cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
As-doped Si's complex permittivity and its effects on heating curve at 2.45 GHz frequency

An analysis to determine the complex permittivity of arsenic-doped silicon wafer at 2.45 GHz is presented based on closed-form analytical expressions for cylindrical symmetry. Experimental results in support with the numerical analysis and simulation results are also presented. This analysis will further help analyze the capacitive heating of doped and undoped silicon wafer at microwave frequency; hence, this paper is a precursor to elucidation of capacitive heating of silicon substrates placed between susceptors. This study indicates that when the dopant is added to the silicon the loss tangent decreases with increase in concentration but upon annealing the loss tangent becomes constant with respect to concentration of the dopant.
Using HCI Task Modeling Techniques to Measure How Deeply Students Model

User modeling in AIED has been extended in the past decades to include affective and motivational aspects of learner’s interaction in intelligent tutoring systems. In order to study those factors, various detectors have been created that classify episodes in log data as gaming, high/low effort on task, robust learning, etc. In this article, we present our method for creating a detector of shallow modeling practices within a meta-tutor instructional system. The detector was defined using HCI (human-computer interaction) task modeling as well as a coding scheme defined by human coders from past users’ screen recordings of software use. The detector produced classifications of student behavior that were highly similar to classifications produced by human coders with a kappa of .925.
Macrophages in Human Atheroma Contain PPARγ: Differentiation-Dependent Peroxisomal Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ (PPARγ) Expression and Reduction of MMP-9 Activity through PPARγ Activation in Mononuclear Phagocytes in Vitro

Mononuclear phagocytes play an important role in atherosclerosis and its sequela plaque rupture in part by their secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-9. Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a transcription factor in the nuclear receptor superfamily, regulates gene expression in response to various activators, including 15-deoxy-Δ 12,14 -prostaglandin J 2 and the antidiabetic agent troglitazone. The role of PPARγ in human atherosclerosis is unexplored. We report here that monocytes/macrophages in human atherosclerotic lesions ( n = 12) express immunostainable PPARγ. Normal artery specimens ( n = 6) reveal minimal immunoreactive PPARγ. Human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages cultured for 6 days in 5% human serum expressed PPARγ mRNA and protein by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. In addition, PPARγ mRNA expression in U937 cells increased during phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate-induced differentiation. Stimulation of PPARγ with troglitazone or 15-deoxy-Δ 12,14 -prostaglandin J 2 in human monocyte-derived macrophages inhibited MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity in a concentration-dependent fashion as revealed by zymography. This inhibition correlates with decreased MMP-9 secretion as determined by Western blotting. Thus, PPARγ is present in macrophages in human atherosclerotic lesions and may regulate expression and activity of MMP-9, an enzyme implicated in plaque rupture. PPARγ is likely to be an important regulator of monocyte/macrophage function with relevance for human atherosclerotic disease.
High speed wide bandwidth optical encryption and decryption system using spatial codes

For security systems that use optical technology, users are issued 2-D spatially coded ID cards. This paper introduces optical encryption and decryption systems that use several features of optical technology to provide highly secure ID verification. In particular, these systems use high speed electronically controlled optical scanning of ID cards. The optical transmitter is a coherent interferometric system that includes the scanning system and the transmit/receive fiber-optics with only one fiber input/output port. In short, these systems are very sensitive to unwanted external tampering.
Wireless powering of sensors inside concrete using a reconfigurable Sierpinski Gasket Antenna

Sensors that are buried inside concrete for various data collection purposes are usually powered with batteries or wires. The concept of wireless powering arises from the fact that sensors could also be powered from the power delivered to the load resistance of the antenna. The antenna used in this paper is the Sierpinski Gasket Antenna [1] (inside concrete) has to absorb power from the plane wave incident on concrete. A fractal surface has a larger surface area means that the fractal antenna is an ideal choice to power a sensor inside concrete since the surface area is much larger. Concrete was modeled in HFSS according to the parameters in previous research papers [2].
Self-Healing of Proton Damage in Lithium Niobite ( ${\rm LiNbO}_{2}$ )

Proton radiation damage and short-term annealing are investigated for lithium niobite ( ${\rm LiNbO}_{2}$ ) mixed electronic-ionic memristors. Radiation damage and short-term annealing were characterized using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to determine changes in the device resistance and the lithium ion mobility. The radiation damage resulted in a 0.48% change in the resistance at a fluence of ${10^{14}}~\hbox{cm}^{ - 2}$ . In-situ short-term annealing at room temperature reduced the net detrimental effect of the damage with a time constant of about 9 minutes. The radiation damage mechanism is attributed predominantly to displacement damage at the niobium and oxygen sites trapping lithium ions that are responsible for induced polarization within the material. Short term annealing is attributed to room temperature thermal annealing of these defects, freeing the highly mobile lithium ions.
REPETITIVE POISONING IN CHILDREN: A PSYCHOSOCIAL STUDY.

