cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro germplasm conservation of high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol yielding elite clones of Cannabis sativa L. under slow growth conditions

Germplasm conservation of a high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol yielding variety of Cannabis sativa L. was attempted using synthetic seed technology and media supplemented with osmotic agents. Explants of nodal segments containing single axillary bud were excised from in vitro proliferated shoot cultures and encapsulated in high-density sodium alginate (230 mM) hardened by 50 mM CaCl2. The ‘encapsulated’ (synthetic seeds) and ‘non-encapsulated’ nodal segments were stored at 5, 15 and 25°C for 8, 16 and 24 weeks and monitored for the re-growth and survival frequency under the tissue culture conditions (16-h photoperiod, 25°C) on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ 0.5 μM). ‘Encapsulated’ nodal segments could be stored at low temperature 15°C up to 24 weeks with maximum re-growth ability and survival frequency of 60%. Similar to ‘encapsulated’ cultures, the highest re-growth in ‘non-encapsulated’ cultures was observed in the explants kept at 15°C without osmotic agents. Furthermore, the effect of osmotic agents mannitol and sorbitol (2 and 4% w/v, added individually and in combination to the media at culture room conditions i.e. 25°C) on non-encapsulated shoot cultures was also evaluated. A considerable decrease in re-growth and survival was observed in the cultures treated with osmotic agents. Among the cultures treated with different concentrations of osmotic agents, the highest rate of re-growth and survival was observed at the lowest concentration of 2% sorbitol and 2% mannitol individually added to the media. Well-developed plantlets regenerated from ‘encapsulated’ nodal segments were successfully acclimatized inside the growing room with 90% survival frequency. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to compare the chemical profile and the concentration of the different cannabinoids (cannabidiol, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, cannabinol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabivarin) of the plants grown from ‘encapsulated’ nodal segments to that of the donor plant. The data showed similar cannabinoid profile and insignificant differences in the cannabinoids content between the two types of plants. This study is of high significance since the encapsulation technology would allow the prolonged storage (thus reducing the cost of labor) of high-yielding C. sativa germplasm selected for the isolation of THC, a high-value bulk active pharmaceutic.
Statin Therapy Improves Sustained Virologic Response Among Diabetic Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C

Background & Aims Patients with chronic hepatitis C infection are 2- to 3-fold more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, which reduces their chances of achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR). To identify differences in predictors of SVR in patients with and without diabetes who received combination antiviral therapy, we conducted a retrospective analysis of a national Veterans Affairs administrative database. Methods We analyzed data from the Veterans Affairs Medical SAS Datasets and Decision Support System for entire cohort and separately for diabetic patients (n = 1704) and nondiabetic patients (n = 6589). Significant predictors of SVR were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results Diabetic patients had a lower SVR compared with nondiabetic patients (21% vs 27%, respectively, P P = .0129), use of statin (OR, 1.52; P = .0124), and lower baseline viral load (OR, 2.31; P P = .0278) was a negative predictor. Diabetic patients on statins had higher pretreatment viral loads (log 6.2 vs 6.4, respectively, P = .006) but better early virologic response. There was a graded inverse relationship between Hemoglobin A1c and SVR rate ( P = .0482). This relationship was significant among insulin users ( P = .0154) and non-significant among metformin users ( P = .5853). Conclusions Statin use was associated with an improved SVR among both diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients receiving combination antiviral therapy. Diabetic patients who received insulin achieved lower SVR compared with those not receiving insulin. Poor diabetes control was associated with lower SVR rates.
Structural Imaging Measures of Brain Aging

During the course of normal aging, biological changes occur in the brain that are associated with changes in cognitive ability. This review presents data from neuroimaging studies of primarily “normal” or healthy brain aging. As such, we focus on research in unimpaired or nondemented older adults, but also include findings from lifespan studies that include younger and middle aged individuals as well as from populations with prodromal or clinically symptomatic disease such as cerebrovascular or Alzheimer’s disease. This review predominantly addresses structural MRI biomarkers, such as volumetric or thickness measures from anatomical images, and measures of white matter injury and integrity respectively from FLAIR or DTI, and includes complementary data from PET and cognitive or clinical testing as appropriate. The findings reveal highly consistent age-related differences in brain structure, particularly frontal lobe and medial temporal regions that are also accompanied by age-related differences in frontal and medial temporal lobe mediated cognitive abilities. Newer findings also suggest that degeneration of specific white matter tracts such as those passing through the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum may also be related to age-related differences in cognitive performance. Interpretation of these findings, however, must be tempered by the fact that comorbid diseases such as cerebrovascular and Alzheimer’s disease also increase in prevalence with advancing age. As such, this review discusses challenges related to interpretation of current theories of cognitive aging in light of the common occurrence of these later-life diseases. Understanding the differences between “Normal” and “Healthy” brain aging and identifying potential modifiable risk factors for brain aging is critical to inform potential treatments to stall or reverse the effects of brain aging and possibly extend cognitive health for our aging society.
MODIS land surface temperatures and their relationship with hydroclimatological parameters

