cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Essential Equipment in Radiation Safety

Most common instruments for detection and quantitation of radiation are described in this chapter. The principles of construction and operation of ionization chambers, Geiger-Muller counters, dose calibrators, well counters, and liquid scintillation counters are described in detail. Personnel monitoring devices such as film badges, thermoluminescent dosimeters, optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters are elucidated in terms of their function and utilization. A section on neutron detectors is also added.
Meeting Transcription Using Asynchronous Distant Microphones.

We describe a system that generates speaker-annotated transcripts of meetings by using multiple asynchronous distant microphones. The system is composed of continuous audio stream alignment, blind beamforming, speech recognition, speaker diarization, and system combination. While the idea of improving the meeting transcription accuracy by leveraging multiple recordings has been investigated in certain specific technology areas such as beamforming, our objective is to assess the feasibility of a complete system with a set of mobile devices and conduct a detailed analysis. With seven input audio streams, our system achieves a word error rate (WER) of 22.3% and a speaker-attributed WER (SAWER) of 26.7%, and comes within 3% of the close-talking microphone WER on non-overlapping speech. The relative gains in SAWER over a single-device system are 14.8%, 20.3%, and 22.4% for three, five, and seven microphones, respectively. The full system achieves a 13.6% diarization error rate, 10% of which are due to overlapped speech.
Assessing Affective Differences between a Virtual General Chemistry Experiment and a Similar Hands-On Experiment

To date, few general chemistry laboratory studies have included affective measures despite calls for more research on aspects of this domain. This shortage of studies may be partially due to the scarcity of affective measures that have been designed for, or tested in, the college laboratory setting. To provide measures for use in this environment, several existing affective scales were adapted for this new context. Before data from the scales were utilized to study the environment, evidence was provided for the validity and reliability of the data generated from them. Once sufficient evidence was provided, it was possible to determine affective differences between students completing a Beer’s law experiment in the traditional hands-on laboratory (control group) and a similar experiment in a virtual environment (treatment group). To assess expected differences between environments, scales for anxiety, emotional satisfaction, intellectual accessibility, usefulness of lab, equipment usability, and open-endedness of lab were selected. To account for potential between-student differences, scales for feeling-related initial interest and value-related initial interest were selected. Overall, students who completed the virtual experiment scored significantly lower on the emotional satisfaction, intellectual accessibility, usefulness of lab, and equipment usability scales. However, it was noted that student responses in the virtual environment varied significantly by which teaching assistant (TA) instructed the section. To test for a possible instructor effect, data from the virtual sections were grouped by TA as “Virtual Group A” and “Virtual Group B”. Group A contained the TAs who had sections with lower averages on the emotional satisfaction scale as compared to group B. After controlling for instructor, differences between student responses in the “Hands-On” sections and “Virtual Group A” sections were no longer significant while significant differences remained between the responses in the “Hands-On” and “Virtual Group B” sections. This outcome indicated that the TA instructing the course may have been more influential on students’ affective outcomes than the environment in which the experiment was performed.
Theranostic nanocarriers combining high drug loading and magnetic particle imaging.

Abstract We report preparation of theranostic nanocarriers loaded with up to 50 wt% of the anticancer drug doxorubicin that contain magnetic nanoparticles which enable Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), an emerging technology for quantitative and unambiguous imaging of the nanocarriers. The nanocarriers, coated with poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) (PEG4.9kD-b-PLA6kD) block copolymer for colloidal stability, are composed of a hydrophobic core of precipitated hydrolysable doxorubicin prodrug (proDox) and magnetic nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows evidence of precipitated proDox for nanocarriers with high drug loading of up to 50 wt%. MPI measurements show that the nanocarriers can be quantitatively imaged. The nanocarriers are internalized by MDA-MB-231 cells and their IC50 value via metabolic assay is 1.1 µM, compared to 0.21 µM for free doxorubicin. The release rate from the nanocarriers was dependent on environmental pH. These nanocarriers with high drug loading and quantitative imaging are promising candidates for future applications.
Insights into functional connectivity in mammalian signal transduction pathways by pairwise comparison of protein interaction partners of critical signaling hubs

Growth factors and cytokines activate signal transduction pathways and regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. Intracellular domains of activated receptors recruit several protein kinases as well as transcription factors that serve as platforms or hubs for the assembly of multi-protein complexes. The signaling hubs involved in a related biologic function often share common interaction proteins and target genes. This functional connectivity suggests that a pairwise comparison of protein interaction partners of signaling hubs and network analysis of common partners and their expression analysis might lead to the identification of critical nodes in cellular signaling. A pairwise comparison of signaling hubs across several related pathways might also reveal novel signaling modules. Analysis of Protein Interaction Connectome by Venn (PIC-VENN) of transcription factors STAT1, STAT3, NFKB1, RELA, FOS and JUN, and their common interaction network suggested that BRCA1 and TSC22D3 function as critical nodes in immune responses by connecting the signaling nodes into signaling modules. Mutations or differential expression levels of these critical nodes in pathological conditions might deregulate signaling pathways and their target genes involved in inflammation. Biological connectivity emerges from the structural connectivity of interaction networks across several signaling hubs in related pathways. Application of PIC-VENN to several signaling hubs might reveal novel nodes and modules that can be targeted to simultaneously activate or inhibit cell signaling in health and disease.
Brain phenotyping in Moebius syndrome and other congenital facial weakness disorders by diffusion MRI morphometry.