The families of 20 poison repeaters, 19 single ingestors, and 13 controls were studied. Social class, religious affiliation, income, geographic setting, and family size do not seem to be correlated with repeated episodes of poisoning in children. The present study indicates that repetitive poisoning in children is not related to accident proneness, pica, environmental hazard, or lack of parental supervision. Ingestion of poisons seems to be the result of purposeful behavior on the pant of the child. Correlated with this behavior, especially in the case of the poison repeater, are: hyperactivity, negativism and other behavioral problems of the child, limited parent-child relationship, marital tension, and a tense and distant family atmosphere. The first ingestion may be the result of the child9s negativism, imitation of the parent9s pill-taking, or confusion with food and is rarely the result of chance alone. Subsequent ingestions seem to be inappropriate methods the child uses to gain more relatedness with his parents or to express anger or negativism. The physician9s role in poison prevention should be to help parents of preschool children establish a cautious but confident attitude toward childhood poisoning and to realize that childhood poisoning may indicate family psychopathology which may require treatment.
Providing Social Services to Mexico-USA Transmigrants

A vulnerable population of transmigrants (migrants who go back and forth across borders) has emerged that can be distinguished from traditional migrants. This “hidden” population is exposed to high antecedents of lack of well-being and marginalization. Social work's emphasis on social justice demands an understanding of this community to better prepare students and practitioners to address the specialized needs of this vulnerable population. This exploratory qualitative study examines the experience of social service providers in providing for the social welfare needs of Mexico–USA transmigrants. Implications for social work practice and research are addressed.
Acoustic Wave-Based Data Transmission for Multivariate Sensing

Improving process observability is of high relevancy to improved manufacturing process control. This paper describes a novel measurement technique using acoustic waves for the transmission of multiple physical parameters from within the cavity of an injection mold to a receiver outside: temperature, pressure, velocity, and viscosity of polymer melt. Such a technique is a key to improved monitoring and control of plastic injection molding. A coded-acoustic wave modulation scheme enables multiparameter transmission through an acoustic transmitter with variable gains. This enables selective resonant frequencies that provide the carriers for the individual parameters to be transmitted, while suppressing noise induced in the modulation process. The presented acoustic wireless sensing method is applicable to a wide range of process monitoring scenarios.
Synthesis of Thin Films of Size Selected Silicon Nanocrystallites Using Pulsed Laser Ablation Supersonic

Thin films composed of size selected silicon nanocrystallites have been fabricated and their photoluminescence behavior has been studied. The silicon nanocrystallites were produced using a pulsed laser ablation supersonic expansion source. This source typically generates silicon clusters of many different sizes, which leads to photoluminescence spectra with a large fiill width at half maximum. To best utilize our gas phase synthesis technique, we have performed size selection of the silicon clusters using a mechanical velocity selection apparatus. Films of these size selected nanocrystallites exhibited photoluminescence spectra which had a smaller full width at half maximum and which were peaked to the blue of the spectra of samples with a broader size distribution. These results suggest that the photoluminescence wavelength of these nanocrystallite thin films is determined by quantum confinement of the electrons and holes in the crystallites.
Cytokine Biomarkers, Endothelial Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis in the Metabolic Syndrome: Emerging Concepts

In recent years, an explosion of research related to the cellular and vascular accompaniments of the metabolic syndrome has generated intense interest and controversy. Attention has focused on the vascular endothelium, where heightened, low-grade inflammatory processes lead to a continuum of vascular insults ranging from early endothelial derangements to advanced atherosclerosis. Inflammatory biocytokines, such as C-reactive protein, have been speculated to be both markers and mediators of oxidative stress and endovascular toxicity. Adipocytokines originating from fatty tissue have reinforced the concept that fat is a metabolically active organ rather than inert tissue. To fully elucidate its complex pathogenetic mechanisms, further inquiry into the inflammatory components of the metabolic syndrome is warranted. Unraveling the role of emerging proinflammatory markers has the promising potential to shed light into the underlying pathophysiology of the epidemic of obesity and the metabolic syndrome and thus help devise effective therapies.
Supervised Weekly Rinsing with a 0.2% Neutral NaF Solution: Results from a Demonstration Program after Three School Years

Approximately 4,000 elementary schoolchildren rinsed once a week with a 0.2% neutral NaF solution under supervision of homeroom teachers. After three school years, children had rinsed an average of 77 times. The effect of fluoride rinsing on caries prevalence in the permanent dentition and the effect of rinsing on caries prevalence by type of permanent tooth surface are evaluated.
Exploring How IT Professionals Experience Role Transitions at the End of Successful Projects

