cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Describing online videos with text-to-speech narration

Most online videos are inaccessible for blind and visually impaired people. Those who are illiterate or barely literate also face difficulties with many videos. An audio description (AD) can help, but is rarely provided for actual online videos because of the time and trouble required. The technology platform we are developing uses a speech synthesis technology to add ADs to online videos at minimal cost. We are developing an authoring tool for AD scripts, a Web browser for playing the described videos, and a text-based format to handle the AD scripts.
Caribbean Fishing and Fishermen: A Historical Sketch1

Fishermen occupy a unique position in modern Caribbean social structure. Research in the history of fishing technology discloses a great deal about the manner in which their specialized way of life came into being and persisted to the present, Caribbean fishing slaves—at first Amerindians and then Africans—were from the beginning a privileged subgroup within the plantation system, and their unusual socioeconomic role permitted a particularly smooth transformation to a life as free fishermen. The potential of studies of technology for tracing culture change and the importance of further studies of Caribbean subcultures as historical products are suggested.
Risk-preference in coin-toss games

It is hypothesized that an individual has a preferred unidimensional risk level in a coin-tossing game, and that his preferences are single-peaked over the risk scale. Risk was varied by increasing both the monetary denomination (D = le to $1) and number of tosses (N = 1 to 20) involved in a game. The rank order preference data of 30 subjects within sets of games having either constant D or N, single stimulus preference data, and pair comparison preferences between games supported these hypotheses. Data also supported the existence of a function R,[(D, N)] which maps games onto the risk scale and is monotone increasing in both arguments. However, the exact form of the function may vary, depending on the particular set of games from which the subject chooses. The prevailing expectation theories of individual decision making in a risky situation (Edwards, 1954, 1955) all avoid the subjective variable of riskiness. However, this variable has been given some attention as a stimulus dimension relevant to choice (Coombs and Pruitt, 1960; Royden, Suppes, and Walsh, 1959). In these experimental studies, the variance or some other parameter of the frequency distribution of a game’s possible outcomes was explored as a potential correlate of risk. The evidence supports the hypothesis that variance is a strong correlate of risk in simple game situations, but in more complex situations, the concept of risk is elusive and idiosyncratic (Wilcox, 1967). Thus we have chosen to treat the concept of risk as being undefined in a strict sense, although we do assume the existence of a variable which, in addition to expected value, mediates preferences in a consistent manner, can be experimentally manipulated in various ways, and for intuitive reasons might be identified as risk. The present study considers a number of coin-tossing games which vary in two aspects: the coin denomination (D) involved in a single toss, and the number of tosses (N) composing the complete game. As an example, the game (25@,5) represents a game in which 5 quarters are tossed all at once. For each coin landing heads, the game’s owner is paid a quarter by a bank. For each tail, the bank is paid a quarter by the owner.
Singlet oxygen in synthesis. Oxazoles as carbonyl 1,1-dipole synthons.

Abstract 2,5-Diphenyloxazole has been utilized in a two-step sequence as a carbonyl 1,1-dipole synthon as illustrated by the synthesis of 7-heptanolide, α-benzyloxy δ-valerolactone, and 9-nonanolide. Alkylation of 4-lithio-2,5-diphenyloxazole, followed by singlet oxygen oxidation yields a triamide which undergoes cyclization to the lactone.
Joint Processing of Total-field And Gradient Magnetic Data Using Equivalent Sources

The use of two to four magnetometers in airborne magnetic surveys is becoming more frequent, allowing for the observation of the total-field as well as its horizontal gradients (Redford, et al., 2006). There are advantages to these data types because of the increased and complementary information content in them. Yet little has been done to take full advantage of these data beyond simple enhancement of the total-field anomaly. As a first step, we have developed an equivalent source processing algorithm by making use of a well-known but little used relationship between the derivative of the total-field with the derivative of its source. Utilizing gradient and totalfield data allows for a constructed susceptibility model for total-field data, constrained by the observed gradients. In this paper, we discuss using gradients in order to construct a more representative dataset through equivalent source processing. The methodology of the joint equivalent source processing technique is presented and a synthetic example is shown.
Stem-cell transplantation for inherited immunodeficiency disorders.

The congenital immunodeficiency disorders in which the defect has been clearly traced to the stem cell can be cured with allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (SCT) from an unaffected donor. Widespread application of this treatment modality has been tempered by the fact that risk–benefit considerations do not always favor a procedure that carries a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. Most patients undergoing autologous or allogeneic SCT are treated for a malignancy; however, since its inception, SCT has been the treatment of choice for many nonmalignant disorders. This article reviews the current status of SCT of nonmalignant inherited immunodeficiency disorders.
1-(p-Bi­phenyl)-4′-(2-naphthyl)­cubane

In the title compound, C30H22, the bi­phenyl and naphthyl substituents are each planar to within 0.03 A. They extend from the cubane like the wings of a butterfly, with a slight dihedral angle of 9.4 (2)° between their planes. In the crystal structure, the naphthyl groups form close-packed stacks, with cubyls and bi­phenyls extending alternately to the right and the left.
Effect of age and hypophysectomy on FSH binding by rat testes.

