cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
G protein–independent Ras/PI3K/F-actin circuit regulates basic cell motility

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)γ and Dictyostelium PI3K are activated via G protein–coupled receptors through binding to the Gβγ subunit and Ras. However, the mechanistic role(s) of Gβγ and Ras in PI3K activation remains elusive. Furthermore, the dynamics and function of PI3K activation in the absence of extracellular stimuli have not been fully investigated. We report that gβ null cells display PI3K and Ras activation, as well as the reciprocal localization of PI3K and PTEN, which lead to local accumulation of PI(3,4,5)P3. Simultaneous imaging analysis reveals that in the absence of extracellular stimuli, autonomous PI3K and Ras activation occur, concurrently, at the same sites where F-actin projection emerges. The loss of PI3K binding to Ras–guanosine triphosphate abolishes this PI3K activation, whereas prevention of PI3K activity suppresses autonomous Ras activation, suggesting that PI3K and Ras form a positive feedback circuit. This circuit is associated with both random cell migration and cytokinesis and may have initially evolved to control stochastic changes in the cytoskeleton.
A Single‐Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effect of Face Washing on Acne Vulgaris

Despite the common recommendation to wash the face twice daily with a mild cleanser, there is little published evidence to support the practice. Indeed, while the general public believes that cleaner skin will result in fewer blemishes, dermatologists often warn that overwashing and scrubbing can exacerbate the condition. To clarify the effect of frequency of face washing on acne vulgaris, we designed a single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial to be conducted on males with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Subjects washed their faces twice daily for 2 weeks with a standard mild cleanser before being randomized to one of three study arms, in which face washing was to be done once, twice, or four times a day for 6 weeks. At the end of the study no statistically significant differences were noted between groups. However, significant improvements in both open comedones and total noninflammatory lesions were observed in the group washing twice a day. Worsening of acne condition was observed in the study group washing once a day, with significant increases in erythema, papules, and total inflammatory lesions. We concluded that slight support exists, both in terms of efficacy and convenience, for the recommendation to wash the face twice daily with a mild cleanser. However, excessive face washing may not be as culpable as previously thought.
Optical Coherence Tomography: An Emerging Technology for Biomedical Imaging and Optical Biopsy

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging technology for performing high-resolution cross-sectional imaging. OCT is analogous to ultrasound imaging, except that it uses light instead of sound. OCT can provide cross-sectional images of tissue structure on the micron scale in situ and in real time. Using OCT in combination with catheters and endoscopes enables high-resolution intraluminal imaging of organ systems. OCT can function as a type of optical biopsy and is a powerful imaging technology for medical diagnostics because unlike conventional histopathology which requires removal of a tissue specimen and processing for microscopic examination, OCT can provide images of tissue in situ and in real time. OCT can be used where standard excisional biopsy is hazardous or impossible, to reduce sampling errors associated with excisional biopsy, and to guide interventional procedures. In this paper, we review OCT technology and describe its potential biomedical and clinical applications.
Increased attention enhances both behavioral and neuronal performance

Single cells were recorded from cortical area V4 of two rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) trained on a visual discrimination task with two levels of difficulty. Behavioral evidence indicated that the monkeys' discriminative abilities improved when the task was made more difficult. Correspondingly, neuronal responses to stimuli became larger and more selective in the difficult task. A control experiment demonstrated that changes in general arousal could not account for the effects of task difficulty on neuronal responses. It is concluded that increasing the amount of attention directed toward a stimulus can enhance the responsiveness and selectivity of the neurons that process it.
The Discernment of Triunity

The theological literature has been greatly enriched in recent decades by detailed studies of the nature of religious ‘discernment’ or ‘divination’. The works of Rudolf Otto, Mircea Eliade, and Ian Ramsey, in particular, and from various perspectives, have contributed much to our understanding of characteristic situations in which men may intuit or apprehend the immediate presence of deity. This ‘empirical-phenomenological’ approach (to characterise it as broadly as possible) represents a significant departure from the more traditional ‘proofs’ of deity based on logical argument or citations of scripture in that (a) it requires an empirical ‘grounding’ in concrete, historically conditioned situations, and (b) it necessarily leaves the question of truth value open to review and re-evaluation by its appeal to specific acts of personal intuition or discernment. Therefore, in comparison with the traditional ‘proofs’, there is a certain loss of cogency, but, on the other hand, a distinct gain in concreteness and accessibility to the religious imagination of the individual.
Sulfur flows of Ra Patera, Io

