cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation of coccidioides immitis from bat guano and preliminary findings on laboratory infectivity of bats with Coccidioides immitis

Abstract Coccidioides immits has been isolated from the guano of bats obtained beneath bat roosting places deep within deserted mine tunnels. Certain species of bats have been demonstrated to be susceptible to experimental infection by C. immitis . There is, however, a difference in the laboratory susceptibility between the species studied ( Antrozous pallidus and Macrotus californicus ). Antrozous pallidus requires 8 times more arthrospores (400 as compared to 50) than does Macrotus californicus to produce a defineable infection. Our cultures for C. immitis in the tissue of Antrozous produced colonies of the bacterium Serratia marcescens . Because these tissues were handled under sterile conditions the presence of this red pigment (prodigiosin) producing bacterium was thought not the result of contamination. Prodigiosin suggests a possible mechanism for the apparent greatly reduced susceptibility to C . immitis found in the laboratory population of Antrozous . Skin and serological tests on bats were negative as were cultures of guano from experimentally infected bats and mice. It is speculated that infected dying bats that fall to the floor beneath their roosting sites may contaminate the guano. We of course realize that other animals (we have found Neotoma and Bassariscus rarely in these tunnels) may have tracked the fungus into these deep tunnel sites.
miR-92a Suppresses Mushroom Body-Dependent Memory Consolidation in Drosophila.

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) fine tune gene expression to regulate many aspects of nervous system physiology. Here, we show that miR-92a suppresses memory consolidation that occurs in the αβ and γ mushroom body neurons (MBns) of Drosophila, making miR-92a a memory suppressor miRNA. Bioinformatics analyses suggested that mRNAs encoding kinesin heavy chain 73 (KHC73), a protein that belongs to Kinesin-3 family of anterograde motor proteins, may be a functional target of miR-92a. Behavioral studies that employed expression of khc73 with and without its 3’ untranslated region (UTR) containing miR-92a target sites, luciferase assays in HEK cells with reporters containing wild-type and mutant target sequences in the khc73 3’UTR, and immunohistochemistry experiments involving KHC73 expression with and without the wild-type khc73 3’UTR, all point to the conclusion that khc73 is a major target of miR-92a in its functional role as a miRNA memory suppressor gene.
Zhuangzi’s Way of Harmonizing Right and Wrong: Disagreement and Relativism in Disputation

Contemporary interpretations of Zhuangzi’s 莊子 philosophy as adumbrating a relativist position are legion. However, what is the scope and nature of the relativism that can be gleaned from a comprehensive analysis of relevant passages in the Zhuangzi? In this essay, I shall explain Zhuangzi’s alleged relativist position as motivated from a primary concern about disagreement. He in effect claims that since any disputant can foresee her assertion to be refuted by an opponent, the recourse to a higher tribunal in adjudicating the debate is futile. The consequence of an apparent lack of justification for assertion is, in my opinion, what needs elucidation. For example, is “truth relativism” an apt label for the nature of assertion in a debate without the verdict of a judge? Or, is it more appropriate to shun the concept of truth altogether in our explanation? I deem the contemporary explanation of Zhuangzi’s relativism either trivializes disputation or fails to account for the difference between a claim’s being right and being acceptable. Hence, I shall argue that without the intrusion of a judge as an arbiter of truth, the kind of disputation Zhuangzi practices promulgates faultless disagreement, which does not appeal to the correctness of any perspective in a comparative or absolute sense. In this understanding, Zhuangzi’s advice of harmonizing with both right and wrong is indeed a viable alternative to relativism and dogmatism, both of which do not properly take heed of the point of disagreeing in a disputation.
Sailing Against the Wind: How a Pre-Admission Program Can Prepare At-Risk Students for Success in the Journey Through Law School and Beyond

This article provides a scholarly analysis of an innovative and recently created summer special admissions program designed to provide an opportunity for at-risk students. This new program, the Summer College to Assess Legal Education Skills (SCALES), was created to provide access and opportunity to students who otherwise would not be admitted to law school because their law school indicators fall below the minimum requirements for admission. Thus, the students enrolled in the program include immigrants, minorities, and nontraditional returning students, many of whom represent the first generation in a family to earn a college degree. To the delight and amazement of the faculty and administration, all thirteen of the first group of SCALES students who graduated in May of 2007 passed the Illinois bar examination on their first attempt. Armed with such favorable bar results, the authors of this article pondered the connection between a program operating before and at the admissions end of law school and focused upon the skills necessary to successfully navigate law school, with programs operating nearer the end of law school, the latter of which are focused on the bar examination. Research was undertaken to examine the theories and practices of academic support programs in place at other law schools for J.D. students, and to assess the newly emerging bar preparation courses at many law schools. As a part of these research efforts, the thirteen SCALES alumni were interviewed to gain their feedback and to learn more about their efforts as they progressed through law school and as they prepared for the bar examination. This article presents the results of this research, and the authors' conclusions and recommendations for how such a program could be run successfully.
Ostrich population densities and temporal dynamics in coupled social-ecological systems: Suitable indicators for the ecological effectiveness of protected areas?

