cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Gut Acidification in the Adult Drosophila Intestine

The fruit fly midgut consists of multiple regions, each of which is composed of cells that carry out unique physiological functions required for the proper functioning of the gut. One such region, the copper cell region (CCR), is localized to the middle midgut and consists, in part, of a group of cells known as copper cells. Copper cells are involved in gastric acid secretion, an evolutionarily conserved process whose precise role is poorly understood. This paper describes improvements in the current protocol used to assay for acidification of the adult Drosophila melanogaster gut and demonstrates that it can be used on other species of flies. In particular, this paper demonstrates that gut acidification is dependent on the fly's nutritional status and presents a protocol based on this new finding. Overall, this protocol demonstrates the potential usefulness of studying Drosophila copper cells to uncover general principles underlying the mechanisms of gut acidification.
Advanced Vascular Access in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

In canine and feline patients presenting in a state of hemodynamic collapse, obtaining vascular access can be challenging. Delays in achieving vascular access interfere with delivery of patient care. In human medicine, definitions of difficult vascular access are variable and include the need for multiple placement attempts or involvement of specialized teams and equipment. Incidence and risk factors for difficult vascular access have not been well studied in veterinary patients, which limits understanding of how best to address this issue. Alternatives to percutaneous peripheral or central intravenous catheterization in dogs and cats include venous cut-downs, umbilical access in newborns, corpus cavernosum access in males, ultrasound guided catheterization, and intraosseous catheterization. In recent years, advances in ultrasonography and intraosseous access techniques have made these more accessible to the veterinary practitioner. These vascular access techniques are reviewed here, along with advantages, limitations, and areas for future study of each technique.
The Developmental Point of View Why Choose Language

Twentieth-century clinical psychiatry in America, and to some degree on the European continent, is permeated by the developmental point of view. The varying influences on clinical practice which stem from psychoanalysis and, in its best sense, behaviorism require full knowledge of the individual’s past as well as his present circumstances to illuminate his current behavior. These influences include stored experiences, memories, and their affect on perceptual, cognitive, and emotional organization. Even when the behaviorist approaches the patient from the standpoint of his symptoms, it is necessary, in the course of his work, to enumerate the varying influences and past response patterns of the patient to his symptoms so that the therapist can construct a hierarchy of responses which will help the patient understand the ramifications and variations of the desensitization process that ensues.
How National Park Law Really Works

This article provides the first explanation of the relationship between the three overlapping sources of national park law. It first explains how the Organic Act affords the National Park Service substantial discretion to manage the national parks, including deciding the proper balance between enjoyment and conservation in particular instances. It next shows how federal environmental statutes push national park management toward preservation rather than enjoyment. Third, Congress often intervenes to mandate particular management outcomes at individual parks, typically but not always toward enjoyment rather than preservation. The result is that the NPS has substantial discretion to manage national parks in a manner that pursues the dual Organic Act purposes of enjoyment and conservation, but Congress occasionally exercises its ultimate authority to specify which purpose should prevail in particular circumstances.
A Ranking-Based Document Retrieval Model: The TEXPROS Approach

In this paper, a ranking-based document retrieval model is proposed to incorporate with the browsing process. In TEXPROS (TEXt PROcessing System), the interactive browsing process is designed to allow the interactions between the system and a user for forming a strategy of retrieving documents and information from the document base. By gathering information, users could reformulate queries dynamically. During the browsing sessions, a predicate augmented an infrastructure (called Operation Network) is used to present the information about the document types, the synopses of the documents and where documents are deposited. The outcome of using the concept-based retrieval for searching requested documents with partial descriptions could be a large volume of returned documents. The ranking model is used to rank the returned documents according to the degree of their relevancy to the query. Based on the TEXPROS's dual models, an approach to creating the representatives of documents and queries is described as a basis for the proposed ranking model. By integrating the ranking model and the browsing system as a whole, an open retrieval environment is created, which can be customized for different application domains.
Streamline - Curvature Effect in Three - Dimensional Boundary Layers

The effect of including wall and streamline curvature terms in swept-wing boundary-layer stability calculations is studied. The linear disturbance equations are cast on a fixed, body-intrinsic, curvilinear coordinate system. Those nonparallel terms which contribute mainly to the streamline-curvature effect are retained in this formulation and approximated by their local finite-difference values. Convex-wall curvature has a stabilizing effect, while streamline curvature is destabilizing if the curvature exceeds a critical value.
The Serine Protease and RNA-Stimulated Nucleoside Triphosphatase and RNA Helicase Functional Domains of Dengue Virus Type 2 NS3 Converge within a Region of 20 Amino Acids

