cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processive translocation of cohesive and non-cohesive cohesin in vivo

Abstract Cohesin is a central architectural element of chromosome structure that regulates numerous DNA-based events. The complex holds sister chromatids together until anaphase onset and organizes individual chromosomal DNAs into loops. In vitro, cohesin translocates along DNA and extrudes loops in an ATP-dependent fashion. In vivo, cohesin redistributes in response to transcription as if pushed by RNA polymerase. Direct evidence of processive genomic translocation by the complex, however, is lacking. Here, obstacles of increasing size were tethered to DNA in yeast to detect translocation. The obstacles were built from a GFP-lacI core fused to one or more mCherries. Cohesin translocation was initiated from an upstream gene. A chimera with four mCherries blocked cohesin passage in late G1. During M phase, the threshold barrier to passage depended on the state of cohesion: non-cohesive complexes were also blocked by four mCherries whereas cohesive complexes were blocked by only three mCherries. That synthetic barriers alter cohesin redistribution demonstrates that the complex translocates processively on chromatin in vivo. The approach provides a relative measure of the maximum size of the protein chamber(s) that embraces DNA during cohesin translocation. The data indicate that the cohesive embrace is more restrictive than the embrace of non-cohesive complexes.
A comparison of transient killer whale (Orcinus orca) whistles in Alaska

Several species of dolphins in both isolated and continuous regions exhibit geographic variation in whistles. Although whistles are thought to be learned, possible structural components are exhibited across communities. Whistles from three transient killer whale (Orcinus Orca) groups, Prince William Sound, the Pribilof Islands, and False Pass were compared for spectral and temporal properties. Of 395 randomly selected frequency contours of whistles, there were 32 shape categories of whistles. Overall, whistle shapes from different areas reflect homogeneity, with four whistle shapes comprising 50% of all repertoires. The most common whistle contour shapes were up, down, flat, and oscillatory. Whistles from at St. Paul Island, described here for the first time, had higher fundamental frequencies and shorter durations than whistles from Prince William Sound and False Pass. Surface whistles from St. Paul Island had higher mean frequencies than those recorded at depth with passive acoustics. One identical whistle type was found at both St. Paul Island and False Pass, which suggests the same whales travel between the two areas. The longest whistles and most variable whistles were recorded at False Pass.
Bcl-2 Protection of Mitochondrial Function Following Chemical Hypoxia/Aglycemia

Neuronal death following cardiac arrest or stroke is a primary cause of delayed morbidity and mortality. In cardiac arrest, neurologic compromise is primarily the result of delayed neuronal death which develops over 24 to 72 h following resuscitation. In the case of stroke, the cells at the core of the lesion die acutely. However, the cells at the penumbra are at risk in subsequent days, and it is their fate that can determine survival or the degree of debilitation of the victim. The mechanisms underlying delayed neuronal death following cerebral ischemia and reperfusion are not fully understood. Amelioration of in vivo damage through the administration of excitatory amino acid antagonists of the NMDA and especially non-NMDA type have met with success. As well, inhibitors of free-radical induced damage such as antioxidants or heavy metal chelators have been found to inhibit delayed neuronal death. However, no treatment has been found to completely prevent the deleterious effects of ischemia/reperfusion, due either to a complex interplay of multiple degradative mechanisms1, or to a lack of appreciation of the sequence and relative importance of events in the death pathway.
Where do we stand on global warming

Les temperatures globals han augmentat aproximadament 0,8°C des del final del segle XIX. Aquest creixement no ha estat lineal, ates que hi ha hagut epoques en que les temperatures es mantenien estables durant un breu periode de temps, abans de tornar a augmentar. Les raons d'aquests canvis en l'index d'augment de la temperatura estan relacionades amb factors antropogenics (contaminacio d'aerosols de sulfat enfront de l'entrada de gasos de l'efecte hivernacle en la atmosfera) i amb factors naturals (erupcions volcaniques, variacions de la irradiacio solar, les fluctuacions d'El Nino-Oscil·lacio del Sud ENSO, etcetera). Al llarg de l'ultima decada, les temperatures no han augmentat en la mateixa proporcio que ho van fer en les decades anteriors; i aixo ha conduit a especular que el canvi climatic ha finalitzat. Aquesta visio s'ha reforcat per l'hivern inusualment fred que s'ha viscut fa mesos en molts llocs dels Estats Units i l'oest d'Europa. Tanmateix, aquesta conclusio es prematura. L'hivern 2009-2010 va ser un dels mes calids registrats a escala global, i l'ultima decada va ser la mes calorosa des de fa segles. Malgrat aquests fets, molts politics que no son favorables als controls de les emissions de carboni han aprofitat les condicions actuals per presentar al public una visio unilateral de la situacio. Aquest esforc ha rebut el suport d'una campanya incessant per a trobar i donar publicitat a uns quants errors en el quart informe d'avaluacio del Grup Intergovernamental d'Experts sobre el Canvi Climatic (GIECC), amb l'objectiu d'afeblir la confianca publica en les conclusions principals d'aquest informe. No obstant aixo, mentre es mante la discussio politica, els nivells de dioxid de carboni i d'altres gasos de l'efecte hivernacle en l'atmosfera continuen creixent, s'acumula mes escalfor als oceans, el nivell del mar augmenta al mateix temps que les glaceres i els casquets polars es fonen, i els indicadors fenologics de moltes regions mostren pertorbacions en l'estacionalitat de l'activitat biologica. I mentre es produeixen aquests canvis, la poblacio mundial continua augmentant en una proporcio d'unes 240.000 persones per dia, moltes de les quals es convertiran en agricultors de subsistencia o a petita escala, i seran tan vulnerables a les anomalies climatiques com ho van ser les primeres societats historiques o les del final de la prehistoria. Per tant, climatolegs i altres cientifics del medi ambient tenen la responsabilitat d'assegurar que la ciutadania i els politics que ells elegeixen entenen plenament aquests temes, i aixi podran valorar millor les consequencies de la passivitat en el control de les emissions de gasos d'efecte hivernacle.
A Model of Trade and Unemployment

