cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Is Political? The Irreducibility and Autonomy of Any Political Order

AbstractThis article seeks the specific nature of the political partnership, as compared to those communities arising from merely “social” relationships. It asks “what is political?” and identifies...
The primitive growth factor NME7AB induces mitochondrially active naïve-like pluripotent stem cells.

Naive pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) display a distinctive phenotype when compared to their "primed" counterparts, including, but not limited to, increased potency to differentiate and more robust mitochondrial respiration. The cultivation and maintenance of naive PSCs have been notoriously challenging, requiring the use of complex cytokine cocktails. NME7AB is a newly discovered embryonic stem cell growth factor that is expressed exclusively in the first few days of human blastocyst development. It has been previously reported that growing primed induced PSCs (iPSCs) in bFGF-depleted medium with NME7AB as the only added growth factor facilitates the regression of these cells to their naive state. Here, we confirm this regression by demonstrating the reactivation of mitochondrial function in the induced naive-like PSCs and increased ATP production in these cells, as compared to that in primed iPSCs.
Extremely twisted and bent pyrene-fused N-heterocyclic germylenes

The first examples of pyrene-fused Janus-type N-heterocyclic germylenes (NHGe) are reported. Remarkably, the pyrene linker and the germanium containing rings are extremely twisted, with “twist angles” up to 64°. Coordination of a Lewis base modifies the twisting of pyrene to an overall bent core (141° bend angle).
Parent–child neural synchrony: a novel approach to elucidating dyadic correlates of preschool irritability

Background Research to date has largely conceptualized irritability in terms of intraindividual differences. However, the role of interpersonal dyadic processes has received little consideration. Nevertheless, difficulties in how parent-child dyads synchronize during interactions may be an important correlate of irritably in early childhood. Innovations in developmentally sensitive neuroimaging methods now enable the use of measures of neural synchrony to quantify synchronous responses in parent-child dyads and can help clarify the neural underpinnings of these difficulties. We introduce the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule: Biological Synchrony (DB-DOS:BioSync) as a paradigm for exploring parent-child neural synchrony as a potential biological mechanism for interpersonal difficulties in preschool psychopathology. Methods Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) 4- to 5-year-olds (N = 116) and their mothers completed the DB-DOS:BioSync while assessing neural synchrony during mild frustration and recovery. Child irritability was measured using a latent irritability factor that was calculated from four developmentally sensitive indicators. Results Both the mild frustration and the recovery contexts resulted in neural synchrony. However, less neural synchrony during the recovery context only was associated with more child irritability. Conclusions Our results suggest that recovering after a frustrating period might be particularly challenging for children high in irritability and offer support for the use of the DB-DOS:BioSync task to elucidate interpersonal neural mechanisms of developmental psychopathology.
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY STUDIES OF ULTRA-THIN FILMS OF CADMIUM PHOSPHIDE NANOCLUSTERS ON MICA

In this study we demonstrate the use of contact AFM to determine the size of semiconductor nanoclusters with diameters of order of 30 A. This goal is achieved by taking advantage of tip-induced sample modifications, which are usually the major obstacle in AFM imaging. Nanocluster size is deduced from the depth of holes micromachined with a tip in monolayers and from row spacings in 2-D oriented arrays of nanoclusters produced by prolonged scanning. Ease and accuracy of micromachining of nanocluster films point to their potential applications in nanotechnology.
Abstract 6248: Engineered probiotics for local delivery of checkpoint blockade nanobodies

Checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy but only work in a subset of patients and can lead to a multitude of toxicities, suggesting the need for more targeted delivery systems. Because of their preferential colonization of tumors, microbes are a natural platform for the local delivery of cancer therapeutics. Here, we engineer a probiotic bacteria system for the controlled production and intratumoral release of nanobodies targeting programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) using a stabilized lysing release mechanism. We used computational modeling coupled with experimental validation of lysis circuit dynamics to determine the optimal genetic circuit parameters for maximal therapeutic efficacy. A single injection of this engineered system demonstrated an enhanced therapeutic response compared to analogous clinically relevant antibodies, resulting in tumor regression in syngeneic mouse models. Supporting the potentiation of a systemic immune response, we observed a relative increase in activated T cells, an abscopal effect, and corresponding increases in systemic T cell memory populations in mice treated with probiotically delivered checkpoint inhibitors. Last, we leveraged the modularity of our platform to achieve enhanced therapeutic efficacy in a poorly immunogenic syngeneic mouse model through effective combinations with a probiotically produced cytokine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Together, these results demonstrate that our engineered probiotic system bridges synthetic biology and immunology to improve upon checkpoint blockade delivery. Citation Format: Candice Gurbatri, Ioana Lia, Rosa Vincent, Courtney Coker, Samuel Castro, Piper Treuting, Taylor Hinchliffe, Nicholas Arpaia, Tal Danino. Engineered probiotics for local delivery of checkpoint blockade nanobodies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6248.
SIRT1 mediates hypoxic preconditioning induced attenuation of neurovascular dysfunction following subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Abstract Background and purpose Vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) contribute significantly to the morbidity/mortality associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). While considerable research effort has focused on preventing or reversing vasospasm, SAH-induced brain injury occurs in response to a multitude of concomitantly acting pathophysiologic mechanisms. In this regard, the pleiotropic epigenetic responses to conditioning-based therapeutics may provide an ideal SAH therapeutic strategy. We previously documented the ability of hypoxic preconditioning (PC) to attenuate vasospasm and neurological deficits after SAH, in a manner that depends on the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether the NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin isoform SIRT1 is an upstream mediator of hypoxic PC-induced protection, and to assess the efficacy of the SIRT1-activating polyphenol Resveratrol as a pharmacologic preconditioning therapy. Methods Wild-type C57BL/6J mice were utilized in the study and subjected to normoxia or hypoxic PC. Surgical procedures included induction of SAH via endovascular perforation or sham surgery. Multiple endpoints were assessed including cerebral vasospasm, neurobehavioral deficits, SIRT1 expression via quantitative real-time PCR for mRNA, and western blot for protein quantification. Pharmacological agents utilized in the study include EX-527 (SIRT1 inhibitor), and Resveratrol (SIRT1 activator). Results Hypoxic PC leads to rapid and sustained increase in cerebral SIRT1 mRNA and protein expression. SIRT1 inhibition blocks the protective effects of hypoxic PC on vasospasm and neurological deficits. Resveratrol pretreatment dose-dependently abrogates vasospasm and attenuates neurological deficits following SAH – beneficial effects that were similarly blocked by pharmacologic inhibition of SIRT1. Conclusion SIRT1 mediates hypoxic preconditioning-induced protection against neurovascular dysfunction after SAH. Resveratrol mimics this neurovascular protection, at least in part, via SIRT1. Activation of SIRT1 is a promising, novel, pleiotropic therapeutic strategy to combat DCI after SAH.
Election Reform and Voter Registration

If voter registration reforms do not have a uniform impact on turnout, then why would they have a uniform impact on voter registration? And is variation in voter registration across and within the states driven by institutional design, electoral factors, administrative factors, or a combination of all? In this chapter, I provide a framework of collaborative governance, which relaxes expectations of uniform compliance with federal laws, and recognizes the interactions between governmental and non-governmental actors who are engaged with registering eligible Americans to vote. I argue that the adoption of voter registration reforms creates robust challenges for the administration of elections, which cannot be evaluated solely by aggregate indicators of voter registration and turnout. Aggregate indicators are valuable in observing patterns across and within the states but offer limited insight as to the local-level challenges that voters and election administrators face in order to produce an accurate and reliable list of registered voters.
Cellular Studies on Marine Algae

Publisher Summary This chapter describes three of the enormous variety of marine algae. Three species of algae—namely, Acetabularia, Boergesenia , and Porphyra— have properties that make them attractive for research on various aspects of development and differentiation. Acetabularia is suitable for investigations of aging at the cellular level. Boergesenia appears to be ideal for studies on cytokinesis and the segmentation of the protoplasts into daughter protoplasts. The Siphonales algae are defined by the lack of the usual septation of the protoplast after nuclear divisions. Different members of this order control or modify different phases of their life cycle. Thus, in Acetabularia, nuclear divisions are controlled, while in Boergesenia, the segmentation of the protoplasts is controlled. The two-dimensional multicellular plant, Porphyra , offers opportunities for studies of cellular differentiation and integration. Other algae—such as Monostroma, Enteromorpha , and Ulva —are also composed of single or double cell layers, which are, however, interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges.
Phosphine absorption in the 5-μm window of Jupiter

Abstract Since the original suggestion by Gillett et al. (1969) it has generally been assumed that the region of partial transparency near 5 μm in Jupiter's atmosphere (the 5-μm window) is bounded by the v4 NH3 at 6.1 μm and the v3 CH4 band at 3.3 μm. New measurements of Jupiter and of laboratory phosphine (PH3) samples show that PH3 is a significant contributor to the continuum opacity in the window and in fact defines its short-wavelength limit. This has important implications for the use of 5-mu;m observations as a means to probe the deep atmospheric structure of Jupiter. The abundance of PH3 which results from a comparison of Jovian and laboratory spectra is about 3 to 5 cm-am. This is five to eight times less than that found by Larson et al. [Astrophys. J. (1977) 211, 972–979] in the same spectral region, but is in good agreement with the result of Tokunaga et al. [Astrophys. J. (1979) 232, 603–615] from 10-μm observations.
Effect of Body Biasing on the Energy-Delay Performance of Logic Relays

