cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of benzene on DNA strand breaks in vivo versus benzene metabolite-induced DNA strand breaks in vitro in mouse bone marrow cells

Previously, we identified p-benzoquinone (BQ) and 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BT) as toxic metabolites of benzene on the basis of their inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis. In the present study, the capability of benzene and the two metabolites to induce DNA strand breaks was investigated in either the in vivo or the in vitro system by comparing the DNA elution rate on a fine membrane filter at alkaline pH. In the in vitro system were bone marrow cells were reacted with test chemicals for 60 min, both BQ and BT induced a dose-related increase in alkali-labile DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) of bone marrow cells. However, when glutathione (350 micrograms/ml) was added to the same reaction system, the DNA damaging effect of BQ (24 microM) and BT (24 microM) was blocked by 100 and 53%, respectively. Catalase (130 units/ml) completely blocked the DNA damaging effect of BT, while no protection was afforded with BQ. Consistent with these observations, no induction of alkali-labile DNA SSBs was observed in the in vivo system by an anesthetic dose of benzene (1760 mg/kg, ip or po) at 1, 24, and 36 hr postadministration in both male and female ICR mice. These results suggest that benzene exposure would not induce direct DNA strand breaks in vivo under realistic work-related or accidental exposure conditions and also indicate that caution should be exercised in the interpretation of in vitro data for whole-body toxicity evaluation.
Real time-temperature models for Monte Carlo simulations of normal grain growth

Abstract Two different models for the simulation of normal grain growth in metals and alloys are presented. These models demonstrate the application of real time-temperature based Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to materials processing. A Grain Boundary Migration model coupled the MC simulation to a first principle grain boundary migration model. The results of this simulation were shown to correlate well with the experimental results for isothermal grain growth in zone refined tin. An Experimental Data Based model coupled the MC simulation with experimental grain growth data. The results from this simulation were shown to correlate well with the grain growth during continuous heating of a beta titanium alloy.
A role of PP1/PP2A in mesenteric lymph node T cell suppression in a two-hit rodent model of alcohol intoxication and injury

This study examined the role of protein phosphatase type-1 (PP1), type-2A (PP2A), and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in altered mesenteric lymph node (MLN) T cell function in a two-hit model of alcohol (EtOH) intoxication and burn injury. Male rats (250 g) were gavaged with EtOH to achieve a blood EtOH level of approximately 100 mg/dL prior to burn or sham injury (25% total body surface area). MLN T cells harvested 24 h after injury show a significant decrease in p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 phosphorylation in T cells from rats receiving a combined insult of EtOH intoxication and burn injury compared with rats receiving EtOH intoxication or burn injury alone. Treatment of cells with inhibitors of PP1/PP2A [calyculin A (CA) and okadaic acid (OA)] prevented the suppression in T cells p38 and ERK-1/2 activation. In addition, the suppression in interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma production was attenuated in T cells cultured in the presence of CA and OA. MKP-1 inhibitor triptolide did not prevent the suppression in T cells p38/ERK-1/2 and cytokine production. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in PP1alpha phosphorylation (Thr320) and an increase in PP2A (Tyr307) phosphorylation in T cells following a combined insult of EtOH intoxication and burn injury. As phosphorylation of PP1 at Thr320 and PP2A at Tyr307 led to an inhibition of their enzymatic activities, the decrease in the PP1alpha phosphorylation correlates with an increase in its enzyme activity. Thus, these results suggest that activation of PP1 is likely to play a predominant role in T cell suppression following a combined insult of EtOH intoxication and burn injury.
"Robo-tripping": dextromethorphan abuse and its anesthetic implications.

Case Presentation: A 30-year-old man with a history of a nasal fracture was scheduled to undergo an elective septorhinoplasty. He reported daily consumption of large quantities (1440 to 1800 mg) of dextromethorphan for six years. He was previously treated for dextromethorphan dependency on several occasions with urine dextromethorphan levels exceeding 2000 ng/mL. He described marked dissociative effects when abusing the drug, but had abstained from use for 48 hours before his elective surgery. Considering that dextromethorphan has a relatively short half-life and that the patient did not suffer major withdrawal symptoms after voluntarily discontinuing the drug, the authors proceeded with the case while recognizing that the drug has significant neuropsychiatric and sympathetic nervous system stimulant effects resulting from its actions as a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. Conclusions: Anesthesiologists need to be aware of dextromethorphan’s clinical pharmacology because recreational abuse of the drug has become increasingly common in adolescents and young adults.
Low-complexity Turbo-equalization for diversity channels

A low-complexity iterative receiver structure is proposed for a convolutionally coded system in a severe intersymbol interference environment where diversity reception is available. The receiver performs two successive soft decisions, first from a MMSE filter and then from a channel decoder. At each iteration, extrinsic information is extracted from the detection and decoding stages and is used as a priori information in the next iteration. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed iterative receiver offers significant performance gain over traditional non-iterative receiver structures. Furthermore, the low complexity of the receiver permits its use in severe multipath channels (10 or more paths).
The Nature and Validity of Inference

