cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen and adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels.

To the Editor: We read with interest the publication by Lee et al1 describing the potential mechanisms and effects of intracoronary conjugated estrogens on coronary vasomotion and myocardial ischemia in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty. We were surprised at the very high bolus dose of intracoronary Premarin (Wyeth-Ayerst) given—5 mg into the left coronary system (postmenopausal replacement doses, given orally, range from 0.625 to 1.25 mg daily). The initial exposure dose to the coronary circulation would have been enormous; however, the local concentrations of estrogens are not discussed. It is important and relevant to the interpretation of this study to distinguish between acute, pharmacological effects and long-term replacement effects. How can the …
Are Relationship and Transactional Banks Different? Evidence from Loan Loss Provisions and Write-Offs

We compare the write-off and loan loss provision practices of relationship versus transactional banks. Relationship banks provide both debt and equity financing to their clients, have long-lasting ties with them, serve on their boards of directors and in some cases serve as senior managers, and renegotiate debt contracts during periods of financial stress. While these extensive links should provide the relationship banks better quality information about their borrowers, the links might also change their incentives and make them relatively more reluctant to provision for and write off nonperforming loans. Our results indicate that the incentive effects dominate the information effects.
Distributed decision support systems: characterization and design choices

The authors develop a clear definition of a distributed decision support system (DDSS), and explore design issues related to the DDSS from an organizational perspective. Based on the premise that the options available for designing a DDSS depend upon whether it is aligned with the organizational structure or not, the authors contend that DDSS design choices lie in a continuum between rigidity and flexibility. By delineating the characteristics of DDSS design alternatives, they suggest that the appropriate design for a specific DDSS is contingent upon a number of factors, including the organizational, environmental, and task characteristics. >
An investigation of the conductivity stability of acid-doped polyanilines

Abstract Solution-cast, free-standing polyaniline films were doped with hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), methanesulfonic acid (CH3SO3H) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-CH3C6H4SO3H), and their conductivity stability was examined at different elevated temperatures under different environments. As indicated by a kinetic analysis of these data, most of the doped films were found to exhibit better room temperature stability in air than in dry nitrogen. An exception to this trend was the H2SO4-doped film which displayed a significantly better room temperature conductivity stability in nitrogen. When compared to other conducting polymers, it was found that the protonic acid-doped polyaniline films in general exhibit better stability than the doped poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (P3ATs), but are less stable than the aryl sulfonate-doped polypyrroles. Spectroscopic studies revealed that the doping process of an HCl-doped film could be thermally reversed at 180°C under nitrogen without any indication of major changes in the structure of the polymer backbone.
The influence of a physician and patient intervention program on dietary intake.

Abstract Background Efficient dietary interventions for patients with hypertension in clinical settings are needed. Objective To assess the separate and combined influence of a physician intervention (MD-I) and a patient intervention (PT-I) on dietary intakes of patients with hypertension. Design A nested 2×2 design, randomized controlled trial conducted over 18 months. Participants A total of 32 physicians and 574 outpatients with hypertension. Intervention MD-I included training modules addressing the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure hypertension management guidelines and lifestyle modification. PT-I included lifestyle coaching to adopt the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern, reduce sodium intake, manage weight, increase exercise, and moderate alcohol intake. Main outcome measures Dietary intakes were measured by the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Concordance with the DASH dietary pattern was estimated by a DASH score. Statistical analyses The main effects of MD-I and PT-I, and their interaction, were evaluated using analysis of covariance. Results After 6 months of intervention, MD-I participants significantly increased intakes of potassium, fruits, juices, and carbohydrate; decreased intake of fat; and improved overall dietary quality as measured by the Healthy Eating Index. PT-I intervention resulted in increased intakes of carbohydrate, protein, fiber, calcium, potassium, fruits and fruit juices, vegetables, dairy and Healthy Eating Index score, and decreased intakes in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, sweets, and added fats/oils/sweets. In addition, PT-I improved overall DASH concordance score. The change in DASH score was significantly associated with the changes in blood pressure and weight at 6 months. At 18 months, most changes reversed back toward baseline levels, including the DASH score. Conclusions Both MD-I and PT-I improved eating patterns at 6 months with some sustained effects at 18 months. Even though all dietary changes observed were consistent with the DASH nutrient targets or food group guidelines, only the PT-I intervention was effective in improving the overall DASH concordance score. This finding affirms the role of medical nutrition therapy in long-term intensive interventions for hypertension risk reduction and weight management and underlines the need for development of maintenance strategies. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of collaborations among physicians, registered dietitians and other dietetics practitioners, and lay health advisors while assisting patients to make healthy behavior changes.
SanFrancisco performance: a case study in performance of large-scale Java applications

