cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational Number Theory

This article provides an introduction to number theory from a computational perspective, including topics such as divisibility, multiplicative functions, congruence, residues, prime numbers, diophantine equations, and elliptic curves. Additionally, applications of this very pure branch of mathematics to contemporary computer security problems are presented in some detail, including discussion of the Data Encryption Standard, public key cryptosystems and the Rivest–Shamir–Adelman cryptosystem, digital signatures, Elliptic Curve public key cryptosystems, and the Advanced Encryption Standard (Rijndael). Keywords: computational number theory; congruence; residues; prime numbers; computer security; data encryption standard; public key cryptosystems; Rivest-Shamir-Adelman cryptosystem; digital signatures; elliptic curve public key cryptosystems; advanced encryption standard; Rijndael
Slow Research Time and Fast Teaching Time: A collaborative self-study of a teacher educator's unexamined assumptions

This paper examines the processes whereby two researchers developed their knowledge in teaching a course for preservice teachers. We sought to explore the ways in which class assignments encouraged preservice teachers to develop their abilities to see classrooms from the point of view of nascent teachers rather than that of successful students. After analyzing student work from 2 years in which the assignments were used, the researchers taught together and continued their analyses and their own development as teacher educators. We explore the interplay between teaching and research and the role of the critical friend in self-study. Our research generated several insights that inspired changes in assignments, and we document how student work changed as a result. Our major realization involves the centrality of ethical concerns in our work as teacher educators and the possibility of holding these concerns tacitly rather than explicitly.
Biomarkers of An Autoimmune Skin Disease—Psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most prevalent autoimmune skin diseases. However, its etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. Over the last decade, omics-based technologies have been extensively utilized for biomarker discovery. As a result, some promising markers for psoriasis have been identified at the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome level. These discoveries have provided new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways in psoriasis pathogenesis. More importantly, some of these markers may prove useful in the diagnosis of psoriasis and in the prediction of disease progression once they have been validated. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings in psoriasis biomarker discovery. In addition, we will discuss several emerging technologies and their potential for novel biomarker discovery and diagnostics for psoriasis.
Atmospheric Electricity and the Sun-Weather Problem

The principal problem of Sun-weather research remains; there is no obvious physical mechanism to explain the findings. This paper discusses the possible role of atmospheric electricity in providing a feasible mechanism. It is suggested that solar controlled conductivity variations in the lower stratosphere over thunderstorms control current flow in the global circuit; this may ultimately influence cloud physical processes and thus atmospheric energy. The proposed mechanism and a method for testing it have resulted from a sequence of related studies and an experimental investigation of the variation of ionospheric potential. Some previous findings relating solar variability to atmospheric electricity are reviewed. Verification of the global circuit concept and the introduction of the solar sector parameter in Sun-weather research are discussed. A planned critical experiment is outlined to test the electrical part of the proposed mechanism by conducting atmospheric electrical balloon soundings at least once a day for a year or more. This would result in relating spatial and temporal variations in ionospheric potential and stratospheric conductivity to controlling solar factors. A “geoelectric index” representative of global thunderstorm currents could thus be established to complement the “geomagnetic index” which has proven invaluable in solar-terrestrial research.
Late-breaking abstract: Protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)α promotes profibrotic responses in fibroblasts via Smad signaling

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal fibrosing lung disease for which treatment remains suboptimal. Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β, a pleiotropic cytokine, is critical in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. We have reported that genetic deficiency of PTPα prevents the development of pulmonary fibrosis in murine models and that PTPα is required for TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation. To determine the mechanism by which PTPα controls profibrotic responses, we compared phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 in wild type (WT) and PTPα-/- mice treated with intratracheal instillation of adenovirus expressing active TGF-β. These studies revealed that p-Smad2/3 levels were markedly attenuated in the lungs of PTPα-/- compared to WT mice as determined by immunostaining. Phosphorylation of Smad3 was markedly attenuated in PTPα-/- compared to WT fibroblasts after TGF-β stimulation. Further analysis revealed that while early (15 min) Smad3 phosphorylation was comparable between PTPα-/- and WT cells, the levels of pSmad3 diminished rapidly (by 30 min) in PTPα-/- cells whereas they persisted for 90 min in WT cells. This was also true for levels of nuclear pSmad3. Total Smad2/3 levels were unchanged, suggesting that PTPα prolongs the duration of Smad phosphorylation but not degradation. PTPα interacted with TGF-β receptor II as determined by co-immunoprecipitation. We conclude that PTP promotes profibrotic responses in fibroblasts via regulation of Smad-dependent signaling pathways, possibly by control of TGF-β receptor activation. These observations identify a key check point in profibrotic signaling controlled by PTPα that may represent a novel therapeutic target.
A Crucial Factor in Evangelicalism’s Success in (South) Korea: Coalescence with Nationalism and Anticommunism