Daily land surface temperatures (LST) of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data were analyzed to determine how the data were correlated with climatic water budget variables. Using a climatic water budget program, four daily water budget factors were calculated at six weather stations across the state; percent soil moisture, AE/PE, water deficit, and water deficit/PE. Land surface temperature deviations standardized with air temperature were expected to have a significant correlation with the water budget factors. To do correlation analyses on a weekly basis, daily MODIS data were integrated into three different types of weekly composites, including maximum temperature, driest-day, and combination composite data sets. Results showed that the maximum composite data set had the highest, and the driest-day composite had the lowest, correlation with the climatic water budget on average. Percent soil moisture, AE/PE, and Def/PE consistently had a high correlation with the LST deviation, whereas water deficit values showed inconsistent relationships from place to place. Time-integrated, or cumulative values of the LST-meanTair showed even stronger relationships with the water budget factors, increasing the correlation coefficients by 33.4% on average. The absolute values of their correlation coefficients ranged from 0.618 to 0.823.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impotent dislocation walls

Abstract A new concept of “impotent” dislocation walls is introduced. The displacements and stresses caused by these dislocations are absolutely zero when the dislocations are described by continuous distributions of dislocations. The concept of continous distributions of dislocations has been introduced for mathematical convenience. When the distributions are described by arrays of discrete dislocation lines, these displacements and stresses may not be zero, but negligibly small. Then the walls are called “negligibly potent” dislocation walls. It is shown that the impotent or negligibly potent distributions of dislocations construct dislocation walls which are in a state of elastic strain energy minimum or in the most stable state of dislocation configurations. The present result indicates a possible application to configurations of dislocation walls formed during fatigue.
Role of inter- and intraparticle diffusion in nonuniform particle size gasless compacted-powder combustion synthesis—I: formulation

Abstract The propagation-mode, compacted-powder, gasless combustion synthesis of intermetallics is modeled through a combined three-scale, particle-level⧹specimen-level treatment. The specimen-level treatment is based on the local volume-averaged conservation equations for species and energy. The particle-level treatment considers a uniform temperature, the formation of products through a diffusion-controlled heterogeneous reaction, and allows for melting of the product assuming a distinct interface between the phases. The extent of conversion to the final product depends on the local availability of the reactants and through a statistical model and assuming that the interparticle mass transfer resistance is very large, it is determined a priori from the powder particle-size distribution. The influence of the particle-size distribution on the flame structure and the propagation speed is determined using the reaction rate of an average-size particle and also the ensemble average of the reaction rates experienced by particles of different sizes. In a follow-up article (Part II) , the results of these models are compared with each other and with experimental results.
Stratigraphy and paleontology of Lower Permian rocks north of Cananea, northern Sonora, Mexico

Abstract Lower Permian carbonate and overlying red bed clastic rocks are present in a 2 km2 stratigraphic window in the vicinity of Rancho La Cueva, Santa Cruz sheet (scale 1:50,000), northern Sonora, Mexico. This exposure lies unconformably beneath predominantly intermediate Upper Cretaceous volcanics yielding 40Ar/39Ar ages of 73.4±0.18 and 71.1±0.35 Ma. The lower part of the Permian succession consists of light- to medium-gray colored limestones of the Colina Limestone, with a minimum thickness of 235 m. Sedimentary features suggest shallow water, slightly restricted depositional environments. Although lacking observable fossils for the most part, two intervals of richly fossiliferous, silicified shell beds are present near the base and top of the Colina Limestone. The lower fauna consist mostly of gastropods and bivalves. The presence of a new microdomatid gastropod species, Glyptospira sonorensis n. sp., close to Glytospira arelela Plas, suggests a late Wolfcampian age for this horizon. The upper fauna are predominantly molluscan dominated (gastropods and bivalves), but some brachiopods (productids and the rhynchonellid genus Pontisia) are also present. Gastropod genera include Bellerophon, Warthia, Euomphalus (represented by the species, Euomphalus kaibabensis Chronic), Baylea, Worthenia, Naticopsis, Goniasma, Kinishbia, Cibecuia, and Glyptospira. The gastropods suggest a Leonardian (late Early Permian) age for this horizon, and many of the species have previously been recorded from the Supai Group and Kaibab Formation of northern and central Arizona. The Colina Limestone is conformably overlain by 11.2 m of light-gray lime mudstone and dolostone, assigned here to the Epitaph Dolomite, which in turn is succeeded by 58.8 m of red-colored sandstone and gray lime mudstone, assigned here to the Scherrer Formation. This Lower Permian succession is significant because it further strengthens the stratigraphic ties of southeastern Arizona rocks with those of northern Sonora and confirms the presence of North American cratonal stratigraphy in the northern part of the state of Sonora, Mexico.
Diathermy treatment increases heat shock protein expression in female, but not male skeletal muscle