This is a study of the performance progress of the SanFranciscoTM project from the time the decision was made to base it on the JavaTM language up to the time SanFrancisco applications were successfully deployed in the marketplace--from February 1997 until late 1999. We document the challenges, decisions, and technologies that were encountered during the three-year development period that saw performance improve by orders of magnitude. Key areas that allowed us to achieve this improvement were intelligent object caching, improved object access strategies, use of commands (function shipping), efficient mapping of objects to the underlying database, appropriate usage of Java, programmer education, and acquiring (or building) needed tools. We also discuss several areas where challenges remain and more progress is needed.
Stable telomere length and telomerase expression from naïve to memory B-lymphocyte differentiation.

Telomere length and telomerase activity play important roles in regulating replicative lifespan of cells. The length of telomeres also serves as a marker for the replicative history and for the remaining replicative potential of cells. Differential telomere length has been reported in human naive and memory T cells but not in naive versus memory B-lymphocytes. We report here an analysis of telomere length and induced telomerase expression in naive (CD27(-)) and memory (CD27(+)) B cells from normal adults. Although both naive and memory B cells lose telomere repeats with age, there is no consistent difference in telomere length between these two B cell subsets. Furthermore, both naive and memory B cells are capable of inducing telomerase activity at similar levels after in vitro stimulation independent of donor's age. Finally, there is a slow increase of memory B cells in peripheral blood with age. Together, these findings suggest that B cells are capable of maintaining telomere length during differentiation from naive to memory B cells and this ability is maintained through age.
Motivating OOP by blowing things up: an exercise in cooperation and competition in an introductory java programming course

For the introductory student, the process of learning to program is an arduous task. Not only does the student have to learn the syntax of a programming language, he or she also has to apply concepts of object-oriented design and software construction in service of the projects created within the classroom. Unfortunately, as students further their study of programming, they often feel disconnected from the examples and projects they construct as part of their coursework. Projects are often perceived as toy problems and do not match the graphics-rich, interactive notion of programming that students bring with them to class. In addition, projects and classroom exercises do not convey the appropriate level of complexity and fail in the task of challenging the student to critically think about what they are constructing. This paper discusses TankBrains, a cooperative and competitive programming project presented to students in the latter part of their introductory programming course sequence. Students are challenged to create simple tank artificial intelligences as teams, which are later tested against each other in head-to-head combat. Students create their TankBrains within a collaborative virtual environment, which enforces the physics and rules of the combat simulation. Students must also present their strategies and findings to each other. This paper also examines how the use of the TankBrain system influences the students' perception regarding achievements and learning in the classroom.
On the validity of modeling rayleigh scatterers by spheroids

For single homogeneous lossy dielectric Rayleigh particles, the manner in which the particle shape affects the absorption and scattering is examined by computing the polarizability tensor elements using a general purpose program valid for any rotationally symmetric body. The results for a number of generic shapes are compared with those for the corresponding spheroids. When the dielectric constant is real and negative, the resonances attributable to bulk and to shape-dependent or surface polariton modes are tracked as functions of the length-to-width ratio of the particle and the bulk dielectric constant. The adequacy of using spheroid approximations for individual particles in a dispersion is also discussed.
Carathéodory-Julia type theorems for operator valued Schur functions