Voyager 1 imaging data have been used to investigate the color and morphology of several radial flow-like features at Ra Patera, a broad volcanic structure at approximately 8 deg latitude and 325 deg longitude on the Galilean satellite Io. It was found that downstream progressions of flow color and morphology are consistent with lava of a predominately sulfur composition cooling radiatively and erupting in the range of 470 to 520 K at effusion rates at 10 to the 10th to 10 to the 11th cubic cm/sec. This implies global resurfacing rates by volcanic flows on Io of the order of 1 cm/year. Calculated energy content and effusion rates for flows at Ra Patera, using the physical parameters of sulfur, are of the order of the largest known terrestrial basaltic eruptions and are consistent with calculations of globally available energy.
YbIn1−xAgxCu4: Crossover from first-order valence transition to heavy Fermion behavior

Abstract The results of an on-going study of YbIn 1− x Ag x Cu 4 are presented. YbInCu 4 undergoes a first-order valence transition at 40 K, while YbAgCu 4 is an isostructural heavy Fermion compound. We have succeeded in growing single crystals of these compounds, as well as intermediate alloys, using flux-growth techniques. A smooth evolution from YbInCu 4 to YbAgCu 4 is observed. Results on the influence of sample quality, as well as the effect of other dopants, on the valence transition in YbInCu 4 are also discussed.
Preparation and stereochemistry of 3‐phenacylidenephthalimidines

Yields of 3-phenacylidenephthalimidines are maximized and yields of phthalimide byproducts are minimized by use of acetic acid as the solvent in reactions of amines with 3-phenacylidenephthalides. The 3-phenacylidenephthalimidines are formed as E, Z mixtures, in which the E isomers predominate. A homonuclear NOE nmr experiment was employed to determined product stereochemistry.
Thermoelectric Cooled Mid-IR Interband Cascade Lasers

In this paper, we will report our recent progress in developing thermoelectric (TE) cooled mid-IR IC Fabry-Perot (FP) and distributed feedback (DFB) lasers which can operate in CW mode at temperatures up to 264 and 255 K, respectively
STUDIES ON RABBIT LYMPHOCYTES IN VITRO : VIII. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HETEROZYGOSITY AND HOMOZYGOSITY OF LYMPHOCYTE DONOR AND PER CENT BLAST TRANSFORMATION INDUCED BY ANTIALLOTYPE SERA

Rabbit antisera to immunoglobulin allotype Ab4 will stimulate a maximum of 77% (mean ± SEM = 39.78 ± 4.8) blast transformation of Ab4Ab4 homozygous lymphocytes in vitro and a maximum of 39% (mean ± SEM = 19.77 ± 1.6) blast transformation of heterozygous Ab4Ab5 lymphocytes. Similarly anti-Ab5 sera will induce a maximum of 82% (mean ± SEM = 50.83 ± 7.0) blast transformation of Ab5Ab5 homozygous lymphocytes in vitro and a, maximum of 42% (mean ± SEM = 16.1 ± 1.6) blast transformation of heterozygous Ab4Ab5 lymphocytes. Thus, the lymphocytes of an allotypically heterozygous rabbit appear to be selected to produce or express only one of the two genetically supplied allotypic determinants controlled by the "b" locus. A similar conclusion has been made in regard to allotypic expression by immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells. Previous data indicate that each lymphocyte carries or expresses more than one immunoglobulin group specificity (IgG, IgA, IgM) while each plasma cell carries only one. One possible interpretation of these data is that, while the production of immunoglobulin groups and allotypic specificities are under similar control in both the lymphocyte and the plasma cell, the lymphocyte produces immunoglobulin that remains in or attached to itself and the plasma cell produces immunoglobulins that are secreted rapidly.
The Development of Commodity Exchanges in the Former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and China

The virtual collapse of the centrally planned economies of the countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) and the more gradual transition from central planning to a market-oriented economy in China were both accompanied by the opening of hundreds of exchanges trading many agricultural, resource, and other physical commodities. Although many viewed them as harbingers of full-fledged market-based economies, most of the new exchanges in fact have since closed either for lack of activity or by government intervention, a history that this paper documents. New exchanges faced numerous obstacles in sustaining interest, from developing standardised contract terms to establishing effective self-regulation and state regulatory oversight. In several countries, the transparency of transactions on exchanges attracted governments interested in collecting taxes and customs duties which only drove trade away from the exchanges or turned them into little more than state agencies. In China, regulators struggled with duplicative exchanges and products, price volatility, large speculative interest, and several manipulations and have recently reduced the number of exchanges to just three and severely limited the commodities traded. There have been some successes too, including (at least prospectively) the three remaining exchanges in China, the Budapest Commodity Exchange in Hungary, and the Poznan Commodity Exchange in Poland. For all, identifying the terms to create standardised contracts has been (and continues to be) a major challenge.
Examination of Part 135 Controlled Flight into Terrain Accidents as a Basis for Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems

In 1998 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed the installation of Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning devices (EGPWS) in all turbine powered aircraft with six or more passenger seats, operating under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135, to reduce “Controlled Flight Into Terrain” (CFIT). CFIT accident experience of Part 135 operations has not been evaluated by the FAA. We analyzed all commuter and charter aircraft crashes of this type using NTSB aviation accident data from 1983 to 1998. There were 15 crashes with CFIT criteria. We asked 15 experienced pilots to examine the narratives of the crashes and to estimate the probability that EGPWS would have allowed the crew to avoid these crashes. Based on the ratings, the median probability that Part 135 crashes would be avoided using EGPWS is 58%. Human factors issues associated with EGPWS are discussed.
Mentors, tormentors, and no mentors: mentoring scientists

Purpose – A psychosocial, developmental perspective was used to examine the mentoring experiences of scientists. Little is known about the timing of when mentors first appear, the quality of these relationships, the specific mentoring support behaviors, or how scientists typically learn to mentor. The paper aims to discuss the above issues. Design/methodology/approach – The author conducted 23, semi-structured interviews with Australian scientists. Questions focussed on mentor-like support scientists received and provided. Interviews were analyzed and themes were coded using Dedoose software. Findings – Scientists who had mentors as undergraduates were more likely to report long-lasting relationships with their mentors and more positive interactions with their proteges. Scientists reported the following career mentoring behaviors: modeling how to do science, sponsorship, collaboration, and practical supervision. Important psychosocial mentoring behaviors were being approachable, building confidence and pr...
The construction of schooled discourse repertoires: An interactional sociolinguistic perspective on learning to talk in preschool

Abstract Analysis of the discourse demands across the school year within a recurrent event, “Circle Time,” is presented to show how 3- and 4-year-old students learned to be conversationally appropriate partners within a group setting, how the teacher's interactional patterns shifted as students learned to participate in socially and academically appropriate ways within this event, and how participation in the subevents of Circle Time (Milling, Transition, Singing, Talking, and Dismissal) placed differing social and communicative demands on both teacher and students. The overtime analysis of one Circle Time subevent, Talking, is presented to illustrate how 3- and 4-year-old students, in their first school experience, construct with their teachers a schooled discourse repertoire for participating in large group discussions, and how the discourse demands on the teacher shifted across time in the Talking subevent as well as across all subevents.
Neuroimaging in Patients with Abnormal Blood Glucose Levels

SUMMARY: Smooth neuronal functioning requires an uninterrupted supply of energy that is provided by glucose under normal physiologic conditions. Significant variations in plasma glucose levels, be it hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, can present with myriad clinical manifestations and may mimic stroke. At times, the diagnosis is either not apparent or not clinically suspected. Imaging can suggest the diagnosis in unsuspected cases and can help in the assessment of the extent of neuronal damage in known cases, making it vital for the neuroradiologist to be aware of both common and atypical neuroimaging findings in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Visualizing a three dimensional hydrodynamic model

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station is currently participating in an investigation of the effects of deepening the ship channel in Galveston Bay. WES researchers have constructed a three-dimensional finite element hydrodynamic model of the bay as part of the investigation. They are employing the model to simulate tidal cycles in the bay over a one-year period in order to view changes in water velocities and salinity. This case study documents a project undertaken cooperatively by the WES Hydraulics Laboratory and the Information Technology Laboratory Scientific Visualization Center to visualize the simulation results.The project comprised three overall stages, 1) analyzing model requirements and determining suitable visualization techniques, 2) visualizing a preliminary, smaller scale model to verify the techniques chosen in the first stage, and 3) visualizing the full- scale model. The first two stages are completed. The third stage is ongoing. Problems encountered and resolutions of problems at each stage are described. Validation as well as insights revealed about the model through the preliminary and final visualization are discussed. Current application of visualization techniques to the model is reported. Conclusions and benefits of the cooperative project to both the hydraulics researchers and the visualization team are presented.
The 20 year evolution of dobutamine stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Over the past 20 years, investigators world-wide have developed and utilized dobutamine magnetic resonance stress testing procedures for the purpose of identifying ischemia, viability, and cardiac prognosis. This article traces these developments and reviews the data utilized to substantiate this relatively new noninvasive imaging procedure.
Malcolm and Smart on Brain-Mind Identity

IN 'Scientific Materialism and the Identity Theory" Malcolm argues that Smart's brain-mind identity theory2 is not even false, but is unintelligible. I want to comment on his arguments. Malcolm discusses the situation in which someone suddenly remembers that he has not put out his empty milk-bottles to be collected. According to the identity theory, this sudden thought is strictly identical with some brain process of the person. Such a process is a mechanical, chemical, or electrical process in his brain substance, or an electrical discharge from his brain mass, etc., and accordingly occurs inside his skull. Now, Malcolm states that 'in our ordinary use of the terms "thought" and "thinking", we attach no meaning to the notion of determining the bodily location of a thought . . .[that] we should have no idea what to look for to settle [the question where a thought is located bodily]' (p. 118). He continues:
The effect of vitamin B12 on some aspects of glycine metabolism.