Heat shock treatments have been used to appreciably increase heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) content and the phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27p). The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether diathermy can increase Hsp70 and Hsp27p content in skeletal muscle. Fourteen subjects (7 males and 7 females, 18-35 years) received a muscle biopsy from the v. lateralis and then underwent 20 min of diathermy followed by 20 min of hot pack heating on the contralateral leg. Twenty-four hours following treatment, a second muscle biopsy was performed on the treated leg. All samples were analyzed for Hsp70 and Hsp27p content using western immunoblotting. Images of the blots were obtained and analyzed via densitometry. A paired t-test was used to examine differences in heat shock protein content between the treated and untreated legs. Twenty-four hours following the heat treatment, female subjects significantly (P < 0.05) increased Hsp70 (+58%) and Hsp27p (+100%) content compared to the untreated leg. Male subjects had non-significant increases in Hsp70 (+35%) and Hsp27p (+32%) skeletal muscle content. These results implicate that diathermy can be an effective means to induce Hsp70 and Hsp27p in human skeletal muscle.
Breakthroughs in Photonics 2013: Photoacoustic Tomography in Biomedicine

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is one of the fastest growing biomedical imaging modalities in the last decade. Building on its high scalability and complementary imaging contrast to other mainstream modalities, PAT has gained substantial momentum in both preclinical and clinical studies. In 2013, PAT has grown markedly in both its technological capabilities and biomedical applications. In particular, breakthroughs have been made in super-resolution imaging, deep blood flow measurement, small animal resting state brain mapping, video rate functional human imaging, and human breast imaging. These breakthroughs have either successfully solved long-standing technical issues in PAT or significantly enhanced its imaging capability. This review will summarize state-of-the-art developments in PAT and highlight a few representative achievements of the year 2013.
The inhibitory effects of lipoic compounds on mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and its catalytic components

To examine the stereospecific effects of lipoic compounds on pyruvate metabolism, the effects of R-lipoic acid (R-LA), S-lipoic acid (S-LA) and 1,2-diselenolane-3-pentanoic acid (Se-LA) on the activities of the mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and its catalytic components were investigated. Both S-LA and R-LA markedly inhibited PDC activity; whereas Se-LA displayed inhibition only at higher concentrations. Examination of the effects on the individual catalytic components indicated that Se-LA inhibited the pyruvate dehydrogenase component; whereas R-LA and S-LA inhibited the dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase component. The three lipoic compounds lowered dihydrolipoamide dehydrogrenase (E3) activity in the forward reaction by about 30 to 45%. The kinetic data of E3 showed that both R-LA and Se-LA are used as substrates by E3 for the reverse reaction. Decarboxylation of [1-14C]pyruvate via PDC by cultured HepG2 cells was not affected by R-LA, but moderately decreased with S-LA and Se-LA. These findings indicate that (i) purified PDC and its catalytic components are affected by lipoic compounds based on their stereoselectivity; and (ii) the oxidation of pyruvate by intact HepG2 cells is not inhibited by R-LA. The later finding with the intact cells is in support of therapeutic role of R-LA as an antioxidant.
Exploring the Roles of Citizens in Performance Measurement

Abstract This article discusses why citizens should be involved in performance measurement of government and introduces a model of citizen-initiated performance assessment (CIPA). Based on the experiences of a few Iowa cities and a survey of Iowa local officials, it shows how citizen involvement has impacted the practice of performance measurement, increased the likelihood of integrating performance information in the decision-making and planning process by elected officials, stimulated different thinking about public service delivery, and opened up new opportunities to build a stronger partnership between the government and the citizenry. The article concludes by discussing the limitations of the Iowa experiment, and suggests directions for future research and experimentation to advance the understanding and adoption of citizen-based performance measurement.
The presence of a soluble interphotoreceptor retinol‐binding protein (IRBP) in the retinal interphotoreceptor space

A new, gentle technique has been developed for washing of the retinal interphotoreceptor space (IPS) to obtain soluble components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Using this method, we have determined that the major soluble constituent of monkey IPS is a 146,000 Mr glycoprotein, which binds [3H]retinol, sediments on sucrose gradients at 7S and has an Rf of 0.42 on native gel electrophoresis. Using size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography, the apparent molecular weight of the native protein was calculated to be 250,000 daltons. In contrast to previous studies, no 15,000-dalton cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) or 33,000-dalton cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP) was observed in the IPS wash, indicating that these proteins are probably not involved in retinol transport between retina and pigment epithelium (PE). In the supernatant fraction of retinal homogenates that contains soluble intracellular proteins as well as extracellular constituents, the 146,000 Mr protein was closely associated with a 93,000 Mr protein that could be separated on SDS-gel electrophoresis; the 93,000 Mr protein was not found in the IPS wash. The 146,000 Mr interphotoreceptor retinol-binding protein (IRBP) may function in extracellular retinol transport in the IPS.
Science education and philosophy of science: congruence or contradiction?

