cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are causes of police stress global? Testing the effects of common police stressors on the Turkish National Police

– This study aims to assess the effects of commonly examined police stressors' on the members of a developing country's centralized police department: Turkish National Police (TNP)., – This study is based on a data collected through a self‐administered survey among the members of the TNP during the summer of 2005 (n=812). Using multivariate level OLS regression models, predicting effects of commonly examined police stressors on the participants' stress levels are analyzed. Findings are evaluated in comparison to existing literature about police stress., – This study indicates that organizational issues are the most important causes of stress in policing. Besides, it was found that several police stressors, as found for local police departments, might not be having the same effects for larger, centralized police departments., – Modern policing can be a less stressful job if the police organizations take necessary steps towards applying modern management techniques at both macro and micro levels. Demographic differences, danger at work, or workload should not be counted as predictors of stress in policing without a through consideration of organizational matters., – This is the first study empirically and systematically assessing the issue of stress among the members of the TNP. In addition, it is one of the rare studies published in English regarding the issue of police stress in a developing country.
Culture as Situated Cognition

Culture-as-situated-cognition (CSC) theory proposes that culture can be thought of at three levels. At the highest level, culture is a human universal, a “good enough” solution to universal needs. At the intermediate level, culture is a specific meaning-making framework, a “mindset” that influences what is attended to, which goals or mental procedure is salient. At the most proximal level, culture is a set of particular practices within a specific society, time, and place which influences what feels fluent and to-be-expected. Cross-national comparisons demonstrate that differences exist. To understand what observed differences imply for underlying process, a situated cognition framework and experimental methods are needed. Indeed, individualistic and collectivistic mindsets are accessible cross-culturally, so both can be primed. Whether an individualistic or collectivistic cultural mindset is salient in the moment matters, resulting in downstream consequences for meaning making, self-processes, willingness to invest in relationships, and for complex mental procedures. Between-group differences arise in part from momentary cues that make either individualistic or collectivistic mindset accessible. Within a culture, people experience cultural fluency if situations match their expectations and cultural disfluency if they do not. Cultural disfluency has downstream consequences for choice and behavior. Moving from one culture to another is difficult because people experience many situations in which they either do not know what to expect or their expectations are not met and feedback as to the nature of the mismatch is almost always ambiguous. For these reasons, while cultural processes are universal, acculturation is often fraught, lengthy, and incomplete. Keywords: culture; individualism; collectivism; priming; between-group difference; neuroscience; mind; brain
An FPGA platform for generation of stimulus triggering based on intracortical spike activity in brain-machine-body interface (BMBI) applications

Brain-machine-body interfaces (BMBIs) aim to create an artificial connection in the nervous system by converting neural activity recorded from one cortical region to electrical stimuli delivered to another cortical region, spinal cord, or muscles in real time. In particular, conditioning-mode BMBIs utilize such activity-dependent stimulation strategies to alter the strength of synaptic efficacy between remote regions of the nervous system and promote functional recovery after injury by exploiting mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity. This paper presents a reconfigurable, field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based platform that incorporates digital spike discrimination based on user-set thresholding and timeamplitude windowing, as well as decision-making circuitry to generate multichannel stimulation triggers derived from intracortical neural spike activity. The algorithm has been synthesized on a Cyclone II FPGA using Altera's Quartus II design software and validated with prerecorded intracortical neural spike activity from an anesthetized laboratory rat.
Generalized electrical formulas

A set of generalized electrical formulas is developed to which units of any absolute system may be applied. The generalization is accomplished with the aid of two additional constants, n and u. The general formulas may be reduced to the usual rationalized or unrationalized forms or to the Gaussian or Heaviside forms by the substitution of tabulated numerical values of the constants n and u in the general form.
THE ‘TAYLOR RULE’ AND THREE MONETARY REGIMES

John Taylor devised a simple monetary policy rule that links the Federal Reserve's policy interest rate with inflation and output targets. This paper compares actual policy rates with the rates that would have been recommended by the basic Taylor Rule for three long periods in U.S. economic history: 1875–1913 (“Pre Fed”), 1914–1951 (“Early Fed”), and 1952–1998 (“Modern Fed”). In addition, the authors develop a more complex version of the Rule to facilitate a comparison of the way in which each monetary authority would have reacted to the economic challenges presented outside its own time period. The empirical evidence suggests that Modern Fed would have reacted more promptly and appropriately to inflation and output problems outside its time period than either Early Fed or Pre Fed, and that the movement of interest rates in the Pre Fed period came closer to the corrective policies of Modern Fed than did those of Early Fed.
Unforeseen consequences and pathological self‐reinforcement: Why cities decline

