cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Area patterning of the mammalian cortex

Here we describe mechanisms regulating area patterning of developing mammalian neocortex, referred to as arealization. Current findings indicate an interplay between intrinsic genetic mechanisms and extrinsic information relayed to cortex by thalamocortical input. Intrinsic mechanisms are based on morphogens and signaling molecules secreted by patterning centers, positioned at the perimeter of dorsal telencephalon, that generate across nascent cortex the graded expression of transcription factors in cortical progenitors. Two major patterning centers are the commissural plate, which expresses Fgf8 and Fgf17, and the cortical hem, which expresses Bmps and Wnts. Four transcription factors, COUP-TFI, Emx2, Pax6, and Sp8, with graded expression across the embryonic cortical axes, are shown to determine sizes and positions of cortical areas by specifying or repressing area identities within cortical progenitors. They also interact to modify their expression, as well as expression of Fgf8. We review these mechanisms of arealization and discuss models and concepts of cortical area patterning.
Prospective navigator gating with a dual acceptance window technique to reduce respiratory motion artifacts in 3D MR coronary angiography

A prospective navigator algorithm with a dual acceptance window (DAW) technique was developed to reduce image artifacts induced by respiratory motion without increasing imaging time. A phantom study shows that the ghost level measured by ghost-to-image ratio was reduced by 27.1% (p < 0.005) using the DAW technique compared to the conventional single acceptance window technique. This DAW technique can also be used to reduce imaging time while maintaining comparable ghosting level.
Hexosaminidases and ganglioside catabolism in the GM2-gangliosidoses.

Abstract The GM2-gangliosidoses are a set of neurological diseases whose common features include the storage of the ganglioside GM2, N-acetyl galactosaminyl (N-acetylneuraminyl-) galactosylglucosylceramide and related neutral glycosphingolipids in various organs (particularly brain) of affected individuals and the inability of such individuals' hexosaminidases to catalyze the hydrolysis of GM2. Associated with this finding has been the demonstration of a deficiency in none, one or both major forms (A and B) of hexosaminidase which can be measured with artificial flurogenic or chromogenic substrates. Additionally, a deficiency in the A form of hexosaminidase which is usually associated with Tay-Sachs disease has been demonstrated in certain clinically normal adults. Recent advances in the purification of the two forms of hexosaminidase have allowed their catalytic, immunological, physical and genetic characteristics to be examined in great detail. This examination has resulted in the proposal of several models for the relationship of the hexosaminidases and their involvment in the GM2-gangliosidoses. I discuss the evidence for these models and the implications which can be drawn from them in this review.
Social support and managerial affective responses to job stress

SUMMARY This research examines the moderating or buffering effects of two social support variables-support from the work group and from the supervisor-on the relationships of role conflict and ambiguity to intrinsic job satisfaction, job involvement and job anxiety. Data were collected from a sample of 89 middle-lower managerial personnel in a large, heavy equipment manufacturing firm in the Midwest. The moderated regression technique was used in data analysis. Significant interactions were obtained between the role variables and both social support variables. The results were in the predicted direction for positive work outcomes (i.e. job satisfaction and involvement) and contrary to prediction for negative work outcome (i.e. job anxiety). Implications of the findings for future research, the management of stress and leadership behaviour are discussed.
Combining error masking and error detection plus recovery to combat soft errors in static CMOS circuits

Soft errors are changes in logic state of a circuit/system resulting from the latching of single-event transients (transient voltage fluctuations at a logic node or SETs) caused by high-energy particle strikes or electrical noise. Due to technology scaling and reduced supply voltages, they are expected to increase by several orders of magnitude in logic circuits. In this work, we present a very efficient and systematic approach to cope with soft errors in combinational and sequential logic circuits. The features and merits of our approach are: (1) use of error masking in non-critical paths along with error detection and recovery in critical paths, which substantially lowers overhead for error correction; (2) average 93% soft-error rate (SER) reduction as SETs of width approximately half the clock period time can be tolerated; (3) area and power overheads can be traded-off with SER reduction based on application requirements. We also present two additional techniques to more aggressively utilize slack in circuits and further improve SER reduction by: (1) exploiting circuit delay dependence on input vectors and (2) redistributing slack in pipelined circuits.
Discovery and characterization of a mammalian amyloid disaggregation activity

The formation of amyloid, a cross-β-sheet fibrillar aggregate, is associated with a variety of aging-associated degenerative diseases. Herein, we report the existence of a mammalian amyloid disaggregase activity that is present in all tissues and cell types tested. Homogenates from mammalian tissues and cell lines are able to disaggregate amyloid fibrils composed of amyloid β (Aβ)1–40 or the 8 kDa plasma gelsolin fragment. The mammalian disaggregase activity is sensitive to proteinase K digestion and can be uncoupled from proteolysis activity using a protease inhibitor cocktail. Amyloid disaggregation and proteolysis activities are remarkably resistant to changes in temperature and pH. Identification and manipulation of the proteins responsible for the amyloid disaggregation/degradation activities offers the possibility of ameliorating aggregation-associated diseases.
Computational Energetic Analysis of Intrafacial Binding Energies in Interpolated Myosin States