In an increasingly fluid working environment, workers often find themselves in a state of transition and must be capable of adapting to rapid changes. This study focuses on intrafirm temporary role transitions, and more specifically on the case of information technology (IT) professionals transitioning out of a successful project and returning to their functional unit. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 IT professionals. All of the respondents reported that they had experienced an adaptation period, albeit minor for some. Others, however, felt an important re-entry shock. A shock of high magnitude is mainly experienced when the successful project becomes a referent to which all other work assignments are compared. This idealized project work environment is the result of the decisions top management makes about the project structure, management, and governance. The results show that all people do not react the same way to a shock of high magnitude: some either adapt or change their new role, but ot...
Olmec archaeology: A half century of research and its accomplishments

The Olmec of Mexico's southern Gulf coast (3100-2450 B.P.) are the most famed of Formative period Mesoamerica's early complex cultures, and are particularly noted for their elaborate stone monuments. After five decades of research, scholars remain in sharp disagreement on what the archaeological record means with regard to the impact the Olmec had on social and political evolution in Mesoamerica. A discussion of interpretive problems and a review of 50 years of Olmec archaeology illustrates reasons for the disagreements, as well as the type, quantity, and quality of data that have been recovered from excavations. Those show that, until recently, knowledge of the Olmec has been based primarily on two limited pre-1970 data sets. New research is discussed, and topical issues in Olmec archaeology are treated in detail.
Visualization of molecular and cellular events with green fluorescent proteins in developing embryos: a review.

An Erratum has been published for this article in Luminescence (2003) 18(4) 243 During the past 5 years, green fluorescent protein (GFP) has become one of the most widely used in vivo protein markers for studying a number of different molecular processes during development, such as promoter activation, gene expression, protein trafficking and cell lineage determination. GFP fluorescence allows observation of dynamic developmental processes in real time, in both transiently and stably transformed cells, as well as in live embryos. In this review, we include the most up-to-date use of GFP during embryonic development and point out the unique contribution of GFP visualization, which resulted in novel discoveries. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying the Photoinduced Release of Nitric Oxide from N,N‘-Bis(carboxymethyl)-N,N‘-dinitroso-1,4-phenylenediamine. Effect of Reducing Agents on the Mechanism of the Photoinduced Reactions

N,N'-Bis(carboxymethyl)-N,N'-dinitroso-1,4-phenylenediamine (1) fragments to release 1 equiv of NO* and the denitrosated radical of 1 (2), when exposed to a approximately 10 ns, 308 nm laser pulse. Species 2 can fragment to give another equivalent of NO* and the doubly denitrosated quinoimine derivative of 1 (3), it can recombine with NO* to give 1 and ring-nitrosated isomers of 1, or in the presence of a reducing agent, 2 can be reduced (to species 4). Photogenerated NO* can be used to probe fast reactions of biochemical interest, making 1 a valuable research tool. This paper focuses on the chemistry of 2, whose reactivity must be well characterized if 1 is to be used to its full potential. [Ru(NH3)6]2+ (RuII) and [Fe(CN)6]4- (FeII) were both shown to reduce 2, with bimolecular rate constants in the diffusion limit. When solutions initially containing 70 microM of RuII, 20 microM myoglobin (Mb) and varying amounts of 1 were irradiated, the only Mb reaction product was nitrosomyoglobin (MbNO). In contrast, in solutions containing only Mb and 1, Mb is converted to both MbNO and oxidized myoglobin (metMb). When FeII was used in place of RuII, Mb was oxidized to metMb, but approximately 100x more slowly than in solutions containing only Mb and 1. This showed that 2 first oxidized FeII to [Fe(CN)6]3- (FeIII), which then oxidized Mb at the slower rate. The ratio metMb/MbNO obtained in the experiments with FeII was 0.6, whereas the ratio predicted from previously known chemistry of 2 was approximately 1 under the experimental conditions. The result is explained if, upon photolysis, 1 first forms a caged encounter complex [2, NO*], which fragments to give 3 and 2 equiv of NO*, without ever releasing free 2 into solution. This hypothesis was further strengthened by analyzing the amount of NO* generated by photolysis of 1 in the absence of added reductant. The original mechanism underestimates the NO* generated, a problem solved by invoking direct release of NO* and 3 from photolysis of 1.
Whiplash after motor vehicle crashes

Best approach mirrors that for acute low back pain—education, exercise, and return to usual activities
Functional reconstitution of a chloride channel bares its soul