Abstract Peter Salins's The Ecology of Housing Destruction and Salins's co‐authored work with Gerald Mildner, Scarcity by Design, provide fascinating evidence of the unintentionally harmful effects of urban policies, and their role as catalysts for further harmful policies designed to ameliorate previous harms. The result is a web of counterproductive regulations confronting bewildered policymakers and frustrated citizens. In his The Federal Government and Urban Housing, on the other hand, R. Allen Hays not only misses the existence of these complex policy dynamics, but fails to assess accurately the consequences of the housing policies he favors. His work does, however, offer useful insights into the nature of policy decisions.
Polymerization of Micelle-Forming Surfactants

Abstract In this review we discuss the principal aspects of the polymerization of micelle-forming surfactants in the aggregated state. The effect of monomer aggregation-organization on polymerization and polymer products has been studied on several occasions [1–3], such as thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals [4, 5], liquid—liquid interfaces [6–8], micelles [9–11], vesicles [12], etc. Such monomer aggregation-organization may produce important modifications in polymer structure and tacticity, in rates of polymerization kinetics, etc. In this sense, micellar polymerization means that the micelle is not merely the medium in which polymerization takes place, as is the case in emulsion polymerization, but instead the micelle-forming surfactant monomers themselves underero polymerization.
Plasma etching of cavities into diamond anvils for experiments at high pressures and high temperatures

We describe a method for precisely etching small cavities into the culets of diamond anvils for the purpose of providing thermal insulation for samples in experiments at high pressures and high temperatures. The cavities were fabricated using highly directional oxygen plasma to reactively etch into the diamond surface. The lateral extent of the etch was precisely controlled to micron accuracy by etching the diamond through a lithographically fabricated tungsten mask. The performance of the etched cavities in high-temperature experiments in which the samples were either laser heated or electrically heated is discussed.
Using a Virtual Training Program to Train Community Neurologist on EEG Reading Skills

Background: EEG training requires iterative exposure of different patterns with continuous feedback from the instructor. This training is traditionally acquired through a traditional fellowship program, but only 28% of neurologists in training plan to do a fellowship in EEG. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of online EEG training to improve EEG knowledge among general neurologists. Methods: The participants were general neurologists invited through bulk e-mail and paid a fee to enroll in the virtual EEG program. A 40-question pretest exam was performed before training. The training included 4 online learning units about basic EEG principles and 40 online clinical EEG tutorials. In addition there were weekly live teleconferences for Q&A sessions. At the end of the program, the participants were asked to complete a posttest exam. Results: Fifteen of 20 participants successfully completed the program and took both the pre- and posttest exams. All the subjects scored significantly...
Alterations in Aldosterone Secretion and Metabolism in Low Renin Hypertension

Low renin essential hypertensives (LRH) have normal plasma aldosterone levels which are inappropriately high in relation to their PRA. Posture is the major determinant for plasma aldosterone and PRA levels, but it is not known whether postural increments (Δ) of plasma aldosterone and (Δ) PRA are also abnormal in LRH. To evaluate this, LRH (n = 8), normal renin hypertensives (NRH; n = 9), normotensive controls (n = 18), and subjects with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA; n = 5) were studied in a metabolic unit on a controlled diet over 7 days. Overnight supine and 4-h upright PRA, plasma aldosterone, and 24-h urinary tetrahydroaldosterone (THA) and aldosterone secretion rates (ASR) were measured. The Δ in plasma aldosterone after 4 h of upright posture was not different in the four groups. The ratio of A plasma aldosterone/Δ PRA, however, was elevated in both IHA and LRH compared to that in NRH and normals. THA excretion was also elevated in IHA and LRH, but LRH had a normal ASR. This resulted in a highe...
Simulation of a three-moment fluid model of a two-dimensional radio frequency discharge

In this paper, a two-dimensional continuum fluid model of an rf discharge with suitable boundary conditions is presented. The model consists of the first two and three moments of the Boltzmann equation for the ion and electron fluids, respectively, coupled to Poisson's equation for the self-consistent electric field. A stable, spatially high-order-accurate, numerical method is presented for solution of this model. Solutions are obtained on an engineering workstation and are shown to be spatially and temporally converged. The resulting solution profiles demonstrate the multidimensional nature of the plasma and illustrate the effects of confining insulating sidewalls and electrode-insulator interfaces.
Studies on the relationship of binding affinity to psychoactive and anticholinergic potency of a group of psychotomimetic glycolates

