cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Striatal 5-HT1A receptor stimulation reduces D1 receptor-induced dyskinesia and improves movement in the hemiparkinsonian rat

Abstract Convergent evidence suggests that serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor (5-HT 1A R) agonists reduce l -DOPA-induced dyskinesia by auto-regulating aberrant release of l -DOPA-derived dopamine (DA) from raphestriatal neurons. However, recent findings indicate that 5-HT 1A R stimulation also modifies D1 receptor (D1R)-mediated dyskinesia and rotations implicating a previously unexplored extra-raphe mechanism. In order to characterize the contribution of the striatum to these effects, rats with medial forebrain bundle DA lesions were tested for abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) and rotations following striatal microinfusions of the 5-HT 1A R agonist ±8-OH-DPAT and systemic D1R agonist treatment with SKF81297. Additional rats with multi-site striatal DA lesions were tested for motor disability following systemic or intrastriatal ±8-OH-DPAT with or without systemic SKF81297. In rats with medial forebrain bundle lesions, striatal infusions of ±8-OH-DPAT dose-dependently reduced AIMs while conversely increasing rotations. In rats with striatal lesions, ±8-OH-DPAT alone, both systemic and intrastriatal administration, optimally reversed motor disability. Collectively, these results support an important functional interaction between 5-HT 1A R and D1R in the striatum with implications for the improved treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Long Time Past: Baird Station and the McCloud Wintu

Abstract The U.S. Fish Commission's Baird Station, established on the McCloud River at the northern end of the Sacramento Valley in California, was the first salmon hatchery on the North American Pacific Coast. During its early period of operation (1872–1883) under the supervision of fish culturist Livingston Stone, Baird Station produced a reliable and seemingly limitless supply of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) eggs for the stocking of eastern U.S. streams and for shipments to overseas countries. The local native people—the McCloud Wintu—played a vital role in the station's operations. Their cultural and economic entwinement with the salmon resource and contribution to the station's mission were recorded in Stone's official reports. That near-forgotten story is retold here for new generations of fisheries workers—of the fish that once were, and of a people
Carpal Tunnel Injection: With or Without Ultrasound Guidance?

A.H. is a 44-year-old woman with a 2-year history of numbness and tingling in her dominant right hand. She reports that the symptoms are primarily in her third digit but also into her thumb and index finger. She works as a secretary and notes that she occasionally drops things, although she is not sure if this is because of true weakness or difficulty feeling things in her hand. She was diagnosed by her primary care physician with carpal tunnel syndrome and had a course of hand therapy with some improvement, but she still has persistent symptoms. She wears a custom splint made by her therapist, which does help with night pain, but she is frustrated with her symptoms at work. She has had electrodiagnostic testing, which demonstrated moderate median mononeuropathy at the wrist, with prolonged distal latency of both the motor and sensory studies but no evidence of axonal involvement. She would like to avoid surgery if possible and asked her primary care physician to refer her to someone with expertise in carpal tunnel injections. She presents to your office today, with the goal of having a carpal tunnel injection. She did some research on carpal tunnel injections, and although she is already committed to having the injection, she is unsure whether she would like this performed with ultrasound guidance. She is soliciting your advice: should the injection be performed with ultrasound guidance? Arguingforthepositionthatyes,theinjectionshouldbeperformedwithultrasound guidance, is Gary Goldberg, MD. Dr Goldberg is a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Virginia Commonwealth University, with expertise in brain injury, electrodiagnostic medicine, and therapeutic use of diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guidedprocedures.Arguingforthepositionthat,no,theinjectiondoesnotneed to performed with ultrasound guidance is Ronit Wollstein, MD. Dr Wollstein is an associate professor of orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, with special expertise in hand surgery.
CD58/LFA-3 and IL-12 provided by activated monocytes are critical in the in vitro expansion of CD56+ T cells.

A small proportion of human CD3+ T lymphocytes are known to co-express CD56, an antigen usually restricted in its expression to natural killer (NK) cells. Whereas the in vivo function of CD3+ CD56+ T cells remains unknown, we and others have previously shown that both in vitro and in vivo, these cells can mediate a significantly greater degree of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity against a variety of human tumor cells when compared to either CD3+ CD56− T cells or lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells. While the mechanisms regulating the in vivo expansion of CD56+ T cells are not known, here we demonstrate the importance of CD2-mediated IL-12-dependent signals in the in vitro expansion of CD56+ T cells. Specifically, we show that activated monocytes provide a contact dependent factor (CD58/LFA-3) and a soluble factor (IL-12), both critical for the in vitro expansion of CD56+ T cells. The biological and therapeutic implications of these findings are discussed.
Hapten-antibody interactions as determined by fluorescence polarization—An appendix☆

Abstract It is shown that equations (1), (2), (3) and (4) of the preceding paper allow correct calculation of specific and nonspecific binding even when the binding affinities are heterogeneous.
Relationship of Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Egg Mass Age to Persistence and Color, and an Evaluation of Two Methods to Distinguish New and Old Egg Masses

