cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diastereocontrolled Construction of Pactamycin’s Complex Ureido Triol Functional Array

An advanced intermediate in a projected synthesis of pactamycin has been prepared. Early installation of the C1-dimethylurea functionality allows for its participation in a diastereoselective, chelation-controlled addition of organometal nucleophiles to the C5 prochiral ketone. Four of the molecule’s six stereocenters are set with a ketone functional handle provided for subsequent manipulation.
Pre-mRNA 3'-end processing complex assembly and function

The 3'-ends of almost all eukaryotic mRNAs are formed in a two-step process, an endonucleolytic cleavage followed by polyadenylation (the addition of a poly-adenosine or poly(A) tail). These reactions take place in the pre-mRNA 3' processing complex, a macromolecular machinery that consists of more than 20 proteins. A general framework for how the pre-mRNA 3' processing complex assembles and functions has emerged from extensive studies over the past several decades using biochemical, genetic, computational, and structural approaches. In this article, we review what we have learned about this important cellular machine and discuss the remaining questions and future challenges.
Moderators of the effect of social support on depressive symptoms in cardiac patients

Social support and depression have been shown to affect the prognosis of coronary patients, and social support has been found to influence depression in community and patient samples. We investigated the characteristics of coronary patients whose depressive symptomatology was most likely to improve with social support. We predicted that social support would be most beneficial for the most severely depressed, the old, the poor, the most severely ill, and those with poor functional status. Patients (n = 590) with documented coronary artery disease were assessed for depressive symptoms, social support, and functional status while in hospital. They were reassessed for depression 1 month later during a home visit. Depression scores were lower at follow-up (p = 0.001), and improvement was more marked among those reporting more support (p <0.001). The social support effect was strongest among those with high levels of depression at baseline (p <0.001) and those with lower income (p = 0.01). Unexpectedly, social support was more strongly associated with improvement in younger patients (p = 0.01). Social support did not interact with gender, disease severity, or functional status. These findings are partially consistent with the notion that social support is most effective for those who are most vulnerable and/or have few coping resources. These findings also have implications for the design and interpretation of psychosocial interventions.
The Design of Decomposed Luby Transform Codes

Forward error correction (FEC) is an effective means of reliable communications in wireless networks. Among all error-correcting codes, the recently developed fountain codes are known for their low complexity and rateless features. In the literature, fountain codes are mostly adopted in point-to-point communications. In this paper, we will investigate decomposed fountain codes for distributed dual-hop systems. In this type of codes, two layers of random XOR encoding are performed, but only a single layer of decoding is needed. By implementing each layer of encoding at one hop, the dual-hop systems can ensure end-to-end communication reliability with significantly reduced computation cost. Since Luby Transform (LT) codes are the first class of practical fountain codes and the core of more recent fountain codes, we will focus our study on decomposed LT (DLT) codes. To construct the DLT codes, we first analyze general LT code decomposition, and then propose a unique decomposition algorithm tailored for the LT code with robust Soliton distribution (RSD). The performance of the resultant DLT code will be evaluated in terms of the decoding probability and computation cost.
Star formation in cooling flows in clusters of galaxies

Spectrophotometry (wavelength = 3400-5100 A) has been obtained for the nuclei of 13 cD galaxies in cooling flows. Spectral anomalies are found in 8 of the objects, consisting of abnormally strong forbidden O II emission or excess flux effects. Consideration is given to metallicity effects, the relationship between UV excesses and the presence of massive OB stars formed from the cooling flows, and low-level effects related to accretion.
Theoretical Molecular Line Absorption of CO in Late Spectral Type Atmospheres.

Theoretical molecular line absorption of carbon monoxide in late spectral type stellar atmospheres
Macroporous high-performance anion-exchange supports for proteins.

Abstract Silicas of 1000 and 4000 A pore diameter coated with heavy layers of polyethylenimines and crosslinked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether show enhanced anion-exchange capacity and resolution for proteins as well as small molecules. The influence of the polyamine (1) molecular size, (2) concentration in the coating solution, and (3) density on the surface of the silica particles on ion-exchange capacity, resolution, retention, and mass transfer kinetics of proteins and small molecules has been investigated.
ApoE allelic variability influences pupil response to cholinergic challenge and cognitive impairment.