Abstract A study was undertaken of the possible relationship of the binding affinity of a series of anticholinergic psychotomimetic drugs to their psychopharmacological and anticholinergic effects. Binding was measured to brain homogenates and nerve endings using [ 3 H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QB), a highly potent psychotomimetic agent presumably affecting muscarinic sites in the brain. The two stereoisomers of QB were compared; and although the l -isomer had 15 times the binding affinity of d -isomer, the l -isomer had over 200 times the psychopharmacological potency of the d -form. When the relative binding affinity of a homologous series of glycolate esters was compared with their relative psychoactive potency, the correlation was excellent; however, when compounds with heterocyclic amino ring (e.g., tropanol) other than quinuclidine and piperidine were considered, the correlation was poor. The correlation between binding affinity and antagonism to acetylcholine-induced contraction of ileum was more consistent. A study was undertaken on the effect of added lipids on QB binding to nerve endings, and it was found that phosphatidyl serine had a significant enhancing effect while gangliosides were inhibitory.
Calcium-sensitive recovery of extracellular potassium and synaptic transmission in rat hippocampal slices exposed to brief anoxia

We examined the possibility that Ca2+-sensitive inhibition of synaptic transmission following anoxia involves compromise of ion transport activity. Rat hippocampal slices were superfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluids containing different concentrations of CaCl2, and subjected to short anoxia. Durations of anoxia were sufficient to provoke anoxic depolarization, indicated by a sudden rise in extracellular K+ (K+o). Following anoxia, apparent K+ transport was assessed by measuring the magnitude of subnormal K+o (the K+o undershoot) in hippocampal region CA1. Recovery of synaptic transmission 1 h after anoxia was determined by evaluation of the magnitudes of the orthodromically stimulated population spike recorded from CA1 pyramidal cells. K+o undershoots and recovery of synaptic transmission decreased as CaCl2 or the duration of anoxic depolarization increased. These data suggest: (1) that increased artificial cerebrospinal fluid CaCl2 compromised K+ reaccumulation after anoxia; and (2) that ion transport dysfunction may inhibit recovery of synaptic transmission.
An importance sampling method with applications to vehicle routing problem

Vehicle routing problem belongs to classical Combination Optimization hard problem and has been extensively studied by many researchers. The main purpose of this paper is to establish the model which named Vehicle Routing Problem with Weight Coefficients and Stochastic Demands (WVRPSD) and propose an effective algorithm based on Important Sampling to solve this model. The optimal importance sampling distribution function was obtained by making use of the martingale constructed by likelihood ratio. Numerical experiments have been conducted and the results indicate that the method can effectively solve this problem.
On Modules Whose Proper Homomorphic Images Are of Smaller Cardinality

Let be a commutative ring with identity, and let be a unitary module over . We call -smaller ( for short) if and only if is infinite and for every nonzero submodule of . After a brief introduction, we show that there exist nontrivial examples of HS modules of arbitrarily large cardinality over Noetherian and non-Noetherian domains. We then prove the following result: suppose is faithful over , is a domain (we will show that we can restrict to this case without loss of generality), and is the quotient field of . If is over , then is as a module over itself, , and there exists a generating set for over with . We use this result to generalize a problem posed by Kaplansky and conclude the paper by answering an open question on Jonsson modules.
Steady-state measurements of respiration rate with an oxygen electrode

Abstract An oxygen electrode was developed which measures steady-state respiration rates in a volume of 0.25 ml and at oxygen concentrations as low as 0.1 μ m . The steady state was achieved by pumping air-equilibrated buffer into the respirometer at various rates. The method is most suitable for tissue slices.
Mathematical modeling of the impact of actin and keratin filaments on keratinocyte cell spreading

Keratin intermediate filaments (IFs) form cross-linked arrays to fulfill their structural support function in epithelial cells and tissues subjected to external stress. How the cross-linking of keratin IFs impacts the morphology and differentiation of keratinocytes in the epidermis and related surface epithelia remains an open question. Experimental measurements have established that keratinocyte spreading area is inversely correlated to the extent of keratin IF bundling in two-dimensional culture. In an effort to quantitatively explain this relationship, we developed a mathematical model in which isotropic cell spreading is considered as a first approximation. Relevant physical properties such as actin protrusion, adhesion events, and the corresponding response of lamellum formation at the cell periphery are included in this model. Through optimization with experimental data that relate time-dependent changes in keratinocyte surface area during spreading, our simulation results confirm the notion that the organization and mechanical properties of cross-linked keratin filaments affect cell spreading; in addition, our results provide details of the kinetics of this effect. These in silico findings provide further support for the notion that differentiation-related changes in the density and intracellular organization of keratin IFs affect tissue architecture in epidermis and related stratified epithelia.
A clinical perspective on workplace depression: current and future directions.

Objective To identify and propose potential solutions to challenges encountered by clinical and consulting occupational and environmental medicine practitioners in the management of workplace depression. Method A review of English-language medical literature from 1960 to the present. Results Numerous consequences and challenges to clinical management of workplace depression are recognized. Several potential present and future roles of the practitioner--in prevention, initial recognition and management, appropriate referral, care integration, stakeholder advocacy and education, and administration--are identified, and specific interventions are proposed and explored. Conclusion Numerous opportunities exist for clinical and consulting practitioners to intervene to improve the current management of workplace depression.
"Big" science and the little guy.

