cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel murine model of multi-day moderate ethanol exposure reveals increased intestinal dysfunction and liver inflammation with age.

Background There are currently > 600 million people over the age of 65 globally and this number is expected to double by the year 2050. Alcohol use among this population is on the rise, which is concerning as aging is associated with increased risk for a number of chronic illnesses. As most studies investigating the effects of alcohol have focused on young/middle-aged populations, there is a dearth of information regarding the consequences of alcohol use in older consumers. In addition, most murine ethanol models have concentrated on exposure to very high levels of ethanol, while the vast majority of elderly drinkers do not consume alcohol in excess; instead, they drink on average 2 alcoholic beverages a day, 3-4 days a week. Methods We designed a murine model of aging and moderate ethanol consumption to determine if the deleterious effects of alcohol on the gut-liver axis are exacerbated in aged, relative to younger, animals. Aged and young mice were exposed to a multi-day moderate exposure ethanol regimen for 4 weeks and changes in gut permeability along with intestinal tight junction protein and antimicrobial peptide gene expression were measured. In addition, hepatic inflammation was assessed by histological analysis, inflammatory gene expression and flow cytometric analysis of inflammatory infiltrate. Results Our results reveal that in aged, but not young mice, moderate ethanol exposure yielded significantly worsened intestinal permeability, including increased bacterial translocation from the gut, elevated serum iFABP and leakage of FITC-dextran from the gut. Interestingly, moderate ethanol exposure in young animals led to gut protective transcriptional changes in the ileum while this protective response was blunted in aged mice. Finally, moderate ethanol exposure in aged mice also resulted in marked inflammatory changes in the liver. Conclusions These results demonstrate that aged mice are more susceptible to ethanol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and liver inflammation, even at moderate doses of ethanol. This increased vulnerability to ethanol's gastrointestinal effects has important implications for alcohol use in the aging population. Future studies will explore whether improving intestinal barrier function can reverse these age-related changes.
Treatment of Sexual Abuse

Children who have been sexually abused are a heterogeneous group and as a result, no single treatment protocol is appropriate for all of them. The clinical and empirical literature clearly indicates that children’s short- and long-term reactions to abuse vary greatly and that there is no cluster of symptoms unique to sexual abuse. In addition, the potential effects of sexual abuse, and consequently the salient treatment issues, depend on the developmental level of the child. Thus, each child and family must be assessed for their ability to cope with the stressful event so that treatment can be focused on their unique needs. In this chapter, we first review different models that can be used to organize the enormous amount of information that typically is associated with these cases and to plan and guide treatment. Next, treatment issues including case management, foster care, and effective treatment methods are discussed, followed by a description of specific individual and group treatment approaches. Finally, a format for short-term treatment is presented that helps in the immediate crisis of disclosure and provides information on the need for further treatment.
Neuronal Differentiation in Reaggregate Cell Cultures1

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses various aspects of neuronal differentiation and cell interaction in brain-cell reaggregates. Aggregation of certain cell types is a normal event in embryogenesis. Although freshly dissociated cells spontaneously reassociate, their aggregation is enhanced by gently rotating flasks of cell suspensions to increase the collision frequency between cells. The chapter describes an experiment in which cerebellare cells from several different neurological mutant mice, which display abnormal cerebellar histogenesis, and cells from their normal littermates were compared for aggregatability. Aggregation is a rapid process, and initially, these reaggregates are a random distribution of loosely packed cells. The cells are often interconnected by filopodia but are lacking membrane specializations or cell junctions. It can be hoped that reaggregate and surface cultures of dissociated brain cells will allow neurobiologists to ask better questions and obtain even better answers concerning the functional relationships that make up the nervous system.
Induction period for ignition of fuel sprays at high temperatures and pressures

An experimental study of the induction period for ignition of fuel sprays with particular consideration of its dependence upon temperature and pressure is reported. Emphasis in the study was placed upon conditions of thermodynamically supercritical state for the fuel. The tests were performed in a stainless steel cylindrical chamber located in an oven, both provided with quartz windows for optical insight in axial direction of the radially injected spray. Spray formation and igniton were observed by high-speed schlieren cinematography concomitantly with measurements of chamber pressure and the displacement of the injector needle. The induction period was evaluated as the time interval between the rise in the displacement transducer signal and the instant when pressure attained three percent of its peak value.
Purification and characterization of phosphatase I from Aspergillus nidulans.