Abstract The effect of vitamin B 12 deficiency on the conversion of α-C 14 -labeled glycine to serine and choline was studied in baby pigs fed an α-protein vitamin B 12 -deficient synthetic milk ration containing 2.2% glycine, 0.8% methionine, and 0.1% aminoethanol. Glycine-α-C 14 was shown to be a precursor of serine and of both the aminoethanol and the methyl moieties of the choline molecule in the pig as in the rat. The addition of vitamin B 12 to the diet caused a fivefold increase in incorporation of the α-carbon of glycine into the methyl group of choline, while vitamin B 12 nutriture had no effect on the incorporation of the α-carbon of glycine into serine and aminoethanol.
The plant Mediator and its role in noncoding RNA production.

Mediator, a conserved multiprotein complex in animals, plants, and fungi, is a cofactor of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). It is known to promote basal Pol II-mediated transcription as well as bridge sequence-specific transcriptional regulators and Pol II to integrate regulatory information. Pol II transcribes not only protein-coding genes but also intergenic regions to generate noncoding RNAs such as small RNAs (microRNAs and small interfering RNAs) and long noncoding RNAs. Intriguingly, two plant-specific polymerases, Pol IV and Pol V, have evolved from Pol II and play a role in the production of small interfering RNAs and long noncoding RNAs at heterochromatic regions to maintain genome stability through transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). Recent studies have defined the composition of the plant Mediator and evaluated its role in noncoding RNA production in relationship to Pol II, Pol IV and Pol V. Here, we review the functions of Mediator and that of noncoding RNAs generated by Pol II, Pol IV and Pol V in plants, and discuss a role of Mediator in epigenetic regulation via noncoding RNA production.
Time-varying spectrum estimation for a general class of nonstationary processes

In a general class of nonstationary processes, the autocorrelation may have different time variation rates at different lags. The estimation of each lag in a manner consistent with its nature of nonstationarity yields a reduction in the variance of the spectrum estimate at different frequencies.
Medial prefrontal cortical activation modulates the impact of controllable and uncontrollable stressor exposure on a social exploration test of anxiety in the rat.

The presence of behavioral control over a stressor can blunt many of the effects of the stressor. We have recently reported that uncontrollable stress (inescapable electric tailshock, IS) reduces later social exploration of a juvenile whereas controllable stress (escapable shock, ES) does not. Activation of the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is crucial to blunting the effects of IS on later escape behavior (learned helplessness). The goal of the current study was to test the role of the vmPFC in modulating the effects of stressor controllability on anxiety in the social exploration test. Thus, adult male rats were implanted with cannula guides for drug microinjection into the vmPFC. In Experiment 1, temporary inactivation of the vmPFC with the GABA(A) agonist muscimol before exposure to ES prevented the protective effects of stress control, leading to reduced social exploration. In Experiment 2, excitation of the vmPFC prior to IS with the GABA-activated Cl(( - )) channel antagonist picrotoxin mimicked the stress resistance produced by control and prevented IS-induced reduction in social exploration. These results are consistent with prior work and identify the vmPFC as a critical component of the neural circuitry mediating the effects of stressor control on later behaviors. The relationship between the vmPFC, dorsal raphe nucleus, and other structures mediating stress-induced anxiety are discussed.
Problem-posing research in mathematics education: looking back, looking around, and looking ahead

In this paper, I comment on the set of papers in this special issue on mathematical problem posing. I offer some observations about the papers in relation to several key issues, and I suggest some productive directions for continued research inquiry on mathematical problem posing.
Does variation in morphology correspond with variation in habitat use in freshwater gastropods

We tested if variations (i.e., breadth) in morphology and habitat use vary predictably among six aquatic gastropod species that were collected across Indiana and Illinois, USA. We predicted that interspecific morphological variation would positively covary with variation in habitat use among species. We used geometric morphometrics (Procrustes technique and relative warp analysis) to quantify morphology and multivariate analyses (PCA) to quantify habitat. Increased morphological breadth did not vary predictably with increased habitat breadth. However, we found that life history traits correspond with patterns in morphological and habitat breadth for these six aquatic gastropods. Pulmonate gastropods (use lungs for respiration) that lack an operculum cover exhibited decreased morphological breadth compared to coenogastropods (use gills for respiration). This pattern may ultimately be a function of behavioral adaptations in freshwater gastropods. Gastropods that are capable of breathing air or using other behavioral modifications such as burrowing to escape predators may not require high morphological breadth. Conversely, selection may favor higher morphological breadth in gastropods with gills that also do not move out of the water column to escape predators.
Escalation of commitment: a comparison of differences between Mexican and U.S. decision-makers