South Korea is the home of the most vibrant evangelical community in East Asia. There one of every five citizens is an evangelical. This fact calls for an explanation, given that evangelicalism has hardly made similar inroads into China or Japan, the other major nations in the region, not to mention North Korea. This study examines what may be the most compelling factor in the rise of evangelicalism in Korea, one grounded in the modern history of Korea. The study makes the case that perhaps the most crucial factor in evangelicalism’s success in (South) Korea is that unlike in China or Japan or North Korea, in South Korea evangelicalism coalesced with collective interests of the larger society: first with Korean nationalism and then with South Korean anticommunism.
Damage characterization in dimension limestone cladding using noncollinear ultrasonic wave mixing

A method capable of characterizing artificial weathering damage in dimension stone cladding using access to one side only is presented. Dolomitic limestone test samples with increasing levels of damage were created artificially by exposing undamaged samples to increasing temperature levels of 100°C, 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C for a 90 min period of time. Using access to one side only, these test samples were nondestructively evaluated using a nonlinear approach based upon noncollinear wave mixing, which involves mixing two critically refracted dilatational ultrasonic waves. Criteria were used to assure that the detected scattered wave originated via wave interaction in the limestone and not from nonlinearities in the testing equipment. Bending tests were used to evaluate the flexure strength of beam samples extracted from the artificially weathered samples. It was observed that the percentage of strength reduction is linearly correlated ( R 2 = 98 ) with the temperature to which the specimens were exposed; it was noted that samples exposed to 400°C and 600°C had a strength reduction of 60% and 90%, respectively. It was also observed that results from the noncollinear wave mixing approach correlated well ( R 2 = 0.98 ) with the destructively obtained percentage of strength reduction.
Growth hormone treatment of children with chronic renal insufficiency, end-stage renal disease and following renal transplantation--update 1997.

1. Long-term (> 5 years) hGH treatment in children with CRI produces sustained improvement in standardized height. 2. hGH treatment of infants ( 1 prior rejection episode and the use of alternate day corticosteroid therapy. 12. The potential exists for an accelerated decline in allograft function following hGH treatment in recipients with chronic rejection. 13. The salutary effect of hGH in this patient population is probably related to increasing the bioavailability of ("free") IGF-I.
The impact of sleep, stress, and depression on postpartum weight retention: A systematic review

Abstract Objective To review the impact of sleep, stress, and/or depression on postpartum weight retention. Methods We searched three electronic databases, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and PsycInfo. Studies were included if they were published between January 1990 and September 2013 in English, measured sleep, stress, and/or depression in the postpartum period, and assessed the association of these factors with postpartum weight retention. Two reviewers reviewed included articles and rated study quality using a modified version of the Downs and Black scale. Results Thirteen studies met our pre-defined eligibility criteria, reporting on 9 study samples. Two were cross-sectional studies and eleven were longitudinal studies. The study sample size ranged from 74 to 37,127. All four studies examining short sleep duration and postpartum weight retention reported a positive association. The four studies examining postpartum stress and weight retention reported non-significant associations only. Of 7 studies examining postpartum depression and weight retention, 3 reported non-significant associations, and 4 reported positive associations. Conclusion Research investigating the impact of postpartum sleep, stress, depression on weight retention is limited. Future longitudinal studies are needed.
Changing the Energy Habitat of the Cancer Cell in Order to Impact Therapeutic Resistance

Somatic cellular evolution is becoming a popular biological explanation for the common rapid development of resistance to almost every form of cancer therapy and against almost every form of advanced human solid tumors. As a result of the historical power of evolution within nature, this common biological interpretation of the failure of cancer therapy is leading to a growing despair for many investigators and a stronger turn toward prevention through lifestyle changes. The absolute explosion of molecular scientific discoveries since 1983, in the reductionist identification of specific cancer therapeutic targets, has failed to deliver the impact in the clinic that many of us would have hoped would have resulted by this time. Personalized molecular medicine may help us reclassify appropriate therapeutic subgroups, but will it significantly impact the overall specific survival times for all of the cancers combined within the organ type for the entire population? How might we approach this therapeutic dilemma by utilizing new therapeutic insights designed on proven principles of evolution? In other words, can we fight the development of therapeutic resistance in cancer cells by turning established aspects of evolution against the survival of cancer cells within the individual patient? Here we review the concepts of changing the heat habitat and microenvironment of the cancer cell to alter the higher order organization and function of DNA. We have proposed that heat may be a major factor in determining the lasting therapeutic effect on many types of far advanced metastatic tumors.
Radionuclide development at BNL for nuclear medicine therapy

Radionuclides with medium energy beta emission and a several day half-life have often been viewed as attractive candidates for radioimmunotherapy. Among the most promising in this category are 47Sc, 67Cu, 153Sm, 188Re, and 199Au. The production of 67Cu, 153Sm, 199Au at BNL is summarized and the development of the latest candidate for this application, 47Sc, is described in detail. We also summarize the development of another important therapeutic radionuclide, 117mSn for bone pain palliation.
Comparing primiparous and multiparous mothers in a nurse home visiting prevention program.