Computational Energetic Analysis of Intrafacial Binding Energies in Interpolated Myosin StatesIn order to understand how myosin interacts with ATP and actin to produce motion during structural rearrangements corresponding to progression from one biochemical/structural state to the next in the ATPase crossbridge cycle, we examined the energetic differences in interfaces within structural models of myosin. So that these stages of the crossbridge cycle are logically and energetically realistically connected we generated, by interpolating in an energetically realistic way, structures between existing crystal structure states of individual myosin heads representative of different biochemical/structural states of the crossbridge cycle. We computationally alanine scanned1 these structures to objectively examine myosin energetics and test hypotheses of force production and regulation. Combining these computed energies with displacement measurements as examined by distance displacement contact maps, we gained important insights into the complex interplay of energy, strain, elastic energy storage and release, and force generation within myosin and how structural elements interact to create the complex regulated mechanochemical behavior of the myosin motor. In particular, we focused on the recovery stroke connecting the Dictyostelium myosin structures 1MMD and 1VOM using intermediates generated by the conjugate peak refinement method2 to find areas of strain creation, strain maintenance (elastic energy storage) and strain release, as well as elastic recovery. This contributes to a quantitative view of the regulatory mechanisms; interface formations, deformations and dissolutions; force producing motions, and the energy landscape on which these changes take place.
Presidential Election Cycles and the Turn-of-the-Month Effect*

Objective. In this research, the presidential election cycle hypothesis is evaluated within the context of the turn-of-the-month effect found in stock returns. Methods. Returns from the daily Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) index, and the NASDAQ Composite index are grouped into turn-of-the month returns and non-turn-of-the-month returns. Statistical comparisons are conducted to evaluate the returns based on administration subperiod, temporal subperiod, and party affiliation. Results. The results provide evidence of higher turn-of-the-month returns in the second half of presidential terms. The higher turn-of-the-month returns account for most of the additional returns found in the second half of presidential terms evidenced in prior research. Conclusions. The persistent higher investment returns for stocks found in the second half of presidential terms can be linked to fiscal and administrative policies that increase household liquidity prior to elections. Incumbents attempt to influence voter choice and energize core constituencies by increasing household liquidity prior to elections through fiscal and administrative policies. These actions create higher turn-of the-month returns in the second half of presidential terms, which generate additional overall investment returns for the period.
An Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior of a Superplastic Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia

Experiments were conducted to determine the mechanical characteristics of an yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia containing 3 mol % Y2O3. Specimens were pulled in tension at elevated temperatures over a range of strain rates. It is demonstrated that this material exhibits good superplastic ductility, with tensile elongations >100% when the tests are conducted at low strain rates. Internal cavities are formed during deformation and it is shown that the cavitated area decreases with decreasing strain rate. At fast strain rates, of the order of 10–3 s–1, the cavities tend to link preferentially in a direction perpendicular to the tensile axis.
Suicide among adolescents

The significant rise in adolescent suicide rates, unlike the generally stable rates of other age groups, has drawn attention to adolescent suicide and the spectrum of suicidal behavior. Epidemiological information, associated risk factors, explanations for the increased rates, and the intervention and treatment of suicidal adolescents are reviewed.
Axial-Beam Absorption Detection for Capillary Electrophoresis with a Conventional Light Source

A commercial absorption detector was modified to provide axial-beam absorption detection for capillary electrophoresis. The increased path length led to improved detection limits. By the use of a nonaqueous solvent, the column is made into an optical waveguide for highly efficient light transmission. The electropherogram integrates the absorbance produced by all components in the sample, but provides information identical to that from normal electropherograms. The mechanical modifications make it possible to switch readily between the cross-beam and the axial-beam geometries.
Genome annotation of five Mycoplasma canis strains.

To understand its potential to cause invasive disease, the genome of Mycoplasma canis strain PG14T from a dog's throat was compared to those of isolates from the genital tract or brain of dogs. The average nucleotide identity between strain pairs is 98%, and their genome annotations are similar.
Impact of Label Information on Consumer Assessment of Soy-enhanced Tomato Juice

: The impact of label information on the liking and closeness to ideal of tomato juice beverages was examined by having 100 judges assess 3 tomato juice beverages (Campbell's tomato juice, V8 juice, and an experimental tomato juice enhanced with soy) either with or without labeling information. Judges rated overall liking of each product and then rated appropriateness of various attributes (saltiness, tomato flavor, thickness, texture, red color, orange color, and brown color) on 5-point just-right scales. Only half of the judges were presented with product-related label information during evaluation. Overall liking scores were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, whereas different attribute ratings were analyzed using Thurstonian Ideal Point modeling and Chi-square. Product-associated label information did not significantly alter overall liking ratings (P > 0.05), although a significant difference in liking was found between products (P < 0.05). Similarly, the label information did not impact comparison of product attribute levels to ideal attribute levels. Both V8 and Campbell's were significantly different from the ideal for 3 of the attributes (P < 0.05). For the soy-enhanced tomato juice, all 7 attributes were significantly different from the ideal (P < 0.05). In this instance, labeling information had no notable impact on assessments.
Apolipoprotein B Is Synthesized in Selected Human Non-hepatic Cell Lines But Not Processed into Mature Lipoprotein