Abstract Assessing the ecological effectiveness of protected areas is a high priority in conservation biology and requires suitable indicators. Instead of using multiple species, single species can potentially be used as indicators to assess if conservation efforts are effective in maintaining species over time. Here, we assessed the suitability of ostrich (Struthio camelus massaicus) population densities and trends over time as indicators for the ecological effectiveness of four study areas (two national parks, a pastoral area, and a game-controlled area with manifold human impacts) in the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem of northern Tanzania. Based on road transect surveys from 2011 to 2019, we estimated area- and season-specific population densities in a distance sampling framework and estimated temporal changes using generalized linear mixed models. Ostrich population densities and population trends over time were not associated with formal protection status. Ostriches in one national park occurred at highest densities and were constant over time, while densities were low in another national park and apparently declined over time. Ostriches in the pastoral area had the second-highest mean population density, while remaining constant over time. The study area with the highest human impact had lowest ostrich densities and a seemingly declining trend over time. Ostrich densities were positively correlated with time-matched population density estimates of nine out of ten ungulate species in the same study areas, suggesting that ostrich population densities broadly reflect those of large savanna mammals in this ecosystem. However, site-specific ostrich population trends over time were not closely correlated with trends of common large mammal species. Therefore, ostrich population densities appear as suitable management indicators to assess the broad ecological effectiveness of protected areas. However, ostrich population trajectories do not appear suitable as indicator surrogate to monitor trends of mammal populations over time.
Comparison Analysis of Airfield Pavement Life Estimated from Different Pavement Condition Indexes

AbstractAn airfield pavement management system uses pavement condition indexes to evaluate pavement conditions for timely planning of maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R). Using the comprehensive F...
Three Novel and One Potential Hotspot CPT1A Variants in Chinese Patients With Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1A Deficiency

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) deficiency is an inherited disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation that impairs fasting ketogenesis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. Few studies implementing newborn screening (NBS) for CPT1A deficiency in the Chinese population have been reported. This study aimed to determine the biochemical, clinical, and genetic characteristics of patients with CPT1A deficiency in China. A total of 204,777 newborns were screened using tandem mass spectrometry at Quanzhou Maternity and Children’s Hospital between January 2017 and December 2018. Newborns with elevated C0 levels were recruited, and suspected patients were subjected to further genetic analysis. Additionally, all Chinese patients genetically diagnosed with CPT1A deficiency were reviewed and included in the study. Among the 204,777 screened newborns, two patients were diagnosed with CPT1A deficiency; thus, the estimated incidence in the selected population was 1:102,388. In addition to the two patients newly diagnosed with CPT1A deficiency, we included in our cohort ten Chinese patients who were previously diagnosed. Five of these twelve patients were diagnosed via NBS. All patients exhibited elevated C0 and/or C0/(C16+C18) ratios. No clinical symptoms were observed in the five patients diagnosed via NBS, while all seven patients presented with clinical symptoms, including fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Eighteen distinct CPT1A variants were identified, fifteen of which have been previously reported. The three novel variants were c.272T>C (p.L91P), c.734G>A (p.R245Q), and c.1336G>A (p.G446S). In silico analysis suggested that all three novel variants were potentially pathogenic. The most common variant was c.2201T>C (p.F734S), with an allelic frequency of 16.67% (4/24). Our findings demonstrated that NBS for CPT1A deficiency is beneficial. The three novel variants expand the mutational spectrum of CPT1A in the Chinese population, and c.2201T>C (p.F734S) may be a potential hotspot CPT1A mutation.
Design and Projected Performance of MODIS — A Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer for the Earth Observing System (EOS)

MODIS, a 36 band imaging spectroradiometer, is a key component of EOS, NASA’s 15-year mission to measure global climate change. MODIS is being developed by Hughes/Santa Barbara Research Center for an initial launch on the EOS AM-1 spacecraft in June 1998. Five subsequent launches are planned on the AM and PM series of EOS spacecraft in order to generate the required 15 years of global coverage. The MODIS design was completed in January 1994, and fabrication of an engineering model is underway with delivery scheduled for February 1995.
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a review of disease pathogenesis and update on future therapies

Objective: Review the pathogenesis of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and provide an update on research currently underway that is aimed at treating and potentially curing this severe skin disorder. Design: Review article. Setting: Private practice and large teaching hospital. Participants: None. Measurements: N/A. Results: Currently, patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa are managed with only supportive care. However, there are several promising new treatment avenues that may help patients in the future. These include gene therapy, cell therapy, and protein-based therapy. Each approach offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions: The advances in understanding the molecular basis for epidermolysis bullosa over the last few decades has led to significant progress in devising new treatment options. Though many of these approaches remain several years away from regular implementation, it is an exciting time for research in the field.
Poisoned Grapes, Mad Cow, and Protectionism

