cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analyze JPEG File Size for Random Pictures Using Random Function in Mathematica

Using the random function in Mathematica (a mathematical software), random numbers between 0 and 1 were generated which in turn used to create random pictures. The random values represent the gray scale of the black and white pictures. Thus hundreds of pictures were created randomly and compressed using JPEG algorithm. Then a directory list containing the file size is created and imported in the Microsoft excel worksheet to analyze. All the code is given in the paper that is used so that it can be carried out by any interested reader. As a byproduct, this can be used as a classroom activity or as a project for any college level mathematics courses.
Transport proteins in the plasma membrane and the secretory system

The organelles of the plant secretory system and the plasma membrane each contain a specific complement of resident integral membrane proteins, which provide each organelle with some of its unique characteristics. Over the past few years, genes encoding some of these proteins have been isolated and this has allowed the function and localization of the encoded proteins to be determined. A number of the genes encode proteins involved in transport processes, both in the trafficking of proteins between membranes and the transport of solutes across membranes. However, little is known about the majority of membrane proteins within the endomembrane system. A more complete understanding of the processes occurring within this system awaits the identification and analysis of many more of its components and the interactions between them. This will also allow important questions to be addressed regarding the mechanisms by which membrane proteins are correctly localized and assembled in the secretory pathway.
Evidence for the existence of a stable association between nascent DNA and the nuclear membrane of HeLa cells.

Abstract Nascent DNA-nuclear membrane complexes isolated from HeLa cells and solubilized in a sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea solution were examined by gel electrophoresis, column chromatography, isopycnic centrifugation, and by extraction with chloroform methanol . Radioactivity attributable to [3H]DNA co-migrated with three protein peaks during electrophoresis. This radioactivity was eliminated by prior treatment with DNAase. In addition, all of the radioactivity attributable to nascent DNA eluted with a specific protein on Sepharose 4B columns. This DNA · protein complex banded at a density of 1.58 gm/cm3 in sucrose-CsCl gradients. Treatment with DNAase, phospholipase A and C, and dilute alkali disrupted the complex. Moreover, 93% of the radioactivity attributable to protein and 70% of that attributable to DNA could be extracted from the complex with a chloroform methanol solution. The results suggest that nascent DNA may be in a stable association with a proteolipid moiety of the nuclear membrane.
Improved Estimates of Location in the Presence of an Unknown Scale

Abstract We investigate conditions under which estimators of the form X + aU ′ Ug ( X ) dominate X when X , a p × 1 vector, and U , an m × 1 vector, are distributed such that [X 1 , X 2 ,…, X p , U 1 , U 2 ,…, U p ]′ σ has a spherically symmetric distribution about [ θ 1 , θ 2 ,…, θ p , 0, 0,…, 0]′, where σ is an unknown scale. Brandwein and Strawderman [2] have results for quadratic loss and we extend these results to concave functions of quadratic loss and to general quadratic loss.
The impact of organizational culture and person‐organization fit on organizational commitment and job satisfaction in Taiwan

The related concepts of organizational culture and person‐organization (P‐O) fit or congruence between the person and organization are important to organizational success. The psychological contract, which is both perceptual and individual, forms the basis of the P‐O fit. However, there has been little attention paid to the interaction of fit and organizational culture with such concepts as job satisfaction and organizational commitment and the application of this concept in non‐western cultures. The results of this study, conducted in Taiwan, indicate that P‐O fit is a key element in both the level of job satisfaction that employees experience and also in their level of organizational commitment whether measured by an instrument or turnover rates. An organization is not a passive or stable institution and it evolves and grows within an organizational culture. While P‐O fit may be linked to organizational culture, the impact of specific types of organizational culture was also assessed. Involvement in an organization that had a bureaucratic organizational culture resulted in the lowest levels of job satisfaction and organizational commitment. An innovative culture was next highest and a supportive culture had the highest level of employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment. These findings indicate that organizational culture plays an important role in the level of job satisfaction and commitment in an organization. In terms of the impact of the P‐O fit on job satisfaction and organizational commitment in Taiwan, the results indicate that the degree of fit plays an important role in all of the types of organizational culture studied. The better the fit the higher the levels of these two variables. The results indicate that the P‐O fit is an important variable within the organizations in non‐western cultures.
High-risk banks, auditors and Sarbanes-Oxley

One apparently inevitable consequence of globalisation is that banking systems have become an integral, if not central, part in the movement of illicit money and correspondent accounts between foreign banks and US banks have become an increasingly viable avenue for funnelling illegally obtained monies into the US economy. Financial transactions, such as wire transfers, may occur in various currencies between a foreign correspondent bank and the US bank with little if any oversight by the US bank over the foreign bank's management integrity, domestic regulations, or presence of or adherence to anti-money laundering controls. The ease of movement of funds through cyberspace in conjunction with the lack of monitoring of funds through foreign correspondent banks by US banks has allowed a lacuna to remain, whereby criminal account holders continue to enjoy full banking facilities largely without recourse.
New results in the packing of equal circles in a square