Zusammenfassung Der Einflus des Alters und der Hypophysektomie auf die FSH-Bindung durch den Rattenhoden In verschiedenen Altersstufen (10-90 Tage) und in verschiedenen Intervallen (bis zu 37 Tagen) nach Hypophysektomie wurde die Bindung von 125 I-FSH durch den Rattenhoden untersucht. Es kann festgestellt werden, das die Anzahl der FSH-Rezeptoren/mg Hodengewebe vom 10.–15. Tage anstieg und anschliesend bis zum 40. Tage rucklaufig war. Dennoch stieg die Gesamtzahl der FSH-Rezeptoren pro Hoden von 0,033 ± 0,002 pmol am 10. Tage auf 0,443 ±0,017 pmol am 83. Versuchstage an. Weil die FSH-Rezeptoren im Hoden auf die Sertoli-Zellen begrenzt sind, die zahlenmasig nicht nach dem 15. Tage zunehmen, legen die Daten der Autoren dar, das ein signifikanter Anstieg der Anzahl von FSH-Rezeptoren pro Sertoli-Zelle wahrend der Sexualentwicklung nachzuweisen ist. Die Assoziationskonstante blieb wahrend der sexuellen Reifung und nach der Hypophysektomie stabil. Weiterhin blieb die Anzahl der FSH-Rezeptoren pro mg Gewebe bis zu 37 Tagen nach der Hypophysektomie unverandert. Wahrend jedoch das Hodengewicht in der postoperativen Phase abfiel, ging die Gesamtzahl der Rezeptoren pro Hoden von einem Ausgangswert von 0,573 ± 0,029 pmol auf 0,059 ± 0,008 pmol am 37. Tage ebenfalls zuruck. Das konnte die Folge eines direkten Einflusses der Hypophysektomie auf die Rezeptoren oder aber Folge eines Verlustes an Sertoli-Zellen bzw. deren Cytoplasma sein.
Coming to power: women's fake orgasms and best orgasm experiences illuminate the failures of (hetero)sex and the pleasures of connection

While some literature has explored women's sexual satisfaction and, to a lesser degree, women's faking orgasm experiences, little research has examined the context and conditions around women's best and most memorable orgasms. This paper utilised thematic analysis of qualitative data from a community sample of 20 women in the USA (mean age = 34 years, SD = 13.35 years) from a wide range of racial, socioeconomic, and sexual identity backgrounds to illuminate their experiences with fake or pretend orgasms, and with their best orgasms. While faking orgasm narratives reflected themes of wanting to reinforce a partner's sexual skills, strategically ending sexual interactions, and suppressing feelings of abnormality and shame, best orgasm experiences showcased the power of interpersonal connection, the joys of masturbation and other non-penile-vaginal intercourse behaviours, and the significance of 'transformative embodiment'. Implications for the relative failures of (hetero)sex, particularly in the context of gendered power imbalances, along with the importance of deconstructing the sexually 'functional' or 'dysfunctional' woman are explored.
Orthopoxvirus species and strain differences in cell entry

Vaccinia virus (VACV) enters cells by a low pH endosomal route or by direct fusion with the plasma membrane. We previously found differences in entry properties of several VACV strains: entry of WR was enhanced by low pH, reduced by bafilomycin A1 and relatively unaffected by heparin, whereas entry of IHD-J, Copenhagen and Elstree were oppositely affected. Since binding and entry modes may have been selected by specific conditions of in vitro propagation, we now examined the properties of three distinct, recently isolated cowpox viruses and a monkeypox virus as well as additional VACV and cowpox virus strains. The recent isolates were more similar to WR than to other VACV strains, underscoring the biological importance of endosomal entry by orthopoxviruses. Sequence comparisons, gene deletions and gene swapping experiments indicated that viral determinants, other than or in addition to the A26 and A25 “fusion-suppressor” proteins, impact entry properties.
A comparison of forgetting rates in frequency discrimination and recognition

In two experiments on memory for pictures, a frequency-discrimination task was used to determine whether recognition decisions display slower forgetting than do discriminations among frequencies greater than 0. Experiment 1 compared frequency discriminations of 1-0 (recognition), 2-1, 4-1, and 4-2 and tested retention over an interval of 1 week. Experiment 2 added another recognition condition (2-0) and extended retention to 2 weeks. Neither experiment showed evidence for differential forgetting. The outcome is consistent with the hypothesis that the information underlying recognition memory and memory for frequency is qualitatively the same.
Dielectronic recombination of multiply charged ions

Abstract Using a merged electron-ion beam apparatus in conjunction with the ORNL EN Tandem Van de Graaff, we have measured dielectronic recombination in Δn = 0 transitions for a number of Li-like (B2+, C3+, N4+, and O5+), Be-like (C2+. N3+, and O4+). B-like (N2+, O3+, and F4+), and Na-like (P4+, S5+, and Cl6+) ions. The results are compared with theory which includes field enhancement and extension of the more highly charged ions is discussed.
Intensity interferometry in the spatial domain