Background An important yet overlooked feature of prominent prevention programs serving expectant mothers is the exclusion of women with children. This study examines mothers (n = 3,260) participating in a program without parity exclusion criteria, and compares demographic characteristics, risk status, service use, and child maltreatment outcomes. Methods A longitudinal, prospective study comparing primiparous (n = 1,890) and multiparous (n = 1,370) mothers participating in a nurse home visiting program. Patient groups are compared using bivariate and multivariate methods. Results Comparison by parity shows multiparous mothers had higher cumulative risk scores and individual risk factors related to maternal and child health, behavioral health, and violence exposure. Multiparous mothers were more likely to seek out services themselves and to initiate services later in the postnatal period. A significant trend exists among more children and greater caregiver stress, maternal depression, and child maltreatment. Multivariate models indicate infants of multiparous mothers have a higher risk (hazard ratio = 1.49) for later reports of child maltreatment. Conclusions As compared with primiparous mothers, multiparous mothers were at higher risk but had similar levels of service use. Programs limited to primiparous mothers are missing a critical opportunity for prevention. Programs serving multiparous mothers should incorporate strategies to directly address caregiver stress and postpartum depression.
Long-Term Effects of Early Social Isolation in Macaca mulatta: Changes in Dopamine Receptor Function Following Apomorphine Challenge

The hypothesis that early social isolation results in long-term alterations in dopamine receptor sensitivity was tested using older adult rhesus monkeys. Isolated and control monkeys were challenged with apomorphine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg), and the drug effects on spontaneous blink rate, stereotyped behavior, and self-injurious behavior were quantified using observational measures. Monoamine metabolites were quantified from cisternal CSF by HPLC-EC, prior to pharmacological challenge. Isolated and control monkeys did not differ in CSF concentrations of HVA, 5-HIAA, or MHPG. At the higher dose, apomorphine significantly increased the rate of blinking, the occurrence of whole-body stereotypies, and the intensity of stereotyped behavior (as measured by observer ratings) in isolated monkeys. The frequency of occurrence of self-injurious behavior was too low to allow for meaningful comparisons. These significant differences in response to apomorphine challenge support the hypothesis that long-term or permanent alterations in dopamine receptor sensitivity, as assessed by drug challenge, are a consequence of early social deprivation.
Interaction of human MUC1 and β-catenin is regulated by Lck and ZAP-70 in activated Jurkat T cells

The MUC1 transmembrane glycoprotein is aberrantly expressed by diverse hematologic malignancies, including those of the T cell lineage. The MUC1 cytoplasmic domain (CD) interacts with beta-catenin; however, the role of MUC1 in T cells is not known. In the present work, MUC1 was studied as a potential downstream effector of the Lck and ZAP-70 tyrosine kinases that are essential for T cell activation. The results demonstrate that anti-CD3-induced or PMA+ionomycin-induced activation of Jurkat T cells is associated with increased binding of MUC1 and Lck. Lck phosphorylates MUC1-CD on Y-46 and, in turn, stimulates the binding of MUC1 to beta-catenin. The results further demonstrate that MUC1 interacts with ZAP-70. In contrast to Lck, ZAP-70 phosphorylates MUC1-CD predominantly on Y-20. However, like Lck, ZAP-70-mediated phosphorylation of MUC1 Y-20 stimulates binding of MUC1 and beta-catenin. These findings indicate that MUC1 functions as a substrate for Lck and ZAP-70 in activated Jurkat T cells and that MUC1 integrates T cell receptor signaling with the beta-catenin pathway.
Cloned mice have an obese phenotype not transmitted to their offspring

Mammalian cloning using somatic cells has been accomplished successfully in several species, and its potential basic, clinical and therapeutic applications are being pursued on many fronts. Determining the long-term effects of cloning on offspring is crucial for consideration of future application of the technique. Although full-term development of animals cloned from adult somatic cells has been reported, problems in the resulting progeny indicate that the cloning procedure may not produce animals that are phenotypically identical to their cell donor. We used a mouse model to take advantage of its short generation time and lifespan. Here we report that the increased body weight of cloned B6C3F1 female mice reflects an increase of body fat in addition to a larger body size, and that these mice share many characteristics consistent with obesity. We also show that the obese phenotype is not transmitted to offspring generated by mating male and female cloned mice.
Clay Diagenesis in the Chesapeake Bay Area

The rivers of the Chesapeake Bay area carry in suspension predominantly a well formed to degraded illite with minor amounts of kaolin and accessory degraded chlorite. Montmorillonite is rare.
Stoichiometric requirements for trapping and gating of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels by stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)

