cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pattern analogy vs. word-internal syntactic structure in West-Greenlandic: Towards a functional definition of morphology

In recent years, analogical, word-based approaches to morphology have found new popularity and challenged the “traditional” hypothesis that words are “made up” of smaller constituents. There is a panoply of recent publications devoted to the empirical shortcomings of compositional morphology and the ways in which a word-based account is preferable. (cf. Anderson 1992, Ford & Singh 1991, Ford et al 1997, etc.) While this debate over the nature of morphology is highly justified, it appears that most of those who participate in it, regardless of their belief in morphemes, or lack there of, do so with the common assumption that the principles under which morphology and other parts of grammar operate are the same for all languages. The fact that traditional language typology is almost entirely based on morphological differences would, however, suggest that universality may not be the best working hypothesis (cf. Singh (in press), however, for an attempt to make some sense of this typological diversity).
Psychiatric disorders, stress and their treatment among people with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting 400,000 people in the United States and 2.5 million worldwide. Numerous psychiatric disorders are likely more prevalent among people with MS than the general population, most notably depression, anxiety, and possibly bipolar disorders. Most of research to date has focused on depression. The increased prevalence of depression may be due to MS pathogenic factors, such as inflammation, and MS pathology including lesion volume in specific frontal, temporal, and/or parietal brain regions. Other factors that commonly contribute to depression, such as genetic predisposition and psychosocial factors, may also contribute to depression in MS, but it is unclear if they account for the greater prevalence of psychiatric disorders and distress. This chapter also reviews the growing body of evidence indicating that an association between stress and exacerbation exists and discusses possible mechanisms underlying this association. Finally, the trials examining the efficacy of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for the treatment of depression in MS are reviewed. In general, the evidence suggests that people with MS can respond to pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic interventions.
Bacterial Protein Overexpression Systems and Strategies

Although many systems are available for heterologous protein production, Escherichia coli is one of the most attractive because it is well understood, relatively facile, and inexpensive to grow. Additionally, there is a large number of available cloning vectors and several mutant host strains with differing characteristics that increase the likelihood of obtaining soluble protein. Not all proteins can be obtained from E. coli in full-length and biologically active form; however, a large percentage of proteins from diverse organisms can be produced in high levels. This review covers the most commonly used strategies for heterologous protein production and purification from E. coli.
Behavior change is not one size fits all: psychosocial phenotypes of childhood obesity prevention intervention participants

Variability in individuals' responses to interventions may contribute to small average treatment effects of childhood obesity prevention interventions. But, neither the causes of this individual variability nor the mechanism by which it influences behavior are clear. We used qualitative methods to characterize variability in students' responses to participating in a childhood obesity prevention intervention and psychosocial characteristics related to the behavior change process. We interviewed 18 students participating in a school-based curriculum and policy behavior change intervention. Descriptive coding, summary, and case-ordered descriptive meta-matrices were used to group participants by their psychosocial responses to the intervention and associated behavior changes. Four psychosocial phenotypes of responses emerged: (a) Activated-successful behavior-changers with strong internal supports; (b) Inspired-motivated, but not fully successful behavior-changers with some internal supports, whose taste preferences and food environment overwhelmed their motivation; (c) Reinforced-already practiced target behaviors, were motivated, and had strong family support; and (d) Indifferent-uninterested in behavior change and only did target behaviors if family insisted. Our findings contribute to the field of behavioral medicine by suggesting the presence of specific subgroups of participants who respond differently to behavior change interventions and salient psychosocial characteristics that differentiate among these phenotypes. Future research should examine the utility of prospectively identifying psychosocial phenotypes for improving the tailoring of nutrition behavior change interventions.
New insights into the role of TREM2 in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. The two histopathological markers of AD are amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, and neurofibrillary tangles of aggregated, abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The majority of AD cases are late-onset, after the age of 65, where a clear cause is still unknown. However, there are likely different multifactorial contributors including age, enviornment, biology and genetics which can increase risk for the disease. Genetic predisposition is considerable, with heritability estimates of 60–80%. Genetic factors such as rare variants of TREM2 (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2) strongly increase the risk of developing AD, confirming the role of microglia in AD pathogenesis. In the last 5 years, several studies have dissected the mechanisms by which TREM2, as well as its rare variants affect amyloid and tau pathologies and their consequences in both animal models and in human studies. In this review, we summarize increases in our understanding of the involvement of TREM2 and microglia in AD development that may open new therapeutic strategies targeting the immune system to influence AD pathogenesis.
Historical patterns of fire severity and forest structure and composition in a landscape structured by frequent large fires: Pumice Plateau ecoregion, Oregon, USA

