cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SGLT2 inhibitors therapy protects glucotoxicity-induced β-cell failure in a mouse model of human KATP-induced diabetes trough mitigation of oxidative and ER stress

Progressive loss of pancreatic {beta}-cell functional mass and anti-diabetic drug responsivity are classic findings in diabetes, frequently attributed to compensatory insulin hypersecretion and {beta}-cell exhaustion. However, loss of {beta}-cell mass and identity still occurs in mouse models of human KATP-gain-of-function induced Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM), in the absence of insulin secretion. Here we studied the mechanisms underlying and temporal progression of glucotoxicity-induced loss of functional {beta}-cell mass in NDM mice, and the effects of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) therapy. Upon tamoxifen induction of transgene expression, NDM mice developed severe diabetes followed by an unexpected loss of insulin content, decreased proinsulin processing and proinsulin accumulation at 2-weeks of diabetes. This was accompanied by a marked increase in {beta}-cell oxidative and ER stress, without changes in islet cell identity. Strikingly, early treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin restored insulin content, decreased proinsulin:insulin ratio and reduced oxidative and ER stress. However, despite reduction of blood glucose, dapagliflozin therapy was ineffective in restoring {beta}-cell function in NDM mice when tit was initiated at >40 days of diabetes, when loss of {beta}-cell mass and identity had already occurred. These results have important clinical implications as they demonstrate that: i) hyperglycemia per se, and not insulin hypersecretion, drives {beta}-cell failure in diabetes, ii) recovery of {beta}-cell function by SGLT2 inhibitors is through reduction of oxidative and ER stress, iii) SGLT2 inhibitors revert/prevent {beta}-cell failure when used in early stages of diabetes, but not when loss of {beta}-cell mass/identity already occurred, iv) common execution pathways underlie loss and recovery of {beta}-cell function in different forms of diabetes.
Graphitic Aza-fused π-Conjugated Networks: Construction, Engineering, and Task-Specific Applications.

Two-dimensional (2D) π-conjugated networks linked by aza-fused units represent a pivotal category of graphitic materials with stacked nanosheet architectures. Extensive efforts have been directed at their fabrication and application since the discovery of covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs). Besides the triazine cores, tricycloquinazoline (TCQ) and hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) linkages are further introduced to tailor the structures and properties. Diverse related materials have been developed rapidly, and a thorough outlook is necessitated to unveil the structure-property-application relationships across multiple subcategories, which is pivotal to guide the design and fabrication towards enhanced task-specific performance. Herein, we first introduce the structure types and development of related materials including CTFs, covalent quinazoline networks (CQNs), and hexaazatriphenylene networks (HATNs). Advanced synthetic strategies coupled with characterization techniques provide powerful tools to engineer the properties and tune the associated behaviors in corresponding applications. Case studies in the areas of gas adsorption, membrane-based separation, thermo-/electro-/photocatalysis, and energy storage are then addressed, focusing on the correlation between structure/property engineering and optimization of the corresponding performance, particularly the preferred features and strategies in each specific field. In the last section, the underlying challenges and opportunities in construction and application of this emerging and promising material category are discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations of globular protein folding/unfolding pathways: II. α-Helical motifs☆

Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations of the folding pathways of alpha-helical protein motifs have been undertaken in the context of a diamond lattice model of globular proteins. The first question addressed in the nature of the assembly process of an alpha-helical hairpin. While the hairpin could, in principle, be formed via the diffusion-collision-adhesion of isolated performed helices, this is not the dominant mechanism of assembly found in the simulations. Rather, the helices that form native hairpins are constructed on-site, with folding initiating at or near the turn in almost all cases. Next, the folding/unfolding pathways of four-helix bundles having tight bends and one and two long loops in the native state are explored. Once again, an on-site construction mechanism of folding obtains, with a hairpin forming first, followed by the formation of a three-helix bundle, and finally the fourth helix of the native bundle assembles. Unfolding is essentially the reverse of folding. A simplified analytic theory is developed that reproduces the equilibrium folding transitions obtained from the simulations remarkably well and, for the dominant folding pathway, correctly identifies the intermediates seen in the simulations. The analytic theory provides the free energy along the reaction co-ordinate and identifies the transition state for all three motifs as being quite close to the native state, with three of the four helices assembled, and approximately one turn of the fourth helix in place. The transition state is separated from the native conformation by a free-energy barrier of mainly energetic origin and from the denatured state by a barrier of mainly entropic origin. The general features of the folding pathway seen in all variants of the model four-helix bundles are similar to those observed in the folding of beta-barrel, Greek key proteins; this suggests that many of the qualitative aspects of folding are invariant to the particular native state topology and secondary structure.
The influence of the number of breast feedings on milk production.