The effect of the body bias voltage on logic relay performance is investigated. The switching hysteresis voltage, which sets a lower limit for the relay operating voltage, is experimentally found to decrease with increasing body bias voltage, due to reduced surface adhesive force. It is demonstrated that the switching energy of a relay can be reduced by body biasing, at a tradeoff of increased mechanical turn-ON delay. Simulations of nanoscale relay designs indicate that body biasing can be used to mitigate relay manufacturing challenges, while enabling ultralow-voltage (sub-100 mV) operation with relatively fast switching speed.
Aggression, Violence, Evil, and Peace

The attainment of peace requires an understanding of aggression, violence, and evil, as well as a knowledge of the various paths that may lead to peace. This chapter begins by examining different ways to conceptualize and comprehend aggression and how it may be involved in peaceful as well as violent behavior. The chapter then reviews the extensive literature on many forms of direct (aggressive) and indirect (structural) violence. Violence is considered as a matter of fact. However, evil is considered as involving moral judgment. The literature describes how this judgment may be distorted by an attempt to distance evil from the self, how there are different ways to conceive of evil, and how religions attempt to contain it. Peace is considered as a goodness that is the opposite of evil. The literature on peace is described in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of four different paths towards peace. These may be characterized as involving: strength, negotiation, justice, and personal transformation. Each path may be considered as a way of developing peaceful cultures. Such cultures are described. The literature suggests that if cultures of peace are to develop in contemporary society, people must master different types of negotiation and nonviolent action. Keywords: aggression; culture; evil; negotiation; nonviolence; peace; violence
Climate, altitude, and blood pressure.

Abstract The effects of climate and altitude on casual blood pressure are examined from the perspectives of initial exposure, acclimatization, long-term residence, and birthplace. Hot arid and hot humid climates seem to have little effect on blood pressure, although a slight reduction may be found in some naturally acclimatized groups. Exposure of the total body to mild cold likewise has little apparent effect. Local exposure of the extremities to severe cold occasions significant increases in blood pressure during exposure but not at other times. Acclimatization reduces but does not eliminate that response. The effects of altitude on blood pressure are variable. There is initial hypertension, followed by gradual normalization. After years of residence at high altitude blood pressure may actually be lower than that observed among residents at sea level.
Custodial Grandparents: Policies Affecting Care

Grandparent caregivers deal with many issues and challenges in their efforts to raise their grandchildren. Policies greatly impact the lives of these families through the supports and benefits that they can offer. This paper focuses on policies in the areas of financial support, housing, and legal issues, and their effects on custodial grandparents. The Kinship Navigator Program, a policy that has been instituted in many states to improve service access, is also discussed.
Simultaneous Single-Molecule Mapping of Protein-DNA Interactions and DNA Methylation by MAPit

Sites of protein binding to DNA are inferred from footprints or spans of protection against a probing reagent. In most protocols, sites of accessibility to a probe are detected by mapping breaks in DNA strands. As discussed in this unit, such methods obscure molecular heterogeneity by averaging cuts at a given site over all DNA strands in sample population. DNA methyltransferase accessibility protocol for individual templates (MAPit), an alternative method described in this unit, localizes protein-DNA interactions by probing with cytosine-modifying DNA methyltransferases followed by bisulfite sequencing. Sequencing individual DNA products after amplification of bisulfite-converted sequences permits assignment of the methylation status of every enzyme target site along a single DNA strand. Use of the GC-methylating enzyme M.CviPI allows simultaneous mapping of chromatin accessibility and endogenous CpG methylation. MAPit is therefore the only footprinting method that can detect subpopulations of molecules with distinct patterns of protein binding or chromatin architecture, and correlate them directly with the occurrence of endogenous methylation. Additional advantages of MAPit methylation footprinting as well as considerations for experimental design and potential sources of error are discussed.
R -matrix description of particle energy spectra produced by low-energy H 3 + H 3 reactions

An $R$-matrix model for three-body final states is presented and applied to a recent measurement of the neutron energy spectrum from the $^{3}\mathrm{H}+^{3}\mathrm{H}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2n+\ensuremath{\alpha}$ reaction. The calculation includes the $n\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $nn$ interactions in the final state, angular momentum conservation, antisymmetrization, and the interference between different channels. A good fit to the measured spectrum is obtained, where clear evidence for the ${}^{5}\mathrm{He}$ ground state is observed. The model is also used to predict the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle spectrum from $^{3}\mathrm{H}+^{3}\mathrm{H}$ as well as particle spectra from $^{3}\mathrm{He}+^{3}\mathrm{He}$. The $R$-matrix approach presented here is very general and can be adapted to a wide variety of problems with three-body final states.
Wnt signaling in breast cancer: have we come full circle?

