cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Causal Role for Negative Affect: Misattribution in Biased Evaluations of Scientific Information

The role of negative affect as a potential causal mechanism underlying the tendency for prior attitudes to bias evaluations of scientific information was investigated using a misattribution of affect manipulation. Participants read scientific studies that disconfirmed prior beliefs. Half the participants were given the opportunity to misattribute any negative affect to poor room conditions (Study 1) or caffeinated water (Study 2). All participants then evaluated the methodological quality of the scientific information. Those in the misattribution condition evaluated the information more positively than those in the control condition. In Study 2, no differences were found for participants reading confirming information. The role of affect in attitude resistance is discussed.
A novel parameter proposed for 2D and 3D topography measurements and comparisons

Based on the cross-correlation function (CCF), a new parameter called profile difference, D s (or topography difference for 3D), is developed for measurement and comparison of 2D profiles and 3D topographies. When D s = 0, the two compared profiles or topographies must be exactly the same (point by point). A 2D and 3D topography measurement system was established at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), that includes data acquisition stations using stylus instruments and a confocal microscope, and a correlation program using the proposed parameter D s and the cross-correlation function maximum CCF max. This system has been used for 2D and 3D ballistics signature measurements of the NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2461/2461 Standard Bullets and Casings, and received high measurement reproducibility. It is suggested that the proposed parameter and algorithm can be generally used for measurement and comparison of 2D and 3D surface topographies in surface metrology and other areas.
The Applications of Light Scattering

Light scattering provides information concerning the size, shape, number, and time dependence of the physical nonuniformities of a system. Measurements of the scattered intensity as a function of both scattering angle and wavelength describe static properties, whereas the spectral distribution of the scattered radiation is related to time dependent phenomena. The applications of light scattering are discussed, including critical phenomena, molecular weight determination, air pollution analysis, and diffusion phenomena.
The Role of Fusion for Discogenic Axial Back Pain Without Associated Leg Pain, Spondylolisthesis or Stenosis: An Evidence-Based Review

The objective of this review was to examine the randomized controlled trials evaluating fusion surgery for discogenic axial back pain without associated leg pain, spondylolisthesis, or stenosis. Six studies were reviewed: 4 that considered spinal fusion in comparison with nonoperative treatment, and 2 that considered fusion in comparison with artificial disc replacement. We found that methodological difficulties limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions, but that fusion appears superior to unstructured nonoperative treatment, similar to structured nonoperative treatment, and similar to short-term results of artificial disc replacement. Further long term, well-constructed randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Acetylcholine receptor at neuromuscular junctions by EM autoradiography using mask analysis and linear sources

Several methods of analyzing EM autoradiograms are now available. Two such procedures, the grain density distribution (or histogram) method and the mask method use the resolution of the EM autoradiographic technique to generate grain distributions expected from postulated sources, and compare these with the observed grains in the autoradiograms. These two methods are here compared in the analysis of label on linear sources: the distribution of labeled acetylcholine receptor (AChR) down the postjunctional folds of lizard and frog neuromuscular junctions. The receptors were labeled with I-25-α-bungarotoxin and the autoradiograms coated with the high resolution Kodak emulsion 129–01. We found that both methods gave similar results in confirming that the bulk of the AChR is concentrated on the thickened region of the membrane at the top ∼2000 A of the junctional folds, and that there may be a gradient of receptor concentration down the folds. The grain density distribution method is simpler, but does not lend itself easily to quantifying the extent of deviation from simple models. Although computer graphics is not necessary for either method, its use allows the expected grains from linear sources to be generated quickly, making the mask analysis a feasible routine method for assigning the extent of label in different membrane regions.
EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN THE ANTARCTIC FISH TREMATOMUS BERNACCHII

Effects of temperature on O2 consumption by mitochondria of the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii were compared with effects obtained with mitochondria from tropical (Sarotheridon mossambica) and temperate zone fishes (Sebastes carnatus and Sebastes mystinus). Arrhenius plots of O2 consumption versus temperature exhibited slope discontinuities (“breaks”) at temperatures (Arrhenius break temperatures: ABTs) reflective of the species' adaptation temperatures. The ABT for mitochondria of T. bernacchii is the lowest reported for any animal and is ∼12 °C below the value predicted by a regression equation based on ABT data for several invertebrates and fishes. The temperature at which the acceptor control ratio (ACR), an index of efficiency of coupling of electron transport to synthesis of ATP, began to decrease with rising temperature also reflected adaptation temperature. The decrease in ACR with rising temperature began at ∼18 °C for mitochondria of T. bernacchii, in contrast to ∼35 °C for mitochondria of Sarotheridon mossambica. Maintaining T. bernacchii at 4 °C for 2 weeks led to no changes in ABT or in the response of ACR to temperature. The thermal sensitivities of mitochondria of T. bernacchii reflect the high level of cold adaptation and stenothermy that is characteristic of Antarctic Notothenioid fishes.
Abnormal methylation of the promoter of CREM is broadly associated with male factor infertility and poor sperm quality but is improved in sperm selected by density gradient centrifugation