Abstract A procedure for the purification of alkaline phosphatase I from Aspergillus nidulans is described. The final preparation is homogeneous by chromatography, gel filtration, density gradient sedimentation, starch gel, and acrylamide electrophoresis. Several physical-chemical properties of the purified enzyme are reported. The enzyme is a classical alkaline phosphomonoesterase.
Trauma‐informed Day Services for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities: Exploring Staff Understanding and Perception within an Innovative Programme

Background Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a systems-level philosophy of service delivery which integrates choice, collaboration, empowerment, safety and trust to create an organizational culture sensitive to trauma. This study explores staff understandings and perceptions within an innovative trauma-informed day program for individuals with Intellectual/developmental disabilities. Methods Semi-structured interviews queried staff members (n = 20) regarding trauma and TIC, the integration of the five principles of TIC, associated challenges and recommendations for improvement. Results Inductive analyses revealed reasonable understandings of trauma and TIC, highlighting factors critical to the five principles of TIC. Differences were associated with duration of employment and the presence of specialized training. Challenges with TIC emerged at different system levels: individuals, staff, management and interorganizational. Conclusions This study presents preliminary insight for the innovative and formative process of integrating TIC with intellectual/developmental disabilities services.
Peril-sensitive sunglasses, superheroes in miniature, and pink polka-dot boxers: Artifact and collectible video game feelies, play, and the paratextual gaming experience

Material artifacts included in video game packaging, referred to in the industry as feelies, operate as media paratexts that are both extensions of and separate from the video games that inspired them. Although most discourses on video game feelies are centered on 1980s text-based adventure games, feelies have continually been included in contemporary games, albeit primarily in collector's or special editions. To explore the diversity of feelies and how they are able to generate their own texts away from the digital game itself, I identify two specific types of feelies: artifact feelies, which are life-size reproductions of objects from within the game space, and collectible feelies, which serve as extensions of the game space into the physical realm but tend to include objects more frequently associated with fan collecting activities. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that includes material culture studies and media studies, I show how feelies allow scholars to gain further insight into how screen media operate away from the screens themselves, how the accumulation of material objects in the digital age encourages us to reevaluate our notions of the material and the immaterial, and how the concept of play is crucial to understanding how these objects are reappropriated in ways that move beyond their originally intended use.
Management of real-time streaming data grid services

We discuss the architectural and management support for real time data stream applications, both in terms of lower level messaging and higher level service, filter and session structures. In our approach, messaging systems act as a Grid substrate that can provide qualities of service to various streaming applications ranging from audio-video collaboration to sensor grids. The messaging substrate is composed of distributed, hierarchically arranged message brokers that form networks. We discuss approaches to managing systems for both broker networks and application filters: broker network topologies must be created and maintained, and distributed filters must be arranged in appropriate sequences. These managed broker networks may be applied to a wide range of problems. We discuss applications to audio/video collaboration in some detail and also describe applications to streaming Global Positioning System data streams.
Permeability of canine vocal fold lamina propria.

Objectives/Hypothesis Determine the permeability of excised canine vocal fold lamina propria. Study Design Basic science. Methods Vocal folds were excised from canine larynges and mounted within a device to measure the flow of 0.9% saline through the tissue over time. The resultant fluid volume displaced over time was then used in a variation of Darcy's law to calculate the permeability of the tissue. Permeability was found through each anatomical plane of the vocal fold, with five samples per plane. Permeability was also found for lamina propria stretched to 10%, 20%, and 30% of its initial length to determine the effects of tensile strain on permeability, with five samples per level of strain. Results Permeability was found to be 1.40 × 10−13 m3s/kg through the sagittal plane, 1.00 × 10−13 m3s/kg through the coronal plane, and 4.02 × 10−13 m3s/kg through the axial plane. It was significantly greater through the axial plane than both the sagittal (P = .025) and coronal (P = .009) planes. Permeability under strain through the sagittal plane was found to be 1.94 × 10−13 m3s/kg under 10% strain, 3.35 × 10−13 m3s/kg under 20% strain, and 4.80 × 10−13 m3s/kg under 30% strain. The permeability significantly increased after 20% strain (P < .05). Conclusions Permeability in canine vocal fold lamina propria was found to be increased along the anterior-posterior axis, following the length of the vocal folds. This may influence fluid distribution within the lamina propria during and after vibration. Similarly, permeability increased after 20% strain was imposed on the lamina propria, and may influence vocal fold dynamics during certain phonation tasks. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:941–945, 2015
Dynein and Kinesin