NS3 protein of dengue virus type 2 has a serine protease domain within the N-terminal 180 residues. NS2B is required for NS3 to form an active protease involved in processing of the viral polyprotein precursor. The region carboxy terminal to the protease domain has conserved motifs present in several viral RNA-stimulated nucleoside triphosphatase (NTPase)/RNA helicases. To define the functional domains of protease and NTPase/RNA helicase activities of NS3, full-length and amino-terminal deletion mutants of NS3 were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Deletion of 160 N-terminal residues of NS3 (as in NS3del.2) had no detrimental effect on the basal and RNA-stimulated NTPase as well as RNA helicase activities. However, mutagenesis of the conserved P-loop motif of the RNA helicase domain (K199E) resulted in loss of ATPase activity. The RNA-stimulated NTPase activity was significantly affected by deletion of 20 amino acid residues from the N terminus or by substitutions of the cluster of basic residues, 184RKRK-->QNGN, of NS3del.2, although both mutant proteins retained the conserved RNA helicase motifs. Furthermore, the minimal NS3 protease domain, required for cleavage of the 2B-3 site, was precisely defined to be 167 residues, using the in vitro processing of NS2B-NS3 precursors. Our results reveal that the functional domains required for serine protease and RNA-stimulated NTPase activities map within the region between amino acid residues 160 and 180 of NS3 protein and that a novel motif, the cluster of basic residues 184RKRK, plays an important role for the RNA-stimulated NTPase activity.
Empirical Regularities in the Market for Real Estate Research Output

This study examines whether any regularity exists in the publication pattern among real estate researchers. Identifying an empirical regularity in research output is useful since it helps assess bo...
KIR2DS1-Positive NK Cells Mediate Alloresponse against the C2 HLA-KIR Ligand Group In Vitro

The inhibitory 2DL1 and activating 2DS1 killer Ig-like receptors (KIR) both have shared ligand specificity for codon sequences in the C2 group HLA-Cw Ags. In this study, we have investigated NK cell activation by allogeneic target cells expressing different combinations of the HLA-KIR ligand groups C1, C2, and Bw4. We demonstrate that fresh NK cells as well as IL-2-propagated NK cells from 2DS1 -positive donors that are homozygous for the C1 ligand group are activated in vitro by B lymphoblastoid cell lines expressing the C2 group. This response is, in part, due to the absence of C1 group recognition mediated by the inhibitory receptor 2DL2/3. This “missing self” alloresponse to C2, however, is rarely observed in NK cells from donors lacking 2DS1 . Even in presence of 2DS1 , the NK alloresponse is dramatically reduced in donors that have C2 group as “self.” Analysis of selected NK clones that express 2DS1 mRNA and lack mRNA for 2DL1 demonstrates that activation by the C2 ligand and mAb cross-linking of 2DS1 in these clones induces IFN-γ. Furthermore, this C2 group-induced activation is inhibited by Abs to both HLA class I and the receptor. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that NK cells from 2DS1 -positive donors are activated by target cells that express the C2 group as an alloantigen. This leads to increased IFN-γ-positive fresh NK cells and induces NK allocytotoxicity in IL2-propagated polyclonal NK cells and NK clones. This study also provides support for the concept that incompatibility for the HLA-KIR ligand groups C1 , C2 , and Bw4 dominates NK alloactivation in vitro.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and transport properties of Cu2.2Zn0.8SnSe4−xTex (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.4)

Quaternary chalcogenides, particular compounds with the stannite structure-type, are of interest for thermoelectrics applications however tellurium-containing compositions have not been extensively investigated. We report on the synthesis and high temperature thermoelectric properties of p-type stannites Cu2.2Zn0.8SnSe4−xTex (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4). The compositions for each specimen were confirmed with a combination of Rietveld refinement and elemental analysis. Hall measurements indicate that holes are the dominant charge carriers in these materials. The electrical resistivity shows little temperature dependence up to 500 K and then increases with increasing temperature. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature with no indication of increase at higher temperatures suggesting a minimal bipolar diffusion effect in the thermal conductivity although these materials possess relatively small band-gaps as compared to that of other stannite compositions. A maximum ZT value of 0.56 was obtained at 700 K for Cu2.2Zn0.8SnSe3.7Te0.3 due to a relatively high Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity.
Cytoplasmic juxtamembrane domain of the human EGF receptor is required for basolateral localization in MDCK cells