This paper studies two episodes where an exporting industry saw its sales plummet after importing countries banned their products to protect their citizens' health. The first case is the poisoned grapes crisis involving Chile and the United States in 1989. The second is the mad cows dispute between the United Kingdom and the European Union in 1996. These case studies motivate a new definition of protectionist measure' which is applied to argue the European Union's ban on British beef exports did not constitute a protectionist measure, while the US ban on Chilean fruit possibly classifies as such a measure.
Lysine and Arginine Requirements of the Domestic Cat

Domestic kittens were used in four experiments to establish quantitative requirements for lysine and arginine. A purified L-amino acid diet (by calculation, 4,700 kcal metabolizable energy/kg diet) was employed throughout. Weight gain, gain:feed and nitrogen retention data of cats fed dietary lysine levels ranging from 0.48 to 1.92% suggested a requirement not exceeding 0.80%. The dietary arginine requirement for maximal gain was assayed at this level of lysine and found to be not greater than 0.83%. A dietary arginine level of 0.33% resulted in vomiting and extreme lethargy within 4 hours of ingestion.
Chapter 11 Comparison of novel stationary phases

Publisher Summary This chapter explores comparison of novel stationary phases. It discusses three types of stationary phases—namely, (1) monomeric octadecyl silica (ODs), (2) other silica based stationary phases, and (3) stationary phases based on other solid supports. Different stationary phases have been developed to increase both the types of chemical and physical interactions between the stationary phase and the solutes and the range of permissible modifications of the other variables. The development of new stationary phases can improve existing separations, allow separations that are not currently possible, and increase column durability. The ideal high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column would completely separate any mixture and last indefinitely. A number of spectroscopic, thermal, elemental analysis, and chromatographic methods have been used to characterize stationary phases. Spectroscopic techniques used to provide information in the study of stationary phases and solid supports include infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). Sampling is often performed in the solid phase because stationary phases are bonded to solid, not easily soluble, supports, and crushing the solids would destroy the pore structure and therefore positioning of the stationary phase on the support.
Laboratory far-infrared spectroscopy of terrestrial sulphides to support analysis of cosmic dust spectra

As an aid in interpreting data from space far-infrared (far-IR) missions, such as the Herschel Space Observatory with its Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer, this paper presents spectroscopic studies of selected naturally occurring terrestrial sulphide minerals in the wavelength range 15–250 μm. The data can also be used to support the return from other, both past and planned, IR space missions, such as the Infrared Space Observatory, Spitzer, SOFIA, SPiCA and Millimetron. In this study, we present far-IR spectra for 11 natural sulphide minerals in the form of dispersed powders of micron particle dimensions. Samples of various sulphides from the American Museum of Natural History mineral collection were selected based on criteria of diversity and potential astrophysical relevancy, based on their identification in Stardust, in stratospheric interplanetary dust particle samples, or in meteorites. Mineral species include digenite, galena, alabandite, sphalerite, wurtzite, covellite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, marcasite, chalcopyrite and stibnite. Most of the sulphides examined possess prominent and characteristic features in the far-IR range. Spectra obtained are compared to those available from previous studies. Far-IR peak frequencies and mass absorption coefficient values are tabulated. Effects of particle size distribution, low temperature, and provenance on IR spectra are demonstrated for selected samples.
Moderate Iron Overload Enhances Lipid Peroxidation in Livers of Rats, but Does Not Affect NF-κB Activation Induced by the Peroxisome Proliferator, Wy-14,643

It has been hypothesized that high concentrations of tissue iron may enhance carcinogenesis induced by free radical mechanisms. Wy-14,643 is a peroxisome proliferator that is hepatocarcinogenic in rats. Tumor induction may result in part from excessive production of reactive oxygen species, particularly H(2)O(2). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of iron status on oxidative stress and NF-kappaB activation in livers of rats treated with Wy-14,643. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed one of four diets (20, 45, 650, 1500 mg Fe/kg diet) for 28 d. At the time of tissue collection, liver iron ranged from 1.4 to 9.9 micro mol/g wet tissue in the diet groups. Wy-14,643 (0 or 0.1 g/100 g diet) was added to the diet for the final 10 d of the study. Wy-14,643 doubled the liver weight/body weight ratio (P = 0.0001), which was also increased by iron supplementation (P < 0.01). Iron supplementation increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and/or conjugated dienes, but there was no synergism between Wy 14,643 and iron on lipid peroxidation measures. The hepatic DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB was increased in rats administered Wy-14,643. However, differences in liver iron concentration did not alter activation of NF-kappaB in untreated rats or in those treated with Wy-14,643. DNA double-strand breakage was not affected by iron or Wy-14,643. In summary, although moderate changes in iron status altered liver lipid peroxidation, iron did not significantly increase oxidative stress induced by a hepatocarcinogenic peroxisome proliferator.
Caudal myeloschisis (lumbo‐sacral spina bifida cystica) in a five millimeter (Horizon XIV) human embryo