Differences in tendencies toward escalation of commitment are examined in a comparative study of Mexican and US decision-makers. Results show that Mexican subjects were significantly more inclined toward escalation. Mexican subjects also reported significantly greater confidence in their escalatory decisions, and subjects from both countries escalated their commitment when bad news about the investment came from subordinates. Furthermore, Mexican subjects made relatively smaller additional investments when they were personally responsible for the initial investment decision.
Dance dance Pleo: developing a low-cost learning robotic dance therapy aid

In this paper, a low cost system for child interaction through turn taking and dance based on the Pleo robot platform is presented. This system is easily taught new dance movements through visual and haptic cues and provides immediate feedback of the learned motion, making it possible for individuals unfamiliar with robotics programming to alter its behavior through natural interaction.
Neurohormonal upregulation in heart failure.

There has been a major shift in the conceptual framework of the understanding of heart failure, from the simple notion of impairment of heart pump function to a more complex interplay between the inciting or predisposing events and the body’s compensatory and defense mechanisms. The ‘‘neurohormonal hypothesis’’ began as a risky idea that could be tested thoroughly only in the field (ie, in the treatment of patients who have heart failure). The neurohormonal hypothesis has evolved partly from the remarkable clinical benefits of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-adrenergic antagonists observed in patients who have heart failure [1]. Many so-called ‘‘neurohormones’’ circulate in abnormal quantities in such patients (Box 1), but not all play a key role in heart failure. Moreover, most clinical studies of neurohormonal upregulation have focused on associations between the heart failure phenotype and peripheral blood neurohormonal levels that have highly variable concentrations. One could argue that the neurohormonal hypothesis has been too descriptive or more akin to phenomenology than science. Although there is no direct proof of causality, the
An ascending fiber projection from the pontine reticular formation to the hypothalamus in the cat.

Abstract Degeneration, resulting from electrolytic lesions of the tegmental reticular nucleus of the pons, was visualized by the Nauta technique, Unilateral lesions produced bilateral degeneration from the tegmental reticular nucleus to the red nucleus to the posterolateral hypothalamus. The possible role in emotional behavior of this pathway is discussed.
Demo: an out-of-band alternative to face recognition

Smartphones are becoming the convergent platform for personal sensing, computing, and communication. Our work attempts to exploit this convergence towards the problem of automatic image tagging. We envision TagSense, a smartphone based collaborative system that senses the people/activity/context in a picture, and merges them carefully to create tags on-the-fly. The main challenge pertains to discriminating phone users that are in the picture, from those that are not. Our demonstration system consists of 8 Android phones and a laptop. Phones -- with the TagSense application running -- will be randomly distributed to participants. Once a picture is taken by a participant with the phone, tags generated by TagSense will be shown on the phone screen.
Gender stereotypes and power: Perceptions of the roles in violent marriages.

Men are generally observed to exercise more power than women within the marriage relationship. One way of expressing such power is through the roles in violent marriages, in which the man is usually the more powerful, violent person and the woman is the less powerful, abused person. This research tested the hypothesis that roles differing in power can explain why men are believed to be high in agency and women to be high in communion. Agency involves both positive traits (self-assertiveness) and negative traits (motivated to master and subjugate others); communion involves positive traits (accommodation and concern for others) as well as negative traits (excessive selflessness and vulnerability). College students rated stimulus persons on the gender stereotyped traits. In one condition, the husband was described as violent towards his wife, and in another condition, the traditional power relationship was reversed and the wife was described as violent towards her husband. On both the positive and negative traits, violent women and men were perceived as high in agency and low in communion. Abused men and women were seen as high in positive communion and low in positive agency, although the abused woman was lower in positive agency than her male counterpart. For abused women and men, the hypothesized results were found for negative agency, but not all of the expected findings were obtained for negative communion. The sex differences that were found could be explained by differences in the perceived physical aggression inflicted by violent men and women.
Imaging the Sunyaev–Zel'dovich Effect

We report on results of interferometric imaging of the Sunyaev–Zel'dovich Effect (SZE) with the OVRO and BIMA mm-arrays. Using low-noise cm-wave receivers on the arrays, we have obtained high quality images for 27 distant galaxy clusters. We review the use of the SZE as a cosmological tool. Gas mass fractions derived from the SZE data are given for 18 of the clusters, as well as the implied constraint on the matter density of the universe, ΩM. We find ΩMh100 ≤ 0.22+0.05-0.03. A best guess for the matter density obtained by assuming a reasonable value for the Hubble constant and also by attempting to account for the baryons contained in the galaxies as well as those lost during the cluster formation process gives ΩM ~ 0.25. We also give preliminary results for the Hubble constant. Lastly, the power for investigating the high redshift universe with a non-targeted high sensitivity SZE survey is discussed and an interferometric survey is proposed.
The human Ago2 MC region does not contain an eIF4E-like mRNA cap binding motif.