Objective To evaluate the methylation status of the promoter of CREM in patients with an abnormal protamine 1/protamine 2 (P1/P2) ratio or oligozoospermia. The effects of density gradient centrifugation and aging of males on CREM promoter methylation were also investigated. Design Experimental research study. Setting University andrology and research laboratory. Patient(s) Patients with abnormally low (n = 24) and high (n = 36) P1/P2 ratio; patients with oligozoospermia (n = 32); and normozoospermic, fertile controls with normal P1/P2 ratio (n = 40). Intervention(s) The CpG methyaltion pattern of the promoter of CREM was examined using pyrosequencing. Main Outcome Measure(s) The percentage of methylation of 12 CpGs in the CREM promoter was compared between patients and fertile controls. Result(s) There was a significantly higher rate of methylation of CREM in patients with abnormal protamination and oligozoospermia compared with the control group. Sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal head morphology were negatively correlated with the amount of CpG methylation. Sperm selected from the 90% gradient fraction exhibited less methylation than sperm from the 35% fraction. Conclusion(s) Patients with two types of male factor infertility display an increased abnormal methylation of CREM compared with control subjects. Increased methylation is associated with decreased semen quality, and sperm selected by density gradient centrifugation have less methylation. Further research is necessary to investigate whether epimutations can be found on other nonimprinted gene promoters as well.
Configuration interaction in orbital theories

A systematic method is developed for estimating or calculating corrections for configuration interaction in atomic, molecular and nuclear wave-function calculations. Solutions of the Hartree-Fock equations for a single Slater determinant or approximate Hartree-Fock solutions obtained by Roothaan’s iterative procedure have special properties which are used to simplify the matrix of the many-particle Hamiltonian. A restricted self-consistent field method is proposed for treating states of low symmetry. This method avoids the off-diagonal Lagrange multipliers encountered in previous methods and is adapted to configuration interaction calculations.
Stimulation of dorsal axial differentiation in ventral explants of Rana pipiens embryos by CaC-12 and guanidine HCl.

La culture de fragments isoles de mesoderme et d'ectoderme ventraux des gastrula de grenouilles (Rana pipiens) en presence de CaCl2 0,025–0.05M pendant un jour ou en presence de HCl guanidine 0,5% pendant un demi jour, et suivi d'une periode de culture dans un salin physiologique induit une differentiation de tissus nerveux et musculaires dans 15 a 25% des cas. Des concentrations de CaCl2 et de HCl guanidine pareilles a celle qui induit cette differentiation peuvent solubiliser des plaquettes vitellines isoles.
Condyloma acuminata in a three-year-old boy.

Abstract The occurrence of condyloma acuminata of the urethral meatus is extremely rare in children. This is the second case in the literature of this type of lesion in a child less than five years of age. This is considered a benign lesion which is best managed by excision and fulguration of its base.
Improving Care for the Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Disorders

The Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) teaches alcohol and drug treatment programs to apply process improvement strategies and make organizational changes that improve quality of care. Participating programs reduce days to admission, increase retention in care, and spread the application of process improvement within their treatment centers. More generally, NIATx provides a framework for addressing the Institute of Medicine's six dimensions of quality care (i.e., safe, effective, patient-centered, efficient, timely, and equitable) in treatments for alcohol, drug, and mental health disorders. NIATx and its extensions illustrate how the behavioral health field can respond to the demand for higher quality treatment services.
Synthesis of heteroleptic uranium compounds including an asymmetric, sterically unsaturated, bimetallic, organouranium(IV) halide: (C5Me5)(C8H8)ClU(μ-Cl)U(C8H8)(C5Me5)

Abstract K2C8H8 reacts with (C5Me5)2UCl2 not by substitution of both chlorides, but by Cl1− and (C5Me5)1− ligand displacement to form an asymmetric, sterically unsaturated, mixed ligand metallocene chloride complex, (C5Me5)(C8H8)ClU(μ-Cl)U(C8H8)(C5Me5) (1). Complex 1 is a tetravalent uranium analogue of the asymmetric trivalent yttrium bimetallic complex, (C5Me5)2ClY(μ-Cl)Y(C5Me5)2 (2), that has been used to evaluate coordination of bases with electropositive trivalent metallocenes. Tetravalent 1 similarly coordinates Lewis bases as demonstrated by its reaction with e-caprolactam that generates a complex with four different ligands, (C5Me5)(C8H8)UCl[OCNH(CH2)5] (3). Complex 1 also participates in ionic salt metathesis reactions with KN(SiMe3)2 to form (C5Me5)(C8H8)U[N(SiMe3)2] (4).
Growth and carcass evaluation of Holstein steers fed liquid acid whey.

