cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupled Sub-aperture and Spatiotemporal Singular Value Decomposition Processing for Cardiac Photoacoustic Imaging In Vivo

In vivo cardiac photoacoustic imaging (PAI) done with delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming is susceptible to lower image quality due to sidelobes, along with quasistatic and incoherent clutter. These artifacts impose constraints in the localization of the myocardial wall based on these images. Here, we report on combining photoacoustic sub-aperture processing (PSAP) and spatiotemporal singular value decomposition (STSVD) to address these issues. Sub-aperture beamformed images filtered using STSVD were utilized to derive a weighting matrix to reduce DAS clutter. The proposed method is termed as coupled PSAP and STSVD (PSAP+STSVD). PSAP+STSVD was compared against DAS, PSAP and STSVD using single wavelength PAI data collected from four healthy mice. Quantitative comparison was done using contrast ratio (CR) and generalized contrast to noise ratio (gCNR). PSAP+STSVD provided the highest CR (e.g. at diastolic phase, mean CR values for DAS, STSVD, PSAP and PSAP+STSVD were 8.78, 14.58, 18.04 and 25.88 dB) while STSVD had the highest gCNR (e.g. at diastolic phase, mean gCNR values for DAS, STSVD, PSAP and PSAP+STSVD were 0.53, 0.75, 0.56 and 0.71).
Isolation and Characterization of Proinsulin C-Peptide from Bovine Pancreas

Abstract Although the enzymes that catalyze the transformation of proinsulin to insulin have not yet been identified, studies of intermediate forms of proinsulin isolated from bovine pancreas indicate the existence of a mechanism in which the interchain connecting peptide is cleaved with elimination of a pair of basic residues from each end to yield insulin and the intact remainder of the connecting peptide segment. This acidic peptide, designated the C-peptide, has been isolated from fresh bovine pancreas and purified by means of a procedure involving acid-ethanol extraction, gel filtration, carboxymethylcellulose chromatography, paper electrophoresis, and partition chromatography. The peptide was found to occur on an equimolar basis with insulin, as expected from the stoichiometry of the cleavage process. The yield of both peptides was approximately 10 µmoles per kg of pancreas. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of the peptide and its chymotryptic fragments demonstrated its structural identity with the authentic proinsulin C-peptide prepared by tryptic digestion of the bovine proinsulin intermediate fraction. These findings are in accord with the hypothesis that the cleavage of proinsulin occurs within newly formed secretory granules and the products are retained therein until they are discharged together by means of fusion of the granule membrane with the cell membrane in the process of emiocytosis.
Learning Rules from Very Large Databases Using Rough Multisets

This paper presents a mechanism called LERS-M for learning production rules from very large databases. It can be implemented using object-relational database systems, it can be used for distributed data mining, and it has a structure that matches well with parallel processing. LERS-M is based on rough multisets and it is formulated using relational operations with the objective to be tightly coupled with database systems. The underlying representation used by LERS-M is multiset decision tables, which are derived from information multisystems. In addition, it is shown that multiset decision tables provide a simple way to compute Dempster-Shafer’s basic probability assignment functions from. data sets.
Partial generation of periodontal ligament on endosseous dental implants in dogs.

Objectives: The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of periodontal ligament (PDL) generation on an implant surface by approximating a tooth-to-implant contact using orthodontics. Methods: Maxillary second premolars of six beagle dogs were extracted bilaterally. After 2 weeks of healing, hydroxyapatite (HA) coated titanium implants, 5 mm in length and 3.3 mm in diameter, were placed in the extraction sites. One side of the arch was used as control. Orthodontic tooth movement was initiated following implant placement to tip the first premolar roots into contact with the implant. This was achieved in 4–6 weeks as confirmed radiographically. Tooth-to-implant contact was maintained for further 6 weeks after which time, teeth were separated from implant contact orthodontically. After further 2 weeks of stabilization, the animals were sacrificed. Samples were analyzed by Faxitron radiographs before histology. Histology samples were prepared with Stevenel's Blue and Van Gieson stain and were subjected to polarized light microscopy. Results: Histologic analysis revealed transfer and formation of PDL-like structure with formation of cellular cementum on the implant surfaces, in four out of six animals, where tooth-to-implant contact had been achieved. Direct bone-to-implant contact was noted in the areas coronal to the PDL-like tissue, an important sign to distinguish between PDL-like tissue and connective tissue that could originate from the coronal portion of a failing implant. Additionally, at the site of contact, the implant surface revealed some resorption of the HA coating. Conclusion: An animal model was established in which the proximity of tooth-to-implant contact lead to partial generation of PDL on a bioactive implant surface in four out of six animals.
The Sulfated Mucopolysaccharides from Human Umbilical Cord

Abstract Umbilical cord was shown to contain chondroitin sulfate B and a small amount of glucosamine-containing sulfated mucopolysaccharide, in addition to hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate C. All of the hyaluronic acid and part of the chondroitin sulfate C could be extracted directly with dilute sodium chloride; the rest of the chondroitin sulfate C and the chondroitin sulfate B were released only after digestion with proteolytic enzymes.
Atomistic simulations of dislocations and defects