In this study, we used a novel imaging technique, DTI (diffusion tensor imaging)-driven tensor-based morphometry, to investigate brain anatomy in subjects diagnosed with Moebius syndrome (n = 21), other congenital facial weakness disorders (n = 9) and healthy controls (n = 15). First, we selected a subgroup of subjects who satisfied the minimum diagnostic criteria for Moebius syndrome with only mild additional neurological findings. Compared to controls, in this cohort, we found a small region of highly significant volumetric reduction in the paramedian pontine reticular formation and the medial longitudinal fasciculus, important structures for the initiation and coordination of conjugate horizontal gaze. Subsequently, we tested if volume measurements from this region could help differentiate individual subjects of the different cohorts that were included in our study. We found that this region allowed discriminating Moebius syndrome subjects from congenital facial weakness disorders and healthy controls with high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (89%). Interestingly, this region was normal in congenital facial weakness subjects with oculomotor deficits of myopathic origin, who would have been classified as Moebius on the basis of purely clinical diagnostic criteria, indicating a potential role for diffusion MRI morphometry for differential diagnosis in this condition. When the entire Moebius syndrome cohort was compared to healthy controls, in addition to this 'landmark' region, other areas of significantly reduced volume in the brainstem emerged, including the location of the nuclei and fibres of cranial nerve VI (abducens nerve), and fibres of cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), and a more rostral portion of the medial longitudinal fasciculus. The high sensitivity and specificity of DTI-driven tensor-based morphometry in reliably detecting very small areas of volumetric abnormality found in this study suggest broader applications of this analysis in personalized medicine to detect hypoplasia or atrophy of small pathways and/or brainstem nuclei in other neurological disorders.
Spectator e-sport and well-being through live streaming services

Abstract This research examines how seven dimensions of e-sport spectatorship motivation on live streaming influence e-sport fans' flow experience, subjective well-being, behavioral intention and ultimately, game loyalty. Based on the traditional sport spectatorship literature and theories of flow and well-being, this study proposes a research model specifying the impact of virtual e-sport spectatorship through live-streaming services on e-sport fans’ real-life satisfaction and behavior. Employing a survey approach for data collection, this study conducted structural equation modeling to empirically assess the hypothesized associations among variables. The results indicate that flow experience is significantly affected by achievement, drama and player skills. The findings also reveal that subjective well-being is significantly influenced by achievement, friendship and social dimensions. Additionally, this study found significant relationships among flow experience, subjective well-being, behavioral intention and game loyalty. Based on the empirical results, this study provides several implications for the industry and enhancements to existing literature.
Impact of panniculectomy in complex abdominal wall reconstruction: a propensity matched analysis in 624 patients.

In complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), the role of concomitant panniculectomy has been debated due to concern for increased wound complications that impact outcomes; however, long-term outcomes and quality of life (QOL) have not been well described. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes and QOL in patients undergoing AWR with panniculectomy utilizing 3D volumetric-based propensity match. A prospective database from a tertiary referral hernia center was queried for patients undergoing open AWR. 3D CT volumetrics were analyzed and a propensity match comparing AWR patients with and without panniculectomy was created including subcutaneous fat volume (SFV). QOL was analyzed using the Carolinas Comfort Scale. Propensity match yielded 312 pairs, all with adequate CT imaging for volumetric analysis. The panniculectomy group had a higher BMI (p = 0.03) and were more likely female (p 0.05). Requirement of component separation (61% vs 50%, p = 0.01) and mesh excision (44% vs 35%, p = 0.02) were higher in the panniculectomy group, but operative time were similar (all p ≥ 0.05). Panniculectomy patients had a higher overall wound occurrence rate (45% vs 32%, p = 0.002) which was differentiated only by a higher rate of wound breakdown (24% vs 14%, p = 0.003); all other specific wound complications were equal (all p ≥ 0.05). Hernia recurrence rates were similar (8% vs 9%, p = 0.65) with an average follow-up of 28 months. Overall QOL was equal at 2 weeks, and 1, 6, and 12 months (all p ≥ 0.05). Despite panniculectomy patients and their hernias being more complex, concomitant panniculectomy increased wound complications but did not negatively impact infection rates or long-term outcomes. Concomitant panniculectomy should be considered in appropriate patients to avoid two procedures.
A small amount of mini-charged dark matter could cool the baryons in the early Universe