Argonaute (Ago) proteins interact with small regulatory RNAs to mediate gene regulatory pathways. A recent report by Kiriakidou et al. [1] describes an MC sequence region identified in Ago2 that displays similarity to the cap-binding motif in translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). In a cap-bound eIF4E structure, two important aromatic residues of the motif stack on either side of a 7-methylguanosine 5'-triphosphate (m7Gppp) base. The corresponding Ago2 aromatic residues (F450 and F505) were hypothesized to perform the same cap-binding function. However, the detected similarity between the MC sequence and the eIF4E cap-binding motif was questionable. A number of sequence-based and structure-based bioinformatics methods reveal the reported similarity between the Ago2 MC sequence region and the eIF4E cap-binding motif to be spurious. Alternatively, the MC sequence region is confidently assigned to the N-terminus of the Ago piwi module, within the mid domain of experimentally determined prokaryotic Ago structures. Confident mapping of the Ago2 MC sequence region to the piwi mid domain results in a homology-based structure model that positions the identified aromatic residues over 20 A apart, with one of the aromatic side chains (F450) contributing instead to the hydrophobic core of the domain. Correct functional prediction based on weak sequence similarity requires substantial evolutionary and structural support. The evolutionary context of the Ago mid domain suggested by multiple sequence alignment is limited to a conserved hydrophobicity profile required for the fold and a motif following the MC region that binds guide RNA. Mapping of the MC sequence to the mid domain structure reveals Ago2 aromatics that are incompatible with eIF4E-like mRNA cap-binding, yet display some limited local structure similarities that cause the chance sequence match to eIF4E. This article was reviewed by Arcady Mushegian, Chris Ponting, and Igor Jouline (nominated by Igor Zhulin).
Redshift Evolution of the Low-Column Density Lyman alpha Fores

Knowledge of the evolution of the low column density end of the Ly alpha forest (12.8 < log N_HI < 16.0 cm^-2) can provide substantial insight for models of structure formation and studies of the evolution of the ionizing background. Here we describe the evolution of the b values and column densities of forest clouds over the redshift range 2 < z < 4. While the distribution function for clouds with column densities N_HI < 3 x 10^14 cm^-2 can be well described by a single invariant power law fit with slope ~-1.5 over this range, at higher column densities a break in this distribution function is seen, with a deficiency of high column density clouds relative to the single power-law fit, and with the break point moving to lower column densities for clouds at lower redshifts. The median and cut-off (minimum) b values are seen to decrease at higher redshifts.
Pathophysiological basis for compromised health beyond generations: role of maternal high-fat diet and low-grade chronic inflammation

Early exposure to a fat-enriched diet programs the developmental profile and thus is associated with disease susceptibility in subsequent generations. Chronic low-grade inflammation, resulting from maternal high-fat diet, is activated in the fetal environment and in many organs of offspring, including placenta, adipose, liver, vascular system and brain. The prevalence of an inflammatory response is highly associated with obesity incidence, cardiovascular diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and brain damage. Substantial studies using high-fat model have consistently demonstrated the incidence of such inflammatory reactions; however, the potential contribution of active inflammation toward the physiological outcomes and developmental diseases is neither discussed in depth nor systemically integrated. Therefore, we aim to summarize the current findings in regards to how a maternal high-fat diet influences the inflammatory status, and probable pathogenic effects on the offspring. More importantly, since limited research has been conducted to reveal the epigenetic regulation of these inflammatory markers by maternal high-fat diet, we sincerely hope that our review will not only outline the pathophysiological relevance of inflammation but also identify a future direction for mechanistic investigation and clinical application.
Prediction skill of nearshore profile evolution models

[1] The hindcast prediction skill of a beach profile evolution model has been evaluated using bathymetric observations obtained at Duck, North Carolina. The model included coupling and feedback between evolving bathymetry, wave-averaged hydrodynamics, and parameterized cross-shore sediment transport. Statistically optimum predictions were obtained by tuning free model parameters using rigorous inverse methods. When compared to persistence predictions (i.e., substitution of the initial, observed profile at all prediction times), significant prediction skill was found for prediction periods longer than 3 days and shorter than 17 days. The average skill (defined as 1 minus the ratio of prediction to persistence error variances) for a typical 5-day prediction was 0.4, and the maximum skill was 0.8. In contrast to several previously published comparisons with field data, the present approach yielded significant predictive skill during conditions dominated by onshore sediment transport. To make significant predictions, it was necessary to vary model parameters values, which showed a dependence on wave conditions at the seaward boundary of the model domain. Finally, interpretation of the estimated parameter values and prediction skills suggests that (1) errors in existing hydrodynamic models contributed significantly to profile prediction error; (2) a transport model using only second-order statistics of hydrodynamics was as accurate as (and sometimes more accurate than) a typically used energetics model; (3) existing sediment transport models contained significant errors in the formulations describing downslope and bed load transport; and (4) when driving models with observed flow fields, sampling limitations contribute to profile prediction error.
Bibliographic Instructional Design: A Case Study.