This paper reviews selected recent research on the atomistic simulation of dislocation and defect properties of materials relevant to the multiscale modeling of plasticity and strength, with special emphasis on bcc metals and including work at extreme conditions. Current topics discussed include elasticity and ideal strength, dislocation structure and mobility, grain boundaries, point defects, and rapid resolidification, as well as noteworthy examples of research that directly impacts the issue of linking of length and/or time scales, as required in multiscale materials modeling. The work reviewed has been inspired by the recent international Workshop on Multiscale Modeling of Materials Strength and Failure held in October 2001 at Bodega Bay, California.
Algorithms to Speed Up Computations in Threshold RSA

A t out of l threshold scheme is such that shares are distributed to l participants so that any set of t participants can compute the secret, whereas any set of less than t participants gain no information about the secret. In [9], Desmedt and Frankel described a threshold scheme which can be used with any finite abelian group. Hence it can be used to provide a threshold RSA scheme. In their scheme, a share size is O (l ) Open image in new window “size of secret”. Each shareholder performs \(O (t^ 3l^ 2(\log_2l ) ^2 )\) elementary operations and O (lt log2 l ) group operations. Here, we describe an algorithm which will reduce the amount of elementary operations, so that each shareholder performs \(O (t^ 2l \log_2l )\) elementary operations and O (t log2 l ) group operations.
The Amazon Reveals Its Secrets--Partly

The role of the tropics in global climate change during glacial cycles is hotly debated in paleoclimate cycles today. Records from South America have not provided a clear picture of tropical climate change. In his Perspective, [Betancourt][1] highlights the study by [Maslin and Burns][2], who have deduced the outflow of the Amazon over the past 14,000 years. This may serve as a proxy that integrates hydrology over the entire South American tropics, although the record must be interpreted cautiously because factors other than rainfall may contribute to the variability in outflow. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/290/5500/2274 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/290/5500/2285
An Improved Interpretation of Recoil Compressive Failure Data for High-Performance Polymers

This paper describes an improved methodology for the accurate interpretation of recoil compressive failure data. This new procedure uses a wider portion of the data set in its interpretation than does the method of Allen and is far simpler and less data intensive than the Weibull model proposed by Hayes. Computer simulations using various statistical distributions for the intrinsic recoil compressive strength of a batch of filaments show that this method quickly and accurately converges to an accurate approximation of the mean for the sample set.
Student Participation Patterns in Online Discussion: Incorporating Constructivist Discussion into Online Courses

the purpose of this article was to explore student participation patterns in online discussion boards related to their characteristics and question types. the characteristics of students enrolled in an online course and the impact of types of discussion questions on student posts were examined. during the 16 weeks of a course, the participation patterns of 14 students and their 469 posts were analyzed to examine levels of collaboration. Findings suggested that posts stating individual perspectives were dominant regardless of the type of discussion question asked. Higher-order thinking questions yielded more collaborative patterns among students than questions asking the knowledge at the literal level.
Mechanisms of Hypotonicity-Induced Calcium Signaling and Integrin Activation by Arachidonic Acid-Derived Inflammatory Mediators in B Cells

We previously characterized the initial steps in the activation of novel (calcium-permeant) nonselective cation channels (NSCCs) and calcium release-activated calcium channels in primary murine B lymphocytes. Phospholipase C products, namely diacylglycerol and d-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, were identified as proximal intracellular agonists of these respective channels following mechanical stimulation of B cells. However, neither the distal steps in NSCC activation nor the contribution of these channels to sustained mechanical signaling were defined in these previous studies. In this study, single cell measurements of intracellular Ca(2+) were used to define the mechanisms of NSCC activation and demonstrate a requirement for arachidonic acid liberated from diacylglycerol. Several arachidonic acid-derived derivatives were identified that trigger Ca(2+) entry into B cells, including the lipoxygenase product 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetranenoic acid and the cytochrome P450 hydroxylase product 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic; however, the cytochrome P450 epoxygenase product 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid is primarily responsible for hypotonicity-induced responses. In addition to regulating calcium entry, our data suggest that eicosanoid-activated NSCCs have a separate and direct role in regulating the avidity of integrins on B cells for extracellular matrix proteins, including ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Thus, in addition to defining a novel osmotically activated signal transduction pathway in B cells, our results have broad implications for understanding how inflammatory mediators dynamically and rapidly regulate B cell adhesion and trafficking.
A Nonlinear Thermomechanical Model of Spinel Ceramics Applied to Aluminum Oxynitride (AlON)

A continuum model is developed for describing deformation and failure mechanisms in crystalline solids (ceramics and minerals) with the cubic spinel structure. The constitutive model describes the response under conditions pertinent to impact loading: high pressures, high strain rates, and, possibly, high temperatures. Nonlinear elasticity, anisotropy, thermoelastic coupling, dislocation glide, twinning, shear-induced fracture, and pressure-induced pore collapse are addressed. The model is applied to enable an improved understanding of transparent ceramic aluminum oxynitride (AlON). Calculations demonstrate an accurate depiction of hydrostatic and shear stresses observed experimentally in shock-loaded polycrystalline AlON. Various choices of initial resistances to slip, twinning, or shear fracture that result in similar predictions for average stresses in polycrystals but different predictions for defect densities (accumulated dislocations and twin volume fractions) are investigated. Predictions for single crystals provide insight into grain orientation effects not available from previous experimental investigations.
Sorption and transport properties of MY720/DDS epoxy reacted with blocking reagents