Since the original identification of Wnt1 as a mammary oncogene in mouse mammary tumor virus infected mice, questions have been asked about its relevance to human breast cancer. Wnt1 is now known to be one of a large family of Wnt genes encoding structurally similar secreted signaling proteins, several of which are functionally redundant. The principal intracellular signaling pathway activated by these proteins has been elucidated in recent years. Components of this pathway include proto-oncogene products, such as β-catenin, and tumor suppressor proteins such as APC. Although WNT1 itself has not been implicated in human breast neoplasms, it has been reported that other WNT genes are sometimes overexpressed in human breast cancer and there is growing evidence that downstream components of the Wnt signaling pathway are activated in a significant proportion of breast tumors.
Bayesian visual analytics: BaVA

Leman et al. and Endert et al. develop an interactive data visualization framework called visual to parametric interaction V2PI. With V2PI, experts may explore data visually assess multiple data visualizations based on their judgments and an underlying data analytic method. Specifically, V2PI offers a deterministic procedure to quantify expert judgments and update analytical parameters to create new data visualizations. In this article, we explain V2PI from a probabilistic perspective and develop Bayesian visual analytics BaVA. We model data probabilistically, develop parallels between quantifying expert judgments and eliciting prior distributions from experts, and justify how we update parameters using Bayesian sequential updating. We apply BaVA using two linear projections methods to assess simulated and real-world datasets.
Why provoke? the Sino-US competition in East Asia and North Korea’s strategic choice

ABSTRACTThis article seeks to make sense of North Korean provocations in light of the Sino-US strategic competition in post-Cold War East Asia, where such variables as China’s rise, US’s pivot to Asia, and growing Sino-ROK economic ties are driving the strategic choices of major states in the region. The article examines the main motivations behind Pyongyang’s provocations since the end of the Cold War, discusses their implications for the Sino-US strategic competition in East Asia, and offers predictions about the future of North Korean provocations. The central thesis of the article is that Pyongyang has exploited the Sino-US strategic competition in East Asia for its regime survival. By raising North Korea’s strategic value to China, the intensifying Sino-US competition allows Pyongyang to continue provocations, regardless of Beijing’s explicit opposition.
Spatial and Frequency Differences of Neuromagnetic Activities Between the Perception of Open- and Closed-class Words

The present study investigated the spatial and frequency differences of neuromagnetic activities between the perception of open- and closed-class words by using a 275-channel whole head magnetoencephalography (MEG) system. Two groups of words, 110 open-class and 110 closed-class, were presented visually and auditorily simultaneously. The data of 12 healthy subjects were analyzed with synthetic aperture magnetometry (SAM) which can identify the frequency-dependent volumetric distribution of evoked magnetic fields (EMFs). Both vocabulary classes elicited spectral power changes in the left inferior frontal gyrus (Broca's area) and left posterior-superior temporal gyrus (Wernicke's area) within 70-120 Hz. However, the open-class words elicited event-related desynchronization (ERD) while the closed-class words elicited event-related synchronization (ERS) in the two areas within 70-120 Hz. In addition, the open-class words also elicited ERS in the right inferior frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus and right inferior parietal lobe within 1-8 Hz, but the closed-class words only elicited ERD in the right inferior frontal gyrus within 1-8 Hz. Furthermore, there were ERD in the right posterior-superior temporal gyrus within 120-200 Hz for the open-class words, but not for the closed-class words. These results indicate that open- and closed-class words are processed differently in the brain, not only in the anatomical substrates, but also in the frequency range of neuromagnetic activity.
The Grushnikov Collection at the Library of Congress

A carefully assembled collection of more than 6,000 Soviet-era children's books awaits scholars' attention at the Library of Congress. Focusing on the work of Soviet illustrators from the mid-1920s into the 1990s, the Grushnikov Collection also represents the majority of children's authors of the Soviet period. Primarily in Russian, the collection features, as well, childrens' and folk literature translated into Russian and from Russian into European and Asian languages. The books come in a variety of formats and are accompanied by puzzle blocks and art reference books. The collection is a rich source of cultural, political, and publishing history waiting to be mined.
Correlation between blood level of androgens and sexual behavior in male leopard frogs, Rana pipiens.