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a model of trade and the balance of payments in which wage rates are considered to respond only sluggishly to the degree of unemployment in the labor market. Thus, the short run describes adjustments in commodity markets to given money wages, while in the long run, the wage rate settles at a rate appropriate to the natural rate of unemployment. This literature stands in sharp contrast to the Keynesian approach characterized by rigid prices and wages and sensitivity of real output and employment to changes in aggregate demand. The model described is one in which both real and monetary variables have key roles to play. There is one relative commodity price, the ratio of the nontraded goods price pN to the local currency price of tradables pT. The chapter also discusses several standard models containing a few, but not all, of the features of this model.
Experimental and numerical investigation of idealized consolidation: Part II: Cyclic compaction

Prior studies have shown that the cyclic application of pressure can be far more effective in consolidating composite compacts than monotonic compaction. To study a simple system, pure aluminum and hardened steel rods were assembled in arrays and consolidated under cyclic pressure at room temperature. Idealized experiments and finite element simulations showed similar results for enhanced densification under cyclic pressure. Both inter-particle friction and pressure amplitude were shown to have important and predictable effects. Inter-particle friction hinders monotonic consolidation but assists cyclic compaction. Consolidation is enhanced with increasing numbers of pressure cycles and pressure-cycle amplitude, while the maximum pressure is fixed.
Injuries to appendage extremities and digit tips: A clinical and cellular update.

Background The regrowth of amputated appendage extremities and the distal tips of digits represent models of tissue regeneration in multiple vertebrate taxa. In humans, digit tip injuries, including traumatic amputation and crush injuries, are among the most common type of injury to the human hand. Despite clinical reports demonstrating natural regeneration of appendages in lower vertebrates and human digits, current treatment options are suboptimal, and are complicated by the anatomical complexities and functions of the different tissues within the digits. Results: In light of these challenges, we focus on recent advancements in understanding appendage regeneration from model organisms. We pay special attention to the cellular programs underlying appendage regeneration, where cumulative data from salamanders, fish, frogs, and mice indicate that regeneration occurs by the actions of lineage-restricted precursors. We focus on pathologic states and the interdependency that exists, in both humans and animal models, between the nail organ and the peripheral nerves for successful regeneration. Conclusions: The increased understanding of regeneration in animal models may open new opportunities for basic and translational research aimed at understanding the mechanisms that support limb regeneration, as well as amelioration of limb abnormalities and pathologies. Developmental Dynamics 244:641–650, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Expression of Two Splice Forms of Human N-Acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester α-N-Acetylglucosaminidase

We have isolated and sequenced human cDNA and mouse genomic DNA clones encodingN-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphodiester α-N-acetylglucosaminidase (phosphodiester α-GlcNAcase) which catalyzes the second step in the synthesis of the mannose 6-phosphate recognition signal on lysosomal enzymes. The gene is organized into 10 exons. The protein sequence encoded by the clones shows 80% identity between human and mouse phosphodiester α-GlcNAcase and no homology to other known proteins. It predicts a type I membrane-spanning glycoprotein of 514 amino acids containing a 24-amino acid signal sequence, a luminal domain of 422 residues with six potential N-linked glycosylation sites, a single 27-residue transmembrane region, and a 41-residue cytoplasmic tail that contains both a tyrosine-based and an NPF internalization motif. Human brain expressed sequence tags lack a 102-base pair region present in human liver cDNA that corresponds to exon 8 in the genomic DNA and probably arises via alternative splicing. COS cells transfected with the human cDNA expressed 50–100-fold increases in phosphodiester α-GlcNAcase activity proving that the cDNA encodes the subunits of the tetrameric enzyme. Transfection with cDNA lacking the 102-base pair region also gave active enzyme. The complete genomic sequence of human phosphodiester α-GlcNAcase was recently deposited in the data base. It showed that our cDNA clone was missing only the 5′-untranslated region and initiator methionine and revealed that the human genomic DNA has the same exon organization as the mouse gene.
Prevention of the development of spontaneous hypertension in rats by captopril (SQ 14,225).

