cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new method for determining the petrologic type of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites that can be applied to asteroids

Abstract In order to find an additional quantitative way to estimate the petrographic type of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOC), and one that can be used remotely in the study of asteroids, we have analyzed the near-infrared spectra of a suite of UOC observed falls. We obtained spectra from the RELAB database at Brown University and applied several methods for determining the amount of clinopyroxene (CPX) as a percentage of the total pyroxene in the meteorites. The presence of low-Ca CPX has long been known to be characteristic of little-metamorphosed ordinary chondrites. The methods we used were (1) naked-eye determination of the wavelength of the absorption features at ~1 μm and ~2 μm, (2) determination of the wavelengths of these features by fitting polynomial equations, and (3) determining the relative intensities of the CPX and OPX features after isolation by a curve fitting procedure. The measurements were then “calibrated” using data from the literature to obtain values for the amount of CPX in the total pyroxene. We find that there is an empirical relationship between the amount of CPX detected by these methods of spectrum analysis and the petrologic type. Petrologic type = + 4.402 – 0.019 × CPX % We explain this empirical relationship (1) as evidence that in pyroxene bearing rocks the spectrum of pyroxene dominates (this has been known in the 1970s), (2) that low-Ca CPX is so abundant in these meteorites (up to 40 vol%) that it is easily detected by reflectance spectroscopy, and (3) compositional effects caused by Ca and Fe in the pyroxenes partially cancel out or are small. We thus have a new method of quantitatively measuring the level of metamorphic alteration experienced by these important meteorites and of assigning them a petrologic type of 3.0 to 3.9. More importantly, unlike existing methods, this can be applied remotely so that chondritic asteroid surfaces (i.e. those of Q and S asteroids) can also be characterized in terms of their metamorphic history. As an example, (433) Eros and (25143) Itokawa were found to be types ~3.5 and ~3.4, respectively. We briefly discuss the implications of this for understanding the history of meteorites and asteroids.
Comparable in vitro Function of Human Liver-Derived and Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Implications for Cell-Based Therapy

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been investigated extensively for their immunotherapeutic and regenerative properties, which may differ by cell source. In MSCs harvested from donors matched for sex, age, and body mass index, we compared the proliferative and migration functions of liver-derived MSCs (L-MSCs) and adipose tissue-derived MSCs (A-MSCs) (n = 6 donors each). Cellular senescence was evaluated by senescence-associated beta-galactosidase enzyme activity and expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors using real-time quantitative polymerase chain and by western blot assay. The pro-angiogenic and reparative potency of MSCs was compared by co-culturing MSCs with injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The proliferation and migration properties were similar in L-MSCs and A-MSCs. Although cell cycle arrest and SASP genes were similarly expressed in both MSCs, tumor necrosis factor alpha gene and protein expression were significantly downregulated in L-MSCs. In co-cultured injured HUVEC, A-MSCs restored significantly more tubes and tube connections than L-MSCs. Therefore, despite many functional similarities between L-MSCs and A-MSCs, L-MSCs have enhanced immunomodulatory properties, while A-MSCs appear to have better pro-angiogenic and vascular reparative potency. Availability of a broad range of cellular options might enable selecting cell-based therapy appropriate for the specific underlying disease.
Reduced Energy Per Cycle, a Marker of Glutamatergic Synaptic Strength, in Individuals Diagnosed with PTSD and Depression

Trauma and chronic stress are believed to induce and exacerbate psychopathology by disrupting glutamate synaptic connectivity. In this pilot study, we utilized energy-per-cycle (EPC), a novel putative biomarker of glutamatergic synaptic strength, to investigate the role of prefrontal neurotransmission in trauma psychopathology. Healthy control (n=18) and patients with comorbid posttraumatic stress and major depressive disorders (PTSD+MDD; n=16) completed 13C-acetate magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans to estimate prefrontal EPC, which is the ratio of neuronal energetic needs per glutamate neurotransmission cycle (VTCA/VCycle). Patients with PTSD+MDD were found to have 28% reduction in prefrontal EPC (t=3.0; df=32, p=0.005). There was no effect of sex on EPC, but age was negatively associated with prefrontal EPC across groups (r=-0.46, n=34, p=0.006). Controlling for age did not affect the study results. Exploratory analyses found antidepressants to have statistically significant effects (F(2,30)=5.3, p=0.01), with the lowest EPC in the unmedicated PTSD+MDD participants (p=0.003). Patients with comorbid PTSD and MDD have reduced prefrontal glutamatergic synaptic strength, as estimated by EPC. Antidepressant treatment appears to partially normalize the prefrontal EPC deficits. These findings suggest that reduced glutamatergic synaptic strength may contribute to the pathophysiology of comorbid PTSD and MDD and might be targeted by novel treatments.
Abstract 2127: Polycomb signaling reciprocally regulates sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors cells to cisplatin and DNA hypomethylating agents