In this paper, we examine the goals and methods of science education from the standpoint of recent trends in the philosophy of science. Specifically, we consider the implications for science curricula and instruction of new perspectives on scientific knowledge, on the nature of evidence, and on how knowledge changes. We argue that much of science education remains mired in outmoded positivist assumptions, and suggest specific ways in which science instruction can promote a more appropriate epistemological attitude and provide a more accurate sense of the scientific enterprise.
Boundary-layer effects on the flowfield about isolated flow-through nacelles

A numerical study has been made of boundary-layer effects on the flowfield about isolated flow-through nacelles. A viscous-inviscid interacting computational model for investigating the problem was constructed by coupling a three-dimensional explicit Euler solution procedure with a compressible, "lag-entrainment," integral boundary-layer solution technique. Solutions were obtained with the interacting model for long-duct turbofan engine nacelles at a freestream Mach number of 0.8 and an angle of attack of 0 deg. The physics of the interactions between the internal and external flows and the manner in which the boundary layer alters these interactions are analyzed. The computational results are compared to experimental data.
Improved detection limits in the analysis of tyrosine-containing polypeptide hormones by using electrochemical detection

Abstract The pairing of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection (ED) represents a potent combination for maximal resolution and sensitivity. These techniques have been utilized for the separation and detection of peptide fragments following their timed incubation in human serum. Using an operating potential of + 1.06 V, HPLC-ED has been applied to such tyrosine-containing peptides as leucine enkephalin, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, and several ψ[CH 2 S] pseudopeptides. Improvements of at least 20-fold or greater over UV detection limits have been realized. Using a diode array UV spectrometer upstream of the electrochemical detector, the parent peptides or their more abundant fragments may be further characterized.
A comparative study of ideal elbow and dual-elbow robot manipulators

Abstract The positional and orientational capabilities of a robot are directly influenced by the joint configuration. The elbow configuration is the most prevalent among existing robot installations. Elbow manipulators are anthropomorphic; the first three axes form the positioning “arm” and the last three form the orienting “wrist”. This arrangement maximizes the reachable workspace of the robot for a given total link length. Recently, dual-elbow manipulators emerged as a novel geometry in which the positioning “arm” and the orienting “wrist” are interchanged in the kinematic chain. Dual-elbow robots, maximize the reachable workspace as well, yet they have not received considerable attention in the literature due to the effective marketing of elbow robots and the fascination of roboticists with anthropomorphism. The present work is the first attempt to examine systematically this alternative, nonanthropomorphic, kinematically-optimum articulated robotic geometry. In this paper, it is shown that ideal dual-elbow manipulators share all the basic properties of ideal elbow manipulators and thus should be at least equally appealing. In the companion paper [Mech. Mach. Theory28, 375–396 (1993)], it is demonstrated that practical dual-elbow robots are superior in terms of reachability and dexterity.
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 acts upstream of ADP-ribosylation factor 6 and Rac1 to regulate epithelial cell migration.

Abstract Cell sheet movement during epithelial wound closure is a complex process involving collective cell migration. We have found that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity is required for membrane protrusion and crawling of cells at the wound edge and those behind it in wounded Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cell monolayers. RNA interference-based silencing of GSK-3α and GSK-3β expression also results in slowed cell sheet migration, with the effect being more pronounced with knockdown of GSK-3β. Both GSK-3α and GSK-3β are in activated states during the most active phase of cell migration. In addition to having a positive control or permissive, rather than negative, function in MDCK cell migration, GSK-3 appears to act upstream of the small GTPases ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) and Rac1. Expression of constitutively active ARF6 restores a protrusive, migratory phenotype in cells treated with GSK-3 inhibitors. It does not, however, restore to normal levels the directional polarization of cells behind the wound edge toward the wound area, implying the existence of a separate ARF6-independent branch of the GSK-3 pathway that regulates proper wound-directed polarization of these cells. Finally, inhibition of GSK-3 also strongly reduces activation of Rac1 and cell scatter in response to hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, which triggers dispersal and migration of cells in monolayer culture as fibroblast-like individual cells, a mode of epithelial cell motility distinct from the collective migration of wound closure.
Yield functions and plastic potentials for BCC metals and possibly other materials