Although it is well established that epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are asymmetrically expressed at the basolateral plasma membrane in polarized epithelial cells, how this process is regulated is not known. The purpose of this study was to address the mechanism of directed EGFR basolateral sorting using the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell model. The first set of experiments established sorting patterns for endogenous canine EGFRs. The polarity of the canine EGFR was not quantitatively affected by differences in electrical resistance exhibited by the MDCK I and MDCK II cell strains. In both cases, greater than 90% of total surface EGFRs was localized to the basolateral surface. Canine EGFRs sort directly to the basolateral membrane from the trans-Golgi network with a halftime of approximately 45 min and have an approximate t1/2 of 12.5 h once reaching the basolateral surface. Human holoreceptors expressed in stably transfected MDCK cells also localize to the basolateral membrane with similar efficiency. To identify EGFR sequences necessary for basolateral sorting, MDCK cells were transfected with cDNAs coding for cytoplasmically truncated human receptor proteins. Human EGFRs truncated at Arg-651 were localized predominantly at the apical surface of filter-grown cells, whereas receptors truncated at Leu-723 were predominantly basolateral. These results suggest that the cytoplasmic juxtamembrane domain contains a positive basolateral sorting determinant. Moreover, the EGFR ectodomain or transmembrane domain may possess a cryptic sequence that specifically interacts with the apical sorting machinery once the dominant basolateral sorting signal is removed. Further elucidation of the precise loacation of these signals will enhance our basic understanding of regulated plasma membrane sorting, as well as the functional consequences of inappropriate EGFR expression associated with certain pathophysiologic and malignant states. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Repeat pregnancy in adolescence: intentions and decision making.

The purpose was to determine the perceptions of young mothers concerning their intentions about repeat pregnancy and to determine shared meanings concerning intentionality and decision making about sexual activity and use of birth control. The design and method used was an Ethnographic descriptive study with interviews of a purposive sample of young mothers with a repeat pregnancy. Iterative methods recursive data sifting and Ethnograph 5.0 were used in data analysis. All of the mothers stated that their repeat pregnancies were unintended. Regarding decision making about sexual activity some mothers discussed a conscious rational decision-making process before sexual activity whereas others talked about a more impulsive spontaneous participation in unprotected sexual activity. A key finding in this study was that although mothers did not intend to get pregnant they also did not intend to prevent pregnancy. Many discussed feeling pressured to have sex coerced into not using birth control unable to implement safe sex behaviors or just "doing it." These data suggest that much of teen sexual activity is spontaneous unplanned and sometimes involuntary. As such interventions must be created that take the nature of this sexual activity into account. Consideration of young mothers thought processes intentions and perspectives is integral in the design and implementation of programs and policies to prevent or delay repeat pregnancy during the adolescent years. (authors)
Modular assembly of chimeric phi29 packaging RNAs that support DNA packaging

The bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor is a protein/RNA complex that can produce strong force to condense the linear-double-stranded DNA genome into a pre-formed protein capsid. The RNA component, called the packaging RNA (pRNA), utilizes magnesium-dependent inter-molecular base-pairing interactions to form ring-shaped complexes. The pRNA is a class of non-coding RNA, interacting with phi29 motor proteins to enable DNA packaging. Here, we report a two-piece chimeric pRNA construct that is fully competent in interacting with partner pRNA to form ring-shaped complexes, in packaging DNA via the motor, and in assembling infectious phi29 virions in vitro. This is the first example of a fully functional pRNA assembled using two non-covalently interacting fragments. The results support the notion of modular pRNA architecture in the phi29 packaging motor.
Axisymmetric shapes and stability of charged drops in an external electric field

A highly conducting charged drop that is surrounded by a fluid insulator of another density can be levitated by suitably applying a uniform electric field. Axisymmetric equilibrium shapes and stability of the levitated drop are found by solving simultaneously the augmented Young-Laplace equation for surface shape and the Laplace equation for the elecric field, together with constraints of fixed drop volume, charge, and center of mass. The means are a method of subdomains, finite element basis functions, and Galerkin's method of weighted residuals, all facilitated by a large-scale computer. Shape families of fixed charge are treated systematically by first-order continuation. Previous analyses by Abbas et al. in 1967 and Abbas and Latham in 1969, in which the shapes of levitated drops are approximated as spheroids, are corrected. The new analysis shows that drops charged to less than the Rayleigh limit lose shape stability at turning points, with respect to external field strength, and that the instability seen in experiments of Doyle et al. in 1964 and others is not a bifurcation to a family of two-lobed shapes, but rather is a related imperfect bifurcation.
The reaction of acetylcholinesterase with methanesulfonyl esters of quaternary quinolinium compounds

Abstract The methanesulfonyl esters of quaternary and diquaternary quinolinium compounds were synthesized and studied as inhibitors of purified eel acetylcholinesterase. Some derivatives produced only reversible inhibition of the enzyme; the values of their binding constants were measured. For those compounds producing irreversible (acid-transferring) inhibition, the values of the binding constants, first-order and second-order rate constants were measured. It was shown that the values of the second-order rate constants cannot be correlated with the pKa value of the leaving group (unlike the previously studied diethylphosphoryl quinolinium compounds). The values of the binding constants for the reaction of the quaternary hydroxyl analogs with the enzyme were compared with the values measured for the respective methanesulfonyl compounds. The data indicate that, depending on position, the methanesulfonyl group has little effect on or is detrimental to non-covalent binding between enzyme and inhibittor. The potency of these compounds is generally less than their respective dimethylcarbamyl and diethylphosphoryl analogues. However, several decamethylene bridged diquaternary compounds are the most potent of the methanesulfonate anticholinesterase agents.
Development of Potent Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists with High Enzyme Stability via Introduction of Multiple Lactam Bridges