Lack of quantitative observations of extent, frequency, and severity of large historical fires constrains awareness of departure of contemporary conditions from those that demonstrated resistance and resilience to frequent fire and recurring drought. Compare historical and contemporary fire and forest conditions for a dry forest landscape with few barriers to fire spread. Quantify differences in (1) historical (1700–1918) and contemporary (1985–2015) fire extent, fire rotation, and stand-replacing fire and (2) historical (1914–1924) and contemporary (2012) forest structure and composition. Data include 85,750-ha tree-ring reconstruction of fire frequency and extent; > 375,000-ha timber inventory following > 78,900-ha fires in 1918; and remotely-sensed maps of contemporary fire effects and forest conditions. Historically, fires > 20,000 ha occurred every 9.5 years; fire rotation was 14.9 years; seven fires > 40,469 ha occurred during extreme drought (PDSI 15 cm dbh exceeded 120 trees/ha on 40,469 ha (minimum size of contemporary “megafires”) during extreme drought. In this frequent-fire landscape, mixed-severity fire historically influenced lodgepole and adjacent forests. Lack of large, frequent, low-severity fires degrades contemporary forest ecosystems.
Analog-to-Digital Converters Employing Chaotic Internal Circuits to Maximize Resolution-Bandwidth Product - Turbo ADC

By applying information theoretic concepts to analog-to-digital convertor (ADC) design, we have created a mathematical framework from which the fundamental limit for the resolution-bandwidth product of any ADC may be derived. We found the surprising result that the limiting resolution of any ADC is proportional to oversampling-ratio (OSR), as opposed to widely-held belief that the resolution is proportional to \(log_2(OSR)\), a dramatic increase in the achievable resolution. This result, which resembles Shannon’s well-known result for the capacity of a communication channel, represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of data conversion methods and provides encouragement that new methods may be found. Furthermore, to achieve this theoretical limit, the internal analog modulator (or filter) of an ADC should be a chaotic system, so that both small as well as large changes in the input signal cause large (but bounded) deterministic changes at the output of the modulator - analogous to the “Butterfly effect”. This led us to discover a new class of ADCs, which we call TurboADC’s, that can trade off resolution for bandwidth on the fly, keeping their product equal to the fundamental information theoretic limit. These designs impose modest requirements on the analog front-end resources and power at the expense of greater complexity in the back-end decoder. A discrete-time TurboADC proposed here is a hybrid of a 1st order Delta-Sigma modulator and a Cyclic ADC, with the best features of both designs - oversampling, noise shaping, and simplicity from the Sigma-delta ADC approach and fast half-interval searching from Cyclic ADC’s. Simulations of the proposed TurboADC confirm our finding that the resolution of an ADC may approach fundamental limit of OSR bits within the baseband.
Onychocryptosis and asymptomatic external urethritis as complications of oral isotretinoin therapy

This case report presents a patient who, while undergoing oral isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris, developed onychocryptosis and asymptomatic external urethritis. These uncommon adverse events are not well-documented in medical literature. While his urethritis spontaneously resolved, his onychocryptosis symptoms necessitated surgical intervention. This report illustrates both cosmetic and functional adverse effects of isotretinoin and provides insight into the progression of these reactions over time.
Metabolic Effects of the Neuroendocrine Stress Response

Summary The neuroendocrine response to stress is initiated by afferent stimuli, such as pain, hemodynamic alterations, core temperature changes, circulating substrate levels, and emotional reaction. This information is processed by the central nervous system, and an efferent response is initiated through the hypothalamus. Rapid effects are mediated through the hypothalamic-autonomic-adrenal axis, whereas effects mediated through the hypothalamic-pituitary axis are slower and of longer duration. Stimulation along these pathways produces profound changes in metabolism. Hepatic glucose output is increased, whereas peripheral use of glucose is suppressed by the actions of cortisol, catecholamines, growth hormone, and glucagon. This metabolic adjustment would appear to have been orchestrated to achieve the mobilization of peripheral fuel stores so that glucose-dependent tissues such as the central nervous system, blood cells, and wound tissue are not deprived. More remains to be learned about this important area and its effects on the outcome of critical illness.
Reduced Model of One-Dimensional Unsaturated Flow in Heterogeneous Soils with Spatially Stochastic Soil Hydraulic Conductivities

AbstractA reduced model for unsaturated flow in one-dimensional layered soils with local stochastic soil hydraulic conductivity is proposed. The reduced model relies on an improved closure assumpti...
A multilevel examination of an instrument measuring school renewal via teachers

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to assess an instrument that uses responses from teachers to measure principal behaviors on the critical educational issue of school renewal. To account for the data hierarchy of teachers nested within schools, we employed a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis and estimated multilevel reliabilities at both teacher and school levels to examine the instrument. With 2765 teachers from 148 schools, the instrument showed acceptable structural validity. Specifically, we found that when teachers provide responses as indicators of school renewal, the instrument can generate a valid and highly reliable measure or estimate of school renewal at the school level. However, data analysis at the teacher level attempting to use teacher perceptions of school renewal as either dependent variables or independent variables should be avoided because of the low reliability at the teacher level.
Hydrogen evolution with fluorescein-sensitized Pt/SrTiO3 nanocrystal photocatalysts is limited by dye adsorption and regeneration