Intensity interferometry, as developed by Hanbury Brown and Twiss for stellar observation, has shown relative insensitivity to atmospheric scintillation. However, with classical sources, the limitations placed on this technique by quantum noise and detector efficiency are severe. This situation is vastly improved when laser illumination is employed. Generalizing a form of the mutual coherence function, we derive the far-zone behavior of the mutual intensity function for an intermediate time average. This result is used to reconstruct the irradiance distribution of a spatially rough source. The far-field intensity distribution is recorded spatially for one time-resolution unit of the detector. The resulting spatial signal is autocorrelated and related to the intensity distribution over the source. Thus, without averaging in the time domain, a spatial Fourier-transform relation is derived between the far-field intensity correlation and the source irradiance, similar to the results of Hanbury Brown and Twiss.
Plasma-Induced Erosion on Ceramic Wall Structures in Hall-Effect Thrusters

A 60 wt% boron nitride (BN)–40 wt% silica (SiO2) hot-pressed composite, denoted as M26, was used as the insulating chamber wall for a xenon plasma Hall-effect thruster operated for approximately 2000 h at power levels between 1.5 and 5 kW. The chamber wall showed a range of erosion microstructures. In the heavily eroded regions, striations in the surface topology were evident with surface protrusions in the generic shape of conical tips consisting of stratified BN and silica phases. Microcracking along the long axis of the BN basal plane was prevalent. Through a two-dimensional finite element model, the microcracking has been determined to occur because of the anisotropic thermal expansion of BN in the amorphous silica matrix. Exfoliation accompanied the microcracking in BN and resulted in the preferential loss of BN as compared with silica in these heavily eroded regions.
On the Performance of DoDE in a class of in silico Fermentation Processes and the Impact of the Input Domain

Abstract In a recent publication (Georgakis, 2013), it was shown that a data-driven model obtained through the proposed Design of Dynamic Experiments (DoDE) was able to accurately optimize a penicillin fermentation process without the use a knowledge-driven model. The resulting optimal operation, just after a set of experiments, is almost identical to the one obtained in (Riascos and Pinto, 2004) using the detailed model of the process by BR sometimes by as much as 280%. This implies that limiting the number of experiments might also limit optimization gains
Kinship affects morphogenesis in cannibalistic salamanders

Inclusive fitness theory predicts that organisms can often increase their fitness by helping relatives. Indeed, many animals modify their behaviour towards kin in a fashion consistent with theory. Morphogenesis may also be sensitive to kinship environment, especially in species that facultatively produce distinct morphs that differ in their ability to harm relatives, such as those that produce alternative cannibalistic and non-cannibalistic phenotypes. We tested this hypothesis by examining whether consanguinity affected the probability that structurally distinctive cannibal morphs would develop in larval Arizona tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum). We report here that when tiger salamander larvae are reared in mixed-brood groups they are significantly more likely to develop the cannibal morphology and at an earlier age than siblings reared in pure-sibship groups. In general, morphogenesis may be responsive to kinship in any species that facultatively develops structures that can be used against conspecifics as weaponry.
The use of a hydroxylapatite-filter steroid receptor assay method in the study of the modulation of androgen receptor interaction

Abstract Receptors for androgen, estrogen, and glucocorticoid can be assayed by hydroxylapatite adsorption of the radioactive steroid-receptor complex and washing of the adducts on membrane filters mounted on a multiple filter holder. The method is economical, very rapid and sensitive. This new receptor assay method was used to study the modulation of androgen receptor of rat ventral prostate by metal ions, thiols, and ligand structure. The interaction of androgen with the naked receptor is inhibited by 10 μ M ZnCl 2 , CdSO 4 , or CuSO 4 but this inhibition is competed by androgen and is reversed by DTT. The androgen-receptor complex is less sensitive to divalent metal ions but Zn 2+ , at 3 mM, appears to alter the conformation of the receptor and promote the release of androgen. Certain phenanthrene derivatives exhibited striking structural specificities in their ability to compete with radioactive androgen for binding to the prostate receptor. The results suggest that the receptor has binding preference toward individual ring structure in the steroid.
Utilization of case presentations in medical microbiology to enhance relevance of basic science for medical students

Background: Small-group case presentation exercises (CPs) were created to increase course relevance for medical students taking Medical Microbiology (MM) and Infectious Diseases (ID). Methods: Each student received a unique paper case and had 10 minutes to review patient history, physical exam data, and laboratory data. Students then had three minutes to orally present their case and defend why they ruled in or out each of the answer choices provided, followed by an additional three minutes to answer questions. Results: Exam scores differed significantly between students who received the traditional lecture-laboratory curriculum (Group I) and students who participated in the CPs (Group II). In MM, median unit exam and final exam scores for Group I students were 84.4% and 77.8%, compared to 86.0% and 82.2% for Group II students (P<0.018; P<0.001; Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test). Median unit and final ID exam scores for Group I students were 84.0% and 80.0%, compared to 88.0% and 86.7% for Group II students (P<0.001; P<0.001). Conclusion: Students felt that the CPs improved their critical thinking and presentation skills and helped to prepare them as future physicians. Keywords: microbiology; case presentations; critical thinking; basic science (Published: 13 March 2012) Citation: Med Educ Online 2012, 17 : 15943 - DOI: 10.3402/meo.v17i0.15943
Two-dimensional gradient platforms for rapid assessment of dental polymers: a chemical, mechanical and biological evaluation.