Yield functions and plastic potentials are expressed in terms of the invariants of the stress tensor for polycrystalline metals and other isotropic materials. The plastic volume change data of Richmond is used to evaluate the embedded materials properties for some bcc metals and one polymer. A general form for the plastic potential is found that is intended to represent and cover a wide range of materials types.
Ultramcromethod for estimation of total glutathione in dried blood spots on filter paper

Abstract An ultramicromethod for determination of total glutathione in dried blood specimens is described. Sample preparation involves elution of blood from a small disk of dried blood spotted on filter paper, without deproteinization. After enzymatic reduction of oxidized glutathione, total glutathione in the eluate is measured colorimetrically with 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) reagent. The stability of the total oxidized glutathione in the dried blood spots is assessed. The method is checked by comparison with a spectrophotometric method that uses liquid blood specimens and the results are in good agreement. The method may be useful in early detection of 5-oxoprolinuria and some forms of nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia.
The Lineage Contribution and Role of Gbx2 in Spinal Cord Development

Background Forging a relationship between progenitors with dynamically changing gene expression and their terminal fate is instructive for understanding the logic of how cell-type diversity is established. The mouse spinal cord is an ideal system to study these mechanisms in the context of developmental genetics and nervous system development. Here we focus on the Gastrulation homeobox 2 (Gbx2) transcription factor, which has not been explored in spinal cord development. Methodology/Principal Findings We determined the molecular identity of Gbx2-expressing spinal cord progenitors. We also utilized genetic inducible fate mapping to mark the Gbx2 lineage at different embryonic stages in vivo in mouse. Collectively, we uncover cell behaviors, cytoarchitectonic organization, and the terminal cell fate of the Gbx2 lineage. Notably, both ventral motor neurons and interneurons are derived from the Gbx2 lineage, but only during a short developmental period. Short-term fate mapping during mouse spinal cord development shows that Gbx2 expression is transient and is extinguished ventrally in a rostral to caudal gradient. Concomitantly, a permanent lineage restriction boundary ensures that spinal cord neurons derived from the Gbx2 lineage are confined to a dorsal compartment that is maintained in the adult and that this lineage generates inhibitory interneurons of the spinal cord. Using lineage tracing and molecular markers to follow Gbx2-mutant cells, we show that the loss of Gbx2 globally affects spinal cord patterning including the organization of interneuron progenitors. Finally, long-term lineage analysis reveals that the presence and timing of Gbx2 expression in interneuron progenitors results in the differential contribution to subtypes of terminally differentiated interneurons in the adult spinal cord. Conclusions/Significance We illustrate the complex cellular nature of Gbx2 expression and lineage contribution to the mouse spinal cord. In a broader context, this study provides a direct link between spinal cord progenitors undergoing dynamic changes in molecular identity and terminal neuronal fate.
Forest biomass estimation over regional scales using multisource data

[1] A combination of statistical models and multisource data were used to map above-ground forest biomass for National Forest lands in California. To do this, data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectoradiometer were used in combination with precipitation, temperature, and elevation data. The results show that coarse resolution remotely sensed data in combination with relevant topographic and climate data can be used to map above-ground biomass with good accuracy over large areas. For the data sets considered, empirical models based on a 2 percent sample explained 73 percent of the variance in biomass in the remaining 98 percent of the data with a root mean square error of 44.4 tons/ha. These results suggest that it should be feasible to improve estimates of above-ground carbon stocks at regional to continental scales in the near future.
Electronic maps: sources and techniques

Maps can be challenging to reference librarians, especially to those without the specialized skills needed for working with the material. Such is the same with maps found on the Internet. Finding, using, saving, or printing maps requires different strategies than those taken with other online documents. This article discusses the value of electronic maps, will help to form accurate expectations as to what one should expect to find, and cover some useful Internet sites for finding freely available general maps. Last, some strategies in working with large graphic files will assist reference librarians in putting electronic maps into the hands of their patrons.
Tannins from mimosoid legumes of Texas and Mexico

The percentage of tannins in leaves, bark, wood, and immature fruits of several species of Acacia and related mimosoid legumes from the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, along with a few from Costa Rica and Argentina, was determined by a modified hide powder procedure and by precipitation with casein. The relative percentages of hydrolyzable and condensed tannins were determined by the iodate and the vanillin-HCl methods, respectively. Gallotannins of selected samples were also determined by the rhodanine method. Although the amount of total tannins was similar for the first two methods, values for condensed tannins by the vanillin-HCl method were frequently two to four times greater than the total tannin values.
The Good and Bad of Social Change: Ambivalence Toward Activist Groups