Data was obtained on a 25-year old white woman with a history of 1 successful lactation of 9 months duration in an effort to explore the effect of the number of nursing periods on milk production in nursing mothers in the middle period of lactation. The woman was 176 days postpartum at the time the experiment started and was in good health as was the infant female. Full breastfeeding on demand had been practiced throughout lactation with the exception of an occasional bottle. During the experiment the breasts were alternated only 1 being used at a feeding. Solid food had been started at about 3 months of age and at the time of the experiment the baby was getting a variety of foods morning noon and evening. Water was offered in a cup several times daily. The experiment consisted of changing the number of feedings given to the baby and studying the effect of this on milk supply. The actual experiment consisted of 110 observations made over 24 consecutive days. When the number of feedings was reduced from 5.7 to 3.1 the mean amount of breast milk taken daily fell from 19.1 ounce to 13 ounces. This was a statistically significant difference. When the number of breastfeedings was then increased from a mean of 3.1 to the 5 or 6 the baby wanted each day the production of milk increased after a 2-day lag. As the number of feedings decreased the total sucking time decreased and as the number of feedings was increased the sucking time increased.
Severity of illness, treatment environments, and outcomes of treating acute myocardial infarction for Hispanic Americans.

OBJECTIVE To examine associations of ethnicity with severity of illness, treatment environments, outcomes, as well as their interactions among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS 182,374 Hispanic and non-Hispanic White AMI discharges in the 1998-1999 National Inpatient Sample. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In addition to measuring severity of illness and the treatment environments defined as care-seeking characteristics and process of care, the principal outcome measure was hospital mortality. RESULTS Compared to non-Hispanic White patients, Hispanic patients were associated with a greater comorbidity index, less likely to be treated in small (odds ratios [OR], 0.67), rural (OR, 0.39), or low-volume hospitals (OR, 0.90), but more likely to be treated in teaching hospitals (OR, 1.74). Further, Hispanic patients were less likely to receive arteriography, PTCA, and CABG, but positively associated with more resource use; also, Hispanic patients were less likely to be discharged to non-acute health facilities (OR, 0.80) or to die in hospital (OR, 0.78). Finally, comorbidities and the receiving of PTCA interacted with ethnicity, respectively, to affect mortality. CONCLUSIONS Substantial differences in the hospital care for AMI existed between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients. While the treatment environments were less favorable for Hispanics, their survival advantage over non-Hispanic Whites remains to be unexplained. Biological or other social or clinical factors need to be identified to better explain the lower mortality rates of Hispanics. Enhancing access to specialized services should improve health outcomes for non-Hispanic Whites.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: contemporary approaches to optimal management

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting remains a significant problem for cancer patients. Patient factors such as polypharmacy, medication costs, mucositis, and depression may hinder good antiemetic control, while high workloads, poor communication, and underestimation of the problem on the part of healthcare professionals also play a role. Improving outcomes requires accurate assessment of risk factors, use of guidelines, and better adherence to antiemetic regimens. Extended-release formulations and new delivery systems such as transdermal patches, nasal sprays, and pumps provide a new strategy that may improve patient outcomes.
Upward lightning observations from towers in Rapid City, South Dakota and comparison with National Lightning Detection Network data, 2004-2010

[1] We report on upward lightning observations from ten tall towers (91–191 m) in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA and compare with National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) data. A total of 81 upward flashes were observed from 2004–2010 using GPS time-stamped optical sensors, and in all but one case, visible flash activity preceded the development of the upward leaders. Time-correlated analysis showed that the NLDN recorded an event within 50 km of towers and within 500 ms prior to upward leader development from the tower(s) for 83% (67/81) of the upward flashes. A preceding positive cloud-to-ground stroke (+CG) was detected in 57% (46/81) of the cases, and a preceding positive intracloud flash (+IC) in 23% (19/81) of the cases. However, 8 of the 19 NLDN-indicated +IC events were actually +CG strokes based on optical observations. Preceding negative intracloud flashes (−IC) were recorded for 2% (2/81) of the cases. Analysis also showed that for 44% (36/81) of the upward flashes, the NLDN reported subsequent negative cloud-to-ground (−CG) strokes and/or −IC events at one or more tower locations. Of the 151 subsequent events, 70% (105/151) were −CG reports and 30% (46/151) were listed as −IC events. The geometric mean/median location accuracy and peak current for subsequent events were 194 m/206 m and −12.9 kA/−12.4 kA respectively. These correlated observations suggest that a majority of the upward lightning flashes were triggered by a preceding flash with the dominant triggering type being the +CG flash.
Harmonic analysis on commutative spaces