A descriptive study of a 5.5 mm, Horizon XIV human embryo with myeloschisis was made. It is the smallest specimen ever recorded with this anomaly which is considered the embryonic forerunner of the common lumbo-sacral meningomyelocele. The lesion extended from the twenty-fifth existing somite caudally for 1 mm and was characterized by an everted neural plate, a loss of cellular polarity, asymmetry with a spread of neural tissue to the left and possibly a defective external limiting membrane of the neural tube. These findings indicate the lesion occurred before closure of the neural tube and are consistent with the observations of Patten ('53). They definitely do not support Gardner's ('60) hypothesis that rupture of a closed neural tube causes these lesions.
DMGI 2010 workshop report: The First ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Data Mining for Geoinformatics (San Jose, California - November 2, 2010)

During this one-day event, the ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Data Mining for Geoinformatics (DMGI) brought together scientists working in different fields such as geographic information science (GIS), data mining, machine learning, geoinformatics, remote sensing, and earth and atmospheric sciences, to propose new ideas, identify promising technologies, pose challenges, and inspire new research directions. It provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and the establishment of synergistic activities among researchers and practitioners from both academia and industry. The DMGI Workshop was a great success.
Ethical guidelines for a superintelligence

Nick Bostrom, in his new book SuperIntelligence, argues that the creation of an artificial intelligence with human-level intelligence will be followed fairly soon by the existence of an almost omnipotent superintelligence, with consequences that may well be disastrous for humanity. He considers that it is therefore a top priority for mankind to figure out how to imbue such a superintelligence with a sense of morality; however, he considers that this task is very difficult. I discuss a number of flaws in his analysis, particularly the viewpoint that implementing ethical behavior is an especially difficult problem in AI research.
Effect of transesterification on the morphology and mechanical properties of a blend containing a liquid crystalline polymer

Transesterification of polymer blends containing polyesters is often utilized to improve the interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of a phase-separated blend. However, in some circumstances, the transesterification can also modify the morphology (crystallinity or liquid crystallinity) of the blend components due to the disruption of the structure of a regular polymer. This, in turn, can deteriorate the mechanical properties of the blend. We present, in this article, results that correlate the extent of transesterification between a liquid crystalline polyester and polycarbonate to the change in the mechanical properties of the blend and the liquid crystallinity of the liquid crystalline polymer (LCP). The results exemplify the need to understand the role of transesterification on the morphology and mechanical properties of the blend so that the optimum processing conditions may be found. The experimental protocol can also be used as a guide to determine these optimal processing conditions. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2583–2592, 2001
Lymphoma incidence patterns by WHO subtype in the United States, 1992-2001

Because the causes of most lymphoid neoplasms remain unknown, comparison of incidence patterns by disease subtype may provide critical clues for future etiologic investigations. We therefore conducted a comprehensive assessment of 114 548 lymphoid neoplasms diagnosed during 1992-2001 in 12 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries according to the internationally recognized World Health Organization (WHO) lymphoma classification introduced in 2001. Cases coded in International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Second Edition (ICD-O-2), were converted to ICD-O-3 for WHO subtype assignment. Age-specific and age-adjusted rates were compared by sex and race (white, black, Asian). Age-adjusted trends in incidence were estimated by sex and race using weighted least squares log-linear regression. Diverse incidence patterns and trends were observed by lymphoid neoplasm subtype and population. In the elderly (75 years or older), rates of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma increased 1.4% and 1.8% per year, respectively, whereas rates of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) declined 2.1% per year. Although whites bear the highest incidence burden for most lymphoid neoplasm subtypes, most notably for hairy cell leukemia and follicular lymphoma, black predominance was observed for plasma cell and T-cell neoplasms. Asians have considerably lower rates than whites and blacks for CLL/SLL and Hodgkin lymphoma. We conclude that the striking differences in incidence patterns by histologic subtype strongly suggest that there is etiologic heterogeneity among lymphoid neoplasms and support the pursuit of epidemiologic analysis by subtype.
The Probability of Heads

(1986). The Probability of Heads. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 93, No. 3, pp. 191-197.
Production planning for medical devices with an uncertain regulatory approval date

The demand for medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, catheters and heart valves is growing rapidly throughout the world. This demand is driven by both the “technology push” of new med...
Multi-quantum-well electroabsorption modulators