Abstract The problem of finding the maximum diameter of n equal mutually disjoint circles inside a unit square is addressed in this paper. Exact solutions exist for only n = 1, …, 9,10,16,25,36 while for other n only conjectural solutions have been reported. In this work a max-min optimization approach is introduced which matches the best reported solutions in the literature for all n ⩽ 30, yields a better configuration for n = 15, and provides new results for n = 28 and 29.
Is the onset of actin histidine methylation under developmental control in the chick embryo

It had previously been reported (B. Krzysik, J. P. Vergnes, and I. R. McManus (1971) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 146, 34-45) that prior to day 11 of embryonic life chick skeletal muscle actin contained little or no 3-methylhistidine, and that between Day 11 and 18, the degree of actin histidine methylation increased until it leveled off at 1 mol of 3-methylhistidine/mol actin. This is the value seen in adult muscle and nonmuscle actins so far analyzed. To determine whether this delayed onset of actin methylation occurred simultaneously throughout the organism or differed from tissue to tissue, the 3-methylhistidine content of cardiac muscle actin from Day 2 of embryonic life to hatching and of brain actin at Days 9, 11, and 14 were analyzed. These results, obtained by analyzing unlabeled actin samples as well as samples labeled in vivo with [3H]histidine, showed that at all stages, 1 mol of 3-methylhistidine was present per mol of actin. When skeletal muscle samples obtained from Day 11 to 18 embryos were analyzed 1 mol of 3-methylhistidine/mol of actin was observed. Thus, in the chick embryo, contrary to those reports published earlier, it was found that actin histidine methylation is not under developmental control.
A simplified method for the routine culture of normal oral epithelial (NOE) cells from upper aerodigestive tract mucosa

A method has been established for the routine culture for normal oral epithelial (NOE) cells based on simple methodology and commercially available materials. Normal mucosa was obtained from surgical resections of cancer patients, oropharyngeal mucosa, or pediatric tonsillectomies, anterior tonsillar pillar. NOE cells were allowed to outgrow using explant outgrowth techniques on whole mucosa or the dispased epithelial component. Outgrowth in AmnioMax-C100 medium (Gibco) followed by cell passaging in KGM (Clonetics) using Primaria (Falcon) tissue culture dishes produced reproducible growth, a reflection of a high rate of cell proliferation. Using this technique, cells maintain log phase growth for 2 cell passages, a minimum of 10–20 population doublings, and over 108 cells can be easily obtained from most specimens, if desired. The growth potential of NOE cells from individual clinical specimens can be predicted by cell size on a particle counter. If the mean population diameter is approximately 15 μm or less, cells exhibit good log phase growth whereas if the diameter is greater than 16 um, growth is poor. NOE cells cultured by this method show typical epithelial morphology, have desmosomal junctions, rest on an extracellular matrix, are positive for cytokeratin expression and are growth inhibited by TGF-β, a normal inhibitory growth regulator. In summary, using this technique, epithelial cells from human oral mucosa can be easily generated in sufficient quantity and quality for cell biological, biochemical and molecular studies.
Vitamin E and the hypercoagulability of neonatal blood

This study examines whether vitamin E deficiency has any role in the hypercoagulability of neonatal blood. Blood was collected from mothers and their full-term placental cords. Vitamin E was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography and whole blood clotting time was measured by recalcification. Cord plasma had significantly lower vitamin E (P < 0.0001) compared with maternal plasma. Whole blood clotting time of cord blood was significantly (P < 0.002) shorter compared with the clotting time of maternal blood. There was a significant correlation between plasma vitamin E and whole blood clotting time (r = 0.54, P < 0.04) of cord blood. The addition of standard vitamin E to cord blood in vitro resulted in prolongation of whole blood clotting time. This suggests that a deficiency of plasma vitamin E can shorten whole blood clotting time in newborns, which may have a role in the disseminated intravascular coagulation frequently experienced by newborn infants.
Carboxylate-substituted radicals from phenylselenide derivatives. Designs on models for coenzyme B12-dependent enzyme-catalyzed rearrangements.

Laser flash photolysis (266 nm) of α- and β-phenylselenyl esters, carboxylic acids, and carboxylates in aqueous acetonitrile media gave the corresponding radicals by homolytic cleavage of the phenylselenyl groups. In the β-substituted systems, acid and carboxylate radicals reacted in intramolecular reporter reactions with approximately equal rate constants. For the α-substituted systems, an ester- and carboxylic acid-substituted radical reacted in an intramolecular reporter reaction with the same rate constants, but the analogous α-carboxylate radical, a radical anion, reacted an order of magnitude less rapidly and with an activation energy that is 3 kcal/mol greater than that found for analogues. A kinetic titration of the equilibrating α-acid and α-carboxylate radicals gave pKa = 4.6. The results indicate that α-ester and α-carboxylic acid radicals are unlikely to be appropriate models for α-carboxylate radicals, the intermediates formed in a large subset of coenzyme B12-dependent enzyme-catalyzed react...
MRI-based anatomical model of the human head for specific absorption rate mapping