Chloride channels have been called the poor cousins of the aristocratic cation channels because their physiological functions involve “cleaning up the mess after the party” (1). Although Cl− channels are not as glamorous as the Na+, Ca2+, and K+ channels dominating neuronal signaling, their functions are indispensable (2), as exemplified by cholera caused by superactivation of a Cl− channel (CFTR) in the gut and cystic fibrosis caused by insufficiency of the same Cl− channel in the lung. In part, our understanding of these navels of negativity has been slow to ripen because the molecular zoo of Cl− channels is incomplete. Humans have >200 cation channel genes in >20 families, but only four Cl− channel families comprised of a paltry 34 genes were known until recently. This limited sampling has restricted efforts to uncover the essence of Cl− channel pores. Therefore, a sensation occurred when the Cl− channel gene superfamily blossomed in size in 2008 with the addition of a 10-gene family called TMEM16 , also called Anoctamin (3⇓–5). TMEM16A and TMEM16B encode subunits of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCCs) that are widely expressed throughout the body. CaCCs open when intracellular Ca2+ rises, for example following activation of G protein-coupled receptors by certain hormones. CaCCs’ best known function is in epithelial fluid secretion, a role played in parallel with CFTR (Fig. 1). The aqueous portion of secretions such as tears, saliva, milk, and pancreatic juice is produced by cells that actively accumulate Cl− from their blood-side by pumps and transporters, and then release Cl− into the glandular ducts through Cl− channels on the other side of the cell. Cl− efflux drives fluid secretion as Na+ and water follow … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: criss.hartzell{at}emory.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
“We're too afraid of these imaginary tensions”: Student organizing in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender campus communities

This study utilizes grounded theory to examine student organizing in a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community on a college campus. Through a Glaserian approach to grounded theory, this study identifies three key tensions that influence the formation and maintenance of community: Unity and Difference, Commitment and Apathy, and Empowerment and Disempowerment. These tensions co‐exist within the community and produce challenges for organizing social change on campus. Ultimately, this essay argues that all three tensions may be endemic of community organizing, and potentially of organizing practices in general. Future directions for research in organizational communication and community formation are explored.
Keeping pace with change: Organizational and technological imperatives

Abstract Manufacturing processes worldwide are being reconfigured by organizational innovations pioneered by the Japanese and by microelectronics-based technologies. We developed a cost model that simulated “factories” with several variations in production practices and technologies used. The results show that in a period of rapid technical change significant productivity differences can emerge between competing firms, even in “mature” sectors; these differences are amplified if learning across innovations is cumulative. The implications for developing countries are that efforts within the firm at organizational change need to be supplemented by close international relationships and appropriate infrastracture; a passive trust in the product cycle could be unhelpful.
Galvanomagnetic properties of Ni2MnIn, Ni2MnSn and Ni2MnSb heusler alloys

Abstract The field and temperature dependences of the electrical resistivity, Hall effect and transverse magnetoresistance of Ni 2 MnIn and Ni 2 MnSb are described over the approximate ranges 4–300 K and 0–4.8×10 6 Am -1 , together with measurements of the magnetization in the range 0–1.6×10 6 Am –1 . Together with existing data for Ni 2 MnSn, these results show the systematic effects of the shifting Fermi level in the In→Sn→Sb series. We give a qualitative interpretation of these electron transport effects in terms of a delocalized picture.
Numerical solution for film evaporation of a spherical liquid droplet on an isothermal and adiabatic surface

Abstract A numerical solution for the problem of film evaporation of a liquid droplet on a horizontal surface is presented. The droplets are small enough to be assumed spherical. Two principal cases are considered: (1) the horizontal surface is maintained at a constant temperature (case I), and (2) the surface is insulated while the ambience is hot (case II). The complete set of equations governing this problem were solved under the following assumptions : (1) evaporation is quasi-steady, (2) no internal liquid circulation, (3) constant properties, and (4) the droplet temperature is spatially uniform but temporally varying. The Lewis number is not assumed to be unity; gas phase viscous effects, Stefan type convection, and gas phase inertia are included in the analysis. The total droplet evaporation time was found to decrease with increasing plate (I) or ambient (II) temperature as expected, and the droplet progressively moves away from the plate as it evaporates. The numerical results agree with the analytical solution for film evaporation of a droplet above an adiabatic surface in a hot ambience in the limit of large effective Reynolds number (i.e. potential flow).
Surface electrical resistivity in coastal groundwater exploration

Abstract Because of its potential to detect changes in pore-water salinity the surface electrical resistivity method can be a valuable aid in coastal groundwater exploration and investigations. It is essential, however, that the resistivity interpretation be consistent with a hydrogeological model reflecting the fresh-water-salt-water relationship of coastal aquifers. In the electrical resistivity interpretation of phreatic aquifers it should be recognized that the lower boundary of the unsaturated zone corresponds to the top of the capillary zone, not to the water table, and that the lower boundary of the fresh-water layer corresponds only approximately to the top of the fresh-water-salt-water transition zone. The existence of a fresh-water layer can be ascertained qualitatively by visual inspection of electrical sounding curves, provided there is a fresh-water/unsaturated layer thickness ratio of at least four. Good interpretative methodology using an appropriate coastal hydrogeological model can enable the extent of the fresh-water layer to be quantified, but it is not possible to quantify the thickness of the transition zone by geoelectrical interpretation because of suppression effects.
Teaching sport sponsorship sales through experiential learning