General theory of topological groups: Basic topological group theory Some examples Integration and convolution Representation theory and compact groups: Basic representation theory Representations of compact groups Compact Lie groups and homogeneous spaces Discrete co-compact subgroups Introduction to commutative spaces: Basic theory of commutative spaces Spherical transforms and Plancherel formulae Special case: Commutative groups Structure and analysis for commutative spaces: Riemannian symmetric spaces Weakly symmetric and reductive commutative spaces Structure of commutative nilmanifolds Analysis on commutative nilmanifolds Classification of commutative spaces Bibliography Subject index Symbol index Table index.
Electroacoustic characterization of electrokinetics in concentrated pigment dispersions: 3-Cyano-4-(4′-butanesulfonamidophenyl)-5-furylidene-furan-2-one

Abstract The surface and colloid chemistry of organic pigment dispersions have largely been ignored in the literature, although organic pigments play a crucial role in classical and ink jet printing and imaging. This paper presents detailed measurements of an aqueous dispersion of the title compound, prepared without added surfactant, and examines the adsorption of various anionic surfactants via electrokinetic sonic amplitude (ESA) measurements. Quantitative adsorption data are compared with adsorption isotherms obtained via phase separation methods and are found to be in good agreement. Determination of saturation monolayer adsorption is significantly faster and more convenient using ESA measurement technology. However, some of the surfactants examined exhibited multilayer or partial multilayer adsorption. A surfactant modeled after the title compound was synthesized and exhibited particularly effective stabilization, although the adsorption appears slightly weaker than the classical surfactants studied. The intrinsic negative surface charge observed in aqueous dispersion of the title compound was identified as due to mechanicochemical activation of surface molecules to hydrolyze the furanone ring to the α-cyano maleic acid moiety. Electrophoretic mobility measurements as a function of volume fraction at various ionic strengths indicate that increasing electrophoretic mobility magnitudes accompanying increasing NaCl concentrations were due to preferential adsorption of chloride to the particle surfaces.
Biogeochemical cycling constraints on stream ecosystem recovery

In systems where production is limited by the availability of a nutrient, nutrient input to and recycling within the system is related to the resilience, or speed of recovery, of a system to its steady state following a disturbance. In particular, it is shown that the return timeT s of the system to steady state, or the inverse of the resilience, is approximately equal to the mean turnover time of the limiting nutrient in the system. From this relationship, it is possible to understand and predict how various properties of food webs and their environments affect resilience. These properties include nutrient input rate, loss rate, size of the detritus compartment, and trophic structure. The effects of these properties on resilience are described by using simple mathematical models. To test model predictions, experimental studies of the response of periphyton-dominated stream ecosystems to disturbance are being conducted on a set of laboratory streams in which nutrient inputs and grazing intensity are regulated at different levels. In streams without snail grazers (low-grazed streams), 90% recirculation of stream water to reduce nutrient inputs resulted in longer turnover times (T r ) of phosphorus within the stream compared with once-through flow. However, in streams with snail grazers (high-grazed streams), there were no differences in phosphorus turnover time between once-through and partially recirculated treatments. Results on the rate of recovery of periphyton from a flood/scour disturbance to each stream partially support the model prediction of a positive relationship between ecosystem return time (T s ) and nutrient turnover time (T r ) within the streams.
Weak Radiative Decay of the Σ + and Λ Hyperons

Unitarity is found to give a reliable, model-independent lower bound on the branching ratio $[\frac{\mathrm{rate}(\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n\ensuremath{\gamma})}{\mathrm{rate}(\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{all})}]g8.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$. This value is nearly as large as the experimentally determined branching ratio for the decay ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p\ensuremath{\gamma}$. Dispersion-theoretic techniques supplemented with current algebra, PCAC, and pole models are then used to determine the real as well as imaginary parts of the amplitudes for the radiative decays of the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ and ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ hyperons. Input consists of the experimental nonleptonic decay amplitudes and pion-nucleon phase shifts. The theoretical predictions are very sensitive to the hyperon magnetic moments, and until these are better known, these results for the radiative decays can only be qualitatively compared with experiment.
Highest measured anodic stability in aqueous solutions: graphenic electrodes from the thermolyzed asphalt reaction