We studied apolipoprotein B100 (apoB) metabolism in a series of non-hepatic cell lines (HT29 colon adenocarcinoma, HeLa cervical epithelioid carcinoma, and 1321N1J astrocytoma human cell lines) and in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. ApoB mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in each non-hepatic cell line. ApoB was detected in HepG2 cells by immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry using a polyclonal anti-human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) antibody, an anti-human apoB peptide antibody, and several monoclonal anti-apoB antibodies. ApoB was identified in the three non-hepatic cell lines by each method using the anti-apoB peptide and monoclonal antibodies, but not with the anti-LDL antibody. Immunocytochemistry indicated that epitopes of apoB were evident throughout the endoplasmic reticulum, and gel mobility of newly labeled apoB and immunoblot with anti-ubiquitin showed that apoB was highly ubiquinated in non-hepatic cells. The observations that apoB is synthesized in non-hepatic cell lines but never recognized by the anti-LDL antibody suggests that apoB is not processed into a nascent lipoprotein in these cells. Immunocytochemical localization of apoB epitopes at many locations throughout non-hepatic cells raises the exciting possibility that apoB can be used for other purposes in these cells.
Towards Cloud Mobile Hybrid Application Generation Using Semantically Enriched Domain Specific Languages

The advancements in computing have resulted in a boom of cheap, ubiquitous, connected mobile devices as well as seemingly unlimited, utility style, pay as you go computing resources, commonly referred to as Cloud computing. Taking advantage of this computing landscape, however, has been hampered by the many heterogeneities that exist in the mobile space as well as the Cloud space.
A molecular approach to understanding root bud dormancy in leafy spurge

Abstract Leafy spurge is a tenacious perennial weed of the Northern Plains. This plant maintains a perennial growth cycle by controlled production and growth of numerous underground adventitious buds. We are using molecular tools to identify signaling pathways that control underground adventitious bud growth and development in leafy spurge. Toward this end, we have used three techniques to identify genes that are differentially expressed concomitantly with the breaking of quiescence in underground buds of leafy spurge. These techniques include differential display of cDNAs, random cloning and sequencing of genes expressed in growing buds, and microarray technology. To date, we have identified more than 16 genes that are differentially expressed in underground buds of leafy spurge during dormancy break and growth initiation. A detailed expression analysis of these genes will allow them to be grouped by their responses to various signals known to play a role in control of underground bud growth. This inform...
Alpheus zimmermani sp. nov., a new colourful snapping shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda) from the Caribbean Sea

A new snapping shrimp, Alpheus zimmermani sp. nov. is described on the basis of a single specimen collected on a coral reef off Guana Island, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Sea. The new species has some morphological similarities with A. bouvieri A. Milne-Edwards and A. leviusculus Dana, but differs from these taxa by the strong medio- dorsal carina reaching far beyond the mid-length of the carapace, several features on the chelipeds, and by the conspicuous colour pattern.
Human Wee1 kinase inhibits cell division by phosphorylating p34cdc2 exclusively on Tyr15.

Abstract In fission yeast, the M-phase inducing kinase, a complex of p34cdc2 and cyclin B, is maintained in an inhibited state during interphase due to the phosphorylation of Cdc2 at Tyr15. This phosphorylation is believed to be carried out primarily by the Wee1 kinase. In human cells the negative regulation of p34cdc2/cyclin B is more complex, in that Cdc2 is phosphorylated at two inhibitory sites, Thr14 and Tyr15. The identities of the kinases that phosphorylate these sites are unknown. Since fission yeast Wee1 kinase behaves as a dual-specificity kinase in vitro, a popular hypothesis is that a human Wee1 homolog might phosphorylate p34cdc2 at both sites. We report here that a human gene, identified as a possible Wee1 homologue, blocks cell division when overexpressed in HeLa cells. This demonstrates functional conservation of the Wee1 mitotic inhibitor. Contrary to the dual-specificity kinase hypothesis, purified human Wee1 phosphorylates p34cdc2 exclusively on Tyr15 in vitro; no Thr14 phosphorylation was detected. Human and fission yeast Wee1 also specifically phosphorylate synthetic peptides at sites equivalent to Tyr15. Mutation of a critical lysine codon (Lys114) believed to be essential for kinase activity abolished both the in vivo mitotic inhibitor function and in vitro kinase activities of human Wee1. These results conclusively prove that Wee1 kinases inhibit mitosis by directly phosphorylating p34cdc2 on Tyr15, and strongly indicate that human cells have independent kinase pathways directing the two inhibitor phosphorylations of p34cdc2.
Interleukin-1 beta enhances spinal cord blood flow after intrathecal administration in the normal rat