Thin films of the epoxy formed by the reaction of tetraglycidyl 4,4'-diamino-diphenylmethane and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (73:27 w/w) were reacted with acrylonitrile (ACN) and isocyanates as blocking reagents for hydroxyl, amine, and epoxy groups. The water uptake at 30, 45, 55, and 70°C of the epoxy resin was monitored gravimetrically. At each temperature the epoxy exhibited case I or Fickian behavior. The diffusion coefficient D increased from 30 to 55°C, but decreased at 70°C because of the reaction of water with residual oxirane groups. Diffusion of ACN is accompanied by both reaction and polymerization, so equilibrium could not be reached. Sorption of the isocyanates essentially follows case I or Fickian behavior. Equilibrium moisture absorptions showed a correspondence between the reduction of moisture absorption and the number of blocked functional groups, irrespective of the nature of the blocking groups. Moisture absorption reductions as high as 68% were obtained. Moisture diffusion of the films after blocking with the various reactants exhibits case I or Fickian behavior. At 30°C, D values are significantly higher for reacted films. At 70°C, the value of D is unchanged as compared with the 30°C value for films reacted with ACN, but D values are significantly lower for films reacted with isocyanate blocking reagents as compared with the epoxy resin.
Performance of Fundamental-Mode UHF Oscillators Using Bulk-Acoustic-Wave Resonators

Fundamental-mode Pierce Oscillators in the 250 to 710 MHz range have been realized utilizing thin-film bulk-acousticrave (BAW) resonators. Initial oscillators have demonstrated a phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz (1 KHz offset) and power levels of +6 dBm. A linearlnodel design approach was used. The circuit topology used and resonator fabrication technique shows great promise for the creation of "IC circuits in the 200 MHz to 2 GHz range.
Apparent organobromine compounds in higher plants by neutron-activation analysis.

In a broad search (1) for organochlorine compounds in plant parts never exposed to pesticides an occasional occurrence in plants of apparent organobromine compounds was demonstratable by neutron-activation analysis (2). Finely ground plant parts were dehydrated with chloride- and bromide-free isopropyl alcohol then coextracted with chloride- and bromide-free n-hexane; the hexane extract was washed free of isopropyl alcohol and of inorganic halides with chloride- and bromide-free distilled water, concentrated about 50-to-l, then thermal-neutron activated and scanned, after a suitable decay interval, for 37-minute Cl 38 and for both 18-minute Br80 and 36-hour Br82 by gamma-ray spectrometry (2). In Table I are presented typical results from plants and some of their parts grown on virgin land never exposed to a pesticide. Some of these data represent crops and harvests over several years (1).
A DC-to-1 GHz Tunable RF $\Delta \Sigma$ ADC Achieving DR $ =$ 74 dB and BW $ =$ 150 MHz at $f_{0} =$ 450 MHz Using 550 mW

A sixth-order dc-to-1 GHz tunable continuous-time lowpass/bandpass ΔΣ ADC in 65-nm CMOS targeting RF and IF digitizing applications is presented. The ADC achieves 150-MHz bandwidth at 450-MHz center frequency with 74-dB dynamic range at 4-GHz sampling frequency while consuming 550 mW. This performance is enabled by a reconfigurable LC and active-RC modulator structure, fifth-order and seventh-order feedforward operational amplifiers, a self-cut-off comparator, and a dual-supply DAC.
Recovery of phenanthrene-degrading bacteria after simulated in situ persulfate oxidation in contaminated soil.

A continuous-flow column study was conducted to investigate the long-term effects of persulfate oxidation on the abundance and activity of the indigenous microbial community and phenanthrene-degrading bacteria in contaminated soil from a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site. Approximately six pore volumes of a 20 g/L persulfate solution were introduced into the column, followed by simulated groundwater for 500 days. Soil samples were collected from the surface of the soil bed and along the column length immediately before and after persulfate injection and up to 500 days following injection. Exposure to persulfate led to a 2- to 3-log reduction in total bacterial 16S rRNA genes, severe inhibition of 14C-acetate mineralization (as a measure of general microbial activity), and a decrease in community diversity. However, relatively rapid recovery of both bacterial gene abundance and activity was observed within 30 days after persulfate exposure. Mineralization of 14C-phenanthrene was also inhibited but d...
Involvement of a flavosemiquinone in the enzymatic oxidation of nitroalkanes catalyzed by 2-nitropropane dioxygenase.