In this study, we present a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based, high-resolution, numerical model of the head of a healthy human subject. In order to formulate the model, we performed quantitative volumetric segmentation on the human head, using T1-weighted MRI. The high spatial resolution used (1 × 1 × 1 mm3), allowed for the precise computation and visualization of a higher number of anatomical structures than provided by previous models. Furthermore, the high spatial resolution allowed us to study individual thin anatomical structures of clinical relevance not visible by the standard model currently adopted in computational bioelectromagnetics. When we computed the electromagnetic field and specific absorption rate (SAR) at 7 Tesla MRI using this high-resolution model, we were able to obtain a detailed visualization of such fine anatomical structures as the epidermis/dermis, bone structures, bone-marrow, white matter and nasal and eye structures.
Theory and Modeling in the Study of Intimate Relationships and Health

What explains the benefits of marriage to good health? Do cohabitors, gay or straight, receive similar benefits from their intimate relationships? Liu and her colleagues open with this statement: “Marriage is associated with good health. Yet same-sex cohabitors cannot marry in most states in the United States and therefore may not receive the health benefits associated with marriage.” Is the benefit of marriage to health its legal status?
A Learning Cycle Approach to Dealing with Pseudoscience Beliefs of Prospective Elementary Teachers.

(1993). A learning cycle approach to dealing with pseudoscience beliefs of prospective elementary teachers. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 33-36.
Self-assembly and field-responsive optical diffractions of superparamagnetic colloids

Superparamagnetic Fe(3)O(4) colloids with highly charged surfaces have been assembled into ordered structures in water in response to external magnetic fields. The colloids form chainlike structures with regular interparticle spacings of a few hundred nanometers along the direction of the external field so that the system strongly diffracts visible light. The balance between attractive (in this case, magnetic) and repulsive (electrostatic) forces dictates interparticle spacing and therefore optical properties. By changing the relative strength of these two forces, one can tune the peak diffraction wavelength over the entire visible spectrum. We were able to optimize the diffraction intensity and the tuning range through studying their dependence on variables such as the size distribution and concentration of the Fe(3)O(4) colloids or ionic strength of the solutions. The fast, reversible response and the feasibility for miniaturization impart these photonic materials great potential in applications such as optoelectronic devices, sensors, and color displays.
Larval Ectoderm, Organizational Homology, and the Origins of Evolutionary Novelty †

Comprehending the origin of marine invertebrate larvae remains a key domain of research for evolutionary biologists, including the repeated origin of direct developmental modes in echinoids. In order to address the latter question, we surveyed existing evidence on relationships of homology between the ectoderm territories of two closely related sea urchin species in the genus Heliocidaris that differ in their developmental mode. Additionally, we explored a recently articulated idea about homology called 'organizational homology' (Muller 2003. In: Muller GB, Newman SA, editors. Origination of organismal form: beyond the gene in developmental and evolutionary biology. Cambridge, MA: A Bradford Book, The MIT Press. p 51-69. ) in the context of this specific empirical case study. Applying the perspective of organizational homology to our experimental system of congeneric echinoids has led us to a new hypothesis concerning the ectoderm evolution in these species. The extravestibular ectoderm of the direct developer Heliocidaris erythrogramma is a novel developmental territory that arose as a fusion of the oral and aboral ectoderm territories found in indirect developing echinoids such as Heliocidaris tuberculata. This hypothesis instantiates a theoretical principle concerning the origin of developmental modules, 'integration', which has been neglected because the opposite theoretical principle, 'parcellation', is more readily observable in events such as gene duplication and divergence (Wagner 1996. Am Zool 36:36-43).
Cyclic proceptivity in a captive female orang-utan (Pongo Pygmaeus Abelii)

Abstract An adult male—female pair of orang-utans was observed for a 3-month period, commencing with the introduction of the animals to each other. After approximately 2 weeks, the female began to show proceptive behaviors towards the male. Two other proceptive periods were observed, occuring from 26 to 30 days apart, and lasting for 4–6 days. These female-initiated periods of sexual activity began with increased locomotor activity, solitary play, proximity to the male, following the male, and social grooming. The peak periods of proceptive behaviour included hand—genital contact, mouth—genital contact, rolling the male onto his back, both dorso-ventral and ventro-ventral mounting, and pelvic thrusting. Although hormonal levels could not be assessed in this study, it is believed that these peaks coincided with ovulation. In previous reports, the presence of proceptive behaviors was perhaps over-shadowed by highly aggressive sexual behavior on the part of male orang-utans. The visibility of proceptivity in this study is attributed to the large cage which allowed the female to escape the male's advances, enabled distance between the animals when they preferred it, and continuous exposure of the orangs to each other. This female orang-utan behavior was compared to the female sexual behaviours of the other great ape species — the chimpanzee and the gorilla.
Optical Properties of Spiroconjugated Charge-Transfer Dyes