Electroabsorption modulators (EAMs) based on the quantum confined Stark effect have advantages in applications that require high speed, low drive voltage, and high extinction ratio. They are promising devices for external signal modulation in high-bandwidth optical communication systems. EAMs can be integrated with other devices like laser diodes, semiconductor optical amplifiers, and mode transformers. We have previously fabricated InGaAsP/InP multi-quantum well EAMs with a bandwidth of 25 GHz and a drive voltage of 1.2 V and 20 dB extinction ratio. Further optimization of our devices requires a detailed analysis of internal physical processes and their interaction. In this paper, we employ a two-dimensional electro-optic device model to analyze our EAMs. The model self-consistently combines kp bandstructure and absorption calculations with a carrier drift-diffusion model and optical waveguiding. The required low polarization sensitivity of EAMs leads to strong valence band mixing so that usual effective mass models cannot be applied. Optical transmission characteristics are calculated which are in good agreement with measurements. Modulation efficiency and linearity are analyzed in detail. Optimum operation voltages are identified.
Hydrolysis of allylsilanes coordinated to platinum(II)

Abstract Allylsilane complexes of formula, K[PtCl 3 (CH 2 CHCH 2 SiMe 3 )], [(acac)-PtCl-(CH 2 CHCH 2 SiMe 3 )] and trans -[PtCl 2 (py)CH 2 CHCH 2 SiMe 3 )] where py  a pyridine base, have been prepared, isolated and hydrolyzed. In the cases studied the major product of the hydrolysis is an allyl-platinum(II) complex rather than propene. Propene complexes can be formed, however, if the hydrolysis is conducted at sufficiently low pH.
Sheltered Instruction for English Language Learners: Insights and Challenges

The authors report on an exploratory pilot project implemented in a large city on the U.S.-Mexico border. The project focuses on a curricular design in a secondary school where beginning-level English as a second language students are taught English language arts in Spanish. The researchers sought to determine whether these students made greater gains on the Standard English Language Proficiency (SELP) exam than those students taught the same class primarily in English. Four classrooms participated in the study; the intervention class and three different control classes. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted with SELP gain scores as the dependent variable and the schools as the between-subjects factor. Follow-up t-tests and a multiple regression analysis suggest that less Spanish used in the classroom accounts for higher SELP gain scores. The authors discuss the challenges that were faced in implementing the project and caution that the study has several limitations.
Development of computer-aided design systems for metal-forming processes

Abstract Computer-aided forging die design system FACT and roll pass design system DIAGNO have been developed for immediate use in small- and medium-size metal-forming industries. Some illustrative graphics and printouts of these systems appropriate for process evaluation are presented to describe their capability.
The burden of illness in patients with hereditary angioedema.

Abstract Objective Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease characterized by long-term recurrent attacks of subcutaneous or submucosal edema in different parts of the body. A comprehensive review of the literature on burden of illness for patients with HAE is presented. Data Sources A Boolean search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and the Internet. Study Selection Articles discussing aspects of the burden of illness in HAE were selected. Topics focused on the course of the disease, nature of attacks, treatment, quality of life, and costs. Results Hereditary angioedema is associated with a significant and multifaceted disease burden. Diagnosis is often delayed for years, with patients receiving ineffective treatment and unnecessary medical procedures before diagnosis. HAE attacks are painful, unpredictable, and debilitating and often require emergency medical attention. Attacks can affect a patient's daily activities, including work or schooling. Depression and anxiety are prevalent in patients with HAE. Recent advances in treatment provide patients with effective and well-tolerated prophylactic and on-demand therapeutic options. However, end points specific to HAE that better measure the impact of treatment on disease burden are lacking. Furthermore, there is a notable paucity of literature directed toward physicians who are instrumental in diagnosing and treating patients with HAE (eg, emergency department). Conclusion More publications are broadening the understanding of HAE. However, important gaps remain. Effective management of HAE requires a more comprehensive understanding of the disease burden so that disease management can be individualized to meet specific patient needs.
A Rapid Beverage Intake Questionnaire Can Detect Changes in Beverage Intake

Abstract Attention on beverage intake, specifically sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), has increased in recent years. A brief valid, reliable and sensitive assessment tool for quantifying beverage consumption and determining its influence on weight status could help to advance research on this topic. The valid and reliable 15-item beverage questionnaire (BEVQ-15) estimates mean daily intake of water, SSB and total beverages (g, kcal) across multiple beverage categories. Objective: to determine the ability of the BEVQ-15 to detect changes in beverage intake over time. Participants (n = 70; age = 37 ± 2 yr; BMI = 24.5 ± 0.4 kg/m 2 ) underwent two randomly assigned 30-day periods (intervention, increased water and fruit juice consumption; control, increased solid fruit consumption), with a 30-day washout phase between feeding periods. The BEVQ-15 was administered at the beginning and end of each period. Reliability was assessed by Pearson's correlations, paired sample t tests and Cronbach's alpha. Paired sample t tests and repeated measures ANOVA were used to evaluate sensitivity to change. Sixty-nine participants completed all study sessions. Reliability was acceptable for most beverages (range: R 2 = 0.52–0.95, P
Improving the spatial resolution of a magnetic force microscope tip via focused ion beam modification and magnetic film coating