" g 9ig"science is part of the current landscape of epidemiology and has been for some time. An article in a recent issue of the Epi Monitor entitled "Epidemiologists Meet in Historic French Setting to Discuss Pros and Cons of Very Large Cohort Studies or Biobanks," reports on a conference involving the "single largest gathering of epidemiol ogists to date" on the topic.' A key finding was that there are (ongoing or planned) many more big studies than most epidemiologists know. Examples include the creation of biobanks in Iceland, the United Kingdom, Estonia, and Japan. A nonexhaustive list of already initiated studies of at least 100,000 subjects includes the Cancer Prevention Study (CPS) II, Nurses Health Study, European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), Danish Birth Cohort, Norweigan Mother and Child Cohort Study, and Women's Health Initiative Observational Cohort.2 Why this growing list? Because "big" science can be highly informative. Indeed, in a considerable number of situations (such as clinical trials and cohorts studying rare outcomes, case-control studies of rare exposures, and gene-gene or gene-environment interactions), a "big"-science approach is mandatory to obtain precise estimates. Yet the glitter of large sample sizes and major investments is not all gold. "Big" science has a major disadvantage assuming a zero sum investment in epidemiology, concentration of resources in a limited number of projects will necessarily redirect resources away from individual investigators. Junior investigators constitute the future of our profession. For them, "big" sci ence whether young investigators join in or not-represents a potential threat to productivity and personal development. Thus, whether individually we embrace "big" science, oppose it, or simply keep our heads down and hope it will pass without doing us much personal harm, we must, for the good of the continuation of our profession, find best practices for dealing with it.
Lockin transition, irreversibility field, and Josephson vortex penetration depth in κ-(ET)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br

Abstract Penetration depth measurements in κ-(ET) 2 Cu[N(CN) 2 ]Br are reported for fields H up to 1 T in magnitude and arbitrary orientation. For H nearly parallel to the conducting planes, the vortex penetration depth is nonmonotonic with field, indicating a lockin effect. Qualitatively similar behavior is observed in BSCCO. The data indicate a much stronger interaction between vortex kinks than predicted. In the field range over which vortex kinks are first formed, the response is hysteretic with an irreversibility field equal to the lower critical field. Both fields show positive curvature with temperature, suggesting relaxation over surface barriers. Josephson vortices exhibit single vortex pinning below 300 Oe. Between 300 and 1500 Oe, the Josephson vortex penetration depth changes dramatically, becoming proportional to both H and to the zero field interplane penetration depth, λ ⊥ ( T )− λ ⊥ (0).
There's more to speech perception than meets the ear

What determines how you perceive the speech sounds you hear? One obvious answer is your ear—your auditory system, because speech is an auditory phenomenon. A less obvious answer is that your mouth—your speech production system—plays a role too. If anything, the direction of influence would seem to go from ear to mouth: children need hearing for normal speech development (1). Yet recent studies, like the one presented in this issue of PNAS by Nasir and Ostry (2), are showing that, surprisingly, your experiences producing speech do indeed affect how you perceive it.
Modeling space–time evolution of flux in a traveling wave reactor

Abstract Simulations have been carried out using Monte Carlo code MCNPX to evaluate the space and time evolution of flux in a prototype traveling wave reactor under constant thermal power condition. A 3-D box-shaped model of the reactor is developed. The reactor core is divided into two primary regions: the smaller, enriched region with fissile material; and the larger non-enriched region with fertile material. This enrichment strategy is aimed to allow breed-and-burn in the core. The core, on the outside, is surrounded by shielding material of uniform thickness. To facilitate the study, these two primary regions in the core are further divided into thin slab-like regions referred to as cells. Results show propagation of flux profile from the enriched region to the non-enriched region at a near constant speed. Analyses of time evolution of local power density (power fraction) at specified locations in the core are presented. Space and time evolution of the overall core burn-up and localized burn-up are discussed.
Electromagnetic-Field Distortion Due to a Conducting Rectangular Cylinder in a Transverse Electromagnetic Cell

This paper deals with the distortion effects in a TEM cell resulting from loading by the object under test. To insure that higher order modes are ruled out as contributing factors, a brief discussion of the cutoff frequencies of these modes is presented. The paper then proceeds to a theoretical and experimental analysis of the loading effects. In the theoretical analysis for the loading effects, i.e., the electromagnetic-field distortion caused by an object under test in a TEM cell, the frequency-domain integral equation for the magnetic field, or equivalently, the current density on the surface of a perfectly conducting cylinder in a parallel-plate waveguide, is solved by the method of moments to predict the degree of magnetic-field distortion. The experimental investigations are performed by mounting a number of electrically small half loops on the surface of the conducting cylinder in a TEM cell. The loading effects in terms of magnetic-field distortion are analyzed as the ratio of one of the object dimensions (height) to the separation distance between the inner conductor and the ground plane of the TEM cell. Also, the response of an electrically small loop to both the magnetic and electric components of the electromagnetic field is used to measure the phase relation between the magnetic and electric fields, which in turn can be used to determine the degree of degradation of the TEM mode due to the presence of the conducting cylinder. These theoretical and experimental results are compared with the available quasi-electrostatic results.
Photoelectric measurements of the green coronal line during the eclipse of November 12, 1966