Exaggerated pupil response to dilute tropicamide has been suggested as an early biological marker for Alzheimer’s disease. The current study links apolipoprotein E (ApoE) allelic variability to the magnitude of pupil response in a sample of community-dwelling elderly without a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Possession of an ɛ4 allele influences both the likelihood of exhibiting an exaggerated pupil response above a predetermined cut-off (13% above baseline diameter) and the absolute overall magnitude of the response. Allelic variability was also shown to correlate with cognitive impairments in memory and attention. The data in this study further elucidate the nature of the biological bond between an exaggerated pupil response and the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. ApoE allelic variability is probably linked to pupil response through its influence on tau hyperphosphorylation. The early Alzheimer’s pathology seen in the Edinger–Westphal area of cranial nerve III, a major centre for pupil control, is primarily tau-based with significant cell loss in this nucleus leading to central denervation hypersensitivity even in elderly who are clinically silent but who have early pathology.
DHA reduces the atrophy-associated Fn14 protein in differentiated myotubes during coculture with macrophages

Macrophages are an important component of muscle where they are involved in complex processes such as repair, regeneration and hypertrophy. We recently reported that macrophage numbers increase in the muscle of obese patients, suggesting that muscle-resident macrophages could be involved in the development of muscle insulin resistance that is associated with obesity. Coculture of activated macrophages with human muscle cells impairs insulin signaling and induces atrophy signaling pathways in the human muscle cells; this is exacerbated by the addition of palmitic acid. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties, would have the opposite effect of palmitic acid on muscle–macrophage cocultures. Surprisingly, DHA did not stimulate insulin signaling in human muscle myotubes that were cocultured with fibroblasts or macrophages. However, DHA inhibited Fn14, the TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis receptor that increases the expression of the muscle-specific ubiquitin ligase MuRF-1 (muscle ring-finger protein-1). DHA treatment also increased the apparent molecular mass of MuRF-1 on sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels, suggesting that DHA causes MuRF-1 to be posttranslationally modified. In conclusion, these results suggest that DHA may have a beneficial effect on muscle mass in humans by inhibiting the induction of Fn14 by infiltrating macrophages.
If: Some uses

It is shown 1. that subjects are sensitive to appropriateness conditions governing the use of IF sentences, 2. that different sorts of IF sentences elicit quite different distributions of paraphrases, and 3. that subjects often accept the obverse of a conditional as following from it and IF NOT propositions as following from their mates phrased in UNLESS (and conversely), and that these effects too are conditioned by conceptual properties of the propositions related in the conditional. Insofar as the paraphrase of a sentence or the inferences drawn from it may be revealing of the way in which it is understood and used, such results suggest that IF sentences may be rather differently employed as a function of conceptual properties of the elementary propositions related in the conditional. Such findings read a clear lesson: it is not reasonable to suppose that the conditional has some unique cognitive representation, and the meaning and generalizability of any results obtained by relating arbitrarily chosen propositions of a particular conceptual kind in a conditional must be called into question.
An Impedance Method to Calculate Currents Induced in Biological Bodies Exposed to Quasi-Static Electromagnetic Fields

We have developed a method of modeling biological bodies with an impedance network which is useful in finding induced currents and heating patterns resulting from exposure to VLF, LF, and MF electromagnetic radiation. The method is extremely fast as compared with the method of moments, and this allows the solution of problems involving 104-105 cells inside the body. The approach does not require individual cells in the body to be regularly shaped, and thus allows accurate modeling of very thin layers, such as the skin, as well as very irregular geometries. Solutions are presented for a parallelepiped model of approximate man dimensions and for a two-dimensional (2-D) cross section of the human torso.
Disease and latency characteristics of clinical herpes simplex virus isolates after acyclovir therapy

Abstract Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 from a bone marrow transplant recipient and HSV type 2 from a patient with genital herpes infection were examined for sensitivity to acyclovir after both patients received therapy with the drug. A 38- and 83-fold shift in sensitivity was detected in association with a marked decrease in viral thymidine kinase activity in isolates from both patients. The resistant HSV-1 isolate was approximately 900 times less neurovirulent for Balb/C mice but had similar cutaneous virulence in hairless mice compared with the patient's sensitive strain. In contrast, there was no difference in pathogenicity between the sensitive and resistant HSV-2 isolates. Latency was detected in the trigeminal ganglia of mice after snout inoculation with both the sensitive and resistant HSV-1 isolates. The ganglion isolate from the resistant HSV-inoculated mouse was found to be sensitive to acyclovir, implying a selection for or reversion to the sensitive phenotype. No trigeminal ganglion latency was detected after inoculation with either HSV-2 isolate. Resistance to acyclovir can arise during therapy as a result of diminished viral thymidine kinase activity but does not appear to be associated with increased virulence.
Selective blockage of the 3′→5′ exonuclease activity of WRN protein by certain oxidative modifications and bulky lesions in DNA