2-Nitropropane dioxygenase (EC 1.13.11.32) catalyzes the oxidation of nitroalkanes into their corresponding carbonyl compounds and nitrite. In this study, the ncd-2 gene encoding for the enzyme in Neurospora crassa was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, and the resulting enzyme was purified. Size exclusion chromatography, heat denaturation, and mass spectroscopic analyses showed that 2-nitropropane dioxygenase is a homodimer of 80 kDa, containing a mole of non-covalently bound FMN per mole of subunit, and is devoid of iron. With neutral nitroalkanes and anionic nitronates other than propyl-1- and propyl-2-nitronate, for which a non-enzymatic free radical reaction involving superoxide was established using superoxide dismutase, substrate oxidation occurs within the enzyme active site. The enzyme was more specific for nitronates than nitroalkanes, as suggested by the second order rate constant kcat/Km determined with 2-nitropropane and primary nitroalkanes with alkyl chain lengths between 2 and 6 carbons. The steady state kinetic mechanism with 2-nitropropane, nitroethane, nitrobutane, and nitrohexane, in either the neutral or anionic form, was determined to be sequential, consistent with oxygen reacting with a reduced form of enzyme before release of the carbonyl product. Enzyme-monitored turnover with ethyl nitronate as substrate indicated that the catalytically relevant reduced form of enzyme is an anionic flavin semiquinone, whose formation requires the substrate, but not molecular oxygen, as suggested by anaerobic substrate reduction with nitroethane or ethyl nitronate. Substrate deuterium kinetic isotope effects with 1,2-[2H4]nitroethane and 1,1,2-[2H3 ethyl nitronate at pH 8 yielded normal and inverse effects on the kcat/Km value, respectively, and were negligible on the kcat value. The kcat/Km and kcat pH profiles with anionic nitronates showed the requirement of an acid, whereas those for neutral nitroalkanes were consistent with the involvement of both an acid and a base in catalysis. The kinetic data reported herein are consistent with an oxidasestyle catalytic mechanism for 2-nitropropane dioxygenase, in which the flavin-mediated oxidation of the anionic nitronates or neutral nitroalkanes and the subsequent oxidation of the enzyme-bound flavin occur in two independent steps.
When the Bedroom Is the Crime Scene: To What Extent Does Johnson's Typology Account for Intimate Partner Sexual Assault?

Johnson's (2008) typology of domestic violence was conceptualized to explain the control context and presence of violence in intimate relationships. However, issues surrounding sexual assault in the context of intimate partner violence remain insufficiently addressed. The current study situates sexual assault within Johnson's (2008) typology because prior research has largely ignored it. Doing so is necessary to determine the utility of Johnson's categorizations. Using qualitative data from 134 intimate partner sexual assaults reported to Los Angeles law enforcement in 2008, the present study examines the control context and co-occurrence of physical and sexual assault, as well as the presence of non-physical coercive techniques, such as threats. Theoretical implications regarding the problems surrounding conceptualizing sexual assault vis-a-vis Johnson's categorizations are discussed.
Water-based interventions for schistosomiasis control

Mass drug administration with praziquantel is the mainstay of programs for the control of schistosomiasis morbidity. However, there is a growing recognition that treatment alone will not be sufficient for eventually effecting elimination and that additional measures will be required to interrupt transmission. In the absence of a safe and an effective vaccine for human schistosomiasis, the strategies to reduce infection levels will necessarily involve some interventions that affect the water-related stages of the schistosome life cycle: by reducing exposure to infectious water, by moderating availability of the intermediate snail host, or by decreasing contamination of water with egg-containing excreta. While much research on the importance of water on schistosomiasis has been performed, advances in these areas have perhaps languished with the ready availability of a cost-effective treatment. As some endemic areas near a shift to an elimination goal, a better understanding of water-based interventions that can be used alone or in concert with treatment will be needed. Reinvigoration of laboratory, field, and human behavioral aspects of this research now will ensure that the appropriate strategies are available by the time their implementation becomes necessary.
Local delivery of oncogel delays paresis in rat metastatic spinal tumor model.

Object. Spinal column metastatic disease clinically affects thousands of cancer patients every year. Local chemotherapy represents a new option in the treatment of metastatic disease of the spine. Despite the clinical impact of metastatic spine disease, the literature currently lacks an accurate animal model for the effective dosing of local chemotherapeutic agents within the vertebral column. Methods. Female Fischer 344 rats, weighing 150 to 200 g each, were used in this study. After induction of anesthesia, a transabdominal approach to the ventral vertebral body of L-6 was performed. A small hole was drilled and 5 μL of ReGel (blank polymer), OncoGel (paclitaxel and ReGel) 1.5%, OncoGel 3.0%, or OncoGel 6.0% were immediately injected to determine drug toxicity. Based on these results, efficacy studies were performed by intratumoral injection of 5 μL of ReGel, OncoGel 3.0%, and OncoGel 6.0% on Day 6 in a CRL-1666 breast adenocarcinoma metastatic spine tumor model. Hind limb function was tested pre- and p...
Usefulness of left ventricular diastolic function to predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function.