Graphenic material synthesized by the University of Idaho Thermolyzed Asphalt Reaction (GUITAR) was characterized by cyclic voltammetry. Despite morphological similarities, GUITAR maintains distinct characteristics as an electrode material versus graphene, graphite, pyrolytic graphite and highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). Specifically, GUITAR possesses a combination of (i) facile electron transfer with redox species (ii) very high anodic corrosion potentials. Cyclic voltammetric ΔEp studies of Ru(NH3)63+/2+ (71 mV) and Fe(CN)63−/4− (80 mV) in 1 M KCl (aq) indicate facile electron transfer kinetics. This is unlike HOPG and graphene electrodes which have a barrier to heterogeneous electron transfer. The anodic limit of GUITAR is 2.7 V vs. SHE at 200 μA cm−2 in 1 M H2SO4 and demonstrates anodic stability greater than boron doped diamond electrodes. In this characteristic, GUITAR exceeds the corrosion potential of all other sp2-hydribized carbon materials by 700 mV in 1 M H2SO4. Hypotheses on the origins for these distinctive characteristics along with preliminary studies of GUITAR's performance as a dimensionally stable anode with methylene blue electro-oxidation are presented.
Pleiotropy and allelic heterogeneity in the TOMM40-APOE genomic region related to clinical and metabolic features of hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) modulates host lipid metabolism as part of its lifecycle and is dependent upon VLDL for co-assembly and secretion. HCV dyslipidemia is associated with steatosis, insulin resistance, IL28B genotype and disease progression. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is an important lipid transport protein, a key constituent of VLDL, and is involved in immunomodulation. Our aims were to determine the role of APOE regional polymorphisms on host lipids, IL28B genotype and disease severity in chronic HCV (CHC) patients. The study cohort included 732 CHC patients with available DNA for genotype determination of four polymorphisms in the chromosome 19 region that encompasses the TOMM40, APOE and APOC1 genes. Serum lipid analysis and apolipoproteins levels were measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. APOE rs7412 polymorphism (capturing the e2 isoform) was significantly associated with serum ApoE levels in both Caucasians and African-American patients (p = 2.3 × 10−11) and explained 7 % of variance in serum ApoE. Among IL28B-CC patients (n = 196), the rs429358 (defines e4 isoform) and TOMM40 ‘523’ S polymorphisms were associated with 12 % of variance in ApoB levels. Patients homozygous for the APOE e3 isoform had a greater than twofold increased odds of F2–F4 fibrosis (p = 1.8 × 10−5), independent of serum lipid and lipoprotein levels. There were no associations between APOE polymorphisms and serum HDL-C, APO-CIII and triglycerides. In CHC patients, genetic heterogeneity in the APOE/TOMM40 genomic region is significantly associated with variation in serum ApoE and ApoB levels, and also with fibrosis suggesting a pleiotropic attribute of this genomic region.
A numerical study of the influence of a clearcut on eddy-covariance fluxes of CO2 measured above a forest

Abstract We have compared the contributions of unit source fluxes over a clearcut area in a forest and over the contiguous forested area to the eddy-covariance (EC) flux of CO2 measured at a tall tower standing in the center of the clearcut under daytime convective conditions. Based on the comparison, the clearcut influence on EC flux measurements is evaluated from the footprint (or source area) perspective. The large-eddy simulation (LES) technique is used to simulate the bottom-up dispersion of two conservative and passive tracers that are released from the clearcut and from the forested area, respectively. Time series of LES-generated vertical velocity and mixing ratios of both tracers at all the levels are recorded every model time step at the tower location during the last hour of each LES run; this somewhat mimics real EC flux measurements at the tower. The contribution of the unit surface flux over the clearcut relative to that over the forested area decreases with increasing measurement height, decreasing convective boundary layer depth, increasing atmospheric stability, and decreasing size of the clearcut. These results are fitted to an empirical relation and used to evaluate flux measurements at the 447-m tall tower in Wisconsin, USA. The contribution of the unit flux over the clearcut to the EC flux measured at the 30-m level of the tower is larger than 50% of that over the forested area under most unstable conditions, while smaller than 2.5% at the 396-m level. Existing analytical footprint models underestimate the clearcut influence because effects of clearcut-induced heterogeneity of the turbulent flow are not taken into account.
Persistent area socioeconomic disparities in U.S. incidence of cervical cancer, mortality, stage, and survival, 1975-2000.

BACKGROUND Temporal cervical cancer incidence and mortality patterns and ethnic disparities in patient survival and stage at diagnosis in relation to socioeconomic deprivation measures have not been well studied in the United States. The current article analyzed temporal area socioeconomic inequalities in U.S. cervical cancer incidence, mortality, stage, and survival. METHODS County and census tract poverty and education variables from the 1990 census were linked to U.S. mortality and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer incidence data from 1975 to 2000. Age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates and 5-year cause-specific survival rates were calculated for each socioeconomic group and differences in rates were tested for statistical significance at the 0.05 level. RESULTS Substantial area socioeconomic gradients in both incidence and mortality were observed, with inequalities in cervical cancer persisting against a backdrop of declining rates. Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates increased with increasing poverty and decreasing education levels for the total population as well as for non-Hispanic white, black, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic women. Patients in lower socioeconomic census tracts had significantly higher rates of late-stage cancer diagnosis and lower rates of cancer survival. Even after controlling for stage, significant differences in survival remained. The 5-year survival rate among women diagnosed with distant-stage cervical cancer was approximately 30% lower in low than in high socioeconomic census tracts. CONCLUSIONS Census-based socioeconomic measures such as area poverty and education levels could serve as important surveillance tools for monitoring temporal trends in cancer-related health inequalities and targeting interventions. Cancer 2004. Published 2004 by the American Cancer Society.
Lymphocyte intracellular free calcium concentration is increased in preeclampsia.