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has the ability to lower the blood glucose level, and its regulatory functions make it an attractive therapeutic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, its rapid degradation by enzymes like dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) 24.11 severely compromises its effective clinical use. Whereas specific DPP-IV inhibitors have been developed, NEP 24.11 targets multiple sites in the GLP-1 sequence, which makes it difficult to block. To address this drawback, we have designed and synthesized conformationally constrained GLP-1 analogues by introducing multiple lactam bridges that stabilized both α-helices in the N- and C-terminal regions simultaneously. In addition to improving the receptor activation capability (up to 5-fold) by fixing the α-helical conformations required for optimal receptor interaction, the introduced lactam bridges provided outstanding shielding over NEP 24.11 (half-life of >96 h). These highly constrained peptides are th...
Anadromy and the marine migrations of Pacific salmon and trout: Rounsefell revisited

Anadromy is a defining trait in salmonid fishes but it is expressed to different extents among the species in the family, as reviewed in a classic paper by Rounsefell (1958). The present paper re-examines the subject, assessing the degree of anadromy within the genus Oncorhynchus, using Rounsefell’s six criteria: extent of migrations at sea, duration of stay at sea, state of maturity attained at sea, spawning habits and habitats, post-spawning mortality, and occurrence of freshwater forms of the species. The genus ranges from pink salmon (O. gorbuscha), the most fully anadromous species in the family, to entirely non-anadromous species closely related to rainbow trout (O. mykiss), including Mexican golden trout (O. chrysogaster), Gila and Apache trout (O. gilae), and sub-species of cutthroat trout (O. clarki). This paper provides updated information on anadromy and marine migration patterns, emphasizing the iteroparous species, cutthroat (O. clarki) and rainbow (O. mykiss) trout. These two species display widely ranging patterns of anadromy, including truly “landlocked” populations and residents with easy access to the sea. Anadromous rainbow trout (known as steelhead) populations also vary greatly in their distribution at sea, incidence of repeat spawning, and associated traits. We conclude, as did Rounsefell, that anadromy is not a single trait with two conditions (anadromous or non-anadromous). Rather, it reflects a suite of life history traits that are expressed as points along continua for each species and population. Further research is needed in the marine ecology of all species but especially trout, as they are less well known but apparently more variable in patterns of anadromy and life history than salmon species.
Perspective on High‐efficiency Cu(In, Ga)Se2‐based Thin‐film Solar Cells Fabricated by Simple, Scalable Processes

We have fabricated high-efficiency Cu(In, Ga)Se2(CIGS)-based photovoltaic (PV) devices by four different processes. Each process may be characterized as cither sequential or concurrent deposition of the metals with or without an activity of selenium. A world-record, total-area efficiency of 17.1% has been achieved by the concurrent delivery of the metals in the presence of selenium. Gallium has been introduced into the device in such a manner as to produce homogeneous, normal profiling and double-profiling graded bandgap structures. This has resulted in an open-circuit voltage (Voc) parameter of 680 mV and a fill factor of over 78%. A growth model has been developed allowing for simple translation of these processes to a manufacturing environment for the large-scale production of modules.
Alpha radiation effects on concentrated LiCl solutions containing HCl, and the use of methanol as an inhibitor of acid radiolysis☆

Abstract The principal effect of alpha radiation on 1 10 M LiCl-0·02 M HCl solution is the loss of approximately 0·1 mole of HCl per day for each litre of solution exposed to 10 W of radioactivity. Methanol completely inhibited the loss of acid due to radiolysis and nearly stopped the production of radiolytic gases.
λ -Prophage induction modeled as a cooperative failure mode of lytic repression

We analyze a system-level model for lytic repression of lambda phage in E. coli using reliability theory, showing that the repressor circuit comprises four redundant components whose failure mode is prophage induction. Our model reflects the specific biochemical mechanisms involved in regulation, including long-range cooperative binding, and its detailed predictions for prophage induction in E. coli under ultraviolet radiation are in good agreement with experimental data.
5'-Haloacetamido-5'-deoxythymidines: novel inhibitors of thymidylate synthase.