The majority of entry-level positions within the sport industry fall in the area of sales. Numerous sport practitioners have lamented the lack of sales training (Dolich, 2004; Helyar, 2006). Yet, only recently have sport management programmes begun to offer courses devoted to sales education and training (Southall et al., 2006a; Irwin et al., 2007). The discipline of sales provides an ideal opportunity to incorporate an experiential learning course. While several recent articles have examined the application of experiential learning to courses focused on sport ticket sales, this article extends previous research to a course focused on sport sponsorship sales. Specifically, this paper applies Southall et al.'s (2003) metadiscrete experiential learning model and Irwin et al. (2007) Pentagon of Sport Sales Training to a sport management course designed to sell sponsorship packages for a local team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League.
A Brownian Dynamics Study of the Initial Stages of Hen Egg-White Lysozyme Adsorption at a Solid Interface

We investigate the initial stages of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) adsorption at a charged solid interface using Brownian Dynamics simulation. The protein is modeled at the atomistic level and the adsorption surface is represented by a planar array of positively charged sites. Adsorption reactions are simulated at neutral pH and at low and high salt concentrations. We find that the HEWL, which has a net positive charge, can adsorb onto the positively charged surface. The results are consistent with an electrostatically driven adsorption process. While the orientational distribution of the adsorbed protein is nonuniform, there is no dominant patch composed of two or more oppositely charged residues. The electric field distribution around the protein is the best predictor of the adsorption behavior.
Contents of monoamines in forebrain regions of alcohol-preferring (P) and -nonpreferring (NP) lines of rats.

Abstract The contents of monoamine neurotransmitters and metabolites were assayed in the frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and anterior striatum of rats from the selectively bred alcohol-preferring P and nonpreferring NP lines. Lower levels of serotonin (20–30%) in all three brain regions of P as compared with NP rats lends support to the hypothesis that a decreased metabolic activity and/or innervation by serotonin neurons is associated with the abnormally high volitional intake of ethanol. Of additional interest, however, were the approximately 25% lower contents of dopamine and its major metabolites in the nucleus accumbens of the P rats. This observation may indicate that P rats have a specific deficiency in the dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens and, since the accumbens is an important structure in brain reward circuitry, it might also be an important determinant of the excessive volitional intake of alcohol by P rats.
Analysis of neuron models with dynamically regulated conductances

We analyze neuron models in which the maximal conductances of membrane currents are slowly varying dynamic variables regulated by the intracellular calcium concentration. These models allow us to study possible activity-dependent effects arising from processes that maintain and modify membrane channels in real neurons. Regulated model neurons maintain a constant average level of activity over a wide range of conditions by appropriately adjusting their conductances. The intracellular calcium concentration acts as a feedback element linking maximal conductances to electrical activity. The resulting plasticity of intrinsic characteristics has important implications for network behavior. We first study a simple two-conductance model, then introduce techniques that allow us to analyze dynamic regulation with an arbitrary number of conductances, and finally illustrate this method by studying a seven-conductance model. We conclude with an analysis of spontaneous differentiation of identical model neurons in a two-cell network.
Structural variation in copper(I) complexes with pyridylmethylamide ligands: structural analysis with a new four-coordinate geometry index, tau4.

Four Cu(I) complexes were synthesized with a family of pyridylmethylamide ligands, HLR [HLR = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide, R = null; 2,2-dimethyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)propionamide, R = Me3; 2,2,2-triphenyl-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)acetamide, R = Ph3)]. Complexes 1–3 were synthesized from the respective ligand and [Cu(CH3CN)4]PF6 in a 2 : 1 molar ratio: [Cu(HL)2]PF6 (1), [Cu2(HLMe3)4](PF6)2 (2), [Cu(HLPh3)2]PF6 (3). Complex 4, [Cu(HL)(CH3CN)(PPh3)]PF6, was synthesized from the reaction of HL with [Cu(CH3CN)4]PF6 and PPh3 in a 1 : 1 : 1 molar ratio. X-Ray crystal structures reveal that complexes 1, 3 and 4 are mononuclear Cu(I) species, while complex 2 is a Cu(I) dimer. The copper ions are four-coordinate with geometries ranging from distorted tetrahedral to seesaw in 1, 2, and 4. Complexes 1 and 2 are very air sensitive and they display similar electrochemical properties. The coordination geometry of complex 3 is nearly linear, two-coordinate. Complex 3 is exceptionally stable with respect to oxidation in the air, and its cyclic voltammetry shows no oxidation wave in the range of 0–1.5 V. The unusual inertness of complex 3 towards oxidation is attributed to the protection from bulky triphenyl substituent of the HLPh3 ligand. A new geometric parameter for four-coordinate compounds, τ4, is proposed as an improved, simple metric for quantitatively evaluating the geometry of four-coordinate complexes and compounds.
Seasonal Energy Dynamics of the Alewife in Southeastern Lake Michigan