Abstract Thirty Holstein steer calves, 96.5kg, were assigned to three groups. Two groups received liquid acid whey, and one was the water control. Grain was fed either restricted or ad libitum to the whey groups and ad libitum to the water control group over three 14-wk growth periods. Hay, up to .4% body weight, reduced symptoms of bloat. Period 1: Calves started on a 20% crude protein dry ration for 7 wk and then changed to a 16% crude protein dry ration for 7 wk gained faster and were heavier than calves started on a 30% crude protein dry ration for 7 wk and then changed to a 20% crude protein dry ration for 7 wk. Period 2: Body weights among groups were not different by the end of the period. Intakes of whey were 33.6kg daily with grain ad libitum and 49.7kg daily with restricted grain feeding. Water intake was 22.2kg daily. The steers obtained 28% of their total dry matter intake from acid whey under ad libitum feeding, and 48% from acid whey under restricted feeding. Period 3: Final body weights were decreased by restricted feeding, but acid whey intake increased to 55.6kg daily. These steers obtained 57% of their total dry matter intake from acid whey. Acid whey treatment resulted in lower carcass dressing percent, rib fat cover, and loin eye area. Grades averaged Standard for acid whey, restricted grain feeding and Low Good for acid whey, ad libitum grain feeding. Lower panel scores were given for aroma and quantity of juice for restricted grain feeding. Acid whey treatment did not change tenderness, shear values, or overall carcass desirability.
γ-Aminobutyric acid, bicuculline, and post-synaptic binding sites

The binding of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to synaptosomal fractions of the rat cerebellar cortex has been examined at 0–4°C in the presence and absence of bicuculline, chlorpromazine, and/or Na+. A GABA-binding component has been demonstrated in the synaptosomal fraction which is competitively inhibited by bicuculline. In addition, this binding component persists in the absence of Na+ and in the presence of chlorpromazine. It seems likely that this binding component is the post-synaptic binding site or “receptor” of GABA.
Safety of percutaneous injection of bovine dermal crosslinked collagen for glottic insufficiency

Objective Our aim was to review the safety of percutaneous injection laryngoplasty using bovine crosslinked collagen, focusing specifically on two often-stated concerns: injecting patients who are taking the anticoagulant medication warfarin, and injecting patients without prior skin hypersensitivity testing. Study design and setting Retrospective chart review of injection laryngoplasty performed between 1997 and 2006 at the University of California, Los Angeles. Results The study group consisted of 895 patients who underwent 1290 injection laryngoplasty procedures. No bleeding complications were noted in 59 patients taking warfarin. No allergic complications were reported in 845 patients who did not undergo skin hypersensitivity testing before injection laryngoplasty. Conclusion Percutaneous bovine crosslinked collagen injection laryngoplasty is safe in patients taking warfarin. Skin testing for hypersensitivity does not appear to be necessary before injection. Significance Patients on warfarin are candidates for injection laryngoplasty without the need to discontinue the medication. Eliminating skin hypersensitivity testing before percutaneous bovine crosslinked collagen injection laryngoplasty allows for a prompt treatment of glottic insufficiency.
Secondary structural motions in polycarbonate. I. dielectric properties

Abstract Polycarbonate has three secondary dielectric losses in the temperature range between –200°C and the glass transition. The effects of crystallinity and orientation on these secondary losses are considered, and related to the structural entities involved in these motions. In addition, a stress relaxation peak was found in oriented polycarbonate.
Primary production and heterotrophy of a pennate and a centric salt marsh diatom

Radionuclide labeled sodium bicarbonate and glucose were used to measure the rates of primary production and glucose uptake by Nitzschia obtusa var. undulata and Cymbella pusilla. The presence of glucose in the medium enhanced primary production in both diatom species. Uptake of glucose in C. pusilla was photoinhibited. A maximum of 9.3 nmol C mg dry wt-1 h-1 of glucose was taken up in the light without the presence of NaHCO3 in the medium and with NaHCO3 present the value was 18 nmol C mg dry wt-1 h-1. The ratio of inorganic carbon fixed to the total carbon budget (autotrophy and heterotrophy) was 0.51 for N. obtusa var. undulata and 0.62 for C. pusilla.
Adding polymorphic tuples and lists to the syntax of Java

Java does not provide built-in methods for constructing and accessing tuples and lists. In other programming languages, especially functional languages, these data structures are an integral part of the language. In fact, programming without tuples and lists is inconceivable in these languages.This paper will discuss a method for adding these capabilities to Java. We propose a syntax for tuples and lists that fits in with the existing Java syntax. We define a semantics for the new constructs based on simple Java 1.4 and 1.5 classes. We describe our implementation of a source level translation for the extended language to Java.
Escherichia coli periplasmic thiol peroxidase acts as lipid hydroperoxide peroxidase and the principal antioxidative function during anaerobic growth.