Abstract 5′-Bromoacetamido-5′-deoxythymidine (BAT), 5′-iodoacetamido-5′-deoxythymidine (IAT), 5′-chloroacetamido-5′-deoxythymidine (CAT) and [14C]BAT were synthesized and their interactions with thymidylate synthase purified from L1210 cells were invesatigated. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on thymidylate synthase were in the order BAT > IAT > CAT, which is in agreement with their cytotoxic effects in L1210 cells. In the presence of substrate during preincubation, the concentration required for 50% inhibition of the enzyme activity by these inhibitors was 4–8 fold higher than it was in the absence of dUMP. The I50 values for BAT were 1·10−5 M and 1.2·10−6 M in the presence and absence, respectively, of dUMP during preincubation. These results were in agreement with the observed inhibition of thynmidylate synthase by BAT in intact L1210 cells. A Lineweaver-Burk plot revealed that BAT behaved as a competitive inhibitor. The Km for the enzyme was 9.2 μM, and the Ki determined for competitive inhibition by BAT was 5.4 μM. Formation of a tight, irreversible compledx is referred from the finding that BAT-inactivation of thymidylate synthase was not reversible on prolonged dialysis and that the enzyme-BAT complex was nondissociable by gel filtration through a Sephadex G-25 column or by TSK-125 column chromatography. Incubation of thymidylate synthase with BAT resulted in time-dependent, irreversible loss of enzyme activity by first-order kinetics. The rate constant for inactivation was 0.4 min−1, and the steady-state constant of inactivation, Ki, was estimated to be 6.6 μM. The 5′-haloacetamido-5′-deoxythymidines provide specific inhibitors of thymidylate synthase that may also serve as reagents for studying the enzyme mechanism.
Network dynamics: Jamming is limited in scale-free systems

A large number of complex networks are scale-free--that is, they follow a power-law degree distribution. Here we propose that the emergence of many scale-free networks is tied to the efficiency of transport and flow processing across these structures. In particular, we show that for large networks on which flows are influenced or generated by gradients of a scalar distributed on the nodes, scale-free structures will ensure efficient processing, whereas structures that are not scale-free, such as random graphs, will become congested.
Simulating night visual conditions during the day with light attenuating filters

This paper describes a research technique used to simulate night visual conditions during the day with light-attenuating filters. Some of the considerations in choosing light-attenuating techniques such as attenuation of infrared and ultraviolet illumination, neutrality, and clarity are discussed. A dual density filter with less attenuation in the lower field was chosen for aviation applications so that the major instruments would be available. This dual density concept was found to be more successful for piloting than for navigation. A density of 5.1 was shown to simulate a bright clear night with a full moon; a density of 5.5 simulated a much darker night with no moon.
A propensity-matched analysis of wedge resection and stereotactic body radiotherapy for early stage lung cancer.

Background Patients who present with early stage non-small cell lung cancer and are poor candidates for lobar resection may be offered sublobar resection (commonly wedge) or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). However, comparing the relative effectiveness of these techniques is difficult because of differences in patient selection. We performed a propensity-matched analysis to compare the different treatment modalities. We compared the overall recurrence, overall survival, disease-free survival, and recurrence-free survival between treatment groups. Methods A prospectively collected database was reviewed for patients who underwent a wedge resection, a wedge plus brachytherapy, or SBRT for clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer from 2001 to 2012. Patients who underwent SBRT were further assessed to confirm operability. Univariate and Cox regression multivariate analysis were performed for predictors of a composite end point of recurrence and mortality. Results There were 164 patients identified, from which 99 were matched by age, sex, and histology. There were 61 women (62%) and 38 men (38%) with a median age of 73 years. Thirty-eight patients underwent a wedge resection only, 38 patients underwent a wedge with brachytherapy, and 23 patients had SBRT. Median follow-up was 35 months. Overall recurrence (local and distant) was significantly higher after SBRT (wedge, 9%; SBRT, 30%; p = 0.016). Although recurrence-free 3 -year survival was significantly better after wedge resection (88% versus 72%; p = 0.001), there was no difference between the two groups in disease-free 3-year survival (77% versus 59%; p = 0.066). Multivariate regression analysis identified male sex and SBRT as significant predictors for mortality and recurrence. Conclusions Patients with clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer treated by SBRT appear to have higher overall disease recurrence than those treated by wedge resection. However, there was no significant difference in disease-free survival. A randomized trial is needed to define the role of SBRT in the potentially operable patient.
Some fluorescent substances contained in the marine "blood worm" (Thoracophelia mucronata).

Abstract Extracts of two large samples (10–11 kg.) of the marine annelid worm Thoracophelia mucronata were examined, by means of Chromatographic fractionation in ultraviolet light, for fluorescing substances. A great variety and variability of such compounds were found to be present in the worms, collected at different times from the same habitat.
What's Outside the Black Box?: The Status of Behavioral Outcomes in Neuroscience Research