To fabricate high-resolution magnetic tips by a more convenient method, this study applied focused ion beam milling and magnetic film coating techniques to manufacture high aspect ratio (HAR) magnetic force microscope (MFM) tips. The results showed that a HAR MFM tip with a ratio of 10:1 was successfully fabricated. MFM measurements demonstrated that this probe provided clear high-resolution MFM images. The ultimate lateral resolution of the HAR MFM tip was reduced to a minimum of 20 nm.
INTERFACING RELIGION AND THE NEUROSCIENCES: A REVIEW OF TWENTY‐FIVE YEARS OF EXPLORATION AND REFLECTION

. Exploration and reflection on the interfacing of religion and the neurosciences in the last twenty-five years provide a unique point of convergence on the relationship between science and religion. A focus on two streams of consciousness characterized the first phase in the 1970s. Scholarship suggested correlates between the styles of analytical steps and synthetic leaps of imagination and the belief patterns of proclamation and manifestation. The use of lateralized consciousness was critiqued as covering too much as well as not attending to evolutionary developments and philosophical and theological foundations. A shift to whole brain functioning with more differentiated investigations came during the second phase in the 1980s. Empirical studies corroborated the earlier analytical speculations in neurotheology and advanced the heuristic value or using the whole brain as a metaphor for understanding religion. By the third phase of the 1990s, meaning-making and integrating consciousness emerged as shaping the agenda between religion and cognitive neuroscience. The emerging methodology combines analogical continuities among levels of complexity and metaphorical leaps of inferential patterning.
Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes: An Approach to Modulate Cell Orientation and Asymmetry

Stem cells offer a promising tool in tissue engineering strategies, as their differentiated derivatives can be used to reconstruct most biological tissues. These approaches rely on controlling the biophysical cues that tune the ultimate fate of cells. In this context, significant effort has gone to parse out the role of conflicting matrix-elicited signals (e.g., topography and elasticity) in regulation of macroscopic characteristics of cells (e.g., shape and polarity). A critical hurdle, however, lies in our inability to recapitulate the nanoscale spatiotemporal pattern of these signals. The study presented in this manuscript took an initial step to overcome this challenge by developing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based substrate for nanoresolution control of focal adhesion formation and cell alignment. The utility of this system was studied using human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) at a single cell level. Our results demonstrated the ability to control cell orientation by merely controlling the alignment of focal adhesions at a nanoscale size. Our long-term vision is to use these nanoengineered substrates to mimic cell orientation in earlier development and explore the role of polarity in asymmetric division and lineage specification of dividing cells.
A self-adaptive scheduler for asymmetric multi-cores

Asymmetric chip multiprocessors are imminent in the multi-core era primarily due their potential for power-performance efficiency. In order for software to fully realize this potential, the scheduling of threads to cores must be automated to adapt to the changing program behavior. However, strict system abstraction layers limit the controllability and observability of low level hardware details, thereby, limiting the state-of-the-art systems to rely on manual or static mapping of threads to cores in an asymmetric multi-core. In this paper, we propose a self-adaptive scheduler that exploits program behavior at runtime by matching computational demands of threads to the capabilities of cores. We present a novel empirical model to predict the selection of an appropriate core (based on optimizing throughput, power or performance per watt) for changing program phases within threads. Thread migration is initiated when an optimal mapping of threads to cores is predicted. Results show that our predictive schedulers for the three target optimizations are within 10% of the ideal scheduler.
The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 and amyloid-β clearance in Alzheimer's disease.

Accumulation and aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain trigger the development of progressive neurodegeneration and dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Perturbation in Aβ clearance, rather than Aβ production, is likely the cause of sporadic, late-onset AD, which accounts for the majority of AD cases. Since cellular uptake and subsequent degradation constitute a major Aβ clearance pathway, the receptor-mediated endocytosis of Aβ has been intensely investigated. Among Aβ receptors, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is one of the most studied receptors. LRP1 is a large endocytic receptor for more than 40 ligands, including apolipoprotein E (apoE), α2-macroglobulin and Aβ. Emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrates that LRP1 is critically involved in brain Aβ clearance. LRP1 is highly expressed in a variety of cell types in the brain including neurons, vascular cells and glial cells, where LRP1 functions to maintain brain homeostasis and control Aβ metabolism. LRP1-mediated endocytosis regulates cellular Aβ uptake by binding to Aβ either directly or indirectly through its co-receptors or ligands. Furthermore, LRP1 regulates several signaling pathways, which also likely influences Aβ endocytic pathways. In this review, we discuss how LRP1 regulates the brain Aβ clearance and how this unique endocytic receptor participates in AD pathogenesis. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying LRP1-mediated Aβ clearance should enable the rational design of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AD.
Percutaneous Transcatheter Closure of a Paravalvular Leak in a 20-Month Old Child