Store-operated Ca2+ entry depends critically on physical interactions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensor stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel protein Orai1. Recent studies support a diffusion-trap mechanism in which ER Ca2+ depletion causes STIM1 to accumulate at ER-plasma membrane (PM) junctions, where it binds to Orai1, trapping and activating mobile CRAC channels in the overlying PM. To determine the stoichiometric requirements for CRAC channel trapping and activation, we expressed mCherry-STIM1 and Orai1-GFP at varying ratios in HEK cells and quantified CRAC current (ICRAC) activation and the STIM1:Orai1 ratio at ER-PM junctions after store depletion. By competing for a limited amount of STIM1, high levels of Orai1 reduced the junctional STIM1:Orai1 ratio to a lower limit of 0.3–0.6, indicating that binding of one to two STIM1s is sufficient to immobilize the tetrameric CRAC channel at ER-PM junctions. In cells expressing a constant amount of STIM1, CRAC current was a highly nonlinear bell-shaped function of Orai1 expression and the minimum stoichiometry for channel trapping failed to evoke significant activation. Peak current occurred at a ratio of ∼2 STIM1:Orai1, suggesting that maximal CRAC channel activity requires binding of eight STIM1s to each channel. Further increases in Orai1 caused channel activity and fast Ca2+-dependent inactivation to decline in parallel. The data are well described by a model in which STIM1 binds to Orai1 with negative cooperativity and channels open with positive cooperativity as a result of stabilization of the open state by STIM1.
Sampling Binary Contingency Tables

The binary contingency tables problem has sparked the interest of statisticians and computer scientists alike. Although it's been studied from both theoretical and practical perspectives, a truly usable algorithm remains elusive. The author presents several approaches to the problem.
Directly Relating Reduction Energies of Gaseous Eu(H2O)n3+, n = 55−140, to Aqueous Solution: The Absolute SHE Potential and Real Proton Solvation Energy

In solution, half-cell potentials are measured relative to other half-cells resulting in a ladder of thermodynamic values that is anchored to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which is assigned an arbitrary value of exactly 0 V. A new method for measuring the absolute SHE potential is introduced in which reduction energies of Eu(H2O)n3+, from n = 55 to 140, are extrapolated as a function of the geometric dependence of the cluster reduction energy to infinite size. These measurements make it possible to directly relate absolute reduction energies of these gaseous nanodrops containing Eu3+ to the absolute reduction enthalpy of this ion in bulk solution. From this value, an absolute SHE potential of +4.11 V and a real proton solvation energy of −269.0 kcal/mol are obtained. The infrared photodissociation spectrum of Eu(H2O)119−1243+ indicates that the structure of the surface of the nanodrops is similar to that at the bulk air−water interface and that the hydrogen bonding of interior water molecules is ...
Pion inelastic scattering and the neutron density in 152Sm

Abstract We apply a microscopic coupled-channel theory of pion elastic and inelastic scattering to study the neutron and proton densities of deformed 152 Sm obtained from a Hartree-Fock+BCS calculation with the Skyrme SkM ∗ interaction. The approach utilizes a second-order pion-nucleus optical potential which has been determined from a previous phenomenological study of elastic and charge-exchange data on spherical nuclei. We obtain an excellent representation of the 180 MeV π + data. The π − data are not quite as well reproduced, suggesting that the radius of the neutrons in 152 Sm is smaller than the one predicted by our SkM ∗ Hartree-Fock theory. However, we find the deformation of the neutrons and protons as given by the Hartree-Fock theory ( β 2n = 0.263, β 2p = 0.287) to be consistent with the experimental data.
Oligodendrocytes as Regulators of Neuronal Networks during Early Postnatal Development

Oligodendrocytes are the glial cells responsible for myelin formation. Myelination occurs during the first postnatal weeks and, in rodents, is completed during the third week after birth. Myelin ensures the fast conduction of the nerve impulse; in the adult, myelin proteins have an inhibitory role on axon growth and regeneration after injury. During brain development, oligodendrocytes precursors originating in multiple locations along the antero-posterior axis actively proliferate and migrate to colonize the whole brain. Whether the initial interactions between oligodendrocytes and neurons might play a functional role before the onset of myelination is still not completely elucidated. In this article, we addressed this question by transgenically targeted ablation of proliferating oligodendrocytes during cerebellum development. Interestingly, we show that depletion of oligodendrocytes at postnatal day 1 (P1) profoundly affects the establishment of cerebellar circuitries. We observed an impressive deregulation in the expression of molecules involved in axon growth, guidance and synaptic plasticity. These effects were accompanied by an outstanding increase of neurofilament staining observed 4 hours after the beginning of the ablation protocol, likely dependent from sprouting of cerebellar fibers. Oligodendrocyte ablation modifies localization and function of ionotropic glutamate receptors in Purkinje neurons. These results show a novel oligodendrocyte function expressed during early postnatal brain development, where these cells participate in the formation of cerebellar circuitries, and influence its development.
Aryl-Fluoride Reductive Elimination from Pd(II): Feasibility Assessment from Theory and Experiment