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid cancers of males between the ages of 16 to 39 and have the highest mortality in this age group. Testicular cancer is highly curable with platinum-based chemotherapeutics. However, 15-20% of patients are resistant and succumb to their disease. The mechanisms for cisplatin sensitivity/resistance in testicular cancer is unclear. Previously we showed that cisplatin refractory testicular cancer is highly sensitive to the DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi), 5-Aza-29-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-DC) and guadecitabine in vivo and in vitro. High expression of DNMT3B correlates with sensitivity to DNMTi in TGCT cells. Based on these preclinical findings we recently completed a phase 1 clinical trial which demonstrated the combination of guadecitabine and cisplatin was tolerable and effective in treating patients with platinum refractory germ cell cancer. To better understand the mechanism of chemotherapy sensitivity/resistance in testicular cancer we generated a series of cisplatin resistant cell models. Genome wide methylome array and de novo transcriptional profiling of cisplatin resistant TGCT cells revealed decreased global H3K27 methylation due to suppression of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2 ). To better understand the relationship between cisplatin and 5-AZA-DC sensitivity, 5-AZA-DC resistant testicular cancer cells were also generated. Remarkably, there was a reciprocal relationship between cisplatin and 5-AZA-DC resistance, with cisplatin resistance associated with increased sensitivity to 5-AZA-DC and 5-AZA-DC resistance associated with increased sensitivity to cisplatin. Transcriptomics profiling and other studies in 5-AZA-DC resistant cells revealed increased H3K27me3, repression of polycomb target genes and a dramatic decreased in DNMT3B expression, the exact opposite of the situation in cisplatin resistant cells. Further knockdown of DNMT3B resulted in induction of H3K27me3, decreased sensitivity to 5-AZA-DC and increased sensitivity to cisplatin. These data suggest that DNA methylation and polycomb signaling are interconnected drivers of chemotherapy and epigenetic therapy responses in TGCTs. Ongoing H3K27 me3 ChIP-Seq, global methylation analysis, and validation studies will be described to further elucidate these mechanisms with the goal of devising novel epigenetic-based therapies for testicular and potentially other cancers. Citation Format: Ratnakar Singh, Emmanuel Bikorimana, Zeeshan Fazal, Cliff Yerby, Hannah Baldwin, Aleyah Destiny Hattab, Megan Tomlin, Andrea K. Corbet, Raya Iman Boyd, Khadeeja Shahid, Doha Naguib Ahmed Mohamed Shokry, Sarah Joy Spinella, Michael J. Spinella. Polycomb signaling reciprocally regulates sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors cells to cisplatin and DNA hypomethylating agents [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2127.
Saproxylic fly diversity in a Costa Rican forest mosaic

Dead wood is a microcosm of biological diversity. Saproxylic insect diversity at the global level is immense, with estimates that up to one third of forest dwelling species rely on moribund or dead...
Factors predicting instruction of LGBTQ counseling competence

Counseling professionals’ (N = 186) were surveyed on the amount of training they completed on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) competent counseling, scores on the ...
Correlation of Radiologic with Surgical Peritoneal Cancer Index Scores in Patients with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: How Well Can We Predict Resectability?

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) arises from primary or secondary peritoneal cancer and can be treated with complete surgical removal of disease. Suitability for surgery is based on a peritoneal cancer index (PCI), with a PCI ≥ 20 representing unresectable disease. Compare preoperative imaging with surgical findings based on PCI. All cases of patients with PMP and PC undergoing cytoreductive surgery ± hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) between 2010 and 2014 were included. Two staff radiologists blinded to surgical PCI scores retrospectively reviewed imaging studies to calculate corresponding radiologic PCI scores for each patient. Correlation between radiologic PCI and surgical PCI, as obtained from operative reports, was assessed using Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients. Preoperative assessment of a PCI cutoff of 20 on imaging was compared with actual surgical PCI using sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Forty-two patients had a mean surgical PCI ± SEM score of 15.1 ± 1.3 and mean radiologic PCI of 15.5 ± 1.5. The most common tumor histologies were appendiceal (60 %) and colon (33 %) adenocarcinoma and were of low tumor grade (67 %). Correlation between individual radiologists and surgical PCI was 0.59 and 0.62, respectively (all p < 0.001). When mean radiologic PCI was used, this correlation with surgical PCI improved to 0.64 and to 0.65 when good quality studies only were considered (all p < 0.001). Radiologic PCI score had a sensitivity of 76 %, a specificity of 69 %, positive predictive value of 85 %, and a negative predictive value of 56 % when compared with the surgical PCI. In patients with a radiologic PCI score ≥ 20, 6/13 (46 %) still achieved adequate cytoreduction. Good quality cross-sectional imaging, combined with overreading and formal assessment of all components of the PCI score yields the best correlation with actual surgical findings. Although preoperative assessment of PCI ≥ 20 was reasonably accurate, using this cutoff to assess resectability is problematic as almost half of these patients were still able to undergo adequate cytoreduction. Better assessment of resectability is needed preop, either by refinement of the PCI criteria or routine staging laparoscopy.
Parens Patriae Run Amuck: The Child Welfare System's Disregard for the Constitutional Rights of Non-Offending Parents