Abstract Objectives: We tested 2 hypotheses: (1) Preeclampsia is characterized by an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration in lymphocytes. (2) Levels of intracellular free calcium are influenced by the calcium concentration in the extracellular milieu or by parathyroid hormone. Study Design: Intracellular free calcium concentrations were measured in 4 groups of women: nonpregnant women (n = 25), normotensive pregnant women (n = 30), pregnant women with chronic hypertension (n = 15), and women with preeclampsia (n = 15). Intracellular free calcium concentration was measured in the basal state, at varying extracellular calcium ion concentrations, and in the presence of exogenous parathyroid hormone. Results: Women with preeclampsia had the highest basal lymphocyte intracellular free calcium concentration (121 ± 7 nmol/L, mean ± SEM) compared with normotensive pregnant women during the third trimester (94 ± 3 nmol/L, P P Conclusions: Lymphocyte intracellular free calcium concentration is increased in preeclampsia and not in chronic hypertensive pregnancy and is greater during the third trimester than during the first trimester. Extracellular calcium depletion increases lymphocyte intracellular free calcium concentration. These data support the idea that a calcium deficit leading to an increased intracellular free calcium concentration during late pregnancy contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1209-14.)
Age does not alter human vascular and nonvascular β2-adrenergic responses to isoproterenol

beta-Adrenoceptor-mediated functions appear to diminish with aging, but the exact scope of these changes is unknown, because most studies have been limited to beta 1-adrenergic cardiac phenomena. To evaluate both a vascular and a nonvascular beta 2-adrenergic response in the aged, we have studied 12 healthy elderly and 12 healthy young subjects infused with increasing doses of isoproterenol and compared the change in peripheral vascular resistance, measured by venous occlusion plethysmography, and insulin release. In both groups vascular resistance fell and insulin concentrations increased. These changes were equivalent in both groups, and we therefore infer no significant decline in either of these beta 2-adrenergic functions in the elderly.
Self-Consistent Structure of Metallic Hydrogen

A calculation is presented of the total energy of metallic hydrogen for a family of face-centered tetragonal lattices carried out within the self-consistent phonon approximation. The energy of proton motion is large and proper inclusion of proton dynamics alters the structural dependence of the total energy, causing isotropic lattices to become favored. For the dynamic lattice the structural dependence of terms of third and higher order in the electron-proton interaction is greatly reduced from static lattice equivalents.
The effect of asphaltene content on solvent selection for bitumen extraction by the SESA process

Abstract Bitumen is a complex mixture, containing a high proportion of poorly soluble asphaltenes. Unpredictable precipitation of this component can cause process problems during bitumen extraction. Consequently, the selection of an appropriate solvent is an important factor in the optimization of bitumen separation by solvent extraction. This aspect is discussed in the context of bitumen extraction from oil sands using the solvent extraction spherical agglomeration (SESA) process. The SESA process is a solvent extraction method which utilizes concurrent particle aggregation in order to overcome difficulties normally encountered in solid-liquid separation in the presence of fines.
Hearing loss and cognitive effort in older adults' report accuracy for verbal materials.

Older adults with good hearing and an age-matched group with mild to moderate hearing loss heard monosyllabic words in isolation and nine-word sentences that varied in their syntactic complexity. Each of the these stimulus types was presented initially below the level of audibility and then increased in loudness in 2 dB increments until the single-word stimuli and all nine words of the sentence stimuli could be correctly reported. A group of young adults with age-normal hearing were also tested for comparison. Results confirmed the common findings of better report accuracy for meaningful sentences than for words heard in isolation without a sentence context, but for the older adults there was also a significant effect of syntactic complexity of the sentence stimuli. This effect was further exaggerated by hearing loss. Results are interpreted in terms of age-limited working memory resources impacted both by the resource demands required for comprehension of syntactically complex sentences and by effortful listening attendant to hearing loss.
TU‐D‐224C‐03: TG‐43U1 Brachytherapy Dosimetry Parameters for Virtual, Unfiltered Sources