The dynamics of our Universe is strongly influenced by pervasive—albeit elusive—dark matter, with a total mass about five times the mass of all the baryons1,2. Despite this, its origin and composition remain a mystery. All evidence for dark matter relies on its gravitational pull on baryons, and thus such evidence does not require any non-gravitational coupling between baryons and dark matter. Nonetheless, some small coupling would explain the comparable cosmic abundances of dark matter and baryons 3 , as well as solving structure-formation puzzles in the pure cold-dark-matter models 4 . A vast array of observations has been unable to find conclusive evidence for any non-gravitational interactions of baryons with dark matter5–9. Recent observations by the EDGES collaboration, however, suggest that during the cosmic dawn, roughly 200 million years after the Big Bang, the baryonic temperature was half of its expected value 10 . This observation is difficult to reconcile with the standard cosmological model but could be explained if baryons are cooled down by interactions with dark matter, as expected if their interaction rate grows steeply at low velocities 11 . Here we report that if a small fraction—less than one per cent—of the dark matter has a mini-charge, a million times smaller than the charge on the electron, and a mass in the range of 1–100 times the electron mass, then the data 10 from the EDGES experiment can be explained while remaining consistent with all other observations. We also show that the entirety of the dark matter cannot have a mini-charge.
Antimicrobial activity of orange juice processing waste in powder form and its suitability to produce antimicrobial packaging

Abstract Orange peel essential oil is a common value-added product from orange juice processing waste. It is antimicrobial and used to produce antimicrobial films and coatings. This study reports the first development of antimicrobial films using orange peel as powder (OPP) instead of the extracted essential oil. The OPP amount needed for antimicrobial films was determined by studying the OPP effects on conidia germination inhibition (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)) and mycelial growth reduction for Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium sp. This amount was incorporated into linear low-density polyethylene using plastic processing machinery. The resulting LLDPE/OPP composite film was characterized for antimicrobial activity against Botrytis cinerea, antimicrobial compound release, and mechanical, barrier, and optical properties. We found the same OPP MIC (8.4 mg OPP/mL air) for the three fungi although their mycelial growth kinetics and conidia germination inhibition periods varied with OPP amount differently. 21.1 mg OPP/mL air completely inhibited the germination of Penicillium sp., B. cinerea, and A. niger conidia for 3, 2, and 1 days. The antimicrobial film was a LLDPE/OPP composite with 46% plastic replacement that reduced B. cinerea growth by 30% over a 7-day storage period at 23 °C, less than OPP due to limonene/citral reduction during processing. Plastic replacement resulted in films with the barrier and mechanical properties of plastics commonly used in food packaging. This study demonstrates the OPP antimicrobial capacity against food spoilage microorganisms and its suitability to produce antimicrobial packaging for food applications and presents a novel approach to utilizing orange juice processing waste.
On the challenges of predicting microscopic dynamics of online conversations

To what extent can we predict the structure of online conversation trees? We present a generative model to predict the size and evolution of threaded conversations on social media by combining machine learning algorithms. The model is evaluated using datasets that span two topical domains (cryptocurrency and cyber-security) and two platforms (Reddit and Twitter). We show that it is able to predict both macroscopic features of the final trees and near-future microscopic events with moderate accuracy. However, predicting the macroscopic structure of conversations does not guarantee an accurate reconstruction of their microscopic evolution. Our model’s limited performance in long-range predictions highlights the challenges faced by generative models due to the accumulation of errors.
Two Italian Patients with ELOVL4-Related Neuro-Ichthyosis: Expanding the Genotypic and Phenotypic Spectrum and Ultrastructural Characterization.

Elongation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acid-4 (ELOVL4) is a fatty acid elongase responsible for very long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis in the brain, retina, and skin. Heterozygous mutations in ELOVL4 gene cause Stargardt-like macular dystrophy and spinocerebellar ataxia type-34, while different homozygous mutations have been associated with ichthyosis, spastic quadriplegia, and mental retardation syndrome in three kindred. We report the first two Italian children affected with neuro-ichthyosis due to the previously undescribed ELOVL4 homozygous frameshift variant c.435dupT (p.Ile146TyrfsTer29), and compound heterozygous variants c.208C>T (p.Arg70Ter) and c.487T>C (p.Cys163Arg), respectively. Both patients were born with collodion membrane followed by development of diffuse mild hyperkeratosis and scaling, localized erythema, and palmoplantar keratoderma. One infant displayed mild facial dysmorphism. They suffered from failure to thrive, and severe gastro-esophageal reflux with pulmonary aspiration. The patients presented axial hypotonia, hypertonia of limbs, and absent head control with poor eye contact from infancy. Visual evoked potentials showed markedly increased latency and poor morphological definition, indicative of alteration of the retro-retinal visual pathways in both patients. Ultrastructural skin examination revealed abnormalities of lamellar bodies with altered release in the epidermal granular and horny layer intracellular spaces. Our findings contribute to expanding the phenotypic and genotypic features of ELOVL4-related neuro-ichthyosis.
The United States and the border: Mexican children’s drawings of family separation:

In the current age of border talk, border enforcement, and of draconian policies that further separate and break up families, children who remain in the country of origin are rarely asked what they...
Human Nigrostriatal Dopamine Neurons Express Low Levels of GTP Cyclohydrolase I mRNA

GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH; EC 3.5.4.16) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) (1). BH4 is the required cofactor for the family of aromatic amino acid monoxygenases that includes tyrosine hydroxylase, tryptophan hydroxylase, and phenylalanine hydroxylase (2). BH4 is also essential for activity of the nitric oxide synthases (3,4). Monoamine and nitric oxide synthesis are therefore influenced by BH4 availability. GTPCH expression in human (5), rat (6, 7, 8, 9) and mouse (10,11) brain has been localized at the cellular level to monoamine-secreting neurons. GTPCH mRNA abundance in rat and mouse brain (7, 11) and GTPCH protein content in rat brain (9) are heterogeneous across different population of monoaminergic neurons, with low levels found within nigrostriatal dopamine neurons and high levels within the serotonin neurons of the dorsal raphe.
Formation of Tertiary Interactions during rRNA GTPase Center Folding

The 60-nt GTPase center (GAC) of 23S rRNA has a phylogenetically conserved secondary structure with two hairpin loops and a 3-way junction. It folds into an intricate tertiary structure upon addition of Mg(2+) ions, which is stabilized by the L11 protein in cocrystal structures. Here, we monitor the kinetics of its tertiary folding and Mg(2+)-dependent intermediate states by observing selected nucleobases that contribute specific interactions to the GAC tertiary structure in the cocrystals. The fluorescent nucleobase 2-aminopurine replaced three individual adenines, two of which make long-range stacking interactions and one that also forms hydrogen bonds. Each site reveals a unique response to Mg(2+) addition and temperature, reflecting its environmental change from secondary to tertiary structure. Stopped-flow fluorescence experiments revealed that kinetics of tertiary structure formation upon addition of MgCl2 are also site specific, with local conformational changes occurring from 5 ms to 4s and with global folding from 1 to 5s. Site-specific substitution with (15)N-nucleobases allowed observation of stable hydrogen bond formation by NMR experiments. Equilibrium titration experiments indicate that a stable folding intermediate is present at stoichiometric concentrations of Mg(2+) and suggest that there are two initial sites of Mg(2+) ion association.
Security and Privacy as Market Failures

Most software is sold as is, according to the end user licensing agreement. This means that the software is released with bugs, known and unknown. There is tremendous market pressure to push software out the door. Money flows in as soon as the software is written. Being first may mean market dominance.
The Role of Clinical Echography in Modern Diagnosis of Orbital and Periorbital Lesions

Following a brief review of currently useful A-scan, B-scan, and Doppler techniques, the role of diagnostic ultrasound in the management of the following objectives will be covered: 1. screening of the orbit and periorbit for lesions; 2. differentiation of lesions; 3. indication for specific diagnostic tests, such as carotid arteriography; 4. localization and measurement of lesions for optimal surgery or radiotherapy, and for follow-up evaluations; 5. measurement of the thickness of optic nerve and extraocular muscles.
Embryo Implantation Requires Estrogen-Directed Uterine Preparation and Catecholestrogen-Mediated Embyronic Activation

Publisher Summary Uterine preparation and blastocyst activation by estradiol-17 β (E 2 ) is differentially regulated in the progesterone (P 4 ) -primed uterus. This chapter provides evidence that while E 2 prepares the uterus to the receptive state, its metabolites, catecholestrogens (CEs), are involved in blastocyst activation. CEs (2-OH-E 2 and 4-OH-E 2 ) are formed as a result of aromatic hydroxylation of phenolic E 2 by estradiol- 2/4-hydroxylase (E-2/4-H). Although CEs can function via the classical estrogen receptor, membrane binding sites for CEs have also been demonstrated. Because of their extremely rapid clearance rate, CEs are not likely to function as circulating hormones, but rather as local mediators of estrogen action. The chapter suggests that estrogen differentially regulates uterine preparation and blastocyst activation for implantation. While primary estrogen is important for the preparation of the uterus, its catechol metabolites are important for blastocyst activation for implantation. Failure of either component results in implantation failure. Further, blastocyst's state of activity is associated with its epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) status: Dormancy is associated with EGF-R downregulation, whereas activation is associated with its upregulation. CEs appear to act on blastocyst functions via prostaglandins (PGs), and CE-mediated effects do not operate through the nuclear estrogen receptor.
A new noncovalent force: comparison of P···N interaction with hydrogen and halogen bonds.

When PH3 is paired with NH3, the two molecules are oriented such that the P and N atoms face one another directly, without the intermediacy of a H atom. Quantum calculations indicate that this attraction is due in part to the transfer of electron density from the lone pair of the N atom to the σ* antibond of a P–H covalent bond. Unlike a H-bond, the pertinent hydrogen is oriented about 180° away from, instead of toward, the N, and the N lone pair overlaps with the lobe of the P–H σ* orbital that is closest to the P. In contrast to halogen bonds, there is no requirement of a σ-hole of positive electrostatic potential on the P atom, nor is it necessary for the two interacting atoms to be of differing potential. In fact, the two atoms can be identical, as the global minimum of the PH3 homodimer has the same structure, characterized by a P ⋅⋅⋅ P attraction. Natural bond orbital analysis, energy decomposition, and visualization of total electron density shifts reveal other similarities and differences between the three sorts of molecular interaction.
A Case Study of Salmonellosis Associated with Consumption of Fresh-market Tomatoes and the Development of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) Program