To clarify the enzymatic property of Escherichia coli periplasmic thiol peroxidase (p20), the specific peroxidase activity toward peroxides was compared with other bacterial thiol peroxidases. p20 has the most substrate preference and peroxidase activity toward organic hydroperoxide. Furthermore, p20 exerted the most potent lipid peroxidase activity. Despite that the mutation of p20 caused the highest susceptibility toward organic hydroperoxide and heat stress, the cellular level of p20 did not respond to the exposure of oxidative stress. Expression level of p20 during anaerobic growth was sustained at the ∼50% level compared with that of the aerobic growth. Viability of aerobic p20Δ without glucose was reduced to the ∼65% level of isogenic strains, whereas viability of aerobic p20Δ with 0.5% glucose supplement was sustained. The deletion of p20 resulted in a gradual loss of the cell viability during anaerobic growth. At the stationary phase, the viability of p20Δ was down to ∼10% level of parent strains. An analysis of the protein carbonyl contents of p20Δ as a marker for cellular oxidation indicates that severe reduction of viability of anaerobic p20Δ was caused by cumulative oxidative stress. P20Δ showed hypersensitivity toward membrane-soluble organic hydroperoxides. An analysis of protein carbonyl and lipid hydroperoxide contents in the membrane of the stress-imposed p20Δ demonstrates that the severe reduction of viability was caused by cumulative oxidative stress on the membrane. Taken together, present data uncover in vivo function for p20 as a lipid hydroperoxide peroxidase and demonstrate that, as the result, p20 acts as the principal antioxidant in the anaerobic habitats.
Androgen receptor enhances myogenin expression and accelerates differentiation.

Animal and clinical studies indicated that the androgen-AR signaling pathway is required for appropriate development of sexually dimorphic skeletal muscles and increases lean muscle mass, muscle strength, and muscle protein synthesis. However, the detailed mechanisms by which the androgen-AR signaling pathway regulates skeletal muscle development need further study at the molecular level. C2C12 myoblast cells stably transfected with the Flag-tagged AR were used to analyze the role of androgen-AR signaling pathway in skeletal muscle development. The results indicate that the androgen-AR signaling pathway may suppress skeletal myoblast cell growth and accelerate myoblast cell differentiation via enhanced myogenin expression. This is a first report showing the role of androgen-AR signaling pathway in regulation of myoblast cell growth and myogenic regulatory factors.
Effects of loss of residual hearing on speech performance with the CI422 and the Hybrid-L electrode.

AbstractObjectivePreservation of residual low-frequency hearing has become a priority in cochlear implantation. The purpose of this study was to compare rates of hearing preservation and effects on performance of loss of low-frequency acoustic hearing with two different length electrodes.Study designRetrospective chart review.SettingTertiary Care Hospital.PatientsTwelve patients were implanted with the CI422 a slim-straight electrode; the second group consisted of 10 patients implanted with the Hybrid-L, a shorter hearing preservation electrode.Main outcome measureAudiometric thresholds and speech perception measures.ResultsAt 1 year, 3/10 (30%) patients with the Hybrid-L and 7/12 (58%) patients with the CI422 lost residual acoustic hearing resulting in a profound hearing loss in the implanted ear. In comparing these patients in particular, mean CNC words in the implanted ear were 72% in the CI422 electrode group and 15% in the Hybrid-L electrode group at 1 year (P = 0.03). While hearing preservation rate...
Intracellular degradation of low-density lipoprotein probed with two-color fluorescence microscopy

The intracellular vesicle-mediated degradation of extracellular cargo is an essential cellular function. Using two-color single particle tracking fluorescence microscopy, we have probed the intracellular degradation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in living cells. To detect degradation, individual LDL particles were heavily labeled with multiple fluorophores resulting in a quenched fluorescent signal. The degradation of the LDL particle then resulted in an increase in fluorescence. Endocytic vesicles were fluorescently labeled with variants of GFP. We imaged the transient colocalization of LDL with endocytic vesicles while simultaneously measuring the intensity of the LDL particle as an indicator of degradation. These studies demonstrate that late endosomes are active sites of degradation for LDL. Measurement of the time from colocalization with lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) vesicles to degradation suggests that LAMP1-vesicles initiate the degradative event. Observing degradation as it occurs in living cells makes it possible to describe the complete endocytic pathway of LDL from internalization to degradation. More generally, this research provides a model for the intracellular degradation of extracellular cargo and a method for its study in living cells.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation for Combined Travel Choice Model Parameters

Equilibrium models of combined location and travel choices solve for the modal link flow pattern, which simultaneously solves a constrained minimization problem and satisfies a set of equilibrium conditions characterizing a rational behavior for traveler choices in an urban transportation system. The minimization problem typically is made to be representative of the particular urban area being studied by including coefficients of travel costs and travel choices that have been estimated from locally available observed data. For large urban areas, in practice, it is possible to derive interzonal travel times and costs only from the travel model, because suitable observed data are nonexistent. In this case, the estimation problem is a function of the travel model variables and, at the same time, the travel model is a function of the parameters determined by the estimation problem. Procedures to computationally search for a stable solution to this bilevel optimization problem have been addressed with limited success. The parameter estimation is solved in an iterative procedure in which first parameters are held fixed and the travel model is solved, then travel patterns are held fixed and the maximum likelihood parameters are solved by the Newton-Raphson method. Each successive parameter estimation resulting from these two steps results in a new set of parameter values for the next iteration until stable values for the parameters are achieved. The quality of the convergence of the parameter estimates is reported.
Visualizing Separations: How Shopping Can Be Useful for Introducing Chromatography