Abstract Alewives Alosa pseudoharengus collected in southeastern Lake Michigan from October 1979 to October 1981 were analyzed for caloric content, lipid, and lean dry (lipid-free) weight. The relative seasonal change in energy density (kcal/g wet weight) was similar in adults and immature fish, although immatures generally had lower caloric equivalents. Seasonal lows in caloric equivalents occurred in April for immature fish in their first year (1.03 kcal/g) and in June for adults (1.30 kcal/g), whereas maxima were found in October for all age groups (2.30 kcal/g). Somatic energy losses during winter were 27% for adult females and 23% for males; spawning-related losses were higher (37% and 45%, respectively). Percent lipid followed the same seasonal trends as caloric equivalents with maxima in the fall (17% wet weight) and minima in late spring-summer (3–5%). Approximately 80% of gonad growth and maturation took place from April to late May when feeding was at a minimum. Energy requirements for gonad gro...
Monomer-monomer interactions drive the prepore to pore conversion of a β-barrel-forming cholesterol-dependent cytolysin

Abstract Perfringolysin O (PFO), a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, forms large oligomeric pore complexes comprised of up to 50 PFO molecules. In the present studies a mutant of PFO (PFOY181A) has been identified that traps PFO in a multimeric prepore complex that cannot insert its transmembrane β-hairpins and therefore cannot form a pore. Remarkably, PFOY181A can be induced to insert its transmembrane β-hairpins if functional PFO is incorporated into the PFOY181A oligomeric prepore complex. Furthermore, the transition from prepore to pore appears to be an “all or none” process; partial insertion of the transmembrane β-barrel does not occur. Therefore, cooperative interactions between the monomers of the prepore drive the prepore to pore conversion that results in the formation of the transmembrane β-barrel.
Effects of lactate, reoxygenation, and fast drive on hypoxic, hyperkalemic, and acidotic Purkinje fibers

The effects of hypoxia, hyperkalemia, and acidosis (HHA) and subsequent reoxygenation were studied in isolated canine Purkinje tissue. After 60-70 minutes of HHA, in the absence of exogenous lactate, reoxygenation reduced action potential duration (APD), increased amplitude, made maximum diastolic potential (Emax) more negative, increased diastolic depolarization rate (DD) of the action potential (AP), and increased developed force initially, compared to these values in the prehypoxic stage (control). In the presence of exogenous lactate (20-22 mmol) during HHA, reoxygenation after HHA leads to the development of afterdepolarization in the AP, prolongation of APD90, subsequent arrhythmia, cessation of developed force, and residual small potentials at a depolarized level. Higher stimulus voltage (by 70%) and higher driving rate (2 Hz) may restore normal APD and force sooner than when the rate of drive and the stimulus strength are kept unchanged.
Packing and Thermal Stability of Polyoctadecylsiloxane Compared with Octadecylsilane Monolayers

FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to compare the structure and thermal properties of polyoctadecylsiloxane (POS) and octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS) monolayers. The octadecyl chains in POS had higher conformational and intermolecular order than the same chains of OTS adsorbed as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on 106 nm hydrated silica beads. The latter were identical to the structures observed for OTS SAMs on superhydrated fumed silica that had primary particle sizes an order of magnitude smaller than the 106 nm beads, indicating that curvature did not affect the chain packing. The chains on POS were also more thermally stable to conformational and intermolecular disorder than the OTS chains, and this was attributed to increased free volume in the latter case. The differences in structure were partially determined by steric restrictions that arise because the Si−O−Si bond distance is less than the van der Waals radii of the alkyl chains. In POS, the most likely str...
The topography of root ends resected with fissure burs and refined with two types of finishing burs

Abstract Objectives. This study compared the surface topography of roots resected with #57, Lindeman, and Multi-purpose burs. Further comparisons were made after refinements with either a multifluted carbide or an ultrafine diamond finishing bur. Study Design. Three groups of single-rooted human teeth were resected with each resection bur, and resin replicas of the root ends were made. Root ends from each resection bur group were finished with either a multifluted carbide or an ultrafine diamond finishing bur, and the root ends were replicated. All replicas were evaluated at a magnification of ×20 for smoothness and surface irregularities. Data analysis was done with the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the chi-square test at a significance level of p Results. The Multi-purpose bur produced a smoother and more uniplanar surface than the #57 bur and caused less damage to the root than either the #57 or the Lindeman bur. The multifluted carbide finishing bur tended to improve the smoothness of the root end, while the ultrafine diamond tended to roughen the surface. Conclusions. The Multi-purpose bur produced the smoothest and most uniplanar resected root-end surface with the least root shattering. The multifluted carbide finishing bur produced a smoother surface than the ultrafine diamond bur.
Characterization for imperfect polarizers under imperfect conditions

The principles for measuring the extinction ratio and transmittance of a polarizer are formulated by use of the principal Mueller matrix, which includes both polarization and depolarization. The extinction ratio is about half of the depolarization, and the contrast is the inverse of the extinction ratio. Errors in the extinction ratio caused by partially polarized incident light and the misalignment of polarizers can be corrected by the devised zone average method and the null method. Used with a laser source, the null method can measure contrasts for very good polarizers. Correct algorithms are established to deduce the depolarization for three comparable polarizers calibrated mutually. These methods are tested with wire-grid polarizers used in the 3–5-μm wavelength region with a laser source and also a lamp source. The contrasts obtained from both methods agree.
Attentional biases and memory for emotional stimuli in men and male rhesus monkeys