Abstract Indirect systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored in male, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) maintained on water for 16 weeks (group A) or on captopril therapy (100 mg/kg/day in drinking water) for 4 (group B), 8 (group C), 12 (group D), 16 (group E) weeks. Weanling SHR of group A developed typical, time-related hypertension over a 16-week observation period. In marked contrast, SHR receiving captopril did not develop hypertension. Discontinuation of captopril after 4, 8, 12 or 16 weeks resulted in the usual development of hypertension. There was a transient increase in water consumption of drug treated rats which returned to normal by 8 weeks od dosing. Conversely, when captopril therapy was discontinued after 4, 8 or 12 weeks, there was a transient decrease in water intake, the magnitude of which was inversely related to the duration of drug therapy. These results demonstrate that daily captopril therapy was able to completely prevent the development of spontaneous hypertension. Explanations for the mechanim(s) underlying the influence of captopril on blood pressure and water intake remain speculative.
Critique of recent theories of exchange in solid3He

A critical comparison of recent theories of exchange in solid 3 He is presented. To facilitate this comparison it is first pointed out that a fundamental theory of exchange in solid 3 He exists which yields quitegeneral, many-body expressions for the matrix elements of the exchange operator. This theory constitutes an extension of Herring's work on electronic exchange, which is also the approach used by Thouless. The results of the various theories are then shown to follow systematically from the above general expressions according to various approximations. Thus, in spite of their apparent formal differences, these theories are seen to be basically calculating thesame expression for exchange. It follows from this that the major differences in their numerical results stem from their prior treatment of the lattice dynamics.
Chromatin structure in pre- and postblastula embryos of Drosophila

Abstract Early in embryogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster , DNA synthesis is extremely rapid while RNA synthesis is virtually undetectable. We have examined the chromatin structure of nuclei from preblastula embryos to determine whether these unusual rates of replication and transcription correlate with any alteration in the chromatin. DNase I-hypersensitive sites at the 5′ end of genes have been postulated to be necessary but not sufficient for activity of the associated gene and have been shown to be established prior to the onset of transcription. In order to ascertain whether the apparent transcriptional incompetence of the early embryos is the result of the absence of such chromatin structure, we have examined nuclei from cleavage-stage embryos to determine whether the DNase I-hypersensitive sites have been established. A variety of genes, including inducible heat-shock genes, a constitutively expressed ribosomal protein gene, and two developmentally regulated genes, have been examined. In every case the pattern of DNase I-hypersensitive sites in preblastula embryos duplicates that in the later (6–18 hr after oviposition) embryos. In addition, two extra sites are observed in the early embryos, one at the 5′ end of the hsp 70 gene and one in a gene at chromosomal locus 67B1. These sites do not correlate with any known function; however, neither can functional significance be ruled out. In a further investigation of the chromatin structure of early embryos, a nucleosomal array was generated. The pattern produced from nuclei of early embryos is extremely similar to that from 6- to 18-hr embryos, but somewhat less distinct. Both nucleosomal arrays and DNase I-hypersensitive sites must therefore be established very rapidly following DNA replication. The chromatin structure of cleavage-stage embryos detected by these tests appears to be essentially the same as that of older embryos, both in general, and at specific loci.
Hybrid photonic crystal microcavity switches on SOI

We report the development and characterization of 2-D photonic crystal (PC) microcavity devices on silicon on insulator. The transmission of light through a 2-D PC microcavity near resonance can be switched on and off by modulating the refractive index of the PC. Because silicon has poor electro-optical properties, it is advantageous to insert electro-optic materials inside the air holes. In this work, we report the design, fabrication, and characterization of such hybrid PC microcavity switches using liquid crystals as the electro-optic material. In addition, we demonstrate an electrode geometry that eliminates electric field screening by the more conducting silicon host, and thus enables switching. fabrication.
Atlantic Dimensions of the American Revolution: Imperial Priorities and the Portuguese Reaction to the North American Bid for Independence (1775-83)