A 20-month-old boy was referred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for closure of a large prosthetic mitral valve paravalvular leak. At birth, the boy had an unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect with borderline hypoplasia of the mitral component of the common atrioventricular valve and the left ventricle. At the age of 3 months, the boy underwent complete (two-ventricle) repair. The intraoperative findings included deficient left-sided atrioventricular valve tissue. As a result of the surgical septation, the coronary sinus ostium was located in the left atrium. The boy initially did well, but 6 weeks after his initial surgery, progressive and severe mitral regurgitation developed, necessitating mitral valve replacement with a 19-mm St. Jude prosthetic valve in the supraannular position. A small (posteromedial) paravalvular prosthetic mitral leak was noted approximately 6 months after surgery. This leak became progressively worse, resulting in moderate to severe functional mitral regurgitation and worsening left ventricular dilation. A dilated structure posterior to the left atrioventricular groove also was noted to be expanding. This structure was interpreted by echocardiography as an aneurysm of the coronary sinus. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography helped to define the anatomy of the leak (Fig. 1a/Movie 1a in supplementry material). At the age of 20 months, the boy was referred for cardiac catheterization with planned closure of the leak.
Effect of the diphosphonate EHDP on bone mineral metabolism during prolonged bed rest.

The effect of disodium ethane-1-hydroxy-1, 1-diphosphonate (EHDP™) on bone mineral metabolism was tested in 4 healthy young men during 20 weeks of continuous bed rest. Two subjects received an oral dose of 5 mg/kg/day and the other 220 mg/kg/day. The low dose had two minor effects: the increase in bone accretion rate which usually occurs during bed rest was prevented, and there was an accentuation of the bed rest induced increase in hydroxyproline excretion. Skeletal mineral loss, assessed by calcium balance measurements and gamma ray absorptiometry of the calcaneus, occurred at the rate previously noted in untreated control subjects. Two types of drug effect were apparent at the higher dosage: one was immediate and sustained—a rise in serum phosphorus concentration and a fall in serum alkaline phosphatase activity. The other was delayed and progressive — a decline in urinary hydroxyproline excretion and in the rates of bone accretion and resorption. Skeletal mineral loss may have been affected; the usual...
Multi-model MJO forecasting during DYNAMO/CINDY period

The present study assesses the forecast skill of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) observed during the period of DYNAMO (Dynamics of the MJO)/CINDY (Cooperative Indian Ocean Experiment on Intraseasonal Variability in Year 2011) field campaign in the GFS (NCEP Global Forecast System), CFSv2 (NCEP Climate Forecast System version 2) and UH (University of Hawaii) models, and revealed their strength and weakness in forecasting initiation and propagation of the MJO. Overall, the models forecast better the successive MJO which follows the preceding event than that with no preceding event (primary MJO). The common modeling problems include too slow eastward propagation, the Maritime Continent barrier and weak intensity. The forecasting skills of MJO major modes reach 13, 25 and 28 days, respectively, in the GFS atmosphere-only model, the CFSv2 and UH coupled models. An equal-weighted multi-model ensemble with the CFSv2 and UH models reaches 36 days. Air–sea coupling plays an important role for initiation and propagation of the MJO and largely accounts for the skill difference between the GFS and CFSv2. A series of forecasting experiments by forcing UH model with persistent, forecasted and observed daily SST further demonstrate that: (1) air–sea coupling extends MJO skill by about 1 week; (2) atmosphere-only forecasts driven by forecasted daily SST have a similar skill as the coupled forecasts, which suggests that if the high-resolution GFS is forced with CFSv2 forecasted daily SST, its forecast skill can be much higher than its current level as forced with persistent SST; (3) atmosphere-only forecasts driven by observed daily SST reaches beyond 40 days. It is also found that the MJO–TC (Tropical Cyclone) interactions have been much better represented in the UH and CFSv2 models than that in the GFS model. Both the CFSv2 and UH coupled models reasonably well capture the development of westerly wind bursts associated with November 2011 MJO and the cyclogenesis of TC05A in the Indian Ocean with a lead time of 2 weeks. However, the high-resolution GFS atmosphere-only model fails to reproduce the November MJO and the genesis of TC05A at 2 weeks’ lead. This result highlights the necessity to get MJO right in order to ensure skillful extended-range TC forecasting.
NMR in the superconducting state of YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract The authors report studies of the 63 Cu spin-lattice relaxation times in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 below the superconducting transition. They show that the data may indicate that the orbital pairing in the superconducting state is d-like, and that at low temperatures and strong fields the fluxoid cores may dominate the relaxation mechanism.
Role of the Dysmorphologic Evaluation in the Child with Developmental Delay

This article focuses on the dysmorphologic evaluation of the child who has developmental delay or cognitive impairment. Attention is focused on minor anomalies, because those are often considered to be the dysmorphic features that are the component manifestations of a particular syndrome. This article provides a brief discussion of craniofacial, skin, and limb anomalies (which are more likely to be noted not only by clinicians but also by allied health workers) and notes which features are particularly helpful clues to common syndromes, metabolic disorders, or autism syndromes.
Inhibition of phenylalanine hydroxylase by p-chlorophenylalanine; dependence on cofactor structure.