It is necessary to distinguish new and old gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), egg masses when conducting gypsy moth population surveys. Egg masses within reach from the ground are touched to determine if they contain unhatched eggs and thus are considered new. The following 2 methods are used for egg masses not within reach: (1) visual discrimination between new and old egg masses or (2) by calculating the percentage of new egg masses at ground level and using this value to adjust counts of all egg masses not within reach. To evaluate these methods, egg-mass persistence and color between generations, the percentage of new and old egg masses at ground level and in the canopy, the ability of observers to visually distinguish new and old egg masses, and the effect of errors on the accuracy of estimates of the percentage of new egg masses was examined. Fifty-five percent of exposed new egg masses studied were still at least 25% intact at the time of the following year's egg-mass survey. However, the color of the egg masses was markedly lighter, providing a mechanism for visually distinguishing new and old egg masses. When egg masses are visually distinguished as new or old with an error rate >0, the resulting estimate of the percent new egg masses is usually biased. The magnitude of the bias varies with the rate of error and the actual percentage of new egg masses in the population, and can result in serious reductions in the accuracy of these estimates. In a field evaluation, new egg masses were incorrectly classified as old 16% of the time and old egg masses were incorrectly classified as new 16% of the time. Because it is unbiased, use of the ratio method to estimate the percentage of new egg masses is recommended whenever 10 or more egg masses are within reach from the ground.
Cyclic amine initiation of polypivalolactone

Certain monocyclic and polycyclic tertiary amines initiate polymerization of, and copolymerize with, pivalolactone. These comprise three-, four-, and five-membered monocyclic amines and 1-azapolycyclic amines. The polymerization proceeds in three steps: (a) initiation to form a cyclic amine/pivalate betaine, (b) propagation to yield a polylactone zwitterion by an anionic mechanism, and (c) interlinking by a carboxylate end attacking a cyclic amine end to incorporate amine as a comonomer in the chain. When polymerization is carried out at low temperatures, the more stable cyclic amine ring systems yield isolatable step b polymers. These polymeric zwitterions undergo step c by heating, even in the solid state. The mechanism suggests that, for the more labile cyclic amines, a lactone could be the initiator for polyamine formation by a cationic mechanism. Interlinking would lead to incorporation of lactone initiator. In intermediate cases, block copolymers would result. With a proper balance of reactivities, 1:1 alternating copolymers would be possible.
CRL's APPROACH TO MET

From February to April CRL carried out investigations into the modification of our English name recognition software developed for MUC-6 [1] to Chinese and Spanish. In addition a Japanese system, developed under Tipster Phase I [2], was modified to comply with the MET task. Finally learning methods developed for MUC-6 were adapted to handle Chinese. All systems performed with good levels of accuracy and it is clear that further tuning and refinement, for which there was no time or resources, would lead to even higher levels of performance.
Natural convection in an enclosure with disconnected and conducting solid blocks

Abstract Natural convection through a rectangular enclosure filled with a fluid bathing several discrete, conducting and disconnected solid objects is common in many applications, such as environmental control (e.g., indoor buildings, storage), materials processing (e.g., drying), food processing (e.g., baking), and electronics (e.g., cabinets). The case of an enclosure heated from the side and containing equally spaced, conducting solid square blocks is investigated here by using a continuum model, which treats the fluid and solid constituents individually. The dispersive effect of the solid constituent is isolated by increasing the number of solid blocks ( N ) while reducing their size as to maintain their relative total volume constant. Results obtained for a wide Rayleigh number ( Ra ) range and several values of solid-to-fluid conductivity ratio ( κ ) show the strong hindrance effect of the blocks on the convection process to be dependent on a minimum number of blocks, N min , for every Ra . An analytical expression predicting N min is proposed and validated by the numerical results.
Three additional inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors: molecular cloning and differential localization in brain and peripheral tissues.

Abstract Three inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) cDNAs, designated IP3R-II, -III, and -IV, were cloned from a mouse placenta cDNA library. All three display strong homology in membrane-spanning domains M7 and M8 to the originally cloned cerebellar IP3R-I, with divergences predominantly in cytoplasmic domains. Levels of mRNA for the three additional IP3Rs in general are substantially lower than for IP3R-I, though in the gastrointestinal tract the levels of IP3R-III may be comparable to IP3R-I. Cerebellar Purkinje cells express at least two and possibly three distinct IP3Rs, suggesting heterogeneity of IP3 action within a single cell.
Value-Added Measures in Restructuring Urban Schools

Value-added measures of teacher effectiveness have become very popular in educational reform efforts. Using 2010 data from elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), we ...
Fast axonal diffusion of 3000 molecular weight dextran amines.