Over the past hundred years, a consensus has emerged recognizing a parent's ability to raise his or her child as a fundamental, sacrosanct right protected by the Constitution. Federal courts have repeatedly rejected the parens patriae summary mode of decision-making that predominated juvenile courts at the turn of the twentieth century and have instead held that juvenile courts must afford basic due process to parents prior to depriving them of custodial rights to their children. This recognition has led to the strengthening of procedural protections for parents accused of child abuse or neglect in civil child protection proceedings Yet, despite these advances, juvenile courts continue to disregard the constitutional rights of non-offending parents, individuals against whom the state has made no allegations. Nearly every state permits juvenile courts to deprive non-offending parents of rights to their children based solely on findings or admissions of child maltreatment by the other parent. Such actions not only raise many constitutional questions, but also jeopardize children's safety and well-being by increasing the likelihood that they will unnecessarily enter foster care and that their parents will disengage with the process. This Article proposes a policy solution that reflects the correct balance between safeguarding the constitutional rights of the non-offending parent and preserving the flexibility of juvenile court judges to issue orders ensuring that the child's needs are met.
Class Participation in Online Learning Environments - The Role of the Psychological Contract in Determining Use of Computer Mediated Communication

Online educational offerings are becoming increasingly commonplace. At the same time, relatively little is understood about the factors contributing to students’ participation in computer-mediated communication (CMC) in such environments, which ultimately affects student satisfaction with the online learning experience. In this paper, I propose a model that examines the relationship between an individual’s psychological contract and CMC contributions. Individual differences and course structure are proposed to influence the development of the psychological contract. Felt social presence is proposed to mediate the relationship between the psychological contract and CMC contributions, while social influence moderates the relationship. Implications for research and practice arising from the theoretical model are also discussed.
Determination of the Effects of Nrf2 upon the Early Events of Jurkat T Cell Activation by Use of CRISPR-CAS9 Mediated Mutation

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor activated by cell stresses, such as reactive oxygen species and electrophilic stimuli. Upon activation Nrf2 accumulates within the nucleus, where it induces transcription of its target genes. In mice a growing number of studies indicate a role for Nrf2 in the development of immune mediated diseases, including inflammatory diseases such as allergy and autoimmunity. Recently, we have shown that the Nrf2 activator, tBHQ, modulates early events of T cell activation in human Jurkat T cells. This is evidenced by a marked inhibition of the cytokine IL-2, as well as a reduction in the expression of CD25, the high-affinity subunit of the IL-2 receptor. The suppression of IL-2 by tBHQ correlates with a concurrent suppression of the transcription factor NFκB, a transcription factor known to have multiple binding sites within the IL-2 promoter. Although we have shown that the synthetic food additive tBHQ modulates the early events of Jurkat ...
Load balancing in hypercubic distributed hash tables with heterogeneous processors

There has been a considerable amount of recent research on load balancing for distributed hash tables (DHTs), a fundamental tool in Peer-to-Peer networks. Previous work in this area makes the assumption of homogeneous processors, where each processor has the same power. Here, we study load balancing strategies for a class of DHTs, called hypercubic DHTs, with heterogenous processors. We assume that each processor has a size, representing its resource capabilities, and our objective is to balance the load density (load divided by size) over the processors in the system. Our main focus is the offline version of this load balancing problem, where all of the processor sizes are known in advance. This reduces to a natural question concerning the construction of binary trees. Our main result is an efficient algorithm for this problem. The algorithm is simple to describe, but proving that it does in fact solve our binary tree construction problem is not so simple. We also give upper and lower bounds on the competitive ratio of the online version of the problem.
On the location and function of the noncatalytic sites on the bovine heart mitochondrial F1-ATPase.

Modification of Tyr-345 at a catalytic site in a single beta subunit of the bovine heart mitochondrial F1-ATPase (MF1) by 5′-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoylinosine did not affect subsequent labeling of noncatalytic sites at Tyr-368 and His-427 in three copies of the beta subunit by 5′-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine (FSBA). These results clearly show that the beta subunit contains at least parts of the catalytic and noncatalytic nucleotide binding sites. Inactivation of MF1 by 96% with FSBA was accompanied by a decrease in the endogenous ADP content from 1.86 to 0.10 mol per mol of MF1. Decrease in the endogenous ADP content during the inactivation of the enzyme with FSBA paralleled loss in activity in a manner which suggests that the reaction of FSBA with an open noncatalytic site promoted release of ADP from another noncatalytic site until the third site reacted with FSBA. Two pKa values of about 5.9 and 7.6 were observed on the acid side of the pH optimum in the pH-rate profile for ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by MF1 in neutral acid buffers. In contrast, a single pKa of 5.9 was present in the pH-rate profile for ITP hydrolysis catalyzed by the enzyme in the same buffers. The augmented rate observed for ATP hydrolysis at pH 8.0, over that observed at pH 6.5, was lost as the enzyme was inactivated by FSBA in a manner suggesting that modulation is lost as the third noncatalytic site is modified. This suggests that ATP hydrolysis by MF1 is modulated in a pH-dependent manner by ATP binding to an open noncatalytic site. Two other modulations associated with binding of adenine nucleotides to noncatalytic sites, ADP-induced hysteretic inhibition and apparent negative cooperativity reflected by the Hill coefficient for the hydrolysis of 50-3000 microM ATP at pH 8.0, also disappeared as the third noncatalytic site reacted with FSBA.
Preliminary Assessment of the Economic Viability of a Family of Very Large Transport Configurations

