cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for reprogramming global gene expression during zinc deficiency in the HUT-78 cell line

Abstract Objective Investigations using cell lines, primary cells, animal models, and human subjects have provided data to indicate that zinc-deficient conditions affect immune functioning of myeloid and lymphoid cells. We hypothesized that zinc-deficient conditions alone may induce the expression of genes in lymphoid cells, which favor enhanced responses to myeloid molecules even in the absence of myeloid cells or myeloid factors. Our objective was to investigate the effects of low zinc-induced alterations in gene expression in a single lymphoid cell line in the absence of influences from growth factors and/or cytokines generated by other cell types also being affected by low zinc status. Methods Microarray analysis of non-stimulated and phytohemagglutinin-p/phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate–stimulated zinc-deficient and zinc-adequate human-derived HUT-78 (TH 0 ) lymphoblasts was used to identify changes in gene expressions associated solely with zinc-deficient status in these cells. Results Overall, gene expression for molecules that would increase T-lymphocyte response to signals from myeloid cells such as cytokine receptors and selected adhesion molecules were upregulated, whereas those associated with T-lymphocyte–directed immune functions, interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 receptors, the cytokine interleukin-4, and zinc finger transcription factors were downregulated. Analysis of selected data obtained from healthy, but mildly zinc-deficient human subjects corroborated observations obtained from low zinc-altered gene expression in HUT-78 cells. Conclusion These data provide evidence for a shift in gene expression of molecules that would increase lymphoid responses to myeloid driven pathways during periods of zinc deficiency even in the absence of myeloid-derived stimuli.
Inequalities for tail probabilities for the multivariate normal distribution

Inequalities for tail probabilities of the multivariate normal distribution are obtained, as a generalization of those given by Feller (1966). Upper and lower bounds are given in the equi-correlated case. For an arbitrary correlation matrix R, an upper bound is obtained, using a result of Slepian (1962) which asserts that certain multivariate normal probabilities are a non-decreasing function of correlations.
Hydrodynamics of an electron-positron plasma near a black hole: Applications to jet formation

We investigate some features of the hydrodynamics and neutrino physics in the (predominantly) electron-positron plasma above a hyperaccreting disk (or torus) around a black hole, a conjectured engine for a short gamma ray burst. We suggest a possible scenario in which plasma in the region very near the black hole, energetically driven by neutrino annihilation, emerges as a subsonic wind, which in a spherically symmetrical case would decelerate as it moves out. In this case we argue that the plasma heating will be primarily through neutrino-electron and neutrino-positron scattering, and that this process will be important throughout a region considerably larger than that of the neutrino annihilation process. In simple solutions a relatively gentle anisotropy in the heating through this process can create an approximately conical sonic surface, aligned with the system's axis. Inside this cone the fluid accelerates upwards as in standard jet models.
Abstract 1308: Functional inhibition of HSP90 induces G0/G1 arrest and downregulates thymidylate synthase in colorectal cancer

Purpose Objectives: Cell cycle progression and DNA synthesis are essential steps in cancer cell growth and resistance. Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a therapeutic target for 5FU. Ganetespib is a potent functional inhibitor of HSP90 currently under evaluation in clinical trials. We tested the hypothesis that HSP90 functional inhibition by ganetespib can inhibit cell cycle progression and downregulate TS levels in colorectal cell lines. Methods: Two colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines were used, HCT-116 and HT-29. Cells were either untreated (control) or treated with ganetespib at 50 nM for 24 hours. Western blot and Real time-PCR analyses were carried out to determine the effect of ganetespib on different signal molecules involved in cell cycle arrest and DNA synthesis. A subcutaneous xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate the in vivo effects of ganetespib. Pre and post ganetespib treatment tumor biopsies from patients with rectal cancer on a phase I trial of ganetespib were analyzed using RT-PCR. Results: Treatment with ganetespib inhibited cyclin D1, pRb and E2F-1 at the transcriptional and translational level and induced p21, leading to G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. HSP90 knockdown inhibited E2F-1 and TS protein and mRNA levels in both cell lines. Arrest in the G0/G1 phase was associated with downregulation of the transcription factor E2F-1 and its target gene TS. Similar effects were observed in tumors from animals treated with ganetespib. Further, ganetespib treatment significantly inhibited the tumor growth. Inhibition of cyclin D1, Rb, E2F-1, TS and upregulation of p21 at transcriptional levels were observed in post treatment rectal tumor biopsies obtained from patients receiving ganetespib. Conclusion: In this study, we present preclinical and clinical data to support the use of HSP90 inhibitors in colorectal cancer based on their ability to reduce expression of proteins important for DNA repair and cell cycle progression leading to cell cycle arrest and tumor shrinkage. Accordingly, combining HSP90 inhibitors with chemotherapy is a rational approach for future drug development in colorectal cancer. Citation Format: Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju, Field F. Willingham, Kevin E. Woods, Patrick Sullivan, Jerome C. Landry, Roberto Diaz, Bassel F. El-Rayes. Functional inhibition of HSP90 induces G0/G1 arrest and downregulates thymidylate synthase in colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1308. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1308
On the existence of certain general extremal metrics, II