Over the last several decades there have been multiple shifts in the relative emphasis of mental processes versus behavior in psychological science, particularly in social psychology. Studies on one side of this behavior-mental process pendulum take behavioral measures (e.g. whether the participant will deliver shocks to another individual) as the primary outcome, and view mental processes as occurring in an unobservable black box; studies on the other side adopt mental processes (e.g. attitudes) as the primary outcome, and often do not assess relevant behaviors. From a broad perspective, this behavior-mental process pendulum has moved from the behavior side during the height of behaviorism in the 1960s, toward the mental process side in the 1980s and 1990s during the cognitive revolution (Miller, 2003). Despite the first years of the 21st century being heralded as the “Decade of Behavior” by the American Psychological Association, social psychology has maintained its focus on mental and neural processes with little evidence of a return to direct observation of behavior (Baumeister, Vohs, & Funder, 2007). The rise of social cognition and social cognitive neuroscience (Ochsner & Lieberman, 2001) has further emphasized a shift away from behavior and toward the empirical study of mental processes. The target article by Kievit and colleagues (this issue) represents a considerable refinement of theoretical and statistical models that can be used to link neural with mental processes. Combining insights from philosophy with methods from psychometrics has great potential to advance the theoretical sophistication of the field. While we applaud these innovations, we also believe one potential impact of their article is to push the social psychological pendulum even further in the direction of studies on mental processes. In this commentary, we explore the conceptual status of behavior in the models proposed in the target article with the goal of offering several ways to integrate behavior into these models. We also review recent studies by our group that provide the methodological tools to do so (one series on the relationship between response inhibition and smoking cessation, and another on how persuasion relates to health behavior change) and discuss theoretical and methodological considerations relevant to behavior in light of psychometric modeling.
The Silicon-Phenyl Asymmetrical Stretching Vibration:

Calculations based on the assumption that the silicon-phenyl group is a simple harmonic oscillator and a study of the infrared spectra of tetraphenylmethane, tetraphenylsilane, tetraphenylgermane, tetraphenyltin, and tetraphenyllead indicate that the asymmetrical silicon-phenyl stretching vibration should occur near 515 cm−1. A strong infrared absorption band near 515 cm−1 has been observed in the infrared spectra of twenty-two phenylsilanes of the types (C6H5)4Si, (C6H5)3SiX, (C6H5)2SiX2, (C6H5)2SiXY, and C6H5SiX2Y and has been assigned to the silicon-phenyl asymmetrical stretching vibration.
Dynamic response of a ring fabricated from a non-linear elastic material

The study is concerned with the dynamic in-plane response of circular thin rings, fabricated from a non-linear elastic material. The governing displacement equations of motion are established and solved on the basis of the Galerkin procedure and the method of multiple scales. The results of the analysis of steady state forced vibration indicate that non-linear coupling induces motion not only of the excited mode, but also very strong response of certain other modes. In the case of a slowly increasing excitation frequency, a response similar to the beat phenomenon may develop under certain conditions.
The Baptism of Death: Rereading the Life and Death of Lakshmi Kaundinya

This article re-reads the life and death of a young Brahmin woman, Lakshmi Kaundinya, as reported in a missionary journal in the middle of the nineteenth century. Using the analytical tools of postcolonial theory, it raises urgent questions about our unstable present by giving voice to this woman, who is silenced in a narrative that, though sympathetic, attempts to frame her as an arrogant Brahmin woman who did not want to give up the ways of her culture and conform to the expectations of the mission. It provides a sub-text to the more ‘successful’ story of the conversion of her husband, Anandarao Kaundinya, who is subsequently absorbed into the team of missionaries from the Basel Mission, by focusing on the challenges posed by gender and culture in narratives of nineteenth century conversions to Christianity.
An alternative method for fabricating microcontact printing stamps

In this paper, we describe the development of microcontact printing stamps from photopatternable silicone. The photopatternability of this material enables convenient and fast stamp fabrication, and allows rapid patterning of substrates for culturing biological cells. Microcontact printing stamps made of the photopatternable silicone with linewidths as small as [email protected] were fabricated and reliable cell patterning results were obtained by optimizing the stamping process. An optimal stamp surface was obtained by optimizing the photolithographic process. Our successful demonstration of patterning cells using the photopatternable silicone stamps establishes this alternative approach for fabricating microcontact printing stamps.
Analog simulator of a Josephson quantum interference device

An analog simulator of a two-junction Josephson quantum interferometer has been constructed. The simulator contains novel Josephson junction models in which the superconducting phase appears explicitly. It further contains models of superconducting inductances and a nonlinear feedback circuit to enforce the proper phase constraint around the superconducting loop.
Hydrogen production using cobalt-based molecular catalysts containing a proton relay in the second coordination sphere

The cobalt analogue of a highly active nickel electrocatalyst for hydrogen production has been synthesized and characterized as [Co(PPh2NPh2)2(CH3CN)](BF4)2. In the presence of triflic acid in acetonitrile solution, the complex loses one cyclic diphosphine ligand to form [Co(PPh2NPh2)(CH3CN)3](BF4)2, which has been synthesized independently and stucturally characterized. The latter complex serves as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen formation with a turnover frequency of 90 s−1 and an overpotential of 285 mV using bromoanilinium tetrafluoroborate as the acid. A similar cobalt complex with a related diphosphine ligand that does not contain a pendant base is not catalytically active, confirming an important role for the pendant amine in the catalytic reaction.
The effect of in utero ethanol exposure on hippocampal mossy fibers: an HRP study ☆