The effects of acute intrathecal recombinant human interleukin-1 beta (rhIL-1 beta) administration on spinal cord blood flow (SCBF), volume, and velocity were determined by laser-Doppler flowmetry in normal anesthetized rats with the use of a randomized and blinded protocol. The intrathecal administration of rhIL-1 beta (0.16-16 ng) produced a dose-dependent increase in SCBF that was not related to changes in blood pressure; arterial pH, PO2, PCO2; or spinal cord temperature. The IL-1 beta-induced enhancement of SCBF was directly proportional to the resultant elevation of spinal cord rhIL-1 beta content and was significantly correlated with an elevated blood velocity. The IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in concentrations 50- and 200-fold higher than IL-1 beta completely blocked the IL-1 beta-induced increase in SCBF when both compounds were administered concomitantly, but when administered alone, IL-1ra did not affect SCBF or other parameters. This suggests that IL-1 beta action was mediated by a specific interaction with an IL-1 membrane receptor site. The results suggest a role of IL-1 beta in the regulation of spinal cord hemodynamics. A potential pharmacological approach using IL-1 agonists for the treatment of the delayed appearance of posttraumatic spinal ischemia is proposed.
Cytokines in schizophrenia: Hope or hype?

Although there is a cumulative evidence for the inflammation pathophysiology in schizophrenia, it has not been conclusively proven yet. One reason for this is the lack of studies that have controlled for major confounding factors such as obesity, smoking, antipsychotic use, and stress. The studies in which the major confounding factors were controlled were done in subjects in acute relapse and in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. To date, no studies have been done in stable outpatients with schizophrenia controlling for major confounding factors. Data on cerebrospinal fluid cytokines in large sample independent of confounding factors are also lacking. The efficacy signal from anti-inflammatory medications in schizophrenia has been modest. In this study, the inconsistent and nonvalidated cytokine findings independent of the confounding factors are discussed.
Privacy-preserving and secure communication scheme for power injection in smart grid

In this paper, we propose a secure and privacy-preserving communication scheme for power injection for the smart grid storage units. The idea is based on collecting masked bids from storage units at an aggregator and send aggregated bids to the utility rather than the individual ones. The utility company can ensure the integrity and authenticity of the aggregated bid without accessing the individual bids. In this way, no party will have access to the storage units' data and make use of it to achieve unfair financial gains. Our evaluations have demonstrated that the proposed scheme is secure and can achieve the privacy requirements. Moreover, the scheme requires acceptable communication and computation overhead.
The Erosion of Rights to Abortion Care in the United States: A Call for a Renewed Anthropological Engagement with the Politics Of Abortion

Women's rights to legal abortion in the United States are now facing their greatest social and legislative challenges since its 1973 legalization. Legislation restricting rights and access to abortion care has been passed at state and federal levels at an unprecedented rate. Given the renewed vigor of anti-abortion movements, we call on anthropologists to engage with this shifting landscape of reproductive politics. This article examines recent legislation that has severely limited abortion access and maps possible directions for future anthropological analysis. We argue that anthropology can provide unique contributions to broader abortion research. The study of abortion politics in the United States today is not only a rich opportunity for applied and policy-oriented ethnographic research. It also provides a sharply focused lens onto broader theoretical concerns in anthropology and new social formations across moral, medical, political, and scientific fields in 21st-century America.
FERC v. EPSA and the Path to a Clean Electricity Sector

This Article analyzes the impact of FERC v. Electric Power Supply Association, in which the Supreme Court upheld FERC’s demand response rule (Order 745) and confirmed FERC’s authority over “practices” “directly affecting” wholesale rates for electricity. It contends that the Supreme Court made a definitive pronouncement on FERC’s authority over end users of electricity who also provide resources back to the electric grid. It also contends that FERC v. EPSA marks the end of “dual federalism” in electricity law that treated federal and state jurisdiction as separate and distinct spheres of authority. Instead, it posits a new era of concurrent regulatory jurisdiction over the grid in which both FERC and the states can simultaneously take actions impacting the wholesale markets. Praising the “directly affecting” standard, and the Court’s application of it to Order 745, as a cogently articulated interpretation of the FPA, the Article notes that FERC has ample authority to innovate and pursue broad policy goals — such as promoting clean and renewable energy — in the wholesale markets, as long as its initiatives may be construed as “practices” that “directly affect” wholesale electricity rates. The Article concludes by identifying significant issues remaining with respect to the decision’s scope, particularly with respect to the allocation of jurisdictional responsibility between FERC and the states. Finally, it introduces the remaining articles in the Harvard Environmental Law Review special issue, dedicated to analysis of FERC v. EPSA.
Impaired relaxation of the human mammary artery after temporary clamping.