Abstract Photocatalysts are one of several technologies for the conversion of sunlight and water into hydrogen fuel. Here, we show that the photocatalytic activity of fluorescein-sensitized platinum modified SrTiO3 nanocubes for visible light hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions of methanol, potassium iodide, potassium hexacyanoferrate (II), and triethanolamine is limited by light absorption from the fluorescein and by its self-oxidation, even in the presence of the sacrificial donors. The highest hydrogen evolution rate was observed with Pt/SrTiO3 suspended in 0.5 mM fluorescein at pH 13 with triethanolamine as a sacrificial donor (60 μmol h−1, 0.67 % AQE at 2.64 eV). The other donors (methanol and KI) gave lower H2 rates or no H2 (hexacyanoferrate (II)). This trend can be rationalized with surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS) measurements on FL-sensitized SrTiO3 films on indium tin oxide substrates. Electron transfer from the dye to SrTiO3 under 2.75 eV illumination and hole transfer to the sacrificial donors are modulated by the redox potentials of the donors and acceptors. The low activity of hexacyanoferrate appears to be due to e/h recombination, while triethanolamine appears to replace the dye from the SrTiO3 nanocrystals under the conditions of the SPS experiment. Photovoltage values suggest charge transfer is accompanied by irreversible self-oxidation of FL and this is confirmed by transient surface photovoltage measurements. Overall these results suggest that system optimization requires dyes with greater redox stability and stronger binding affinity to the SrTiO3 nanocrystal surface.
Durability of aerospace material systems

Abstract Historically, the aerospace industry has been a principal driver of the development of the study of durability. This chapter will identify the foundations of the general subject and specific developments that motivate the science foundations as well as the engineering practice of durability of material systems using diverse approaches such as discrete damage modeling for certification, critical path methods for damage accumulation, and machine learning methods for materials-based system control.
Temporal dynamics of functional networks in long-term infant scalp EEG

Abstract Human functional connectivity networks are modulated on time scales ranging from milliseconds to days. Rapid changes in connectivity over short time scales are a feature of healthy cognitive function, and variability over long time scales can impact the likelihood of seizure occurrence. However, relatively little is known about modulation of healthy functional networks over long time scales. To address this, we analyzed functional connectivity networks calculated from long-term EEG recordings from 19 healthy infants. Networks were subject-specific, as inter-subject correlations between weighted adjacency matrices were low. However, within individual subjects, both sleep and wake networks were stable over time, with stronger functional connectivity during sleep than wakefulness. This enabled automatic separation of wakefulness and sleep states via principle components analysis of the functional network time series, with median classification accuracy of 91%. Lastly, we found that network strength, degree, clustering coefficient, and path length significantly varied with time of day, when measured in both wakefulness and sleep. Together, these results suggest that modulation of healthy functional networks occurs over long timescales and is robust and repeatable. Accounting for such temporal periodicities may improve the physiological interpretation and use of functional connectivity analysis to investigate brain function in health and disease.
Force-based Control of Bipedal Balancing on Dynamic Terrain with the "Tallahassee Cassie" Robotic Platform

Out in the field, bipedal robots need to travel on terrain that is uneven, non-rigid, and sometimes moving beneath their feet. We present a force-based double support balancing controller for such dynamic terrain scenarios for bipedal robots, and test it on the robotic bipedal platform "Tallahassee Cassie." The presented controller relies on minimal information about the robot model, requiring its kinematics and overall weight, but not inertias of individual links or components. The controller is pelvis-centric, commanding pelvis positions in Cartesian space, which a model-free PD controller converts to motor torques in joint space. By commanding forces, torques, and a frontal center of pressure in this fashion, Tallahassee Cassie is capable of balancing on a variety of scenarios, from a lifting/sliding platform, to soft foam, to a sudden drop. These results show the potential for bipedal control to balance successfully despite minimal model information, the presence of large dynamic impacts–e.g., falling through trap door, and soft series-spring deflections. These results motivate future work for walking and running controllers on dynamic terrain with relatively low reliance on modeling information.
Modal Frequency and Damping Evaluation of Grid Connected VSCs in Sub-Synchronous Range Based on Motion Equation Method

With the increasing use of voltage source converters (VSCs), a new type of sub-synchronous oscillation problems related with VSCs have occurred when connected to weak ac grid. Several studies have tried to analyze these oscillation problems, but most used the impedance method from the circuit equivalent perspective. Actually, the circuit equivalent and mechanical equivalent can be transformed each other. To understand the sub-synchronous oscillation problems related with VSCs from the perspective of mechanical equivalent, this paper reveals that the dynamical interaction between VSC’s DC-link voltage control loop and phase-locked loop (PLL) is similar to the mass interaction in SG’s two-mass shaft model based on the motion equation method, and proposes a quantitative method to evaluate VSC’s modal characteristics in sub-synchronous range. Results are all verified in MATLAB/Simulink. In addition to the impedance method, this paper provides another perspective to understand the sub-synchronous oscillation problems related with VSCs.
Classical Conditioning and Discrimination Learning Research with the Mentally Retarded1