This article explains and contextualizes the reaction of the Portuguese monarchy and government to the rebellion and independence of the British colonies in North America. This reaction was a mixed one, shaped by the simultaneous but conflicting motivations of an economic interest in North American trade, an abhorrence on the part of the Portuguese Crown for democratic rebellion against monarchical authority and a fundamental requirement to maintain a stable relationship with long-time ally Great Britain. Although the Lisbon regime initially reacted very strongly against the Americans’ insurrection, later, under a new queen, the Portuguese moderated their position so as not to damage their long-term imperial political and economic interests. This article also examines the economic and political power context of the contemporary Atlantic World from the Portuguese perspective, and specifically outlines the multiple ties that existed between Portugal and the North American British colonies during the eighteenth century. The argument demonstrates that Portugal reacted according to demands created by its overseas empire: maximizing trading profits, manipulating the balance of power in Europe among nations with overseas colonies and discouraging the further spread of aspirations toward independence throughout the Americas, most notably to Portuguese-held Brazil. The Portuguese role as a fundamental player in the early modern Atlantic World is chronically underappreciated and understudied in modern English-language historiography. Despite the significance of Portugal as a trading partner to the American colonies, and despite the importance of the Portuguese Atlantic colonial system to British commercial and military interests in the eighteenth century, no scholarly treatment of this specific subject has ever appeared in the primary journals that regularly consider Atlantic World imperial power dynamics or the place of the incipient United States within them. This contribution, then, helps to fill an obvious gap in the historical literature of the long eighteenth century and the revolutionary era in the Americas.
Gender issues in psychiatric supervision.

P SYCHIATRIC SUPERVISION is influenced by the subtle interplay of numerous characteristics of the supervisor, supervisee, and patient. The racial, cultural, educational. social, generational, and economic characteristics of the members of the supervision triad shape and dictate their interactional processes. The genders of those involved are probably even more critical to the interchanges among them; however, one is hard put to find any discussion of gender issues per se in the classic text9 on psychiatric supervision. Indeed, it is only since the advent of the women’s movement that the literature3s4 has begun to focus on gender issues in psychotherapy. Most of this literature is written by and about women in therapy. The men say little about themselves. While the literature on psychotherapy is expanding rapidly, few articles address gender issues in psychiatric supervision.5-Y In these articles the authors stress the importance of using female supervisors in training programs. Their reasons are several: (1) female residents need and want female role models from whom they can learn and with whom they can identify; (2) male residents need the experience of being supervised by a female authority figure to heighten their awareness of unrecognized values, attitudes, and countertransferential problems around females in authority; (3) male residents who for competitive or other reasons resist learning from men, may be taught more successfully by women; and (4) the female supervisor may serve as an advocate for the female patient in therapy with a male resident. A colleague suggested to one of the author9 that it was desirable for either the therapist or the supervisor to be of the same sex as the patient in order to understand any particular gender-related problems of the patient. From this the author posited:
On the surface plasmon polariton wave at the planar interface of a metal and a chiral sculptured thin film

The solution of a dispersion equation indicates the theoretical existence of multiple modes of surface plasmon polariton wave propagation at the planar interface of a metal and a chiral sculptured thin film (STF). One mode appears to occur over a wide range of the structural period of the chiral STF, while all other modes exist only above some minimum value of the structural period, the minimum value being different for each mode. In order to excite the different modes, the interface can be incorporated in the commonplace Kretschmann configuration, for which our calculations show that the efficient excitation of different modes would require different numbers of structural periods of the chiral STF.
Temperature Biofeedback Treatment for Migraine Headache: A Controlled Multiple Baseline Study

SYNOPSIS A multiple baseline, within subject, controlled design was used to examine the effectiveness of a temperature biofeedback procedure augmented with autogenic and relaxation training, in the treatment of four patients who met the criteria for the migraine syndrome. Before treatment was begun, each patient recorded baseline data on hourly ratings of headache intensity and amount of analgesic medication used. The treatment package consisted of: (1) instructions aimed at generating favorable therapeutic expectations; (2) modified relaxation training; (3) use of autogenic phrases; and, (4) fingertip temperature feedback. In accord with the multiple baseline design, this package was introduced to individual patients sequentially in such a way that the effect of treatment was observed in headache and medication records of one patient before treatment was introduced to the next patient. Results indicated that the treatment package had an impact on ratings of headache intensity and medication usage. The data showed idiosyncratic variations and individual differences among subjects in the response to treatment.
Thrombospondin-1 Modulates the Angiogenic Phenotype of Human Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation Endothelial Cells

BACKGROUND: The management of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is challenging, and invasive therapies place vital intracranial structures at risk of injury. The development of noninvasive, pharmacologic approaches relies on identifying factors that mediate key angiogenic processes. Previous studies indicate that endothelial cells (ECs) derived from cerebral AVM (AVM-ECs) are distinct from control brain ECs with regard to important angiogenic characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), a potent angiostatic factor, regulates critical angiogenic features of AVM-ECs and to identify factors that modulate TSP-1 production in AVM-ECs. METHODS: EC proliferation, migration, and tubule formation were evaluated with bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, Boyden chamber, and Matrigel studies, respectively. TSP-1 and inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 1 (Id1) mRNA levels were quantified with microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. TSP-1 protein expression was measured using Western blotting, immunohistochemical, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. The mechanistic link between Id1 and TSP-1 was established through small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Id1 in AVM-ECs followed by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments assessing TSP-1 production. RESULTS: AVM-ECs proliferate faster, migrate more quickly, and form disorganized tubules compared with brain ECs. TSP-1 is significantly down-regulated in AVM-ECs. The addition of TSP-1 to AVM-EC cultures normalizes the rate of proliferation and migration and the efficiency of tubule formation, whereas brain ECs are unaffected. Id1 negatively regulates TSP-1 expression in AVM-ECs. CONCLUSION: These data highlight a novel role for TSP-1 in the pathobiology of AVM angiogenesis and provide a context for its use in the clinical management of brain AVMs.
Impact of a standardized patient intervention to teach breast and abdominal examination skills to third-year medical students at two institutions.