It is unknown whether recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is related to severity of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) before ablation in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We tested the hypothesis that the presence and/or severity of LVDD before catheter ablation are related to AF recurrence during the 12-month follow-up period in patients with normal LVEF. We also aimed to determine what echocardiographic and Doppler indexes of LVDD before ablation are associated with recurrence of AF after ablation. We identified 198 patients with normal LVEF who underwent catheter ablation for AF with evidence of normal sinus rhythm within 1 year before ablation. The recurrence rate during 12-month follow-up period was assessed. Of the 198 patients, 76 patients (38%) had symptomatic recurrence and 122 patients (62%) had no recurrence. None of the independent variables, including mitral valve Doppler E and A peak velocities, E/A ratio, tissue Doppler e′ and a′ peak velocities, left atrial volume index, isovolumic relaxation time, and deceleration time, predicted recurrence. Patients with average E/e′ ratio >13, however, had increased recurrence (67% vs 35%, odds ratio 3.70, 95% confidence interval 1.21 to 11.3, p 13 did have an increased recurrence rate of AF at 12 months after procedure. Therefore, E/e′ ratio, indicative of increased left atrial pressure, may serve as a marker for AF recurrence after ablation.
RELIC – A bioinformatics server for combinatorial peptide analysis and identification of protein‐ligand interaction sites

Phage display technology provides a versatile tool for exploring the interactions between proteins, peptides and small molecule ligands. Quantitative analysis of peptide population sequence diversity and bias patterns has the power to significantly enhance the impact of these methods [1, 2]. We have developed a suite of computational tools for the analysis of peptide populations and made them accessible by integrating fifteen software programs for the analysis of combinatorial peptide sequences into the REceptor LIgand Contacts (RELIC) relational database and web-server. These programs have been developed for the analysis of statistical properties of peptide populations; identification of weak consensus sequences within these populations; and the comparison of these peptide sequences to those of naturally occurring proteins. RELIC is particularly suited to the analysis of peptide populations affinity selected with a small molecule ligand such as a drug or metabolite. Within this functional context, the ability to identify potential small molecule binding proteins using combinatorial peptide screening will accelerate as more ligands are screened and more genome sequences become available. The broader impact of this work is the addition of a novel means of analyzing peptide populations to the phage display community.
Oxidation of formic acid by bromine in aqueous, strongly acid media

Spectrophotometric methods were used to investigate the rate of the reaction of Br2 with HCOOH in aqueous, acidic media. The reaction products are Br− and CO2. The kinetics of this reaction are complicated by both the formation of Br3− as Br− is formed and the dissociation of HCOOH into HCOO− and H+. Previous work on this reaction was carried out at acidities lower than the highest used here and led to the conclusion that only HCOO− reacts with Br2. It is agreed that this is by far the principal reaction. However, at the highest acidity experiments, an added small component of reaction was found, and it is suggested that it results from the direct reaction of Br2 with HCOOH itself. On this assumption, values of the rate constants for both reactions are derived here. The rate constant for the reaction of HCOO− with Br2 agrees with values previously reported, within a factor of 2 on the low side. The reaction involving HCOOH is more than 2000 times slower than the reaction involving HCOO−, but it does contribute to the overall rate as [H+] approaches 1M. These derived rate constants are able to simulate quantitatively the authors' absorbance-versus-time data, demonstrating the validity of their data treatment methods, if not mechanistic assignments. Finally, activation parameters were determined for both rate constants. The values obtained are: ΔE‡(HCOOH + Br2) = 13.3 ± 1.1 kcal/mol, ΔS‡ (HCOOH + Br2) = −28 ± 3 cal/deg mol, ΔE‡ (HCOO− + Br2) = 13.1 ± 0.9 kcal/mol, and ΔS‡(HCOO− + Br2) = −12 ± 1 cal/deg mol. That the activation energies of the two reactions turn out to be essentially identical does not support the authors' suggestion that both HCOOH and HCOO− react with Br2.
Ouabain binding in rectal gland of Squalus acanthias.

In an attempt to examine the mechanisms of activation of (Na, K)-ATPase when epithelial transport is stimulated, the binding of ouabain to rectal gland tissue was measured before and after stimulation with dibutyryl cAMP and theophylline. Stimulation significantly altered the characteristics of ouabain binding to slices ofSqualus acanthias rectal gland and to isolated rectal gland cells, accelerating the rate of binding and increasing the amount of ouabain bound at equilibrium when low concentrations of ouabain (10−9 to 10−7 m) were present in the medium. Scatchard plots of ouabain binding were nonlinear, suggesting at least two classes of binding sites, one of higher and one of lower affinity. Stimulation with cAMP and theophylline appeared to increase the affinity of the high-affinity site. Ouabain binding was increased by cAMP and theophylline even in the presence of furosemide (10−4 m) or bumetanide (10−5 m), and when Li+ was substituted for Na+, or NO 3 − for Cl−-maneuvers known to inhibit rectal gland secretion. The changes in ouabain binding induced by cAMP and theophylline do not appear, therefore, to be secondary to secretory activity but may reflect a change in the configuration, environment or location of existing enzyme so as to enhance its activity. Stimulation of ouabain binding cannot be demonstrated in whole homogenates of rectal gland, indicating that intact cells are necessary for the cyclic AMP-induced increase in ouabain binding to become manifest.
Distinguishing the contributions of implicit and explicit processes to performance of the weather prediction task.