Internal mammary artery specimens from 17 patients were each divided into three separate rings. One ring (control) remained in Krebs solution and the other two were clamped for 30 minutes with either a soft or hard jaw clamp. Isometric tensions were measured in an organ chamber by contracting the rings twice with a thromboxane A2 mimetic, U46619, and relaxing the rings first with the endothelium-dependent agent acetylcholine followed by the endothelium-independent agent sodium nitroprusside. Endothelium-dependent maximal relaxation of the rings was impaired from control after both soft (20% versus 91%; p horac C ardiovasc S urg 1992;104:966-71)
Enhancing Object-Oriented Programming Comprehension Using Optimized Sequence Diagram

This paper presents how to generate an optimized sequence diagram from static java source code and dynamic execution trace at a web-based educational programming environment. The aim of this research is to help student programmers better understand the dynamic behavior of a java program using optimized sequence diagram, therefore to enhance object-oriented programming learning experience.
Models for teaching healthcare informatics: a survey of healthcare informatics programs

Healthcare informatics programs are becoming increasingly popular in higher education due to the demand in healthcare settings for employees skilled in the use of information technology. When designing healthcare informatics programs, it is important to understand existing programs but this can be difficult due to the plethora of related terms for the field. In order to better understand similarities and differences among existing educational programs related to healthcare informatics, we analyzed 51 existing undergraduate programs. Questions to be answered were: Which departments house the programs? What is the computer science content of the programs? What is the healthcare-specific content of the programs? Our results indicate that undergraduate programs fall into one of two types: accredited health information management programs rooted in management of medical records, and health/medical informatics programs related more closely to computer science. The two types of programs are discussed in terms of curriculum and accreditations as well as implications for CS/IT departments that wish to develop offerings in this area.
Free and Conjugated Chlorin E6 in the Photodynamic Therapy of Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells

Abstract Photodynamic therapy is an experimental modality for treatment of superficial bladder cancer, and consists of the administration of a photosensitizer and subsequent tumor-irradiation with light. Presently hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) is the only photosensitizer in experimental clinical use in the United States. Because of the high nonspecific phototoxicity of HPD, new methods of photosensitization have been sought. In this study we compared chlorin e6, free and conjugated to Ι-μm.-dianieter latex microspheres. Phototoxicity was evaluated on MGH-U1 cells derived from a human bladder carcinoma. MGH-U1 cells were preincubated for 18 hours either with free Ce6 (0.43 μΜ) or Ce6-microspheres (0.43 μΜ equivalent in Ce6) and irradiated with an argon-laser-pumped dye laser emitting at 659 nm., over the radiant-exposure range of 5–50 J/cm.2 At 24 hours after light exposure the cells were observed microscopically for morphological alteration and evaluated for cell death by trypan blue exclusion. Cultures incubated with Ce6-microspheres and subsequently irradiated showed morphologic evidence of cell damage, apparent after irradiation with five J/cm.2 and a light dose dependent decrease in cell survival. In contrast, cells incubated with free Ce6 at the same concentration of 0.43 μΜ and subsequently irradiated demonstrated neither detectable morphologic alteration nor change in cell survival. Only cells preincubated with free Ce6 at higher concentration showed morphologic changes. Thus, Ce6-microsphere conjugate was much more efficient at inducing photodynamic destruction of bladder carcinoma cells than was free Ce6.
Raman, infrared and n.m.r. studies of the graphite hydrofluorides CxF1-δ(HF)δ(2 ≤ x ≤ 5)

Raman spectra of C x F 1-δ (HF) δ ( x /δ ≈ 12) show bands at 1600, 1355 and 839 cm -1 , which are attributed to graphite-like vibrational modes of the carbon atom sheets. The infrared spectra show, in addition to graphite-like bands, absorptions at 1270 and 1100 cm -1 , which are attributed to C-F stretching. Variable contact-time cross-polarized magic-angle spinning 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (c.p.m.a.s. 13 C n.m.r.) have been obtained for x = 2.05 and 3.70. In both spectra, two peaks ( + 135/10 6 and + 88/10 6 chemical shift from TMS) are seen, which are attributed, respectively, to graphitic and C-F carbons. The ratio of graphitic to C-F carbon atoms has been found to be 1.6(2) : 1 in C 2.05 F 0.82 (HF) 0.18 . The carbon atom sheets in C x F 1-δ (HF) δ appear to be very similar to those in pristine graphite. The bonding of fluorine to carbon is highly ionic. Bonding models are discussed.
The effects of flipped instruction on out-of-class study time, exam performance, and student perceptions