Abstract Blood levels of androgens in male leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) were measured by radioimmunoassay during a period of successive injections of whole pituitary tissue which eventually evoked mating behavior, including calling and clasping. In June, one injection induced a surge from a lower level of plasma testosterone, and this higher level was sustained. The mating calling and clasping increased in frequency and intnsity while the pituitary injections were continued. Blood levels of dihydrotestosterone were similar in pattern to those of testosterone. In a second experiment, in October, normal plasma testosterone levels were higher than those associated with experimentally stimulated sex behavior in June, but little or no spontaneous sexual behavior was observed. During a period of pituitary treatment, however, sexual behavior appeared and increased progressively during treatment. Thus, although increased blood levels of androgens, as well as evoked male sex behavior both are consequences of pituitary treatment of frogs, a particular blood androgen level alone is not responsible for initiation of the behavior. Since earlier work with castrates of the same species has sshown that testosterone treatment will not evoke male behavior, but implants of testes from pituitary-stimulated frogs will do so, the present data are consistent with a hypothetical second testicular factor which, acting with testosterone, regulates male sex behavior.
Animal trypanosomiasis in South America

Abstract The surmised history of the introduction of salivarian trypanosomes into the New World is described together with their subsequent spread and present distribution. The available information characterising New World populations of salivarian trypanosomes is compared with Old World populations, and the present knowledge of epidemiology and economic impact is reviewed. The justification for an international research programme in trypanosomiasis of domesticated animals in the New World is discussed and terms of reference for such an enterprise are suggested.
Evolution equations of Lurie-type in Hilbert spaces

On etudie le probleme de Lurie pour le systeme dx/dΓ=Ax+bμ, dμ/dx=O(σ), σ=(c,w)-pμ, ou l'operateur A est soit borne soit suppose engendrer un groupe Co fortement continu T(t), t∈(-∞,∞)=E, sur un espace de Hilbert reel X, de produit interieur (., .) et de norme |.|; b, c∈X, μ, p∈E et O: E→E est une fonction non lineaire lipschitzienne uniformement continue
Effect of haemodialysis on the pharmacokinetics of cetirizine.

The pharmacokinetics of Cetirizine, a histamine H1-receptor antagonist, were investigated in five renal failure patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis therapy. The patients received one 10 mg cetirizine dihydrochloride capsule 3 h before haemodialysis. Concentrations of cetirizine in serum and dialysate were determined by HPLC. The maximum serum cetirizine concentration and the time to reach that maximum were 285 μg·1−1 and 2.0 h, respectively. The terminal disposition half-life of cetirizine in these patients was 19.3 h. The haemodialysis clearance of cetirizine was 14.0 ml · min−1. Although this is approximately 33% of the apparent total body clearance of cetirizine in subjects with normal renal function, the fraction of the dose removed by dialysis was only 9.4%. Thus, since haemodialysis does not produce a clinically significantly alteration in cetirizine elimination, no supplemental dose should be necessary after dialysis.
The preterm cervix and preterm labor: Relative risks, predictive values, and change over time

The accurate prediction and diagnosis of preterm labor continue to frustrate the clinician. This is partly due to a scarcity of cervical data from the early third trimester. A total of 760 prospective, serial, paired, and blinded pelvic examinations were done at 28 to 34 weeks of gestation for 191 patients without a history of preterm labor. If the cervix was dilated ⩾1 cm (internal os) or effaced >30%, the relative risk of preterm labor was increased to 1.8 to 4.2. Negative predictive values for cervical status were >92%, but positive predictive values were ⩽18%. Change over time was unusual (dilatation increase ⩾1 cm or effacement increase ⩾40%), suggesting that a baseline late second-trimester examination could assist in the early but accurate diagnosis of preterm labor should it be suspected later in gestation. These data suggest that even in the low-risk patient, an early cervical examination could be beneficial.
The link between integral equations and higher order ODEs

We study a class of partial integro-differential equations defined on a spatially extended domain that arise in the modeling of neuronal networks. In previous studies the Fourier transform was used to derive associated fourth order ordinary differential equations when the solution of the time independent integral equation is a homoclinic orbit. This gives rise to the question of whether solutions of the ODE whose Fourier transform is not well defined are also solutions of the time independent integral equation. We address this question and show that any solution of the ODE that satisfies a fairly relaxed growth condition is also a solution of the integral equation. Applications to two specific examples are given.
Drop your Tools: On Reconfiguring Management Education

This article is based on a keynote address delivered at the 33rd annual Organizational Behavior Teaching Conference in Rochester, New York, on June 15, 2006. The audience for this address included faculty, executive educators from the profit and nonprofit sectors, and doctoral students in the organizational and management sciences who had gathered to explore the content and processes for high-quality management education.
Trapping of a free vortex by Joukowski airfoils

The ability of trapping a free vortex by a Joukowski airfoil in its vicinity for lift augmentation is investigated through a two-dimensional potential flow analysis. The effects of angle of attack, thickness, and camber on the trapping performance of the airfoil are examined separately. It is found that to capture a vortex which is stable to small disturbances, the proper arrangement is to have a rather thick symmetric airfoil at a small angle of attack.
Phosphorylation and arginine methylation mark histone H2A prior to deposition during Xenopus laevis development