Presented at the 1st World Aviation Congress and Exposition, Los Angeles, CA, October 21-24, 1996.
Managing wire scaling: a circuit perspective

We update prior wire scaling studies with data from the 2001 and 2002 ITRS roadmaps, extending out to the 13 nm node. Combining this data with more sophisticated wire models, over nine generations we see both local and global wires degrading relative to gates, by one and three orders of magnitude respectively. However, using repeaters for global wires as well as for the relatively few long local wires improves them significantly and makes local wires track gate delays. Inductive effects for delay are negligible, and inductive noise, given relatively lowcost design heuristics, is insignificant compared to capacitive noise. Wire aspect ratio sets capacitive coupling, and is limited to 2.2 in the ITRS roadmap to limit this noise. However, at this ratio designers already need to employ a number of noise countermeasures, whose effectiveness imply that noise need no longer be a principal reason to limit wire aspect ratios.
Crystal Structures of a Ligand-free and Malonate-Bound Human Caspase-1: Implications for the Mechanism of Substrate Binding

Abstract Caspase-1, a mediator of the posttranslational processing of IL-1β and IL-18, requires an aspartic acid in the P1 position of its substrates. The mechanisms of caspase-1 activation remain poorly understood despite numerous structures of the enzyme complexed with aspartate-based inhibitors. Here we report a crystal structure of ligand-free caspase-1 that displays dramatic rearrangements of loops defining the active site to generate a closed conformation that is incompatible with substrate binding. A structure of the enzyme complexed with malonate shows the protein in its open (active-site ligand-bound) conformation in which malonate reproduces the hydrogen bonding network observed in structures with covalent inhibitors. These results illustrate the essential function of the obligatory aspartate recognition element that opens the active site of caspase-1 to substrates and may be the determinant responsible for the conformational changes between ligand-free and -bound forms of the enzyme, and suggest a new approach for identifying novel aspartic acid mimetics.
An evaluation of adult electrogastrography criteria in healthy children.

The current study examined whether electrogastrogram (EGG) recordings obtained from healthy children would be considered normal by standards established for adults and whether EGG patterns differ between children/adolescents and adults. Twenty-eight healthy children (54% females; ages 8–17 years; mean = 12.4 years) were evaluated and compared to 15 healthy adults evaluated previously. EGGs were recorded for 30 min in the fasting state and for 1 hr following a standard meal. For both pediatric and adult participants, there was a significant increase in both the dominant frequency and the dominant power from the pre- to the postprandial period (P < 0.001 for each). Using adult standards, the percentage normal slow waves was ≥70% of the recording time in 96% of children in the fasting state and in 100% in the postprandial period. A postprandial power increase was seen in 89% of the children. In conclusion, our data indicate that American Motility Society (AMS) consensus adult criteria for a normal EGG are appropriate to apply to children and adolescents when utilizing methodology and meal challenge similar to those used to establish the adult norms.
Microturbulence reduction during internal transport barrier discharges in DIII-D

Increased plasma confinement, temperature and fusion reactivity in negative central shear (NCS) discharges in DIII-D are accompanied by reduced core electrostatic microturbulence. The microturbulence reduces as the local radial electric field and shear increases, consistent with a theoretical model incorporating turbulence stabilization by shear radial electric field. Reduced turbulence and the associated anomalous transport reduction leads to further increased radial electric field shear via a steeper pressure gradient and reduced momentum transport. During the H-mode phase of a core transport barrier discharge, the microturbulence is virtually quenched in the core. Increasing evidence indicates that the transport barrier initially forms in the plasma interior when shear is large.
The effect of the magnitude of the oxygen partial pressure change in electrical conductivity relaxation measurements: oxygen transport kinetics in La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ

Abstract The kinetics of oxygen transport in La 0.5 Sr 0.5 CoO 3− δ were investigated using the electrical conductivity relaxation technique in the temperature range from 600°C to 700°C and with oxygen partial pressures from 0.01 to 1.0 atm. The effects of oxygen partial pressure on the chemical diffusivity of oxygen, D chem , and surface exchange coefficient, k chem , were investigated by systematically changing the initial ( p 1 ) and the final ( p 2 ) oxygen partial pressures. Results showed that for oxygen partial pressure switches with p 1 / p 2 >20, a linear model for the exchange kinetics is no longer valid. The dependence of the exchange kinetics on the final oxygen partial pressure was determined.
International Political Economy, Global Financial Orders and the 2008 Financial Crisis