Abstract This study assessed the impact of flipped instruction on students’ out-of-class study time, exam performance, preference, motivation, and perceptions in two sections of a large undergraduate chemistry course. Flipped instruction caused a shift in student workload without appreciably changing the overall study time. The treatment impact on student performance gradually diminished over time, showing a small but statistically significant effect with the final exam. No marked interaction was identified, indicating that flipped instruction benefited students of diverse backgrounds uniformly. Students in the flipped section showed mixed feelings with about one fifth of them displaying polarized attitudes. Open-ended student survey responses revealed non-compliance with pre-class studying as a serious implementation issue: By slowing down the overall pace of the class, it negatively affected students with different study behaviors and characteristics in ways that partly explained the small, diminishing treatment effect and absence of marked interaction.
Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in Mammals

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the sources and mechanisms of several well-studied endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the evidence that exposure to these chemicals affects many aspects of mammalian reproduction. Exposure to EDCs is associated with an earlier onset of puberty, decreased fecundity and fertility, altered sexual behavior, and increased incidence of abnormalities and cancers of the reproductive tract in humans and in laboratory animals. Importantly, it appears that developing organisms may be particularly sensitive to slight variations in the hormonal milieu that occur after exposure to some chemicals. The amount of information regarding potential negative effects from EDC exposure is quite overwhelming. Significant data exist demonstrating harmful effects of both adult and developmental EDC exposure in animal models. However, the validity of such models is sometimes called into question when considering the risk to humans. Additionally, the use of different analytical methods for the measurement of exposures, endpoints, routes, and timing of exposures in different animal species and strains makes drawing conclusions about EDCs challenging.
Calcium-Modulated Proteins (EF-Hand)

The concentration of extracellular free Ca 2+ ion for most metazoa is constant, about 2.0 mM. A wide range of extracellular proteins bind calcium with moderate to high affinity, K d 10 −4 to 10 −6 M −1 ; this calcium is usually essential for their functions.
Trends in Public Relations: Exploring the Role of Ethics as it Relates to Social Media and Crisis Communication

Does public relations finally have its seat at the executive table? According to Steve Barrett of PRWeek, “The premise that in­house [public relations] pros, and the agencies that support those in­...
Roflumilast and aquaporin-2 regulation in rat renal inner medullary collecting duct.

Abstract Roflumilast is a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor that is FDA‐approved for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With a view toward possible use for treatment of patients with X‐linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) due to hemizygous mutations in the V2 vasopressin receptor, this study sought to determine the effect of roflumilast on aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) phosphorylation, AQP2 trafficking, and water permeability in the rat inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). In the presence of the vasopressin analog dDAVP (0.1 nmol/L), both roflumilast and its active metabolite roflumilast N ‐oxide (RNO) significantly increased phosphorylation at S256, S264, and S269, and decreased phosphorylation at S261 (immunoblotting) in IMCD suspensions in a dose‐dependent manner (3–3000 nmol/L). Another commonly used phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX, affected phosphorylation only at the highest concentration in this range. However, neither roflumilast nor RNO had an effect on AQP2 phosphorylation in the absence of vasopressin. Furthermore, roflumilast alone did not increase AQP2 trafficking to the plasma membrane (immunofluorescence) or increase water permeability in freshly microdissected perfused IMCD segments. We conclude that roflumilast can be used to enhance vasopressin9s action on AQP2 activity in the renal collecting duct, but has no detectable effect in the absence of vasopressin. These findings suggest that roflumilast may not have a beneficial effect in X‐linked NDI, but could find useful application in acquired NDI.
Effective Constitutive Relations for Simulating CO 2 Capillary Trapping in Heterogeneous Reservoirs with Fluvial Sedimentary Architecture

Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage reservoirs commonly exhibit sedimentary architecture that reflects fluvial deposition. The heterogeneity in petrophysical properties arising from this architecture influences the dynamics of injected CO2. We previously used a geocellular modeling approach to represent this heterogeneity, including heterogeneity in constitutive saturation relationships. The dynamics of CO2 plumes in fluvial reservoirs were investigated during and after injection. It was shown that small-scale (centimeter–meter) features play a critical role in capillary trapping processes and have a primary effect on physical- and dissolution-trapping of CO2, and on the ultimate distribution of CO2 in the reservoir. Heterogeneity in saturation functions at that small scale enhances capillary trapping (snap-off), creates capillary pinning, and increases the surface area of the plume. The understanding of these small-scale trapping processes from previous work is used to develop effective saturation relationships that represent, at a larger scale, the integral effect of these processes. Though it is generally not computationally feasible to represent small-scale heterogeneity directly in a typical reservoir simulation, the effective saturation relationships for capillary pressure and relative permeability presented here, along with an effective intrinsic permeability, allow better representation of the total physical trapping at the scale of larger model grid cells, as typically used in reservoir simulations. Thus, the approach diminishes limits on cell size and decreases simulation time in reservoir simulations.
Education and Health

High school graduates live 6–9 years longer than high school dropouts. Those with less education are more likely to die prematurely of cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious disease, diabetes, lung disease, and injury than those with more education. There is good evidence that the education–health relationship is causal, but the underlying mechanisms have not all been adequately tied together. The health risk factors that are more prevalent among those with lower educational attainment drawing on the public health, economics, endocrinology, sociology, neurosciences, and other literatures are explored.
Qualitative Simulation of Process Plants