Purpose: Underlying brachytherapydosimetry characteristics for 137Cs, 125I, 192Ir, 103Pd, and 169Yb were examined using Monte Carlo methods.Sources were modeled as unencapsulated point or line sources in liquid water to negate source‐specific effects of materials and construction. Importance of phantom size (R), radiation transport mode, phantom material, and volume averaging were studied. Method and Materials:Radiation transport simulations were performed with MCNP5 using the most recent photon cross‐section libraries. The AAPM TG‐43U1 brachytherapydosimetry formalism was employed and extended to radionuclides with EAVG > 50 keV. Radiation spectra were taken from the National Nuclear Data Center and compared to those commonly referenced. Enough photon histories were simulated to maintain statistical uncertainties < 1%. Results and Discussion: For non‐infinite media, g(r) was found to degrade as r approached R, the phantom radius, and MCNP5 results were in agreement with those published using GEANT4. Dosimetry parameters calculated using coupled photon‐electron radiation transport simulations did not differ significantly from those using photon transport only. Low‐energy radionuclides 125I and 103Pd were sensitive to phantom material with up to a factor of 1.4 and 2, respectively, between tissue‐equivalent materials and water at r = 9 cm. In comparison, high‐energy photons from 137Cs, 192Ir, and 169Yb demonstrated ± 5% differences between water and tissue‐substitutes at r = 20 cm. Similarly, volume‐averaging effects were found to be more significant for low‐energy radionuclides. When modeling line sources with L ⩽ 0.5 cm, the 2‐D anisotropy function was largely within ± 0.5% of unity for 137Cs, 125I, and 192Ir. However, an energy and geometry effect was noted for 103Pd and 169Yb, with F(0.5,0°) = 1.05 and 0.98, respectively, for L = 0.5 cm. Additional radiation transport calculations using mono‐energetic photons showed energy‐dependent variations in F(r,θ) as a function of effective length and θ.
Developmentally regulated plasmalemmal glycoconjugates of the surface and neural ectoderm.

Abstract The plasmalemmal glycoconjugates of the ectoderm surrounding the rat embryo's caudal neuropore were mapped at the ultrastructural level, using various lectin probes. These included the agglutinins of wheat germ, soybean, Ricinus communis, Lotus tetragonolobus, and Canavalia ensiformis. Each lectin produced a characteristic binding pattern. Comparison of precursor cells of surface ectoderm, neural crest, and neural tube revealed that, even prior to neural tube formation, these three cell types can be distinguished by the sets of lectin receptors they express on their apical plasmalemma. The high density of lectin receptors found at the open neural groove level decreases dramatically during neurulation. Further changes in surface glycoconjugates must occur during neuronal differentiation because sprouting neurons exhibit yet another lectin binding pattern ( K. H. Pfenninger, M.-F. Maylie-Pfenninger, L. B. Friedman, and P. Simkowitz, 1984 , Dev. Biol. 106, 97–108). These results indicate that the commitment of ectodermal cells to diverging lineages (epidermis, neural crest, and tube) is reflected in their surface carbohydrates and occurs while they are still part of a continuous epithelial sheet. Furthermore, the plasmalemmal glycoconjugates of the ectoderm are developmentally regulated, and particularly dramatic changes in glycoconjugate expression are linked to neurulation.
Intertribal gene flow between the Ye'cuana and Yanomama: genetic analysis of an admixed village.

Genetic exchange with a neighboring village of Ye'cuana Indians had introduced two alleles, Di" and ACP", into the Yanomama Indian village of Borabuk. After several generations, these alleles had reached frequencies of 0.08 and 0.10, respectively. These frequencies are puzzling because they are higher in Borabuk than in the Ye'cuana village from which they were derived. Single allele estimates of ancestral proportions obtained from either of these traits are biologically unrealistic and suggest that admixture is not a good explanation for genetic variation in Borabuk. Nevertheless, multiallelic admixture models are seen to produce credible estimates of ancestral proportions and to explain a large amount of allele frequency variation in Borabuk. When these results are compared with expectations derived from a formal pedigree analysis, good agreement is seen. Comparison of single allele estimates of ancestral proportions obtained from alleles at 11 loci, with multiallelic estimates obtained from the same 11 loci and with the pedigree-derived estimates, demonstrates the superiority of the mul- tiallelic approach.
Single-shot ultrafast tomographic imaging by spectral multiplexing

Computed tomography has profoundly impacted science, medicine and technology by using projection measurements scanned over multiple angles to permit cross-sectional imaging of an object. The application of computed tomography to moving or dynamically varying objects, however, has been limited by the temporal resolution of the technique, which is set by the time required to complete the scan. For objects that vary on ultrafast timescales, traditional scanning methods are not an option. Here we present a non-scanning method capable of resolving structure on femtosecond timescales by using spectral multiplexing of a single laser beam to perform tomographic imaging over a continuous range of angles simultaneously. We use this technique to demonstrate the first single-shot ultrafast computed tomography reconstructions and obtain previously inaccessible structure and position information for laser-induced plasma filaments. This development enables real-time tomographic imaging for ultrafast science, and offers a potential solution to the challenging problem of imaging through scattering surfaces.
Engaging External Senior Faculty Members as Faculty Mentors

A small nonprofit private college with limited resources and a high proportion of junior faculty developed a nontraditional external faculty mentor program in the summer of 2011 in response to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) faculty survey data regarding the professional development needs of pharmacy faculty members. Experienced faculty members with national reputations from other colleges and schools of pharmacy were hired as consultants to serve as mentors for assigned faculty members. Program goals were to provide directed, individual mentorship for pharmacy practice and basic science faculty members, expand peer review of faculty teaching prowess, and enhance monthly faculty development programming. The latter was based upon the specific needs assessment of the faculty. Program outcomes reported will include faculty satisfaction (AACP faculty survey data) changes over time, achievement of board certification for clinical faculty members and other credentialing, and other benchmarks, eg, publications, grant funding, service engagement (site development, professional organizations), after the implementation of the nontraditional faculty-mentoring program.
Solid-state fault isolation devices: application to future power electronics-based distribution systems