A line to continuum ratio of the green line equal to 2.1 A was measured above the West limb at the height p = 1.75 solar radii during the eclipse. The lower limit to the abundance of iron relative to hydrogen obtained from these measurements is 4 × 10−5.
Deaf College Students' Perspectives on Literacy Portfolios.

The study examined how literacy portfolios were used as tools in a college developmental English class in which deaf students assessed their reading comprehension as well as their writing processes and products. The students' reading and writing assignments involved reflective thinking and were grounded in authentic tasks. Immediate feedback was provided. The study was multidimensional, longitudinal, and ongoing. A variety of field research techniques were used to ascertain the uses and influences of portfolios in regard to students' reading, writing, and reflective thinking. The results support the idea that the use of literacy portfolios can positively influence students who are deaf when they assess their reading and writing abilities.
Blood and water flow limitations on gill uptake of organic chemicals in the rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss)

Abstract The influence of perfusion and ventilation on the uptake of organic chermcals at the gills of rainbow trout was evaluated for a hydrophilic chemical, butanol, and a hydrophobic chemical, decanol. Passive chemical uptake from water was measured in vivo as chemical extraction efficiency and chemical uptake rate after varying gill biood and water flows. An experimental protocol was developed using altered environmental oxygen concentrations to induce trout to increase gill water flow while maintaining control levels of gill blood flow. Subsequently, trout increased gill blood flow and decreased water flow. Uptake rates and extraction efficiency of each chemical measured during pre-hypoxia, hypoxia, and post-hypoxia. were evaluated in terms of observed gill perfusion and ventilation. During hypoxia. gill uptake rate for butanol did not change from pre-hypoxia levels, even with increases in ventilation. Butanol removal from water increased 70% as cardiac output was elevated during post-hypoxia. Uptake rate of the hydrophobic chemical decanol increased to the greatest extent (100% (during hypoxia. with maximally elevated gill water flow. Trout gill uptake of butanol was blood flow-limited while the uptake of decanol was water flow-limited. These empirical measurements are in good agreement with predictions of blood and water flow limitations on chemical uptake proposed in recent flow limited gill models.
Long-term outcome of transient, uncomplicated in-laboratory coronary artery closure

Background Successful reversal of abrupt vessel closure without resultant major ischemic complications (death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery) is achieved in nearly half of all cases of abrupt vessel closure. The long-term outcome of these patients has not been previously addressed, and it is not clear whether they have a different prognosis than that of patients who have a successful procedure not associated with transient vessel closure. Methods and Results We examined 4863 consecutive patients who underwent successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or directional coronary atherectomy (DCA). Eighty-eight patients had an uncomplicated, successfully reversed transient in-laboratory vessel closure (group 2) and were compared with 4775 patients who had a successful procedure not associated with transient in-laboratory closure (group 1). Clinical follow-up was available in 4839 patients (99.5%), with a mean duration of 41±23 months (range, 1 to 10...
Synthesis, structure, and properties of niobium and tantalum imido complexes bearing pyrazolato ligands. Crystal structures of Ta(Nt-Bu)(t-Bu2Pz)3, Ta(Ni-Pr)(t-Bu2Pz)3, Ta(Nt-Bu)(Me2Pz)3(py), and Ta(Nt-Bu)(t- Bu2Pz)2(Cl)(py)

Abstract A series of tantalum and niobium imido complexes containing pyrazolato ancillary ligands has been synthesized by salt methathesis reactions with alkylimidotrichlorobis(pyridine)metal starting materials. The complexes M(Nt-Bu)(t-Bu2Pz)3 (M=Nb, Ta), Ta(Ni-Pr)(t-Bu2Pz)3, Ta(Nt-Bu)(Me2Pz)3(py), and M(Nt-Bu)(t-Bu2Pz)2(Cl)(py) (M=Nb, Ta) were prepared and completely characterized. The crystal and molecular structures of Ta(Nt-Bu)(t-Bu2Pz)3, Ta(Ni-Pr)(t-Bu2Pz)3, Ta(Nt-Bu)(Me2Pz)3(py), and Ta(Nt-Bu)(t-Bu2Pz)2(Cl)(py) are described. The potential use of tantalum imido pyrazolato complexes as precursors for the growth of tantalum nitride films by CVD techniques is discussed.
Adrenal incidentalomas and subclinical Cushing’s syndrome