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of the two types of learning situations in research with the retarded and certain aspects of the use of these learning procedures and presents a description of classical eyelid conditioning work with retardates at Wisconsin and several studies using discrimination learning procedures that are designed to compare certain learning processes in retarded and normal children. The classical conditioning is presumed to underlie the instrumental behavior of various kinds and complexities, and logically it follows that an understanding of classical conditioning will be useful, if not a prerequisite, in the development of laws and theories of more complex behaviors. An acceleration of research in retardation can be disadvantageous if it results in attempts to shortcut the usual development of basic scientific knowledge by the promulgation of expansive theories, which do not have supporting empirical evidence or ignoring principles of experimental procedure.
Polarity and the development of the outer blood-retinal barrier

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer that separates the outer surface of the neural retina from the choriocapillaris. Because the choriocapillaris is fenestrated, it is the RPE that forms the outer blood-retinal barrier and regulates the environment of the outer retina. Like all epithelia and endothelia, the ability of RPE to regulate transepithelial transport depends upon two properties: apical tight junctions to retard diffusion through the paracellular spaces of the monolayer, and an asymmetric distribution of proteins to regulate vectorial transport across the monolayer. During development, these properties form gradually. Initially, the tight junctions are leaky, and the RPE exhibits only partial polarity. As the neural retina and choriocapillaris develop, there are progressive changes in the composition of the apical junctional complexes, the expression of cell adhesion proteins, and the distribution of membrane and cytoskeletal proteins. Development can be used to dissect the multiple mechanisms that establish and maintain polarity and barrier function. These mechanisms are regulated by the interactions that develop between the RPE and its neighboring tissues. This review discusses the remodeling of the apical, lateral and basal plasma membranes of RPE that occurs during normal development, and establishes a framework to integrate the data obtained from multiple species. It examines the progress in understanding how environmental interactions regulate this development.
Enterprise Knowledge Clouds: Architecture and Technologies

This chapter outlines the architectural foundations of Enterprise Knowledge Clouds (EKC) (Delic & Riley, describing the underlying technological fabrics and then pointing at the key capabilities of the (hypothetical) intelligent enterprise operating in constantly evolving, dynamic market conditions. Our aim is to give readers of this chapter a better understanding of knowledge cloud architectural aims and practical insights into EKC technological components. Thanks to knowledge, the enterprise will know more, will act better and react sooner in changing environment conditions, ultimately improving its performance and enabling it to show better behaviour and measurable improvements.
Surgery by minilaparotomy in benign gynecologic disease

A new, minimally invasive technique for the management of benign gynecologic disease is proposed. With the patient in a steep Trendelenburg position, access to the pelvis is gained through a minimal suprapubic incision (4–9 cm) beneath the pubic hair line. The subcutaneous fat is incised in a cranial direction and the abdominal fascia is opened 2–3 cm above the skin incision. The peritoneum is opened manually and two or three Deaver retractors replace the traditional self-retaining retractor. Continuous repositioning of the retractors permits the operative window to be focused always on the surgical field. This technique can be performed only if the following criteria are met: use of narrow and light instruments; exteriorization of the affected organs; combined, unidirectional maneuvering of all the retractors; and prompt hemostasis by electrocoagulating forceps. Among 78 inpatients with benign gynecologic diseases who underwent surgical treatment with this approach, the feasibility rate was 96% and no intraoperative complications or severe postoperative morbidity were observed. Pelvic surgery by minilaparotomy is a feasible and safe approach in the treatment of benign gynecologic disease.
The Fall from Grace

The processing of white collar offenders by the criminal justice system has been a subject of much controversy in criminology and criminal justice studies. In particular, debate has centered on whether these offenders are more or less stigmatized by indictment, conviction, and sentencing than ordinary offenders. Utilizing a sample of white collar offenders, the effects of conviction and sentencing on the loss of occupational status by offenders are explored. The data indicate that loss of occupational status, as a nonlegal consequence of conviction, is not spread evenly through the offender population. Professionals and those employed in the public sector or in licensed occupations are much more likely to lose occupational status than private businessmen or those employed by private businesses.
Methoxyestrogens exert feedback inhibition on cytochrome P450 1A1 and 1B1.

Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and 1B1 (CYP1B1) catalyze the oxidative metabolism of 17β-estradiol (E2) to catechol estrogens (2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2) and estrogen quinones, which may lead to DNA damage. Catechol-O-methyltransferase catalyzes the methylation of catechol estrogens to methoxyestrogens (2-MeOE2, 2-OH-3-MeOE2, and 4-MeOE2), which simultaneously lowers the potential for DNA damage and increases the concentration of 2-MeOE2, an antiproliferative metabolite. In this study, we showed that CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 recognized as substrates both the parent hormone E2 and the methoxyestrogens. Using purified recombinant enzymes, we demonstrated that CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 O-demethylated the methoxyestrogens to catechol estrogens according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Both CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 demethylated 2-MeOE2 and 2-OH-3-MeOE2 to 2-OHE2, whereas CYP1B1 additionally demethylated 4-MeOE2 to 4-OHE2. Because the P450-mediated oxidation of E2 and the O-demethylation of methoxyestrogens both yielded identical catechol estrogens as products, we used deuterated E2 (E2-d4), unlabeled methoxyestrogens, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to examine both reactions simultaneously. Kinetic analysis revealed that methoxyestrogens acted as noncompetitive inhibitors of E2 oxidation with Ki ranging from 27 to 153 μm. For both enzymes, the order of inhibition by methoxyestrogens was 2-OH-3-MeOE2 ≥ 2-MeOE2 > 4-MeOE2. Thus, methoxyestrogens exert feedback inhibition on CYP1A1- and CYP1B1-mediated oxidative estrogen metabolism, thereby reducing the potential for estrogen-induced DNA damage.
Self-Repairing Disk Arrays.

As the prices of magnetic storage continue to decrease, the cost of replacing failed disks becomes increasingly dominated by the cost of the service call itself. We propose to eliminate these calls by building disk arrays that contain enough spare disks to operate without any human intervention during their whole lifetime. To evaluate the feasibility of this approach, we have simulated the behavior of two-dimensional disk arrays with n parity disks and n(n-1)/2 data disks under realistic failure and repair assumptions. Our conclusion is that having n(n+1)/2 spare disks is more than enough to achieve a 99.999 percent probability of not losing data over four years. We observe that the same objectives cannot be reached with RAID level 6 organizations and would require RAID stripes that could tolerate triple disk failures.
Measuring Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in the Absence of Implantation with use of Highly Sensitive Urinary Assays for Intact β-Core and Free β Epitopes

Abstract Objective: To determine if human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can be absorbed from the uterine cavity in the absence of an embryo. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University-based assisted reproduction program. Patient(s): Eight functionally agonadal patients (age range, 33–46 years) who were taking hormone replacement therapy so that they could receive donated oocytes. Intervention(s): Intrauterine instillation of 50 μL of hCG (10,000 IU) during a mock cycle before an attempt at oocyte donation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Spot urine measurements of different hCG epitopes (intact β, β-core, and free β) at timed intervals (12, 20, 44, and 68 hours after instillation). Result(s): All hCG epitopes were detected in the urine at the first sampling interval, and levels decreased in subsequent sampling intervals. Measurement of the serum hCG level confirmed that systemic absorption had occurred and that the urine measurements were not a result of specimen contamination through the cervix. Conclusion(s): hCG may be systemically absorbed into the blood through the uterine cavity, even in the absence of implantation, and its metabolites may be measured with use of highly sensitive urinary assays.
Growth of bulk AlN crystals by vaporization of aluminum in a nitrogen atmosphere

Abstract AlN single crystals were grown by vaporization of aluminum in a nitrogen atmosphere. The growth temperature was found to critically influence the crystal morphology, while nitrogen pressure and flow rate had no considerable influence on the growth process. Crystals were grown under quasi-stagnant conditions (nitrogen flow of 100 sccm) at a reactor pressure of 500 Torr. At relatively low temperatures (1800–1900°C), AlN needles were grown at rates up to 10 mm/h along the c-axis. Twinned platelets were observed in a temperature range of 1900–2100°C. At temperatures above 2100°C, AlN c-plates (up to 50 mm2) were grown by spontaneous nucleation within 2 h. Extraordinarily large growth rates of 5 mm/h in the c-plane and 0.2 mm/h along the c-axis were observed. SEM pictures revealed step-flow growth on the c-plane surfaces. Raman spectroscopy indicated a drastic improvement in the crystal quality with growth temperature.
The superior QRS axis in ostium primum ASD: a proposed mechanism.

Abstract The influence of abnormal hemodynamics, ventricular hypertrophy, and right bundle branch block on the ÂQRS was studied pre- and post-operatively in 29 patients with OPSD. The ÂQRS markedly diminishes with the surgical correction of abnormal hemodynamics and the subsequent resolution of RVH or BVH. With the persistence of ventricular hypertrophy postoperatively or the surgical induction of RBBB, the ÂQRS either remains unchanged or, in the latter instance, becomes more superior and rightward. The dependence of the superior ÂQRS on these factors suggests that a left anterior hemiblock is not responsible for this ÂQRS. In OPSD early activation of the posterobasal region of the left ventricle through an abnormally short posterior fascicle results in a minimal superior ÂQRS which is then exaggerated in the presence of abnormal hemodynamics, ventricular hypertrophy, or RBBB. Thus, the superior ÂQRS in OPSD with associated RBBB does not represent a true bifascicular block and has a different natural history and clinical significance.
Dendritic cells from skin and blood of macaques both promote SIV replication with T cells from different anatomical sites.