Examinations of the cognitive neuroscience of category learning frequently rely on probabilistic classificationlearning Tasks—namely, the weather prediction task (WPT)—to study the neural mechanisms of implicit learning. Accumulating evidence suggests that the task also depends on explicit-learning processes. The present investigation manipulated the WPT to assess the specific contributions of implicit- and explicit-learning processes to performance, with a particular focus on how the contributions of these processes change as the task progresses. In Experiment 1, a manipulation designed to disrupt implicit-learning processes had no effect on classification accuracy or the distribution of individual response strategies. In Experiment 2, by contrast, a manipulation designed to disrupt explicit-learning processes substantially reduced classification accuracy and reduced the number of participants who relied on a correct response strategy. The present findings suggest that WPT learning is not an effective tool for investigating nondeclarative learning processes
Becoming a Culturally Responsive Special Educator Amidst School/University Partnerships: Teaching and Learning in Boundary-Zone Activity

This study presents an activity theory analysis of how special educators learn about culturally responsive practices amidst school–university partnerships. Particular attention was paid to how culturally responsive pedagogy was privileged and appropriated by an in-service and a pre-service teacher in a boundary-zone activity. Findings demonstrate how culturally responsive pedagogy was appropriated in light of previous pedagogical artifacts that preexisted in the activity system of the classroom and as a result it became a covert form of instructionism
Note-Taking Interventions to Assist Students With Disabilities in Content Area Classes

As high-stakes testing, Common Core, and state standards become the new norms in schools, teachers are tasked with helping all students meet specific benchmarks. In conjunction with the influx of more students with disabilities being included in inclusive and general education classrooms where lectures with note-taking comprise a majority of instruction, teachers must find ways to assist all students in their classes, especially students with disabilities. For these students to learn efficiently, note-taking becomes a critical skill for their success. This article addresses the demands placed on students during class lectures, difficulties they experience with note-taking, specific accommodations for students with disabilities, and practical ways in which teachers can help students successfully record notes in content area classes.
Lacan et la théorie queer

Resume Cet article expose les similitudes profondes qui relient la theorie queer a la psychanalyse lacanienne, en detaillant leur rejet mutuel de tout psychologisme. Apres avoir rappele que la theorie queer trouve ses origines politiques dans la crise du sida, et ses racines intellectuelles chez Michel Foucault et Georges Canguilhem, l’auteur affirme que la theorie queer commence en realite avec Freud et, en particulier, avec sa theorisation de la perversite polymorphe, du desir inconscient et des pulsions partielles. L’analyse foucaldienne de la fonction disciplinaire des notions d’identite psychologique et sexuelle fait echo a la critique psychanalytique de l’identite, en tant que fondee sur l’imaginaire ; de meme, la critique queer des phenomenes de normalisation rejoint celle que fait Lacan de l’adaptation subjective aux normes sociales. En stipulant de facon axiomatique l’impossibilite du rapport sexuel, la doctrine lacanienne rapproche la psychanalyse de la critique queer de l’heteronormativite. L’article conclut en expliquant comment la psychanalyse et la theorie queer divergent sur la question du plaisir. La ou Foucault met l’accent sur le caractere extensible du plaisir, Lacan montre au contraire en quoi il est complique par la jouissance, et donc par la pulsion de mort.
High-strength silica fibres in a long length coated at a speed of 5 m/s

We report the strength characteristics of high-speed coated optical fibres. We used synthetic drawn 125 μm-diameter-fibre silica rods coated in-line with a 50 μm-thick single-layer coating at a rate of 5 m/s. A 50.8 km length of fibre was drawn into sample lengths ranging from ∼ 5 to 7 km from each rod. All the fibres were proof tested at three different stress levels up to 2.1 GN/m2, resulting in an average survival length of ∼ 10 and 3 km, respectively, at 1 4 GN/m2 (200 kpsi) and 2.1 GN/m2 (300 kpsi).
CO hydrogenation on PdCo/NaY catalysts: Metal phases and product selectivity

Abstract NaY-encapsulated Pd-Co bimetal catalysts of various Co/Pd ratios and pretreatment conditions were used for carbon monoxide hydrogenation. Preparation conditions have an overwhelming effect on the active phases and the catalyst selectivity. In Pd/NaY and bimetal samples with very low extent of Co reduction, the formation of Pd carbide is detected by XRD. On these catalysts methane is formed when particles are very small, but after some agglomeration, methanol is the dominant primary product of CO hydrogenation, secondary reactions on strong Bronsted-acid sites lead to dimethyl ether and heavy hydrocarbons. In bimetal PdCo/NaY samples calcination and reduction conditions are critical for the formation of PdCo alloy particles, which prevents the formation of Pd carbide, and methane selectivity is high. A higher Co content of the alloy particles is obtained after reduction at high temperature; these samples show a signature reminiscent of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts.
Inhibitor of C1q secretion suppresses the macrophage response to Lipid A for nitric oxide but not for TNF production: Evidence for a role of C1q in autocrine binding of TNF