Abstract The distances of anterograde and retrograde axonal movement per hour were examined for dextran amines of 3000, 10,000 and 40,000 molecular weights (MW) conjugated to different fluorochromes (Cascade blue, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, Texas red) or to biotin. Lateral line nerves of Xenopus laevis tadpoles were used as an easily accessible test system. Only 10,000 and 3000 MW dextran amines underwent significant anterograde and retrograde movement. Dextrans of 3000 MW progressed about twice as far (2 mm/h at 22°C) than 10,000 MW dextrans. Dextrans conjugated to different fluorochromes or to biotin did not show differences in their distance covered. Tracers traveled over the same distance in amphibians pre-treated with either 1 μM colchicine for 2–6 h or 10 μg/ml nocodazole for 5 h prior to the application to depolymerize microtubules needed for active transport. This suggests that diffusion is the major mechanism of movement for dextran amines over short distances. In the developing Xenopus retina, 3000 MW dextrans traveled from the optic disc as far away as the ora serrata within 1 h. In mouse embryos, chicken embryos and larval lampreys dextran amines progress within 1 h from cut peripheral nerves through efferent and afferent tracts. These data show that 3000 MW dextrans can be used in much the same way as 10,000 MW dextrans, but label neuronal profiles in a shorter time in a wide variety of species.
Parametrizing Program Analysis

A parametric analysis is an analysis whose input and output are parametrized with a number of parameters which can be instantiated to abstract properties after analysis is completed. We use Cousot and Cousot's Cardinal power domain to capture dependencies of analysis output on its input and present a method for obtaining parametric analyses from non-parametric base analyses. We apply the method to parametrize POS-based groundness dependency and set sharing analyses of logic programs. Experiments with a prototype analyzer shows that generality of the two resulting parametric analyses comes with a small extra cost.
GEFT, A Rho Family Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor, Regulates Neurite Outgrowth and Dendritic Spine Formation

The Rho family of small GTPases controls a wide range of cellular processes in eukaryotic cells, such as normal cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, gene regulation, actin cytoskeletal organization, cell fate determination, and neurite outgrowth. The activation of Rho-GTPases requires the exchange of GDP for GTP, a process catalyzed by the Dbl family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors. We demonstrate that a newly identified guanine nucleotide exchange factor, GEFT, is widely expressed in the brain and highly concentrated in the hippocampus, and the Purkinje and granular cells of the cerebellum. Exogenous expression of GEFT promotes dendrite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons, resulting in spines with larger size as compared with control spines. In neuroblastoma cells, GEFT promotes the active GTP-bound state of Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA and increases neurite outgrowth primarily via Rac1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PAK1 and PAK5, both downstream effectors of Rac1/Cdc42, are necessary for GEFT-induced neurite outgrowth. AP-1 and NF-kappaB, two transcriptional factors involved in neurite outgrowth and survival, were up-regulated in GEFT-expressing cells. Together, our data suggest that GEFT enhances dendritic spine formation and neurite outgrowth in primary neurons and neuroblastoma cells, respectively, through the activation of Rac/Cdc42-PAK signaling pathways.
Estradiol-induced enhancement of object memory consolidation involves NMDA receptors and protein kinase A in the dorsal hippocampus of female C57BL/6 mice

This study examined the role of dorsal hippocampal NMDA receptors and PKA activation in 17 beta-estradiol (E2)-induced enhancement of object memory consolidation. Mice explored two identical objects during training, after which they immediately received intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 mg/kg E2, and bilateral dorsal hippocampal infusions of Vehicle, the NMDA receptor antagonist APV (2.5 microg/side), or the cAMP inhibitor Rp-cAMPS (18.0 microg/side). Retention was tested 48 hours later. The enhanced object memory and increased ERK phosphorylation observed with E2 alone was reduced by APV and Rp-cAMPS, suggesting that estrogenic enhancement of object memory involves NMDA receptors and PKA activation within the dorsal hippocampus.
COMBREX: COMputational BRidge to EXperiments

COMBREX (computational bridges to experimentation) is a project to engage the biological community in providing better functional annotation of genomes. In essence, the project involves the generation by computational biologists of a database of predicted functions for genes in bacterial genomes. Those genes for which no functional assignments have been proven experimentally are then open for bids by biochemists to test the predicted functions. High-priority genes are those for which no previous functional assignment has been made as well as those where uncharacterized examples are present in many genomes. A pilot project is running that focuses on bacterial and archaeal genomes.
A theory of the structure of perturbations in observer ratings and questionnaire data in personality research

Oliver Wendell Holmes once outlined the six personalities involved in a dialogue between two people, here John and Thomas: three Johns the real John, John's ideal John, and Thomas's ideal John; and correspondingly, three Thomases. The psychologist may be concerned with the real John, but he has access only to Thomas's ideal John (observer-reports) and John's ideal John (self-report). How can he extract John's true behavior from the reports of his behavior? Is there any systematic way in which he can account for the distortions which must arise from internal and external influences on the perception of the observer? The present paper attempts to answer these questions by outlining a theory of perturbations and describing an experimental design for weighing and evaluating the perturbing influences which affect personality data.
Relation between the presence of echocardiographic vegetations and the complication rate in infective endocarditis