A trip to the mall is used as a classroom demonstration to illustrate the fundamentals of separations without the need for chemicals or any chemistry background. Student volunteers are the “mixture”, and depending on the shopping list they have been given, they spend varying amounts of time in the “stores” versus moving through and out of the “mall”, as the instructor reads all of the possible shopping stops aloud. In less than 10 minutes, the students observe the separation of the “mixture” into distinct groups, see how this can be represented graphically, and may then apply the knowledge to chemical separations.
Retrograde Coronary Perfusion: Effects on Iatrogenic Edema and Diastolic Properties

Abstract Background . The relative merits of antegrade infusion and retrograde infusion of cardioplegic solution in terms of heart weight, myocardial water content, and ventricular diastolic properties are undefined. Accordingly, we compared antegrade and retrograde flow of hemodiluted blood in isolated, hypothermic porcine hearts. Methods . After cardiectomy, 1 L of cold heparinized blood diluted with lactated Ringer's solution to concentrations ranging from 100% lactated Ringer's to 50% lactated Ringer's and 50% blood was perfused in an antegrade (n = 6) or retrograde (n = 6) fashion at mean pressures of 62 ± 2 mm Hg (± standard error of the mean) and 49 ± 2 mm Hg, respectively. Heart weight, myocardial water content, and left ventricular pressure–volume relationships were obtained before and after perfusion. Results . In the comparison of measurements before and after perfusion, changes in heart weight (36 ± 4 g versus 5 ± 2 g; p p Conclusions . In the isolated porcine heart, retrograde flow is distinguished from antegrade flow by less change in heart weight and myocardial water content and no diastolic dysfunction.
Bioactivity and Mechanical Behavior of Polymer-Hydroxyapatite Composite Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering

Achieving optimal mechanical strength of scaffolds is the key issue in bone tissue engineering. We describe a biomimetic route for design of composites of polymers (polyacrylic acid (PAAc) and polycaprolactone (PCL)) and hydroxyapatite (HAP). The mineral polymer interfaces have a significant role on mechanical behavior as well as bioactivity of the composite systems. We have used a combination of experimental (photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy) as well as modeling (molecular dynamics) techniques to evaluate the nature of interfaces in the composites. Porous composite scaffolds of in situ HAP with PCL are made. Our simulation studies indicate calcium bridging between COO− of PAAc and surface calcium of HAP as well as hydrogen bonding. These results are also supported by infrared spectroscopic studies. PAAc modified surfaces of in situ HAP influence the microstructure and mechanical response of porous composites. Significant differences are present in the mechanical response of in situ and ex situ composite scaffolds. In addition, the growth and mechanism of apatite growth in the in situ and ex situ composites is different. Bioactivity is measured by soaking composite scaffolds in simulated body fluid (SBF). Apatite growth in ex situ composites is primarily by heterogeneous nucleation and that in in situ is primarily by homogeneous nucleation. We also observe that apatite grown on in situ HAP/PCL composites from SBF exhibits higher elastic modulus and hardness. Thus, by influencing the interfacial behavior in bone biomaterials both mechanical response and bioactivity of the composite systems may be modified. The present study gives insight into the interfacial mechanisms responsible for mechanical response as well as bioactivity in biomaterials.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Hedonic housing price indices and secondary employment centers

The monocentric model of the city concludes that the price of housing services varies inversely with travel time to the central business district (CBD), holding location-specific amenities constant, because households lower their bid-prices for housing as commutation cost increases. Indeed, residential locational equilibrium in the monocentric city requires a negative price gradient. However, empirical testing has revealed at best lukewarm support for the negative price gradient. 2 For example, estimates of hedonic housing price indices by Berry [3] and Daniels [4] yield statistically significant positive relationships between price and distance or travel time to the CBD, while Kain and Quigley [6], Lapham [7], and Thaler [14] find no statistically significant relationship. The lack of consistent empirical support for a monotonically negative price gradient need not be disturbing if the city violates the assumptions of the monocentric city model. Specifically, secondary employment centers could cause the price gradient from the CBD eventually to become positive and achieve a local maximum in the neighborhood of the secondary center. Failure to control for distance or travel time to secondary centers may explain positive and statistically insignificant negative price gradients that
Global burden of the HIV pandemic