This study addresses the timely issues of modelling, and defining selection criteria for, a solid-state fault isolation device (FID) intended for use in power electronics-based distribution systems (PEDS). This work subsequently derives the FID parameters by mapping the characteristics of a conventional medium-voltage distribution system onto that of the PEDS envisioned under a new multi-university Engineering Research Centre. When conventional circuit breakers are used in distribution systems, they have a relatively long clearing time, causing the voltage to collapse for a significant time. A semiconductor circuit breaker, however, is expected to be able to switch fast enough to keep a voltage disturbance within acceptable limits. The main focus of this study is to address the operational issues of the interaction between the power electronic converters and the solid-state FID. The utilisation of rate of current decrease (di/dt) control during turn-off in conjunction with passive clamping devices to manage the overvoltage that results from very fast circuit breaker operation is introduced. In contrast to a simple conventional RC-snubber circuit, the proposed overvoltage management avoids high leakage current, which is the undesirable drawback of RC-snubber circuits. The presented prototype is experimentally verified with low and medium-voltage test circuits.
Scribble associates with two polarity proteins, Lgl2 and Vangl2, via distinct molecular domains.

Scribble (Scrib) is a large multi-domain cytoplasmic protein that was first identified through its requirement for the establishment of epithelial polarity. We tested the hypotheses that Scrib asssociates with the basolateral membrane via multiple domains, binds specific protein partners, and is part of a multimeric complex. We generated a series of EGFP-tagged Scrib fusion proteins and examined their membrane localizations in two types of polarized mammalian epithelial cells using biochemical and morphological approaches. We found that Scrib's Leucine-rich-repeat (LRR) and PDS-95/Discs Large/ZO-1 (PDZ) domains independently associate with the plasma membrane in both cell types. We identified multiple large Scrib complexes, demonstrated that Scrib and the cytoplasmic protein Lethal giant larvae2 (Lgl2) co-IP and that this association occurs via Scrib's LRR domain. Further, this report demonstrates that the membrane protein Vangl2 binds selectively to specific PDZ domains in Scrib. Our identification of Scrib's associations highlights its function in multiple biologic pathways and sets the stage for future identification of more proteins that must interact with Scrib's remaining domains. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 647–664, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An unusual translocation in a case of Mongolism.

The case of a Mongoloid girl is reported, whose chromosomal analysis revealed only 46 chromosomes with 3 small acrocentric chromosomes and a seventh large acrocentric structure resembling the chromosomes of Group D (13–15). On the basis of the clinical finding it was assumed that the seventh large acrocentric structure consists, in reality, of an unusual translocation of 2 small acrocentric chromosomes. The possibility of a pericentric inversion is discussed.
Characterization of fretting related acoustic emission signals

The acoustic emission (AE) technique is a promising tool for monitoring the integrity of structural members while they are in service. The major obstacle in deploying this technique is the presence of noise from extraneous sources that generate false positives. Identification and separation of noise from crack related signals are of interest. Friction induced AE is a prominent source of noise in structural members. When a structural member having riveted or bolted joints is subjected to cyclic loading, the mating parts of the surfaces experience very small relative motion that results in a localized rubbing process usually termed as "fretting". The fretting process is a prolific source of AE signals. As signals from crack growth as well as fretting emanates from the same region in riveted joints, it is difficult to discriminate crack related AE from fretting related AE, unless the distinct characteristics of the two signals are well understood. However, fretting related AE signals are also of noteworthy interest in tribological applications as they contain significant information about the surface conditions. To understand friction induced AE signals, numerically simulated fretting signals are analyzed. Greenwood and Williamson's multiple asperity contact model is used to generate fretting signals numerically. The results are also compared with experimentally obtained fretting signals.
The effect of sodium on growth and potassium deficiency symptoms in water convolvulus (Ipomea aquatica, Forsk.)