Peirce’s probabilistic justification of induction has much to do with his conceptions of an inference and its validity, for he conceives induction as an inference from sample to population, and contends that it is valid in the sense in which any valid inference is valid. The following passages, taken from “On the Natural Classification of Arguments,” provides a summary description of Peirce’s conceptions of an inference and its validity.
A Two-Stage Template Approach to Person Detection in Thermal Imagery

We present a two-stage template-based method to detect people in widely varying thermal imagery. The approach initially performs a fast screening procedure using a generalized template to locate potential person locations. Next an AdaBoosted ensemble classifier using automatically tuned filters is employed to test the hypothesized person locations. We demonstrate and evaluate the approach using a challenging dataset of thermal imagery
Dynamics of Political Polarization

This article accounts for two puzzling paradoxes. The first paradox is the simultaneous absence and presence of attitude polarization—the fact that global attitude polarization is relatively rare, even though pundits describe it as common. The second paradox is the simultaneous presence and absence of social polarization—the fact that while individuals experience attitude homogeneity in their interpersonal networks, their networks are characterized by attitude heterogeneity. These paradoxes give rise to numerous scholarly arguments. By developing a formal model of interpersonal influence over attitudes in a context where individuals hold simultaneous positions on multiple issues, we show why these arguments are not mutually exclusive and how they meaningfully refer to the same social setting. The results from this model provide a single parsimonious account for both paradoxes. The framework we develop may be generalized to a wider array of problems, including classic problems in collective action.
Some hidden history of occupational medicine.

Irving J. Selikoff's research and publications on asbestos-related disease constitute a landmark in recent medical history. Many investigators contributed to the asbestos story, starting at the turn of the century, and the salient features of asbestos diseases were in the literature by the 1940s. But it remained for Selikoff's work, some of it done in collaboration with the trade unions representing the affected workers--a sponsorship not common in occupational medicine--and its prompt and effective publication, to stimulate widespread public interest and the consequent lawsuits which contributed in part to the control of these diseases. Some of the people, and one of the insurance companies involved in the episodes described, made constructive contributions to occupational health in the early part of the century. A. J. Lanza, for example, conducted studies on asbestosis and silicosis and their relationship to tuberculosis among hard rock miners. In 1949, he became director of the Institute of Industrial Medicine at New York University. Louis Dublin, statistician for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, contributed substantially to the understanding of silicosis and tuberculosis and the impact of work conditions on health. These facts make the following story all the more poignant. Both asbestos and diatomaceous earth diseases 1 came to industry's attention in the late 1920s and early 1930s. In the Johns-Manville facilities in Canada and the United States, and in the Raybestos-Manhattan textile manufacturing plants and in other asbestos fabrication industries, damage claims for asbestosis had been increasing. During the same period a study in Lompoc, California, at the JohnsManville plant, the largest producer of diatomaceous earth (diatomite, or DE) uncovered an epidemic of silicosis and silico-tuberculosis (Legge and Rosencrantz, 1932). Labor complaints (L'Amiantose, 1950) as well as lawsuits combined to alert the industries to the problems. So serious were these problems that several of the companies were impelled to subsidize scientific investigations. Johns-Manville, Raybestos-Manhattan, and several other companies joined together to sponsor research on asbestos, and Johns-Manville supported studies on diatomite. In both instances, they called on the Trudeau Foundation Laboratory at Saranac Lake, New York, headed by Dr. Leroy U. Gardner.
Alluvial Geoarchaeology of a Middle Archaic Mound Complex in the Lower Mississippi Valley, U.S.A.

The Nolan site (16MA201), 14 C dated 5200‐4800 cal yr B.P. and located in the Tensas Basin of northeastern Louisiana, is the only recorded Middle Archaic mound site in the alluvial valley of the Mississippi River. Alluvial deposition has buried the Nolan site under 3‐4 m of Holocene sediment, prohibiting traditional excavation of the site. Because data are unattainable by other means, soil coring and subsequent stratigraphic and sedimentological analyses permit reconstruction of the natural and cultural depositional history of the Nolan site. The sedimentary characteristics of basal deposits within cores suggest the presence of an Arkansas River paleochannel immediately adjacent to the site. Chronostratigraphic data show this channel was no longer active by ca. 5200 cal yr B.P. Contrary to existing models, the Arkansas River Meander Belt 4 and the Mississippi River Meander Belt 4 are not the same age. Microartifact and losson-ignition analyses of sediment identify natural versus cultural strata and permit the identification of artificial constructions—including four earthen mounds and one earthen ridge—at the Nolan site. Overbank sediments attributed to a mapped Mississippi River Stage 4 meander belt are dated ca. 4800‐3800 cal yr B.P. This age is considerably younger than previous estimates and demonstrates the existing chronological models for Mississippi River meander belts must be carefully assessed. Core analyses also reveal flood-related crevasse splays deposited throughout the Tensas Basin after the occupation of the Nolan site. These deposits serve as relative chronological indicators and aid in stratigraphic assessments of the Nolan site. Reconstruction of the earthworks and their stratigraphic context reveals one of the largest and earliest Middle Archaic mound sites in North America. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical reflecting boundary conditions and treatment of edge singularities for electromagnetic diffraction in the time domain