Abstract Objectives The increased usage of composite dental restorations underscores the need for continued improvements in material properties. Well-controlled sample fabrication and reproducible methods to quantify and compare material properties will accelerate material design and optimization. Our objectives were to fabricate samples encompassing a range of processing parameters and develop techniques that systematically quantify multiple properties of these samples, thus reducing sample-to-sample variation while concurrently testing numerous processing conditions. Methods Gradient samples were prepared to evaluate the effects of composition and irradiation time. Comonomer ratio of 2,2-bis[ p -2′-hydroxy-3′-methacryloxypropoxy]-phenyl]propane (BisGMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was varied discretely, and irradiation time was varied continuously across each composition. Degree of conversion was measured using infrared spectroscopy, mechanical properties were evaluated using nanoindentation, and cell viability and density were quantified using fluorescence microscopy. Results Higher BisGMA contents increased elastic moduli while higher TEGDMA contents increased conversions. Cell response depended only on irradiation time and not composition, with conversions of at least 52% and 60% required for unaffected viability and cell density, respectively. A single composition–irradiation combination to achieve all of the ‘best’ properties (highest conversion, highest elastic modulus, lack of cytotoxicity) was not identified, illustrating the necessity of testing all combinations for multiple relevant properties. Significance Simultaneously screening composition and conversion increased the experimental throughput and allowed for the quantification of chemical, mechanical, and biological properties in a controlled, reproducible fashion. This 2D gradient approach is useful for optimizing compositions and processing parameters to achieve the desired combination of properties.
Transformation of human ciliary epithelial cells by simian virus 40: induction of cell proliferation and retention of beta 2-adrenergic receptors

Abstract Ciliary epithelial cells derived from human eye were successfully propagated through many generations after transformation with simian virus 40. The cell clone 8-SVHCE was isolated and characterized by immunoprecipitation and pharmacological studies that demonstrated the presence of several functional properties observed in the parent cells of this tissue. Immunoprecipitation revealed the presence of large tumor (T) antigen, and Southern blot analysis showed the incorporation of viral DNA into high molecular weight ciliary epithelial cell DNA. The presence of beta-adrenergic receptors was demonstrated by direct binding of a radiolabeled antagonist, [125I]iodopindolol, to membrane preparations of 8-SVHCE cells (Kd = 41.8 pM and Bmax = 67.1 fmol/mg of protein). Competition experiments with [125I]iodopindolol and selective drugs suggested that the receptors are of the beta 2-adrenergic subtype. Studies of catecholamine-stimulated cellular cAMP production and of isoproterenol-dependent protein phosphorylation of vimentin in 8-SVHCE indicated the functional conservation of beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated processes that are thought to be important in the regulation of aqueous humor production by the ciliary epithelium in vivo.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding to 73-kDa and 38-kDa surface proteins on lymphoreticular cells: preferential inhibition of LPS binding to the former by Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides lipid A.

Abstract Using a photoactivable, radioiodinated lipopolysaccharide probe, [125I]ASD-LPS (derivatized from purified E. coli 0111:B4 S-LPS), we earlier reported the presence of a 73-kDa (p73) predominant LPS-binding protein on mouse lymphocytes and macrophages with specificity for the lipid A region of LPS. Both Re-LPS from Salmonella minnesota and purified lipid A will inhibit the binding of LPS to the p73 LPS receptor. In the studies reported here, we have found that non-toxic diphosphoryl lipid A purified from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides has the capability to inhibit the binding of [125I]ASD-LPS to the p73 protein. However, using the same LPS probe and photoaffinity cross-linking techniques, our data suggest that a less dominant 38-kDa (p38) LPS-specific binding protein identified on mouse splenocytes, J774.1 macrophage-like cell line, and 70Z/3 pre B-cell line by SDS-PAGE is not inhibited by purified lipid A, even at a concentration in 50-fold excess of that of [125I]ASD-LPS. The binding of the LPS probe to the p38 protein could be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by underivatized native S. minnesota Re-LPS (composed only of Kdo and lipid A). We speculate that this p38 LPS-binding protein may manifest a specificity for inner core oligosaccharide determinants on LPS.
Expression of nerve growth factor in vivo from a defective herpes simplex virus 1 vector prevents effects of axotomy on sympathetic ganglia.