The 2008 financial crisis triggered the most severe global economic downturn since the Great Depression. The crisis has provoked soul-searching among economists, yet international political economy (IPE) scholars have been relatively sanguine. We argue that IPE has strayed too far away from studying the geopolitical and systemic causes and consequences of the global economy. IPE must explain the generation and transformation of global financial orders. Both the distribution of political power and the content of economic ideas will shape any emergent global financial order. A Kuhnian life-cycle framework of global financial orders permits a systemic approach to global finance that integrates the study of power and social logics into our understanding of markets.
Acylglycines. the gas chromatograph/mass spectrometric identification and interpretation of their spectra.

The gas chromatographic retention time (methylene units) and mass spectra of a series of acylglycine compounds as their trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives are presented. A general scheme for the interpretation of these compounds is developed from the mass spectra of known compounds and is shown to be in agreement with data derived from other sources (e.g. stable isotope and high resolution mass spectra). These data should provide information for the identification of these compounds in physiological fluid of both normal and diseased patients. In addition, the general interpretation scheme should provide the investigator with an approach to the interpretation of the spectra of unknown acylglycines.
Fractional Langevin model of memory in financial markets

The separation of the microscopic and macroscopic time scales is necessary for the validity of ordinary statistical physics and the dynamical description embodied in the Langevin equation. When the microscopic time scale diverges, the differential equations on the macroscopic level are no longer valid and must be replaced with fractional differential equations of motion; in particular, we obtain a fractional-differential stochastic equation of motion. After decades of statistical analysis of financial time series certain "stylized facts" have emerged, including the statistics of stock price fluctuations having "fat tails" and their linear correlations in time being exceedingly short lived. On the other hand, the magnitude of these fluctuations and other such measures of market volatility possess temporal correlations that decay as an inverse power law. One explanation of this long-term memory is that it is a consequence of the time-scale separation between "microscopic" and "macroscopic" economic variables. We propose a fractional Langevin equation as a dynamical model of the observed memory in financial time series.
The diffusion coefficient depends on absorption.

The diffusion approximation is widely invoked to model the propagation of light in turbid media. When absorption is not weak in comparison with scattering, there is currently a controversy as to if, and how, the diffusion coefficient depends on absorption. Here it is shown that better agreement with random walk simulation is obtained if the photon-diffusion coefficient is taken as D=c/3?s?+?a. One can reconcile this result with recent work advocating D=c/3?s? by noting that the diffusion equation must be correspondingly changed to a telegrapher’s equation.
Climate Science and Peace in the Middle East

While the Israeli–Palestinian (and Arab) peace process is mired in a complex political crisis, the region is now facing an even more daunting crisis as a result of dramatic hydrological changes. Gr...
A Co-operative research project in Computer-Aided Learning

In 1967, the National Research Council (NRC) began a preliminary study of the application of computers as aids to learning. This initial work led to the establishment of a central research facility which is used by the NRC and a number of educational research organizations in a co-operative program of research into computer-aided learning. This central facility includes a medium-scale time sharing computer which is accessible to the participating organizations by means of remote terminals. A major objective of the project is to provide a facility which will allow the active co-operation of research workers throughout Canada in the development and evaluation of Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) systems to meet Canadian requirements. The NRC efforts are concentrated in the areas of development of terminal equipment, specialized computer facilities, and system programs. Examples of such development include audio tape and disc storage units, a transparent touch-sensitive tablet for computer input, alphanumeric and graphic display devices, line-concentrator systems and supporting-system programs. The co-operating educational organizations provide the facilities for the development and testing of course material and evaluation of terminal equipment. In some cases they assist in the development of system programs. The first participating educational organization to go “on line” was the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in Toronto which was linked to the computer early in 1970. Since that time, the number of on-line participants has grown to six. The project provides a means for close communication between the educational researcher and the system designer. In this way, effective use can be made of available resources to arrive at a system specification which more closely meets the requirements of the user than might otherwise be possible.
Salivary and plasma bound and “free” testosterone in men and women