Stored, soluble histones in eggs are essential for early development, in particular during the maternally controlled early cell cycles in the absence of transcription. Histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) direct and regulate chromatin-templated transactions, so understanding the nature and function of pre-deposition maternal histones is essential to deciphering mechanisms of regulation of development, chromatin assembly, and transcription. Little is known about histone H2A pre-deposition modifications nor known about the transitions that occur upon the onset of zygotic control of the cell cycle and transcription at the mid-blastula transition (MBT). We isolated histones from staged Xenopus laevis oocytes, eggs, embryos, and assembled pronuclei to identify changes in histone H2A modifications prior to deposition and in chromatin. Soluble and chromatin-bound histones from eggs and embryos demonstrated distinct patterns of maternal and zygotic H2A PTMs, with significant pre-deposition quantities of S1ph and R3me1, and R3me2s. We observed the first functional distinction between H2A and H4 S1 phosphorylation, as we showed that H2A and H2A.X-F (also known as H2A.X.3) serine 1 (S1) is phosphorylated concomitant with germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) while H4 serine 1 phosphorylation occurs post-MBT. In egg extract H2A/H4 S1 phosphorylation is independent of the cell cycle, chromatin assembly, and DNA replication. H2AS1ph is highly enriched on blastula chromatin during repression of zygotic gene expression while H4S1ph is correlated with the beginning of maternal gene expression and the lengthening of the cell cycle, consistent with distinct biological roles for H2A and H4 S1 phosphorylation. We isolated soluble H2A and H2A.X-F from the egg and chromatin-bound in pronuclei and analyzed them by mass spectrometry analysis to quantitatively determine abundances of S1ph and R3 methylation. We show that H2A and H4 S1ph, R3me1 and R3me2s are enriched on nucleosomes containing both active and repressive histone PTMs in human A549 cells and Xenopus embryos. Significantly, we demonstrated that H2A phosphorylation and H4 arginine methylation form a new class of bona fide pre-deposition modifications in the vertebrate embryo. We show that S1ph and R3me containing chromatin domains are not correlated with H3 regulatory PTMs, suggesting a unique role for phosphorylation and arginine methylation.
The Physics Job Market: From Bear to Bull in a Decade

In their December 1993 Physics Today article, Kirby and Czujko described the job market for young physicists as bleak. What a difference eight years makes!
A structural and functional study of the role of the renal sac in ionic regulation in the tunicate Molgula manhattensis

1. 1. The tunicate Molgula manhattensis is an estuarine animal lacking protonephridia and tubular excretory organs but possessing a well-developed renal sac thought to be the primary osmoregulatory organ. 2. 2. Animals were acclimated to three different salinities (271 mM Na+, 218 mM Na+ and 125 mM Na+) after which sodium and potassium levels were measured in plasma and renal sac fluid. The results indicate regulation of the sodium and potassium content of renal sac fluid, but not plasma. 3. 3. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the renal sac epithelium possesses structural features known to be associated in other animals with ion secretion and/or osmoregulation.
Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) as a valid proxy measure for remission in schizophrenia: Analyses of ziprasidone clinical study data

Abstract Objective To determine the degree to which a proxy measure of remission in schizophrenia correlates with the criteria identified by the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group, and how well early treatment response to ziprasidone predicts remission. Methods Data from 10 ziprasidone studies were analyzed to determine rates of remission achieved with ziprasidone using a remission definition of Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) of 1, and compared with rates of remission achieved using the remission working group criteria. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores were then investigated as predictors of remission. Results A CGI-I score of 1 correlated with the remission criteria developed by the remission working group. In the combined ziprasidone arms, BPRS scores at Weeks 1, 3, and 4 successfully predicted PANSS remission (p Conclusion The findings show a correlation between clinical and research scales (remission working group criteria) for the assessment of remission in schizophrenia. This proxy measure for the assessment of remission should be easy to apply in a clinical setting and facilitates the prediction of remission in schizophrenia.
On the effect of error correlation on matched-field geoacoustic inversion

The effect of correlated data errors on matched-field geoacoustic inversion for vertical array data is examined. The correlated errors stem from our inability to model the inhomogeneities in the environment resulting in an additional error term beyond ambient noise. Simulated data with these correlated errors are generated and then inverted with or without using the proper covariance matrix. Results show that the correlated error has a negative impact on geoacoustic parameter estimation if not accounted for properly.
Acute metal toxicology of olfaction in coho salmon: behavior, receptors, and odor-metal complexation.