Adult rats, exposed to ethanol in utero exhibit aberrant mossy fiber-like Timm staining in the distal infrapyramidal region of the hippocampus at midtemporal levels. The present study utilized the anterograde transport of HRP to verify that the aberrant pattern of Timm staining represented a terminal field of the dentate granule cells. One or more HRP-labeled mossy fiber bundles were shown to cross to the infrapyramidal side of the pyramidal cell layer primarily, but not exclusively, at the same septotemporal level where the aberrant terminal field was located.
Clonal Analysis of Mouse Development Reveals a Polyclonal Origin for Yolk Sac Blood Islands

Direct clonal analysis of tissue and organ maturation in vivo is a critical step in the interpretation of in vitro cell precursor-progeny relationships. We have developed a method to analyze clonal progenitor contributions in vivo using ES cells stably expressing separate fluorescent proteins and placed into normal blastocysts to form tetrachimeras. Here we applied this method to the analysis of embryonic yolk sac blood islands. In most vertebrates, yolk sac blood islands are the initial sites of appearance of hematopoietic and endothelial cells. It has been proposed that these lineages arise from a common clonal progenitor, the hemangioblast, but this hypothesis has not been tested directly in physiological development in vivo. Our analysis shows that each island has contributions from multiple progenitors. Moreover, contribution by individual hemangioblast progenitors to both endothelial and hematopoietic lineages within an island, if it happens at all, is an infrequent event.
Alpha-synuclein and transgenic mouse models.

Identified as the cause of some familial forms of Parkinson disease (PD) and as one of the major component of Lewy bodies, alpha-synuclein (α-syn) became the molecular hallmark of several neurodegenerative conditions now designated as synucleinopathies. Transgenic models have been generated to elucidate its physiological and pathologic roles. Although none of the lines created display dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra, the models recapitulate some features of synucleinopathies and are useful to study the potential pathogenic role of alpha-synuclein and its molecular partners. This review describes the different alpha-synuclein transgenic models, their clinical relevance to synucleinopathies, and their further utilization to understand the disease process.
Novel solid nanohybrids that stabilize oil/water emulsions and catalyze reactions at the interface

A novel system has been developed to catalyze reactions at the oil/water interface of a biphasic liquid system. Stabilization of emulsions was accomplished through the use of nanohybrids composed of hydrophilic oxide particles and hydrophobic Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT), generated in the CoMoCAT process. These nanohybrids are inherently amphiphilic, and tend to adsorb at the interface of a biphasic water/oil liquid system. When enough energy is added to the system, these particles stabilize emulsions by suppressing the coalescence of the droplets and increasing the viscoelastic or pseudoplastic character of the liquid film between droplets. , Depending on contact angle of the particles at the liquid-liquid interface it was possible to stabilize water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions. The resulting emulsions are remarkably stable against coalescence and sedimentation, and can be easily separated by filtration or centrifugation, which make them suitable for applications in interfacial catalytic processes in which the catalyst can be easily recovered after reaction. Catalytic activity was imparted by transition metal clusters supported onto the nanohybrids. These metals selectively catalyze reactions at the Oil/Water interface. The proof-of-concept of the biphasic hydrogenation and condensation catalysis was obtained with three reactions of interest in biorefining. The first example was the hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde). The second example was the conversion of molecules that were exclusively soluble in the aqueous or the organic phase, like glutaraldehyde (water phase) and octanal (oil phase). In the third example we explored a tandem reaction sequence in which Pd-catalyzed hydrogenation was paired with a preceding Aldol-condensation of 5- methylfurfural and acetone. It was demonstrated that with these nanohybrids it is possible to selectively accomplish hydrodeoxygenation and condensation reactions at the water/oil interface of a biphasic system, followed by migration of the products to the oil phase. This contribution provides a proof-of-concept for a promising catalytic system with many potential applications in the liquid phase, such as bio-oil upgrading, production of specialty chemicals, and pharmaceutical applications in which selective reaction and product separations, based on water solubility can be desirable.
Benzodiazepine inhibition of the calcium-calmodulin protein kinase system in brain membrane

Benzodiazepines inhibit Ca2+-calmodulin-stimulated membrane protein phosphorylation. The effects of the benzodiazepines on protein phosphorylation are stereospecific and produced by membrane-bound benzodiazepine. The potency of benzodiazepine kinase inhibition is correlated with the ability of the benzodiazepines to inhibit electric shock-induced convulsions. These findings provide evidence that some of the anticonvulsant and neuronal stabilizing effects of benzodiazepines may be modulated by the Ca2+-calmodulin protein kinase system and indicate that this calmodulin-kinase system represents an identifiable benzodiazepine receptor in brain that is distinquishable by several criteria from the previously described high affinity benzodiazepine receptor.
A Brief History of Vitamin D and Cancer Prevention