We extend the Caratheodory-Julia theorem on angular derivatives as well as its higher order analogue established recently in [4] to the setting of contractive valued functions analytic on the unit disk. Caratheodory-Julia type conditions for an operator valued Schur-class function w are shown to be equivalent to the requirement that every function from the de Branges-Rovnyak space associated with w has certain directional boundary angular derivatives.
Voxel-wise resting-state MEG source magnitude imaging study reveals neurocircuitry abnormality in active-duty service members and veterans with PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a leading cause of sustained impairment, distress, and poor quality of life in military personnel, veterans, and civilians. Indirect functional neuroimaging studies using PET or fMRI with fear-related stimuli support a PTSD neurocircuitry model that includes amygdala, hippocampus, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). However, it is not clear if this model can fully account for PTSD abnormalities detected directly by electromagnetic-based source imaging techniques in resting-state. The present study examined resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals in 25 active-duty service members and veterans with PTSD and 30 healthy volunteers. In contrast to the healthy volunteers, individuals with PTSD showed: 1) hyperactivity from amygdala, hippocampus, posterolateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), and insular cortex in high-frequency (i.e., beta, gamma, and high-gamma) bands; 2) hypoactivity from vmPFC, Frontal Pole (FP), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) in high-frequency bands; 3) extensive hypoactivity from dlPFC, FP, anterior temporal lobes, precuneous cortex, and sensorimotor cortex in alpha and low-frequency bands; and 4) in individuals with PTSD, MEG activity in the left amygdala and posterolateral OFC correlated positively with PTSD symptom scores, whereas MEG activity in vmPFC and precuneous correlated negatively with symptom score. The present study showed that MEG source imaging technique revealed new abnormalities in the resting-state electromagnetic signals from the PTSD neurocircuitry. Particularly, posterolateral OFC and precuneous may play important roles in the PTSD neurocircuitry model.
The molecular biology of knockdown resistance to pyrethroid insecticides

The term "knockdown resistance" is used to describe cases of resistance to diphenylethane (e.g. DDT) and pyrethroid insecticides in insects and other arthropods that result from reduced sensitivity of the nervous system. Knockdown resistance, first identified and characterized in the house fly (Musca domestica) in the 1950's, remains a threat to the continued usefulness of pyrethroids in the control of many pest species. Research since 1990 has provided a wealth of new information on the molecular basis of knockdown resistance. This paper reviews these recent developments with emphasis on the results of genetic linkage analyses, the identification of gene mutations associated with knockdown resistance, and the functional characterization of resistance-associated mutations. Results of these studies identify voltage-sensitive sodium channel genes orthologous to the para gene of Drosophila melanogaster as the site of multiple knockdown resistance mutations and define the molecular mechanisms by which these mutations cause pyrethroid resistance. These results also provide new insight into the mechanisms by which pyrethroids modify the function of voltage-sensitive sodium channels.
Putative Zinc-sensing Zinc Fingers of Metal-response Element-binding Transcription Factor-1 Stabilize a Metal-dependent Chromatin Complex on the Endogenous Metallothionein-I Promoter

The metalloregulatory functions of metal-response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) have been mapped, in part, to its six highly conserved zinc fingers. Here we examined the ability of zinc finger deletion mutants of mouse MTF-1 to regulate the endogenous metallothionein-I (MT-I) gene in cells lacking endogenous MTF-1. MTF-1 knockout mouse embryo fibroblasts were transfected with expression vectors for FLAG-tagged MTF-1 (MTF-1flag) or finger deletion mutants of MTF-1flag and then assayed for metal induction of MT-I gene expression, nuclear translocation, and in vitro DNA-binding activity of MTF-1 and its stable association with the endogenous chromosomal MT-I promoter. Intact MTF-1flag restored metal responsiveness of the MT-I gene, underwent nuclear translocation, displayed increased in vitro DNA binding in response to zinc and less so to cadmium, and rapidly formed a stable complex with the MT-I promoter chromatin in response to both of these metals. In contrast, although deletion of finger 1, fingers 5 and 6, or finger 6 only had variable effects on the nuclear localization and in vitro DNA-binding activity of MTF-1, each of these finger-deletion mutants severely attenuated metal-induced MTF-1 binding to the MT-I promoter chromatin and activation of the endogenous MT-I gene. These results demonstrated that the metal-induced recruitment of MTF-1 to the MT-I promoter is a rate-limiting step in its metalloregulatory function and that an intact zinc finger domain is required for this recruitment. During the course of these studies, it was discovered that mouse MTF-1 is polymorphic. The impact of these polymorphisms on MTF-1 metalloregulatory functions is discussed.
An ensemble approach for attribution of hydrologic prediction uncertainty