The objective of this research was to determine the acute toxicities of mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) to coho salmon olfaction. The authors used a behavioral assay of olfaction based on an avoidance reaction to L-serine in a two-choice Y-trough. A second objective was to gain some understanding of the mechanism of metal-induced olfactory inhibition by observing how metals affect the binding of L-serine to its olfactory cell membrane receptor. They have also taken the novel approach of addressing olfactory toxicology from the perspective of the odor molecule by considering metal speciation and metal-serpine complexation chemistry on the basis of chemical equilibrium computations.
The Sternberg memory search task as an index of pilot workload

Abstract The rationale for the use of the Sternberg memory search task as a diagnostic measure of pilot workload is described, and seven investigations that have employed this task in flight simulators or aircraft environments are summarized. The details of two further flight simulator experiments in which workload is measured by an auditory Sternberg task are reported. These results indicate the diagnostic value of the task in discriminating between the perceptual/central processing and response demands of a holding pattern and an approach pattern, respectively. Perceptual and response load were greater in an approach phase, relative to a holding phase. Neither phase imposed a substantial central processing load. Based upon the findings of the studies described, the paper concludes with a set of recommendations for employing the Sternberg task in aviation environments. These recommendations emphasize the importance of information display and response procedures, the choice of particular memory sets, the ...
The receiving and scattering properties of antenna elements and finite arrays

An interesting and somewhat controversial topic is the receiving and scattering properties of the general antenna. In recent years, this topic has been given considerable attention in the IEEE AP-S Magazine. In this presentation, we consider the fundamental receiving and scattering properties of antenna elements and finite arrays. We examine the general validity and application of the Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits to resonant and antiresonant antennas in terms of predicting both received and scattered powers. We consider the concept of scattered power in view of it being non-recoverable and in terms of its relation to the received power and the law of conservation of power. We consider the receiving and scattering properties of electrically small antennas as well as finite arrays and the concept of whether a finite array absorbs or receives all available power. Circuit theory and numerical simulations of the receiving and scattering properties of both single elements and finite arrays are used as examples. We demonstrate that the law of conservation of power necessitates the fact that any antenna or array that receives power must also scatter power.
The effect of news stories about UFOs on readers' UFO beliefs: The role of confirming or disconfirming testimony from a scientist

An experiment was designed to determine the impact of different versions of a news story on UFO beliefs. Of particular interest was the impact of story information that would either cast doubt upon the reality of UFOs or lend credence to their existence. The effect of including a scientific authority in the story was also examined. Results revealed that participants were more likely to express belief in UFOs when the story included a scientific authority who spoke in favor of UFOs’ existence. A scientific authority who discredited the existence of UFOs did not produce lower levels of UFO beliefs.
Desiring, desires, and desire ascriptions

Delia Graff Fara (2013) maintains that many desire ascriptions underspecify the content of the relevant agent’s desire. She argues that this is inconsistent with certain initially plausible claims about desiring, desires, and desire ascriptions. This paper defends those initially plausible claims. Part of the defense hinges on metaphysical claims about the relations among desiring, desires, and contents.
Variable Response Time Lag Module for Car-Following Models: Development and Structuring with Fuzzy Set Theory

The car-following process consists of a stimulus-response relationship between vehicles in which the driver of the following vehicle reacts to the actions of the lead vehicle after a time lag. Since the 1950s, the car-following phenomenon has been studied and analyzed, resulting in various models and algorithms. Throughout this period, driver response time lag has always been assumed to be a constant value for the driver at all times, regardless of the approach and level of detail of the model. The primary shortcoming of a constant time lag is that it introduces a number of strong assumptions that do not concur with human nature. To address the problems associated with constant time lag, an independent response time lag module was developed that can be used in any car-following model or algorithm without changing its fundamental mathematical structure. One of the most appealing aspects of this module is its flexible and transparent structure that can easily be adapted to and calibrated for any model or simulation algorithm. The development and structure of the module are described, including the fuzzy definitions of driving states, fuzzy rule extraction, and fuzzy time lag assignment. Statistical and graphical evaluations of the module performance are also included by integrating the module to a proportional car-following model. In the graphical evaluation, the module improved the model performance significantly by providing more precise timing for the driver response. Both Kolmogorov-Smirnov and root-mean-square error tests confirmed that the use of the module improves the car-following model performance.
Bisphosphonates Cause Osteonecrosis of the Jaw-Like Disease in Mice

Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) is a morbid bone disease linked to long-term bisphosphonate use. Despite its broad health impact, mechanistic study is lacking. In this study, we have established a mouse model of BONJ-like disease based on the equivalent clinical regimen in myeloma patients, a group associated with high risk of BONJ. We demonstrate that the murine BONJ-like disease recapitulates major clinical and radiographical manifestations of the human disease, including characteristic features of osseous sclerosis, sequestra, avascular, and radiopaque alveolar bone in the jaw that persists beyond a normal course of wound healing following tooth extraction. We find that long-term administration of bisphosphonates results in an increase in the size and number of osteoclasts and the formation of giant osteoclast-like cells within the alveolar bone. We show that the development of necrotic bone and impaired soft tissue healing in our mouse model is dependent on long-term use of high-dose bisphosphonates, immunosuppressive and chemotherapy drugs, as well as mechanical trauma. Most importantly, we demonstrate that bisphosphonate is the major cause of BONJ-like disease in mice, mediated in part by its ability to suppress osseous angiogenesis and bone remodeling. The availability of this novel mouse model of BONJ-like disease will help elucidate the pathophysiology of BONJ and ultimately develop novel approaches for prevention and treatment of human BONJ.
Surface charge characteristics of kaolinitic tropical soils

Surface charge properties of four representative kaolinitic soils from the humid tropics (Brazil) were investigated by a methodology involving independent measurements of net total permanent and variable charge components. Permanent structural charge was determined by Cs+ adsorption, whereas variable charge was quantified by simultaneous proton titration and background electrolyte (LiCl) adsorption measurements. Data were obtained for homoionic soils suspended in LiCl solutions of ionic strength 1–10 mmol L−1 and pH value 2–6. Corrections were made in the titration data for proton consumption resulting from dissolution and aqueous-phase complexation reactions. Conjunctive use of proton titration and electrolyte adsorption data yielded independent assessments of proton surface charge densities and points of zero charge. The surface charge data were tested successfully for consistency with the law of surface charge balance. Three of the soils exhibited similar surface charge behavior, with no pronounced effect of differences in either organic C or Fe and aluminum oxide content. One soil containing significant manganese oxides showed points of zero charge well below those of the other three soils. The point of zero net charge (p.z.n.c) for the soils was ≤4, lower than values reported for specimen kaolinite. The point of zero net proton charge (p.z.n.p.c.) increased with decreasing ionic strength. In all cases, the presence of small quantities of structural charge in 2:1 clay minerals had a significant effect on surface charge properties; e.g., for all soils, p.z.n.c. < p.z.n.p.c. These characteristics of surface charge were shown to be consistent with the behavior of a mixture of kaolinite, organic matter, and a small quantity of 2:1 clay minerals. In conformity with the law of surface charge balance, ionic strength effects were found to be removed by plotting net adsorbed ion charge against net proton surface charge density.
In situ quantum dot growth on multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

The generation of nanoscale interconnects and supramolecular, hierarchical assemblies enables the development of a number of novel nanoscale applications. A rational approach toward engineering a robust system is through chemical recognition. Here, we show the in situ mineralization of crystalline CdTe quantum dots on the surfaces of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). We coordinate metallic precursors of quantum dots directly onto nanotubes and then proceed with in situ growth. The resulting network of molecular-scale “fused” nanotube−nanocrystal heterojunctions demonstrates a controlled synthetic route to the synthesis of complex nanoscale heterostructures. Extensive characterization of these heterostructures has been performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, UV−visible spectroscopy, ...
A second comparison of two higher order perturbation schemes

Abstract The order three superharmonic resonance in the harmonically excited Duffing oscillator with hardening non-linearity is considered. The second order perturbation solutions determined by the multiple scales and frequency-damping expansion methods are compared with each other, and with the exact numerical results. By using the example of third superharmonic resonance in the Duffing oscillator, this work establishes the following: (1) the approximate periodic solutions determined by the frequency-damping expansion procedure are based on the fast time scale only; (2) these solutions provide an approximation for the steady state response only; (3) the second order approximate solutions for the third superharmonic resonance in the Duffing equation determined by these methods can uncover a second type of frequency response curve; (4) both second order approximations predict extraneous solutions; and (5) the extension, achieved by the second order approximation, in the range of the system parameters for which the perturbation solution provides a reasonable approximation to the actual system response, may depend on the problem on hand and, in this regard, performance of the frequency-damping expansion procedure may not be substantially superior to the performance of the multiple scales-reconstitution procedure.
Cooperative learning in the secondary mathematics classroom

Abstract The effects of cooperative learning on student achievement and attitudes in a secondary mathematics classroom were investigated. In this quasi-experimental design, 2 precalculus courses were compared. Students in 1 class studied the material in cooperative learning groups; students in the 2nd class studied the material independently. Three chapter tests were used to measure student achievement, and a questionnaire was administered to the treatment group members after the study was completed to assess their attitudes toward the cooperative learning procedure. The results obtained from a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (with pretest scores as the covariate) showed a significant Group × Time interaction. Students in the cooperative learning group had increasingly higher test scores than students in the comparison group and significantly outscored the comparison group on the 3rd chapter test. Survey results revealed primarily favorable responses toward the cooperative learning pro...