We examined attentional biases for social and non-social emotional stimuli in young adult men and compared the results to those of male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) previously tested in a similar dot-probe task (King et al. in Psychoneuroendocrinology 37(3): 396-409, 2012). Recognition memory for these stimuli was also analyzed in each species, using a recognition memory task in humans and a delayed non-matching-to-sample task in monkeys. We found that both humans and monkeys displayed a similar pattern of attentional biases toward threatening facial expressions of conspecifics. The bias was significant in monkeys and of marginal significance in humans. In addition, humans, but not monkeys, exhibited an attentional bias away from negative non-social images. Attentional biases for social and non-social threat differed significantly, with both species showing a pattern of vigi- lance toward negative social images and avoidance of negative non-social images. Positive stimuli did not elicit significant attentional biases for either species. In humans, emotional content facilitated the recognition of non-social images, but no effect of emotion was found for the rec- ognition of social images. Recognition accuracy was not affected by emotion in monkeys, but response times were faster for negative relative to positive images. Altogether, these results suggest shared mechanisms of social attention in humans and monkeys, with both species showing a pattern of selective attention toward threatening faces of conspecifics. These data are consistent with the view that selective vigilance to social threat is the result of evolutionary constraints. Yet, selective attention to threat was weaker in humans than in monkeys, suggesting that regulatory mechanisms enable non-anxious humans to reduce sensitivity to social threat in this paradigm, likely through enhanced prefrontal control and reduced amygdala activation. In addition, the findings emphasize important differences in attentional biases to social versus non-social threat in both species. Differences in the impact of emo- tional stimuli on recognition memory between monkeys and humans will require further study, as methodological differences in the recognition tasks may have affected the results.
Protein Intake in Patients with Renal Failure: Comments on the Current NKF-DOQI Guidelines for Nutrition in Chronic Renal Failure

The National Kidney Foundation Clinical Practice Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) guidelines recently recommended dietary protein intake for patients with chronic renal failure as follows: predialysis patients should receive 0.60 g/kg/day of protein and increase intake to 0.75 g/kg/day for subjects who cannot follow such a diet. For stable maintenance hemodialysis patients, the recommended protein intake is 1.2 g/kg/day, and for chronic peritoneal dialysis patients, 1.2-1.3 g/kg/day. We differ with these recommendations and believe that a dietary protein intake of 0.8 g/kg/day is appropriate for the predialysis population; an intake of 0.9-1.0 g/kg/day and 1.0-1.1 g/kg/day for maintenance hemodialysis patients and peritoneal dialysis patients, respectively, should be adequate. The rationale and the evidence supporting our arguments are outlined and discussed.
Early Nile Valley Farmers From El-Badari: Aboriginals or “European”AgroNostratic Immigrants? Craniometric Affinities Considered With Other Data

Male Badarian crania were analyzed using the generalized distance of Mahalanobis in a comparative analysis with other African and European series from the Howells’s database. The study was carried out to examine the affinities of the Badarians to evaluate, in preliminary fashion, a demic diffusion hypothesis that postulates that horticulture and the Afro-Asiatic language family were brought ultimately from southern Europe. (The assumption was made that the southern Europeans would be more similar to the central and northern Europeans than to any indigenous African populations.) The Badarians show a greater affinity to indigenous Africans while not being identical. This suggests that the Badarians were more affiliated with local and an indigenous African population than with Europeans. It is more likely that Near Eastern/southern European domesticated animals and plants were adopted by indigenous Nile Valley people without a major immigration of non-Africans. There was more of cultural transfer.
Electron‐beam Irradiation Preserves the Quality of White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Slices

: The effect of electron-beam irradiation on microbial counts, color, texture, and enzyme activity of mushroom slices was evaluated at dose levels of 0.5, 1, 3.1, and 5.2-kGy. Irradiation levels above 0.5 kGy reduced total plate counts, yeast and mold, and psychrotrophic counts to below detectable levels and prevented micro-bial-induced browning. Firmness of all samples was similar during storage except for the 5.2-kGy sample. Color was preserved by irradiation as evidenced by the higher L values. Electron-beam irradiation at these levels did not affect the polyphenol oxidase activity. Irradiation at 1 kGy was most effective in extending shelf-life of mushroom slices.
Shape design sensitivity analysis of nonlinear 2-D solids with elasto-plastic material

A continuum-based shape design sensitivity analysis (DSA) method is presented for 2-D solid components with rate-independent elasto-plastic material. The material derivative of continuum mechanics is utilized to develop a continuum-based shape DSA method. The design sensitivity equation is derived using the incremental form of the equilibrium equation and increments of the static response with respect to shape design variables. The direct differentiation method is utilized to obtain the first-order variation of the performance measure explicitly in terms of variations of shape design variables. With the consistent tangent stiffness matrix employed at the end of each load step to compute the design sensitivity, the method does not require iterations to compute the design sensitivity. Numerical results are presented for a hollow cylinder model and a membrane with a hole model to validate the proposed DSA method.
Crystal structure study and investigation of solid-state cyclization for AMG 222, a channel hydrate.