1. In applying the method of the extremal metric whether one deals with the problem of extremal length in its customary form [4, 6] or with more general problems [6, 9] the question naturally arises as to the actual existence of an extrernal metric as opposed to the mere consideration of a least upper or greatest lower bound. This is of particular importance in dealing with questions of uniqueness. Actually in his lectures on the subject at Harvard University in 1946-47 Ahlfors showed that in a certain weak sense an extremal metric for an extremal length problem would always exist. However, the metric so obtained would not be certain even to be admissible for the problem and thus it has never proved of any use in applications since for these a fairly high degree of regularity is usually required. Some years ago the author discovered a general principle which makes possible the proof of the existence of the extremal metric for a wide class of problems, in fact precisely those which are most important from the point of view of applications in the Theory of Functions. Reference has been made to this principle in a number of papers [9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15] and some simple cases have been treated explicitly. In the present paper we will present this principle in its general form. It should be mentioned that the author worked out this problem for the special case of plane domains while at the Institute for Advanced Study in 1949-50 and at that time had the advantage of several conversations with M. I\J. Schiffer on the variational aspects of that case. 2. We consider here finite oriented Riemann surfaces. These are Riemann surfaces of finite genus which may have a finite number of hyperbolic boundary components. Such a surface is conformally equivalent to a domain lying on a closed Riemann surface and bounded by a finite number of analytic curves (possibly zero, so that closed surfaces are included.) On a finite Riemann surface T let there be given a finite number of distinguished points. Let T' be obtained from ? by deleting these points. On 5' we regard homotopy classes of two types. First homotopy classes of simple closed curves in the usual sense Second homotopy classes of arcs which run from one boundary component of T to another (not necessarily distinct) boundary component. In the course of such a homotopy the end points of the arc in question are permitted to move on their respective boundary components. Of course this second type of homotopy class can occur only when T actually has boundary components.
Raman Scattering from a Nematic Liquid Crystal: Orientational Statistics

Raman-scattering techniques have been used to obtain a new quantitative measure of orientational statistics of individual molecules in a nematic liquid crystal. A marked discrepancy is observed between these measurements and the predictions of existing theories of nematic ordering.
L ∞ optimal control of SISO continuous-time systems

Abstract In this paper we study the problem of designing a controller that minimizes the weighted amplitude of the time response due to a given, fixed input signal for SISO continuous-time systems. The main result of the paper shows that this problem admits a minimizing solution in L ∞ and that the optimal closed-loop system has a special structure: a sum of delayed step functions, all having the same amplitude. Thus the optimal controller has a non-rational transfer function. Although in the general case finding this controller entails solving an infinite-dimensional linear-programming problem, we show that in some special cases the optimal solutions have closed-form expressions and can be found by solving a set of algebraic equations. Finally, we address the issue of selecting time and frequency domain weighting functions. This paper together with our paper ‘Rational L ∞-suboptimal controller for SISO continuous time systems’ (IEEE Trans. Autom. Control, AC-41, 1358–1363 (1996)), which deals with the design of rational L ∞ suboptimal controllers for general systems, give a complete solution of the L ∞ control problem.
Dual Kalman Filtering Methods for Nonlinear Prediction, Smoothing and Estimation

Prediction, estimation, and smoothing are fundamental to signal processing. To perform these interrelated tasks given noisy data, we form a time series model of the process that generates the data. Taking noise in the system explicitly into account, maximum-likelihood and Kalman frameworks are discussed which involve the dual process of estimating both the model parameters and the underlying state of the system. We review several established methods in the linear case, and propose several extensions utilizing dual Kalman filters (DKF) and forward-backward (FB) filters that are applicable to neural networks. Methods are compared on several simulations of noisy time series. We also include an example of nonlinear noise reduction in speech.
Comparing Damping Properties of Singlewalled and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites

In this paper we compare the damping properties of polymer nano-composites filled with singlewalled and multiwalled carbon nanotube fillers. The polymer material chosen for this study is polycarbonate (Lexan 121, General Electric). The nanotube fillers are dispersed in the matrix using a novel solution mixing technique with tetra-hydro-furan as the solvent. Both the multiwalled and the singlewalled nanotube filled samples show higher damping level compared to the pristine (or unfilled) polycarbonate. However, the loss modulus of nano-composite samples with singlewalled nanotubes is significantly greater than with multiwalled tubes. This suggests that since the inner shells of the multiwalled tubes are not in contact with the polymer, they do not contribute to interfacial frictional sliding; this reduces the damping efficiency of the multiwalled tubes relative to the singlewalled tubes.
Patient related risk factors for recurrent stress urinary incontinence surgery in women treated at a tertiary care center.