Abstract Sympathetic neurons in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) of adult rats depend on target-derived nerve growth factor (NGF) for maintenance of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels and the noradrenergic neurotransmitter system. Axotomy of a SCG results in NGF deprivation, causing a decline in TH activity; continuous local application of NGF can prevent this decline in TH activity. We now report that injection of a defective herpes simplex virus 1 vector that expresses NGF (pHSVngf) into a SCG can prevent the decline in TH activity that follows axotomy. SCG of adult rats were injected with either pHSVngf virus or pNFlac virus, which expresses Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase. Analysis of RNA from pHSVngf-infected SCG indicated that the NGF gene was efficiently transcribed and processed. Furthermore, 4 days after pHSVngf injection animals underwent axotomy of the virus-injected SCG. After another 10 days, animals were sacrificed and both the injected-axotomized and contralateral control ganglia were assayed for TH activity. Axotomy of SCG injected with pNFlac virus produced a 50% decline in TH activity relative to control ganglia (P = 0.02). In contrast, SCG injected with pHSVngf virus did not show a decline in TH activity following axotomy; instead, these ganglia manifested an 18% increase in TH levels relative to control ganglia. These data demonstrate that herpes simplex virus 1 vectors can be used to modify neuronal physiology in vivo; specifically, expression of a critical gene product by neural cells that do not normally produce it has potential applications for gene therapy.
Biomedical Advances in Developmental Psychology: The Case of Fragile X Syndrome.

Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of mental retardation, is caused by an abnormal gene on the bottom end ofthe X chromosome. Discovered and sequenced in 1991, it is called the Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 (FMR-1) gene. Mutations in the FMR-I gene include small expansions with a CGG (a specific sequence of the nucleotides) repetitive sequence that repeats from 50 to 200 times (the premutation) and the full mutation that involves a CGG repeat sequence that is greater than 200. In the full mutation, the FMR-1 gene is usually methylated, turning off the gene so that no protein is produced. Mutations within the FMR-1 gene can cause a spectrum of learning difficulties ranging from mild problems to severe mental retardation.
Recent Progress in Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations of Nuclear Structure and Reactions

We describe recent progress in Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of nuclear structure and reactions. Significant advances have been made recently in understanding the nuclear Hamiltonian, including realistic two- and three-nucleon interactions. We describe recent progress in solving the nuclear Hamiltonian for two important long-standing problems in nuclear theory: (1) low-energy scattering in n- 4 He and the spin-orbit splitting obtained with microscopic Hamiltonians, and (2) the pairing gap in low-density neutron matter. Accurate calculations of both quantities are fundamental in understanding nuclei from the underlying microscopic Hamiltonian.
The Suitability of Holland's Self-Directed Search for Non-Readers with Learning Disabilities or Mild Mental Retardation:

This investigation explored the use of Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS) by non-readers with learning disabilities and non-readers with mild mental retardation. A total of 43 middle and high school special education teachers were instructed in the administration of the SDS to both readers and non-readers with learning disabilities and mild mental retardation (n = 337) . Results show that, for both readers and non-readers in this study, the SDS was reliable, able to validly measure preferences, and sensitive to preferences with respect to disability group membership. Hence, the SDS appears to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring vocational preferences of non-readers with learning disabilities or mild mental retardation and may be used for the subsequent planning of pre-vocational and vocational training for these individuals.
Natural and adaptive foxp3+ regulatory T cells: more of the same or a division of labor?

Adaptive Foxp3 + CD4 + regulatory T (iTreg) cells develop outside the thymus under subimmunogenic antigen presentation, during chronic inflammation, and during normal homeostasis of the gut. iTreg cells are essential in mucosal immune tolerance and in the control of severe chronic allergic inflammation, and most likely are one of the main barriers to the eradication of tumors. The Foxp3 + iTreg cell repertoire is drawn from naive conventional CD4 + T cells, whereas natural Treg (nTreg) cells are selected by high-avidity interactions in the thymus. The full extent of differences and similarities between iTreg and nTreg cells is yet to be defined. We speculate that iTreg cell development is driven by the need to maintain a noninflammatory environment in the gut, to suppress immune responses to environmental and food allergens, and to decrease chronic inflammation, whereas nTreg cells prevent autoimmunity and raise the activation threshold for all immune responses.
Association of Serum Cotinine Levels and Hypertension in Never Smokers

Hypertension is a major public health problem. Identifying novel risk factors for hypertension, including widely prevalent environmental exposures, is therefore important. Active smoking is a well-known risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. However, there are no studies investigating the relationship between secondhand smoke exposure, measured objectively by serum cotinine, and high blood pressure among never smokers. We examined 2889 never smokers from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2008. Our exposure of interest was secondhand smoke exposure among never smokers, estimated by serum cotinine level, and our main outcome was hypertension (n=1004). We found that in never smokers, higher serum cotinine levels were positively associated with hypertension. In comparison with those with serum cotinine levels ≤ 0.025 ng/mL, the multivariable odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of hypertension among those with serum cotinine levels ≥ 0.218 ng/mL was 1.44 (1.01-2.04). In addition, higher serum cotinine was positively associated with mean change in systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 3.24 [0.86-5.63]; P=0.0061). However, no association was present with diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, in never smokers, higher secondhand smoke exposure measured objectively by serum cotinine levels was found to be associated with systolic blood pressure and hypertension independent of age, sex, ethnicity, education, alcohol drinking, body mass index, glycohemoglobin, total cholesterol, and other confounders.
Double-bromo and extraterminal (BET) domain proteins regulate dendrite morphology and mechanosensory function.