Individuals with mutations in the WRN gene suffer from Werner syndrome, a disease with early onset of many characteristics of normal aging. The WRN protein (WRNp) functions in DNA metabolism, as the purified polypeptide has both 3'-->5' helicase and 3'-->5' exonuclease activities. In this study, we have further characterized WRNp exonuclease activity by examining its ability to degrade double-stranded DNA substrates containing abnormal and damaged nucleo-tides. In addition, we directly compared the 3'-->5' WRNp exonuclease activity with that of exo-nuclease III and the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I. Our results indicate that the presence of certain abnormal bases (such as uracil and hypoxanthine) does not inhibit the exonuclease activity of WRNp, exo-nuclease III or Klenow, whereas other DNA modifications, including apurinic sites, 8-oxoguanine, 8-oxoadenine and cholesterol adducts, inhibit or block WRNp. The ability of damaged nucleo-tides to inhibit exonucleolytic digestion differs significantly between WRNp, exonuclease III and Klenow, indicating that each exonuclease has a distinct mechanism of action. In addition, normal and modified DNA substrates are degraded similarly by full-length WRNp and an N-terminal fragment of WRNp, indicating that the specificity for this activity lies mostly within this region. The biochemical and physiological significance of these results is discussed.
Ito Cells, Stellate Cells, and Myofibroblasts: New Actors in Antigen Presentation

Winau et al. (2007) provide convincing evidence that liver stellate cells can be antigen-presenting cells. This paper raises the following question: what are the roles and importance of diverse antigen-presenting cells in different organs?
Effects of Feeding Protected Tallow on Composition of Milk and Milk Fat

Abstract Official methods were used to analyze composite samples of milk collected during the first 15 wk of lactation from 21 Holstein cows fed a milled ration containing 0 (basal), 15% (medium), or 30% (high) protected-tallow supplement (seven cows per treatment). Protein fractions and amino acid composition of the total proteins were determined from samples of individual milking. Melting characteristics of pooled samples were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Milk yield was similar for the three treatments, but percent fat and fat yield were higher for cows fed protected tallow. Percentages and yields of protein and solids-not-fat were decreased on the protected tallow treatments, especially for high tallow. The decrease in protein was in the casein fraction. Amino acid composition of the total proteins was similar for the three treatments. Feeding protected tallow caused decreases in all fatty acids except 4:0, 16:1, 18:0, and 18:1 which increased. Nuclear magnetic resonance indicated that butter from the basal group would be harder than that from cows fed protected tallow.
Relative survivability of human osteoblasts is enhanced by 39 °C and ascorbic acid after exposure to photopolymerization ingredients.

Photopolymerizable hydrogels offer great potential in cartilage tissue engineering due to their ability to conform to irregular defect shapes and be applied in a potentially minimally invasive manner. An important process requirement in the use of photopolymerizable hydrogels is the ability of the suspended cells to withstand low intensity ultraviolet light (UV) exposure (4–5 mW/cm2) and photoinitiator concentrations. For cartilage integration with underlying subchondral bone tissue, robust localized osteoblast activity is necessary. Yet, while it is known that osteoblasts do not respond well to UV light, limited work has been conducted to improve their survivability. In this study, we evaluated the cellular cytotoxicity of five different human cell sources at different UV exposure times, with and without a commercially used photoinitiator. We were able to confirm that human osteoblasts were the least tolerant to varying UV exposure times in comparison to bone marrow stem cell, periodontal ligament cell, smooth muscle and endothelial cell lineages. Moreover osteoblasts cultured at 39 °C did not deteriorate in terms of alkaline phosphatase expression or calcium deposition within the extracellular matrix (ECM), but did reduce cell proliferation. We believe however that the lower proliferation diminished osteoblast sensitivity to UV and the photoinitiator. In fact, the relative survivability of osteoblasts was found to be augmented by the combination of a biochemical factor and an elevated incubation temperature; specifically, the use of 50 mg/l of the anti-oxidant, ascorbic acid significantly (P < 0.05) increased the survivability of osteoblasts when cultured at 39 °C. We conclude that ascorbic acid at an incubation temperature of 39 °C can be included in in vitro protocols used to assess cartilage integration with bone ECM. Such inclusion will enhance conditions of the engineered tissue model system in recapitulating in vivo osteoblast activity.
Coxsackievirus myocarditis: interplay between virus and host in the pathogenesis of heart disease.

Coxsackievirus (CVB) infection is a significant cause of myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Heart disease may be caused by direct cytopathic effects of the virus, a pathologic immune res...
Binaphthylcyclopentadiene: a C2-symmetric annulated cyclopentadienyl ligand with axial chirality

Abstract The asymmetric preparation and metallation of binaphthylcyclopentadiene 1 is described. The key step in this four step synthesis is an asymmetric nickel-catalyzed coupling reaction.
Plan space: representation of treatment plans in multidimensional space.