Purpose: We examined patient related risk factors for recurrent stress urinary incontinence in women treated at a tertiary referral center.Materials and Methods: A case-control study was done in 18 to 75-year-old women with signs and symptoms of genuine or mixed stress urinary incontinence and no prior surgical treatment who underwent an open anti-incontinence procedure between 1990 and 2002 at our institution. Cases were defined as patients who underwent more than 1 anti-incontinence surgery and controls were defined as patients who underwent only 1 anti-incontinence procedure with followup during that period. Cases and controls were matched for surgery type, surgeon and date of surgery within 1 year. A total of 47 variables were examined, including patient age, parity, incontinence type, urodynamic findings, medical history (peripheral vascular, pulmonary and cardiac disease), past and concomitant pelvic surgery, social history (alcohol and tobacco use) and body mass index. Univariate conditional logist...
The “Antidirector Rights Index” Revisited

The "antidirector rights index" has been used as a measure of shareholder protection in over a hundred articles since it was introduced by La Porta et al. ("Law and Finance." 1998, Journal of Political Economy 106:1113--55). A thorough reexamination of the legal data, however, leads to corrections for thirty-three of the forty-six countries analyzed. The correlation between corrected and original values is only 0.53. Consequently, many empirical results established using the original index may not be replicable with corrected values. In particular, the corrected index fails to support three widely influential claims: that shareholder protection is higher in common than in civil law countries; that shareholder protection predicts stock market size or ownership dispersion; and that weak corporate governance explains the extent of exchange rate depreciation during the Asian financial crisis of 1997--1998. The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press [on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies]. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org., Oxford University Press.
Final FRCR 2B Viva: A Survival Guide

K.T. Tan, J. Curtis, and J. Aw, eds. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2012, 607 pages, $75.00 This paperback was derived from An Aid to the MRCP Short Cases by Ryder, Mir, and Freeman, a book that helps with preparation for the stressful MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of
Arguments for Using Population Models in Incidental Take Assessments for Endangered Species

Abstract Population models can be useful tools for evaluating management strategies and risks for a given species. A major, but often overlooked, component of endangered or threatened species management and recovery is the incidental take allowance of many endangered species laws. In the United States population models are seldom applied to address specific incidental take scenarios. We believe it is prudent for wildlife management agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to embrace explicit predictive tools to assess the possible effects of incidental take actions and to set standards for what constitutes unacceptable levels of incidental take in terms of predicted effect on population viability, recovery, and extinction. We briefly give recommendations for incorporating simulation models into jeopardy evaluations in ways that would dovetail with legislative language and provide a simple example model. Using explicit predictive models to support jeopardy determinations and incidental take decisio...
XerCD-Mediated Site-Specific Recombination Leads to Loss of the 57-Kilobase Gonococcal Genetic Island

Most strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae carry the 57-kb gonococcal genetic island (GGI), as do a few strains of Neisseria meningitidis. The GGI is inserted into the chromosome at the dif site (difA) and is flanked by a partial repeat of the dif site (difB). Since dif is a sequence recognized by the site-specific recombinases XerC and XerD and the GGI shows evidence of horizontal acquisition, we hypothesized that the GGI may be acquired or lost by XerCD-mediated site-specific recombination. We show that while the GGI flanked by wild-type dif sites, difA and difB, is not readily lost from the gonococcal chromosome, the substitution of difB with another copy of difA allows the frequent excision and loss of the GGI. In mutants carrying two difA sites (difA(+) difA(+)), the GGI can be detected as an extrachromosomal circle that exists transiently. A mutation of xerD diminished GGI excision from the chromosome of a difA(+) difA(+) strain, while mutations in recA or type IV secretion genes had no effect on the loss of the GGI. These data indicate that the GGI is maintained by the replication of the chromosome and that GGI excision and loss are dependent upon the dif sequence and xerD. The detection of a circular form of the GGI in a wild-type strain suggests that GGI excision may occur naturally and could function to facilitate GGI transfer. These data suggest a model of GGI excision and loss explaining the absence of the GGI from some gonococcal strains and the maintenance of variant GGIs in some gonococcal and meningococcal isolates.
Hyperactivation of the Mammalian Degenerin MDEG Promotes Caspase-8 Activation and Apoptosis