Boundary conditions of a rectangular cylinder are investigated in the finite-difference time domain for 2-D transverse magnetic (TM) waves. The scheme used is the scheme first proposed by R.H. Ni (1982) as a finite-volume scheme but which can also be viewed as a finite-difference scheme a la Lax-Wendroff. This scheme is solved on a computational, cell-by-cell basis and contains both the electric and magnetic field components at each node, including the corners of the scatterer. Due to the presence of an H-field singularity at the corner, there must be some treatment of the components placed there. To address this problem, images are introduced inside the cylinder to satisfy the boundary conditions and obtain nonzero H-field values on the corner. The results show good agreement with theory with the image corners, in place. The use of images for treatment of the singularity, while not giving the exact solution at the corner (which is not possible), gives very good surface current values which are quite close to the theoretical, a single grid point from the corner. >
Points of View: Content versus Process: Is This a Fair Choice? Can Nonmajors Courses Lead to Biological Literacy? Do Majors Courses Do Any Better?

Note from the Editors Cell Biology Education (CBE) is pleased to present ‘‘Points of View,’’ a series designed to address issues faced by many people within the life sciences educational realm. We present several differing points of view back-to-back on a given topic to promote discussion of the topic. Readers are encouraged to participate in the online discussion forum hosted by CBE at http://www.cellbioed. org/discussion/public/main.cfm. We hope op-ed pieces on ‘‘Points of View’’ will stimulate thought and dialogue on significant educational issues. In this issue, we address the question ‘‘What should a biology student know?’’ Can biologists agree on a core set of content that all biology students should know? What about biology majors versus nonmajors? Can we create a list of facts or skills that every biology student should master? Or should our goals de-emphasize content and concentrate on ability to think, reason, analyze, and communicate? Are the details unimportant as long as students can ask good questions and figure out ways to answer their questions? We present two different ‘‘Points of View’’ that differ in their preferred educational outcomes. The ‘‘Points of View’’ we present in this issue provide two perspectives that may be familiar ones argued in your department. We invite you to share your ideas, experiences, and insights on the discussion board.
Bit-plane compression of high dynamic range SAR imagery

The paper describes a technique to compress 16 bit/pixel magnitude or 32 bit/pixel complex synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery without loss. The image is divided into its 16 or 32 individual bit-planes and each bit-plane is separately subjected to a raster scan to record the run-lengths of zeros and ones. The run-lengths are then coded using the CCITT Group 3 facsimile standard (a modified Huffman code). Performance is measured by comparing this technique to other lossless image compression techniques, such as JPEG-LS and JPEG-2000.
Group-mediated Physical Activity Promotion and Mobility in Sedentary Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Results from the IMPACT-Pilot Trial

Objective. To compare the effects of a group-mediated cognitive behavioral exercise intervention (GMCB) with traditional center-based exercise therapy (TRAD) on objectively assessed levels of physical activity (PA) and mobility in sedentary patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. The Improving Maintenance of Physical Activity in Knee Osteoarthritis Trial-Pilot (IMPACT-P) was a 12-month, 2-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled pilot study designed to compare the effects of GMCB and TRAD on 80 sedentary patients with knee OA with self-reported difficulty in daily activities [mean age 63.5 yrs, 84% women, mean body mass index (BMI) 32.7 kg/m2]. Objective assessments of PA (LIFECORDER Plus Accelerometer) and mobility (400-m walk) were obtained at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months by study personnel blinded to participants’ treatment assignment. Results. Intent to treat 2 (treatment: GMCB and TRAD) × 2 (time: 3 mos and 12 mos) analyses of covariance of controlling for baseline, age, sex, and BMI-adjusted change in the outcomes demonstrated that the GMCB intervention yielded significantly greater increases in PA (p < 0.01) and a nonsignificant yet more favorable improvement in mobility (p = 0.09) relative to TRAD. Partial correlation analyses also revealed that change in PA was significantly correlated with the 400-m walk performance at 3-month (r = −0.51, p < 0.01) and 12-month (r = −0.40, p < 0.01) followup assessments. Conclusion. Findings from the IMPACT-P trial suggest that the GMCB treatment resulted in significantly greater improvement in PA and nonsignificant yet more favorable change in mobility relative to TRAD.
Latent hierarchical structural learning for object detection