Summary Within the global pandemic of HIV infection there are many different epidemics, each with its own dynamics and each influenced by many factors including time of introduction of the virus, population density, and cultural and social issues. Effective management strategies depend on knowledge of all these factors. By the year 2000, WHO projections are that 26 million persons will be infected with HIV, more than 90% of whom will be in developing countries. To control AIDS, countries must not only promote changes in individual behaviour but also address social issues such as unemployment, rapid urbanisation, migration, and the status of women
Thermal Mechanisms of Millimeter Wave Stimulation of Excitable Cells

Interactions between millimeter waves (MMWs) and biological systems have received increasing attention due to the growing use of MMW radiation in technologies ranging from experimental medical devices to telecommunications and airport security. Studies have shown that MMW exposure alters cellular function, especially in neurons and muscles. However, the biophysical mechanisms underlying such effects are still poorly understood. Due to the high aqueous absorbance of MMW, thermal mechanisms are likely. However, nonthermal mechanisms based on resonance effects have also been postulated. We studied MMW stimulation in a simplified preparation comprising Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing proteins that underlie membrane excitability. Using electrophysiological recordings simultaneously with 60 GHz stimulation, we observed changes in the kinetics and activity levels of voltage-gated potassium and sodium channels and a sodium-potassium pump that are consistent with a thermal mechanism. Furthermore, we showed that MMW stimulation significantly increased the action potential firing rate in oocytes coexpressing voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels, as predicted by thermal terms in the Hodgkin-Huxley model of neurons. Our results suggest that MMW stimulation produces significant thermally mediated effects on excitable cells via basic thermodynamic mechanisms that must be taken into account in the study and use of MMW radiation in biological systems.
Unitary regulatory supervision or multi‐entity supervision? A computational approach to a numbers problem in financial regulation

Policymakers globally have debated (and often implemented) the idea of consolidating numerous financial regulatory supervisory entities into one unitary entity. This article uses a computational model to explore the effect such a decision would have on supervisory performance. Using insights from organizational scholarship on consensus-making among individuals within organizations, the simulation suggests that under most conditions a unitary supervisory entity yields lower performance than smaller, numerous entities with unique mandates, keeping the number of regulatory inspectors constant. This result arises from the heterogeneity of perspectives being shared within the entity and the influence of precedent actions. The results also show a decreasing utility to disaggregation: performance decreases when too few inspectors share among themselves in building consensus. When insufficient heterogeneity within supervisors exists, unitary frameworks outperform multi-entity frameworks. These findings have implications on the design of supervisory frameworks and contribute to research on consensus-building, heterogeneous group membership, and computational modeling.
The Effect of Fluid Flow on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of ASTM A508 Cl 2 Steel and AISI Type 304 Stainless Steel in High Temperature Water

Abstract The susceptibility of sensitized Type 304 stainless steel and ASTM A508 Cl 2 steel to SCC in high temperature oxygenated water, as determined using constant extension rate tests, is found to depend upon the velocity of the fluid flowing past the gauge section. This work has demonstrated that in both cases, the failure time increases with increasing flow rate and that both the crack initiation time and the apparent crack propagation rate depend upon the flow velocity. The longer failure time is mainly attributed to an increase in the crack initiation time. It is suggested that the smaller crack propagation rate during the initial crack propagation period is controlled by the physical and electrochemical factors but the higher crack propagation rate results from the fact that as initiation is delayed a higher stress intensity exists at the crack tip.
Dissection of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and release fluxes in situ after depolarization-evoked [Ca2+](i) elevations in sympathetic neurons.

We studied how mitochondrial Ca2+ transport influences [Ca2+]i dynamics in sympathetic neurons. Cells were treated with thapsigargin to inhibit Ca2+ accumulation by SERCA pumps and depolarized to elevate [Ca2+]i; the recovery that followed repolarization was then examined. The total Ca2+ flux responsible for the [Ca2+]i recovery was separated into mitochondrial and nonmitochondrial components based on sensitivity to the proton ionophore FCCP, a selective inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport in these cells. The nonmitochondrial flux, representing net Ca2+ extrusion across the plasma membrane, has a simple dependence on [Ca2+]i, while the net mitochondrial flux (Jmito) is biphasic, indicative of Ca2+ accumulation during the initial phase of recovery when [Ca2+]i is high, and net Ca2+ release during later phases of recovery. During each phase, mitochondrial Ca2+ transport has distinct effects on recovery kinetics. Jmito was separated into components representing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and release based on sensitivity to the specific mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibitor, CGP 37157 (CGP). The CGP-resistant (uptake) component of Jmito increases steeply with [Ca2+]i, as expected for transport by the mitochondrial uniporter. The CGP-sensitive (release) component is inhibited by lowering the intracellular Na+ concentration and depends on both intra- and extramitochondrial Ca2+ concentration, as expected for the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Above ∼400 nM [Ca2+]i, net mitochondrial Ca2+ transport is dominated by uptake and is largely insensitive to CGP. When [Ca2+]i is ∼200–300 nM, the net mitochondrial flux is small but represents the sum of much larger uptake and release fluxes that largely cancel. Thus, mitochondrial Ca2+ transport occurs in situ at much lower concentrations than previously thought, and may provide a mechanism for quantitative control of ATP production after brief or low frequency stimuli that raise [Ca2+]i to levels below ∼500 nM.
Living Arrangement Transitions Among America's Older Adults