The issue of cortisol secretion by adrenal masses discovered incidentally in the course of evaluation for an unrelated reason (Subclinical Cushing’s Syndrome) is among the most controversial and contentious issues in clinical endocrine practice. This derives from our relatively poor ability to accurately determine clinically those at increased risk among the majority who are not, the significant limitations of available diagnostic tests, the lack of a gold standard for diagnosis or even universally agreed criteria for diagnosis. A consensus for diagnostic criteria would be a good first step on which to base the kinds of studies needed to address our uncertainties. In the meantime, we must be careful to recognize the limitations of the current evidence avoid the pitfalls of overestimation of disease prevalence and of the benefits of therapy resulting from advances in diagnostic imaging and sophisticated laboratory testing. There remains an essential role for clinical judgment.
Percutaneous cholecystostomy in obstructive jaundice.

Percutaneous insertion of a cholecystostomy tube is a potential alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. A case is presented in which percutaneous cholecystostomy was successfully performed without complications. The procedure and its possible usefulness are discussed.
EXPRESSION OF A DOMINANT INTERFERING DYNAMIN MUTANT IN 3T3L1 ADIPOCYTES INHIBITS GLUT4 ENDOCYTOSIS WITHOUT AFFECTING INSULIN SIGNALING

To examine the role of clathrin-coated vesicle endocytosis in insulin receptor signaling and GLUT4 trafficking, we used recombinant adenovirus to express a dominant interfering mutant of dynamin (K44A/dynamin) in 3T3L1 adipocytes. Functional expression of K44A/dynamin, as measured by inhibition of transferrin receptor internalization, did not affect insulin-stimulated insulin receptor autophosphorylation, Shc tyrosine phosphorylation, or mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Although the tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 was slightly reduced, correlating with a 25% decrease in insulin receptor substrate-1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, insulin-stimulated Akt kinase activation was unaffected. In contrast, expression of K44A/dynamin resulted in the cell-surface accumulation of GLUT4 under basal conditions and an inhibition of GLUT4 endocytosis without affecting insulin-stimulated GLUT4 exocytosis. These data demonstrate that disruption of clathrin-mediated endocytosis does not significantly perturb insulin receptor signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, K44A/dynamin expression causes an accumulation of GLUT4 at the cell surface, suggesting that GLUT4 vesicles exist in at least two distinct intracellular compartments, one that undergoes continuous recycling and a second that is responsive to insulin.
Classifying geometric variability by dominant eigenmodes of deformation in regressing tumours during active breath hold lung cancer radiotherapy

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a lung tumour interfraction geometric variability classification scheme as a means to guide adaptive radiotherapy and improve measurement of treatment response. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to generate statistical shape models of the gross tumour volume (GTV) for 12 patients with weekly breath hold CT scans. Each eigenmode of the PCA model was classified as 'trending' or 'non-trending' depending on whether its contribution to the overall GTV variability included a time trend over the treatment course. Trending eigenmodes were used to reconstruct the original semi-automatically delineated GTVs into a reduced model containing only time trends. Reduced models were compared to the original GTVs by analyzing the reconstruction error in the GTV and position. Both retrospective (all weekly images) and prospective (only the first four weekly images) were evaluated. The average volume difference from the original GTV was 4.3% ± 2.4% for the trending model. The positional variability of the GTV over the treatment course, as measured by the standard deviation of the GTV centroid, was 1.9 ± 1.4 mm for the original GTVs, which was reduced to 1.2 ± 0.6 mm for the trending-only model. In 3/13 cases, the dominant eigenmode changed class between the prospective and retrospective models. The trending-only model preserved GTV and shape relative to the original GTVs, while reducing spurious positional variability. The classification scheme appears feasible for separating types of geometric variability by time trend.
The Denver Hailstorm of 13 June 1984

Abstract A brief overview of the 13 June 1984 Denver hailstorm is presented. This storm produced very large hail in a few locations and copious amounts of small hail over a large area. Documentation of the storm includes data from a surface mesonetwork, cooperative observers and storm spotters, dual Doppler radar, profiler winds, radiosonde, lightning detectors. and photographs of smoke tracers. Integration of these data sets provides an interesting and informative look at this destructive storm.
Tight linear envelopes for splines

A sharp bound on the distance between a spline and its B-spline control polygon is derived. The bound yields a piecewise linear envelope enclosing spline and polygon. This envelope is particularly simple for uniform splines and splines in Bernstein-Bezier form and shrinks by a factor of 4 for each uniform subdivision step. The envelope can be easily and efficiently implemented due to its explicit and constructive nature.
A computer program for non-parametric analysis of incomplete repeated measures from two samples.