A new type of intramolecular charge-transfer dye has been prepared. The LUMO of the acceptor part (1,3-indandione) in these compounds is spiroconjugated with the HOMO of the donor part (aromatic diamine or amino thiol). The interaction between the donor and acceptor is controlled by the energy and symmetry of the frontier orbitals. The ground state dipole moments of these compounds are aligned along the long molecular axes. In the solid state, distortions of structures are observed that are consistent with partial electron shift from the donor to the acceptor. Much more pronounced electron density shifts accompany the electronic transition that is observed in the visible region of the spectrum. These transitions are of the charge-transfer (CT) type, as shown by solvatochromic and electrooptical studies. The excited state dipole moments are in the direction opposite to that of the ground state. These observations are consistent with the excited state having radical ion pair character. The new dyes are mode...
Effect of grouping on adrenals and gonads of chickens

Abstract 1. 1. Adrenals and thyroids of birds kept in groups of six were significantly heavier than the adrenals and thyroids of heterosexual pairs kept at the same density. 2. 2. After sexual maturity the adrenal weights of cocks correlated reciprocally with social rank. 3. 3. Adrenal stimulation, as measured by lipid depletion, correlated well with the amount of social interaction within each group. 4. 4. Subordinate grouped cocks were found to have a slower testes weight gain, delayed onset of spermatogenesis, and degenerative changes in the testes in comparison to paired and grouped dominant males.
Microcirculatory model relating geometrical variation to changes in pressure and flow rate

A primary first step in defining the functional capabilities of a given microcirculatory bed is to describe the distribution of intravascular pressure and flow throughout the network using an idealized geometrical model. By applying an approach developed by the geomorphological sciences, changes in vessel lengths, numbers, and diameters were systematically related to order number by applying three mathematical relationships. From measurements of a number of vascular modules, generalized relationships were obtained which applied to the microcirculation as a whole. An idealized model was developed by the computer-generation of node-node connections based on their probabilities of occurrence, and by generation of lengths and diameters, based on equations relating diameter and length to branching order number. Networks of this type were readily analyzable in terms of pressure-flow characteristics, using linear network analysis techniques. The current study focused on two specific microvascular beds: [1] rabbit omentum, in which numerous studies have related in vivo pressures and flows to geometry, and [2] human bulbar conjunctiva, in which quantitative data is almost totally nonexistent. In view of the close correlation between measured and predicted omental pressure and flow values, it was apparent that the current modeling scheme offered a close approximation to in vivo values. A more significant application, however, is in the correlation of complex alterations in vascular geometry with the accompanying hydrodynamical changes.
SU‐E‐T‐886: Exploration of SBRT Lung Treatment Using the First Non‐Commercial VMAT

Purpose: The beamlet‐based IMRT‐SBRT has two widely‐recognized deficiencies: an elevated MU and a reduced MU‐to‐cGy coefficient. To address these issues, we developed our own version of VMAT. A thorough literature search indicates that this is the first non‐commercial VMAT in the United States. Our objectives are 1) to minimize MU; 2) to maximize delivery efficiency and 3) to provide IMRT‐SBRT‐comparable plans. Methods: All VMAT‐SBRT plans consisted of a single arc of 180 equally spaced beams. Our VMAT was designed to simultaneously optimize both MLC apertures and aperture MU weights. A novel feature of our VMAT planning system was the inclusion of a normal tissue objective (NTO) function into the total dose‐volume based quadratic objective function. Five VMAT‐SBRT plans were computed and compared with corresponding IMRT‐SBRT plans. Our VMAT‐SBRT plans were delivered in RapidArc mode on a RapidArc‐enabled Varian Trilogy machine. Results: We found that the mean MU for the VMAT‐SBRT plans was 2052±108, while that for the IMRT‐SBRT plans was 3790±63. The MU‐to‐cGy ratio was 1.15±0.06 for the VMAT‐SBRT plans, while the MU‐to‐cGy ratio was 2.11±0.04 for the IMRT‐SBRT plans. The mean delivery time for the IMRT‐SBRT plans was 6.32±1.06 min (600 MU/min), while that for the VMAT‐SBRT plans was only 1.25 min. The mean target dose homogeneity index HI for the IMRT‐SBRT plans was 0.0535±0.0001, while that for the VMAT‐SBRT plans was 0.0366±0.0028. The mean PTV dose conformity PIPTV for the VMAT‐SBRT plans was 1.421±0.0311, while that for the IMRT‐SBRT plans was 1.466 ±0.0028. Conclusions: Based on our preliminary results, we conclude that our own version of VMAT‐SBRT can significantly increase plan delivery efficiency, enhance energy use efficiency, and improve target dose homogeneity and conformity. It is a viable and safe substitute for IMRT‐SBRT.
A Cable-Borne Tram for Atmospheric Measurements along Transects

A system to make atmospheric measurements from a moving trolley suspended by a stretched cable has been developed. At present, these measurements consist of wind velocity, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration, though other sensors may be added. The track consists of cable segments attached to turns mounted on standard triangular towers. Using this approach, the path can be a closed (three dimensional) polygon of arbitrary length. This tool allows continuous, high spatial and temporal resolution sampling in environments, such as within forest canopies, not possible with other platforms. This system was used at the Niwot Ridge AmeriFlux site to obtain insight into the spatial and temporal structure of CO2, wind, and humidity fields in a natural forest ecosystem. Specifically, cool, moist, and CO2-rich air was observed to move in thin blobs downslope along the local water drainage through the subcanopy space at night.
Can a minimum rate of investigation of measleslike illnesses serve as a standard for evaluating measles surveillance