This analysis describes the relationship between age and transitions from four living arrangements: living alone, living with spouse only, living with a child, and living with a spouse and child. Data from the National Survey of Families and Households, collected in 1987-88 and 1992-93, are used to calculate destination-specific hazard rates by age and then construct multiple-decrement life tables. Living alone or with a spouse are the most stable living arrangements during the early stages of later life, whereas for the oldest-old, living with a child is the most stable living arrangement. The young-old tend to exit living arrangements through changes in coresidence, whereas transitions among the oldest-old are primarily due to institutionalization and death.
Transient gain enhancement in photorefractive crystals with two types of movable charge carrier.

Considerable improvement of a transient two-beam coupling gain is reported for Sn2P2S6, a photorefractive crystal that possesses two types of movable charge carrier. A gain enhancement occurs if the phase difference of the interacting beams is abruptly changed to π. Enhancement is also achieved with periodic phase variations of zero and π between two discrete states at modulation frequencies lower than the smallest of two reciprocal characteristic times of the space-charge formation.
The unbearable lightness of information and the impossible gravitas of knowledge: Big Data and the makings of a digital orality

This essay is written in response and extension to the thoughts offered by danah boyd and Kate Crawford on whether Big Data change how we define knowledge. I suggest that they do not, but they do r...
SMMART, a context-aware mobile marketing application: experiences and lessons

A new class of m-commerce applications is emerging due to the unique features of handheld devices, such as mobility, personalization and location-awareness. This paper presents SMMART, a context-aware, adaptive and personalized m-commerce application designed to deliver targeted promotions to the users of mobile devices. SMMART adapts to changing interests of its user by monitoring his or her shopping habits and guarantees the privacy of its users by not transmitting any personally identifiable information to the retailers. We describe our experiences of building and evaluating a fully functional prototype of SMMART implemented for Pocket PCs.
Modulatory Communication Signal Performance Is Associated with a Distinct Neurogenomic State in Honey Bees

Studies of animal communication systems have revealed that the perception of a salient signal can cause large-scale changes in brain gene expression, but little is known about how communication affects the neurogenomic state of the sender. We explored this issue by studying honey bees that produce a vibratory modulatory signal. We chose this system because it represents an extreme case of animal communication; some bees perform this behavior intensively, effectively acting as communication specialists. We show large differences in patterns of brain gene expression between individuals producing vibratory signal as compared with carefully matched non-senders. Some of the differentially regulated genes have previously been implicated in the performance of other motor activities, including courtship behavior in Drosophila melanogaster and Parkinson's Disease in humans. Our results demonstrate for the first time a neurogenomic brain state associated with sending a communication signal and provide suggestive glimpses of molecular roots for motor control.
Comments on Greenhow, Robelia, and Hughes: Toward a Creative Social Web for Learners and Teachers

This article commenting on Greenhow, Robelia, and Hughes (2009) examines the potential strengths and weaknesses of Web 2.0 in supporting student collaborative creativity in light of sociocultural conditions of knowledge creation. Weaknesses and challenges are identified related to the embedded and dispersed representation of community knowledge, weak commitment and support to sustained progress, judging of contributions on the basis of popularity instead of advancement, and the conflict between the chaotic emergent Web and rigidly organized schooling. Discussion is extended to the use of the Web for supporting teacher learning and innovation. Research questions are identified calling for design-based research to advance both pedagogy and technology design.
Granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 mediates adaptive immunity in part through IL-8Rβ interactions

Chemokines constitute a large family of structurally related proteins that play a role in leukocyte migration and differentiation. Indeed, the early expression of human CXC chemokine receptor 1 (hCXCR1) and hCXCR2 [homologous to mouse interleukin (IL)-8Rbeta] ligands by the epithelium is a hallmark of the mucosal host defense. Mice lack IL-8; however, granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2)/lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine, a murine homologue of human GCP-2, has 32% and 61% sequence identity to human IL-8 and GCP-2, respectively, and binds hCXCR1, hCXCR2, and mouse IL-8Rbeta. To better understand the role of GCP-2 in adaptive immunity and as a nasal adjuvant, we characterized the exogenous effects of this CXC chemokine on cellular and humoral mucosal immune responses. GCP-2 significantly enhanced serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and mucosal IgA antibodies through increased cytokine secretion by CD4+ T cells. These alterations in humoral and cellular responses were preceded by an increase in the number of B cells in the nasal tract, a decrease in the number of CD4+ T cells in the nasal tract as well as cervical lymph nodes, and an increase in the number of neutrophils in the nasal tract 12 h after GCP-2 immunization. This chemokine also modulated CD28 expression by CD4+ T cells during CD3epsilon stimulation of wild-type mice. GCP-2 increased CD80 and CD86 expression on B cells during in vitro stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, cytokine and costimulatory molecule enhancement by GCP-2 was not induced by lymphocytes from IL-8Rbeta-/- mice, suggesting that GCP-2 modulates cellular immunity in part through IL-8Rbeta interactions.
A comparison of 3-D data correlation methods for fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy.