DFT methods were used to elucidate features of coordination environment of Pd(II) that could enable Ar−F reductive elimination as an elementary C−F bond-forming reaction potentially amenable to integration into catalytic cycles for synthesis of organofluorine compounds with benign stoichiometric sources of F-. Three-coordinate T-shaped geometry of PdIIAr(F)L (L = NHC, PR3) was shown to offer kinetics and thermodynamics of Ar−F elimination largely compatible with synthetic applications, whereas coordination of strong fourth ligands to Pd or association of hydrogen bond donors with F each caused pronounced stabilization of Pd(II) reactant and increased activation barrier beyond the practical range. Decreasing donor ability of L promotes elimination kinetics via increasing driving force and para-substituents on Ar exert a sizable SNAr-type TS effect. Synthesis and characterization of the novel [Pd(C6H4-4-NO2)ArL(μ-F)]2 (L = P(o-Tolyl)3, 17; P(t-Bu)3, 18) revealed stability of the fluoride-bridged dimer forms...
Reply to the comments on "The devaluation of life"

tive and question the moral integrity of the economic approach. Such a reservation commonly arises within regulatory agencies and for the public when the value of statistical life (VSL) methodology is not fully understood. While VSL methodology is now a mainstream economics research area and is in line with Robinson’s policy analysis prescriptions, she points out that government agencies share a responsibility to communicate to the public the rationale for the methodology and the reasons underlying changes in the VSL measures. Fundamental failures in communication may have contributed to the recent policy debacles involving the use of VSL figures. The historical context of benefit–cost analysis provides a useful starting point for understanding why I advocate the policy application of the VSL measure despite the controversy surrounding these figures. Both Carruthers and Fourcade discuss the historical development of benefit–cost analysis, which was introduced as a policy evaluation tool within the context of public works projects. The Army Corps of Engineers and the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation have long assessed the economic benefits and costs of dams and related water resource projects and have used these estimates to justify the efforts, which are required by legislation to meet the test that a project’s benefits exceed the costs. Critiquing these economic assessments was my first published encounter with the cost–benefit methodology. In Berkman and Viscusi (1973), we concluded that many of the purported economic benefits calculated by the Bureau of Reclamation were overstated. But more importantly, we found that while the adverse ecological consequences of the dams were discussed in the policy assessments, those effects were subsequently easily ignored because no monetary value was attached to them. One lesson I derived from this experience is that monetizing difficult-to-quantify outcomes does not devalue them but rather makes it possible for such effects to be treated as just as real and consequential as more conventional economic effects. Fourcade’s concern with the moral issues involved in valuing lives echoes the concerns formerly expressed by regulatory agencies. However, attempts to evade the intrinsic valuations of life that are implicit in the design of risk regulations have led to comparative neglect of lives in much the same way that adverse environmental consequences of dams
Pulmonary permeability index predicts progression to acute lung injury in patients with increased risk

Early identification of progression to acute lung injury (ALI) in patients at risk may change therapy and potentially improve outcome. Central to the pathogenesis of ALI is pulmonary microvascular injury and increased permeability resulting in pulmonary edema. We proposed that the pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) (extravascular lung water (EVLW) (ml)/pulmonary blood volume (PBV) (ml)) reflects the severity of this injury and predicts progression to ALI in patients at risk.
O13: Association Between Toddler Mealtime Television Viewing, Mealtime Interaction, and Dietary Consumption in Low-Income African American and White Families

Objective: To evaluate a culturally sensitive healthful eating and activity program for Latinas based on a Health at Every Size (non-dieting) approach. Design, Setting and Participants: Single-group design. Participants were 72 females self-identifying as Latino/ Hispanic recruited at community sites. Seventy completed the program and provided post data; 62 provided follow-up data. Intervention: 8-weekly 1-hour classes in community settings, conducted in Spanish, including body image, healthful eating, physical activity, signs of hunger and fullness, self-confidence and social support. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Assessments, pre (week 0), post (week 9) and follow-up (week 18) included height and weight (BMI was calculated), daily cups of fruit and vegetables (FV) (NCI FV Screener), fat intake (NCI Fat Scan), minutes walking/week(IPAQ), cognitive restraint, emotional eating and uncontrolled eating subscales of the TFEQ. Data are presented for subjects completing followup. Repeated measures ANOVA was used with post-hoc comparisons between time points. Results: Mean age 3819 years; acculturation low (mean 1.4810.7; 5-point scale). BMI decreased (baseline mean 29.815.5; follow-up mean 29.215.2; p 0.001), fat intake decreased by 2% kcal (p 0.05), walking increased by 105 minutes/week (p 0.001), TFEQ uncontrolled eating decreased by 3.6% (p 0.001) and emotional eating decreased by 9.6% (p 0.001). TFEQ cognitive restraint increased at post but was not different from baseline at follow-up; FV intake was unchanged. Conclusions and Implications: This culturally sensitive program appeared to be effective in improving dietary and exercise behaviors as well as cognitive factors associated with eating which was reflected in a decrease in BMI among overweight Latinas. Supported by RI Ag. Experiment Station, grant #RH00131.
Semiconductor Gel in Shark Sense Organs