BACKGROUND: This study examined whether a single intervention with standardized patients (SPs) as a supplement to traditional teaching during the surgery clerkship would enhance the breast and abdominal examination skills of third-year medical students. METHODS: During the academic year 1994-1995, 153 students from two institutions were assigned to control or experimental groups. At institution A, all students underwent pretests and posttests with SPs; at institution B, no pretest was conducted. All experimental students received group and one-to-one instruction with SPs during the intervention session. RESULTS: At posttest, the experimental group performed better than the control group on breast examination (P = 0.002), professionalism during this examination (P <0.001), abdominal examination (P <0.001), and professionalism during the latter examination (P = 0.050). The improvement from pretest to posttest at institution A was significantly greater in the experimental group than the control group for the breast examination (P = 0.036) and the abdominal examination (P <0.001). Analyses on a variety of specific tasks within each examination were also performed. CONCLUSION: A single intervention with SPs teaching breast and abdominal examinations resulted in significant enhancement of these clinical skills.
Nano-engineered optical fibers and applications

This paper reviews a technology for making nano-engineered optical fibers. Key features and advantages of nano-enginneered glass fibers are discussed. Fiber designs and their applications are presented.
“Pulse” methylprednisolone therapy in the treatment of severe glomerulonephritis

Eight patients with severe glomerulonephritis and an average inulin clearance of 21.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 body surface were treated with high-dosage intravenous methylprednisolone, 30 mg/kg given over a one-hour period on each of six alternate days. The mean inulin clearance rate doubled after this "pulse" therapy. In the six patients treated early in the course of their disease, GFR increased to a mean of 100.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 during the follow-up period extending for up to three years and was accompanied by clinical improvement. These observations suggest that "pulse" methylprednisolone may be beneficial in treating some patients with potentially life-threatening severe glomerulonephritis.
Single-patch, 2-patch, and caval division techniques for repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections: Does it matter?

Objective We reviewed our experience with the single-patch, 2-patch, and caval division techniques for repair of a partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Methods From 1990 to 2009, 124 patients (65 male patients; 52%) were identified. The single-patch, two-patch, and caval division technique was used in 60 (49%), 24 (19%), and 40 (32%) patients, respectively. The median age was 34.5 years (range, 1–76). Of the 124 patients, 99 (80%) had an atrial septal defect. Results There was no early mortality. Survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 99%, 95%, and 82%, respectively. One patient (3%) in the caval division group required early reoperation for superior vena caval obstruction. All patients, exept for 3, had regained sinus rhythm at discharge. Late superior vena caval obstruction developed in 3 patients (7.5%) in the caval division group, 3 (5%) in the single-patch group, and 1 (4%) in the 2-patch group ( Р = .5). Two patients underwent reoperation for late pulmonary vein obstruction: 1 (2%) in the single-patch group and 1 (4%) in the 2-patch group ( P = .08). A permanent pacemaker was required in 3 patients (3%). Conclusions Surgical treatment of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections is associated with excellent outcomes. The overall incidence of late superior vena caval or pulmonary vein stenosis is low. Although not significant, the 2-patch technique might be associated with a greater incidence of sinus node dysfunction and late pulmonary venous stenosis. The late development of superior vena caval obstruction is a concern with all techniques, necessitating close follow-up.
The Stability of Differential Rotation with Non-Axisymmetric Perturbations. II: The Necessary Conditions

A plane-wave analysis on a simplified scheme based on the Boussinesq approximation and shallow convection is used to establish the necessary conditions for stability of a differentiallyrotating, compressible flow between two coaxial cylinders subject to non-axisymmetric perturbations. To test the adequateness of this simplification, the sufficient conditions for stability are again established which agree with those obtained by a normal-mode analysis on an exact scheme in an earlier paper by the author. This model is applicable to stellar models with rotation Ω=Ω(ω), where ω is the radial distance from the axis of rotation (thez-axis).
Characterization of residential wood combustion particles using the two-wavelength aethalometer.