We present a latent hierarchical structural learning method for object detection. An object is represented by a mixture of hierarchical tree models where the nodes represent object parts. The nodes can move spatially to allow both local and global shape deformations. The models can be trained discriminatively using latent structural SVM learning, where the latent variables are the node positions and the mixture component. But current learning methods are slow, due to the large number of parameters and latent variables, and have been restricted to hierarchies with two layers. In this paper we describe an incremental concave-convex procedure (iCCCP) which allows us to learn both two and three layer models efficiently. We show that iCCCP leads to a simple training algorithm which avoids complex multi-stage layer-wise training, careful part selection, and achieves good performance without requiring elaborate initialization. We perform object detection using our learnt models and obtain performance comparable with state-of-the-art methods when evaluated on challenging public PASCAL datasets. We demonstrate the advantages of three layer hierarchies – outperforming Felzenszwalb et al.'s two layer models on all 20 classes.
Ten ERK-related proteins in three distinct classes associate with AP-1 proteins and/or AP-1 DNA.

Abstract We have identified seven ERK-related proteins (“ERPs”), including ERK2, that are stably associated in vivo with AP-1 dimers composed of diverse Jun and Fos family proteins. These complexes have kinase activity. We designate them as “class I ERPs.” We originally hypothesized that these ERPs associate with DNA along with AP-1 proteins. We devised a DNA affinity chromatography-based analytical assay for DNA binding, the “nucleotide affinitypreincubation specificity testrecognition” (NAPSTER) assay. In this assay, class I ERPs do not associate with AP-1 DNA. However, several new “class II” ERPs do associate with DNA. p41 and p44 are ERK1/2-related ERPs that lack kinase activity and associate along with AP-1 proteins with AP-1 DNA. Class I ERPs and their associated kinase activity thus appear to bind AP-1 dimers when they are not bound to DNA and then disengage and are replaced by class II ERPs to form higher order complexes when AP-1 dimers bind DNA. p97 is a class III ERP, related to ERK3, that associates with AP-1 DNA without AP-1 proteins. With the exception of ERK2, none of the 10 ERPs appear to be known mitogen-activated protein kinase superfamily members.
Genomewide investigation of adaptation to harmful algal blooms in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), which can be lethal in marine species and cause illness in humans, are increasing worldwide. In the Gulf of Mexico, HABs of Karenia brevis produce neurotoxic brevetoxins that cause large-scale marine mortality events. The long history of such blooms, combined with the potentially severe effects of exposure, may have produced a strong selective pressure for evolved resistance. Advances in next-generation sequencing, in particular genotyping-by-sequencing, greatly enable the genomic study of such adaptation in natural populations. We used restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to investigate brevetoxicosis resistance in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). To improve our understanding of the epidemiology and aetiology of brevetoxicosis and the potential for evolved resistance in an upper trophic level predator, we sequenced pools of genomic DNA from dolphins sampled from both coastal and estuarine populations in Florida and during multiple HAB-associated mortality events. We sequenced 129 594 RAD loci and analysed 7431 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The allele frequencies of many of these polymorphic loci differed significantly between live and dead dolphins. Some loci associated with survival showed patterns suggesting a common genetic-based mechanism of resistance to brevetoxins in bottlenose dolphins along the Gulf coast of Florida, but others suggested regionally specific mechanisms of resistance or reflected differences among HABs. We identified candidate genes that may be the evolutionary target for brevetoxin resistance by searching the dolphin genome for genes adjacent to survival-associated SNPs.
A GIS-Based Site Identification for the Seasonal Storage of Solar Heating: Promises and Pitfalls

This research presents the use of GIS to identify potential locations of the Seasonal Storage of Solar Heating (S3H) within the state of Pennsylvania. The S3H utilizes a large pit to store thermal energy collected during the warm months for later use in the cold months. To maximize its overall efficiency, S3H must be built where several locational parameters occur in unison: abandoned mine lands (AMLs), institutions, soil type, and land use. These parameters were mapped using GIS with potential locations identified through the application of neighborhood statistics. Potential locations were verified through the use of aerial photographs, hillshades, and site visitations. The verification process revealed spatial inaccuracies associated with the AML dataset. As a result, the horizontal positional accuracy of AMLs was tested according to the Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards – National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA). Results indicate larger than expected positional offset for a dataset that is crucial to funding the reclamation of AMLs.
Genetic algorithm pulse shaping for optimum femtosecond propagation in optical fibers

We demonstrate, through simulation, an optimization method based on genetic algorithms applied to propagation of ultrashort (femtosecond) pulses in single-mode optical fibers. The algorithm employs a feedback loop that acts on a pulse shaper (spectral amplitude filter) in response to a fitness function based on the output pulse. The system evolves toward an optimum filter configuration that, in contrast to unfiltered pulse propagation, when it is applied to shape the input pulse permits successful transmission of the pulse without loss of intensity or pulse width.
Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches To the Training of Intelligence in the Retarded:

The author reviews cognitive-behavioral approaches to the training of intelligence in the retarded. A proposed structure of intelligent behavior is presented that serves as the basis for classifying the intended foci of the various training programs. Then selected training programs are reviewed in terms of this classification. The training programs tend to concentrate on executive or metacomponential functions; on components of acquisition, retention, and transfer; or on components of performance in tasks requiring intelligent behavior. Consideration is also given to the roles structural and motivational variables should play in programs of training. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the present and potential success of programs for training intellectual skills in the retarded.
Survey of Tetrahedral Structures

Structures built from tetrahedral AX4 groups that share some or all of their X atoms may be classified according to the numbers of tetrahedra to which the X atoms belong. If vxis the number of X atoms of each AX4 group in a structure of composition A mXn which are common to x such groups (that is, is the coordination number of X) then Hvx — 4 and Jj {vx/ x) — The solutions of these equations for any composition A mXn may be examined systematically. The present survey is restricted to structures which can be constructed from regular tetrahedral AX4 groups, all of which share their X atoms in the same way and have no X—X separations shorter than the edge of a tetrahedron. A study is made of the types of possible structure, finite, one-, two- or three-dimensional, and the emphasis is on the topology rather than the geometry of the structures.
Enhanced Parenting Knowledge and Skills in Mothers of Preschool Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Compared 25 preschool children with sickle cell disease (SCD) to demographically matched healthy comparison children on maternal reports of child-rearing beliefs and practices and maternal and child behaviors related to social adjustment. Mothers of children with SCD possessed significantly more knowledge of appropriate discipline techniques. The groups did not differ on maternal reports of socially relevant child behavior. However, when mother-child interactions were observed in free play and structured play settings, mothers of children with SCD treated their children as competent significantly more, and treated their children as incompetent significantly less, than comparison mothers. Mothers of children with SCD also used significantly more reinforcement during the final toy pick-up condition. There were no observed differences between groups in the children's behavior.
Energy Transfer Processes in Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is the efficient conversion of chemical energy into visible light energy by biological systems. As a special case of chem-iluminescence (catalyzed by an enzyme), bioluminescence is closely related to fluorescence, differing only in the mechanism of excited state population. The relatively high efficiency of biological light production (i.e., low efficiency of heat production) is responsible for the term “cold light” frequently used to describe bioluminescence.
What Would Jesus Do? The Differential Influence of Religion on the Political Attitudes and Behaviors of Latinos and African Americans

To what extent does religous beliefs, religiosity and church affiliation help to explain the policy preferences and political behabior of Latinos and African Americans? Using the 2008 ANES oversamples of African Americams and Latinos, this paper will attempt to answer this question. Group consciousness, support for social justice issues and level of civic and electoral participation are the dependent variables.
Full information acquisition in piezoresponse force microscopy

The information flow from the tip-surface junction to the detector electronics during the piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) imaging is explored using the recently developed general mode (G-mode) detection. Information-theory analysis suggests that G-mode PFM in the non-switching regime, close to the first resonance mode, contains a relatively small (100–150) number of components containing significant information. The first two primary components are similar to classical PFM images, suggesting that classical lock-in detection schemes provide high veracity information in this case. At the same time, a number of transient components exhibit contrast associated with surface topography, suggesting pathway to separate the two. The number of significant components increases considerably in the non-linear and switching regimes and approaching cantilever resonances, precluding the use of classical lock-in detection and necessitating the use of band excitation or G-mode detection schemes. The future prospects o...
Different Subtypes of GABAB Receptors Are Present at Pre- and Postsynaptic Sites Within the Rat Dorsolateral Septal Nucleus