: The SIV-macaque system offers the opportunity to study the pathogenesis and immune aspects of a primate retroviral infection in which immunodeficiency also develops, much like HIV infection in humans. Since it is known that human dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in HIV replication, mature cytokine-generated DCs obtained from precursors in the blood and skin-derived DCs were isolated from healthy rhesus macaques and compared with respect to their ability to support SIV infection. Here, it is shown for both skin- and blood-derived DCs that i) virus production depends on both DCs and T cells, ii) this occurs similarly with T cells from blood, skin, spleen, or lymph nodes, and iii) DCs can transmit virus equally to syngeneic and allogeneic T cells. No differences between DCs from skin or blood were observed. Therefore, the easily accessible blood-derived DCs of macaques provide an appropriate population to study the role of DCs in immunodeficiency virus infection.
Prevention of cardiovascular risk by moderate alcohol consumption: epidemiologic evidence and plausible mechanisms

An inverse association between moderate alcohol intake and cardiovascular risk, in particular coronary disease and ischemic stroke, has been shown in many epidemiologic studies. In addition, several other diseases are also known to occur less frequently in moderate drinkers than in non-drinkers, whereas excess of drinking is invariably harmful. However, some concern has been recently raised about the possibility that at all dosages the harm of alcohol could overcome its beneficial effects. We present here the epidemiologic and mechanistic evidence to support the protective effect of moderate alcohol intake against cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.
Fourth module of Xenopus interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein: activity in retinoid transfer between the retinal pigment epithelium and rod photoreceptors

PURPOSE. Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP), an extracellular protein believed to support the exchange of retinoids between the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the vertebrate eye, exhibits a modular, i.e., repeat, structure. The present study was undertaken to determine whether an individual module of IRBP has activity in retinoid transfer between the RPE and rod photoreceptors. METHODS. The retinoid transfer activity of a recombinant protein corresponding to the fourth module of Xenopus laevis IRBP (X4IRBP) was examined in two ways. First, X4IRBP was tested for its ability to support the regeneration of porphyropsin in detached/reattached Xenopus retina/RPE-eyecups. Following illumination and removal of native IRBP, Xenopus eyecups supplemented with 42 µM X4IRBP or (as a control) Ringer's solution were incubated in darkness and then analyzed for regenerated porphyropsin. Second, toad (Bufo marinus) RPE-eyecup preparations were used to evaluate X4IRBP's ability to pro...
Determination of prothrombin concentration as an index of anticoagulant control.

N SPITE OF the intensive efforts of many hematologists, the precise sequence of events producing coagulation of blood remains obscure. The application of results of in vitro studies to an understanding of coagulation in vivo has proved a troublesome and perilous transition to the clinician in his attempt to devise effective means for the prevention of intravascular thrombosis and embolism without at the same time invoking the hazard of hemorrhage. The increasing use of coumarintype anticoagulants for long periods in both hospitalized and ambulatory patients has brought into focus the deficiencies in the present methods used to determine appropriate therapeutic administration of these drugs. The one-stage prothrombin test of Quick has been the method of choice for years, in spite of the realization of its shortcomings.‘-” Several authors have reported the value of determining prothrombin concentration during anticoagulant therapy.’ ,3,4~5.6,g~12 It is the purpose of this paper to present further observations on the value of prothrombin concentration determinations during anticoagulant therapy with warfarin (Coumadin@) sodium. METHODS Two groups of fifty and 280 patients, respectively, were studied. During an 18 month period, 2,500 blood samples were collected for the simultaneous determination of the one-stage prothrombin time by the method of Quick”,14 and the prothrombin concentration by the Biggs modification of the OwrenAas method.6visri@ Simultaneous determination of proconvertin (factor VII) concentration by the method of Owren and Aas was performed in twelve of the patients in group 1 and in five of the patients in group 2. The laboratory determinations were performed the same morning that the blood samples were drawn. All of the laboratory determinations of the concentration of prothrombin and proconvertin were performed by the same technician. “Quality control” was utilized in the prothrombin determination.16
Management of masticatory myofascial pain

Masticatory myofascial pain is a relatively frequent occurrence in patientsseen by the orthodontist. Thus it is important to understand the management of this condition. Treatment is generally directed toward the restoration of a more physiological state in the muscles of mastication and involves medications, appliances, various forms of behavioral modification, as well as the use of muscle exercises and trigger point therapy. This article focuses on the role of the latter modalities in the management of myofascial pain and dysfunction.
Multiparameter solution model and evaluation of polymer–polymer miscibility using inverse gas chromatography data