In the United States, residential wood combustion (RWC) is responsible for 7.0% of the national primary PM2.5 emissions. Exposure to RWC smoke represents a potential human health hazard. Organic components of wood smoke particles absorb light at 370 nm more effectively than 880 nm in two- wavelength aethalometer measurements. This enhanced absorption (Delta-C = BC370 nmBC880 nm) can serve as an indicator of RWC particles. In this study, aethalometer Delta-C data along with measurements of molecular markers and potassium in PM2.5 were used to identify the presence of airborne RWC particles in Rochester, NY. The aethalometer data were corrected for the loading effect. Delta-C was found to strongly correlate with wood smoke markers (levoglucosan and potassium) during the heating season. No statistically significant correlation wasfoundbetweenDelta-Candvehicleexhaustmarkers.TheDelta-Cvalueswere substantially higher during winter compared to summer. The winter diurnal pattern showed an evening peak around 21:00 that was particularly enhanced on weekends. A relationship between Delta-C and PM2.5 was found that permits the estimation of the contribution of RWC particles to the PM mass. RWC contributed 17.3% to the PM2.5 concentration during the winter. Exponential decay was a good estimator for predicting Delta-C concentrations at different winter precipitation rates and different wind speeds. Delta-C was also sensitive to remote forest fire smoke.
An apparent double-planed Benioff Zone beneath northern Chile resulting from misidentification of reflected phases

Epicenters of intermediate-depth events located by the ISC, taken together with focal depths determined from the reflected phase pP, define a double-planed seismic zone beneath northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. The lower zone of seismicity, however, is the result of a systematic misidentification of sP as pP at many North American seismograph stations. The lower seismic plane consists of 14 earthquakes located between 22° and 24.5° S that occurred between 1964 and 1984. Depths calculated from pP arrival times reported to the ISC are heavily biased by the abundance of reports from high-gain stations in western North America. Reports from these stations place the lower zone events at 125-150 km depth, 35-45 km below the main Wadati-Benioff zone. Short-period seismograms produced by the lower zone earthquakes at North American stations show only one clear reflected phase following P, which is often incorrectly identified as pP. Our identification of this phase as sP results in a shallower depth determination that is in agreement with pP and sP arrival time reports from stations in Africa and Southern Europe. The absence of a strong pP phase from North American records for the 14 events can be explained by the proximity of its take-off angle to a nodal plane on the focal sphere. The majority of intermediate depth events in the region lie in the upper plane; these earthquakes do produce recognizable pP phases. Hence, no clear evidence exists for a double-planed seismic zone in this region.
Individual Motile CD4+ T Cells Can Participate in Efficient Multikilling through Conjugation to Multiple Tumor Cells

T cells genetically modified to express a CD19-specifi cc himeric antigen receptor (CAR) for the investigational treatment of B-cell malignancies comprise a heterogeneous population, and their ability to persist and participate in serial killing of tumor cells is a predictor of therapeutic success. We implemented Timelapse Imaging Microscopy in Nanowell Grids (TIMING) to provide direct evidence that CD4 þ CAR þ Tc ells (CAR4 cells) can engage in multikilling via simultaneous conjugation to multiple tumor cells. Comparisons of the CAR4 cells and CD8 þ CAR þ T cells (CAR8 cells) demonstrate that, although CAR4 cells can participate in killing and multikilling, they do so at slower rates, likely due to the lower granzyme B content. Significantly, in both sets of T cells, a minor subpopulation of individual T cells identified by their high motility demonstrated efficient killing of single tumor cells. A comparison of the multikiller and single-killer CAR þ T cells revealed that the propensity and kinetics of T-cell apoptosis were modulated by the number of functional conjugations. T cells underwent rapid apoptosis, and at higher frequencies, when conjugated to single tumor cells in isolation, and this effect was more pronounced on CAR8 cells. Our results suggest that the ability of CAR þ T cells to participate in multikilling should be evaluated in the context of their ability to resist activation-induced cell death. We anticipate that TIMING may be used to rapidly determine the potency of T-cell populations and may facilitate the design and manufacture of next-generation CAR þ Tc ells with improved efficacy. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(5); 1–10. � 2015 AACR. See related commentary by June in this issue.
A comparative evaluation of single-balloon enteroscopy and spiral enteroscopy for patients with mid-gut disorders

Background Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) and spiral enteroscopy (SE) are recently described device-assisted techniques in endoluminal evaluation of the small bowel. No studies comparing SBE and SE in patients with suspected small-bowel disorders have previously been reported. Objective The aims of this study were to compare SBE and SE in terms of diagnostic yield, procedure time, depth of maximal insertion, and complications. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary-care referral center. Patients A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients at our institution undergoing anterograde SBE or SE between 2007 and 2009. Patients with altered anatomy or prior small-bowel surgery were excluded. Intervention Deep enteroscopy. Main Outcome Measurement Diagnostic yield. Results During the study period, 92 patients underwent 105 procedures (52 SBE, 53 SE). The most common indication for small-bowel endoscopy was obscure GI bleeding (n = 42). The diagnostic yield was not statistically different between SBE and SE (59.6% and 43.4%, respectively, P = .12). The overall diagnostic yield in patients with obscure GI bleeding was 67%. There was no significant difference between mean SBE and SE procedure times (53 minutes [range 15-99 minutes] vs 47 minutes [range 20-125 minutes], respectively; P = .2). The mean depth of maximal insertion beyond the ligament of Treitz for SE was significantly higher than that for SBE (301 cm [range 175-400 cm] vs 222 cm [range 110-400 cm], respectively; P Limitations Retrospective design and nonstandardized gas insufflation. Conclusion This is the first report comparing SE and SBE. Although SE yielded greater depth of maximal insertion than SBE, both techniques had similar diagnostic yields and procedure times. In addition, both techniques were safe and were particularly useful in patients with obscure GI bleeding.
Who are the players, and what do they bring to the science and compliance teams ?