During the life cycle of a eukaryotic cell, chromosomes and other cellular materials must be distributed to daughter cells, proteins must be synthesised and delivered to their site of utilisation and cellular organelles must be delivered to, and retrieved from, appropriate places within the cell. In some cell types, such as neurons, essential cellular materials must be delivered across long distances from the cell body to distal axon terminals or dendrites. Because diffusion is incapable of accomplishing these tasks, eukaryotes have developed an active transport mechanism that relies on superfamilies of kinesin, dynein and myosin motor proteins that walk along microtubule or microfilament tracks. This article discusses how the microtubule-based motors of the kinesin and dynein superfamilies mediate intracellular transport and cilia/flagella motility within eukaryotic cells. Key Concepts Microtubules have an intrinsic polarity that microtubule-based motor proteins recognise to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent unidirectional movement. Both the kinesin and dynein catalytic polypeptides contain a stand-alone motor domain, which is the actual microtubule-dependent ATPase force-generating unit of these motors. Axonemal dyneins, which comprise the outer and inner dynein arms, power cilia and flagella beating by producing sliding movements between adjacent outer-doublet microtubules. Cytoplasmic dyneins are primarily transport motors driving retrograde transport through a minus-end-directed ATP-dependent mechanism. In neurons, dynein complexes with different intermediate chain isoforms have distinct roles, including cargo binding and transport, and phosphorylation of the intermediate chain may also specify binding to specific cargo. Differences in the stalk and tail domains and various associated proteins (light chains) distinguish the multiple classes of kinesin superfamily members. A key functional distinction between dyneins and kinesins is that, while kinesin family members can generate movement in the plus- or minus-end direction, dynein motors generate only minus-end-directed movement. To fill the numerous intracellular roles for plus-end-directed motility, eukaryotic cells have evolved a large array of kinesin superfamily members. Microtubule-based motors must be regulated on an individual and collective scale to facilitate the correct temporal and spatial intracellular placement of eukaryotic organelles. Cytoplasmic dynein and its dynactin complex drive retrograde, minus-end-directed movement in neurons, whereas kinesins typically move towards the anterograde direction. Keywords: kinesin; dynein; cilia and flagella motility; organelle transport; microtubule-based motors; axonal transport
Environmental impact of atmospheric NH3 emissions under present and future conditions in the eastern United States

[1] Recent regulations require large-scale emission reductions of NOx and SO2 in the eastern United States. These emission changes will alter the partitioning of ammonia between the gas and particle phases. Furthermore, ammonia emissions are expected to increase in the future. How will these changes impact the contribution of ammonia to inorganic particulate matter and nitrogen deposition? We use a chemical transport model and emission scenarios representing years 2001, 2010, and 2020 to estimate the future change of the sensitivity of iPM2.5 to ammonia emission reductions and change in nitrogen deposition to ecosystems. We find that during winter conditions, particulate matter concentrations in several locations in the Midwestern US continue to have significant sensitivity to NH3 emissions. In addition, the total nitrogen deposition near NH3 emission sources increases 10–40%
Site of Host Restriction of Simian Virus 40 Mutants in an Established African Green Monkey Kidney Cell Line

A previously described large-plaque morphology mutant of SV40 (SV-L) in primary African green monkey kidney (AGMK) cells has been shown to be restricted in the established AGMK line CV-1. The site of restriction is an early step in infection, involving the virus particle. A block in penetration or uncoating has been tentatively proposed. Restriction is observed in a number of other established lines, including monkey, human, and mouse. Independent large-plaque mutants were isolated in AGMK and their properties were compared with SV-L (temperature restriction, host restriction, and virion antigen). They can be separated into two classes. Both are restricted on CV-1, though to a lesser degree than SV-L. Further-more, both are coat mutants as determined by immunological analysis of their virions, suggesting a relationship between coat mutants associated with large-plaque morphology in AGMK and host restriction in established cell lines. Temperature restriction is seen with one but not the other of the mutants.
In sickness and in health—High success rates of kidney transplants between spouses**

T he number of persons donating a kidney to their spouse has increased remarkably during the past few years. This trend is driven by the severe shortage of cadaveric kidneys,‘” by increased waiting times,3 and, perhaps most importantly, by growing evidence that spousal and other unrelated or distantly related donor transplants are very successful.4-‘g The transplant community has been reluctant to embrace the use of genetically unrelated donors not only because of the genetic disparity, but also because of serious concerns about potential abuses of donors with no blood relationship to the recipient, including commerce and coercion.20*2t Because the spouse is a family member, they have much to gain from the patient’s rehabilitation. Spouses therefore represent a rather special case for genetically unrelated living donor transplants, and the high success rates of spousal transplants provide a very positive spin to the often negatively charged discussion of this topic.
Verbal versus numerical probabilities: Efficiency, biases, and the preference paradox☆

Abstract Experts (sportswriters and broadcasters) were asked to assess the probabilities of upcoming basketball game events. Based on these predictions, decision makers (students) had to rate the attractiveness of gambles. Half of the students could win real stakes based on the quality of their decisions and the outcomes of the events, while the other half were paid a flat rate. The gambles were also constructed so as to elicit the conjunction fallacy and wishful thinking biases. While most conveyors of information used verbal terms when expressing their opinions spontaneously, most decision makers preferred to receive numerical probabilities. However, no difference between the efficiency of the verbal and the numerical assessments was found. The occurrence of judgmental biases was unrelated to communication mode, but the conjunction fallacy was marginally related to the monetary payoff condition of the students. Two possible explanations for the communication mode preference inconsistency were examined, one of which seems to be supported by the results. A theoretical framework is suggested that accounts for the present data and former results.
On Sequential Sampling for Global Metamodeling in Engineering Design

Approximation models (also known as metamodels) have been widely used in engineering design to facilitate analysis and optimization of complex systems that involve computationally expensive simulation programs. The accuracy of metamodels is directly related to the sampling strategies used. Our goal in this paper is to investigate the general applicability of sequential sampling for creating global metamodels. Various sequential sampling approaches are reviewed and new approaches are proposed. The performances of these approaches are investigated against that of the one-stage approach using a set of test problems with a variety of features. The potential usages of sequential sampling strategies are also discussed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Tubulin and actin synthesis during brain development.