[1] Hydrologic prediction errors arise from uncertainty in initial moisture states (mainly snowpack and soil moisture), in boundary forcings (primarily future precipitation and temperature), and from model structure and parameter uncertainty. We evaluate the relative importance of initial condition and boundary forcing uncertainties using a hindcast-based framework that contrasts Ensemble Streamflow Prediction (ESP) with an approach that we term “reverse-ESP”. In ESP, a hydrologic model with assumed perfect initial conditions (ICs) is forced by a forecast ensemble resampled from observed meteorological sequences; whereas reverse-ESP combines an ensemble of resampled ICs with a perfect meteorological forecast. The framework shows that in northern California, US, ICs yield streamflow prediction skill for up to 5 months during the transition between the wet and dry seasons, whereas during the reverse transition, climate forecast information is critical. In southern Colorado, IC knowledge outweighs climate prediction skill for shorter periods due to a more uniform precipitation regime.
Increasing dispensable amino acids in diets of kittens fed essential amino acids at or below their requirement increases the requirement for arginine

Kittens fed diets containing 0.75 × the NRC (1986) essential amino acid requirement (EAArq) and 210 to 560g crude protein(CP)/kg diet exhibited, with increasing CP: 1) decreasing weight gain, 2) decreasing plasma arginine concentrations, 3) increasing urinary orotic acid excretion, 4) increasing plasma glutamic acid concentrations, and 5) plasma isoleucine concentrations at levels that suggest a marginal isoleucine deficiency. Kittens fed a control diet (CD) containing 1.5 × EAArq and 350 g CP/kg diet had maximal weight gains and no orotic aciduria. It was concluded that the decreased weight gain and adverse metabolic effects were caused by arginine deficiency and possibly glutamic acid toxicity induced by high dietary dispensable amino acids. Kittens fed the diets containing 1.0 × EAArq and 350 and 560 g CP/kg diet had depressed plasma arginine and elevated glutamic acid concentrations and orotic aciduria. These results indicate that 10 g arg/kg diet is not adequate at CP concentrations above 280 g/kg and the calculated requirement of arginine is (0.02 g arginine/g CP) × (Y g CP/kg diet) + (4.0 g arginine/kg diet) where Y is the dietary CP level.
Low-energy resonances in 17C

Abstract Simple shell-model calculations and single-particle widths suggest that the apparent width for the lowest-energy resonance in 17C, observed in 17C( p , p ′ ) and 14C(12C, 9C), must be the result of two or three unresolved narrow states, and not the natural width of either. I offer suggestions for J π and give limits on expected widths.
A quantitative technique for the identification of canopy stratification in tropical and temperate forests

Canopy stratification is one of the oldest concepts in tropical forest ecology. However, there has been considerable debate over the existence and identification of strata. Much of the confusion arises from the differing definitions of strata (i.e. vertical stratification of phytomass, individual crowns, or species) and the methods used to evaluate them (e.g. profile diagrams). In this paper, a quantitative technique for identifying stratification of individual tree crowns in the forest canopy is presented. Strata are identified by comparing sorted tree heights to a moving average of height at the base of the live crown. Height and crown measurements were obtained from 21 published profile diagrams of forests, representing many biogeographic regions and covering a wide variety of forest types. The technique provides an objective measure of canopy strata allowing for a valid comparison of stratification between the different profile diagrams. Neither the original author's estimates of strata nor the number of strata detected by the quantitative technique support the premise that tropical forests have more strata than temperate forests. With the sole exception of a mono-layered European Douglas-fir plantation, all forests in this study had two or three layers.
The metabolism of parenteral iron chelates.

Abstract The distribution and excretion of iron injected in the form of water soluble low molecular weight chelates is dependent on the physical chemical nature of the iron chelate and its molecular architecture. The strong anionic hydrophilic iron chelates provide least iron scission and highest urinary excretion. A second group of less polar iron chelates of high stability follows a distribution pattern which provides gastrointestinal as well as urinary iron excretion. Iron from a third class of iron chelates of binding strength lower than that of transferrin, the specific iron binding protein of the plasma, is retained and widely distributed after parenteral injection. For all compounds, the anemic animal utilizes iron more efficiently than the normal. The mode of this utilization, while variable, is considered to be a consequence of tissue iron binding coupled with an enhanced diffusibility of the iron chelates in anemia. The retained chelated iron becomes available for hemoglobin regeneration in iron deficiency anemia.
Development of an analytical model useful for micro heat engine analysis