Inherent to any substantive social change is the disruption of the status quo. To the extent that individuals are motivated to preserve the current social system (e.g., Jost & Banaji, British Journal of Social Psychology, 33, 1–27, 1994), even social change in pursuit of positive goals might evoke ambivalent reactions. Although activist groups might elicit positivity because they are assumed to have positive qualities and they seek positive goals, they might evoke negativity because their actions disrupt the current social system. These experiments examined two different forms of disruption of the status quo. In Experiment 1, a group gaining power elicited greater ambivalence than a group losing power, regardless of the valence of the group’s goal. Importantly, the conditions that evoked ambivalence did not inhibit behavioral support. Experiment 2 found that a new group elicited more ambivalence than an established group when pursuing a positive goal. Consistent with theories emphasizing maintenance of the status quo, these findings demonstrate that attitudes toward activist groups do not derive solely from self-interest.
A pilot study examining the initial effectiveness of a brief acceptance-based behavior therapy for modifying diet and physical activity among cardiac patients.

Approximately 90% of cardiac events are attributable to a small number of modifiable behavioral risk factors that, if changed, can greatly decrease morbidity and mortality. However, few at-risk individuals make recommended behavioral changes, including those who receive formal interventions designed to facilitate healthy behavior. Given evidence for the potential of specific psychological factors inherent in acceptance-based behavior therapy (ABBT; that is, intolerance of discomfort, mindfulness, and values clarity) to impact health behavior change, the authors evaluated the feasibility and initial effectiveness of an ABBT pilot program designed to increase adherence to behavioral recommendations among cardiac patients. Participants (N = 16) were enrolled in four, 90-min group sessions focused on developing mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, and strengthening commitment to health-related behavior change. Participants reported high treatment satisfaction and comprehension and made positive changes ...
Quantitative quality-assessment techniques to compare fractionation and depletion methods in SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry experiments

Motivation: Mass spectrometry (MS), such as the surface-enhanced laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight (SELDI-TOF) MS, provides a potentially promising proteomic technology for biomarker discovery. An important matter for such a technology to be used routinely is its reproducibility. It is of significant interest to develop quantitative measures to evaluate the quality and reliability of different experimental methods. Results: We compare the quality of SELDI-TOF MS data using unfractionated, fractionated plasma samples and abundant protein depletion methods in terms of the numbers of detected peaks and reliability. Several statistical quality-control and quality-assessment techniques are proposed, including the Graeco–Latin square design for the sample allocation on a Protein chip, the use of the pairwise Pearson correlation coefficient as the similarity measure between the spectra in conjunction with multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) for graphically evaluating similarity of replicates and assessing outlier samples; and the use of the reliability ratio for evaluating reproducibility. Our results show that the number of peaks detected is similar among the three sample preparation technologies, and the use of the Sigma multi-removal kit does not improve peak detection. Fractionation of plasma samples introduces more experimental variability. The peaks detected using the unfractionated plasma samples have the highest reproducibility as determined by the reliability ratio. Availability: Our algorithm for assessment of SELDI-TOF experiment quality is available at http://www.biostat.harvard.edu/~xlin Contact: harezlak@post.harvard.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Autonomic Nervous System and Emotion

In many evolutionary/functionalist theories, emotions organize the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and other physiological systems. Two kinds of patterned activity are discussed: (a)...
Limited benefit of surgical intervention of oral epithelial dysplasia in the prevention of recurrences and malignant development.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Outcome of oral dysplasia: a retrospective hospital-based study of 207 patients with a long follow-up. Arduino PG, Surace A, et al. J Oral Pathol Med 2009;38(6):540-4. Reviewer Sung-Kiang Chuang, DMD, MD, DMSc Purpose/Question The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients having oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) with or without surgical intervention, and to identify factors associated with clinical course and malignant changes. Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Retrospective case series Level of Evidence Level 3: Other evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Learning How to Play Ball: Applying Sabermetric Thinking to Benchmarking in Higher Education

This chapter provides a brief overview of baseball sabermetric thinking and demonstrates a simple application of sabermetric methods to benchmarking in a higher education context.
An Evaluation of the Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Tara Gum in Rats

In a multigeneration reproduction study, tara gum or α-cellulose was administered to male and female Charles River CD rats as a dietary admixture at levels of 5% (50,000 ppm) through 3 successive generations. All matings consisted of 10 males and 20 females per group. All litters were maintained until they were at least 21 days old (end of lactation). Fertility was generally high, and there were no consistent, statistically significant, compound-related adverse effects on any of the parameters evaluated. It is concluded that tara gum, fed at a dietary level of 5% for 3 successive generations, did not adversely affect reproductive performance. In a study designed to assess embryotoxicity and teratogenicity, tara gum was administered as a dietary admixture to mated female rats at levels of 12,500,25,000, and 50,000 ppm from days 6 to 16 postcoitum. No deaths occurred and no compound-related signs or symptoms were observed. Necropsy findings were negative. Examination of fetuses yielded no evidence of embryo...
The mode of innervation of portions of the anterior and posterior pretectal nuclei of the rabbit by axons arising from the visual cortex