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) has been widely used to determine the Flory–Huggins parameters, χ, between solutes (probes) and polymers. This study correlated the Flory–Huggins parameter data using a multiparameter model, which included dispersion, polarity, acidity, and basicity components. The parameters of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) were calculated from IGC data using a series of probes. The parameters of the polymers were used to evaluate mutual miscibility between PCL and PECH. The results predicted miscibility in agreement with the conclusion of an IGC study using blends of PCL and PECH. A method to estimate the confidence interval of polymer parameters was proposed. The anomalous solubility parameter of polymer mixtures previously reported was also explained using this model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The binding of Ca2+ to taurine- and glycine-conjugated bile salt micelles

The binding of Ca2+ to micelles of glycine and taurine bile acid conjugates was studied using a Ca2+-specific electrode. An investigation of the effect of buffer concentration, pH, added electrolyte and lecithin was also carried out. The observed results indicate that the binding of Ca2+ to bile salt micelles is dependent on both the number of hydroxyl groups on the steroid nucleus as well as on the nature of the head conjugating group, viz. glycine or taurine. It is speculated that the binding of Ca2+ to bile salt micelles may act as one of the mechanisms to lower Ca2+ activity in bile and thus reduce its tendency to precipitate as insoluble calcium salts and further growth into gallstones.
Muhammad Ali: the making of an icon

by Michael Ezra, Philadelphia, Temple University Press, 2009, 235 pp., US$24.95 (paperback), ISBN 978‐1‐59213‐662‐9 Muhammad Ali was one of the most photographed, filmed, and written about people o...
Working group report: the roles of glycans in hemostasis, inflammation and vascular biology

Author(s): Varki, Ajit P; Baum, Linda G; Bellis, Susan L; Cummings, Richard D; Esko, Jeffrey D; Hart, Gerald W; Linhardt, Robert J; Lowe, John B; McEver, Rodger P; Srivastava, Arun; Sarkar, Rita
Non‐adiabatic response of relativistic radiation belt electrons to GEM magnetic storms

The importance of fully adiabatic effects in the relativistic radiation belt electron response to magnetic storms is poorly characterized due to many difficulties in calculating adiabatic flux response. Using the adiabatic flux model of Kim and Chan [1997a] and Los Alamos National Laboratory geosynchronous satellite data, we examine the relative timing of the adiabatic and non-adiabatic flux responses. In the three storms identified by the GEM community for in depth study, the non-adiabatic energization occurs hours earlier than the adiabatic re-energization. The adiabatic energization can account for only 10-20% of the flux increases in the first recovery stages, and only 1% of the flux increase if there is continuing activity.
Plasmon-driven selective deposition of au bipyramidal nanoparticles.

We demonstrate the plasmon-selective and driven deposition of (bipyramidal) Au nanoparticles on transparent substrates (glass coverslips) utilizing total internal reflection (TIR) illumination. Near-IR laser light undergoing TIR at a glass–water interface causes colloidal Au bipyramids to irreversibly deposit onto the glass surface. We demonstrate that the deposition process has particle (i.e., shape) selectivity that is associated with resonant plasmon excitation. Specifically, the deposition is selective for the bipyramids over spheroidal particles that are also present in solution due to the former’s surface plasmon resonance in the near-IR region. Our measurements, finite difference time domain simulations, and the results of an analytical model show that the optical (i.e., scattering and gradient) forces that act on the particles are large and cause the observed acceleration and directed motion of the bipyramids. These directional forces play a major role in the spatial pattern of particle deposition...
Over-sized pellets naturalize foraging time of captive Orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica)

Abstract Parrots held in captivity experience distinctly different environmental demands, as compared to their wild conspecifics, particularly in regard to feeding. Cages equipped with computer-monitored infra-red beams (placed across a primary perch, in front of the feeder, in front of the drinking fount, and at the peak of the cage; interruption of a beam indicated a parrot's location) were used to supplement direct observation in characterizing activity budgets of adult male and female captive Orange-winged Amazon parrots ( Amazona amazonica ) fed pelleted diets. Parrots spent nearly all of their time perching, moving off the perch only a few times daily to drink and a few dozen times daily for pellet meals (each meal consisting of pellet retrieval and manipulation of the pellet(s) before swallowing). Such meals were temporally clumped, usually into 3–5 meal clusters per day, and clusters tended to be concentrated in morning and afternoon periods of a 12:12 LD light cycle, with a midday respite. Over-sized pellets formulated to be approximately 20–30 times larger than regular pellets (approximately 3–5g each vs. 0.16g each, respectively) exerted no detectable effect on the frequency distribution of off-perch bout lengths, but over-sized pellets dramatically increased post-pellet retrieval manipulation time approximately five-fold. In choice preference trials, parrots strongly preferred over-sized pellets to regular pellets, retrieving over-sized pellets approximately seven-times more often. Likewise, parrots offered only regular pellets removed 47.6±6.4g (mean±SE) pellets from their feeder per day, but removed only 6.5±2.0 of regular pellets, if over-sized pellets were offered concurrently. Finally, the option of manipulating/consuming over-sized pellets strongly affected use of wooden cube enrichment devices. During a 3-day period, parrots offered both regular and over-sized pellets reduced the mass of wooden cubes (through biting/chewing) by approximately 0.13g; removal of the over-sized pellet option increased this amount 50-fold. These results suggest that parrots offered only regular-size pelleted diets are deprived of an opportunity to engage in foraging behavior. Offering parrots over-sized pellets or enrichment devices that provide foraging-like opportunities can dramatically reduce periods of inactivity and encourage a more naturalistic activity budget, thereby enhancing welfare.
Similar neighbor criterion for impulse noise removal in images