Intracellular calcium overload plays a critical role in numerous pathological syndromes such as heart failure, brain ischemia, and stroke. Hyperactivation of the acid-sensing ion channels including degenerin/epithelial amiloride-sensitive sodium (DEG/ENaC) channels has been shown to elevate intracellular calcium and cause subsequent neuronal cell death that is independent of the canonical Egl-1/Ced-9/Ced-4/Ced-3 apoptotic pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. In mammalian cells, hyperactivation of the DEG/ENaC channels can also lead to cell death, although the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we use a tetracycline-inducible system to express the hyperactivation mutant of a mammalian DEG/ENaC channel protein, MDEG G430F, in murine kidney epithelial cells deficient in the key mitochondrial apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak. Remarkably, expression of MDEG G430F induces increased intracellular calcium, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cell death. The MDEG G430F-induced cell death is blocked by the intracellular calcium chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (acetoxymethyl ester), ROS scavengers, and the caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk (where z and fmk are benzyloxycarbonyl and fluoromethyl ketone). Mechanistically, the intracellular calcium overload and ROS increase lead to the inhibition of proteasomal and autophagic protein degradation, which promotes the accumulation of protein aggregates containing caspase-8 and subsequent caspase-8 activation. As protein aggregation upon the inhibition of proteasomal and autophagic degradation pathways is mediated by the ubiquitin-binding protein SQSTM1/p62 and the autophagy-related protein LC3, silencing of p62 and LC3 protects cells from MDEG G430F-induced cell death. Our results uncover a new mechanism of caspase-8-mediated apoptosis induced by intracellular calcium overload that is dependent on the autophagy-related proteins LC3 and p62 upon hyperactivation of DEG/ENaC channels. Background: Hyperactivation of DEG/ENaC channels leads to cell death; however, the underlying mechanism for the cytotoxicity remains unclear. Results: A hyperactivation mutant MDEG G430F induces intracellular calcium rise, elevated ROS generation, inhibition of protein degradation, and intracellular caspase-8 aggregation and activation. Conclusion: DEG/ENaC hyperactivation leads to a caspase-8-mediated apoptosis. Significance: This study provides a novel mechanism for DEG/ENaC hyperactivation-mediated cytotoxicity.
BIG BROTHER AS DRIVER: NEW DEMANDS AND PROBLEMS FOR THE MAN AT THE WHEEL

This is a speculative exposition of human factors problems which may accompany semi-automation of highway vehicles. It emphasizes the problems of manual control takeover from an automatic system un...
Upper extremity compartmental anatomy : clinical relevance to radiologists

A thorough understanding of compartmental anatomy is necessary for the radiologist participating in the care of a patient with a lower extremity musculoskeletal malignancy. Localization of tumor to compartment of origin and identification of extracompartmental spread preoperatively are needed to correctly stage a tumor and determine the appropriate surgical management. An understanding of the locations of fascial boundaries, extracompartmental tissues, and neurovascular structures of the thigh and lower leg facilitates this diagnostic process. For the radiologist planning to biopsy a suspicious musculoskeletal lesion, consultation with the referring orthopaedic surgeon is recommended in order to jointly select an appropriate percutaneous biopsy approach. Adequate preprocedural planning ensures selection of an approach which prevents iatrogenic tumor spread beyond the compartment of origin, protects neurovascular structures, and allows complete resection of the biopsy tract and scar at the time of surgical resection without jeopardizing a potential limb-sparing procedure. Cross-sectional anatomic review and case examples demonstrate the importance of a detailed understanding of compartmental anatomy when approaching the patient with a lower extremity musculoskeletal tumor.
Preparation of molybdenum nitride thin films by N+ion implantation

A series of molybdenum nitride films were synthesized by implanting energetic nitrogen ions into molybdenum thin films. The resulting films were characterized using x-ray diffraction to determine the effects of nitrogen ion dose (4 × 10 16 −4 × 10 17 N + /cm 2 ), accelerating voltage (50–200 kV), and target temperature (∼298–773 K) on their structural properties. The order of structural transformation with increased incorporation of nitrogen ions into the Mo film can be summarized as follows: Mo → γ−Mo 2 N → δ−MoN. Nitrogen incorporation was increased by either increasing the dose or decreasing the ion energy. At elevated target temperatures the metastable B1–MoN phase was also produced. In most cases the Mo nitride crystallites formed with the planes of highest atomic density parallel to the substrate surface. At high ion energies preferential orientation developed so that the more open crystallographic directions aligned with the ion beam direction. We tentatively attributed this behavior to ion channeling effects.
A correction technique for structural impact modeling using dissimilar materials.