Abstract Chick brain proteins from 5- through 13-day embryos were labeled with l -[35S]methionine for 30 min in vitro and analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Autoradiographs of the gels were scanned with a computer-coupled densitometer to measure the relative rates of protein synthesis. The actins and the tubulins were the most abundant proteins and had the highest rates of synthesis. β and γ actin were synthesized at constant rates throughout this period of development, but the rate of tubulin synthesis increased fourfold. Six α tubulins and two β tubulins were distinguished, and they were all synthesized at all times. The relative rates of synthesis of these forms changed with development in a complex pattern, but the stoichiometry of α:β remained 1:1.
Computed tomography imaging of the paranasal sinuses: direct versus reformatted coronal images.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the image quality of coronal reformatted CT images compared with direct coronal CT images.Study DesignCross-sectional.Subjects and MethodsPatients who underwent paranasal sinus CT scans using both direct coronal images (DC) and axially acquired images with coronal reconstructions (CR) were consecutively enrolled. Two reconstruction groups were evaluated: group CR1 with 1-mm axial collimation and group CR2 with 0.625-mm axial collimation. Scans were presented in a randomized, blinded fashion to two sinus surgeons and a neuroradiologist.ResultsWhen compared with CR1, DC images had higher image quality for each of five key anatomic landmarks (P < .0001). DC images were more likely to be adequate preoperative imaging (P < .0001). When compared with CR2, improved DC image quality was noted in the majority of key anatomic landmarks. No difference was noted in the “adequacy rating” between the DC and CR2 (0.625 mm) protocols.ConclusionThe 0.625-mm reformatted images were judged to be adequat...
Factors associated with sources, transport, and fate of volatile organic compounds and their mixtures in aquifers of the United States.

Factors associated with sources, transport, and fate of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater from aquifers throughout the United States were evaluated using statistical methods. Samples...
Spawning site selection by spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus , and black drum, Pogonias cromis , in Louisiana

Spawning site selection by spotted seatrout and black drum was studied by locating drumming aggregations through the use of a hydrophone. From March 1987 to October 1990, 315 sound observations were made to identify and characterize spawning seasons and environmental requirements of both species in the Barataria, Caminada, and eastern Timbalier Bay systems of Louisiana. The sounds produced by the spawning aggregations were identified and verified against known recordings. Spawning was verified on several occasions by capturing and rearing zygotes (eggs) into identifiable larvae. Spotted seatrout formed drumming aggregations from late May to early October at salinities ranging from 7.0 to 25.8 ppt and temperatures from 24.5 to 33.5° C. Black drum formed drumming aggregations between January and April in salinities from 10.0 to 27.0 ppt and temperatures from 15.0 to 24.0°C. Large drumming aggregations of spotted seatrout were located from 1800 to 2400h and from 1800 to 2200h for black drum. Spotted seatrout aggregation size was highly correlated with water temperature and for black drum with dissolved oxygen concentrations. Spawning sites for both species were frequently located in deep moving water between barrier islands as well as in channels in open water where water depth ranged from 3 to 50 m. Spawning site selection depended on a particular range of environmental conditions and spawning locations varied seasonally and yearly depending upon hydrological variation.
Comparative toxicity of ambient air pollutants: some aspects related to lung defense.

Clearance mechanisms are an integral part of pulmonary defense, serving to rid the lungs of inhaled particles that deposit upon airway surfaces. This is accomplished by mucociliary transport in con...
Changes in the Expression of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP) of Proliferating Rat Parotid Acinar Cells