Abstract Studies were designed to further define the modulatory role of complement subcomponent C1q in macrophage activation by Lipid A to mediate production of TNF and cytotoxic nitric oxide (NO). Pretreatment of macrophages for 24 h with 2.5 mM 3,4,dehydro-D,L-proline (DHP), an inhibitor of C1q secretion, suppressed their response to Lipid A activation for cytotoxicity of P815 tumor targets which correlated with a corresponding decrease in NO production. In contrast, DHP-pretreated macrophages displayed an increase in the release of TNF in response to Lipid A as compared to untreated controls. Time kinetic studies indicated that DHP-pretreated macrophages produced higher sustained levels of TNF activity during 1 to 24 h culture with Lipid A than did untreated control macrophages. This was confirmed by increased TNF mRNA expression in response to Lipid A by DHP-treated cells. DHP-pretreated macrophages had reduced levels of cell surface C1q as determined by cytofluorometric analysis of the binding of FITC-labeled anti-C1q, F(ab′) 2 . Macrophages were also found to have reduced binding capacity for phycoerythrin-labeled rTNF (PE-TNF) by cytofluorometric analysis following DHP treatment. Exposure of DHP-pretreated macrophage to soluble C1q at 4°C restored their reduced binding of PE-TNF. C1q was confirmed to bind to macrophages at 4°C as detected by FITC anti-C1q, F(ab′) 2 and such C1q binding promoted a corresponding increased binding of PE-TNF. Macrophages which were plated over immobilized C1q were also markedly enhanced in their binding of PE-TNF probe. Our results indicate that the inhibition of macrophage secretion of C1q by DHP pretreatment, was accompanied by an increased TNF mRNA expression and release with a decrease in NO generation following Lipid A activation. Since TNF binding to DHP-treated macrophages was reconstituted by the binding of exogenous C1q to the cells, it appears that C1q may be involved in the modulation of autocrine binding of TNF for subsequent generation of cytotoxic NO.
Insulin Promotes Pancreatic Cancer: Evidence for Endocrine Influence on Exocrine Pancreatic Tumors

Type-II diabetes is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. In addition, diabetic patients present with more advanced tumors and have shortened survival compared to stage-matched counterparts. We hypothesize that the diabetic endocrine milieu, particularly elevated plasma insulin, favors pancreatic cancer growth. This study examines six human pancreatic cancer cell lines for the presence of insulin receptors and the influence of insulin on tumor proliferation. Classical competitive binding assays are performed using [125I insulin. Cell proliferation assays are conducted over 3 days on cultured cell lines (n = 6 replicates) with increasing concentrations of insulin. Insulin receptors are demonstrated on all six cell lines and dose dependent increases in cell proliferation (15-120% of control) are demonstrated in response to insulin. Patients with type-II diabetes hypersecrete insulin. The presence of high-affinity insulin receptors and dose dependent increases in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation with insulin supports the hypothesis that insulin may be an important tumor growth promoter in diabetes, particularly if paracrine mechanisms are involved. Additional study is required to determine whether other islet peptides altered in diabetes influence tumor growth and whether elevated plasma insulin favors pancreatic cancer induction.
Movements of the oyster toadfish (Pisces: Batrachoididae) about Solomons, Maryland

Oyster toadfishOpsanus tau (L.) captured at four localities between 1958 and 1963 were tagged with monel strap opercular tags to study their movements about Solomons, Maryland. Of 2928 fish captured, 1791 were tagged, most recaptures were at the original tagging site or as long as 1134 days later; however, movements up to 8.9 km from the original capture site were recorded. Toadfish exhibit a biseasonal movement which is associated with two spawning periods. On the basis of movement and catch-per-unit-of-effort data, toadfish are found to be much less sedentary than was formerly thought.
In the Name of the Cause: Women's Work in Secular and Religious Terrorism

The article begins by providing a brief history of the involvement of females in the conduct of modern terrorism and discusses the different ideological mindsets that account for their becoming more involved in terrorism associated with ethno-separatist rather than religious concerns, with an eye to the fact that the trend shows unmistakable signs of changing. Secondly, it considers the structure of logic, or systems of contention, that secular and religious groups employ in attempting to legitimize women and girls offering themselves up as martyrs, and discusses what mechanisms they share for doing so. The thesis of this paper is that secular and religious terrorism, though seeking to create significantly different worlds, one modern, the other traditional, fall back upon many of the same rhetorical strategies to justify females engaging in political violence, especially the rhetoric of martyrdom. The Sri Lankan nationalist-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is highlighted as the secular examp...
Radiation docking device.