To determine whether measles case finding is sensitive, we developed a standard by which to evaluate measles surveillance. We compiled data on the incidence of measleslike illnesses (MLIs) from multiple, diverse sources and used the distribution of these values to determine the minimum level of measles case-finding activity that could be expected in a given region. Among surveillance programs in the United States, other countries in the Americas, and other World Health Organization regions, the median annual rates for rash investigations that were ruled out for measles were 4.3, 4.1, and 1.8/100,000 population, respectively. The annual rates of measles IgM testing in the United States in public laboratories and commercial laboratories were 1.6 and 9.2/ 100,000 population, respectively. In total, we collected data on annual MLI incidence from >80 sources. Values ranged from 0.1 to 22.6 cases of MLI per 100,000 population, and 90% of values were ≥1.0/100,000 population. On the basis of these findings, we propose that programs attempting measles elimination consider evaluating surveillance by comparing the annual rate of suspected measles investigations against a minimum standard of 1/100,000 population.
Distribution of parathyroid hormone-2 receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in rat.

The PTH2 receptor is a recently identified G protein-coupled receptor activated by PTH. Its amino acid sequence is most similar to the PTH/PTHrP receptor, but unlike the PTH/PTHrP receptor, it is activated by PTH and not by PTH-related peptide. We previously demonstrated using Northern blots that expression of PTH2 receptor messenger RNA was greatest within the brain and occurred at lower levels in pancreas, testis, and placenta. We have now obtained a complementary DNA encoding the rat PTH2 receptor and used it to study the distribution of the PTH2 receptor using in situ hybridization histochemistry. PTH2 receptor messenger RNA is abundantly expressed in arterial and cardiac endothelium and at lower levels in vascular smooth muscle. It is also abundant in the lung, both within bronchi and in the parenchyma, and is present within the exocrine pancreas. It is expressed by sperm in the head of the epididymis. A small number of cells associated with the vascular pole of renal glomeruli express the receptor. ...
Early GaAs FET monolithic microwave integrated circuit developments for radar applications at Plessey, UK

The early development of GaAs FET monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for phased array radar applications at Plessey in the UK over the period of 1975 through 1989 is described. Following the introduction of a basic GaAs MMIC fabrication process in the early 1970’s at Plessey Central Research Laboratories (Caswell) and the characterization of distributed and lumped element components at Plessey Applied Research Laboratories (Roke Manor) a complete range of MMICs were designed and fabricated to be used in fully integrated transmit/receive modules in S-band.
A wideband analog continuum correlator for radio astronomy

Design details for a 1-GHz bandwidth analog continuum cross-correlator for the Owens Valley Millimeter Array are presented. The correlator uses a pair of microwave mixers fed in phase quadrature to realize a complex multiplier for each baseline in the array. Very fast 180/spl deg/ phase switching is included to reject spurious signals. >
Regulation of RAG1/RAG2‐mediated transposition by GTP and the C‐terminal region of RAG2

The RAG1 and RAG2 proteins perform critical DNA recognition and cleavage functions in V(D)J recombination, and also catalyze efficient DNA transposition in vitro. No transposition in vivo by the RAG proteins has been reported, suggesting regulation of the reaction by as yet unknown mechanisms. Here we report that RAG-mediated transposition is suppressed by physiological concentrations of the guanine nucleotide GTP, and by the full-length RAG2 protein. Both GTP and full-length RAG2 inhibit transposition by blocking the non-covalent ‘capture’ of target DNA, and both are capable of inhibiting RAG-mediated hybrid joint formation in vitro. We also observe that another intracellular signaling molecule, Ca2+, stimulates RAG-mediated transposition and is capable of activating transposition even in reactions containing full-length RAG2 and GTP. RAG-mediated transposition has been proposed to contribute to the chromosomal translocations that underlie the development of lymphoid malignancies, and our findings highlight regulatory mechanisms that might prevent such occurrences, and circumstances in which these regulatory mechanisms could be overcome.
Democratic politics and international trade negotiations: Elections and divided government as constraints on trade liberalization

Elections affect both the probability of successful ratification and the terms of international trade agreements; domestic politics in its simplest form shapes international negotiations. Without elections, the extent of protection in a trade agreement increases with the degree of divided government, and the Schelling conjecture—whereby an international negotiator can point to a hawkish legislature to extract greater concessions from the foreign country—holds only when the legislature is not too hawkish. An election (where the executive anticipates the preferences of the legislature imperfectly) implies that when divisions in government rise, the probability of ratification failure increases, the expected outcome becomes more protectionist, and the executive's influence vis-a-vis the foreign country declines, thus challenging the Schelling conjecture.
Impact test comparisons of 20th and 21st century American football helmets