A complex array of genetic factors regulates neuronal dendrite morphology. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression represents a plausible mechanism to control pathways responsible for specific dendritic arbor shapes. By studying the Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons, we discovered a role of the double-bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins in regulating dendrite arbor complexity. A loss-of-function mutation in the single Drosophila BET protein encoded by female sterile 1 homeotic [fs(1)h] causes loss of fine, terminal dendritic branches. Moreover, fs(1)h is necessary for the induction of branching caused by a previously identified transcription factor, Cut (Ct), which regulates subtype-specific dendrite morphology. Finally, disrupting fs(1)h function impairs the mechanosensory response of class III da sensory neurons without compromising the expression of the ion channel NompC, which mediates the mechanosensitive response. Thus, our results identify a novel role for BET family proteins in regulating dendrite morphology and a possible separation of developmental pathways specifying neural cell morphology and ion channel expression. Since the BET proteins are known to bind acetylated histone tails, these results also suggest a role of epigenetic histone modifications and the “histone code,” in regulating dendrite morphology.
Calculated neutron spectrum in the TEVATRON tunnel and comparison with experimental data

Abstract Calculated results of the longitudinal distribution as a function of energy of neutrons and the neutron spectrum with energy ≥ 40 keV in the TEVATRON tunnel are presented and compared with experimental data. The source in the calculations and the experiment was the interaction of the 900 GeV proton beam with N2 gas. Some disagreement between the calculated and measured neutron flux distribution as a function of distance is found, but the calculated and measured neutron spectrum are in good agreement.
Cutting Edge: Maresin-1 Engages Regulatory T Cells To Limit Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell Activation and Promote Resolution of Lung Inflammation

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that fails to resolve. Recently, a key role for type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) was linked to asthma pathogenesis; however, mechanisms for ILC2 regulation remain to be determined. In this study, metabololipidomics of murine lungs identified temporal changes in endogenous maresin 1 (MaR1) during self-limited allergic inflammation. Exogenous MaR1 reduced lung inflammation and ILC2 expression of IL-5 and IL-13 and increased amphiregulin. MaR1 augmented de novo generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which interacted with ILC2s to markedly suppress cytokine production in a TGF-β–dependent manner. Ab-mediated depletion of Tregs interrupted MaR1 control of ILC2 expression of IL-13 in vivo. Together, the findings uncover Tregs as potent regulators of ILC2 activation; MaR1 targets Tregs and ILC2s to restrain allergic lung inflammation, suggesting MaR1 as the basis for a new proresolving therapeutic approach to asthma and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Heavy baryon production and decay

The branching ratio $B({\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{pK}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})$ normalizes the production and decay of charmed and bottom baryons. At present, this crucial branching ratio is extracted dominantly from $\overline{B}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{baryons}$ analyses. This paper questions several of the underlying assumptions and predicts sizable $\overline{B}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{D}^{(*)}N{N}^{\ensuremath{'}}X$ transitions, which were traditionally neglected. It predicts $B({\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{pK}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})$ to be larger $(0.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02)$ than the world average. Some consequences are briefly mentioned. Several techniques to measure $B({\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{c}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{pK}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})$ are outlined with existing or soon available data samples. By equating two recent CLEO results, an appendix obtains ${B(D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})=0.035\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002,$ which is somewhat smaller than the current world average.
Evaluation of the factors affecting avicel reactivity using multi-stage enzymatic hydrolysis.

Multi-stage and single-stage enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose (Avicel PH-101) were conducted to investigate individual factors that affect the rate-reducing kinetics of enzymatic hydrolysis. Understanding factors affecting enzymatic hydrolysis of Avicel will help improve hydrolysis of various biomasses. Product inhibition, enzyme deactivation, and the changes of substrate are potential factors that can affect the hydrolysis efficiency of Avicel. Multi-stage enzymatic hydrolysis resulted in 36.9% and 25.4% higher carbohydrate conversion as compared to a single-stage enzymatic hydrolysis with an enzyme loading of 5 and 20 FPU/g in a 96 h reaction. However, a decline in carbohydrate conversion of 1.6% and 2.6% was observed through each stage with 5 and 20 FPU/g, respectively. This indicated that the substrate became more recalcitrant as hydrolysis progressed. The decreased reactivity was not due to crystallinity because no significant change in crystallinity was detected by X-ray diffraction. Product inhibition was significant at low enzyme loading, while it was marginal at high enzyme loading. Therefore, product inhibition can only partially explain this decreased conversion. Another important factor, enzyme deactivation, contributed to 20.3% and 25.4% decrease in the total carbohydrate conversion of 96 h hydrolysis with 5 and 20 FPU/g, respectively. This work shows that an important reason for the decreased Avicel digestibility is the effect of enzyme blockage, which refers to the enzymes that irreversibly adsorb on accessible sites of substrate. About 45.3% and 63.2% of the total decreased conversion at the end of the 8th stage with 5 and 20 FPU/g, respectively, was due to the presence of irreversibly adsorbed enzymes. This blockage of active sites by enzymes has been speculated by other researchers, but this article shows further evidence of this effect. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1131–1139. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Nexrad Stage III Precipitation data over a semiarid region.