The aim of a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology study is to provide useful information on the toxicity of a compound to a multiplicity of internal and external groups. Using the principles of total quality management (TQM), a multidisciplinary team is formed to plan the strategy for either an improvement or a change in a GLP toxicology study. The team members use their respective expertise to clarify their expectations and jointly define a common goal. Through carrying out the planned improvement or change, assessing the results, and replanning a GLP toxicology study, the stage is set for a continual improvement process. At the heart of the process is the willingness of team members to openly communicate and work together toward a common goal. The end result of using a dynamic TQM approach is that a GLP toxicology setting can result in continual improvements, better study planning, and a decrease in defects. Science and GLP compliance become members of the same team and a winning combination for su...
Nanowire-Functionalized Cotton Textiles

We show the general functionalization of cotton fabrics using solution-synthesized CdSe and CdTe nanowires (NWs). Conformal coatings onto individual cotton fibers have been achieved through various physical and chemical approaches. Some involve the electrostatic attraction of NWs to cotton charged positively with a Van de Graaff generator or via 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride treatments. Resulting NW-functionalized textiles consist of dense, conformal coatings and have been characterized for their UV–visible absorption as well as Raman activity. We demonstrate potential uses of these functionalized textiles through two proof-of-concept applications. The first entails barcoding cotton using the unique Raman signature of the NWs. We also demonstrate the surface-enhancement of their Raman signatures using codeposited Au. A second demonstration takes advantage of the photoconductive nature of semiconductor NWs to create cotton-based photodetectors. Apart from these illustrations, NW-functionalized ...
Elucidating the porous structure of activated carbon fibers using direct and indirect methods

Abstract The porous structure of a series of commercial activated carbon fibers (ACFs) (with increasing surface area) was studied using both direct and indirect methods. The porous structure was characterized directly using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) techniques and indirectly using the Dubinin-Radushkevichr-Stoeckli (D-R-S) equation applied to the nitrogen adsorption isotherm at 77 K. The porous structure was imaged at both the fiber surface and fiber cross-section and compared to analyses using indirect methods in terms of pore size, pore shape and pore size distribution. An average pore size was calculated from the fiber cross-section using section analysis in the standard STM software package and image analysis software. The pore size distribution of the ACFs was determined by applying the D-R-S equation to the nitrogen adsorption isotherm at 77 K. Additionally, a series of phenolic fibers activated under inert conditions was shown to form a stable porous structure. Comparison of this system to the ACFs using STM provided an important insight into the mechanism of pore generation in the ACFs.
Scatter and blurring compensation in inhomogeneous media using a postprocessing method

An efficient postprocessing method to compensate for the scattering and blurring effects in inhomogeneous medium in SPECT is proposed. A two-dimensional point spread function (2D-PSF) was estimated in the image domain to model the combination of these two physical effects. This 2D-PSF in the inhomogeneous medium is fitted with an asymmetric Gaussian function based on Monte Carlo simulation results. An efficient further blurring and deconvolution method was used to restore images from the spatially variant 2D-PSF kernel. The compensation is performed using a computer-simulated NCAT phantom and a flanged Jaszczak experimental phantom. The preliminary results demonstrate an improvement in image quality and quantity accuracy with increased image contrast (25% increase compared to uncompensated image) and decreased error (40% decrease compared to uncompensated image). This method also offers an alternative to compensate for scatter and blurring in a more time efficient manner compared to the popular iterative methods. The execution time for this efficient postprocessing method is only a few minutes, which is within the clinically acceptable range.
Stylized movement in interpreters theatre

New directions in Interpreters Theatre bring it closer to a variety of non‐representational and stylized theatrical forms. Movement and sound accompaniments imply special training for the performers. The writer offers Gregory Bateson's theories on nonverbal communication as a possible theoretical rationale and some practical suggestions on theatre models and body work methods for bringing students to mental and physical readiness to perform abstract movement styles.
Efficiency improvement of a low-power multiple-input converter with forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches

This paper presents key design aspects for achieving high efficiency in a family of non-isolated multiple-input converters (MICs). Many MIC topologies are based on a time-multiplexing (TM) scheme that relies on forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking (FCBB). However, these switches tend to increase power losses in a TM-MIC. The significance of the proposed strategies is exemplified through experiments with a multiple-input SEPIC which originally operates at about 85 % efficiency. It is shown that for output power from 1 W to 220 W, the improved design achieves a higher efficiency (up to about 96 %).
Polarimetric discrimination of atmospheric particulate matter