Object Concussion is the signature American football injury of the 21st century. Modern varsity helmets, as compared with vintage leather helmets, or “leatherheads,” are widely believed to universally improve protection by reducing head impact doses and head injury risk for the 3 million young football players in the US. The object of this study was to compare the head impact doses and injury risks with 11 widely used 21st century varsity helmets and 2 early 20th century leatherheads and to hypothesize what the results might mean for children wearing similar varsity helmets. Methods In an injury biomechanics laboratory, the authors conducted front, oblique front, lateral, oblique rear, and rear head impact tests at 5.0 m/second using helmeted headforms, inducing near- and subconcussive head impact doses on par with approximately the 95th percentile of on-field collision severity. They also calculated impact dose injury risk parameters common to laboratory and on-field traumatic neuromechanics: linear acce...
Molecular origin of polyglutamine aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases.

Expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) tracts in proteins results in protein aggregation and is associated with cell death in at least nine neurodegenerative diseases. Disease age of onset is correlated with the polyQ insert length above a critical value of 35–40 glutamines. The aggregation kinetics of isolated polyQ peptides in vitro also shows a similar critical-length dependence. While recent experimental work has provided considerable insights into polyQ aggregation, the molecular mechanism of aggregation is not well understood. Here, using computer simulations of isolated polyQ peptides, we show that a mechanism of aggregation is the conformational transition in a single polyQ peptide chain from random coil to a parallel β-helix. This transition occurs selectively in peptides longer than 37 glutamines. In the β-helices observed in simulations, all residues adopt β-strand backbone dihedral angles, and the polypeptide chain coils around a central helical axis with 18.5 ± 2 residues per turn. We also find that mutant polyQ peptides with proline-glycine inserts show formation of antiparallel β-hairpins in their ground state, in agreement with experiments. The lower stability of mutant β-helices explains their lower aggregation rates compared to wild type. Our results provide a molecular mechanism for polyQ-mediated aggregation.
Development of an integrated concurrent design tool for the design of human spaceflight missions

Currently, there are few viable integrated concurrent design (ICD) tools that are available for human spaceflight design. To address this shortcoming, recent work has taken place at Utah State University in the development of a human spaceflight design tool to be used in an ICD environment. This tool will allow a group of engineers to rapidly design a short or long duration human mission to the Moon or Mars. All aspects of a mission architecture can be designed using this tool, ranging from transfer vehicles to surface habitats. The functionality of this tool and potential applications that this tool may have are discussed in this paper
Olfactory Preferences of Popillia japonica, Vanessa cardui, and Aphis glycines for Glycine max Grown Under Elevated Co2

ABSTRACT Levels of atmospheric CO2 have been increasing steadily over the last century and are projected to increase even more dramatically in the future. Soybeans (Glycine max L.) grown under elevated levels of CO2 have larger herbivore populations than soybeans grown under ambient levels of CO2. Increased abundance could reflect the fact that these herbivores are drawn in by increased amounts of volatiles or changes in the composition of volatiles released by plants grown under elevated CO2 conditions. To determine impacts of elevated CO2 on olfactory preferences, Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica Newman) and soybean aphids (Aphis glycines Matsumura) were placed in Y-tube olfactometers with a choice between ambient levels of CO2 gas versus elevated levels of CO2 gas or damaged and undamaged leaves and plants grown under ambient levels of CO2 versus damaged and undamaged plants grown under elevated levels of CO2. All plants had been grown from seeds under ambient or elevated levels of CO2. Painted lady...
Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates

Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si structures have been studied to investigate the structural, chemical, and microstructural changes that occur during annealing. Grain growth of the as-deposited Pt columns was observed after annealing at 650 °C, and extensive changes in the Pt microstructure were apparent following a 750 °C anneal for 20 min. In addition, two types of defects were identified on the surfaces of annealed substrates. Defect formation was retarded when the surface was covered with a ferroelectric film. Concurrent with the annealing-induced Pt microstructure changes, Ti from the adhesion layer between the Pt and the SiO2 migrated into the Pt layer and oxidized. It was shown with spectroscopic ellipsometry and Auger electron spectroscopy that for long annealing times, the titanium oxide layer can reach the Pt surface. Consequently, at the processing temperatures utilized in preparing many ferroelectric thin films, the substrate is not completely inert or immobile. The changes associated with Ti migration could be especially problematic in techniques that require the substrate to be heated prior to film deposition.
A Common Genetic Variant in the 3′-UTR of Vacuolar H+-ATPase ATP6V0A1 Creates a Micro-RNA Motif to Alter Chromogranin A Processing and Hypertension Risk