This study examines NEXRAD Stage III product (hourly, cell size 4 km by 4 km) for its ability in estimating precipitation in cen- tral New Mexico, a semiarid area. A comparison between Stage III and a network of gauge precipitation estimates during 1995 to 2001 indi- cates that Stage III (1) overestimates the hourly conditional mean (CM) precipitation by 33 percent in the monsoon season and 55 per- cent in the nonmonsoon season; (2) overestimates the hourly CM pre- cipitation for concurrent radar-gauge pairs (nonzero value) by 13 percent in the monsoon season and 6 percent in the nonmonsoon season; (3) overestimates the seasonal precipitation accumulation by 11 to 88 percent in monsoon season and underestimates by 18 to 89 percent in the nonmonsoon season; and (4) either overestimates annual precipitation accumulation up to 28.2 percent or underesti- mates it up to 11.9 percent. A truncation of 57 to 72 percent of the total rainfall hours is observed in the Stage III data in the nonmonsoon season, which may be the main cause for both the underestimation of the radar rainfall accumulation and the lower conditional probability of radar rainfall detection in the nonmonsoon season. The study results indicate that the truncation caused loss of small rainfall amounts (events) is not effectively corrected by the real-time rain gauge calibra- tion that can adjust the rainfall rates but cannot recover the truncated small rainfall events. However, the truncation error in the monsoon season may be suppressed due to the larger rainfall rate and/or com- bined effect of overestimates by bright band and hail contaminations, virga, advection, etc. In general, improvement in NEXRAD perfor- mance since the monsoon season in 1998 is observed, which is con- sistent with the systematic improvement in the NEXRAD network. (KEY TERMS: precipitation; NEXRAD; rain gauge; time series analysis; truncation error; statistics.)
Working Memory and Increased Activity Level (Hyperactivity) in ADHD: Experimental Evidence for a Functional Relation

Objective: Converging evidence indicates large magnitude deficits in the “working” component of working memory for children with ADHD. However, our understanding of the relation between these centr...
Associations between beliefs about and reactions toward people who stutter.

Abstract Purpose This study sought to assess whether beliefs about people who stutter (PWS) predict intended behavioral and affective reactions toward them in a large and varied sample of respondents while taking into account familiarity with PWS and the demographic variables of age, education, and gender. Methods Analyses were based on 2206 residents of the United States of America. The seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) technique was used to test the relationship between beliefs about PWS and behavioral and affective reactions toward PWS. Variables such as familiarity with PWS and demographic data were also controlled in the statistical model. Results Findings indicated that, when demographic variables and familiarity were taken into account, the accuracy of participants’ beliefs about PWS significantly predicted their intended behavioral and affective reactions toward PWS. The participants’ gender and familiarity with PWS were also associated with these reactions toward PWS. Conclusion The finding of an association between beliefs and intended reactions validates attempts to improve public treatment of PWS through improving the accuracy of beliefs about PWS. Additionally, because familiarity with PWS is a significant predictor of helpful and positive reactions toward PWS, interventions involving PWS educating others through direct interpersonal interactions may be one effective way to improve public reactions toward individuals who stutter.
Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Air and water

In nature water presents itself in solid, liquid and gaseous phases. Energy transfers during transformations among these phases have important consequences in weather and climate. The system of redistribution of water on the planet constitutes the hydrological cycle which is central to weather and climate research and operations. Water is also an important solvent in the oceans, soils and in cloud droplets. The presence of tiny particles in the air can influence the formation of cloud drops and thereby change the Earth's radiation balance between absorbed and emitted and/or reflected radiation. These and other effects lead us into the fascinating role of water in the environment. Of course, thermodynamics is an indispensable tool in unraveling this very challenging puzzle. Vapor pressure We start with a discussion of the equilibrium gas pressure in a chamber in diathermal contact with a reservoir at a fixed temperature, T 0 . The chamber is to have a volume that is adjustable, as shown in Figure 5.1. In the following let the chamber have no air present – only the gas from evaporation of the liquid. We are to choose a volume V such that there is some liquid present at the bottom of the chamber (we say here the bottom of the chamber, but otherwise we ignore gravity). There are gas molecules constantly striking the liquid from above and sticking. […]
Body Composition, Food Intake, and Energy Expenditure in a Murine Model of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