In most developed countries, Salmonella is the main pathogen associated with documented illnesses caused by foodborne microbes (Bean and Griffin, 1990; Buzby et al., 1996). The annual cost of salmonellosis outbreaks in medical fees and time lost from work in the United States was estimated at ≈$1 billion in 1989 (Roberts and van Ravenswaay, 1989). By 1996, this estimate had soared to $3.5 billion, but the data are subject to interpretation because of: a) the difficulty in estimating medical costs for ill persons; b) the impossible task of determining lost work productivity in unreported cases of illness; and c) the tenuous nature of placing a value on the loss of life (Buzby et al., 1996). There are no reliable estimates of annual losses to businesses. Salmonellosis was traditionally linked to the consumption of meat and meat products, but in recent years the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables has been implicated in several outbreaks (Beuchat and Ryu, 1997; Brackett, 1998; Buzby, 1995; Hedburg et al., 1994). While the percentage of cases linked to produce is low compared with other foods, there are sufficient incidents to warrant concern. Not only have the food groups changed, but the typical scenario of an outbreak has changed as well. The classic “potato salad at the picnic,” where a few people become ill from a poorly handled dish at a single gathering, has given way to a scenario involving low-level contamination of massproduced, widely distributed products that tend to produce sporadic illness across state and national borders (Stephenson, 1997). The case study presented here for tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) could be typical of virtually any fresh produce item.
Ethics Exercises for Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineers

The practices of civil, environmental, and geological engineering share many common ethical dilemmas. These fields typically require extensive interaction with clients and regulatory agencies, while dealing with unpredictable earth materials for design and uncertain design parameters. Consequently, a capstone design course must address not only technical issues, but also a wide range of ethical and behavioral issues. This study presents a series of exercises used in the classroom to teach these issues through dealing with “gray” ethical areas, concepts of advocacy and the use of compromise, relating specific stories to global concepts, proper behavior in the corporate environment, and the influence of corporate culture on ethical decisions. The exercises were designed to incorporate a variety of active learning styles, including individual and group writing, group short answer, group design, and role playing as an individual and as part of a team. Only a small commitment of class time is required to complete these exercises, roughly six lecture periods and one laboratory period.
Surgical periodontal therapy with and without initial scaling and root planing in the management of chronic periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial

Aim To compare the outcomes of surgical periodontal therapy with and without initial scaling and root planing. Methods Twenty-four patients with severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this pilot, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were equally allocated into two treatment groups: Control group was treated with scaling and root planing, re-evaluation, followed by Modified Widman Flap surgery and test group received similar surgery without scaling and root planing. Clinical attachment level, probing depth and bleeding on probing were recorded. Standardized radiographs were analysed for linear bone change from baseline to 6 months. Wound fluid inflammatory biomarkers were also assessed. Results Both groups exhibited statistically significant improvement in clinical attachment level and probing depth at 3 and 6 months compared to baseline. A statistically significant difference in probing depth reduction was found between the two groups at 3 and 6 months in favour of the control group. No statistically significant differences in biomarkers were detected between the groups. Conclusions Combined scaling and root planing and surgery yielded greater probing depth reduction as compared to periodontal surgery without initial scaling and root planing.
Modeling and Control of a Thermoelastic Beam

The objective of this paper is to model a thermoelastic beam and use thermoelectric heat actuators dispersed over the beam to control not only its vibration, but also its temperature. The model is represented by two coupled partial differential equations governing the elastic bending displacement and temperature variation over the length of the beam. The partial differential equations are replaced by a set of ordinary differential equations through discretization. The first-order ordinary differential equations are cast in the compact state-space form to be used in the thermoelastic analysis and control. The Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) is used for control design. An numerical application to a uniform cantilever beam demonstrates the coupling between the temperature and the elastic displacement and feasibility of using thermoelectric actuators in controlling the vibration and temperature simultaneously.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Deep molecular diversity of mammalian synapses: why it matters and how to measure it

Pioneering studies in the middle of the twentieth century revealed substantial diversity among mammalian chemical synapses and led to a widely accepted classification of synapse type on the basis of neurotransmitter molecule identity. Subsequently, powerful new physiological, genetic and structural methods have enabled the discovery of much deeper functional and molecular diversity within each traditional neurotransmitter type. Today, this deep diversity continues to pose both daunting challenges and exciting new opportunities for neuroscience. Our growing understanding of deep synapse diversity may transform how we think about and study neural circuit development, structure and function.
Coatings for plastics. Dispersions of clean metal particles in polymer matrices

Oxides are frequently used to improve the mechanical properties of plastics. Here we report how oxides of zinc, lead, cadmium, and indium, when embedded in a polymer matrix, can be electrochemically reduced, resulting in a polymer-metal “composite” of high electrical conductivity. This method of preparation provides a uniform dispersion of small, clean metal particles, not obtainable by blending metal powder and polymer. The “composites” are somewhat porous, and other metals can be deposited on the “composites” from either electroplating or electroless plating solutions.
The molecular basis of P-M hybrid dysgenesis: the role of the P element, a P-strain-specific transposon family.