In sections processed by the Cajal method, two distinct systems of fibers can be recognized within the dorsolateral portion of the anterior pretectal nucleus and the lateral portion of the posterior pretectal nucleus of the rabbit. One is a rostrocaudal system which consists of fiber bundles oriented in parallel with the superior quadrigeminal brachium; some fibers of this system mingle with the fibers of this brachium. The other is a lateromedial system which is composed of fibers directed perpendicularly to those of the rostrocaudal system. After lesions of the visual cortex, the study of the Nauta sections reveals that there are degenerating fibers present within both systems in the portions of the anterior and the posterior pretectal nuclei studied. The degenerating rostrocaudal fibers are found to send collateral branches into the lateromedial fiber system present in these portions of the pretectal nuclei. Most, if not all, of the degenerating lateromedial fibers are the continuations of these collateral branches given off by the degenerating rostrocaudal fibers, and at the same time represent the terminal portions of corticopretectal axons. These conclusions are based upon four of the present findings: (i) the presence of degenerating rostrocaudal fibers that branch in the zones of degenerating lateromedial fibers but in no other parts of the pretectal nuclei studied; (ii) the common orientation shared by these collateral branches and the degenerating lateromedial fibers at any one location, suggesting that the two elements represent portions of the same fibers; (iii) the morphology of the degenerating lateromedial fibers with their many short side branches indicating that these fibers are the terminal segments of the corticopretectal axons (some of the degenerating rostrocaudal fibers also have short side branches along their length which would appear to represent terminal side branches); (iv) our failure to demonstrate degenerating rostrocaudal fibers which pass into the lateromedial fiber system without branching. In the Golgi-Kopsch preparations from normal brains it has been possible to identify undegenerated lateromedial fibers with the same morphology as the degenerating lateromedial fibers seen in the Nauta sections.
Methadone-induced torsades de pointes: A twist of fate

A case of methadone-induced torsades de pointes is presented to demonstrate clinical features that predispose patients to this serious cardiac arrhythmia. A patient who was receiving methadone maintenance treatment for heroin addiction presented to the hospital with dizziness and near-syncope. He was taking a relatively high dose of methadone but was not taking any concomitant cytochrome P450 inhibitor or QT-prolonging drugs. He had prolonged corrected QT interval, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia on admission and was later found to have severe left ventricular dysfunction. On admission to a telemetry unit, the patient experienced chest discomfort and palpitations with corresponding torsades de pointes that was terminated with correction of hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. The corrected QT interval became shorter but remained profoundly prolonged until methadone was substituted with buprenorphine.
Internet CNN NEWSROOM: a digital video news magazine and library

The paper discusses the development of CNN NEWSROOM on the Internet, a new multimedia news magazine based on CNN NEWSROOM, an educational news program produced by Turner Broadcasting and distributed by cable television operators nationwide. The multimedia program is assembled automatically on a daily basis as a digital video news magazine distributed via the Internet. High quality 1.5 Mbit/second MPEG-I video is used in the program, giving the video clips VHS level quality. Potential advantages of Internet NEWSROOM are outlined, and innovative plans for its network deployment are discussed.
GMRES-type methods for inconsistent systems

Abstract The behavior of iterative methods of GMRES-type when applied to singular, possibly inconsistent, linear systems is discussed and conditions under which these methods converge to the least-squares solution of minimal norm are presented. Error bounds for the computed iterates are shown. This paper complements previous work by Brown and Walker [P.N. Brown, H.F. Walker, SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 18 (1997) 37–51].
Spin-on based process for simultaneous diffusion and passivation for high efficiency LBSF solar cells

Low-cost rear surface passivation has been a critical requirement for fabrication of cost effective high efficiency cells with local back surface field (LBSF) structures. This becomes even more important as we move towards next generation thin solar cells. Various dielectrics have been attempted in combination with boron and aluminum BSF to fabricate high efficiency LBSF cells. However there is no commercially viable process compatible with screen-printed contacts. This paper discusses a novel spin-on based process for simultaneous emitter diffusion and front and rear surface passivation in a single high temperature furnace step. A stack of spin-on SiO 2 / PECVD SiN x was optimized to control charge and used for rear passivation and a thin thermal oxide / PECVD SiN x was used for front surface passivation. Limited solid source spin-on phosphorous diffusion was used to obtain emitters. A screen- printed etching paste was used first to open vias in the dielectric followed by Al metal printing to make contact to the rear silicon surface. Local Al-BSF (4 cm2) structures fabricated on FZ silicon using this process resulted in peak cell efficiency of 19.0 % on wafers with a sheet resistance of ∼85 Ω/□. All these cells showed an improved J sc (≫38 mA/cm2) and V oc (≫650 mV) compared to the conventional full area Al BSF cells, indicating improved back surface passivation and reflectance. Optimization of emitter profile and contact firing are expected to result in cell efficiencies in excess of 19.5 %.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neurobiology and Current Assessment Practices.