A general endo-reversible heat engine model is presented for a combustion driven system. It is composed of a Carnot heat engine and a combustor operating at a specified temperature. The model is inspired by past work on ideal engine/combustor systems and the need for an analysis technique incorporating heat losses suffered by all practical micro engines. This latter consideration results from the necessary structural connections existing between the hot and ambient temperature sections of the engine. In the model developed here, a counterflow heat exchanger provides this structural connection while recovering a portion of the sensible heat in the exhaust flow. A thermal shunt resistance to the surroundings is used to account for conductive heat loss. Finally, a high degree of idealization is employed to obtain a closed form analytical solution for the operating conditions of the engine/combustor system which, in this case, is assumed to be at the maximum power point of the device.
The Duxbury Sunken Forest—Constraints for Local, Late Holocene Environmental Changes Resulting from Marine Transgression, Duxbury Bay, Eastern Massachusetts, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT Gontz, A.M.; Maio, C.V., and Rueda, L., 2013. The Duxbury sunken forest—constraints for local, late Holocene environmental changes resulting from marine transgression, Duxbury Bay, Eastern Massachusetts, U.S.A. The present marine transgression has forced geological and ecological zones vertically higher and landward since the late Pleistocene. A recent investigation in Duxbury Bay, Massachusetts, identified 18 Juniperus virginiana tree stumps emergent on an intertidal flat immediately seaward of a small marsh and pond situated between two eroding drumlins. The position of each stump was mapped with global positioning system (GPS), and its elevation with respect to mean lower low water was surveyed. Samples were selected from four stumps with elevations ranging from 2.03 and 0.75 m above mean lower low water for radiocarbon dating. The samples returned calibrated ages between 2219 ± 94 and 2867 ± 79 cal YBP, with the topographically highest sample returning the youngest date. Stump positions sugge...
Detection of Eye Blinking Using Doppler Sensor With Principal Component Analysis

We propose the detection of human eye blinking using a Doppler sensor. Eye blinking is one of the most common and convenient human activities that can be used as an input modality for computer devices, a simple communication methodology, and fatigue diagnostics. The reflected wave from the blinking eye has a unique Doppler signature. To investigate this signature, several measurements were performed with/without the noise caused by human movement when the sensor was placed near the eyes. We analyzed the Doppler signal in the joint time–frequency domain. It was found that the Doppler frequency produced by eye blinking is approximately 115 Hz. Furthermore, unconscious and conscious eye blinking exhibited different Doppler characteristics. In order to classify these characteristics, we employed a principal component analysis to extract the features. The truncated eigenvectors were multiplied with an image of eye blinking, and the resulting coefficients were used for classification. The proposed method successfully differentiated conscious eye blinking in the presence of noise from human motion in diverse scenarios.
What Exactly Are Comprehension Skills and How Do I Teach Them

Students’ ability to comprehend expository text can be improved through the use of comprehension skills. In order to learn to use these skills, they need to be broken down into specific steps and taught explicitly. Nine comprehension skills are described here along with strategies for effective instruction.
Magnesium-deficiency-enhanced Post-ischemic Myocardial Injury is Reduced by Substance P Receptor Blockade

Dietary Mg-deficiency increases the susceptibility of rat hearts to ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury in vitro, and also promotes substance P-associated neurogenic inflammation in vivo. The relationship between Mg-deficiency-induced neurogenic inflammation and the subsequently-enhanced free radical-mediated oxidative and functional injury during I-R was examined using the substance P receptor antagonist, L-703,606. Rats maintained on 3-week Mg-deficient (MgD; <1.8 mmol Mg/kg food) or Mg-sufficient (MgS; 25 mmol Mg/kg) diets were treated during this time with either L-703,606 (1.0 or 3.5 mg/sustained-release pellet, s.c.) or a placebo, prior to isolated perfused I-R. Post-ischemic functional recovery (pressure-volume work), myocardial effluent lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) were assessed after 30-min global ischemia. Lipid peroxidation-derived free radical production was monitored by alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone (PBN) spin trap infusion (2-3 mM final) and toluene-extracted effluents were analyzed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. PBN/alkoxyl adducts (alpha(H) = 1.89-1.93 G, alpha(N) = 13.58-13.63 G) were the dominant ESR signals detected in MgS and MgD I-R hearts; however, MgD hearts exhibited greater total LOOH (2.9 x higher) and alkoxyl adduct production (2.3 x higher), higher tissue LDH release (1.8 x ) and lower functional recovery (51% less) than MgS hearts. MgD rats treated with L-703,606 displayed a dose-dependent improvement in myocardial functional recovery (1.5-2 x higher), and reductions in LDH release (42-59% lower), total LOOH content (36-73% lower) and alkoxyl production (40-65% lower). Interestingly. L-703,606 treatment did not reduce functional impairment or lessen the tissue and oxidative injury experienced by MgS I-R hearts. These findings suggest that L-703,606 reduced oxidative injury and improved functional recovery of MgD I-R hearts by retarding substance P-mediated inflammatory/pro-oxidant events during the in vivo development of Mg-deficiency.
Mode Coupling Analysis Of Bending Losses In Hollow Infrared Waveguides