Scale error correction technique for structural impact modeling using dissimilar materials, involving permanent deformation of spherical caps impacted into liquids
On the stability of furanopyrimidin-2-one bases in oligonucleotides

The fluoresceinated furanopyrimidin-2-one nucleobase 4 incorporated into an oligonucleotide undergoes unexpectedly facile hydrolytic ring-opening in aqueous buffer at slightly elevated temperatures.
The effects of red and blue light on alertness and mood at night

This study was designed to explore the roles that long- and short-wavelength lights have on momentary mood and alertness at night. Twenty-two subjects participated in a mixed-design experiment, where we measured the impact of two levels of long- and short-wavelength lights on brain activity and on self-assessments of alertness, sleepiness and mood. Measurements were obtained 60 minutes prior to, during and after light exposure. Results showed that the red and the blue lights increased electroencephalographic beta power (12—30 Hz), reduced sleepiness, and increased positive affect relative to the previous dim-light period indicating that alertness and mood can be affected by light without necessarily stimulating the melatonin pathway. The impact of light was modest, however, compared to the increase in fatigue over the course of the night.
Time-to-Collision Estimation in a Simulated Driving Task

Three experiments are reported that examine the role of visual information in the estimation of time to collision. Participants were shown video clips taken from within a car as it approached a stationary target. In the first two experiments the videos were occluded either at a constant time before collision or at a constant distance from the collision. Approach velocity and viewing time were also manipulated. The third experiment again varied approach velocity but did not occlude the video prior to collision with the target. In all three experiments the participants were required to press a pedal when they estimated that collision occurred. Results from all experiments indicated that approach velocity had the greatest influence on the accuracy of collision estimation, and accuracy improved with increasing velocity. Varying viewing time from 1 to 8 s had little effect on estimation accuracy. These results emphasize the role of global optic flow rate in the judgment of time of collision.
Interferon-γ Independently Activates the MHC Class I Antigen Processing Pathway and Diminishes Glucose Responsiveness in Pancreatic β-Cell Lines

The mouse pancreatic beta TC3 and beta TC6-F7 cell lines were used to characterize the effects of interferon-gamma (IFN-y) on beta-cell phenotype and function. Initially, intracellular and secreted insulin were compared in glucose-stimulated cells over time. A significant reduction in insulin content and secretion was observed on a per-cell basis in glucose-stimulated beta TC3 and beta TC6-F7 cells after 12 h of exposure to IFN-gamma. The steadystate level of pre-proinsulin mRNA expression was not affected by IFN-gamma. Thus, we postulate that IFN-gamma's inhibitory actions occur after transcription of pre-proinsulin genes. Time-course analysis of IFN-gamma-regulated mRNA expression of the two intra-MHC-encoded subunits of the proteasome (low-molecular-mass polypeptide [Lmp]-2 and Lmp-7) revealed a correlation between their induction and the inhibitory effects of IFN-gamma on glucose-stimulated insulin production. Increased expression of Lmp-2 and Lmp-7 mRNA was accompanied by a corresponding induction of LMP2 and LMP7 protein expression. Subsequently, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cell-surface expression was significantly increased in IFN-gamma-treated beta TC3 and beta TC6-F7 cells. Exposure of IFN-gamma-treated beta-cells to a peptide aldehyde inhibitor of the proteasome (MG132) significantly attenuated MHC class I cell-surface expression but did not prevent the negative effects of IFN-gamma on glucose responsiveness. Enhanced expression of the MHC class I antigen processing and presentation pathway and diminished insulin production appear to be distinct pathological alterations in beta-cells exposed to the insulitic cytokine IFN-gamma.
Evaluating our MS in HCI Program for Completeness and Relevance: Conducting and Incorporating both Internal and External Reviewing

Developed in response to industry's need for qualified professionals to design and develop interactive interfaces and online information systems, Rensselaer's human-computer interaction (HCI) program was built on a foundation of our long-standing program in technical communication and our tradition of technological innovation. So that the program will continue to meet the needs of our students, we monitor the program to ensure that its content stays current and that its focus and orientation remain in synch with a rapidly changing and growing professional field. In this paper we discuss some of our recent activities to incorporate feedback from program reviews into our curriculum and course projects.
Ethnicity-specific epigenetic variation in naïve CD4+ T cells and the susceptibility to autoimmunity

Background Genetic and epigenetic variability contributes to the susceptibility and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. T cells play an important role in several autoimmune conditions, including lupus, which is more common and more severe in people of African descent. To investigate inherent epigenetic differences in T cells between ethnicities, we characterized genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in naive CD4+ T cells in healthy African-Americans and European-Americans, and then confirmed our findings in lupus patients.
Draught Requirement During Tillage

Models to predict draught requirement during tillage are generally based on equations to calculate forces on a retaining wall for shear failure of soil. Most of the research has been made on tines, and the most important factors which determine draught requirement are the rake angle, the working depth and the soil strength in terms of soil cohesion. Most publications show a good correlation between measured values and values predicted by models; however, most experiments are based on measurements in soil bins and do not consider the tillage outcome, e.g. the aggregate size distribution. Future research should place more emphasis on draught requirement under natural field conditions, where soil strength and structure may be very different from that of (remoulded) soil in soil bins. The energy requirement should also be defined in relation to the area of soil worked (specific draught) and, especially, the tillage outcome.
Photon Self-Absorption and Scattering by the 15.1-Mev Level in C 12