Abstract We have shown previously that four of five white mutant alleles arising in P-M dysgenic hybrids result from the insertion of strongly homologous DNA sequence elements. We have named these P elements. We report that P elements are present in 30–50 copies per haploid genome in all P strains examined and apparently are missing entirely from all M strains examined, with one exception. Furthermore, members of the P family apparently transpose frequently in P-M dysgenic hybrids; chromosomes descendant from P-M dysgenic hybrids frequently show newly acquired P elements. Finally, the strain-specific breakpoint hotspots for the rearrangement of the π 2 P X chromsome occurring in P-M dysgenic hybrids are apparently sites of residence of P elements. These observations strongly support the P factor hypothesis for the mechanistic basis of P-M hybrid dysgenesis.
Characterization of single-mode performance of Chirally-Coupled-Core fibers with cores larger than 50μm

We demonstrate robust single-spatial mode performance in fabricated Ge-doped 50μm −60μm core Chirally-Coupled-Core fibers using spatially and spectrally resolved (S2) measurements.
Comparison of cellular protooncogene activation and transformation-related activity of human melanocytes and metastatic melanoma

Two cell lines (NH and HM1), established from patients with metastatic melanomas, were evaluated for the presence of activated cellular protooncogenes. Northern blot analysis demonstrated increased expression of the c-myc gene (from 9 to 14 times) in NH and HM1 cell lines by densitometric comparison with human melanocyte cell lines. Analysis of the expression of 13 additional cellular protooncogenes revealed either no detectable levels (c-fms, c-abl, v-src, c-erb A1, c-erb B, v-mos, TGF beta, and c-myb) or unaltered expression levels (cH-ras, N-ras, c-fos, and c-sis) in normal human melanocytes and metastatic melanomas. Elevated expression of the c-myc gene was also detected in two long-term cultured melanoma cell lines (RPMI 7951 and SKMEL-30). Analysis of c-myc expression by in situ hybridization in HM1 cells showed that expression was not localized to a sub-population of cycling cells and all cells were overexpressing c-myc mRNA. Differences in relative abundance of c-myc transcripts suggests a relationship with the ability of DNA from these cell lines to efficiently transform NIH 3T3 cells and form colonies on soft agar.
Clinical significance of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with and without coronary artery disease.

ENTRICULAR premature beats (VPBs) are omnipresent in the general population, and the clinical significance of these ectopic beats is intimately related to the presence and severity of the underlying heart disease. In 19 12, Sir Thomas Lewis, in his classic book Disorders of the Heart Beat, stated that “it is probable that the majority of people who live to middle life or advanced years are affected in this manner [with VPBs] at some time or other. Of the factors which appear to be predominantly associated with them [VPBs], gross lesions of the heart stand first. Otherwise, an inquiry into the habits, history, and state of the patients throws but an obscure light upon the causation.“’ Ventricular arrhythmias include a broad spectrum of VPBs-isolated, infrequent VPBs often categorized as simple VPBs; frequent VPBs variously defined from greater than 6/min in the coronary care unit to more than 10 or 20/h on ambulatory Holter recordings; complex VPBs with bigeminal, paired, multiform, or early cycle patterns; and ventricular tachycardia, which consists of a repetitive run of 3 VPBs or more in a row at a rate greater than 100 beats/min. The clinical significance of these ventricular arrhythmias will be reviewed as they relate to normal subjects and to patients with acute and chronic coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve prolapse, the long Q-T interval syndrome, and a variety of other conditions.
A counter example to extending cofibrations

Abstract The extension of cofibrations is a natural generalisation of the desuspension problem for spaces. A counter example is given here to a theorem on the extension of cofibrations. We establish a metastable range for extension and applications to Poincare surgery are briefly discussed.
A Collective Action Model of Institutional Innovation

We introduce a collective action model of institutional innovation. This model, based on converging perspectives from the technology innovation management and social movements literature, views institutional change as a dialectical process in which partisan actors espousing conflicting views confront each other and engage in political behaviors to create and change institutions. The model represents an important complement to existing models of institutional change. We discuss how these models together account for various stages and cycles of institutional change.
Synthesis of thiocarbonyl-bridged(η5-C5H5)2Fe2(CO)3(CS) and crystal structure of an s-alkylated derivative

Abstract The reaction of CpFe(CO)2− with (PhO)2CS, a new method of introducing a thiocarbonyl bridging ligand into a metal complex, yielded Cp2Fe2(CO)3(CS). The molecule exists as a cis-trans mixture in solution as evidenced by IR and NMR studies. On reaction with a variety of alkyl halides or other alkylating agents, stable S-alkyl derivatives are formed. The X-ray structure of [Cp2Fe2(CO)3(CSEt)]BF4 is reported, and the nature of the bonding of the unusual CSEt+ bridging group is discussed.
Applications of Vinylogous Mannich Reactions. Total Syntheses of the Ergot Alkaloids Rugulovasines A and B and Setoclavine