Abstract Purpose : Treatment planning balances the need to provide adequate radiation coverage of the target with the need to reduce against the risk of overdosing normal tissues. An acceptable plan fulfills minimum dose-volume criteria for irradiation of tumor and normal tissues. However, multiple plans can satisfy these minimum criteria, and some plans provide for better protection of normal tissue than others. Here, we present a method to help the planner compare plans and decide whether a particular plan is the “best” plan on the basis of a set of certain dose-volume conditions. Methods and Materials : Treatment plans are represented as points in multidimensional space. One dimension is assigned to the target and one to normal tissues of each anatomic structure under consideration. Minimum target dose is used as the target axis coordinate and the percentage volume of each normal structure receiving more than a specified dose as each normal-tissue coordinate. Images of plan space are developed for model phantom anatomy as well as for two clinical cases in the thorax and abdomen. Results : When a sufficient number of plans have been plotted, a feasibility boundary becomes evident. This hypersurface in plan space represents the limit of the given treatment technique. By using a plan on this boundary, the benefits of a given treatment modality are maximized, providing assurance that the selected plan is the “best” plan. The beam angles and relative weights of a plan can be changed to alter its position in plan space, allowing improvements in an existing plan. Frequently, plans with normal-tissue dose distributions superior to the minimum acceptable criteria can be selected. The benefits of using plan-space images have been demonstrated at sites in the thorax and abdomen. Conclusion : Instead of defining dose-volume criteria at the outset, it is possible to select the best achievable plans by first evaluating the space of possible plans for a particular patient’s unique anatomy and then choosing the plan with the optimum dose-volume characteristics. No attempt is made to arrive at a single plan score so that explicit judgments about the relative worth of individual structures are avoided. Visualization of plan-space images allows physicians to make choices based on their assessment of the relative significance of irradiation of each normal structure.
Effective quark operator models of U A ( 1 ) symmetry breaking

We undertake a systematic investigation of ${\mathrm{U}}_{A}(1)$ symmetry-breaking, $C$-, $P$-, $T$-, and ${\mathrm{SU}}_{L}{(N}_{f})\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}}_{R}{(N}_{f})$-invariant effective fermion operators and their consequences for pseudoscalar and scalar mesons. We construct four types of such operators that exist for any number of flavors ${N}_{f}g~2$, two of which can be identified with 't Hooft's interaction and the quark self-interaction leading to the Veneziano-Witten meson-interaction term. We isolate the ${\mathrm{U}}_{A}(1)$ symmetry-breaking effect from the quark mass- and electromagnetic interaction-induced chiral symmetry-breaking effects and quantify it as the deviation from zero of ${f}_{0}^{2}{m}_{\mathrm{U}(1)}^{2}{=f}_{{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}}^{2}{m}_{{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}}^{2}{+f}_{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{2}{m}_{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{f}_{K}^{2}{(m}_{{K}^{+}}^{2}{+m}_{{K}^{0}}^{2}{)+f}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}{(m}_{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}}^{2}\ensuremath{-}{m}_{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}}^{2})$, where ${m}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}{,f}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ are the pseudoscalar $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ meson mass and weak decay constant, respectively. Then we use Dashen's general formula to evaluate the masses and the mixing angle of isoscalar pseudoscalar mesons in the presence of the current quark masses and each one of these four types of ${\mathrm{U}}_{A}(1)$ symmetry-breaking interactions. We find that both the 't Hooft and the Veneziano-Witten interaction push the sum of the ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and $\ensuremath{\eta}$ masses squared upward and the mixing angle to negative values, in accord with empirical evidence. The other two types of ${\mathrm{U}}_{A}(1)$ symmetry-breaking operators do not influence the pseudoscalar meson spectrum to leading order in ${N}_{C},$ so long as no new higher-order quark condensates are assumed. In an attempt to determine which linear combination of the 't Hooft and the Veneziano-Witten operators is responsible for the observed ${\mathrm{U}}_{A}(1)$ symmetry breaking, we calculate the scalar meson masses in the three-flavor Nambu--Jona-Lasino model in the presence of either of these two interactions. Presently available data do not allow a definitive answer to that question, though they can be interpreted as favoring the 't Hooft interaction.
Historical Perspective on the Regulation of Antimicrobial Residues in Food

When we think about international regulation of veterinary drug residues in foods, three entities come to mind. These are the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) and the Veterinary International Cooperation on Harmonization (VICH). Because this workshop is more scientific than regulatory in nature, the history and activities of the scientific advisory bodies that serve these entities will be described. These are the Joint FAO:WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products and the Safety Working Group. These scientific working groups provide support to the CAC, EMEA and VICH, respectively, on matters related to the safety of veterinary drug residues in food and the appropriate tests needed to determine safety.
Introduction in Dyads

(1979). Introduction in Dyads. Journal of Geography in Higher Education: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 89-91.
The use of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography to evaluate residual patent ductus arteriosus during video-assisted thoracoscopy in adults.