Abstract Water convolvulus, Ipomea aquatica Forsk., was grown in nutrient solution with three concentrations of sodium and potassium, each ranging from deficient to sufficient. All other nutrients were supplied in adequate quantities. Both potassium and sodium increased plant growth, however, the response to sodium was greatest when potassium was deficient. Evidence of a sodium response makes the accepted practice of balancing potassium with sodium in solution culture studies most questionable. Sodium should not be considered a non‐nutrient in water convolvulus.
Chronic myofascial temporomandibular pain is associated with neural abnormalities in the trigeminal and limbic systems

Myofascial pain of the temporomandibular region (M-TMD) is a common, but poorly understood chronic disorder. It is unknown whether the condition is a peripheral problem, or a disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). To investigate possible CNS substrates of M-TMD, we compared the brain morphology of 15 women with M-TMD to that of 15 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. High-resolution structural brain and brainstem scans were carried out using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and data were analyzed using a voxel-based morphometry approach. The M-TMD group evidenced decreased or increased gray matter volume compared to controls in several areas of the trigeminothalamocortical pathway, including brainstem trigeminal sensory nuclei, the thalamus, and the primary somatosensory cortex. In addition, M-TMD individuals showed increased gray matter volume compared to controls in limbic regions such as the posterior putamen, globus pallidus, and anterior insula. Within the M-TMD group, jaw pain, pain tolerance, and pain duration were differentially associated with brain and brainstem gray matter volume. Self-reported pain severity was associated with increased gray matter in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex and posterior cingulate. Sensitivity to pressure algometry was associated with decreased gray matter in the pons, corresponding to the trigeminal sensory nuclei. Longer pain duration was associated with greater gray matter in the posterior cingulate, hippocampus, midbrain, and cerebellum. The pattern of gray matter abnormality found in M-TMD individuals suggests the involvement of trigeminal and limbic system dysregulation, as well as potential somatotopic reorganization in the putamen, thalamus, and somatosensory cortex.
Pre-Service Teachers in Second Life: Potentials of Simulations

An in-depth qualitative study with nine secondary pre-service teachers from an undergraduate Language and Literacy class was conducted to examine the potential of simulation using Second Life (SL) in teacher education. Games and simulations were operationally defined in the broadest sense to distinguish key characteristics between them. This study identified a number of ways (e.g., extra credit option, supplementary tool, and enhancement to teaching and learning) SL could be used as an educational tool to engage students in learning.
Responding under chained and tandem fixed-ratio schedules.

The role of stimuli in chained fixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement was examined. At various ratio values, responding on schedules consisting of three or five equal components, with a different colored light in each component (“block counter”) was compared with responding on tandem or simple fixed-ratio schedules having the same color present throughout the entire ratio. At all ratio values except the smallest, the chain stimuli resulted in longer pauses after reinforcement. The magnitude of this effect became greater as the size of the ratio was increased. Post-reinforcement pause durations were longer under five-component schedules than under three-component schedules. Running rates in the first component were lower on the chained schedules than on the tandem schedules; on both kinds of schedule, rates were lower in the first component than in the rest of the ratio. When the sequence of stimuli was reversed, the duration of the post-reinforcement pause dropped markedly and the running rate in the initial component increased, but these effects gradually disappeared after the first reversal session. When the final chain stimulus was substituted for the first component stimulus but continued to appear in the final chain component as well, the pause duration dropped and remained at this lower level during subsequent sessions.
Promoter activity 5' of Dβ2 is coordinated by E47, Runx1, and GATA-3

Abstract V(D)J recombination involves the stepwise assembly of B and T cell receptor genes as lymphocytes progress through the early stages of development. While the mechanisms that restrict each step in recombination to its appropriate developmental stage are largely unknown, they share many of the components that regulate transcription. For example, enhancer-dependent modifications in histone acetylation and methylation are essential for both germline transcription and rearrangement of antigen receptor genes. Promoters positioned proximal to individual D and J gene segments in Tcra , Tcrb , Tcrd , IgH , and Igk also contribute to antigen receptor gene assembly, though their effects appear more localized than those of enhancers. Tcrb assembly initiates with D-to-J joining at each of the two D–J–C gene segment clusters in DN1/2 thymocytes. DJ joints are fused with Vβ elements to complete Tcrb recombination in DN3 cells. We have previously shown that Dβ2 is flanked by upstream and downstream promoters, with the 5′ promoter being held inactive until D-to-J recombination deletes the NFκB-dependent 3′ promoter. We now report that activity of the 5′ promoter reflects a complex interplay among Runx1, GATA-3, and E47 transcription factors. In particular, while multiple E47 and Runx1 binding sites clustered near the Dβ2 5′RS and overlapping inr elements define the core 5′PDβ2, they act in concert with an array of upstream GATA-3 sites to overcome the inhibitory effects of a 110 bp distal polypurine·polypyrimidine (R·Y) tract. The dependence of 5′PDβ2 on E47 is consistent with the reported role of E proteins in post-DN1 thymocyte development and V-to-DJβ recombination.
Exposure to firearms, not marriage, the true risk factor for firearm suicide among women.

I enjoyed reading the recent article by Kaplan and colleagues,1 in which they compared the characteristics of people who completed suicide with a firearm with those who used other methods. An interesting finding was that female suicide decedents who used firearms were significantly more likely to be married than female suicide decedents who used other means (odds ratio 1.55, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.77). I would like to suggest that a possible reason for this finding is that women are unlikely …