Background— The catecholamine release-inhibitor catestatin and its precursor chromogranin A (CHGA) may constitute “intermediate phenotypes” in the analysis of genetic risk for cardiovascular disease such as hypertension. Previously, the vacuolar H+-ATPase subunit gene ATP6V0A1 was found within the confidence interval for linkage with catestatin secretion in a genome-wide study, and its 3′-UTR polymorphism T+3246C (rs938671) was associated with both catestatin processing from CHGA and population blood pressure. We explored the molecular mechanism of this effect by experiments with transfected chimeric photoproteins in chromaffin cells. Methods and Results— Placing the ATP6V0A1 3′-UTR downstream of a luciferase reporter, we found that the C (variant) allele decreased overall gene expression. The 3′-UTR effect was verified by coupled in vitro transcription/translation of the entire/intact human ATP6V0A1 mRNA. Chromaffin granule pH, monitored by fluorescence of CHGA/EGFP chimera during vesicular H+-ATPase inhibition by bafilomycin A1, was more easily perturbed during coexpression of the ATP6V0A1 3′-UTR C-allele than the T-allele. After bafilomycin A1 treatment, the ratio of CHGA precursor to its catestatin fragments in PC12 cells was substantially diminished, though the qualitative composition of such fragments was not affected (on immunoblot or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry). Bafilomycin A1 treatment also decreased exocytotic secretion from the regulated pathway, monitored by a CHGA chimera tagged with embryonic alkaline phosphatase. 3′-UTR T+3246C created a binding motif for micro-RNA hsa-miR-637; cotransfection of hsa-miR-637 precursor or antagomir/inhibitor oligonucleotides yielded the predicted changes in expression of luciferase reporter/ ATP6V0A1 -3′-UTR plasmids varying at T+3246C. Conclusions— The results suggest a series of events whereby ATP6V0A1 3′-UTR variant T+3246C functioned: ATP6V0A1 expression probably was affected through differential micro-RNA effects, altering vacuolar pH and consequently CHGA processing and exocytotic secretion.
Molecular and Cellular Basis of Regeneration and Tissue Repair

Upon amputation of the urodele limb, the epidermal cells surrounding the amputation plane migrate to heal the wound. The resulting wound epidermis (WE) induces the regeneration process, resulting in blastema formation, cell division, and ultimately repatterning into a new limb. Despite its central role in the initiation of limb regeneration, little is known about how the WE forms. Here we discuss various models of WE formation and the experimental data in support of each. (Part of a Multi-author Review)
Pathways to Depressive Symptoms in Young Adults: Examining Affective, Self-Regulatory, and Cognitive Vulnerability Factors

Recent models of depression (e.g., from Hyde and colleagues) have integrated affective and cognitive vulnerability factors, positing that a temperamental factor (i.e., negative emotionality) contributes to the development of cognitive vulnerability factors, which in turn conveys risk for depressive symptoms. Recent literature suggests that effortful control may reduce the strength of the relationship between affective and cognitive factors. However, few studies have examined the different cognitive vulnerability factors (cognitive style, brooding, and stress-reactive rumination) through which negative emotionality contributes to depressive symptoms, or how effortful control may influence these paths. 315 young adults (72% women, M age = 20.7 yr., SD = 1.4) answered psychometric measures of temperament factors (negative emotionality and effortful control), and three cognitive vulnerability factors (cognitive style, brooding, stress-reactive rumination), and depressive symptoms. Two hypotheses were tested c...
Patterning organic single-crystal transistor arrays.

Organic flexible electronics are being developed for computer displays, radio frequency identification tags, sensors and devices that have not been dreamt of yet. Practical applications so far are few, as their electrical performance is poor compared with conventional electronics. In terms of charge carrier mobility, however, field-effect transistors made of organic single crystals have a very high performance. The obstacle to the use of single-crystal devices is that they have to be individually hand-made. The report of a method of fabricating large arrays of high performance transistor devices by direct patterning of single crystals onto clean silicon surfaces or flexible plastics may help to change that. The new method retains the high performance of field-effect transistors even after significant bending. Field-effect transistors made of organic single crystals are ideal for studying the charge transport characteristics of organic semiconductor materials1. Their outstanding device performance2,3,4,5,6,7,8, relative to that of transistors made of organic thin films, makes them also attractive candidates for electronic applications such as active matrix displays and sensor arrays. These applications require minimal cross-talk between neighbouring devices. In the case of thin film systems, simple patterning of the active semiconductor layer9,10 minimizes cross-talk. But when using organic single crystals, the only approach currently available for creating arrays of separate devices is manual selection and placing of individual crystals—a process prohibitive for producing devices at high density and with reasonable throughput. In contrast, inorganic crystals have been grown in extended arrays11,12,13, and efficient and large-area fabrication of silicon crystalline islands with high mobilities for electronic applications has been reported14,15. Here we describe a method for effectively fabricating large arrays of single crystals of a wide range of organic semiconductor materials directly onto transistor source–drain electrodes. We find that film domains of octadecyltriethoxysilane microcontact-printed onto either clean Si/SiO2 surfaces or flexible plastic provide control over the nucleation of vapour-grown organic single crystals. This allows us to fabricate large arrays of high-performance organic single-crystal field-effect transistors with mobilities as high as 2.4 cm2 V-1 s-1 and on/off ratios greater than 107, and devices on flexible substrates that retain their performance after significant bending. These results suggest that our fabrication approach constitutes a promising step that might ultimately allow us to utilize high-performance organic single-crystal field-effect transistors for large-area electronics applications.
Lithium 3‐Lithiopropionate