This study reviews recent research related to the neurobiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) an provides an empirical analysis of current assessment practices. Data were collected through a survey of 117 school psychologists. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS), and Gilliam Asperger's Disorder Scale (GADS) were the most frequently used measures. Among the less popular, but more intensive instruments, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) appears to be gaining popularity within school-based evaluations. Generally, respondents approached the assessment of ASDs from a traditional psychoeducational perspective and reported the use of a very narrow range of ASD-specific instruments. Concerns are raised regarding the inconsistent inclusion of developmental questionnaires, parent/guardian interviews, and medical professionals in the ASD evaluation process. Implications for practice and the training of school psychologists are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vivienda Social Industrializada: La experiencia chilena (1960- 1995)

On the long way, each country must follow towards the industrialization of the construction sector; social housing has a major importance as it is related to the life quality of a wide sector of the population. Therefore, it is now important to learn from experience and become aware of the achievements as well as the failures, which became landmarks, in order to orientate present and future efforts. With this aim in mind, this paper is a chronological exposition, which presents initiatives and solutions put to practice and coming mainly from the public and private sector as well as from universities. Since they are quite varied, they are classified in 12 groups, each one being homogeneous in their content for a later evaluation from two different points of view: an evaluation of each case through a card containing four indicators and a contextual evaluation, which not only places it in its historical period but also enables a reading though time. When put on a value scale the ones that pop up as landmarks are easily seen. The truth condition of the hypothesis becomes clear as the paper develops and there is evidence that in Chile there is a large amount of initiatives and solutions on industrialized social housing, some of which are real landmarks, which could guide our way now and in the future.
The Fallacy of Free Trade

The purpose of this paper is to explode the myth of free trade. Productivity and real wages in the United States rose sharply between 1950 and 1972, but since then real earnings have been falling in spite of a continuous rise in productivity. It turns out that America was more or less a closed economy until 1972, as its trade/GNP ratio was close to 10%; but since then it has become an open economy. the theoretical model shows how real wages may fall in an open economy, but not in a closed economy, in spite of rising productivity.
Metamorphic zircon, trace elements and Neoarchean metamorphism in the ca. 3.75 Ga Nuvvuagittuq supracrustal belt, Québec (Canada)

Abstract The Nuvvuagittuq supracrustal belt (NSB) in northwestern Quebec ranks as one of the oldest granitoid gneiss complexes thus far discovered. Emplacement ages for intrusive trondhjemitic dikes that transect amphibolites and quartz–magnetite schists at the Porpoise Cove outcrops of the NSB cluster at 3.75 Ga. As with all other pre-3.7 Ga terranes thus far documented, the NSB has been metamorphosed and multiply deformed. In a combined approach to explore the thermal history of the NSB, conventional garnet–biotite and plagioclase–hornblende geothermometry was coupled with zircon U–Th–Pb depth profiles, REE partitioning and Ti-in-zircon thermometry to show that Neoarchean metamorphism in the belt reached upper amphibolite facies conditions (~ 640 °C). This metamorphism resulted in some cases in thick zircon overgrowths on older cores and likely corresponds to the amalgamation of terranes in the Northeast Superior Province and the initiation of widespread igneous activity in the vicinity of the NSB. An earlier (resolvable) metamorphic episode from a zircon depth-profile, recorded at 3.62 Ga, probably corresponds to the intrusion of the granitoids which envelope the NSB.
1H MRS in the rat brain under pentobarbital anesthesia: Accurate quantification of in vivo spectra in the presence of propylene glycol

Commercial solutions for pentobarbital anesthesia typically contain water, ethanol, and propylene glycol (PG). The last two are characterized by resonances that can affect the determination of metabolite concentrations from 1H spectra. The purpose of the present study was to measure the concentration of metabolites in the rat brain in vivo under pentobarbital anesthesia using 1H MRS. Resonances of PG, but not ethanol, were observed in the rat brain. Chemical shifts and J-coupling constants for PG were measured at 37°C and pH 7.1 and used for spectral simulation. Inclusion of the simulated PG spectrum in the basis set for LCModel analysis enabled accurate fitting of in vivo spectra. This work demonstrates that concentration of brain metabolites can be reliably measured using 1H spectroscopy under pentobarbital anesthesia. The chemical shifts and J-coupling values reported here can be used to simulate the spectrum of PG at any field strength, with various pulse sequences. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.