The coupled-modes formalism is used to study the losses of bent hollow IR waveguides. The circular metallic waveguide is studied for large bending radii. The slab waveguide is studied in detail in the mild-bending, whispering-gallery and transition regions; and the results are compared with those obtained by other methods.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Working women's breastfeeding experiences.

PURPOSE To describe the breastfeeding experiences of women who returned to work after childbirth. DESIGN AND METHODS Descriptive, using questionnaires with 50 women. Content analysis of data obtained from women who responded to open-ended questionnaires at 16 weeks postpartum. Three procedures were used: coding data, categorizing text units, and refining the emerging themes. RESULTS Four categories emerged from the data:support, attitude, strategic plan, and psychological distress. The women expressed a need for support such as an accepting environment, spatial issues, modeling, and time allowance. They needed to maintain a positive attitude so they could commit to and accomplish their breastfeeding goals. The women developed strategic plans to help prevent breastfeeding problems as well as continue breastfeeding successfully. Finally, they described psychological distress as a conflict between the demands of work and the breastfeeding process. Associated feelings included guilt, stress, or having to sacrifice. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These findings can help nurses and other healthcare professionals in providing anticipatory guidance to women who plan to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. Further research should investigate the relationship between psychological distress, work productivity, family functioning, and breastfeeding activities of working women who breastfeed.
Biology for the utilitarian.

Students enjoy learning about everyday applications of life science. I highlight these on the first day of Cell Biology 302 using the job search engine, Monster.com. By scrolling through the results of a “Cell Biologist” key-word search, students learn how cell biologists apply fundamental biological concepts to their careers. “Introduction to Biotechnology” begins the same way. Tucked behind the front cover is a colorful, pin-up poster that showcases numerous career opportunities for biotechnologists and includes the educational pre-requisites and salary ranges of each. The book itself also helps answer “what you can do with your biotechnology skills.” From a manufacturing technician holding a bachelor's degree in biology, to a bioethicist with a doctorate in philosophy, “Introduction to Biotechnology” is an excellent resource for anyone considering a career in this broad field.
Differential effects of chronic unpredictable stress on hippocampal CB1 receptors in male and female rats

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CMS), an animal model of depression, downregulates hippocampal CB1 receptors in adult male rats. Given that endocannabinoids are implicated in modulating stress and anxiety and that women are vulnerable to stress-related disorders, we tested the effects of CMS on both female and male rats. Gonadectomized (gndx) and gonadally intact male and female rats were exposed to a three-week chronic stress protocol. Following CMS, CB1 receptor and fatty-acid-amide-hydrolase (FAAH) expression levels in the hippocampus were assessed by western blot analysis. CMS reliably produced a downregulation of CB1 receptors (∼50%) in the hippocampus of both gndx and intact males. This effect was more robust in the dorsal than in the ventral hippocampus. Conversely, CMS produced an upregulation of CB1 receptors (∼150%) in the hippocampus of both gndx and intact females. This upregulation was only observed in the dorsal hippocampus of female animals. CMS produced an upregulation of FAAH levels in both male and female animals. In non-stress control animals, males were observed to have higher CB1 levels than females, but no differences in FAAH were found. These findings suggest that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is preferentially organized in male and female animals to respond differentially to chronic stress. These sex differences in the eCB system may help development of novel treatments for stress and depression that are designed specifically for women and men.
The Formation of Single Crystal Films of Polydiacetylenes

Abstract The two-step process of epitaxial polymerization has been applied to symmetrically substituted diacetylenes. First, the monomers have been crystallized epitaxially on alkali halides substrates from solution and the vapor phase. The oriented monomer crystals are then polymerized under the substrate's influence by gamma-irradiation. The diacetylenes in this study are 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol (HD) and the bisphenylurethane of 5,7-dodecadiyn-1,12-diol (TCDU). The polydiacetylene crystal structures and morphologies have been examined with the electron microscope. Reactivity and polymorphism are found to be controlled by the substrate.
Attribution and Adjustment to Relationship Termination