Abstract In this study, we investigate the solid-state structure and stability of AMG 222 (5-(2-[2-(2-cyano-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2-oxo-ethylamino]-propyl)-5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-2,8 dicarboxylic acid bisdimethylamide), a small molecule DPP-IV inhibitor. Crystal structure of AMG 222 has been solved from single crystal X-ray analysis. Crystallographic data are as follows: monoclinic, P2 1 (no. 4), a = 9.0327(5) A, b = 18.6177(8) A, c = 21.4927(10) A, β = 90.126(3)°, V = 3614.4(3) A 3 , Z = 4. Based on single crystal structure, AMG 222 is a pentahydrate with the water molecules sitting in channels formed by the drug framework. There are three distinct crystal structures of AMG 222 between 0 and 95% relative humidity (RH), namely the anhydrate, hemihydrate, and pentahydrate forms. Solid-state stability of the GMP batch showed a high level of cyclized degradation product. It was postulated that the degradation was promoted by increased amorphous content generated as a result of excessive drying that was employed to remove residual crystallization solvent. Material produced using a modified procedure using a humidified nitrogen purge had lower amorphous content and lower levels of cyclic degradation when compared to the GMP batch.
Corpectomy versus discectomy for the treatment of multilevel cervical spine pathology: a finite element model analysis

Abstract Background context After multilevel fusions, construct failure because of pseudoarthrosis and instrumentation complications is a well-recognized clinical problem. Little is known about the biomechanics governing the cervical spine after different anterior reconstruction techniques, specifically the number of bone grafts and screws used and whether discectomies versus corpectomies have been performed. A few research groups have compared the efficacy of corpectomy and discectomy procedures under common testing conditions; however, no quantitative stress measurements at graft–end plate and bone-screw interfaces have been reported to date. Purpose To test the hypothesis that increasing the number of bone grafts and screws would yield a more stable construct and decrease the stresses at the graft–end plate and bone-screw interfaces. Study design Stability of fusion constructs with three different multilevel reconstruction techniques. Methods A previously validated C3–T1 intact finite element model was modified to evaluate three different anterior C4–C7 fusion models: a two-level corpectomy alone (one graft and four screws), a corpectomy-discectomy (two grafts and six screws), and a three-level discectomy alone (three grafts and eight screws). Two unicortical screws were placed parallel to the corresponding end plates inside the vertebral bodies—C4 and C7 for the corpectomy alone; C4, C6, and C7 for the corpectomy-discectomy; and C4, C5, C6, and C7 for the discectomy alone. Range of motion, graft stresses, end plate stresses, and bone-screw stresses were evaluated. Results Although total construct motion decreased with an increasing number of bone grafts and screws, this was not significantly different between reconstruction techniques. Stresses in the bone grafts, end plates, and bone near screws decreased as a result of increasing the number of bone grafts and screws, thereby confirming the present study hypothesis. Conclusions Although the chances of pseudarthrosis have been shown to be lower after multilevel cervical corpectomy versus discectomy, because of fewer bone-graft interfaces required for healing, this benefit should be weighed against the higher bone-screw stresses, operating time, blood loss, and costs associated with corpectomy. Future biomechanical studies focusing on corpectomy and discectomy procedures in similar testing protocols are warranted to compare the findings presented here.
Nongenomic Renal Effects of Aldosterone. Dependency on NO and Genomic Actions

There is increasing evidence for a dependency on aldosterone in the development of hypertension.1 How aldosterone influences the physiology that determines blood pressure or for that matter promotes the pathophysiology of high blood pressure turns out to be less than straightforward. There is the genomic pathway that begins with the binding of aldosterone to the classical mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and ends with sodium reabsorption at the distal nephron. But aldosterone can convey nongenomic influences as well, actions that have received less attention, possibly in part because they seem counterintuitive to our genomic view of biology. Adding to the complexity of aldosterone’s actions is the fact that there are also nonepithelial (nondistal nephron) targets of aldosterone, such as the heart, the vasculature, the kidney, and other sites. In this issue of Hypertension , Schmidt et al2 describe a rapid (thus nongenomic) effect of administered aldosterone to increase resistance in renal vasculature (a nonepithelial target) in healthy human subjects. The findings follow on the heels of a rather large body of work on the genomic actions of aldosterone. Aldosterone’s nongenomic effects were first recognized more than a decade before an aldosterone-inducible gene was identified in the late 1990s.3 A nongenomic action characteristically occurs almost immediately, usually within several minutes,4 before sufficient time has elapsed for gene …