significance cutoff, but the difference in variance is not significant for the most stringently selected dataset. For mouse bioassays, no significant mutagen/nonmutagen differences in log(1/TD50) variance are found. A significantly weaker correlation of log(1/TD50) with log(1/maxD) for mutagens in comparison to nonmutagens occurs only for the dataset with minimum TD50 chosen at the least stringent level, suggesting that this difference may be due to chance variation. We also looked for changes in correlation and regression parameters as a function of mutagenic potency in Salmonella; the variance of log(1/TD50) and its correlation with log(1/maxD) are not found to vary in a consistent manner. Taken as a whole, our results indicate that (1) mutagenicity is a determinant of the TD50/maxD relationship in rats and (2) any effect that mutagenicity may exert on the TD50/maxD relationship in mice is unimportant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Human anti-V2 monoclonal antibody that neutralizes primary but not laboratory isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Abstract A human immunoglobulin G1 lambda monoclonal antibody (MAb), 697-D, was developed that recognizes the V2 region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120. Substitutions at amino acid positions 176/177, 179/180, 183/184, and 192 to 194 in the V2 loop of gp120 each completely abolished the binding capacity of 697-D in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay format. Competition analysis with three different neutralizing murine anti-V2 MAbs confirmed the specificity of 697-D. The 697-D epitope is primarily conformation dependent, although there was weak reactivity of the MAb with a V2 peptide spanning residues 161 to 180. Treatment of recombinant gp120 HIVIIIB with sodium metaperiodate, which oxidizes carbohydrates, abolished the binding of the MAb, showing the dependence of the epitope on intact carbohydrates. The broad reactivity of 697-D was displayed by its binding to the gp120 molecules from four of four laboratory isolates and five of five primary isolates. The MAb 697-D neutralized three out of four primary isolates but failed to neutralize any of four laboratory strains of HIV-1. 697-D and a human anti-V3 MAb, 447-52-D, displayed similar potency in neutralizing primary isolates, indicating that the V2 region of gp120, like the V3 region and the CD4-binding domain, can induce potent neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 in humans.
Gradient estimation for sensitivity analysis and adaptive multiuser interference rejection in code-division multiple-access systems

In this paper, we consider a direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) system in the framework of a discrete-event dynamic system (DEDS) in order to optimize the system performance. Based on this formulation, we develop infinitesimal perturbation analysis (IPA) for estimating the sensitivity of the average probability of bit error to factors ranging from near-far effects to imperfections in power control. The above estimates are shown to be unbiased, and this technique is then further incorporated into a stochastic gradient algorithm for achieving adaptive multiuser interference rejection for such systems, which is also subject to frequency nonselective slow fading. We use an IPA-based stochastic training algorithm for developing an adaptive linear detector with the average probability of error being the minimization criterion. We also develop a practical implementation of such an adaptive detector where we use a joint estimation-detection algorithm for minimizing the average probability of bit error. A sequential implementation that does not require a stochastic training sequence or a preamble is also developed.
School-Based Groups for Parents of Children With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Pilot Results

Research on services for families of children with emotional and behavioral disorders has identified family psychoeducation as a promising modality for service delivery. The current paper reports the results of pilot testing two multi-family psychoeducation groups in a school setting. Parents of 15 children receiving school services for emotional and behavioral disorders participated in two psychoeducation groups. Families completed surveys pre- and post-intervention on family-level and child-level outcomes. Among outcome variables, attention-related problems demonstrated significant improvement and a substantial effect size. Other outcomes were positive, with effect sizes generally in the moderate range. Despite the small sample size and limited measurements, these results offer further support for the promise of psychoeducation for parents of children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Preference Aggregation, Functional Pathologies, and Democracy: A Social Choice Defense of Participatory Democracy

Riker (1982) and others maintain that the general impossibility of aggregating individual preferences into consistent collective choices implies that liberalism is "the only kind of democracy actually attainable". We argue that the implications of impossibility theorems are consistent with, and implied by, the logic of the participatory conception of democracy. In this view, the democratic method is justified not because it necessarily produces decisions that are adequate representations of public preferences, but because the participation implicit in the method contributes to the development of human capabilities. Given that the impossibility results derived from the theory of voting thus suggest more, rather than less, democracy, they may be viewed as functional rather than pathological.
Computation of QAM radar transmit signals with low autocorrelation side lobes

This paper lays out a technique for designing QAM codes for radar. It will be shown that the QAM codes designed by the algorithm described in this paper result in significantly better target profile estimation error than other similar codes. In addition a method will be described to write a QAM code as the coherent super position of PSK codes which should ease some of the practical implementation issues of QAM codes.
Macular hole formation after toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis: coincidence or rare complication?