Tissue morphogenesis, development, and maintenance of function are mediated by signals generated through the composition of the extracellular matrix. The regulation of the composition of matrix is determined by enzymes specific for their degradation, the matrix metalloproteinases. Chronic injections of the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist, isoproterenol, result in a non-neoplastic hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the rat parotid gland. The activity of matrix metalloproteinases, as measured by gelatin zymography and enzymatic digestion of Azocoll substrates by gland lysates, decreased significantly (P < 0.05) following 24 hrs of agonist treatment, and slowly recovered to control values by 6 days of treatment. Daily administration of the broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor Galardin for 3 days in combination with isoproterenol resulted in enhanced gland hypertrophy compared with that produced by isoproterenol alone. Given alone, Galardin also caused hypertrophy. The relative abundance of mRNA for the extracellular matrix molecules, collagens I and III and fibronectin, declined rapidly following the initiation of beta-agonist treatment in vivo, while laminin B1 and B2 mRNA levels increased initially before declining below control levels. These changes in patterns of mRNA levels also were observed in the concentrations of glandular protein when Western dot blot analysis of collagens I and III and laminin, respectively, was used. The importance of laminin, in vivo, was demonstrated by coinjection of anti-laminin antibody along with isoproterenol, which resulted in the inhibition of beta-agonist-induced parotid gland hypertrophy and hyperplasia. These data suggest that modulation of the ECM is associated with isoproterenol-induced salivary gland hypertrophy and hyperplasia. It is likely that this modulation of the ECM takes place through transcriptional regulation of some ECM genes and regulation of matrix-degrading enzyme activity.
Modeling and Control of a New Robotic Deburring System

This paper discusses the modeling and control of a robotic manipulator with a new deburring tool, which integrates two pneumatic actuators to take advantage of a double cutting action. A coordination control method was developed by decomposing the robotic deburring system into two subsystems: the arm and the deburring tool. A decentralized control approach was pursued in which suitable controllers were designed for the two subsystems in the coordination scheme. Robust feedback linearization was utilized to minimize the undesirable effect of external disturbances, such as static and Coulomb friction and nonlinear compliance of the pneumatic cylinder stemming from the compressibility of air. The developed coordination control method demonstrated its efficacy in terms of deburring accuracy and speed. Simulation results show that the developed robotic deburring system significantly improves the accuracy of the debarring operation.
Association of maternal gestational weight gain with short- and long-term maternal and child health outcomes

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between gestational weight gain (GWG) and small- and large-for-gestational-age (SGA, LGA), cesarean delivery, child overweight, and maternal postpartum weight retention in a diverse sample of women in the Unites States. Study Design We estimated associations between GWG (continuous and within categories defined by the Institute of Medicine), maternal prepregnancy body mass index, and each outcome in 4496 births in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, which was a prospective cohort. Results GWG (kilograms) was associated with decreased risk of SGA and increased risk of LGA, cesarean delivery, postpartum weight retention, and child overweight independent of maternal demographic and pregnancy characteristics. Gain above the Institute of Medicine guidelines was associated with decreased risk of SGA and increased risk of all other outcomes. Conclusion Excessive gain may have long-term consequences for maternal and child body size, but the benefits of lower gain must be balanced against risk of SGA.
Lipoproteins during the estrous cycle in swine

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine lipoprotein values at high versus low 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations in Yucatan miniature swine. Estrous cycles were measured by heat checking the female on a daily basis using a boar. All swine were fed a 1,050-g low-fat, standard chow diet (8% kcal from fat) once per day. Fasted (24 hours) blood samples were collected during low (early luteal, day 5) and high (late follicular, day 18) E2 concentrations to determine differences in concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and subfractions. Concentrations of E2 differed significantly from day 5 (3.5 ± 0.7 pg/mL) to day 18 (14.2 ± 1.8 pg/mL) of the estrous cycle. Except for HDL3-C, all lipoprotein parameters examined were significantly elevated during high E2 versus low E2. TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were significantly lower during the high E2 phase. These results suggest that lipoprotein concentrations fluctuate during the estrous cycle of swine, with high E2 concentrations associated with elevated lipoprotein concentrations.
Effects of peak pressure and energy of impulses.