Abstract This article offers guidelines for access-based, assignment specific library instruction. Each session is designed to fill a single class-period (50 minutes), but may be extended if time permits. Using the principles of instructional design, a prototype (the topic “capital punishment”) is presented. The study demonstrates how to integrate the online catalog, online databases, and Internet resources into a coherent program of bibliographic instruction. The authors conducted 43 such sessions during the fall semester, 2001 at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL. Scantron evaluations were distributed to faculty and students after each session. The article ends with analysis and conclusions drawn from the data.
Comparison of cobalt and manganese in the chemistry of water oxidation

Abstract Recently, Nocera and coworkers claim that an “artificial leaf” – able to harvest up to 4.7% of incident photonic energy to split water and produce fuels using only Earth abundant elements – has been produced with much of its design inspired by photosynthetic elements [1] . In this short review, we compare the structure and function of the cobalt-based water oxidation center of the artificial leaf with what is known about the manganese-based oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II (PSII). The geometric structure, proposed oxidation state topology, and putative mechanism of water oxidation for the respective catalytic sites are discussed.
Lipoprotein(a), a Clinically Elusive Lipoprotein Particle

The existence of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in human plasma was first reported by Berg1 in 1963 as an antigen associated with LDL. Berg and Mohr2 also found in family studies that the presence of Lp(a) was genetically determined by an autosomal mode of inheritance. Later studies provided evidence that Lp(a) is a specific class of lipoprotein particles with a lipid composition very similar to that of LDL. Lp(a) differs from LDL by the presence of a highly glycosylated protein of variable mass, termed apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], linked by a covalent bond to apolipoprotein (apo) B-100. The association between Lp(a) and coronary heart disease was first reported in the early 1970s,3 but what triggered a vast train of research on Lp(a) was the discovery in 1987 of the structural homology between apo(a) and plasminogen, a key protein of the coagulation cascade.4 Like plasminogen, apo(a) is composed of a kringle-containing domain and a serine protease domain. Apo(a) kringle domain is formed by one copy of plasminogen-like kringle 5 domain and multiple copies of the plasminogen-like kringle 4 (K4) domain. Ten basic K4 types,5 designated K4 type 1 through 10, are present in apo(a), all as a single copy, except K4 type 2, which is present in a variable number of copies ranging from 3 to >40.6 The varying number of K4 type 2 repeats is the major determinant of apo(a) size heterogeneity,7 giving origin to the large number of apo(a) isoforms detected in human plasma.8 In addition to apo(a) size heterogeneity, Lp(a) is heterogeneous in plasma levels, lysine-binding properties, and lipid, carbohydrate, and apolipoprotein composition, with apo E reported in 20% of plasma Lp(a) particles.9 …
What adolescents enrolled in genomic addiction research want to know about conflicts of interest

Background Perspectives of adolescent research participants regarding conflicts of interest (COIs) and their impact on trust in researchers have not been studied. This study evaluates views of adolescent patients in treatment for substance and conduct problems compared to controls enrolled in genomic addiction research.
Between the Excavated and Transmitted Hermeneutic Traditions: Interpretations of "The Cry of the Osprey" (Guanju) and Related Methodological Issues

(2008). Between the Excavated and Transmitted Hermeneutic Traditions: Interpretations of 'The Cry of the Osprey' (Guanju) and Related Methodological Issues. Contemporary Chinese Thought: Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 78-93.
A Hybrid Model of Mammalian Cell Cycle Regulation

The timing of DNA synthesis, mitosis and cell division is regulated by a complex network of biochemical reactions that control the activities of a family of cyclin-dependent kinases. The temporal dynamics of this reaction network is typically modeled by nonlinear differential equations describing the rates of the component reactions. This approach provides exquisite details about molecular regulatory processes but is hampered by the need to estimate realistic values for the many kinetic constants that determine the reaction rates. It is difficult to estimate these kinetic constants from available experimental data. To avoid this problem, modelers often resort to ‘qualitative’ modeling strategies, such as Boolean switching networks, but these models describe only the coarsest features of cell cycle regulation. In this paper we describe a hybrid approach that combines the best features of continuous differential equations and discrete Boolean networks. Cyclin abundances are tracked by piecewise linear differential equations for cyclin synthesis and degradation. Cyclin synthesis is regulated by transcription factors whose activities are represented by discrete variables (0 or 1) and likewise for the activities of the ubiquitin-ligating enzyme complexes that govern cyclin degradation. The discrete variables change according to a predetermined sequence, with the times between transitions determined in part by cyclin accumulation and degradation and as well by exponentially distributed random variables. The model is evaluated in terms of flow cytometry measurements of cyclin proteins in asynchronous populations of human cell lines. The few kinetic constants in the model are easily estimated from the experimental data. Using this hybrid approach, modelers can quickly create quantitatively accurate, computational models of protein regulatory networks in cells.
Regeneration of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A: detailed kinetic analysis of two independent folding pathways.