Sharks can sense bioelectric fields of prey and other animals in seawater using an extraordinary system of sense organs (ampullae of Lorenzini) [R.D. Fields, The shark's electric sense. Sci. Am. 297 (2007) 74-81]. A recent study reported that these sense organs also enable sharks to locate prey-rich thermal fronts using a novel mode of temperature reception without ion channels. The study reported that gel extracted from the organs operates as a thermoelectric semiconductor, generating electricity when it is heated or cooled [B.R. Brown, Neurophysiology: sensing temperature without ion channels, Nature 421 (2003) 495]. Here we report biophysical studies that call into question this mechanism of sensory transduction. Our experiments indicate that the material exhibits no unusual thermoelectric or electromechanical properties, and that the thermoelectric response is an artifact caused by temperature effects on the measurement electrodes. No response is seen when non-metallic electrodes (carbon or salt bridges) are used, and ordinary seawater produces the same effect as shark organ gel when silver wire electrodes are used. These data are consistent with the voltages arising from electrochemical electrode potentials rather generated intrinsically within the sample. This new evidence, together with the anatomy of the organs and behavioral studies in the literature, best support the conclusion that the biological function of these sense organs is to detect electric fields.
Fast and quiet MRI using a swept radiofrequency

A novel fast and quiet method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is introduced which creates new opportunities for imaging in medicine and materials science. The method is called SWIFT, sweep imaging with Fourier transformation. In SWIFT, time-domain signals are acquired in a time-shared manner during a swept radiofrequency excitation of the nuclear spins. With negligible time between excitation and signal acquisition, new possibilities exist for imaging objects consisting of spins with extremely fast transverse relaxation rates, such as macromolecules, semi-solids, and quadrupolar nuclei. The field gradient used for spatial-encoding is not pulsed on and off, but rather is stepped in orientation in an incremental manner, which results in low acoustic noise. This unique acquisition method is expected to be relatively insensitive to sample motion, which is important for imaging live objects. Additionally, the frequency-swept excitation distributes the signal energy in time and thus dynamic range requirements for proper signal digitization are reduced compared with conventional MRI. For demonstration, images of a plastic object and cortical bone are shown.
Coordinated regulation of a set of genes by glucose and calcium ionophores in mammalian cells

Abstract Cells respond to glucose starvation and calcium ionophore treatment by increased synthesis of a specific set of proteins localized within the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. Perturbations of protein glycosylation under these and other adverse physiological conditions may trigger a regulatory mechanism resulting in increased transcription of the genes encoding these proteins.
Weekend eating in the united states is linked with greater energy, fat, and alcohol intake

HAINES, PAMELA S., MARY Y. HAMA, DAVID K. GUILKEY, AND BARRY M. POPKIN. Weekend eating in the United States is linked with greater energy, fat, and alcohol intake. Obes Res. 2003;11:945–949. Objectives: To determine if macronutrient consumption for the U.S. population is greater on weekend days than weekdays. Research Methods and Procedures: The nationally representative 1994 to 1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals was used for this analysis. Dietary intake was assessed using two independent days of dietary recall data. Ordinary least squares multivariate analysis was used to analyze dietary outcome variables to explore the effect of weekend day vs. weekday intake. Results: This study’s results indicate that statistically significant dietary intake differences occur for different days of the week but not for all age groups—nor for all nutrients. The average American, 2 years and older, consumes 82 kcal more per day on each weekend day (Friday through Sunday) than they do on weekdays (Monday through Thursday). These overall increases in dietary intake are significant for the overall sample and are largest for the 19- to 50-year-old age group; among this age group, the weekend day increase (vs. weekday) is 115 kcal/d. The increased proportions of energy from fat and alcohol consumed on weekends are greater for this adult age group by 0.7% and 1.4%, respectively, whereas the proportion of energy from carbohydrate decreases 1.6%. Discussion: The effects of weekend days on nutrient intake are substantial and should be considered in future clinical and population-based interventions and in dietary monitoring and research in the U.S.
Gamma irradiation induced variability in phaseolus vulgaris L. CV. Blue lake

Mujeeb K.A. and Greig J.K. Gamma irradiation induced variability in Phaseolus vulgaris L. cu. Blue Lake, Radiation Botany 13, 121-126, 1973.-Acute gamma irradiation effects on Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Blue Lake resulted in selection of four macromutants in ithe M 2 generation, designated SDM-1 and SDM-2 (semi-dwarfs), LfHy (late flowering/high yielding), and PSHy (pod shape/high yielding). The mutants were tested for characteristic stability until the M 4 generation. SDM-1 and SDM-2 were determinate, short, trailing, with foliage variability. Both germinated, bloomed and matured later than the parent Blue Lake (control). The SDM's exhibited minus mutations for number of pods, 100-seed weight, and yield, all significantly different (P⩾0·05) from the control. LfHy had plus mutations for number of pods, seeds, and yield, but by a minus mutation for 100-seed weight. The delayed flowering presumably resulted from an early profuse plant growth; the increased plant height, as a secondary response to delayed flowering. PSHy had flattened pods and oval seeds, significantly greater yield potential with more pods and seeds than the parent. Its 100-seed weight did not differ significantly from that of the control. The yield data for all four macromutants were significantly influenced by number of pods, apparently the primary factor regarding yield. Protein contents of all macromutants were similar to that of the control. Hence, the nutrition aspect does not impede advancement of these lines.
‘Bricks and mortar’ nanoparticle self-assembly using polymers