Abstract RMNP2 is an easy-to-use FORTRAN program for the analysis of repeated measures using the non-parametric two-sample tests of Wei and Lachin ( J. Am. Stat. Assoc. 79 (1984) 653–661) and Wei and Johnson ( Biometrika 72 (1985) 359–364). The program compares two groups of subjects or experimental units when measurements are obtained at multiple time points, or under multiple conditions, from each subject. A strength of the methodology is that subjects with missing responses at one or more time points can be included in the analysis, under the assumption that the missing value mechanism is independent of the response. In contrast to other methods that require parametric assumptions concerning the distribution of the outcome variable, RMNP2 is applicable when the response variable is continuous but not normally distributed. The program is also useful in the analysis of ordered categorical outcomes when the number of possible responses is too large to permit application of general categorical data methodology. The program can be run on microcomputers, workstations and mainframe computers. Two examples illustrating the use of features of RMNP2 are provided.
Combination of Boundary Singularity and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Methods for Nano-scale Flows

A novel hybrid method combining the continuum approach based boundary singularity method (BSM) and the molecular approach based direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) is developed and then used to study viscous fibrous filtration flows in the transition flow regime, . This approach may be useful for modeling of detection and signaling in micro-fluidic sensors. The DSMC is applied to an annular region enclosing the solid fiber and the BSM is employed to the entire flow domain. The parameters used in the DSMC and the coupling procedure, such as the number of simulated DSMC particles, the cell size and the size of the coupling zone are determined. It is observed that in the partial-slip flow regime the results obtained by the hybrid BSM-DSMC method match the ones from the BSM combined with the heuristic partial-slip boundary conditions. For higher Knudsen numbers, the difference in pressure drop and velocity is significant. The developed hybrid method is then parallelized by using MPI and extended for multi-fiber filtration flows. The multi-fiber filter flows considered are in the partial-slip and transition regimes. The proposed combined continuum and molecular methodology can incorporate surface chemical reactions and the electromagnetic forces in the DSMC procedure for Knudsen layer.
Dominant negative alpha-subunit of farnesyl- and geranylgeranyl-transferase I inhibits insulin-induced differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes.

Dominant negative α-subunit of farnesyl- and geranylgeranyl-transferase I inhibits insulin-induced differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes
Heuristic model of air drag on a sphere

A derivation of the drag coefficient for a sphere moving through air using a simple model employed by Newton is presented here. Assuming the air molecules are noninteracting and that they have elastic collisions with the sphere, the drag coefficient is Cd = 2.
Escape mechanism of a self-trapped topological soliton

The adiabatic minimum-energy path of a self-trapped topological soliton is computed for trans-polyacetylene using the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger Hamiltonian and ab initio methods. The frequently cited activation barrier via a ridge shift of the hypertangent order parameter overestimates its true value by 14 orders of magnitude. Self-trapped solitons migrate along the Goldstone mode direction with continuously adjusted amplitudes so that a small-width soliton expands and a large-width soliton shrinks when they move uphill. A soliton with the critical width may migrate without any amplitude modifications. In an open chain as solitons move from the chain center toward a chain edge, the minimum-energy path first follows a tilted washboard landscape and then increases exponentially at the edge.
Facilitating Self-Esteem and Social Supports in a Family Life-Skills Program:

Apreliminary study of a statewide life-skills job-readiness program in which 116 female Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients participated found that significant gains made in curricular areas were positively correlated with self-esteem and social supports. The responses to a qualitative survey and ethnographic data revealed these women's strengths and the ways in which gender may have facilitated positive outcomes.
Exploring novel therapeutic targets in GIST: Focus on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common soft tissue sarcoma, and most feature abnormalities in two genes encoding the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), KIT, and PDGFRA. The RTK inhibitor imatinib revolutionized treatment in GIST; however, drug resistance remains a challenge. Constitutive autophosphorylation of RTKs is linked to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway hyperactivation, which is central to oncogenic signaling, and known to be dysregulated in GIST. Preclinical experiments have confirmed that inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is a rational target for therapy. Early studies using mTOR inhibitors have shown limited success, which may be due to the activation of Akt that occurs following mTORC1 inhibition. Therefore, targeting PI3K or Akt, which lie upstream of mTORC1, may translate into more complete pathway inhibition. Several treatment strategies are currently being developed in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. Compounds currently in development include pan-Class I PI3K inhibitors, dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, and Akt inhibitors. The aim of this review is to highlight the evidence for targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR-dependent mechanisms in GIST and to evaluate the existing preclinical and clinical data supporting this strategy.
Anticipatory guidance: having a dog in the family

Pediatric nurse practitioners frequently provide families with anticipatory guidance. An area often discussed is safety as it relates to growth and development. One topic that may not be covered is safety with dogs. Dog bites, especially by the family pet, are a common occurrence among children. This article assists the nurse practitioner to learn about the unique characteristics of the canine, what to teach families and children about safety around dogs, responsible dog ownership, and dog training.
Validation of a single-mode polymer optical fiber sensor and interrogator for large strain measurements