Peak pressure has been one of the key parameters of impulse noise used to assess the hazard to hearing. It is used in most international noise exposure limits. France uses an A‐weighted energy limit. There is a rough correspondence between peak pressure and the hazard to hearing for a given type of impulse noise. However, when the effects of different types of impulses are compared, this correspondence breaks down. One of the alternate measures of impulse intensity is weighted energy. Weighted energy is appealing for a number of reasons. It does not depend on details of the pressure‐time history such as the peak pressure and the more common duration measures. It should be easier to integrate with continuous or intermittent noise standards. It would make it easier to use standard hearing protector attenuation to estimate the hazard when a specific hearing protector is worn. Results of previously published articles and reports will be discussed. These reports lead to the conclusion that weighted energy is a more potent determiner of hearing hazard than peak pressure if spectral effects are controlled.
Rasch analysis of the Western Ontario MacMaster Questionnaire (WOMAC) in 2205 patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE Advances in health measurement have led to the application of Rasch Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis (Rasch analysis) to evaluate instruments measuring health status and quality of life of patients, including the Health Assessment Questionnaire and SF-36. This study investigated the extent to which the Western Ontario MacMaster osteoarthritis questionnaire (WOMAC) satisfies the Rasch model, particularly in respect to unidimensionality, item separation, and linearity. METHODS The study included a total of 2205 patients, 1013 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 655 with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip (OA), and 537 with fibromyalgia. All patients completed the WOMAC as part of a longitudinal study of rheumatic disease outcomes. To examine whether the WOMAC pain and function scales each fits the Rasch model, the Winsteps program was used to assess item difficulty, scale unidimensionality, item separation, and linearity. RESULTS Although the WOMAC worked best in OA, regardless of disorder, both the pain and function scales were unidimensional, had adequate item separation, and had a long range (25–150) of linearity in the function scale. Several functional items, however, had a high information weight fit (INFIT) statistic, indicating poor fit to the model. These items included “getting in and out of the bath” and “going down stairs.” CONCLUSION The WOMAC generally satisfies the requirements of Rasch item response theory across all disorders studied, and is an appropriate measure of lower body function in OA, RA and fibromyalgia. Although some individual items do not fit well, it is not likely that removing such items would result in more than overall minimal differences, and it will be difficult to remove traces of multidimensionality while keeping the central constructs of progressive lower body musculoskeletal abnormality intact. In addition, it is possible that a “purer”, still more unidimensional instrument would be less useful in clinical trials and epidemiological studies by restricting the range of the scale.
Deserve and diverge: Feeling entitled makes people more creative

Abstract Four studies demonstrated that making people feel more entitled leads them to be more creative. In Study 1, entitlement was manipulated through a writing prompt task, and entitled participants generated more creative uses for a common household object and drew more creative pictures than participants in the control condition did. In Study 2, the same manipulation was used, and entitled participants performed better than control participants on a task measuring creative performance but not on a task measuring non-creative performance. In Studies 3a and 3b, entitlement was manipulated through a sentence unscramble task, and entitled participants again were more creative than control participants. In Studies 2, 3a, and 3b, a need for uniqueness mediated the relationship between entitlement and creativity.
New binary codes from a generalization of Zinoviev's technique

Abstract A procedure for constructing binary codes that generalizes a method of Zinoviev's is described. It is employed in constructing new binary codes that improve on the 1984 table of Zinoviev and Litsyn.
The response of two-degree-of-freedom systems with quadratic non-linearities to a combination parametric resonance

Abstract The response of two-degree-of-freedom systems with quadratic non-linearities to a combination parametric resonance in the presence of two-to-one internal resonances is investigated. The method of multiple scales is used to construct a first order uniform expansion yielding four first order non-linear ordinary differential equations governing the modulation of the amplitudes and the phases of the two modes. Steady state responses and their stability are computed for selected values of the system parameters. The effects of detuning the internal resonance, detuning the parametric resonance, the phase and magnitude of the second mode parametric excitation, and the initial conditions are investigated. The first order perturbation solution predicts qualitatively the trivial and non-trivial stable steady state solutions and illustrates both the quenching and saturation phenomena. In addition to the steady state solutions, other periodic solutions are predicted by the perturbation amplitude and phase modulation equations. These equations predict a transition from constant steady state non-trivial responses to limit cycle responses (Hopf bifurcation). Some limit cycles are also shown to experience period doubling bifurcations. The perturbation solutions are verified by numerically integrating the governing differential equations.
High-starch and high-β-glucan barley fractions milled with experimental mills.

ABSTRACT This study focused on the performance of two hulless barley cultivars (Doyce and Merlin) and one commercial husked (hulled) sample using experimental milling. The purpose was to use experimental milling as a preliminary indicator of the milled streams with potential use for fuel ethanol production and fractions that could be used in food products. Experimental mills designed for flour production evaluation from wheat were Chopin CD1 Auto, Quadrumat Sr, Buhler, and an experimental Ross roller mill walking flow. Results indicate that the shorts had the highest levels of β-glucan from all the mills. However, the β-glucan content in the break flours was highest with the roller mill walking flow and the Chopin CD1 for the hulless cultivars. The lowest β-glucan content in the break flour was found with the Buhler for Doyce. Break flour and, to a slightly lesser extent, reduction flour from all cultivars tested on all mills contained the highest starch content (up to 83%) and are therefore most appropri...
Some partial orderings of exchangeable random variables by positive dependence

Some partial orderings of positively dependent exchangeable random variables are introduced. The interrelations among them, the inequalities which follow from them and two models which yield such partial orderings are then discussed. Particular examples include ordering multivariate normal, t, χ2, Cauchy, exponential, binomial, Poisson, gamma and Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern random vectors. Applications to genetic selection and choice of sampling procedures are given.
Genetic Interactions between Brn3 Transcription Factors in Retinal Ganglion Cell Type Specification