To the EditorArana et al. [1] recently published an interestingcase report associating macular hole (MH) formationwith toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (TR). The authorshypothesized that the pathogenesis of MH in a35-year-old patient with TR was inﬂammation of thevitreous inducing vitreofoveal traction, MH anddetachment.Although we agree with the authors that vitreoret-inal traction due to inﬂammatory contraction of theposterior hyaloid face might have contributed, at leastto some extent, to the formation of the MH, we wouldlike to highlight another causative factor which meritsconsideration.We recently reported a similar case of full-thick-ness MH formation after TR and investigated theretinochoroidal blood ﬂow in the area of the TRlesions [2]. Interestingly, the affected eye showedsigniﬁcant retinochoroidal hypoperfusion in the areaof inﬂammation compared to the corresponding ana-tomical location in the fellow eye [2]. Moreover,fundus examination in our patient did not reveal anyprominent vitreoretinal traction. Research has shownthat retinal ischaemia can result in MH formation [3].Our clinical observation supports the hypothesis thatMH formation in cases of TR may result from retinalhypoperfusion and/or vitreoretinal traction.We believe that evaluation of retinochoroidalperfusion in cases of TR is important in order toinvestigate the pathophysiology of MH formation.References
Interleukin 15: Its Role in Inflammation and Immunity

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a 14–15 kDa polypeptide that belongs to the 4 α-helix-bundle family of cytokines and was originally discovered due to its T cell proliferative activity. It utilizes the signal-transducing β/γ polypeptides of the IL-2 receptor complex, thus sharing many biological activities with IL-2, in addition to its high-affinity private receptor subunit IL-15Rα. Accumulating evidence indicates that the biological relevance of IL-15 may not solely be confined to T lymphocytes, but to a variety of cell populations within the immune system as well as outside the immune system of the host. The expression of both IL-15 and its high-affinity receptor component, IL-15Rα, are readily demonstrable in a wide variety of tissues and appear to be augmented in response to environmental/stress stimuli and infectious agents. There is increasing evidence to suggest that IL-15 may play an important role in protective immune responses, allograft rejection and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, where mononuclear cell infiltration is a hallmark feature. Herein, the effects of IL-15 on cells associated with host defense, immunity and inflammation are reviewed and support a central role for this cytokine in orchestrating multiple aspects of effector functions in immunity and inflammation.
Lifetime Prevalence and Socioemotional Effects of Hearing About Community Violence

This study extends findings on community violence (CV) exposure in young adults by examining the prevalence, characteristics, and socioemotional effects related to hearing about violence. Surveys of lifetime CV exposure and socioemotional outcomes were completed by 518 male and female undergraduates completed and were divided into groups with high, moderate, or low scores on hearing. Of respondents, 97.8% reported hearing about violence at least once, with a substantial proportion hearing about different types of acts. Reportedly, the most frequent perpetrators were nonfamily members, the most frequent location was near home, and most incidents occurred within the past year. The high-scoring group reported significantly greater levels of depressed mood, posttraumatic stress symptoms, aggressive behavior, and interpersonal problems associated with personality disorders. Results extend previous findings on the unfortunate prevalence of violence exposure and its negative psychological effects in today's young adults and suggest that chronic exposure to hearing about violence can have deleterious repercussions.
Competition for sodium and toxic metals capture on sorbents

The removal of toxic heavy metals by sorbents has been the focus of much recent research. In single metal/single sorbent systems, laboratory experiments have demonstrated capture of lead and cadmium by kaolinite and lime at high temperatures. However, practical systems (i.e., pulverized coal fired boilers) generally involve sodium as well as toxic metals and the amount of sodium usually exceeds that of the toxic metals. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of sodium on the capture of lead and cadmium by sorbents. Experiments were conducted in a 16 kW, 0.15 m ID, 6 m tall laboratory downflow furnace. Aqueous solutions of toxic metals and metal/sodium pairs were introduced into the furnace through a natural gas flame via atomization and subse quent vaporization. For all experiments, the total metal/sorbent equivalence ratio was maintained at 0.7. Approximately 0.5g/min of lime or kaolinite powder (mean particle diameter congruent 1.4 mu m) was injected along the furnace centerline in the post ...
Age-specific and age-adjusted penetrance as poison center outcome measures

Background: The American Association of Poison Control Centers defines penetrance as the number of exposures per 1000 residents of a population during one year. This metric fails to account for confounding by age group variability. We demonstrate the error caused by using raw penetrance and present two alternate methods of calculation, age-specific penetrance and age-adjusted penetrance. Methods: Data from the toxic exposure surveillance system were collected from calls to our 41 county regional poison centers in 1998. Age-specific penetrance (ASP) was calculated by dividing the number of exposures (E) in age interval “i” in county “A” by 1000 population in age interval “Pi” in county “A” or ASP = Ei/Pi. AAP is the summation of the weighted age-specific penetrance. Weights (wsi) represent the relative age distribution of a standard population, in this case the 1998 US population. AAP = ∑iwsi * Ei/Pi.Results: PopulationUSACounty ACounty BCounty CCounty DCounty ERaw Penetrance8.411.110.56.99.64.8AAP8.411.31...
Fast Gaussian noise generator

Algorithm description, block diagram, and complete C source code for a fast Gaussian noise generator which uses only integer operations and table lookups are presented. The algorithm achieves its speed of computation by using table lookups to eliminate the need for evaluating transcendental functions. The lookup table requires only 32768 bytes of memory-a small size, even for a personal computer. By using a larger lookup table, the quantization step size can be decreased and the range of coverage increased. Implementation on a Motorola 68020 processor, the generator produced a million Gaussian numbers in 12 s, which is ten times faster than a floating-point random number generator executed with a Motorola 68020-68881 combination. >