Abstract Purpose: Stereotactic radiosurgery is currently used to treat patients who are not good candidates for conventional neurosurgical procedures. For treatments of nonvascular tumor cells, it appears that fractionation offers a radiobiological advantage between tumor and normal tissues. Therefore, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSR) is preferred because it minimizes normal tissue complications and maximizes local tumor control probability. We have implemented a methodology clinically to perform the noninvasive patient repositioning technique. The 3-D data correlation method for high-precision and multiple fraction stereotactic treatments has been presented. Methods and Materials: Three different optimization algorithms (Hooke and Jeeves optimization, simplex optimization, and simulated annealing optimization) are evaluated to calculate the transformation parameters necessary for FSR. A least-square object function is created to perform the 3-D data matching process. By minimizing the unconstrained object function value the best fit can be approached for the reference 3-D data sets. Simulation shows that these algorithms deliver results that are comparable to the previously published correlation algorithm (1, 2) (singular value decomposition [SVD] method). The advantage for optimization algorithms is easily understood and can be readily implemented by using a personal computer (PC). The mathematical framework provides a tool to calculate the transformation matrix which can be used to adjust patient position for fractionated treatments. Therefore, using these algorithms for a high-precision fractionated treatment is possible without an invasive repeat fixation device and has been implemented clinically. A bite plate system was incorporated to acquire 3-D patient data. With a 3-D digital camera localization device, the patient motion can be followed in real time with the system calibrated to the isocenter. Results: Two types of data sets are utilized to study the correlation results. One is using the digitized patient data which were retrieved clinically. The other is using the randomly generated data sets. Simulation errors for the optimization algorithms are all less than 1 mm in translation and less than 1° in rotation. Currently, FSR is performed using special designed repeat fixation devices which assure reproducible patient position for multiple fractions of radiation treatment. Clinical results indicated that this technique provided excellent treatment results. Conclusion: Three optimization algorithms have been applied and evaluated in calculating the transformation parameters between two 3-D contours or digitized data points. The mathematical functions behind these optimization algorithms are straightforward and can be easily implemented. When incorporated with the proper CT/MR image data with an electronic portal imaging (EPI) system, this process can possibly verify the patient's treatment position whenever there is doubt about the movement during the treatment procedure.
Using outcomes-based assessment data to improve assessment and instruction: a case study

Educators who have been through accreditation are well aware of the need for outcomes-based learning and assessment. However, there are misunderstandings about what outcomes based assessment is, and how it can improve teaching and learning. We understand that accreditation requirements can be a reason for adopting outcomes-based assessment, but our real goal is to convey to our readers how outcomes-based assessment can provide meaningful and useful feedback to the instructor regarding student achievement, assessment, and the quality of the instruction.
The Bidirectional Association Between Daytime Affect and Nighttime Sleep in Youth With Anxiety and Depression

Objective This study examines relationships between affect and sleep in youth with affective disorders using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Methods Participants included 94 youth, ages 8–16 (M ¼11.73, 53% female) years with an anxiety disorder only (n ¼23), primary major depressive disorder (with and without a secondary anxiety diagnoses; n ¼42), and healthy controls (n ¼29). A cell phone EMA protocol assessed affect and actigraphy measured sleep. Results The patterns of bidirectional relationships between affect and sleep differed across diagnostic groups. Higher daytime positive affect and positive to negative affect ratios were associated with more time in bed during the subsequent night for youth with primary depression and less time in bed for youth with anxiety only. More time asleep was associated with more positive affect for both diagnostic groups the following day. Conclusions This relationship may be important to consider in the treatment of youth affective disorders.
A fault tolerance approach to computer viruses

Extensions of program flow monitors and n-version programming can be combined to provide a solution to the detection and containment of computer viruses. The consequence is that a computer can tolerate both deliberate faults and random physical faults by one common mechanism. Specifically, the technique detects control flow errors due to physical faults as well as the presence of viruses. >
Standards for DSA system implementation: A harmonized requirements approach

The advancement of cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access systems technologies is being driven by multiple different stakeholders including technology enthusiasts, research programs, industry consortia and regulatory bodies worldwide. These stakeholders are driving early standards developments; however their often disparate visions are leading to a fractured standards landscape that may harm, versus help, mainstream adoption. Harmonizing these disparate visions requires a common “forum” responsible for advancing cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access across markets. A case study from one such forum shows that these objectives can be achieved following such a model.