[117951-86-7] C3H4Li2O2 (MW 85.95) InChI = 1S/C3H5O2.2Li/c1-2-3(4)5;;/h1-2H2,(H,4,5);;/q;;+1/p-1 InChIKey = XHPKVTJELHNKFC-UHFFFAOYSA-M (useful for the synthesis of γ-lactones from aldehydes and ketones1) Form Supplied in: 3-bromopropionic acid, mp 61–63 °C, is commercially available; hexane solutions of n-butyllithium are commercially available in several concentrations; naphthalene, mp 80–82 °C, is commercially available. Preparative Method: for the in situ preparation of the reagent, n-Butyllithium (10.40 mL of a 1.73 M solution in hexane) is added dropwise with stirring under nitrogen over ca. 30 min to a solution of 2.75 g (18 mmol) of 3-bromopropionic acid in 75.0 mL anhydrous THF at −70 °C. The resulting solution of lithium 3-bromopropionate is held at −70 °C and added dropwise with rapid stirring to a solution containing 30 mmol of Lithium Naphthalenide in 100 mL of anhydrous THF at −70 °C until the dark green color of the solution changed to dark brown. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: n-butyllithium is pyrophoric and moisture sensitive; 3-bromopropionic acid is corrosive; lithium naphthalenide is air and moisture sensitive. Avoid contact of all ingredients and the reagent itself with the eyes, skin, and clothing. Prepare and handle the reagent under an inert nitrogen or argon atmosphere. It is recommended that the reagent be prepared immediately prior to use.
Examining the link between preschool social-emotional competence and first grade academic achievement: The role of attention skills

Abstract Recently, research has begun to identify cognitive and social–emotional predictors of early academic success. Yet few studies have examined the mechanisms by which children's social–emotional skills are associated with later academic success. The present study examines the associations between preschool emotion knowledge, kindergarten attention skills, and first grade academic competence in a sample of mostly disadvantaged children. Results indicate that attention during kindergarten is a significant mediator of this association, even after accounting for the effects of maternal education, family income, and children's age, sex, and receptive vocabulary skills. The findings provide further support for the implementation of preventive curricula that focus on both social and emotional development as well as attentional development as one strategy for improving future academic success in young children.
A Primer on the Coase Theorem: Making Law in a World of Zero Transaction Costs

Although the Coase Theorem is understood by many persons within the lawyering and, especially, the academic communities, many law makers are neither aware of this hypothetical model, nor have little idea of what it is about, let alone how to apply it. The article begins by showing how the Coase Theorem can be viewed as a mechanism for making or changing law with the goal of maximizing preferences. By doing so, law makers can emulate the efficient, zero-transaction solutions which the Theorem points us toward. Judges and law makers can accomplish this maximizing goal by reallocating when necessary lability and entitlement rules to promote efficient outcomes. The article is intended to introduce judges, legislators, administrative rule makers, lawyers, and law students to what the authors believe is the most insightful and potentially influential conceptual model that has emerged from the vast literature of law and economics over the past 35 years. The model which began as a deductive conclusion in a scholarly article published in 1961, has grown in influence to the extent that Coase's original article on the topic, The Problem of Social Cost, has become the most cited article in legal literature. In this article the authors demonstrate how the ideas set out in the Theorem can be useful to law makers as a construct for emulating efficient and wealth producing resolutions of social and legal disputes, which outcomes the parties would have reached through autonomously reaching a consensus but for the prohibitively high costs of doing so. As is demonstrated, the logic and insights of the Coase Theorem have already been used in recommending and in making changes to existing laws and regulations. A Primer on the Coase Theorem is intended as an introduction to this process.
Modulation of the Antiviral Activity of Poly (A-U) by Ethidium Bromide and Propidium Iodide

Summary The role of ethidium bromide (EB) and propidium iodide (PI) in modulating the antiviral and interferon­ inducing activities of poly(adenylate-uridylate) (poly (A-U» was examined using the human foreskin fibro­ blast-vesicular stomatitis virus (HSF-VSV) bioassay system in which the concentration of poly (A-U) was fixed at 0.05 mM or 0.2 mM while the EB or PI concen­ tration was varied to produce variable EB (or PI)/ribo­ nucleotide ratios ranging from 1:16 to 2:1. EB, PI and poly (A-U) tested individually were not efficacious antiviral agents. When poly (A-U) was combined with the ethidium bromide or propidium iodide the antiviral activity was potentiated 15- to 22-fold at EB (or Pl)/ribonucleotide ratios in the region of 1/4. The interferon-inducing activity of the EB (or Pl)/poly (A-U) combinations were equal to the sum of the interferon­ inducing activity of the poly (A-U) and the EB or (PI). These results indicate that the EB and PI potentiate the antiviral activity of the poly (A-U) without superinduc­ tion of interferon. The direct viral inactivation study demonstrated that EB, PI, poly (A-U) and the EB (or Pl)/poly (A-U) combinations did not inactivate the VSV at concentrations near the 50% viral inhibitory dose.