Abstract Decisions by process operators are often based on mental models of the behavior of the plant. Intelligent programs to assist the operator will require a similar ability to reason about process behavior. This paper presents a method of qualitative simulation requiring no numerical information which could be used as a model-based “core” for such a reasoning program. The simulator is based on casuality between process variables subject to qualitative constraints. Removal of quantitative information results in a problem which is fundamentally underspecified, potentially resulting in multiple interpretations of a system’s behavior. The current method minimizes these ambiguities. The method is demonstrated by simulating the effect of faults on a process involving interacting control loops, mass and energy feedback, and multiple conflicting causal influences between variables.
Applications of Radical Polymers in Electrolyte-Supported Devices

The modern revolution of organic material sciences cannot be justly described if one does not account for the contributions of polymeric materials [1]. Even at this fast pace of development, no other class of materials can match the versatility of macromolecules with regard to their fine-tuneable physical or chemical properties and ease of processing. It is not an exaggeration to claim that any specific functional property of any given polymer would eventually find (if it has not already found) its own importance in the upcoming avenues of science and engineering. In most cases, demand drives discovery of such materials. However, in many cases, mere curiosity drives discovery, broadening the scopes of the applications of various materials. In the case of radical polymers, the story is quite unique, as are the materials [2]. As noted in an earlier chapter, even though the successful synthesis of PTMA was known since 1972 [3], it required three decades for the community to appreciate the vast opportunity of such materials in any viable application. This spark encouraged an entire generation of researchers towards the broader opportunities of radical polymers, and the most significant impact of radical polymers has been in the development of modern approaches towards fully organic energy storage devices [4]. This opportunity is feasible due to the inherent redox-active electronic properties of this class of compounds.
Impact of a sustained Cooperative Learning intervention on student motivation

Cooperative learning is often described as student learning with, by and for each other. Recently, Fernandez-Rio, Sanz, Fernandez-Cando and Santos (2017) asked, “What is the impact of a sustained c...
Transparent and flexible heaters based on Al:ZnO degenerate semiconductor

We report on high performance transparent Al:ZnO (AZO) thin film heaters on flexible polymer (polyethylene terephthalate) and glass substrates which demonstrate low sheet resistivity. AZO thin films were grown by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering at low Ts (below 200 °C) on flexible, transparent polyethylene terephthalate substrates that show stable and reproducible results by applying low (<10 V) voltages. This study also examined identical AZO thin films on glass substrates that showed highly reproducible heating effects due to the Joule heating effect. The potential applications are foldable and wearable electronics, pain/injury therapy smart windows, automobile window defrosters, and low-cost power electronics.
The Ferroxidase Hephaestin But Not Amyloid Precursor Protein is Required for Ferroportin-Supported Iron Efflux in Primary Hippocampal Neurons

Iron efflux in mammalian cells is mediated by the ferrous iron exporter ferroportin (Fpn); Fpn plasma membrane localization and function are supported by a multicopper ferroxidase and/or the soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPP). Fpn and APP are ubiquitously expressed in all cell types in the central nervous system including neurons. In contrast, neuronal ferroxidase(s) expression has not been well characterized. Using primary cultures of hippocampal neurons, we examined the molecular mechanism of neuronal Fe efflux in detail. Developmental increases of Fpn, APP, and the ferroxidase hephaestin (Hp) were observed in hippocampal neurons. Iron efflux in these neurons depended on the level of Fpn localized at the cell surface; as noted, Fpn stability is supported by ferroxidase activity, an enzymatic activity that is required for Fe efflux. Iron accumulation increases and iron efflux decreases in Hp knockout neurons. In contrast, suppression of endogenous APP by RNAi knockdown does not affect surface Fpn stability or Fe efflux. These data support the model that the neuronal ferroxidase Hp plays a unique role in support of Fpn-mediated Fe efflux in primary hippocampal neurons. Our data also demonstrate that Hp ferroxidase activity relies on copper bioavailability, which suggests neuronal iron homeostasis will be modulated by cellular copper status.
Evaluation of the performance of Hy-Line Brown laying hens fed soybean or soybean-free diets using cage or free-range rearing systems