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has emerged as an innovative and popular procedure for interruption of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), while intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has proven to be an effective monitor in the evaluation of residual patency. Previous reports on the adequacy of surgical interruption of PDA under VATS and TEE are available for pediatric patients, but only limited information is available for adults with PDA.
The Future of College Student Mental Health Care: A SWOT Analysis

Recent debates about the benefits of having a college degree, the feasibility of offering college entirely online, the adequacy of adjunct salaries, and new initiatives for retention suggest an inc...
Comparison of Hyporheic Organisms in Two Intermittent Streams to Assess a Local Disturbance

ABSTRACT Hyporheic pot samplers were used to assess the effects of a uranium contaminated site and its cleanup on the aquatic biota of an intermittent stream. The potentially affected stream was compared with an unaffected stream in an adjacent watershed. All of the sampling locations were dry when samplers were deployed; all but one were dry at retrieval. The communities at the two streams showed a high degree of similarity (0.84 with the Morisita-Horn index). Collembola and Hydracarina were the predominant organisms. The hyporheic zone was not being used as a refugium.
Habitual resistance exercise and endothelial ischemia–reperfusion injury in young adults

Resistance exercise involves muscular contractions that can render downstream tissues ischemic and may precondition the vasculature against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, but it is unknown if habitual resistance exercise protects against IR injury in humans. We determined the magnitude and recovery from endothelial IR injury induced by forearm occlusion in 22 healthy young sedentary and resistance-trained adults. After IR injury, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) significantly decreased by 36% in sedentary, but not resistance-trained subjects and fully recovered within 45 min. Though HDL-cholesterol, handgrip strength and systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with FMD 15 min after IR injury, the change in FMD from before to 15 min after IR injury was not associated with any subject characteristics. These results are consistent with the notion that habitual resistance exercise may protect against endothelial IR injury in young adults, presumably through effects analogous to ischemic preconditioning.
STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF POLYESTER MORTAR USING PET AND FLY ASH WASTES

The effect of sand and fly ash on the strength properties of polyester mortar (PM) using unsaturated polyester resins based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic waste have been evaluated in this study. Useful equations were also developed to predict the strength and modulus of PM using various amounts of sand and fly ash fillers individually as well as a combination of both. This evaluation is important not only from the standpoint that waste materials are being used, but also because no information is available in this area with PM using virgin materials. The test results show that the use of fly ash and PET wastes is very beneficial for the production of good-quality and relatively low-cost PM. In addition, the utilization of these wastes in PM would help save energy and alleviate an environmental problem. The PM could be utilized in a variety of construction applications such as the overlay of pavements, dams, and industrial floors, or as an adhesive to bond materials of similar or dissimilar compositions.
Hepatic Steatosis and Steatohepatitis: Are they Really Two Distinct Entities?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects nearly 30 % of Americans. A histopathological spectrum exists from simple steatosis to NASH which may progress to cirrhosis and HCC. NASH is currently the third most common indication for liver transplant with increasing incidence. Steatosis can be considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome as insulin resistance is a major risk factor for its development. While liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, non-invasive methods are currently being developed to appropriately determine who needs histologic evaluation. Management focuses on mitigation of risk factors, since targeted therapies to halt progression of fibrosis have not been validated. Simple steatosis does not affect overall survival, but NASH conveys increased mortality. Because of this, non-invasive strategies to diagnose patients and management algorithms are needed. This review supports the definitions of simple steatosis and NASH as two distinct entities based on pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis.
Analysis of protein tyrosine phosphatase interactions with microarrayed phosphopeptide substrates using imaging mass spectrometry.

Microarrays of peptide and recombinant protein libraries are routinely used for high-throughput studies of protein–protein interactions and enzymatic activities. Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is currently applied as a method to localize analytes on thin tissue sections and other surfaces. Here, we have applied IMS as a label-free means to analyze protein–peptide interactions in a microarray-based phosphatase assay. This IMS strategy visualizes the entire microarray in one composite image by collecting a predefined raster of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry spectra over the surface of the chip. Examining the bacterial tyrosine phosphatase YopH, we used IMS as a label-free means to visualize enzyme binding and activity with a microarrayed phosphopeptide library printed on chips coated with either gold or indium–tin oxide. Furthermore, we demonstrate that microarray-based IMS can be coupled with surface plasmon resonance imaging to add kinetic analyses to measured binding interactions. The method described here is within the capabilities of many modern MALDI–TOF instruments and has general utility for the label-free analysis of microarray assays.
Will Limited Land, Water, and Energy Control Human Population Numbers in the Future

Nearly 60% of the world’s human population is malnourished and the numbers are growing. Shortages of basic foods related to decreases in per capita cropland, water, and fossil energy resources contribute to spreading malnutrition and other diseases. The suggestion is that in the future only a smaller number of people will have access to adequate nourishment. In about 100 years, when it is reported that the planet will run out of fossil energy, we suggest that a world population of about two billion might be sustainable if it relies on renewable energy technologies and also reduces per capita use of the earth’s natural resources.
Edward George Gray. 11 January 1924 – 14 August 1999