Developments in self-assembly methods allow access to hierarchical materials featuring a wide range of functionality and applications. Polymer-based self-assembly of nanoparticles opens up new avenues for the fabrication of highly structured nanocomposites that can serve as bridges between ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ methods. Of various interactions leading to self-assembly of nanocomposites, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions are commonly utilized. In this review, we illustrate the design and subsequent property tuning of various self-assembled nanocomposite materials that were developed based on these interactions. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Green fluorescent protein rendered susceptible to proteolysis: positions for protease-sensitive insertions.

The green fluorescent protein (GFP) is highly resistant to proteolysis and remains uncleaved after prolonged incubation with trypsin or pronase despite several putative tryptic and chymotryptic sites in exposed loops. We have rendered GFP sensitive to proteolysis by inserting five amino acids, IEGRS, in loops at position 157, 172, or 189. Excitation and emission maxima of the three insertion mutants were similar to those of wild type, but quantum yields of mutants Omega172 and Omega189 were lower, indicating increased freedom of the fluorophore. Trypsin cleaved the native (folded) form of each mutant at a unique site defined by the insert. Pronase also yields similar digestion patterns in these variants, but further proteolysis was also observed, suggesting that the primary cleavage relaxes GFP structure and reveals previously inaccessible sites. Fluorescence of Omega189 changed little upon digestion with trypsin but decreased progressively by as much as 40% upon digestion with increasing amounts of pronase. Fluorescence of other variants was not affected significantly by the proteases, further confirming the remarkable stabilities of GFP variants. These constructs define a new conformation-sensitive site around residue 189 of GFP and show that GFP may be useful for design of protease-susceptible molecules for monitoring of specific proteolytic activities in vivo.
Identification of Tumor‐Suppressor Genes Using Human Melanoma Cell Lines UACC903, UACC903(+6), and SRS3 by Comparison of Expression Profiles

The development and progression of cancer are believed to be due to multiple genetic alterations resulting in complex changes in expression of many genes. The parental malignant melanoma cell line UACC903 displays anchorage-independent growth, and the chromosome 6-suppressed subline UACC903(+6) displays anchorage-dependent growth. The anchorage-independent revertant cell line SRS3 derived from UACC903(+6) by retroviral transduction resembles the phenotype of UACC903. In this study, we first compared the expression profiles of 3317 genes between these three cell lines in pairs by cDNA microarrays, resulting in identification of genes with known suppressor activities. We then demonstrated connexin 43 (Cx43)-suppressing anchorage-independent growth of UACC903 on overexpression. Of 3317 genes with informative expression detected by cDNA microarray, 321 (9.68%) showed expression changes between at least one pair of the three cell lines. Notably, 12 genes displayed higher levels of expression in UACC903(+6) than in both UACC903 and SRS3, providing candidates for further identification of melanoma-suppressor genes. Genes encoding Cx43 (suppressor activity), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (suppressor activity), and cysteine proteinase P32alpha (apoptotic activity) were all upregulated in UACC903(+6), in contrast to both UACC903 and SRS3. Transfection of Cx43, encoded on human chromosome 6q21-q23, a region frequently altered in malignant melanoma, resulted in its overexpression and the suppression of anchorage-independent growth of UACC903. Thus, our result proves the principle that the combination of the ability to alter cellular phenotype by successive genetic alterations and the ability to examine the global expression profiles facilitates the identification of tumor suppressor genes. Mol. Carcinog. 28:119-127, 2000.
Differential effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone on cell interactions and surface proteins in Drosophila cell lines

Abstract 20-Hydroxyecdysone induces different cellular and biochemical responses in the Drosophila cell lines L3 and S3. The hormonal response in S3 cells includes mitotic arrest and aggregation, whereas L3 cells undergo mitotic arrest without aggregation. The possible involvement of 20-OH-ecdysone-modulated cell-surface proteins in mediating aggregation prompted us to compare the effects of hormonal stimulation on cell-surface proteins in these two cell lines. Radiolabeling of the cell-surface proteins revealed seven polypeptides modulated by 20-OH-ecdysone in S3 cells and three polypeptides so modulated in L3 cells. Increased and decreased labeling, as well as changes in migration of specific polypeptides on two-dimensional gels, were caused by the hormone. Analysis of radiolabelled cell-surface proteins by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed nine bands which were affected by 20-OH-ecdysone in S3 cells, whereas only three bands were altered by 20-OH-ecdysone in L3 cells. These observations are compared to earlier reports on the 20-OH-ecdysone-dependent modulation of cell-surface proteins in imaginal discs and other cell lines of Drosophila. We suggest that at least some of the cell-surface proteins which are modulated by 20-OH-ecdysone specifically in S3 cells may be mediators of the increase in cell-cell adhesions which occurs during hormone exposure.
Morphology and pathogenesis of Liesegang rings in cyst aspirates: Report of two cases with ancillary studies