Concise syntheses of the Ergot alkaloids rugulovasine A (3a), rugulovasine B (3b), and setoclavine (2) have been completed by strategies that feature inter- and intramolecular vinylogous Mannich reactions as the key steps. Thus, the first synthesis of 3a,b commenced with the conversion of the known indole 17 into 24 via the addition of the furan 22 to the iminium ion 21, which was generated in situ from the aldehyde 19. Cyclization of 24 by a novel S(RN)1 reaction followed by removal of the N-benzyl group furnished a mixture (1:2) of 3a and 3b. In an alternative approach to these alkaloids, the biaryl 35 was reduced with DIBAL-H to give an intermediate imine that underwent spontaneous cyclization via an intramolecular vinylogous Mannich addition to provide 36a,b. N-Methylation of the derived benzyl carbamates 37a,b followed by global deprotection gave a mixture (2:1) of rugulovasines A and B (3a,b). Setoclavine (2) was then prepared from the biaryl 41 using a closely related intramolecular vinylogous Mannich reaction to furnish the spirocyclic lactones 42a,b. These lactones were subsequently transformed by hydride reduction and reductive methylation into the ergoline derivatives 43a,b, which were in turn converted into 2 by deprotection and solvolytic 1,3-rearrangement of the allylic hydroxyl group.
Chemical Shift and Relaxation of Xe 129 in Xenon Gas

The density-proportional chemical shift observed by Carr and his associates in xenon gas can be used as a means of calibrating the spin-rotational coupling existing in a diatomic xenon system during collisions of xenon atoms. The basis of this calculation is Ramsey's theory of chemical shifts. The value of the coupling thus obtained is of the correct magnitude to account for the observed relaxation of ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{129}$ in xenon gas.
Cellular Phone Use and Cancer Risk: Danish Cohort Data Reanalysis

Purpose The wide use of cellular phones has raised public concern for its possible relationship with cancer risk because the radio frequency (RF) exposure from cellular phones has been suspected as a possible carcinogen. However, the data for evaluating the issue is limited especially for the long term effects because only within the past decade has cellular phone use become nearly ubiquitous. Current results from case-control studies for this issue are inconsistent. Recently, a study from the nationwide Danish cohort showed no large association between cellular phone use and cancer risk. Methods To evaluate the possible association between cellular phone use and cancer risk, the Danish cohort data has been re-analyzed and the statistical power was estimated. Results The results suggested that the Danish cohort data had enough statistical power to detect the weak association (>2% increase) with the overall cancer risk. However, the statistical power for brain (and nerve system) tumors was inconsistent. The cohort data had 94% and 99% power to detect 15% and 20% increase in cancer risk respectively, but the power was sharply reduced to 22% and 66% for 5% and 10% increase in risk for brain tumors respectively. The cohort data did not have enough statistical power to detect a lower increase in risk for brain tumors. Suspected association of the wide use of cellular phones could be small and mainly related to brain tumors; thus, further study is needed for the issue. To assess the possible association with brain tumors, studies with larger population and/or longer follow-up data will be needed. Conclusion Overall, there is no evidence to rule out cellular phone's carcinogenic effect for brain tumors yet; the possible increase in risk for brain tumors could be lower. Further studies should be conducted for the issue.
Identification of a stable phase for the high-capacity hydrogen-storage material Zn ( BH 4 ) 2 from density functional theory and lattice dynamics

First-principles calculations were performed on $\text{Zn}{({\text{BH}}_{4})}_{2}$ using density functional theory (DFT) within the local density approximation and the projected augmented wave method. $\text{Zn}{({\text{BH}}_{4})}_{2}$ is a promising candidate for hydrogen storage with a capacity of 8.5 $\text{wt}\text{ }%$. A direct method lattice dynamics approach using ab initio force constants was utilized to calculate the phonon dispersion curves. This allowed us to establish the stability of the crystal structure at finite temperatures. DFT was used to calculate electronic properties and the direct method lattice dynamics was used to calculate the finite temperature thermal properties. $\text{Zn}{({\text{BH}}_{4})}_{2}$ is found to have an orthorhombic structure in the space group of ${Pmc2}_{1}$ with lattice parameters $a=4.118\text{ }\text{\AA{}}$, $b=4.864\text{ }\text{\AA{}}$, $c=7.916\text{ }\text{\AA{}}$. It is an insulating material having a DFT-calculated band gap of 3.529 eV. Analysis of the electronic structure shows strong bonding between hydrogen atoms and boron in the ${[{\text{BH}}_{4}]}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ complex and also less polar bonding between the Zn and the hydrogen atom. The reaction enthalpy was calculated for the reaction $\text{Zn}{({\text{BH}}_{4})}_{2}=\text{Zn}+2\text{B}+4{\text{H}}_{2}(g)$ to be 76.91 $\text{kJ}/\text{mol}$ of ${\text{H}}_{2}$ at 0 K without any zero point energy correction, and 59.90 $\text{kJ}/\text{mol}$ of ${\text{H}}_{2}$ including the zero point energy correction. The simulated standard enthalpy of formation for the complex $\text{Zn}{({\text{BH}}_{4})}_{2}$ was found to be $\ensuremath{-}66.003\text{ }\text{kJ}/\text{mol}$ of ${\text{H}}_{2}$ at 300 K. This suggests that the crystal structure of $\text{Zn}{({\text{BH}}_{4})}_{2}$ is stable at room temperature and this complex hydride can thus be considered a potential candidate for hydrogen storage.
Seasonal and interannual variability in wetland methane emissions simulated by CLM4Me' and CAM-chem and comparisons to observations of concentrations