Abstract A radiation docking device constructed of cold-curing acrylic is described. The purpose of it is (1) to provide a means for returning the cone of the radiation machine to the same position and direction, (2) to maintain maximum opening during treatment, and (3) to keep buccal tissue from the field of radiation.
Nano-stamping of quantum dot based inorganic light emitting devices

We report a nanopatterning technique to fabricate multicolored inorganic light emitting diodes on silicon substrates, with well correlated electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectra.
Chemical stability and proton conductivity of doped BaCeO3–BaZrO3 solid solutions

Abstract Barium cerate has a high proton conductivity but rather poor chemical stability in CO2-containing atmospheres. Barium zirconate, in contrast, is a rather stable material but one that exhibits low proton conductivity. In the present work, the conductivity and chemical stability of solid solutions between these compounds have been investigated, in an attempt to find a composition exhibiting both high conductivity and good stability. Compounds of general formula BaCe0.9−xZrxM0.1O3−δ, where M was Gd or Nd and x ranged from 0 to 0.4, were prepared by solid state reaction and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) in flowing CO2, differential thermal analysis (DTA) in flowing CO2, and AC impedance spectroscopy in dry and H2O-saturated argon. Introduction of Zr into doped barium cerate greatly enhanced the chemical stability: for the Nd-doped system, compositions with x=0.2 or higher did not react with CO2 (under the experimental, non-equilibrium conditions), whereas for the Gd-doped system, the composition with x=0.4 did not react. Not unexpectedly, introduction of Zr also led to a decrease in conductivity and an increase in the activation energy for proton transport. Overall, Nd-doped samples exhibited higher chemical stability and lower conductivity than those doped with Gd. The composition BaCe0.7Zr0.2Nd0.1O3−δ appears to give a good compromise between conductivity and stability for fuel cell applications.
Reflective journals: making constructive use of the “apprenticeship of observation” in preservice teacher education

Many scholars have characterized the “apprenticeship of observation” as a “pitfall” to be avoided or a barrier to be overcome in preservice teacher education, but directly challenging students’ experience-based beliefs often leads to resistance, making students feel discounted or disrespected. In my introductory educational psychology course, students write biweekly journals reflecting on their own lived experiences in light of course concepts and ideas. These reflections are then shared in a variety of ways, serving as a vital context for further investigation and discussion of how these concepts and ideas translate into the classroom. In this paper, I share typical journal questions and excerpts from the responses of two recent classes to show how students can engage journal questions at differing levels; how even the experiences of my mostly privileged and successful students have at some points echoed, and thus can illuminate, the struggles of the less privileged, the rebellious, and the failed studen...
Using back-pressure to improve TCP performance with many flows

Congestion control of Internet best effort traffic relies mostly on TCP window flow control of individual sessions. This paper argues that such approach does not scale well to a very large number of simultaneously active flows, typical of backbones characterized by large delay-bandwidth products. In this scenario, the TCP window sizes tend to be small and dropping or marking packets alone is not effective to reduce the offered traffic. The analysis presented describes the aggressive TCP dynamics under many flows and suggests that the performance can be improved by applying back-pressure flow control to the aggregate traffic in the backbone. To demonstrated this argument, a link-layer, rate-based, back-pressure mechanism for IP-over-ATM backbones using the ABR service is described. A simulation study of a network with this capability demonstrates the improvement of TCP performance under many flows. The study also considers RED and ECN routers to indicate that these techniques alone are not well positioned to address the many flows scenario either. However, the combination of random early detection (RED) and explicit congestion notification (ECN) routers with back-pressure has the potential to further improve TCP performance.
An exploration of binder jetting of copper

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of binder jetting to fabricate high-purity copper parts. The ability to fabricate geometrically complex copper shapes would have implications on the design and manufacture of components for thermal management systems and structural electronics. Design/methodology/approach – To explore the feasibility of processing copper via binder jetting, the authors followed an established material development process that encompasses powder selection and tuning process parameters in printing and thermal cycles. Specifically, the authors varied powder size and sintering cycles to explore their effects on densification. Findings – Three differently sized copper powders were successfully printed, followed by sintering in a reducing atmosphere. It was found that a 15-μm-diameter powder with a sintering cycle featuring a 1,080°C maximum temperature provides the most dense (85 per cent) and pure (97 per cent) final copper parts of the parameters tested. Research limi...
Differential Sensitivity of Breast Cancer Cells to Tumor Necrosis Factor-α: Involvement of Protein Kinase C

We have compared several breast cancer cell lines that differ in their responsiveness to TNF to determine the involvement of PKC isozymes in regulating sensitivity of breast cancer cells to TNF. While MCF-7 and BT-20 cells were responsive to TNF without any metabolic inhibitors, CAMA-1 and SKBR-3 cells responded to TNF in the presence of cycloheximide; MDA-MB-231 and Hs578t cells were resistant to TNF even in the presence of cycloheximide. Bisindolylmaleimide (BIM), an inhibitor of PKC, either alone (MCF-7 and BT-20) or in combination with cycloheximide enhanced sensitivity of these cells to TNF. The PKC isozyme profile of MCF-7 cells was similar to BT-20 cells and that of CAMA-1 cells was similar to SKBR-3 cells. MCF-7, BT-20 and MDA-MB-231 cells that were most responsive to BIM-mediated sensitization to TNF contained relatively high level of PKC epsilon and proteolytic cleavage of PKC epsilon correlated with TNF-induced cell death. BIM did not inhibit NF-kappa B activation by TNF but caused activation of caspases and enhanced cleavage of PKC delta and -epsilon. These results suggest that proteolytic cleavage of PKC epsilon may be associated with PKC inhibitor mediated sensitization of breast cancer cells to TNF.