GABAB receptor activation modulates neuronal activity mediated by multiple CNS transmitters and can occur at pre- and postsynaptic sites. In low concentrations, baclofen acts presynaptically to diminish transmitter release via both hetero- and autoreceptors, whereas at increasing concentrations, the same compound alters postsynaptic membrane excitability by inducing a membrane hyperpolarization. We have utilized electrophysiological techniques in vitro to focus on the possibility that pharmacologically different subtypes of GABAB receptors are present on presynaptic sites of glutamatergic terminals when compared with GABAB receptors on postsynaptic sites within the dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN). The glutamatergic terminal within the DLSN originates from a pyramidal cell body located within the hippocampus and most likely terminates on a GABAergic neuron from which recordings were made. Whole cell patch voltage-clamp methods were employed to record pharmacologically isolated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) from DLSN neurons as an index of glutamatergic transmission. Using a modified internal pipette solution containing QX-314 and in which CsGluconate and GDPbetaS replaced Kgluconate and GTP, respectively, we recorded isolated monosynaptic EPSCs. The GABAA receptor antagonists bicuculline and picrotoxin were included in the external standard superfusion solution. Application of the GABAB receptor agonists, (+/-)-baclofen, CGP44533, and CGP35024 (10 nM to 10 microM) depressed glutamate-mediated EPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. With the use of this combination of solutions, CGP44533 did not produce postsynaptic membrane property changes. Under these conditions, both (+/-)-baclofen and CGP35024 still induced increases of postsynaptic membrane conductance associated with an outward current. The GABAB receptor antagonist CGP55845A (1 microM) blocked the presynaptic CGP44533-mediated depressant effects of EPSCs, whereas CGP35348 (100 microM) or barium (2 mM) was ineffective. Furthermore, both CGP35348 (100 microM) and CGP55845A (1 microM) were effective in blocking the postsynaptic conductance changes associated with baclofen and CGP35024, whereas barium was ineffective. Our results demonstrate a distinct pharmacology for GABAB agonists acting at putative subtypes of GABAB receptors located on presynaptic sites of a glutamatergic terminal versus GABAB receptors on postsynaptic sites of a DLSN neuron. Furthermore, our results also suggest a different pharmacology and/or coupling of a GABAB receptor to different effectors at postsynaptic sites within the DLSN. Thus there may be three or more pharmacologically distinct GABAB receptors or receptor complexes associated with DLSN neurons: at least one pre- and two postsynaptic. If this distinct pharmacology and GABAB receptor distribution also extends to other CNS structures, such differences could provide development of selective drugs to act at these multiple sites.
Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors Deposited on AlN Thin Films

Over the past few decades, there has been considerable research and advancement in surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology. At present, SAW devices have been highly successful as frequency band pass filters for the mobile telecommunications and electronics industries. In addition to their inherent frequency selectivity, SAW devices are also highly sensitive to surface perturbations. This sensitivity, along with a relative ease of manufacture, makes SAW devices ideally suited for many sensing applications including mass, pressure, temperature, and biosensors. In the area of biosensing, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and quartz crystal microbalances (QCM) are still in the forefront of research and development, but advancement in SAW sensors could prove to have significant advantages over these technologies. This study investigates the advantages of using aluminum nitride (AlN) as a material for SAW sensors. AlN retains its piezoelectric properties at relatively high temperatures when compared to more common piezoelectric materials such as lead zirconium titanate (PZT), lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) and zinc oxide (ZnO). AlN is also a very robust material making it suitable for biosensing applications where the sensing target is selectively absorbed by an active layer on the device which may attack the piezoelectric layer. AlN thin films of different thicknesses have been deposited on Si substrates by DC reactive sputtering. Rayleigh-wave SAW devices have been fabricated by the deposition of platinum contacts and interdigital transducers (IDTs) onto AlN thin films using standard photolithographic processes. Experiments have been conducted to measure Rayleigh velocities, resonant frequencies, and insertion loss. Experimental results are compared to theoretical calculations.
DYNAMIC ASPECTS OF BASIDIOSPORE NUMBER IN AGARICUS

The average number of basidiospores produced upon the basidium of the nominally tetrasporic Agaricus subrufescens can vary considerably. In the laboratory a decline in average spore number can be induced by refrigerating the sporocarps for several hours. Spore number also fluctuates in naturally occurring material, in a manner which correlates with diunal temperature fluctuations. Observations on several other species of Agaricus suggest that this phenomenon is widespread in the genus. These findings raise questions about the life cycle of these organisms, and suggest an explanation for the origin of bisporic, secondarily homothallic species such as A. bisporus.
Theoretical limits of thermoelectric figure of merit in n -type TiO 2 polymorphs

We calculate the conduction-band structures and $n$-type thermoelectric transport properties for the ${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}$ polymorphs rutile, anatase, and brookite from first principles within the constant-relaxation-time approximation. Although the Seebeck coefficient is nearly isotropic in all polymorphs, the power factor is anisotropic and takes its largest values along [100] in rutile and anatase and along [010] in brookite. We also identify the free-carrier concentrations and temperatures that maximize the power factor. Our results for the theoretical upper bounds of the figure of merit at high temperature show that optimized rutile exhibits thermoelectric conversion efficiency that is superior to anatase and brookite and can reach values desirable for waste-heat recovery applications.
Visualizable Objects and Spaces

According to Chapter 4, interface structures reflect the knowledge representation patterns both of the human mind and of computer-based implementation. But how can they actually be utilized for HCI design in ways that can prove synergistic, effective, and efficient? The answer is contingent on having the designer and evaluator take deliberate advantage of what the user is able to conceptualize and visualize in the interface. In Section 10.2, several prerequisite definitions are presented. These are then employed, in Section 10.3, to describe an object-oriented, layered framework for visualization and, in Section 10.4, to characterize a multispace model encompassing whatever objects a user may visualize in HCI. Each of the spaces is defined.
Capacitor bank protection via constraint WLS dynamic state estimation method (CWLS-DSE)