Abstract In this paper, a new method is proposed for removing and restoring random-valued impulse noise in images. This approach is based on a similar neighbor criterion, in which any pixel to be considered as an original pixel it should have sufficient numbers of similar neighboring pixels in a set of filtering windows. Compared with other well known methods in the literature, this technique achieves superior performance in restoring heavily corrupted noisy images. Furthermore, it has low computational complexity, and equally effective in restoring corrupted color and gray-level images.
The relationship between age at first drug use and teenage drug use liability.

Our analyses of Carey's (1992) simulated data set of substance abuse in a cohort of adolescent twins were aimed at answering the question What is the relationship between age at first drug use andEVER having used drugs (i.e., teenage drug use liability)? Three analytic methods were used to determine whether age at first drug use was (1) a “perfect” index of drug use liability, (2) correlated in relatives but conditionally independent of drug use liability, or (3) causally influenced by drug use liability and by factors independent of liability. The analytic methods included nonmetric multidimensional scaling, multifactorial threshold model-fitting to contingency tables, and pedigree-based likelihood formulations for the raw data. All approaches indicated that age at first drug use was a perfect index of drug use liability. Further, model-fitting results indicated that only shared environmental factors accounted for twin similarity in the onset and timing of drug use. We discuss the limitations of each of the analytic methods and integrate our findings with the true model used in Carey's simulation.
The Effect of Social Identity Cues Under Incidental Ad Exposure Conditions

Abstract This study integrates the theories of social identity and unconscious processing to investigate the potential influence of unattended ads. Recent advances in research on unconscious processing have found that unconscious processing can include a semantic analysis of ads that includes the development of deeper meanings and associations related to cues in the ad. This study capitalizes on such an analysis by investigating whether using social identity as an advertising cue has the potential to influence consumer responses to ads—even ads to which consumers claim they have never been exposed.
An investigation of epidemiologic factors associated with large nodular goiter.

Background. Sporadic nodular goiter is a common problem in the United States and significant compressive symptoms may occur with progression to a critical size. Methods. Potential epidemiological variables associated with the development of large unilateral (≥50 g) and bilateral (≥100 g) nodular goiter were investigated including: age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), family history of thyroid disease, pregnancy at time of diagnosis, insurance status, and tobacco or alcohol use. Data were obtained from an IRB-approved thyroid database and retrospective chart review of consecutive patients operated on for nodular goiter from 1990 through 2005. A univariate and multivariate analysis of epidemiological variables in patients with "large" versus "small" nodular goiter was completed. Results. Of the 488 patients operated on for nodular goiter, 113 (23%) were classified as "large," 43 with unilateral (mean 106 ± 72 g) and 70 with bilateral enlargement (mean 173 ± 92 g) and 375 (77%) were classified as "small," 179 with unilateral (18 ± 10 g) and 196 with bilateral (37 ± 24 g) enlargement. Based on univariate analysis, African-American race, age ≥40 years, BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 , and lack of insurance were associated with an increased risk of large nodular goiter (P ≤ 0.001), whereas alcohol use was protective (P = 0.002). A multivariate analysis revealed that African-American race [adjusted odds ratio (adj. OR) 3.3, 95% CI = 2.0-5.4], age ≥40 years (adj. OR 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2-3.8), and BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 (adj. OR 2.5, 95% CI = 1.5-4.0) were independently associated with large nodular goiter. No significant differences were observed in gender, family history of thyroid disease, pregnancy, or tobacco use (P > 0.1). Conclusions. African-American race, obesity, and increasing age are independent risk factors for the development of large nodular goiter. These results may be helpful in determining how best to monitor patients with nodular goiter, with earlier intervention to help prevent progressive enlargement and its sequelae.
An exercise in modelling using the US Standard Atmosphere

In this exercise the US Standard Atmosphere is used as 'data' that a student is asked to model by deriving equations to reproduce it with the help of spreadsheet and graphing software. The exercise can be used as a laboratory or an independent study for a student of introductory physics to provide an introduction to scientific research methods that may not otherwise be available from traditional classroom instruction.