The regeneration of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) from the reduced to the native form with mixtures of oxidized and reduced dithiothreitol at 25 °C, pH 8.0, proceeds through two separate pathways in which separate nativelike three-disulfide species are populated. The populations of these two three-disulfide species during the regeneration process have been monitored directly through the use of a reduction pulse. A detailed kinetic analysis of the regeneration process using improved experimental procedures and data analysis has been carried out to obtain rate constants for disulfide interconversion among the various disulfide-bonded intermediates. This analysis indicates that these two pathways can account for essentially 100% of the native protein regenerated and that the relative amount of native protein regenerated through these two pathways is insensitive to the redox conditions used. These results indicate that the rate-determining step in both pathways involves formation of the nativelik...
Persona Non Grata? Determinants and Consequences of Social Distancing from Journalists Who Engage in Negative Coverage of Firm Leadership

We consider how social and psychological connections among CEOs explain the propensity for corporate leaders to distance themselves socially from journalists who engage in negative reporting about ...
Autism in adults with severe intellectual disability: an empirical study of symptom presentation.

Background Autism is one of the most intriguing and highly studied conditions in the field of mental health. However, most research has been carried out with young children to the exclusion of adul...
Sexual Minority Supervision

ABSTRACT Although there are an ever-growing number of sexual minority therapists, many are supervised by heterosexual supervisors who are not knowledgeable about sexual minority issues, which impact the sexual minority therapist and her/his interactions with their clients (Halpert & Pfaller, 2001; Pfohl, 2004). In light of this, the authors designed a qualitative inquiry based in a one-semester sexual minority supervision group. Participants included self-identified sexual minority human service professionals in graduate school. Themes that emerged in the group involved professional and community identities, self-disclosure, organizational culture, and the role of advocacy and fighting oppression. The benefits of such supervision and the subsequent implications of this research will be discussed.
Crystal structure of 751-1751-1751-1751-2751-2751-2

The title compound crystallizes in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group $$P\bar 1$$ (No. 2) witha=10.818(1)A,b=10.876(1)A,c=11.072(2)A, α=98.74(1)°, β=98.83(1)°, γ=96.61(1)°,V=125906(3)A3 andZ=2. Interatomic distances include Fe−P=2.243(2)A, Fe−CO=1.771(6)–1.781(5)A, Fe−C(C5H5)=2.074(6)–2.103(5)A and P−F=1.511(6)–1.571(4)A.
TEM Study of Flux Pinning Defects in YBa2Cu3O7-δProduced by 580 MeV Sn Ion Irradiation

Recent studies of high Tc superconductors irradiated with high energy heavy ions have indicated that a defect structure is produced which is extremely effective in pinning magnetic flux lines. In attempting to develop models to account for these observations, it is imperative to have a complete characterization of the defects responsible for the property enhancements. Hence, the defect microstructure produced in single crystal YBCO by 580 MeV Sn30+ irradiation, recently demonstrated to provide highly effective flux pinning at high fields and temperatures, has been investigated by conventional transmission electron microscopy. This irradiation condition is shown to produce linear, yet segmented, tracks of damaged material, approximately aligned with the incident irradiation direction, throughout the entire crystal thickness of 22fum. The cross sectional density of damage tracks is in close agreement with the ion fluence. Two specific characteristics of the track morphology have been studied, namely, their continuity and angular spread. The continuity of the tracks does not appear to follow threshold-like behavior within the electronic loss range studied here and the angular distribution of the defect track directions is only approximated by the Monte Carlo calculations of TRIM.
Effort and Performance: What Distinguishes Interacting and Non-Interacting Groups from Individuals?

We study how group membership affects behavior both when group members can and cannot interact with each other. Our goal is to isolate the contrasting forces that spring from group membership: a free-riding incentive leading to reduced effort and a sense of social responsibility that increases effort. In an environment with varying task difficulty and individual decision making as the benchmark, we show that the free-riding effect is stronger. Group members significantly reduce their effort in situations where they share the outcome but are unable to communicate. When group members share outcomes and can interact, they outperform groups without communication and individuals. We show that these groups do as well as the best constituent member would have done on her own.
Nils Gustaf Dalen (1869-1937): inventor, experimenter, engineer, and Nobel laureate

A summary of the life and work of Dalen, who was awarded the Nobel prize for physics in 1912. Part of the work considered was in the theory of control, part was related to control of steam turbines and part to that of lighthouses and lightbuoys.