Paired samples of blood and saliva from 37 men and nine women throughout the menstrual cycle were measured for testosterone by radioimmunoassay and free testosterone by equilibrium dialysis. There was a highly significant correlation between plasma and salivary testosterone, with a correlation coefficient r = 0.71 (p = less than 0.001). In men, free testosterone constituted 78% of salivary testosterone but only 4% of plasma testosterone; mean +/- SE salivary testosterone was 193.7 +/- 6.7 pg/ml compared to plasma testosterone of 5,140 +/- 298.0 pg/ml. Salivary testosterone decreased significantly from a morning (0800 hours) level of 208 +/- 7.5 to an evening (1800 hours) level of 174 +/- 8.4 pg/ml (p = less than 0.001) (n = 23). Similarly, plasma testosterone was significantly higher in the morning (6,584 +/- 472 pg/ml) than in the evening (5,571 +/- 357 pg/ml) (p = less than 0.005) (n = 25). Free testosterone in saliva and plasma also showed significantly higher morning than evening levels. The coefficients of variability for hourly changes (0900 to 1800 hours) in salivary testosterone and free testosterone were 13.6% and 16.7% compared to 12.7% and 20.9% for plasma testosterone and free testosterone, respectively. In women, salivary testosterone during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle was 108.3 +/- 5.8 pg/ml, and it increased significantly to 130.5 +/- 6.0 pg/ml in the secretory phase (p = less than 0.02). Our findings indicate that measurements of salivary testosterone reflect plasma testosterone and may be a useful noninvasive method of assessing levels of testosterone.
Ecospirituality. A pattern that connects.

Ecospirituality is a manifestation of the spiritual connection between human beings and the environment. Ecospirituality incorporates an intuitive and embodied awareness of all life and engages a r...
On the uniqueness of plane elastodynamic solutions for running cracks

Modifications of the linear elastodynamic uniqueness theorem are presented which extend its range of applicability so as to include running crack solutions. First, it is shown that the near tip stress field for running cracks has universal spatial dependence in a coordinate system local to the crack tip. The rate at which energy is absorbed by the running crack can then be calculated in terms of the crack motion and the scalar stress intensity factors. The fact that this rate of energy absorption is positive for any running crack plays a central role in the subsequent proof of the uniqueness theorem. The results apply for arbitrary motion of a curved crack, provided that the crack tip speed is less than the Rayleigh wave speed of the material.
Evaluation of two instruments for noninvasive platelet concentrate quality assessment

: The Platelet Monitoring System (PMS) and the Non-invasive Assessment of Platelet Shape and Concentration (NAPSAC) instruments which relate light scattering characteristics of platelet concentrates (PC) to platelet concentration and shape, were evaluated to determine their accuracy in assessing platelet quality during storage from 1 to 7 days. The results were correlated with platelet concentration, % discs and pH on 121 PC stored in PL732 containers. NAPSAC output is in the form of platelet concentration and % discs. When NAPSAC and standard method values were compared, correlation coefficients (r) did not exceed 0.76 for counts and 0.62 for % discs. PMS output is in the form of lights with red indicating poor quality and green or amber indicating acceptable quality. Sensitivity of the PMS instrument did not exceed 83% and specificity did not exceed 63%. Mean platelet number, % discs and pH were comparable for units triggering red versus green or amber lights. In a separate study, 13 PL732 PC stored 5 days and transfused autologously were evaluated on the PMS. Three red light units exhibited recovery and survival times similar to those observed with PC triggering green/amber lights. These data indicate that neither instrument adequately assesses the quality of PL732 PC.
Liquid Crystals With a Chiral Core: Cyclohexene Carboxylates

Abstract A series of new liquid crystals containing a cyclohexene ring have been synthesized and characterized. The cyclohexene ring is formed by the Diels-Alder reaction between myrcene and methyl acrylate, and has a chiral center. Hydrolysis of the resulting methyl ester into the corresponding acid and esterification of the latter with 4-hydroxy-4′-n-alkoxybiphenyl yields a homologous series of liquid crystals with the structure: The compounds thus prepared are racemic mixtures. The lower members of this series (n = 1 and 2) have a large nematic range, and the higher members (n = 3–10) have multiple smectic phases in addition to the nematic phase. When (1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthyl acrylate was used instead of methyl acrylate in the Diels-Alder synthesis, optically active compounds with 40% enantiomeric excess were obtained.
ALEXITHYMIA, AFFECT RECOGNITION, AND FIVE FACTORS OF PERSONALITY IN SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

A total of 80 adults (40 normal volunteers, 40 substance abusers) participated in a study about alexithymia and five factors of personality, measured on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the NEO Five Factor Inventory, respectively, and their relationship to recognition of affect. The substance abusers scored the same as the age- and sex-matched normal volunteers on recognizing posed facial expressions, but higher on the alexithymia scale, while on Neuroticism and Extraversion they had lower scores on Agreeableness.
Surprising variations in the rate of ring opening for a series of rhodamine lactams with similar equilibrium endpoints

Abstract Rhodamine amides are known to function as an important platform for molecular probe formation. The use of rhodamine-based probes has focused on the equilibrium between the off to on opening of the lactam form to the amide form. Herein, a series of four structurally similar rhodamine lactam derivatives is studied to show that the rate of conversion from the lactam form to the amide form can vary greatly ( 12 h) and that the rate trend is different from the trend for the absorbance measured at equilibrium. Slow or varying rates of ring opening for structurally similar rhodamine derivatives could produce inaccurate results. Rates were studied with both trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and iron III. The rate of conversion changed depending on the structure of the substituent attached to the lactam nitrogen. Interestingly the rate of conversion varied even for compounds with similar absorbance at equilibrium. This work will help with the development of more effective rhodamine-based molecular probes.
Identification of index nutrients for dietary assessment