George Gray was an early contributor to our knowledge of the electron microscopic appearance of the central nervous system. He was skilful with the difficult techniques for preparing the tissues, worked rapidly, and was an astute observer. Sitting with him in the dark, staring at a dim image that George was moving rapidly as he searched for significant detail, could be an exciting experience. He had clear ideas about features that mattered and could quickly relate the two-dimensional electron microscopic images to the three-dimensional neural structures under investigation. He is best known for his detailed and perceptive description of synaptic junctions in the mammalian neocortex, and his name is still linked to two distinct junctional types (Gray9s type 1 and Gray9s type 2), now recognized as generally distinguishing excitatory from inhibitory junctions. He studied a wide range of neural tissues, played a significant role in the early isolation of ‘synaptosomes’, contributed greatly to the rapid advance of knowledge that accompanied the early application of the electron microscope to neural tissues, and influenced a great many later fine-structural studies of the nervous system.
Sacral insufficiency fractures-rare complication of pelvic radiation for rectal carcinoma : Report of a case

PURPOSE: The report contained herein presents a patient who developed severe back pain because of bilateral sacral insufficiency fractures after pelvic radiation for rectal carcinoma. METHODS: This is a case report and review of the literature for a rare complication of pelvic radiation. RESULT: The patient was diagnosed by computerized tomography and radionuclide bone scans. Bed rest and analgesia followed by rehabilitation provided good relief of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: A rare complication of pelvic radiation is insufficiency fractures of the pelvis. Early detection is important, because significant morbidity may result from delaying treatment. Unawareness of this complication may lead to diagnostic difficulties and unnecessary work-up.
Electron Spin Relaxation in Copper Tutton Salts at Low Temperatures

By means of a pulse saturation technique applied at $X$-band frequencies, electron-spin relaxation times have been observed as a function of crystal size in the liquid-helium temperature range for the CuN${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$ Tutton salt throughout the concentration range 0.02-100%. The concentration range 12-100% exhibits what is thought to be a phonon bottleneck. This is manifest in a marked size dependence of the observed decay constants. Alternative explanations are considered. For the concentration range 0.05 to 5%, size-dependent decay times have also been recorded. There appears to be a correlation between this kind of size effect and contamination by the paramagnetic impurity of iron. Rapid crystal growth is found to alleviate the size effects throughout the range of concentrations studied. The effects of deuteration have been examined in crystals of 1% concentration and it was found that there was an order-of-magnitude difference in the relaxation times of the hydrated and deuterated salts, size for size, below the helium $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ point. The hydrated and deuterated CuK Tutton salts at the same concentration showed no such difference. The supposed spinlattice coupling is concentration-dependent, and its nature has not yet been established theoretically.
White House Science Fair Emphasizes Importance of STEM Education

“I have a confession to make,” U.S. president Barack Obama told the audience of young inventors and their mentors at a 27 May White House Science Fair ceremony in the East Room of the White House. “When I was growing up, my science fair projects were not as successful as the ones here.” Recalling that during one of his experiments, “a bunch of mice escaped in my grandmother's apartment,” Obama joked, “These experiments did not take me straight to the White House.”
A new method to detect stator turn-to-turn faults in a closed-loop multiple-motor drive system

Multiple motors connected to a single closed-loop inverter drive is a common type of drive topology which has wide application in steel processing industry, electric railway systems and electric vehicles. But condition monitoring for this type of drive configuration remains largely unexplored. This paper proposes a new method to detect the stator turn-to-turn fault in a multiple-motor drive system. The method achieves very high detecting sensitivity yet remains easy to implement by utilizing the characteristics of current regulators in the motor controller. Experimental results show that the method can reliably detect a short circuit of 1 turn out of 216 turns per phase on two 5-hp, shaft-coupled induction machines. Although originally developed for multiple-motor drives, the detection scheme can be directly applied to most of normal closed-loop induction motor drive.
Distance from an intrauterine hydrophone as a factor affecting intrauterine sound pressure levels produced by the vibroacoustic stimulation test