A dynamic state estimation (DSE) based protection algorithm using weighted least square (WLS) method was introduced recently. In this paper, the DSE-based protection algorithm using constraint weighted least squares (CWLS) method is applied to capacitor bank protection. This approach monitors the health status of the capacitor bank by fitting real time measurements to the capacitor bank dynamic model via dynamic state estimation. Virtual measurements are added to the measurements set by considering the physical laws that must be obeyed by the capacitor bank (i.e. KVL, KCL). Virtual measurements can be handled as measurements with high accuracy or as constraints to the dynamic state estimation. The CWLS method treats the virtual measurements as constraints while the WLS method treats them as highly accuracy measurements. Comparison of capacitor bank protection results using unconstraint WLS and CWLS is provided. It is shown that the proposed method can detect internal faults and issue the trip signal correctly The use of CWLS provides a more sensitive protection for capacitor banks.
Demand for\Healthy"Products: False claims in advertising

Firms often make selective or deceptive claims in their advertising. Such claims can have negative consequences for consumers especially if consumers are not fully informed and the claims are hard to verify. This paper aims to measure the impact of such false claims on consumer demand and understand which type of consumer is most impacted by these claims. Using a panel dataset of consumer purchases and rm advertising at the ad-campaign-title level, we exploit the fact that four popular products settled charges raised by the Federal Trade Commission, leading to an exogenous discontinuation of the false advertising campaigns, to measure this impact. We further document rm responses in terms of price and advertisement changes around the date
Students' Design Project Series: Sharing Experiences [SP Education]

The fast pace of technology refresh offers new opportunities in engineering training and education. Undergraduate engineering programs are seeking the right balance between theory and practice, as students are increasingly expected to have more knowledge of cutting-edge technologies along with the fundamental understanding of engineering concepts and modeling tools. Instructors constantly look for opportunities to enrich the learning experience through demonstrations and hands-on experience to address a growing demand from the industry for engineers with “know‐how” skills. This can be accomplished through traditional channels such as instructional laboratories, independent study, and research activities or, alternatively, through student design project programs. In the United States, many universities and colleges have programs for senior design projects in place, also referred to as capstone projects. These engineering projects are an assimilation of knowledge and capabilities built over the first three years in undergraduate studies and, in many cases, are deeply reliant on signal and information processing expertise.
Actin dynamics and competition for myosin monomer govern the sequential amplification of myosin filaments

The cellular mechanisms governing non-muscle myosin II (NM2) filament assembly are largely unknown. Using EGFP-NM2A knock-in fibroblasts and multiple super-resolution imaging modalities, we characterized and quantified the sequential amplification of NM2 filaments within lamellae, wherein filaments emanating from single nucleation events continuously partition, forming filament clusters that populate large-scale actomyosin structures deeper in the cell. Individual partitioning events coincide spatially and temporally with the movements of diverging actin fibres, suppression of which inhibits partitioning. These and other data indicate that NM2A filaments are partitioned by the dynamic movements of actin fibres to which they are bound. Finally, we showed that partition frequency and filament growth rate in the lamella depend on MLCK, and that MLCK is competing with centrally active ROCK for a limiting pool of monomer with which to drive lamellar filament assembly. Together, our results provide new insights into the mechanism and spatio-temporal regulation of NM2 filament assembly in cells.
The Impact of Single Mothers’ Health Insurance Coverage on Behavioral Health Services Utilization by Their Adolescent Children

Adolescents living in single-mother households are more likely to have behavioral health conditions, but are less likely to utilize any behavioral health services. Using nationally representative mother-child pair data pooled over 6 years from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the study finds that when single mothers were uninsured, their adolescent children were less likely to utilize any behavioral health services, even when the children themselves were covered by insurance. The extension of health coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to uninsured single mothers could improve the behavioral health of the adolescent population.
Statutory Design as Policy Analysis

Statutes dominate our legal system, but we have no theory about the best way to design them. The process that the U.S. Congress follows is haphazard and obscure. Any Member can introduce a bill. There are no requirements about who can draft the bill or how the basic decisions that it embodies should be made. The one requirement is that the bill must be written in statutory language, in a form that appears ready for enactment. This means that all the basic decisions about the bill’s design have been reached by the time the bill is introduced, and before it is subjected to any scrutiny by elected representatives or the general public. Any changes that the Members of Congress want to make, if the bill goes forward, must be done through the revision process and on an incremental basis. This Article suggests a more systematic way to design legislation. Based on modern policy analysis, it proposes that the legislative process begin with a statement of a problem to be solved. Congressional committees would begin by analyzing the problem and generating a range of potential solutions. Drafts of proposed statutory language would only be considered at that point. A process of this sort is more likely to generate legislation that serves its basic purpose, which is to produce the results that the Members who vote on it desire. Either Chamber of Congress, or any individual chamber of a state legislature, could implement this approach without the approval of any other body, and without any significant change in its other practices or basic structure. The proposal, moreover, is non-partisan, since members of either Party will want to achieve their own purposes more effectively and reliably.
Relationships between family structure, adolescent health status and substance use: Does ethnicity matter?