M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiograms of 77 patients with infective endocarditis were examined to determine if presence and/or size of vegetations on echocardigram were predictive of morbidity and mortality. Patients with (n = 43) or without (n = 34) vegetations on echocardiogram did not differ significantly in the proportions developing congestive heart failure (23 of 43 or 53% vs 12 of 34 or 35%) or emboli (11 of 43 or 24% vs 6 of 34 or 18%), whereas a slightly lower proportion of those with vegetations required surgery (5 of 43 or 12% vs 7 of 34 or 21%) or died (3 of 43 or 7% vs 4 of 34 or 12%). No significant relationship was found between vegetation size and the frequency of complications, the need for surgery, or death. In contrast, patients whose echocardiograms demonstrated premature mitral valve closure or chordal or cusp rupture had a significantly higher incidence of heart failure (10 of 13 or 77% vs 22 of 60 or 37%, p < 0.003) and surgery (3 of 13 or 23% vs 7 of 60 or 12%, p < 0.05). We conclude that: (1) the presence of vegetation on the initial echocardiogram is not predictive of the clinical course in infective endocarditis; (2) vegetation size does not predict complications, need for surgery, or death; but (3) valve cusp or chordal rupture and/or premature mitral valve closure are associated with congestive heart failure and the need for surgery.
Carbon and nitrogen sequestration and soil aggregation under sorghum cropping sequences

Management practices, such as no tillage (NT) and intensive cropping, have potential to increase C and N sequestration in agricultural soils. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impacts of conventional tillage (CT), NT, and cropping intensity on soil organic C (SOC) and N (SON) sequestration and on distribution within aggregate-size fractions in a central Texas soil after 20 years of treatment imposition. Tillage regime and cropping sequence significantly impacted both SOC and SON sequestration. At 0–5 cm, NT increased SOC storage compared to CT by 33% and 97% and SON storage by 25% and 117% for a sorghum/wheat/soybean (SWS) rotation and a continuous sorghum monoculture, respectively. Total SOC and SON storage at both 0–5 and 5–15 cm was greater for SWS than continuous sorghum regardless of tillage regime. The majority of SOC and SON storage at 0–5 cm was observed in 250-μm to 2-mm aggregates, and at 5–15 cm, in the >2-mm and 250-μm to 2-mm fractions. Averaged across cropping sequences at 0–5 cm, NT increased SOC storage compared to CT by 212%, 96%, 0%, and 31%, and SON storage by 122%, 92%, 0%, and 37% in >2-mm, 250-μm to 2-mm, 53- to 250-μm, and <53-μm aggregate-size fractions. No tillage and increased cropping intensity improved soil fertility by increasing soil organic matter levels and potential nutrient supply to crops.
Quantitative estimates for Lp approximation with positive linear operators

Abstract Quantitative estimates for approximation with positive linear operators are derived. The results are in the same vein as recent results of Berens and DeVore. Two examples are provided.
Primary mediastinal germinomas in females: A case report and review of the literature

Primary mediastinal germinomas in females are rare. Long-term survival ranges from 50 to 81%, depending on the initial extent of disease. Initial spread occurs intrathoracically and to regional nodes with late hematogenous dissemination. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are discussed.
SU-FF-J-82: Characterization of Parotid Gland Movement and Deformation During IMRT Treatment

Purpose: To quantify the pattern of internal parotid gland movement and shape variations in patients undergoing IMRT.Methods & Materials: Eleven head & neck patients' treatment planning CTs and repeat in‐room CTs were acquired for this analysis. In‐room treatment CTs were first registered to the reference planning CT by a rigid registration. The purpose of this bony registration was to remove un‐interested daily setup errors so that the study was focused on soft tissue changes. A deformable image registration was then carried out for the region of interest to obtain the voxel‐by‐voxel displacement map of the parotid glands. We developed a metric, referred here as the shift profile, to quantify internal positional changes of the parotid. The shift profile was basically a displacement profile along the direction of interest for all points in a plane perpendicular to the direction. The shift profile can be used to quantify the rate of volume shrinkage or expansion as well as the location and time‐trend of these volumetric internal changes. Results: About 82% of the patients show clear shrinkage along right‐left direction (RL) for both parotids, and about 35% of the patients show either clear shrinkage or clear expansion along superior‐inferior (SI) and anterior‐posterior (AP) directions, respectively. The magnitude of the shift along SI and AP direction was much smaller than along the RL direction. Moreover, the shrinkage toward the center was found to be linear with the elapsed time in the first 3–4 weeks and became relative stable thereafter. Conclusions: We've found some interesting patterns to describe parotid gland variations during IMRT treatment, which shows the potential for organ specific modeling and prediction of anatomic changes.
Drosophila melanogaster Dis3 N-terminal domains are required for ribonuclease activities, nuclear localization and exosome interactions