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether intrauterine sound pressure levels produced by vibroacoustic stimulation were associated with distance from an intrauterine hydrophone in human parturients and to evaluate the effects of distance on the spectrum of the stimulus. STUDY DESIGN: Measurements of intrauterine sound were taken in eight volunteer parturients in normal active-phase labor by use of an intrauterine hydrophone. Vibroacoustic stimulation was performed on the maternal abdomen directly overlying the hydrophone; at distances of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm from the hydrophone; and at the maternal sternum. Intrauterine sound pressure levels were tape-recorded for later analysis. Fetal heart rate and fetal movement were assessed with each vibroacoustic stimulation. Spectral anlyses were performed by taking the fast Fourier transform of the tape-recorded stimulation at each position. RESULTS: Analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated at a statiscally significant decrease ( F = 4.1, p = 0.004) in the sound pressure levels as distance increased. Spectral analysis indicated large variability between and within subjects. CONCLUSION: Sound exposure of the fetal ear is on average decreased as the distance between the ear and the vibroacoustic stimulation is increased. The spectrum of the stimulus produced with vibroacoustic stimulation is highly variable.
Anger control: An experimental comparison of three behavioral treatments

The present investigation compared the effectiveness of three behavioral treatment strategies with an attention control group in the reduction of anger. forty male undergraduates who scored above the mean on Novaco's (1975) Anger Inventory were randomly assigned to cognitive stress inoculatio, problem-solving, social skills, or minimal attention groups. The experimental groups received weekly training over a period of 5 weeks stressing their respective anger control treatment strategies. Measures of blood pressure, pulse, self-reported anger, and behavioral measures of assertion and aggression obtained from role-played angerprovoking situations were obtained pre-and posttreatment. Also, all subjects selfmonitored their responses to real life anger-provoking incidents on a daily basis. Cognitively oriented stress inoculation training significantly decreased anger-provoking cognitions but did not increase appropriate assertiveness. The problemsolving and social skills training both reduced anger-provoking cognitions and increased assertive or socially skilled behaviors. Further, the data suggest that the social skills and problem-solving approaches encouraged subjects to interact competently with the social environment whereas the stress inoculation training tended to foster withdrawal from anger-provoking stimuli.
A High‐Temperature X‐Ray Camera

A high-temperature X-ray camera capable of operating as high as 2200°C. is described. The specimen is heated by a simple tantalum resistance heater. Temperature control is maintained by a constant power input. A sliding film holder permits a number of successive pictures to be taken without disturbing the specimen or apparatus.
Did Social Networks Shape Language Evolution? A Multi-Agent Cognitive Simulation

Natural language as well as other communication forms are constrained by cognitive function and evolved through a social process. Here, we examine whether human memory may be uniquely adapted to the social structures prevalent in groups, specifically small-world networks. The emergence of domain languages is simulated using an empirically evaluated ACT-R-based cognitive model of agents in a naming game played within communities. Several community structures are examined (grids, trees, random graphs and small-world networks). We present preliminary results from small-scale simulations, showing relative robustness of cognitive models to network structure.
Proximity and precedence in arithmetic

How does the physical structure of an arithmetic expression affect the computational processes engaged in by reasoners? In handwritten arithmetic expressions containing both multiplications and add...
Distribution power flow for smart grid technologies

Smart Grid technologies hold the promise of being able to solve many of the problems currently facing in the electric power industry. However, the large scale deployment of these new technologies has been limited due to an inability to accurately model their effects or to quantify their potential benefits. GridLAB-D is a new open source power system modeling and simulation environment developed by the United States Department of Energy specifically to integrate detailed power systems and end-use models. In order to effectively model the vast array of possible smart grid technologies GridLAB-D was developed as a general simulation environment. This paper describes the basic design concept, the power flow solutions implemented, and a detailed example of the type of analysis that can be performed within the simulation environment in order to support the evaluation of smart grid technologies.
Assessing Student Team Performance in Industry Sponsored Design Projects

Although cooperative learning in a team setting is a common approach for integrating problem-based learning into undergraduate science and engineering, standard assessment tools do not exists to evaluate learning outcomes. As a result, novel techniques need to be developed to assess learning in team-based design projects. This paper describes the experiences and lessons learned in assessing student performance in team-based, project courses culminating in a senior capstone experience that integrates industry.sponsored design projects. A set of rubrics linked to the instructional objectives was developed that define and communicate expectations during each of three project phases. Rubrics for each phase incorporate three fundamental areas of team performance assessment: (i) synthesis of a valid concept; (ii) management of resources; and (iii) interpersonal interaction and communication. At the end of each phase, both the faculty and industry sponsor use the same rubric to assess student team performance. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the assessment data collected over the last 5 years indicated that student performance, measured by faculty grades and industry sponsor evaluations, was not significantly affected by the faculty advisor, project type, or sponsoring company size. These results are attributed primarily to the faculty focusing more on assessing student performance in executing the design process and less on the actual project results. The analysis also revealed that faculty assessments of student performance did not correlate very well with industry sponsor assessments. To address this, a revised set of evaluation rubrics were developed and are currently being used to better articulate expectations from both faculty and industrial sponsor perspectives.
Improved topology error detection via optimal measurement placement