We examined the variations of adolescent health status and risk involvement– prevalence of mental health disabilities, chronic health conditions, substance use, and exposure to tobacco–between 6 family structures in a school-based sample of Latino, Somali, Hmong, and White students and whether ethnicity moderated these associations. Data were collected from the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, comprising a sample of 29,345 from 8th, 9th, and 11th grades. Logistic regression investigated relationships between family structure and health variables. Adolescents in nuclear families reported better health outcomes in most models; odds of mental disabilities were 1.64 for single parent and 2.45 for other family structures. Significant effect modification was noted for all health outcomes; extended families were consistently protective for Hmong youth and offered some protection for Latino and Somali youth. Policies and programs that support parents and guardians are essential, and may be especially beneficial for ethnic minority youth in single-parent, grandparent-only, and other family structures.
Dance Trends: How to Guide Successful Dance Writing Projects

Dance educators agree that being able to write about dance is an important skill for the well-rounded dance student at many levels. Writing is thinking, and the ability to reflect more deeply about...
Raman spectroscopic discrimination of estrogens

Estrogens are a group of steroid compounds found in the human body that are eventually discharged and ultimately end up in sewer effluents. Since these compounds can potentially affect the endocrine system its detection and quantification in sewer water is important. In this study, estrogens such as estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and ethynylestradiol (EE2) were discriminated and quantitated using Raman spectroscopy. Simulated Raman spectra were correlated with experimental data to identify unique marker peaks, which proved to be useful in differentiating each estrogen molecules. Among these marker peaks are Raman modes arising from hydroxyl groups of the estrogen molecules in the spectral region 3200-3700 cm-1. Other Raman modes unique to each of the estrogen samples were also identified, including peaks at 1722 cm-1 for E1 and 2109 cm-1 for EE2, which corresponds to their distinctive structures each containing a different set of functional groups. To quantify the components of estrogen mixtures, the intensities of each identifying Raman bands, at 581 cm-1 for E1, 546 cm-1 for E2, 762 cm-1 for E3 and 597 cm-1 for EE2, were compared and normalized against the intensity of a common peak at 783 cm-1. Quantitative analysis yielded most results within an acceptable 20% error.
Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy Egg Injection Methods

2805 Objectives A gastric emptying study often is performed when there is a suspicion that there is an abnormally delayed emptying of food from the stomach, medically called delayed gastric emptying. Gastric emptying scintigraphy lacks standardized egg preparation protocol within the clinical setting. Egg preparation varies from injecting raw whole eggs with 99mTc Sulfur colloid prior to microwave cooking or administering of 99mTc Sulfur colloid into the microwaved cooked eggs. The purpose of this study was to determine if the cooking preparations of the egg, e.g., injecting the whole egg with 99mTc Sulfur colloid prior to or post cooking would have an effect on the labeling efficiency. The literature had very little information on the effect on labeling efficiency when administering the radiolabel post cooking. Methods Whole eggs were mixed with 99mTc sulfur colloid prior to and post microwave cooking. The pre and post microwaved injected eggs were then tested for breakdown after 2 and 4 hours of incubation in simulated gastric fluid and HCL pH 1.5. Results Whole eggs that were injected with 99mTc Sulfur colloid prior to microwave cooking containing simulated gastric fluid resulted in a greater breakdown as well as greater 99mTc sulfur colloid percent labeling efficiency at both 2 and 4 hour samples. Conclusions 99mTc sulfur colloid binds better when injected to the egg prior to microwave cooking. These results emphasize the need to administer 99mTc sulfur colloid into the egg prior to cooking to obtain the maximum labeling efficiency.
Exploring Experienced Teachers' Constructions of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in an Online Class

This article examines online discussions during a teacher education class for experienced teachers seeking licensure in teaching English learners. It seeks to understand experienced teachers’ constructions of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students. Using discourse analysis to emphasize talk as situated and action-oriented, the article indicates how belief claims expressed during experienced teachers’ online discussions construct specific versions of what it means to be a CLD student. Findings further suggest that participants managed their authority to speak about students’ needs in patterned ways. These findings have implications for teaching and learning, particularly for the preparation of experienced teachers.
Plus size Black and Latino women: the implications of body shape and size for apparel design

Abstract: While a particular representation of plus size has been accepted as ‘fashionable’, the same representation has rendered many Black women and Latinas invisible within the fashion industry. This chapter will explore the links between fashion designing, aesthetics, and silhouettes within Black and Latina groups to offer ways in which to view, value, and (re)consider plus size Black female and Latina bodies.