Eukaryotic cells use numerous pathways to regulate RNA production, localization and stability. Several of these pathways are controlled by ribonucleases. The essential ribonuclease, Dis3, plays important roles in distinct RNA metabolic pathways. Despite much progress in understanding general characteristics of the Dis3 enzyme in vitro and in vivo, much less is known about the contributions of Dis3 domains to its activities, subcellular localization and protein–protein interactions. To address these gaps, we constructed a set of Drosophila melanogaster Dis3 (dDis3) mutants and assessed their enzymatic activity in vitro and their localizations and interactions in S2 tissue culture cells. We show that the dDis3 N-terminus is sufficient for endoribonuclease activity in vitro and that proper N-terminal domain structure is critical for activity of the full-length polypeptide. We find that the dDis3 N-terminus also contributes to its subcellular distribution, and is necessary and sufficient for interactions with core exosome proteins. Finally, dDis3 interaction with dRrp6 and dImportin-α3 is independent of core interactions and occurs though two different regions. Taken together, our data suggest that the dDis3 N-terminus is a dynamic and complex hub for RNA metabolism and exosome interactions.
Crack growth behavior under biaxial fatigue with phase difference

Abstract Crack growth behavior of aluminum alloy 7075-T6 was characterized under in-plane biaxial tension–tension fatigue with phase differences of 90° or 180° between the two applied orthogonal cyclic loads. The initial single crack, created under the biaxial fatigue without any phase difference, splits into two symmetric cracks under the biaxial fatigue with the phase difference. The split cracks grow without any further branching. Directions of split cracks deviate sharply from the direction of the initial single crack. Under both phase differences of 90° and 180°, lengths of both split cracks are almost the same at a certain number of cycle. Strain energy release rate versus crack growth rate relationships of the split cracks are almost equal to each other. Further, sum of strain energy release rates at a given crack growth rate of both split cracks is equal to that of a single crack under the biaxial fatigue without phase difference. Analytical and finite element analyses are presented to explain the splitting of a crack due to the phase difference between the applied biaxial cyclic loads.
What is the cochlear place code for pitch

The advent of cochlear implants has increased the clinical interest in the cochlear code for pitch. It is widely believed that pitch is determined by the location of the excitation maximum in the cochlea. However, direct recordings from cochlear hair cells indicate that, for a given sound frequency, the location changes appreciably with sound intensity, whereas the corresponding pitch remains approximately constant. Correlated with this constancy is a surprising constancy of the location of the high-frequency cutoff of cochlear excitation.
Transaction costs economics, knowledge transfer and universal ethical business norms in multinational enterprises

We use Transaction Costs Economics (TCE) theory to explain why 'knowledge-intensive' MNEs are more likely to employ universal ethical business norms in all countries where it operates. In TCE terms, transferring people and embedded ideas requires substantial asset-specific investments most efficiently governed in an MNE hierarchy. We extend TCE reasoning to show that: (a) when such transfers are frequent, they are likely to be governed in an MNE with standardised norms; (b) when the host-country destination of such transfers is uncertain ex ante, they are likely to be governed with a standardised and proprietary MNE norms not necessarily consistent either with the MNE's home or host country. We conjecture about the substance of such norms, including: (a) non-discrimination; (b) honesty and transparency; (c) self-control and fairness. We integrate international business and ethics perspectives on business norms in MNEs reliant on adroit knowledge management to compete globally.
Management of irregular astigmatism following rotationally disoriented free cap after LASIK.

PURPOSE To illustrate the challenges associated with a misaligned free flap (cap) and to report the outcome of applying wavefront-guided customized photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) followed by conventional PRK ablation to correct residual refractive error and aberrations after LASIK free cap complications. METHODS The clinical course and surgical interventions of two patients with free cap complications from LASIK surgery were reviewed. The first patient underwent a total of six interventions after the initial LASIK procedure, and the second patient underwent a total of five interventions. Interventions included cap lift, cap rotation, custom PRK, and conventional PRK enhancement with prophylactic topical mitomycin C (MMC). RESULTS Customized PRK treatment and subsequent enhancements with prophylactic topical MMC led to the recovery of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), neutralization of higher and lower order aberrations, and astigmatic neutrality. Symptoms related to higher order aberrations resolved in both patients. CONCLUSIONS Wavefront-guided custom PRK for higher order aberrations followed by conventional PRK enhancement for residual lower order aberrations, both with topical MMC application, represents an efficacious strategy for treating patients with loss of BSCVA and visual symptoms due to LASIK free cap complications.
MOT loading enhancement with stimulated light forces

We demonstrate atom number enhancement in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) by use of bichromatic cooling to slow an atomic beam that is loaded into a MOT. Bichromatic cooling employs stimulated emission to apply strong cooling forces that are not limited by spontaneous emission. We demonstrate a factor of 3.5 increase in atom number captured from the atomic beam for a 1.5 cm cooling length. For a 1.5 cm effective cooling length, our technique yields MOT atom number enhancement that is about three times higher than the enhancement acheived via spontaneous emission.
Free summands of syzygies of modules over local rings

Abstract We give a new criterion for a commutative, Noetherian, local ring to be Cohen–Macaulay.
Musings of a Skeptical Software Junkie and the Hyper Research™ Fix