The mechanisms by which Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) so effectively lowers body weight and improves glycemic control are not well understood, and murine models are essential for identifying the crucial signaling pathways involved. The aim of this study is to characterize the time course of RYGB on body weight, body composition, food intake, and energy expenditure in diet-induced obese mice and establish a tissue bank for global “omics” or targeted biochemical and structural analyses. High-fat diet-induced obese mice were subjected to RYGB using an improved surgical technique with a small gastric pouch. The effects on body weight, body composition, food intake, and energy expenditure were compared to sham surgery, high-fat diet-restricted weight-matched controls, and never-obese chow-fed controls. Without mortality or complications, RYGB surgery in high-fat diet-induced obese mice gradually decreased body weight to a plateau that was more or less sustained for up to 12 weeks (33 g, −18 %, p < 0.01) and significantly lower compared with sham-operated mice (51 g, +25 %, p < 0.01), but higher (+18 %, p < 0.01) than age-matched, chow-fed control mice (27 g). Energy intake after RYGB was significantly suppressed compared to sham only for the first 10 days, but significantly higher compared to weight-matched mice. Energy expenditure after RYGB was higher throughout the study compared with weight-matched, but not sham animals. RYGB surgery in diet-induced obese mice results in similar body weight and body composition changes as observed in humans, but in contrast with humans, this is achieved mainly through increased energy expenditure rather than decreased food intake.
Changes in physicochemical properties of rice starch during steeping in the parboiling process

Abstract Isolated rice starch, milled rice, and paddy rice kernels of the same variety (18% amylose) were examined after steeping at temperatures (60–75 °C) below and above the onset of rice starch gelatinization temperature for different durations in a 2:1 (w/w) ratio of water to kernel or starch. Changes in gelatinization temperatures were greater for resultant isolated starch >> milled rice > paddy rice. Annealing above its original T o caused partial gelatinization, loss of crystallinity, and birefringence of the isolated starch as determined by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and light microscopy. However, starch granules in milled rice and paddy rice, which are surrounded by non-starch components, maintained their granule integrity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological differences between starch granules within native and steeped rice kernels. Rice starch granules and kernel characteristics were significantly altered during steeping and changes in isolated starch differed from those inside the rice kernels.
Vocal-Source Biomarkers for Depression: A Link to Psychomotor Activity.

1 A hypothesis in characterizing human depression is that change in the brain‟s basal ganglia results in a decline of motor coordination [6][8][14]. Such a neuro-physiological change may therefore affect laryngeal control and dynamics. Under this hypothesis, toward the goal of objective monitoring of depression severity, we investigate vocal-source biomarkers for depression; specifically, source features that may relate to precision in motor control, including vocal-fold shimmer and jitter, degree of aspiration, fundamental frequency dynamics, and frequency-dependence of variability and velocity of energy. We use a 35-subject database collected by Mundt et al. [1] in which subjects were treated over a six-week period, and investigate correlation of our features with clinical (HAMD), as well as self-reported (QIDS) Total subject assessment scores. To explicitly address the motor aspect of depression, we compute correlations with the Psychomotor Retardation component of clinical and self-reported Total assessments. For our longitudinal database, most correlations point to statistical relationships of our vocal-source biomarkers with psychomotor activity, as well as with depression severity.
Voice-specific effects in semantic association.

Benefits to lexical access are provided by acoustically-cued speaker characteristics (such as gender and age), but little work has investigated these effects in meaning-based tasks. Word recognition is affected both by a word’s base-level activation and by associative spread of activation among words, and is correlated with speed of lexical access. In a free association task and a semantic priming task, we find off-line and on-line evidence of speaker-specific relationships between words. Our results suggest the need to extend existing models of spoken word recognition to include interactions between linguistic information and social information that is cued by variation in speech.
Assaying Topoisomerase II Checkpoints in Yeast

Topoisomerase II activity is crucial to maintain genome stability through the removal of catenanes in the DNA formed during DNA replication and scaffolding the mitotic chromosome. Perturbed Topo II activity causes defects in chromosome segregation due to persistent catenations and aberrant DNA condensation during mitosis. Recently, novel top2 alleles in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed a checkpoint control that responds to perturbed Topo II activity. Described in this chapter are protocols for assaying the phenotypes seen in top2 mutants on a cell biological basis in live cells: activation of the Topo II checkpoint using spindle morphology, chromosome condensation using fluorescently labeled chromosomal loci, and cell cycle progression by flow cytometry. Further characterization of this novel checkpoint is warranted so that we can further our understanding of the cell cycle, genomic stability, and the possibility of identifying novel drug targets.
The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Aging Brain

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has come to the forefront of both the scientific and popular culture. Specifically, sports-related concussions or mild TBI (mTBI) has become the center of scientific scrutiny with a large amount of research focusing on the long-term sequela of this type of injury. As the populace continues to age, the impact of TBI on the aging brain will become clearer. Currently, reports have come to light that link TBI to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as certain psychiatric diseases. Whether these associations are causations, however, is yet to be determined. Other long-term sequelae, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), appear to be associated with repetitive injuries. Going forward, as we gain better understanding of the pathophysiological process involved in TBI and subclinical head traumas, and individual traits that influence susceptibility to neurocognitive diseases, a clearer, more comprehensive understanding of the connection between brain injury and resultant disease processes in the aging brain will become evident.