Abstract The reported discrepancy between the in vitro and in vivo properties of p-chlorophenylalanine as an inhibitor of phenylalanine hydroxylase (E.C.1.14. 3.1) was investigated. It was demonstrated that the lack of inhibition, in vitro, was not due to (1) non-physiological pH or temperature of the in vitro assay system, (2) inhibition by m-chlorotyrosine, a product of the enzymatic hydroxylation of p-chlorophenylalanine, or (3) a slow irreversible reaction of p-chlorophenylalanine with enzyme. However, when the inhibitory properties of p-chlorophenylalanine were determined using the natural cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin, instead of the pseudocofactor 6,7-dimethyltetrahydropterin, which had been utilized in the reported in vitro studies, it was shown that p-chlorophenylalanine is a potent inhibitor of the enzymatic hydroxylation of phenylalanine. The apparent K i is 0.03mM with tetrahydobiopterin as cofactor, compared to 1.5mM with 6.7-dimethyltetrahydropterin. The dependence of the inhibitory properties of an aromatic amino acid analog on the structure of the cofactor may be a general phenomenon with all tetrahydrobiopterin dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylases.
A Standard for Passive Night Vision Devices for Law Enforcement Use

A draft Standard for Passive, Hand-Held Night Vision devices has been developed for the Law Enforcement Standards Laboratory of the National Bureau of Standards. This Standard is now being circulated for comment prior to adoption as a Standard of the National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice of the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the Department of Justice. The paper mentions some of the philosophy behind the standard, lists the performance requirements and describes briefly the test procedures for (A) focus adjustment, curvature of field and distortion of the eyepiece lens, (B) optical gain, optical gain stability, light equivalent background, light induced background, luminance of output screen, luminance uniformity, cathode and screen quality, contrast transfer function, distortion and flare of a night vision device complete with objective lens, but with the eyepiece removed, and (C) for resistance to vibration, high and low temperature storage, operation and thermal shock and humidity of night vision devices complete with both objective and eyepiece lenses, and (D) boresight adjustment, click movement and resistance to mechanical shock of night vision devices intended for use as rifle sights.
The Relationship Between Life Satisfaction, Self-Consciousness, and the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory Dimensions

The study was an investigation of the relationship between psychological well-being, life satisfaction, self-consciousness, and the four Myers-Briggs Type Indicator dimensions (MBTI; I. B. Myers & M. H. McCaulley, 1985). The participants were 97 college students (79 women and 18 men whose mean age was 31.4 years). All the students were administered four instruments, the Psychological Well-Being Inventory (C. D. Ryff, 1989), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (E. Diener, R. A. Emmons, R. J. Larsen, & S. Griffin, 1985), the Self-Consciousness Scale-Revised (M. F. Scheier & C. S. Carver, 1985), and the MBTI (Form G Self-Scoring). MANOVAs revealed significant differences on three of the four dimensions of the MBTI with extraverts showing higher psychological well-being and life satisfaction and lower self-consciousness than introverts. Intuition types scored higher in psychological well-being and lower in self-consciousness than Sensing types. Judging types scored higher in psychological well-being than Perceiving types. Correlational analyses showed that most dimensions of psychological well-being were negatively related to self-consciousness. The relationship between life satisfaction and personality variables is discussed.
The Sterol Carrier Protein-2 Fatty Acid Binding Site: An NMR, Circular Dichroic, and Fluorescence Spectroscopic Determination†

The interaction and orientation of fatty acids with recombinant human sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) were examined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence techniques. 13C-NMR spectroscopy of stearic acid and oleic acid as well as fluorescence spectroscopy of cis-parinaric acid demonstrated that SCP-2 bound naturally occuring fatty acids with near 1:1 stoichiometry. Several findings indicated that the fatty acid was oriented in the binding site with its methyl end buried in the protein interior and its carboxylate exposed at the surface: the chemical shift of bound [18-13C]stearate; dicarboxylic/monocarboxylic acid cis-parinaric acid displacement; complete ionization of the carboxylate group of SCP-2 bound [1-13C]stearate at neutral pH; lack of electrostatic interactions between 13C-fatty acids with SCP-2 cationic residues; pH titratability of the SCP-2 bound [1-13C]stearate carboxylate group. SCP-2 did not undergo global structural changes upon ligand binding or p...