Abstract In order to identify a smaller number of nutrients than generally used to assess dietary adequacy, we examined the interrelationships among the micronutrients. We constructed a profile of adult food intake from data from the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) and converted this to a nutrient profile using a data base complete for 15 nutrients. By performing a factor analysis of nutrients in this profile we were able to identify four distinct nutrient factors. We then selected the best index nutrient from each factor. A combination of the four index nutrients — iron, vitamin B-6, calcium, and vitamin A—assured comparable intakes of the six additional nutrients — magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, and thiamin — in more than 90% of records from 3980 adult respondents in the NFCS.
Cycling, the Built Environment, and Health: Results of a Midwestern Study

Are cyclists different from those who do not cycle in terms of individual and neighborhood characteristics? This article draws on a study of over 700 adults in three groups: those who had cycled in the past week, in the past 2 years, and non-cyclists. It examines their body mass index (BMI), physical activity, sociodemographics, environmental perceptions, and geographic information system (GIS)-measured neighborhood features. Those who cycled occasionally lived in similar environments to frequent cyclists but perceived some aspects differently. Those who cycled more demonstrated characteristics generally thought to indicate good health, but they did not perceive themselves as healthier.
Modelling and simulation techniques for highly integrated, low-power wireless sensor networks

The design of state-of-the-art low-power wireless sensor nodes involves the convergence of many technologies and disciplines. Submicron complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices, micro-electro-mechanical system filters, on- and off-chip electromagnetic elements, sensors and thin-film batteries are some of the technologies that will enable pervasive systems such as wireless sensor networks. High system complexity requires the use of many simulation environment during design: algorithm simulators, mechanical finite element analysis, behavioural and transistor-level circuit simulators, electromagnetic (EM) simulators, thin-film battery simulators and network simulators. It is shown that highly integrated, self-contained systems require multiple-domain simulations to uncover complex interactions between domains. Specific examples of block- and system-level design methodologies used in low-power wireless systems are presented here. Bottlenecks in the current methodology will be identified with an eye towards improving the scope and resolution of system-level simulations.
Unified elementary function generator

Abstract Software for the CORDIC algorithm as applied to microprocessors is described. For applications sensitive to memory but insensitive to speed, CORDIC can be used as a universal subroutine to generate several elementary functions. The universality of the actual code applies to each of the elementary functions. The only difference for each function remains in the argument reduction and parameter scaling. An example for generating sine and cosine functions on a 6800 microprocessor is described.
Social identity, inequality and conflict

I extend the standard materialistic rational choice model of conflict to consider groups. In particular, I consider how the aggregate amount of conflict in society depends on which groups form and oppose each other. The study is motivated by empirical findings about the relationship between inequality, conflict and economic development. I focus on a salient comparison: ethnic groups vs. social classes. I show that, contrary to the conventional wisdom, class conflict is not necessarily worse than ethnic conflict. In fact, ethnic conflict is general worse when the distribution of income is more equal. I also investigate the impact of the fact that while ethnicity is immutable, since there is social mobility, class is not. I show that the direct impact of mobility of conflict is as conventionally believed, but that there are important indirect effects which make the net effect ambiguous.
The Delivery of Behavioral Sleep Medicine to College Students

College students are vulnerable to a variety of sleep disorders, which can result in sleep deprivation and a variety of other consequences. The delivery of behavioral sleep medicine is particularly relevant for the college student population, as the early intervention on their sleep problems might prevent lifelong consequences. This article critically reviews the efficacy of relevant behavioral sleep medicine interventions and discusses special considerations for using them with college students who have unique sleep patterns and lifestyles. Recommendations are also given regarding ways to disseminate these empirically supported treatments into this environment. Finally, recommendations regarding future research directions are discussed in the present study.
Optical, Electrochemical, and Electrocatalytic Properties of Self-Assembled Thiol-Derivatized Porphyrins on Transparent Gold Films

Visible spectroscopy and electrochemistry have been employed to study monolayer films of 5,10,15,-20-tetrakis[o-(2-mercaptoethoxy)phenyl]porphyrin in free base, H 2 (o-TMEPP), and cobalt-metalated Co-(o-TMEPP) forms chemisorbed onto transparent gold electrodes. Transmission spectra of these films are consistent with approximately monolayer ((4.8-6.5) x 10 11 mol/cm 2 ) coverages and edge-edge porphyrin-porphyrin interactions within the monolayers as revealed by red shifts and broadening in the Soret bands compared to solution species. Chemical modifications of H 2 (o-TMEPP) monolayers, namely, cobalt metalation and protonation/deprotonation, are described. The pK a of the free base porphyrin monolayer is ca. 2.5. Spectroelectrochemical experiments of Co(o-TMEPP) monolayers allow optical tracking of the redox state of the porphyrin, which was applied in electrocatalytic dioxygen reduction to show that the onset of dioxygen reduction is coincident with the Co(III) → Co(II) process in the monolayer and that the lower limit of the two-electron catalysis rate constant is 6 x 10 4 M -1 s -1 .
Strong effect of substrate symmetry and pre-patterning on self-assembly of compositional patterns