A single-mode polymer optical fiber (POF) in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer configuration is validated for the measurement of tensile nominal elongation of the POF up to 10%. The single-mode POF sensors were unmounted and surface mounted on aluminum tensile coupons for strain measurements. The measured strains from the POF sensors were compared to extensometer measurements for validation. The phase response of the interferometer was measured with a 3 × 3 coupler interrogator. The coupler arrangement was configured to permit the extraction of potential intensity changes in the sensor arm. The phase-shift–strain response of the POF sensors was repeatable for the loading and unloading measurements. The nonlinearity of the phase-shift–strain response was greater than that measured during pure tensile loading of the POF, presumably due to the behavior of the adhesive between the optical fiber and the aluminum coupons.
Border tales: A comparison of Spanish‐language and English‐language news

Abstract Spanish‐language media in the United States have experienced unprecedented growth in the past few years and KBNT, the local Spanish‐language station in San Diego, has seen a 218 percent jump in viewers since 2003. Therefore, the mass media environment has broadened for viewers who choose Spanish‐language programming. From an agenda‐setting perspective, two newscasts—KBNT, the Spanish‐language station, and KGTV, a station devoted to the English‐language audience—were analyzed to compare the types of news items presented. The data from the content analysis confirm that KBNT focuses on stories more relevant to a Latino audience while the English‐language news is less likely to focus on issues related to immigration or the border. This may have a significant impact as the Latino population continues to grow in southern California.
Vibration of Micro-Scale Structures: Accurate SPH Approach and Simplified Generalized Kelvin Model

Recent advances in polymer technology together with the growing need of smaller and lighter electronic components and biomedical equipment led to the development of new applications of polymers at micro scale. However, unlike traditional materials (e.g., metal silicon), polymers exhibit a significant time dependency in their response to load (e.g., viscoelastic, hyperelastic). Therefore, predicting the behavior of such polymer components at small scale requires accurate simulations of the effects of creep and relaxation within the systems. The current study uses a mesh-free particle method (smoothed particle hydrodynamics) to predict time-dependent mechanical response of polymers. As a first step towards investigating the response of a polymer microstructure under load, we simulate the behavior of a slender polymer rod compressed and tangentially dragged against a smooth glass surface.It is shown that although accurate prediction of polymer deformation cannot be achieved with a fully analytic model, a simplified generalized Kelvin model could calibrated to capture most of the characteristics of the fully numerical model. This cold be used for predicting the behavior under load of a passive subsystem of imbedded in a control algorithm to extend the measuring domain of a possible sensor or prevent potentially dangerous operating conditions.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Monism, Logos, Fire, and Flux

Descartes recognized that once two things have been distinguished, and their difference firmly established, it is uncommonly difficult to grasp their unity.1 The difficulty of reassembling divided unities is nowhere greater than in the study of ancient thought. One may grant that the division between mind and matter, or between form and its embodiment, belongs to Anaxagoras or perhaps waits for Plato. But since we are accustomed to some such division, how are we to understand Ionian monism?
Paired cisternae in human tumor cells.

An unusual arrangement of cisternae, described as “paired cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum” or “stacked remnants of nuclear envelope” was observed in various human tumor cells in vivo. Paired cisternae appeared to arise from nuclear envelope remnants of rapidly dividing cells and eventually to separate into individual cisterna of endoplasmic reticulum. The terms “paired cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum” and “stacked remnants of nuclear envelope,” by which this structure is referred to in the literature, probably apply to the same structure, differing only in stage of development. The present study supports the concept that nuclear envelope is a source of endoplasmic reticulum.
Persistent neurocognitive decline in a clinic sample of hepatitis C virus-infected persons receiving interferon and ribavirin treatment

Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (IFN/RBV) can be associated with neuropsychiatric side effects, which may necessitate dose reductions or treatment discontinuation. This study aimed to characterize the time course and predictors of cognitive and affective/mood symptoms after IFN/RBV treatment initiation. Forty individuals enrolled in a longitudinal project underwent comprehensive cognitive, medical, and psychiatric assessment at baseline and 10 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months after treatment initiation. Analyses were conducted to determine the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment over time; explicate the relationship between neurocognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and liver disease at each time point; and identify predictors of neurocognitive decline as well as cognitive effects of viral clearance. By 10 weeks after initiating IFN/RBV, the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment rose from 22.5 to 47.4% (p 0.10). Results of the current study indicate that IFN/RBV treatment-emergent neurocognitive declines are significant, prevalent, and may persist long after treatment cessation. Clinicians should monitor cognition throughout the course of treatment for HCV, noting that early declines may indicate individuals at elevated risk for persistent neurocognitive impairment. Longer-term studies are needed to determine whether lasting declines may remit over longer intervals or with newer direct acting agents.