Bremsstrahlung x-rays have been used to excite the 15.1-Mev level in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$. The integral scattering cross section of 19.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.27 Mev mb has been determined by measuring the absolute number by 15.1-Mev x-rays scattered. The peak absorption cross section 22.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.2 barns has been obtained from a self-absorption experiment. These results combine to give 54.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}9.3 ev for the ground state radiation width and 79\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}16 ev for the total width of the level.
Fetal Brain Extracellular Matrix Boosts Neuronal Network Formation in 3D Bioengineered Model of Cortical Brain Tissue

The extracellular matrix (ECM) constituting up to 20% of the organ volume is a significant component of the brain due to its instructive role in the compartmentalization of functional microdomains in every brain structure. The composition, quantity, and structure of ECM changes dramatically during the development of an organism greatly contributing to the remarkably sophisticated architecture and function of the brain. Because fetal brain is highly plastic, we hypothesize that the fetal brain ECM may contain cues promoting neural growth and differentiation, highly desired in regenerative medicine. Thus, we studied the effect of brain-derived fetal and adult ECM complemented with matricellular proteins on cortical neurons using in vitro 3D bioengineered model of cortical brain tissue. The tested parameters included neuronal network density, cell viability, calcium signaling, and electrophysiology. Both adult and fetal brain ECM as well as matricellular proteins significantly improved neural network formati...
The Concept of Nature

For all the debate and philosophizing and frequently polemical argument concerning nature and its relationship to man,1 the concept of nature does not seem to have proved a very natural one for psychologists. As noted in the introduction to this volume, the individual’s response to the natural environment has not been at the forefront of problems chosen for psychological investigation—not even among environmental psychologists. A perusal of the index of Psychological Abstracts reveals that Nature serves as an indexing term only in its adjectival form, and then only in reference to two very limited topics: Natural Childbirth (i.e., a process unaided by external intervention) and Natural Disasters. The prominent place of the latter as a subject of behavioral science research (though better represented within geography than psychology) may hark back to the historical fear of nature as a dangerous and potentially evil force in the affairs of man. But it is apparent from any discussion of environmental problems and treatments of the relationship between human activity and the physical environment that nature is a much more salient concept, for the lay person and the scientist alike, than one would suppose from the classification schemes of psychologists or from the subject matter of their research.
Calm down — It's only neuroticism. Time perspectives as moderators and mediators of the relationship between neuroticism and well-being

Abstract Neuroticism is associated with poor well-being, and researchers search for variables that influence the relationship between these two constructs. The current study is focused on time perspective (TP) as a moderator and mediator of the link between neuroticism and selected aspects of well-being, that is, self-esteem, satisfaction with life, optimism and life engagement. The results suggest that, contrary to expectation, strong concentration on the present, perceived as an important and unique time area, by highly neurotic individuals intensifies the negative relationship between neuroticism and self-esteem, satisfaction with life and life engagement. Attention has been paid to the importance of distance to time for the well-being of people with high levels of neuroticism. Moreover, the findings provide evidence for the role of negative past TP and unbalanced TP in explaining the negative association between neuroticism and well-being.
Analysis of Technology Transfer within Satellite Programs in Developing Countries using Systems Architecture

Global participation in space activity is growing as satellite technology matures and spreads through technology transfer. Countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are creating or reinvigorating national satellite programs. These countries are building local capability in space through technological learning. This paper analyzes implementation approaches in small satellite programs within developing countries. The study addresses diverse examples of approaches used to master, adapt, diffuse and apply satellite technology in emerging countries. An original framework examines implementation approaches and contextual factors using the concept of Systems Architecture. Further analysis examines the progress in capability building via technology transfer. In order to master the knowledge base underlying satellite engineering, both individuals and organizations must capture a broad knowledge base which includes both tacit and explicit knowledge about technical and managerial topics. The framework also defines capability building as a process. Capability building is achieved when individuals or organizations experience new topics or they achieve new levels of application, complexity or autonomy. This capability building framework is applied to in-depth analysis of four countries in Africa and Asia. The results show that in the short term individuals grew in their levels of autonomy via technology transfer partnerships. A key question to consider is how countries adapt, master and diffuse technology over the long term. Several countries stand out for their effort in this area, but this is a long term challenge.
Effects of prolactin and cortical hormones on body weight and food intake of adrenalectomized pigeons.

SummaryAdrenalectomized young Carneau pigeons fed 1.75 g of a salt mixture daily showed an average period of survival of 9 days. Such pigeons eat little food and lose weight. Prolactin induced more than normal gains in body weight when adrenal insufficiency was not acute and restored food intake to a level almost equal to that of unoperated birds. Either adrenal cortical extract or desoxycorticosterone acetate maintained life in adrenalectomized pigeons. Daily doses of 2 mg of desoxycorticosterone acetate fully restored the rate of increase of body weight and the daily food consumption to levels characteristic of normal unoperated pigeons. A group of birds given high dosage of both prolactin and adrenal cortical extract showed more rapid gains in body weight and larger food intake than has ever been observed in normal unoperated pigeons of the age used here.
PREVENTION OF VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA: An Attainable Goal?