Purpose To review the history of vitamin D and its use in cancer prevention. Methods The literature on published studies of vitamin D and its role in human health was reviewed and summarized. Results The modern history of vitamin D began in the mid-1800s, when it was noticed that city children were more likely to have rickets than rural children. Half a century later, Palm reported that children raised in sunny climates virtually never developed rickets. McCollum isolated vitamin D, and Windaus its precursors, receiving the Nobel Prize. Other scientists later observed that people with skin cancer had lower prevalence of nonskin cancers, and that lower overall mortality rates from all internal cancers combined existed in sunnier areas. These observations went largely unnoticed, and the field stagnated until 1970, when maps were created of cancer mortality rates. Through study of these maps, Cedric and Frank Garland of Johns Hopkins University reported a strong latitudinal gradient for colon cancer mortality rates in 1980, and hypothesized that higher levels of vitamin D compounds in the serum of people in the south were responsible, and that calcium intake also would reduce incidence. Edward Gorham and colleagues carried out cohort and nested studies, including the first study that found an association of a serum vitamin D compound with reduced cancer risk. William B. Grant then carried out numerous ecologic studies that extended the vitamin D-cancer theory to other cancers. Conclusions The history of the role of vitamin D in human health is rich and much of that history is yet to be written not only by scientists, but by policy makers with the vision and leadership necessary to bridge the gap between research and policy.
Fallacies in the determination of total fluorine and nonionic fluorine in the diffusates of unashed sera and ultrafiltrates.

Abstract The fluorine values obtained by the spectrophotometric determination of fluoride in the diffusates of acidified unashed body fluids are often higher than the ionic fluoride values. The former higher values, so far believed to represent total fluorine content (ionic fluoride plus nonionic fluorine) of the body fluids, are in fact a consequence of lack of specificity of the colorimetric reagents for fluoride determination under the experimental conditions used. The values so obtained reflect ionic fluoride plus interfering substances, the latter masquerading as nonionic fluorine. Fluorine in representative fluoro-organic compounds now tested and in the nonionic fluorine concentrates prepared from human sera is not readily available for diffusion. The continued use of the diffusion colorimetric procedures for the determination of total F and nonionic F in unashed body fluids would yield more misleading information; and this practice should be discontinued.
The acute-phase response varies with time and predicts serum albumin levels in hemodialysis patients

The acute-phase response varies with time and predicts serum albumin levels in hemodialysis patients. Background Cross sectional studies have established that the serum albumin level is dependent on serum levels of acute-phase proteins (APPs) or cytokine levels in hemodialysis patients. While the acute-phase response is generally associated with acute inflammatory events, a cross sectional analysis relating laboratory values to outcomes assumes these values to be unchanging. The longitudinal relationship among laboratory measurements and how they vary over time in a population of patients are unknown. Methods Patients who were enrolled in the HEMO Study were recruited into an ancillary longitudinal study to establish the predictive effect of temporal variation in the levels of APPs and of temporal variation in normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) on the serum albumin concentration. nPCR was measured monthly using a double-pool method. The positive APPs—C-reactive protein (CRP), α1 acid glycoprotein (α1-AG), and ceruloplasmin—and the negative APP—transferrin (Trf)—were measured in serum obtained before each dialysis session for six weeks and then monthly in 37 hemodialysis patients. A random coefficient regression analysis was used to assess the association of serum albumin with other measured parameters at each time point, as well as fixed patient characteristics. Results The within-subject coefficients of variation of albumin (median, range of 25th to 75th percentiles; median, 0.0614; range, 0.0485 to 0.0690) were significantly less than that of APPs (CRP, median, 0.878; range, 0.595 to 1.314, P P P = 0.0014). nPCR also was a significant predictor for albumin levels ( P = 0.0440) after controlling for the effect of APPs, suggesting an effect of nPCR on serum albumin concentration irrespective of the acute-phase response. Age and the presence of an arteriovenous graft were significant predictors that were associated with reduced albumin. Conclusions The acute-phase response is intermittent and is not a continuous feature in individual dialysis patients. Levels of APPs are the most powerful predictors for the levels of albumin concentration in hemodialysis in a longitudinal setting. Since variations in albumin are small, measurement of variations in APPs may provide greater insight into the dynamics of clinically relevant processes.
Is serum cholesterol associated with progression of diabetic retinopathy or macular edema in persons with younger-onset diabetes of long duration?

PURPOSE: To quantitate the relationships of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema 5 years later in those with younger-onset diabetes of long duration. METHODS: Casual serum specimens for lipid values and fundus photography at the time of the lipid determinations were evaluated with regard to retinal lesions in photographs taken 5 years later during the course of a population-based cohort study. RESULTS: Univariable associations were significant for associations of incident retinal lesions with total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but multivariable associations considering covariates were not significant. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that lowering cholesterol by therapeutic means may not be indicated for the sole purpose of decreasing the incidence or progression of these retinal lesions.