Abstract. Understanding the temporal and spatial variation of wetland methane emissions is essential to the estimation of the global methane budget. Our goal for this study is three-fold: (i) to evaluate the wetland methane fluxes simulated in two versions of the Community Land Model, the Carbon-Nitrogen (CN; i.e., CLM4.0) and the Biogeochemistry (BGC; i.e., CLM4.5) versions using the methane emission model CLM4Me' so as to determine the sensitivity of the emissions to the underlying carbon model; (ii) to compare the simulated atmospheric methane concentrations to observations, including latitudinal gradients and interannual variability so as to determine the extent to which the atmospheric observations constrain the emissions; (iii) to understand the drivers of seasonal and interannual variability in atmospheric methane concentrations. Simulations of the transport and removal of methane use the Community Atmosphere Model with chemistry (CAM-chem) model in conjunction with CLM4Me' methane emissions from both CN and BGC simulations and other methane emission sources from literature. In each case we compare model-simulated atmospheric methane concentration with observations. In addition, we simulate the atmospheric concentrations based on the TransCom wetland and rice paddy emissions derived from a different terrestrial ecosystem model, Vegetation Integrative Simulator for Trace gases (VISIT). Our analysis indicates CN wetland methane emissions are higher in the tropics and lower at high latitudes than emissions from BGC. In CN, methane emissions decrease from 1993 to 2004 while this trend does not appear in the BGC version. In the CN version, methane emission variations follow satellite-derived inundation wetlands closely. However, they are dissimilar in BGC due to its different carbon cycle. CAM-chem simulations with CLM4Me' methane emissions suggest that both prescribed anthropogenic and predicted wetlands methane emissions contribute substantially to seasonal and interannual variability in atmospheric methane concentration. Simulated atmospheric CH4 concentrations in CAM-chem are highly correlated with observations at most of the 14 measurement stations evaluated with an average correlation between 0.71 and 0.80 depending on the simulation (for the period of 1993–2004 for most stations based on data availability). Our results suggest that different spatial patterns of wetland emissions can have significant impacts on Northern and Southern hemisphere (N–S) atmospheric CH4 concentration gradients and growth rates. This study suggests that both anthropogenic and wetland emissions have significant contributions to seasonal and interannual variations in atmospheric CH4 concentrations. However, our analysis also indicates the existence of large uncertainties in terms of spatial patterns and magnitude of global wetland methane budgets, and that substantial uncertainty comes from the carbon model underlying the methane flux modules.
Identification of target genes and a unique cis element regulated by IRF-8 in developing macrophages

Interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF-8)/interferon consensus sequence–binding protein (ICSBP) is a transcription factor that controls myeloid-cell development. Microarray gene expression analysis of Irf-8-/- myeloid progenitor cells expressing an IRF-8/estrogen receptor chimera (which differentiate into macrophages after addition of estradiol) was used to identify 69 genes altered by IRF-8 during early differentiation (62 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated). Among them, 4 lysosomal/endosomal enzyme-related genes (cystatin C, cathepsin C, lysozyme, and prosaposin) did not require de novo protein synthesis for induction, suggesting that they were direct targets of IRF-8. We developed a reporter assay system employing a self-inactivating retrovirus and analyzed the cystatin C and cathepsin C promoters. We found that a unique cis element mediates IRF-8–induced activation of both promoters. Similar elements were also found in other IRF-8 target genes with a consensus sequence (GAAANN[N]GGAA) comprising a core IRF-binding motif and an Ets-binding motif; this sequence is similar but distinct from the previously reported Ets/IRF composite element. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that IRF-8 and the PU.1 Ets transcription factor bind to this element in vivo. Collectively, these data indicate that IRF-8 stimulates transcription of target genes through a novel cis element to specify macrophage differentiation.
New Wine in Old Wineskins: Promoting Political Reforms through the New European Neighbourhood Policy*

The EU’s newly launched European neighbourhood policy (ENP) is a fascinating case study in organizational management theory of how the Commission strategically adapted enlargement policies to expand its foreign policy domain. From the use of action plans, regular reports and negotiations to the larger conceptualization and use of socialization and conditionality, the development of the policy shows significant mechanical borrowing from the enlargement strategies. Given the lack of the membership carrot, the question is whether such adaptation from enlargement can promote political reforms in the ENP countries, which are generally poor, often autocratic and, in some cases, embroiled in domestic conflicts. This article traces the development of the policy and assesses prospects for human rights and democracy reforms.