This article considers some of the hazards and benefits of using computer-assisted software to analyze qualitative empirical evidence. Specifically, I discuss HyperRESEARCH, one software package currently on the market and available to both Macintosh and PC users. This article is not intended as a substitute for the user’s manual nor to be an exhaustive discussion of the software’s features. Instead I attempt to illustrate some of HyperRESEARCH’s unique characteristics, suggest how qualitative researchers might think about using them and provide some basic practical advice.
A new family with an activating mutation (G431S) in the TSH receptor gene: a phenotype discussion and review of the literature

Germline nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism due to an activating mutation in the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor gene is an uncommon disease. To date 32 different mutations have been described. The severity of the hyperthyroid symptoms is variable and phenotype differences have been described in subjects harboring the same mutation. This paper describes a family with a mutation in codon 431 of the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor gene. This is the most common activating mutation in the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor gene with total of 13 patients harboring the mutation in four families. The similarities and differences among patients with the mutation in codon 431 are discussed. Furthermore all previously reported activating mutations in the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor gene are reviewed.
A quantitative tool to assess degree of sarcopenia objectively in patients with hypercortisolism

Background Muscle weakness and wasting are known manifestations of hypercortisolism (HC). Central sarcopenia is a marker of frailty and predicts mortality. The hypothesis of this study is that central sarcopenia can be used as a marker of disease severity and frailty in patients with HC. Methods Psoas muscle area and psoas muscle density (PMD) were measured at specific points on CT scans of patients with HC using a defined protocol. We compared 24-hour urine cortisol (24HUC) levels by time point to each CT scan. A linear regression model was used to describe the relationship between 24HUC and morphometric variables. A comparison with matched non-HC patients was performed. Results We identified 45 patients (34 female). The median age was 46 years (range, 14–80); the median 24HUC was 211 mg/dL (range, 9.5–39,500); the median PMD was 50.1 24HUC (range, 20–72). An inverse correlation (−0.29) between 24HUC levels and PMD was noted ( P = .045). Intra-abdominal fat was also significantly and positively correlated with 24HUC: 27 non-HC patients matched for age, sex, and body-mass index showed higher (58 vs 51) PMD ( P = .0127) compared to those with HC. Conclusion PMD and intra-abdominal fat are significantly related to 24HUC levels. Morphometric measures of the overall burden of HC may allow more precise assessment of disease severity.
Modeled Occupational Exposures to Gas-Phase Medical Laser-Generated Air Contaminants

Exposure monitoring data indicate the potential for substantive exposure to laser-generated air contaminants (LGAC); however the diversity of medical lasers and their applications limit generalization from direct workplace monitoring. Emission rates of seven previously reported gas-phase constituents of medical laser-generated air contaminants (LGAC) were determined experimentally and used in a semi-empirical two-zone model to estimate a range of plausible occupational exposures to health care staff. Single-source emission rates were generated in an emission chamber as a one-compartment mass balance model at steady-state. Clinical facility parameters such as room size and ventilation rate were based on standard ventilation and environmental conditions required for a laser surgical facility in compliance with regulatory agencies. All input variables in the model including point source emission rates were varied over an appropriate distribution in a Monte Carlo simulation to generate a range of time-weighte...
Dynamic Behavior and Stabilization of DC Microgrids With Instantaneous Constant-Power Loads

This paper explores stability issues in dc microgrids with instantaneous constant-power loads (CPLs). DC microgrids typically have distributed power architectures in which point-of-load converters behave as instantaneous CPLs to line regulating converters located upstream. Constant-power loads introduce a destabilizing effect in dc microgrids that may cause their main bus voltages to show significant oscillations or to collapse. This paper also discusses stabilization strategies to prevent these undesired behaviors from occurring. Mitigating strategies such as load shedding, addition of resistive loads, filters, or energy storage directly connected to the main bus, and control methods are investigated. Advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed and recommendations are made. The analysis is verified with simulations and hardware-based experiments.
TPR packing analysis and 3D modeling for the HAT domain of human crooked neck protein

Human crooked neck protein (hcrn) containing 17 HAT or TPR repeats plays a role in pre-mRNA processing. Conserved residues in the TPR consensus sequence of 34 aa were found at helical packing interface and pro32 which breaks the second helix. The crn TPR helical hairpins were built on consensus TPR 3d template and packed side by side to form the overall superhelical structure. The models underwent a series of energy minimizing refinements and molecular dynamics simulations under constrains of holding each helical structure together but allow individual helix to spin around its own axis. The refined structures preserved the main characteristics of TPR superhelical fold with every 7 TPR units forming a complete repeat. The knob-hole rule was satisfied in majority of helix-helix packing. The models indicated that hcrn exerts its function in either mRNA processing or DNA duplication by mediating protein-protein interaction in a complex assembly.
The Mbd1-Atf7ip-Setdb1 pathway contributes to the maintenance of X chromosome inactivation