Liesegang rings are laminated ring-like structures occasionally found in benign cysts and abscesses. They have been confused with parasites (especially eggs), algae, calcifications, and psammoma bodies. We examined Liesegang rings from fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of a benign cyst of the breast and a complex renal cyst. Liesegang rings were best observed with Papanicolaou, hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, acid-fast (AFB), and Gram stains, which accentuate the concentrically laminated morphology. An amorphous electron-dense core and fibrillary lucent concentric rings were seen with transmission electron microscopy with no significant energy peaks by electron probe microanalysis or distinct diffraction patterns by X-ray diffraction. This investigation indicates that Liesegang rings are composed of organic substances most likely formed by periodic precipitation from a supersaturated solution within cystic fluid. Awareness of the Liesegang phenomenon within cystic lesions will decrease the possibility of erroneous misdiagnosis as another type of pathologic process. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1998;19:116–119. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Argonne Coal Structure Rearrangement Caused by Sorption of CO2

The exposure of powdered unconfined coals to CO{sub 2} results in changes in the coals' physical structures. The presence of water changes the behavior of the coals on exposure to CO{sub 2}. The sorption of CO{sub 2} on seven Argonne premium coals was measured by using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy as a function of time at constant CO{sub 2} pressure ({approximately} 0.62 MPa) and temperature (55{sup o}C). The depth sampled is at least 1 m, and this ensures that both the bulk and surface of the sample were interrogated. Concentrations of CO{sub 2} in the top 1-7 {mu}m of the coal were measured by using the peak area of the CO{sub 2} ATR-FTIR band near 2333 cm{sup -1}. Diffusion rates were measured by using the time dependence of the area of the 2333 cm{sup -1} band. Surface adsorption is effectively instantaneous. The coals were either extensively or briefly dried. The coals were exposed to CO{sub 2}, evacuated, and then exposed to CO{sub 2} a second time. For the extensively dried coals, removal of the CO{sub 2} under vacuum was much faster than CO{sub 2} sorption, indicating a coal structure change caused by CO{sub 2} sorption. The diffusionmore » rate of the CO{sub 2} into the coal was much faster for the second exposure, confirming that the coal underwent a physical structure rearrangement. Structure rearrangement was observed for all seven extensively dried coals and for the Pittsburgh No. 8 briefly dried coal. The presence of residual moisture in the briefly dried coal samples appeared to inhibit or block CO{sub 2} uptake as equilibrium was reached within minutes. The second exposure of the briefly dried coals universally resulted in greater CO{sub 2} uptake that was again instantaneous on our experimental time scale. 52 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Investigation of the intermediates in the oxidation of a bulky arylphosphine ligand with ferric chloride

Abstract The syntheses, spectroscopic properties and structures of iron(II) and iron(III) complexes prepared by reactions of ferric chloride with the tertiary phosphine ligand tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphine (TMPP) are described. The novel diferrous chloride salt [H-TMPP]2[Fe2Cl6] (1) was prepared by the reaction of anhydrous ferric chloride with 1 equivalent of TMPP in benzene or diethyl ether. This redox reaction also produces [TMPP-Cl][FeCl4] (2) as the oxidized by-product. The structure of 1, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealed that the [Fe2Cl6]2− anion consists of two edge-sharing tetrahedra with two terminal and two bridging chlorides per metal atom. Dissolution of complex 1 in ethanol produces [H-TMPP]2[FeIICl4] (3), which was identified on the basis of a preliminary X-ray investigation. Compound 3, independently prepared by the reaction of [Fe(NCCH3)6][AlCl4]2 with 2 equivalents of TMPP in methanol, reacts with molecular oxygen to initially form [H-TMPP][FeIIICl4] (4) and finally the phosphine oxide species FeCl3(OTMPP) (5). The structure of 4 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. To test the importance of compound 4 as an intermediate in the production of TMPPO, it was prepared directly by reaction of [Fe(NCCH3)6][SbCl6]2 with 2 equivalents of TMPP in methanol and reacted with oxygen to give 5 in high yield. Compounds 1–5 were further characterized by IR and electronic spectroscopies, as well as by elemental analyses. The reactions of the salts 1, 3 and 4 suggest that the oxidation of tertiary arylphosphines with FeCl3 in alcohols does not proceed via the formation of dioxygen complexes, but rather via quaternarization of the phosphine ligand.
The use of tongue-depressing stents for neuropathologic chewing

Comatose patients may develop a neuropathologic chewing reflex that results in self-inflicted oral trauma. Loss of coordination between the tongue and chewing cycle leads to maceration of the tongue and infection. The use of a tongue-depressing stent can keep the tongue from acting as a bolus and prevent perpetuation of the reflex chewing cycle and resultant self-injury.