Nosocomial pneumonia is a common and serious problem among hospitalized patients, particularly those treated with mechanical ventilation. This article discusses infection control, the role of respiratory therapy equipment and endotracheal tubes, mobilization of tracheobronchial secretions, the role of the gastrointestinal tract, nutritional support and the role of the stomach, prophylactic antibiotics, and immunomodulation. Although there are no proven modalities for immunoprophylaxis of nosocomial pneumonia, it is possible that early administration of a single agent or combination of immune modulators may prove effective in reducing the mortality associated with nosocomial pneumonia.
Gastrointestinal Involvement in the Sézary Syndrome

A case of documented Sezary syndrome, a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, with gastrointestinal lymphocytic infiltration is presented. The symptom of diarrhea waxed and waned with the course of the disease process. Radiographic studies were normal, and no evidence of malabsorption was elicited. The diagnosis was established by endoscopic and biopsy techniques, with light and electron microscopy of colonic and small bowel biopsies demonstrating extensive infiltration with typical Sezary cells. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of gastrointestinal involvement in the Sezary syndrome.
Benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy after breast-conserving therapy among elderly women with T1-T2N0 estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of radiotherapy (RT) among women aged ≥ 70 years with T1-2N0 estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare-linked data. METHODS The study included 3432 women, 2850 of whom received and 582 of whom did not receive RT after breast-conserving surgery. Outcomes were estimated by the cumulative incidence method and compared with the Gray test. The Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard regression models were used to assess the impact of RT and other variables. RESULTS Women who received RT were more commonly aged <75 years (42% vs 16%), had T1 tumors (78% vs 65%), ductal carcinoma histology (91% vs 88%), a Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index of 0 (41% vs 25%), and had received chemotherapy (29% vs 12%). The 5-year cumulative incidence of mastectomy and breast cancer-specific death for patients who received versus those did not receive adjuvant RT was 4.9% and 8.3% versus 10.8% and 24.1%, respectively (P<.001). On multivariable analysis, the omission of RT was found to be an independent predictor of an increased risk of mastectomy (hazard ratio, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-3.49). Among women aged ≥ 80 years or with T1N0 tumors, the mastectomy incidence with or without receipt of RT was 3.4% vs. 6.9%, and 5.3% vs 7.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The use of adjuvant RT after breast-conserving surgery in older women with T1-2N0 estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer is associated with a reduced incidence of future mastectomy and breast cancer death. The magnitude of benefit may be small for women aged ≥80 years or those with T1 tumors. Cancer 2016;122:3059-3068. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Systems Dynamic Models of Newfoundland Fisheries

For over three centuries, fisheries have been a very major part of the life of Newfoundland people. The fishing operation up until 25 years ago was mainly an inshore fishery, but in recent years, fishing trawlers have been employed for the harvesting of offshore marine renewable resources. The total annual Canadian catch of fish during the past five years has ranged between 1 to 1.3 million metric tons. Newfoundland’s share of the total Canadian catch by weight has ranged between 0.3 to 0.5 million metric tons. About 50% of the total Newfoundland catch is obtained from distant waters, particularly from the area of the Grand Banks in the North West Atlantic. The other 50% of the total catch is obtained from inshore and coastal waters. The percentage of employment in Newfoundland fish harvesting operation in relation to inshore and offshore fishery is approximately ten to one. The offshore fishery is highly capital intensive, whereas the inshore fish harvesting operation is highly labour intensive.
Methamphetamine self-administration reduces alcohol consumption and preference in alcohol-preferring P rats.

Subclinical levels of polysubstance use are a prevalent and understudied phenomenon. Alcohol is a substance commonly co-used with other substances of other drug classes. These studies sought to determine the consumption effects of combining alcohol drinking and methamphetamine (MA) self-administration. Male alcohol-preferring P rats had continuous access to a two-bottle alcohol drinking procedure in the home cage. Control rats remained alcohol naive. Rats were also surgically implanted with intra-jugular catheters and trained to self-administer saline (control) or MA in daily 2-hour sessions. We first measured the acquisition and maintenance of MA intake in alcohol-consuming or control rats. MA intake was initially enhanced by alcohol consumption on a fixed ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement, but this effect did not prevail as the difficulty of the schedule (FR5 and progressive ratio) was increased. We next measured both alcohol consumption and preference before, during and after MA (or saline) self-administration. MA self-administration significantly reduced alcohol intake and preference ratios, a robust effect that persisted across several experimental variations. Interestingly, alcohol consumption rebounded following the cessation of MA self-administration. The effects of MA self-administration were specific to alcohol intake because it did not alter total fluid consumption or consumption of sucrose. MA self-administration did not impact blood-alcohol concentrations or alcohol-induced loss of righting reflex suggesting no effect of MA intake on the alcohol metabolism or sensitivity. Together, the results suggest that MA intake disrupts alcohol consumption and preferences but not the reverse in alcohol-preferring P rats.
Maternal residential proximity to nuclear facilities and low birth weight in offspring in Texas