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a developmental program of heterochromatin formation that initiates during early female mammalian embryonic development and is maintained through a lifetime of cell divisions in somatic cells. Despite identification of the crucial long non-coding RNA Xist and involvement of specific chromatin modifiers in the establishment and maintenance of the heterochromatin of the inactive X chromosome (Xi), interference with known pathways only partially reactivates the Xi once silencing has been established. Here, we studied ATF7IP (MCAF1), a protein previously characterized to coordinate DNA methylation and histone H3K9 methylation through interactions with the methyl-DNA binding protein MBD1 and the histone H3K9 methyltransferase SETDB1, as a candidate maintenance factor of the Xi. We found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of Atf7ip in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) induces the activation of silenced reporter genes on the Xi in a low number of cells. Additional inhibition of two pathways known to contribute to Xi maintenance, DNA methylation and Xist RNA coating of the X chromosome, strongly increased the number of cells expressing Xi-linked genes upon Atf7ip knockdown. Despite its functional importance in Xi maintenance, ATF7IP does not accumulate on the Xi in MEFs or differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells. However, we found that depletion of two known repressive biochemical interactors of ATF7IP, MBD1 and SETDB1, but not of other unrelated H3K9 methyltransferases, also induces the activation of an Xi-linked reporter in MEFs. Together, these data indicate that Atf7ip acts in a synergistic fashion with DNA methylation and Xist RNA to maintain the silent state of the Xi in somatic cells, and that Mbd1 and Setdb1, similar to Atf7ip, play a functional role in Xi silencing. We therefore propose that ATF7IP links DNA methylation on the Xi to SETDB1-mediated H3K9 trimethylation via its interaction with MBD1, and that this function is a crucial feature of the stable silencing of the Xi in female mammalian cells.
Agent Based Modeling to Inform the Design of Multiuser Systems

Agent Based Modeling studies group activity by simulating the individuals in it and allowing group-level phenomena to emerge. It can be used to integrate theories to inform designs of technology for groups. Researchers use theories as the basis of the rules of how individuals behave (e.g., what motivates users to contribute to an online community). They can run virtual experiments by changing parameters of the model (e.g., the topical focus in an online community) to see what collective behaviors emerge.
Revisiting the Old Theory of Cyclical Growth: Harrod, Kaldor cum Schumpeter

This paper advances two main arguments. First, it argues that Harrodian instability can be thought of as the motor force of long period expansions and contractions. This means that the virtuous cycle of an ever-increasing growth rate during the upturn of a long cycle can be seen as a process of runaway expansion, caused by an actual growth rate above the warranted rate. Likewise, the vicious cycle of an ever-deepening downsizing can be interpreted as resulting from an actual growth rate below the warranted rate. Secondly, by showing how a revised Harrodian model can yield a limit cycle in the rate of accumulation, the paper argues that the turning points in these long cycles can be explained by a nonlinear Kaldorian savings function and a variable scrapping rate.
Ecology, behavior, and reproduction of an introduced population of Red-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus cafer) in Houston, Texas.

Abstract Results are reported from a citizen-science program to study the ecology, behavior, and reproduction of an invasive population of Red-vented Bulbuls (Pycnonotus cafer) in Houston, Texas. The most frequent behaviors are foraging (n = 69), resting (n = 45), and calling (n = 29). The entire population occurred in urban areas. Bulbuls consumed berries (n = 8 species), fruits (n = 5), flowers (n = 5), and buds (n = 4); some insects are also included in the diet. Nine of the 20 species of identified plants consumed are exotics found within the native range of the bulbul, six are exotics found outside the native range, and five are native Texas species. The most common of the 35 species of plants that bulbuls perched in are bamboo (Bambusa sp.), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), edible fig (Ficus carica), and tallow (Sapium sebiferum). Flock size averaged 2.3 birds/flock (range = 1–22) and the largest flocks (12–22 birds) are in late summer and early winter. Bulbuls are not migrants; ...
Burkholderia pseudomallei Infection in a Puerto Rican Patient with Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Case Report and Review of Occurrences in the Americas

Burkholderia species, notably Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia gladioli, are important pathogens in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia but is a rare pathogen in other parts of the world. We describe the occurrence of B. pseudomallei infection in a Puerto Rican patient with CGD. This is one of only a small number of documented cases of melioidosis autochthonous to the Americas and is the first reported case of B. pseudomallei infection in a CGD patient from the Americas. We conclude that B. pseudomallei, like B. cepacia and B. gladioli, should be considered a potential pathogen in patients with CGD and that melioidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for ill residents of or travelers to Puerto Rico.
Hepatic acute phase induction of murine β-galactoside α2,6 sialyltransferase (ST6Gal I) is IL-6 dependent and mediated by elevation of Exon H—containing class of transcripts