This study evaluated egg production and quality variables of caged and free-range Hy-Line Brown laying hens fed soybean meal (SBM) and soybean-meal-free (SBMF) diets. Hens were randomly assigned to the same 2 dietary treatments within 3 location blocks. SBM and SBMF diets with equivalent calculated nutrient content were prepared based on Hy-Line Brown rearing guidelines. The SBMF diets utilized cottonseed meal, corn distillers dried grains with solubles, corn gluten meal, and wheat middlings in place of dehulled soybean meal. The experiment was conducted between August 2015 and January of 2016 within the TAMU Poultry Research Center and data analyzed over 6 consecutive 28-day periods. Data were analyzed as a split-plot with rearing systems designated whole plots and diets designated as subplots. Hens reared in the free-range rearing system peaked a couple of wk later than those hens within the more conventional indoor caged system, and cumulative production data were considerably more variable for hens raised in the free-range environment. Cumulative egg production, feed per dozen eggs and feed conversion ratio (g feed/g egg) were 92 ± 1.23 and 86 ± 1.84%, 1.45 ± 0.02 and 1.89 ± 0.05 kg, and 2.14 ± 0.04 and 2.77 ± 0.08 (P 0.05). With respect to egg quality, there were no differences in cumulative albumen height, Haugh unit, or breaking strength, but there was a significant rearing system by diet interaction for shell thickness, with the free-range hens averaging 40.77 ± 0.19 and 39.86 ± 0.31 μm (P < 0.05), respectively, for the hens fed SBM vs. SBMF diets. In conclusion, the results suggested free-range production is more variable than traditional closed-house cage systems based on standard errors, and SBMF diets containing cottonseed meal can be used in both caged and free-range production systems without affecting egg production, although one might see lower egg weights.
Functionalization and Characterization of an MRI-Capable, Targeted Nanoparticle Platform for Delivery to the Brain

Novel methods are needed to traverse the blood-brain barrier and deliver drugs to specific targets in the brain. To this end, MS2 bacteriophage was explored as a multifunctional transport and targeting vector. The MS2 capsid exterior was modified with two different targeting moieties for delivery across the BBB and targeting specific regions of interest in the brain. Successful modification of MS2 capsids with a brain targeting peptide and NMADAR2D-targeting antibody was confirmed by immunoblotting and fluorescence detection. To measure transport efficiency of MS2 particles across an in vitro BBB model, a highly sensitive RT-qPCR protocol was developed and implemented. Finally, in order to demonstrate the potential of MS2 as a drug delivery vehicle, nucleotide-mediated loading of capsids was investigated with the MRI contrast agent Gd-DOTA modified with psoralen.
Mandibular Fracture and Necrotizing Sialometaplasia in a Rabbit

A 7-mo-old female New Zealand white rabbit presented with hemorrhage of the gingiva surrounding a loose lower right incisor. Antemortem conventional radiographs revealed only a small bone fragment adjacent to the left mandible's body. In light of a provisional diagnosis of mandibular fracture, the rabbit was euthanized. Postmortem radiographs of the disarticulated mandible demonstrated mandibular symphyseal fracture and comminuted fracture of the ramus and body of the left mandible. According to histopathology, the left submandibular salivary gland had necrotizing sialometaplasia, a nonneoplastic condition of the salivary glands that is caused by ischemic infarction. Although rabbits have been used as animal models of mandibular fracture and necrotizing sialometaplasia, no nonexperimental case of such conditions had been reported previously.
Multiscale Computational Analysis of Biomechanical Systems

The material properties of biological materials, often derived from experiments, are found to vary by orders of magnitude. This disparity in experimentally-derived mechanical properties can be understood only by mathematical models that correlate the structural constituents to its mechanical response. New mechano-biological computational models that consider the effect of microstructural constituents on the response of biological materials are considered in this paper. Various mathematical models are presented to study the macroscopic effects, such as deformation and diffusion in tissues, using multi-scale computational models. The implementation of the computational models for the determination of mechanical behaviour in pathological conditions like cancer progression, cardiovascular diseases, and gynaecological conditions are discussed. The significance of this work lies in the use of a multi-physical modelling of the complex material geometry as well as physical processes representing physiological systems, thereby establishing a suitable and efficient multi-scale computational framework.
Separation Models and Depression

Adverse life events such as social separation could be precipitating or predisposing factors for some human depressions. Animal models of separation can contribute to our understanding of the interactions and causal relationships between behavioral and neurobiological effects of separation and their relationship to depression.
IMPROVING DRILLING PERFORMANCE BY SUPERIMPOSED VIBRATION, AN ADAPTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT This paper describes a new technique to improve the performance of drilling processes by applying high frequency superimposed axial vibration to the part. The concept and analysis for adaptive control of the superimposed motion, system components, hardware, and software are presented.
Rationality and Action

Mill’s writings on cause and economic rationality presumed that a nomic psychology that did not radically conflict with commonsense interpretations of action was possible — indeed, that it was readily achievable. Durkheim wrote after this moment of innocence had passed, and chose to discard both psychology, understood as a foundation for the social sciences, and commonsense interpretation. Reasoning from the broad binary opposition between ‘events in their full particularity’ and ‘the world known and described through general concepts which abstract from this full particularity’, Weber found a place for each set of considerations, and was faced with the problem of sorting out their relations — a problem he never satisfactorily resolved, and on which the emphasis of his writing changed over the years. The writings are not, as in the case of Durkheim, directly concerned with constructing a methodology — they are polemics against the methodological doctrines of his contemporaries.