Abstract First-principles-based computer simulations are employed to elucidate the effects of substrate symmetry and externally applied “potentials” on directing self-assembly of highly ordered nanoscale patterns. We focus on alloy films as a specific example where the energetics underlying composition modulation can be accurately quantified. We demonstrate that even relatively weak external potentials, with periodicities considerably larger than the intrinsic composition modulation wavelengths, can be highly effective in stabilizing ordered compositional patterns at the nanoscale.
DISPERSANTS AS COUNTERMEASURES IN NEARSHORE OIL SPILLS FOR COASTAL HABITAT PROTECTION

ABSTRACT Oil spills in nearshore environments may eventually move into sensitive coastal habitats such as coastal marshes and impact marsh organisms. Application of dispersants to spilled oil in nearshore environments before the oil drifts into marshes was simulated, and the toxicity, impact and effectiveness of dispersants were investigated. The tolerance of the marsh plant Sagittaria lancifolia to the recently marketed dispersant JD-2000 was about 20 to 80 times higher than that of the standard test-organisms Menidia beryllina and Mysidopsis bahia, respectively. The LC50 of the dispersant JD-2000 for Sagittaria lancifolia was greater than 8000 ppm. Furthermore, the application of the dispersant JD-2000 significantly relieved the adverse effects of crude, diesel and No. 2 fuel oil on marsh vegetation. Upon contact with plant shoots on the rising tide, the un-dispersed oils detrimentally impacted the marsh plants Spartina alterniflora and Sagittaria lancifolia. Mortality rates significantly increased even...
Performance Comparison of a New Low-Attenuation Fibre with G.652 Fibre in Unrepeatered Single-Span Systems

Results are presented for single-span WDM transmission experiments with a new low-attenuation fibre (~0.17 dB/km). We compare this fibre and G.652 fibre in multiple system configurations, showing consistent reach advantages with the low-attenuation fibre.
Molecular Drivers of Base Flipping During Sequence-Specific DNA Methylation

One step at a time: Substrates containing nucleotide analogues lacking sequence-specific contacts to the C5 methyltransferase M.HhaI were used to probe the role of individual interactions in effecting conformational transitions during base flipping. A segregation of duties, that is, specific recognition and chemomechanical force for base flipping and active site assembly, within the enzyme is confirmed.
The reflexion of internal/inertial waves from bumpy surfaces

When internal and/or inertial waves reflect from a smooth surface which is not plane, there is in general some energy flux which is ‘back-reflected’ in the opposite direction to that of the incident energy flux (in addition to that ‘transmitted’ in the direction of the reflected rays), provided only that the incident wavelength is sufficiently large in comparison with the length scales of the reflecting surface. The reflected wave motion due to an incident plane wave is governed by a Fredholm integral equation whose kernel depends on the form of the reflecting surface. Some specific examples are discussed, and the special case of the ‘linearized boundary’ is considered in detail. For an incoming plane wave incident on a sinusoidally varying surface of sufficiently small amplitude, in addition to the main reflected wave two new waves are generated whose wave-numbers are the sum and difference respectively of those of the surface perturbations and the incident wave. If the incident wave-number is the smaller, the difference wave is back-reflected.
Differential Regulation of Endogenous Cadherin Expression in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells by Cell-Cell Adhesion and Activation of β-Catenin Signaling

Cadherins mediate cell-cell adhesion, but little is known about how their expression is regulated. In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, the cadherin-associated cytoplasmic proteins alpha- and beta-catenin form high molecular weight protein complexes with two glycoproteins (Stewart, D. B., and Nelson, W. J. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 29652-29662), one of which is E-cadherin and the other we show here is the type II cadherin, cadherin-6 (K-cadherin). In low density, motile MDCK cells, the steady-state level of cadherin-6 is low, but protein is synthesized. However, following cell-cell adhesion, cadherin-6 becomes stabilized and accumulates by >50-fold at cell-cell contacts while the E-cadherin level increases only 5-fold during the same period. To investigate a role of beta-catenin in regulation of cadherin expression in MDCK cells, we examined the effects of expressing signaling-active beta-catenin mutants (DeltaGSK, DeltaN90, and DeltaN131). In these cells, while levels of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin are similar to those in control cells, levels of cadherin-6 are significantly reduced due to rapid degradation of newly synthesized protein. Additionally, these cells appeared more motile and less cohesive, as expression of DeltaGSK-beta-catenin delayed the establishment of tight confluent cell monolayers compared with control cells. These results indicate that the level of cadherin-6, but not that of E-cadherin, is strictly regulated post-translationally in response to Wnt signaling, and that E-cadherin and cadherin-6 may contribute different properties to cell-cell adhesion and the epithelial phenotype.