Hepatic expression of CMP-NeuAc:Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc alpha 2,6-sialyltransferase (ST6Gal I) is induced as part of the acute phase response in mammals by mechanisms that remain poorly understood. Previous work suggests that murine liver ST6Gal I mRNA contains an additional and novel region that is not found on ST6Gal I mRNA from human HepG2 hepatoma cells and from rat liver. This novel region, residing 5' of the common Exon I sequence, is encoded by a discrete upstream exon, Exon H. Here we provide evidence that the Exon H-containing transcript is the murine counterpart of the human and rat ST6Gal I mRNAs transcribed from the hepatic-specific promoter, P1. Exon H-containing ST6Gal I mRNA is expressed in all three mice strains examined: balb/c, C57B46, and 129Sv. Furthermore, murine RNA tissue survey indicates that presence of Exon H-containing transcripts is restricted to the liver. When mice are subjected to subcutaneous injection of turpentine to elicit the hepatic acute phase response, greater than 4-fold elevation in liver ST6Gal I mRNA was observed. Consistent with the view that Exon H-containing transcripts is regulated by the murine P1 promoter, 5'-RACE analysis indicates that the majority of these transcripts contains the Exon H sequence. This is consistent with the view that Exon H-containing transcripts are regulated by the murine P1 region. To assess the mechanism of ST6Gal I response in the hepatic acute phase reaction, mice harboring lesions in both alleles of the IL-6 gene were examined. IL-6(-/-) animals expressed normal levels of ST6Gal I mRNA in liver, with Exon H-containing transcripts remaining the predominant mRNA isoform. However, hepatic ST6Gal I is not elevated upon turpentine injection in the IL-6(-/-) animals. These results indicate that ST6Gal I induction in mouse liver during the acute phase reaction is mediated predominantly by the IL-6 pathway, and results in the induction of the Exon H-containing class of ST6Gal I mRNA that is specific to the liver.
Endovascular recanalization of the superior mesenteric artery in the context of mesenteric bypass graft infection

Mesenteric prosthetic graft infection is a rare and challenging clinical scenario. A patient is described who developed recurrent abdominal pain after occlusion of an iliomesenteric prosthetic bypass. Endovascular recanalization of the native superior mesenteric artery, which had been occluded for more than 10 years, was accomplished using axillofemoral through-wire access and a steerable guiding catheter. The infected prosthetic was then explanted and his graft-enteric fistula repaired. Technical and strategic considerations are discussed.
CARBON MONOXIDE FORMATION IN FIRES BY HIGH-TEMPERATURE ANAEROBIC WOOD PYROLYSIS

Building fire fatalities often occur at locations remote from the room where the fire is actually burning. The majority of these fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation, primarily due to exposure to carbon monoxide (CO). Although causing nearly 2500 deaths per year in the United States, the mechanisms for the formation of CO in building or enclosure fires remain poorly characterized. In order to test the hypothesis that high concentrations of CO can be generated by pyrolysis of wood in a high-temperature, vitiated environment, a series of natural gas fires, ranging from 40 to 600 kW in heat release rate, were burned inside a reduced-scale enclosure (RSE). The ceiling and upper walls of the RSE were lined with 6.4-mm-thick plywood. During each burn, the concentrations of CO, CO2, and O2 were monitored at two locations within the upper layer. Oxygen calorimetry was used to monitor the total heat release rate for each fire. Vertical temperature profiles for two positions within the enclosure were also recorded. Much higher levels of CO were generated with the wood-lined upper layer than with comparable fires fueled only by natural gas. Volume concentrations as high as 14% were observed. The fires with wood in the upper layer had higher heat release rates and depressed upper-layer temperatures. The major conclusions of this work based on the experimental findings are (1) the pyrolysis of wood in a highly vitiated, high-temperature environment can lead to the generation of very high concentrations of CO in enclosure fires; (2) the overall wood pyrolysis is endothermic for the experimental conditions studied; and (3) the maximum mass loss rate of wood under the experimental conditions is on the order of 10 gs−1 m−2 with the majority of released carbon being converted to a roughly 1:1 mixture of CO and CO2.
Method for the Analysis of Thyreostats in Meat Tissue Using Gas Chromatography with Nitrogen Phosphorus Detection and Tandem Mass Spectrometric Confirmation

An analytical method not requiring a mercury column cleanup step is described for the isolation and detection of four thyreostatic agents in meat tissue. The use of these growth promotants in livestock has been banned by regulatory agencies. The meat tissue is homogenized with acetonitrile-water, centrifuged, and the supernatant is partitioned with petroleum ether. The acetonitrile-water is concentrated and then passed through a silica-gel column. The solvent is then removed and the residue derivatized with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide. The total amount of organic solvent used for the analysis is merely 35 mL. The derivatized thyreostats are detected and quantitated by gas chromatography (GC) equipped with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. Percent recoveries from fortified meat tissue (n = 6) at the 0.1-microg/g (parts per million) level are 93.5 +/- 2.9 for 2-thiouracil, 90.3 +/- 3.0 for tapazole, 87.5 +/- 2.9 for 6-methyl-2-thiouracil, and 85.1 +/- 5.8 for 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil. For the confirmation of analyte identities, GC-tandem mass spectrometry with an ion-trap instrument is used. The estimated minimum level for a reliable measurement is 0.050 microg/g in meat tissue.