Topology errors are known to significantly affect the performance of state estimators. There are methods which are developed for detecting and identifying topology errors based on the measurement residuals. However, the capability to detect and identify topology errors is related to the measurement locations and network configuration. In some cases, topology errors associated with certain branches can not be detected. The topology error detection capability can be improved by adding extra measurements at strategic locations. In this paper, this will be accomplished by using both phasor measurements and traditional measurements. It will be shown that a few extra measurements can drastically improve the capability to detect and identify topology errors in a given system. The proposed meter placement algorithm will be described and illustrative case studies will be presented.
Religions in Practice: An Approach to the Anthropology of Religion

Religions in Practice: An Approach to the Anthropology of Religion. John R. Bowen. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn &Bacon, 1998. 272pp.
Reliability and validity of a combat exposure index for vietnam era verterans

The reliability and validity of a self-report measure of combat exposure are examined in a cohort of male-male twin pairs who served in the military during the Vietnam era. Test-retest reliability for a five-level ordinal index of combat exposure is assessed by use of 192 duplicate sets of responses. The chance-corrected proportion in agreement (as measured by the kappa coefficient) is 0.84. As a measure of criterion-related validity, the combat index is correlated with the award of combat-related military medals ascertained from the military records. The probability of receiving a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Commendation Medal and Combat Infantry Badge is associated strongly with the combat exposure index. These results show that this simple index is a reliable and valid measure of combat exposure.
Serum adiposity-induced biomarkers in obese and lean children with recently diagnosed autoimmune type 1 diabetes

The incidence of childhood obesity is rising worldwide (1, 2). The prevalence of obesity and overweight is 32% in children from the general population (1), 35% in children with established type 1 diabetes (3), and 25% at the onset of pediatric type 1 diabetes, despite the weight loss that often precedes diagnosis (4, 5). Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and microvascular diabetic complications in adults and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (6–9). Obesity represents a state of chronic inflammation (10, 11), and obesity-induced inflammation has been associated with the development of components of the metabolic syndrome and of type 2 diabetes (12). A potential link between obesity and inflammation are adipokines, substances secreted by adipose tissue, such as adiponectin (13), leptin (14), omentin (15), resistin (16, 17), chemerin (18), and visfatin (19). Both proinflammatory adipokines, e.g., leptin and resistin, and anti-inflammatory adipokines, e.g., adiponectin and omentin, play critical roles in the regulation of inflammation (11). Children with type 1 diabetes are known to have an abnormal adipokine profile (20–23). However, the relationship between obesity and markers of adiposity and inflammation at the onset of autoimmune type 1 diabetes in children, especially under the age of 10 yr, has not been well characterized. Our aim was to compare circulating levels of a novel panel of adipokines and inflammatory cytokines associated with obesity in obese and lean children at the onset of autoimmune type 1 diabetes.
The influence of thyroid activity on the liver and plasma lipides of choline- and cystine-deficient rats.

The effects of choline deficiency on liver lipides have been well established and the variations in plasma lipides encountered in clinical hypoand hyperthyroid states have been thoroughly studied. With the recent finding that hypothyroid animals do not exhibit the hepatic damage which results from chronic choline deficiency in normal rats (1)’ it was thought of interest to determine the influence of thyroid activity on the plasma and liver lipides of both cholineand cystine-deficient animals.
Data collection outcomes comparing paper forms with PDA forms in an office-based patient survey.

PURPOSE We compared the completeness of data collection using paper forms and using electronic forms loaded on handheld computers in an offi ce-based patient interview survey conducted within the American Academy of Family Phy- sicians National Research Network. METHODS We asked 19 medical assistants and nurses in family practices to administer a survey about pneumococcal immunizations to 60 older adults each, 30 using paper forms and 30 using electronic forms on handheld computers. By random assignment, the interviewers used either the paper or electronic form fi rst. Using multilevel analyses adjusted for patient characteristics and clustering of forms by practice, we analyzed the completeness of the data. RESULTS A total of 1,003 of the expected 1,140 forms were returned to the data center. The overall return rate was better for paper forms (537 of 570, 94%) than for electronic forms (466 of 570, 82%) because of technical diffi culties experienced with electronic data collection and stolen or lost handheld comput- ers. Errors of omission on the returned forms, however, were more common using paper forms. Of the returned forms, only 3% of those gathered electroni- cally had errors of omission, compared with 35% of those gathered on paper. Similarly, only 0.04% of total survey items were missing on the electronic forms, compared with 3.5% of the survey items using paper forms. CONCLUSIONS Although handheld computers produced more complete data than the paper method for the returned forms, they were not superior because of the large amount of missing data due to technical diffi culties with the hand- held computers or loss or theft. Other hardware solutions, such as tablet comput- ers or cell phones linked via a wireless network directly to a Web site, may be better electronic solutions for the future.