Background Visual information is conveyed from the retina to the brain via 15–20 Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) types. The developmental mechanisms by which RGC types acquire their distinct molecular, morphological, physiological and circuit properties are essentially unknown, but may involve combinatorial transcriptional regulation. Brn3 transcription factors are expressed in RGCs from early developmental stages, and are restricted in adults to distinct, partially overlapping populations of RGC types. Previously, we described cell autonomous effects of Brn3b (Pou4f2) and Brn3a (Pou4f1) on RGC axon and dendrites development. Methods and Findings We now have investigated genetic interactions between Brn3 transcription factors with respect to RGC development, by crossing conventional knock-out alleles of each Brn3 gene with conditional knock-in reporter alleles of a second Brn3 gene, and analyzing the effects of single or double Brn3 knockouts on RGC survival and morphology. We find that Brn3b loss results in axon defects and dendritic arbor area and lamination defects in Brn3a positive RGCs, and selectively affects survival and morphology of specific Brn3c (Pou4f3) positive RGC types. Brn3a and Brn3b interact synergistically to control RGC numbers. Melanopsin positive ipRGCs are resistant to combined Brn3 loss but are under the transcriptional control of Isl1, expanding the combinatorial code of RGC specification. Conclusions Taken together these results complete our knowledge on the mechanisms of transcriptional control of RGC type specification. They demonstrate that Brn3b is required for the correct development of more RGC cell types than suggested by its expression pattern in the adult, but that several cell types, including some Brn3a, Brn3c or Melanopsin positive RGCs are Brn3b independent.
Velocity shearing and scaling RNEMD: a minimally perturbing method for simulating temperature and momentum gradients

We present a new method for introducing stable non-equilibrium velocity and temperature gradients in molecular dynamics simulations of heterogeneous and interfacial systems. This method conserves both the linear momentum and total energy of the system and improves previous reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (RNEMD) methods while retaining equilibrium thermal velocity distributions in each region of the system. The new method avoids the thermal anisotropy produced by previous methods by using isotropic velocity scaling and shearing (VSS) on all of the molecules in specific regions. To test the method, we have computed the thermal conductivity and shear viscosity of model liquid systems as well as the interfacial friction coefficients of a series of solid–liquid interfaces. The method's ability to combine the thermal and momentum gradients allows us to obtain shear viscosity data for a range of temperatures from a single trajectory.
Calcium Oxytetracycline Complexes. New Apparatus for Frog Heart Method of Estimation of Calcium Ion Concentration

SummaryCalcium complexes of oxytetracycline were analyzed by the use of the frog heart method with an improved apparatus employing a vertical shutter, photoelectric transducer, bridge circuit, and recording system. This method was readily applicable to complex biologic solutions and produced results comparable to those in the preceding article obtained by spectrophotometry on pure solutions. The log K of the 1:1 calcium oxy-tetracycline complex was 3.04, compared with 3.19 for the 1:1 complex of citric acid and calcium.
An external secondary ion source for fourier transform mass spectrometry

A differentially pumped external secondary ion source for Fourier transform mass spectrometry is described. Installation does not interfere with other experiments such as laser desorption or photodissociation. Spectra of cesium iodide clusters (with ions up to m/z 8187), polyethylene glycol 1000, and histidine from both glycerol and dithiothreitol-dithioerythritol matrices are reported. The ion with m/z 156 from histidine was recorded with mass resolution of 160,000.
A strong influence of serotonin axons on beta-adrenergic receptors in rat brain

The role of serotonin axons in modulating the norepinephrine neurotransmission system in rat brain was investigated. Selective lesions of the forebrain serotonergic system were made by injecting 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the midbrain raphe nuclei. Four to six weeks after the lesion, the uptake of 3H-labeled serotonin in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus was reduced by more than 90 percent, while neither the uptake of 3H-labeled norepinephrine nor the content of norepinephrine was affected in either tissue. The number of beta-adrenergic receptors, as measured by radioligand binding with 3H-labeled dihydroalprenolol, was increased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats with lesions. Similarly, specific lesions of central serotonin axons produced by systemically administered p-chloramphetamine resulted in an increase in the binding of 3H-labeled dihydroalprenolol to beta-adrenergic receptors and in the production of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in response to isoproterenol. These results indicate that serotonin axons may regulate beta-adrenergic receptor number and function in brain.
Assessment of Bulk Absorber Properties for Multi-Layer Perforates in Porous Honeycomb Liners