A polarimeter capable of measuring the complete Mueller matrix of highly scattering samples in transmission and reflection from 300 to 1100 nm has been constructed and tested. Exploratory research has been conducted which may lead to the standoff detection of bio-aerosols in the atmosphere. The polarization properties of bsubtilis (surrogate for anthrax spore) have been compared to ambient particulate matter species such as pollen, dust and soot (all sampled onto microscope slides) and differentiating features have been identified. The application of this technique for the discrimination of bio-aerosol from background clutter has been demonstrated.
Fruit quality and production of cactus pear (Opuntiaspp.) fruit clones selected for increased frost hardiness

The principal limitation to cultivation of cactus for fruit in the south-western United States is lack of hardiness to freezing weather. This field trial compared 22Opuntiaclones selected for increased cold hardiness, fruit yield, and fruit quality, i.e. pH, sugar content and seed content. Mexican accessions 1380, 1277, 1281 and 1300 had the highest yields averaging between 2·5 and 5·2 kg m−2while the Chilean clones had lower yields, yet greater sugar content and generally lower seed contents. As there is considerable aversion by first time consumers of cactus pears to seed size and number, we evaluated seed number, seed weight per fruit and weight per seed. Our trial found a considerable range in seed weight from 2·19 to 6·37 g fruit−1. While the Chilean varieties had among the lowest seed weight per fruit (2·2 g fruit−1) and were similar in seed weight to the recently reported BS1 parthenocarpic clones in Israel, a few Mexican varieties were comparable. In summary, Chilean varieties were most promising for high sugar content and low seed weight per fruit. Mexican varieties with high yields did not contain high sugar.
Here’s Looking at You: Self-Objectification, Body Image Disturbance, and Sorority Rush

This study investigated the impact of sorority rush on self-objectification and body image disturbance. First-year undergraduate women either participating (n = 68) or not participating (n = 59) in sorority rush at a U.S. Midwestern university completed online surveys at four time points. It was predicted that rush participation would lead to increases in self-objectification, which in turn would lead to increases in body shame and eating disordered behavior and attitudes. Results supported predictions based on objectification theory at a single time point, but not longitudinally. Rush participants evidenced higher levels of self-objectification and eating disordered behavior at all time points. Body mass index predicted dropping out of the rush process and was negatively correlated with satisfaction with the rush process.
Diffusion of Zinc and Tin in Indium Antimonide

The diffusion of zinc and tin in single-crystal and polycrystalline InSb has been studied with the radio-tracer technique. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients can be represented by: $D(\mathrm{Zn})=1.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{0.86}{\mathrm{kT}})$ c${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$/sec and $D(\mathrm{Sn})=5.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{0.75}{\mathrm{kT}})$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec in single-crystal InSb; and $D(\mathrm{Zn})=1.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{0.85}{\mathrm{kT}})$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec in polycrystalline InSb, the activation energies being in electron volts. From the penetration curves, it appears that in polycrystalline InSb the zinc diffusion is a volume diffusion while the tin diffusion is mainly a grain boundary diffusion. The different behaviors of zinc and tin in InSb are discussed on the basis of one-type and two-type vacancy mechanisms.
Cytokine-induced tumor suppressors: A GRIM story

Cytokines belonging to the IFN family are potent growth suppressors. In a number of clinical and preclinical studies, vitamin A and its derivatives like retinoic acid (RA) have been shown to exert synergistic growth-suppressive effects on several tumor cells. We have employed a genome-wide expression-knockout approach to identify the genes critical for IFN/RA-induced growth suppression. A number of novel genes associated with Retinoid-Interferon-induced Mortality (GRIM) were isolated. In this review, we will describe the molecular mechanisms of actions of one, GRIM-19, which participates in multiple pathways for exerting growth control and/or cell death. This protein is emerging as a new tumor suppressor. In addition, GRIM-19 appears to participate in innate immune responses as its activity is modulated by several viruses and bacteria. Thus, GRIMs seem to couple with multiple biological responses by acting at critical nodes.
A Two-Way Nested Global-Regional Dynamical Core on the Cubed-Sphere Grid

AbstractA nested-grid model is constructed using the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory finite-volume dynamical core on the cubed sphere. The use of a global grid avoids the need for externally imposed lateral boundary conditions, and the use of the same governing equations and discretization on the global and regional domains prevents inconsistencies that may arise when these differ between grids. A simple interpolated nested-grid boundary condition is used, and two-way updates use a finite-volume averaging method. Mass conservation is achieved in two-way nesting by simply not updating the mass field.Despite the simplicity of the nesting methodology, the distortion of the large-scale flow by the nested grid is such that the increase in global error norms is a factor of 2 or less in shallow-water test cases. The effect of a nested grid in the tropics on the zonal means and eddy statistics of an idealized Held–Suarez climate integration is minor, and artifacts due to the nested grid are comparable to th...