Health effects of close residential proximity to nuclear facilities have been a concern for both the general public and health professionals. Here, a study is reported examining the association between maternal residential proximity to nuclear facilities and low birth weight (LBW) in offspring using data from 1996 through 2008 in Texas, USA. A case–control study design was used together with a proximity-based model for exposure assessment. First, the LBW case/control births were categorized into multiple proximity groups based on distances between their maternal residences and nuclear facilities. Then, a binary logistic regression model was used to examine the association between maternal residential proximity to nuclear facilities and low birth weight in offspring. The odds ratios were adjusted for birth year, public health region of maternal residence, child’s sex, gestational weeks, maternal age, education, and race/ethnicity. In addition, sensitivity analyses were conducted for the model. Compared with the reference group (more than 50 km from a nuclear facility), the exposed groups did not show a statistically significant increase in LBW risk [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81, 1.03) for group 40–50 km; aOR 0.98 (CI 0.84, 1.13) for group 30–40 km; aOR 0.95 (CI 0.79, 1.15) for group 20–30 km; aOR 0.86 (CI 0.70, 1.04) for group 10–20 km; and aOR 0.98 (CI 0.59, 1.61) for group 0–10 km]. These results were also confirmed by results of the sensitivity analyses. The results suggest that maternal residential proximity to nuclear facilities is not a significant factor for LBW in offspring.
Intercellular Extensions Are Induced by the Alphavirus Structural Proteins and Mediate Virus Transmission

Alphaviruses are highly organized enveloped RNA viruses with an internal nucleocapsid surrounded by a membrane containing the E2 and E1 transmembrane proteins. Alphavirus budding takes place at the plasma membrane and requires the interaction of the cytoplasmic domain of E2 with the capsid protein. Here we used WT alphaviruses and Sindbis virus in which E2 was fused to a fluorescent protein to characterize virus exit from host cells. Our results show that alphavirus infection induced striking modifications of the host cell cytoskeleton and resulted in the formation of stable intercellular extensions that emanated exclusively from the infected cell. The intercellular extensions were long (> 10 μM), contained actin and tubulin, and formed flattened contacts with neighboring cells, but did not mediate membrane or cytoplasmic continuity between cells. Receptor down-regulation studies indicated that formation of stable extensions did not require the virus receptor, and that extensions promoted cell-to-cell virus transmission to receptor-depleted cells. Virus mutant experiments demonstrated that formation of extensions required the E2-capsid interaction but not active particle budding, while intercellular transmission of infection required the production of fusion-active virus particles. Protein expression studies showed that even in the absence of virus infection, the viral structural proteins alone induced intercellular extensions, and that these extensions were preferentially targeted to non-expressing cells. Together, our results identify a mechanism for alphavirus cell-to-cell transmission and define the key viral protein interactions that it requires.
Mobilizing the Public Against the President: Congress and the Political Costs of Unilateral Action

Prior scholarship overlooks the capacity of other actors to raise the political costs of unilateral action by turning public opinion against the president. Through a series of five experiments embedded in nationally representative surveys, we demonstrate Congress's ability to erode support for unilateral actions by raising both constitutional and policy-based objections to the exercise of unilateral power. Congressional challenges to the unilateral president diminish support for executive action across a range of policy areas in both the foreign and domestic realm and are particularly influential when they explicitly argue that presidents are treading on congressional prerogatives. We also find evidence that constitutional challenges are more effective when levied by members of Congress than by other actors. The results resolve a debate in the literature and suggest a mechanism through which Congress might exercise a constraint on the president, even when it is unable to check him legislatively.
What Maximizes Labor Productivity? Optimal Levels of R&D Intensity and Tax on Corporate Profits for Nations

The purpose of this study is to analyze the rates of R&D investments and taxes levied on profits of firms that can optimize the labor productivity of nations. Statistical evidence, based on OECD data, reveals that high rates of R&D intensity and tax on corporate profits do not maximize the labor productivity of nations. In particular, the models here suggest that the R&D intensity equal to about 2.5% and tax on corporate profits equal to 3.1% of GDP seem to maximize the labor productivity of nations. Beyond these optimal thresholds, the labor productivity begins to decrease. These results can be explained by the curvilinear relationship between labor productivity and R&D intensity, and between labor productivity and tax on corporate profits. Some environmental determinants of these results are discussed. Overall, then, these findings can clarify whenever possible, some sources of labor productivity and suggest an industrial policy of optimal rates of R&D intensity and tax on corporate profits (as percentage of GDP) to support competitive advantage, technological innovation and wealth creation of nations over time.