CONTINUING progress in materials technology provides potential for improved acoustic liners for attenuating broadband fan noise emissions from aircraft engine nacelles. Conventional liners (local-reacting perforate-over-honeycomb structures) provide significant narrow-band attenuation, but limited attenuation over wide bandwidths. Two approaches for increasing attenuation bandwidth are to (1) replace the honeycomb structure with bulk material, or (2) cascade multiple layers of perforate/honeycomb structures. Usage of the first approach is limited because of mechanical and maintenance reasons, while multi-layer liners are limited to about three layers because of their additional mechanical complexity, depth and weight. The current research concerns a novel approach reported by the University of Cincinnati, in which a single-layer conventional liner is converted into an extended-reaction, broadband absorber by making the honeycomb core structure porous. This modified single-layer liner requires no increase in depth and weight, and minimal increase in mechanical complexity. Langley has initiated research to identify potential benefits of liner structures with porous cell walls. This research has two complementary goals: (1) develop and validate experimental techniques for treating multi-layer perforates (representative of the internal cells of a liner with porous cell walls) as 1-D bulk materials, and (2) develop analytical approaches to validate this bulk material assumption. If successful, the resultant model can then be used to design optimized porous honeycomb liners. The feasibility of treating an N-layer perforate system (N porous plates separated by uniform air gaps) as a one-dimensional bulk absorber is assessed using the Two-Thickness Method (TTM), which is commonly used to educe bulk material intrinsic acoustic parameters. Tests are conducted with discrete tone and random noise sources, over an SPL range sufficient to determine the nonlinearity of the test specimens, for test specimens consisting of 5, 10 and 15% porous plates. Measured impedances for two liner thicknesses (e.g., 12 and 24 layers) are used as input to the TTM to determine the characteristic impedance and propagation constant that characterize these liners as bulk absorbers. These parameters are then used to calculate the predicted impedance of liners with different thicknesses (e.g., 36 layers), and a comparison of predicted and measured impedances for these other thicknesses is used to determine the efficacy of this approach. Finally, an independent method is used to educe the propagation constant for a single representative sample, and excellent comparison between the results for this method and those for the TTM provides increased confidence in the results achieved with the TTM. In general, the results demonstrate these multi-layer perforates can be acceptably treated as bulk absorbers.
Kinetics of oxygen atom formation during the oxidation of methane behind shock waves

An experimental and analytical study of the formation of oxygen atoms during the oxidation of methane and methane-hydrogen mixtures behind incident shock waves was carried out over the temperature range 1790-2584 K at reaction pressures between 1.2 and 1.7 atm. Oxygen atom levels were determined indirectly by measurement of emission from reaction of O with CO. On the basis of these data and ignition-delay data reported in the literature, a kinetic scheme for methane oxidation was assembled. The proposed kinetic mechanism, in general, predicts higher peak oxygen atom levels than the current oxidation mechanisms proposed by Bowman and Seery and by Skinner and his co-workers.
DESIGN, FABRICATION AND MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF TEMPERATURE STABLE PERFORMANCE CONSISTENT TUNABLE DEVICES

ABSTRACT The premier candidate active material for tunable microwave phase shifter devices is single composition, paraelectric BaSrTiO3 (BST). However, there is concern that in practical applications the device performance will be compromised due to the temperature dependence of the BST based device capacitance. We report a device design which controls the magnitude and the sign of the temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) via a multilayer paraelectric BST/buffer layer/ferroelectric BST coplanar device structure. To realize this multilayer device structure we have designed, fabricated, and optimized a 10 mol% Al doped Ta2O5 barrier layer with low loss (tan δ = 0.004), moderate permittivity (ϵr = 42.8), low TCC (−20 ppm/°C), and a low bias stability of capacitance (0.4%). The thin film integration of the barrier layer with the BST layers was optimized for structure, microstructure, interfacial/surface morphology, and dielectric properties as a function of Al doping concentration, annealing temperatu...
Proteasome Inhibitor PS-341 (Bortezomib) Induces Calpain-dependent IκBα Degradation

The proteasome, a key component of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, has emerged as an important cancer therapeutic target. PS-341 (also called Bortezomib or Velcade) is the first proteasome inhibitor approved for newly diagnosed and relapsed multiple myeloma and is currently being tested in many clinical trials against other types of cancers. One proposed mechanism by which PS-341 exerts its anticancer effect is inactivation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) through prevention of IκBα degradation. In this study, we show that PS-341 at concentrations that effectively inhibited the growth of human cancer cells, instead of increasing IκBα stability, paradoxically induced IκBα degradation. As a result, PS-341 facilitated p65 nuclear translocation and increased NF-κB activity. Moreover, IκBα degradation by PS-341 occurred early before induction of apoptosis and could not be inhibited by a pan-caspase inhibitor or caspase-8 silencing; however, it could be prevented with calpain inhibitors, calcium-chelating agents, calpain knockdown, or calpastatin overexpression. In agreement, PS-341 increased calpain activity. These data together indicate that PS-341 induces a calpain-mediated IκBα degradation independent of caspases. In the presence of a calpain inhibitor, the apoptosis-inducing activity of PS-341 was dramatically enhanced. Collectively, these unexpected findings suggest not only a novel paradigm regarding the relationship between proteasome inhibition and NF-κB activity but also a strategy to enhance the anticancer efficacy of PS-341.