Although relationship dissolution is a fruitful context for field studies of attribution processes, only a handful of studies have been conducted and these have often produced contradictory results. This study analysed the written accounts of ex-partners from recently terminated premarital relationships. Type of attribution (self, other, interpersonal, external) was related to items representing the severity of the impact of the dissolution. Among other findings, evidence indicated that females whose relationships had been terminated longer were more likely to use interpersonal attributions and less likely to use other attributions when accounting for the break-up. It is argued that attribution following relationship termination should be viewed as an on-going process rather than as a singular event.
WALKING THE TIGHTROPE OF THE SCIENCE AND RELIGION BOUNDARY

Islam's Quantum Question by Nidhal Guessoum offers a sophisticated approach to reconciling the results of modern science with Islamic tradition. The book provides a valuable critique of existing literature on Islam and science and advocates the promotion of good science and science education in the Muslim world. A central tension in the book revolves around Guessoum's efforts to promote a version of theistic science, while at the same establishing a clear boundary for science and scientific methodology. Although the latter works very well, the project of theistic science presented in the book is, at the very least, contentious. However, Islam's Quantum Question is a milestone in the literature on Islam and science and should be valuable for anyone interested in the search for meaning in both science and religion.
Circularly polarized luminescence spectroscopy of mixed-ligand complexes of europium(III) with 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxyclic acid and L-malic acid

Abstract Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) from solutions of Eu(III), 2,6-pyridine carboxylic acid (dipicolinic acid, DPA ), and L-malic acid (L-mal) at differing concentration ratios have been measured. The magnitude and sign of the CPL under varying excitation polarizations are quite different indicating that the source of the emission under these conditions is not the same. Comparison of the CPL observed for a solution in which DPA and L-malic acid are present to that of pure Eu: DPA and Eu:L-mal under identical conditions suggests that most of the emission in the mixed-ligand system occurs from Eu( DPA ) 3 3− , and not from a species containing two DPA ligands and one L-mal.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM): Molecular insights lead to targeted therapies

LAM is a rare lung disease, found primarily in women of childbearing age, characterized by cystic lung destruction and abdominal tumors (e.g., renal angiomyolipoma, lymphangioleiomyoma). The disease results from proliferation of a neoplastic cell, termed the LAM cell, which has mutations in either of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) 1 or TSC2 genes. Molecular phenotyping of LAM patients resulted in the identification of therapeutic targets for drug trials. Loss of TSC gene function leads to activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and thereby, effects on cell size and number. The involvement of mTOR in LAM pathogenesis is the basis for initiation of therapeutic trials of mTOR inhibitors (e.g., sirolimus). Occurrence of LAM essentially entirely in women is consistent with the hypothesis that anti-estrogen agents might prevent disease progression (e.g., gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues). Levels of urinary matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were elevated in LAM patients, and MMPs were found in LAM lung nodules. In part because of these observations, effects of doxycycline, an anti-MMP, and anti-angiogenic agent, are under investigation. The metastatic properties of LAM cells offer additional potential for targets. Thus, insights into the molecular and biological properties of LAM cells and molecular phenotyping of patients with LAM have led to clinical trials of targeted therapies. Funded by the Intramural Research Program, NIH/NHLBI.
A Systematic Review of Strategies for Implementing Empirically Supported Mental Health Interventions

Objective:This systematic review examines experimental studies that test the effectiveness of strategies intended to integrate empirically supported mental health interventions into routine care se...
The adequacy of universal strategies in analystic gambling problems

Suppose measurability structures are imposed upon a Dubins and Savage gambling problem. A long-standing question asks whether strategies which are measurable with respect to these structures enable the gambler to maximize his return. Measurable strategies have the advantage over arbitrary strategies in that they induce countably additive probability measures. In this work, we show that measurable strategies are adequate in order to maximize return if and only if the optimal return function is measurable. Using this result, several examples of gambling problems for which measurable strategies are adequate are given.
Fostering Multicultural Appreciation in Pre-Service Teachers through Multicultural Curricular Transformation.

Abstract Schools today represent students from diverse racial, linguistic, and other cultural backgrounds. Teacher-preparation institutions have the responsibility of providing prospective teachers with the skills necessary to meet the intellectual, social, and personal needs of these diverse learners. This article examines the rationale for a multicultural curricular transformation in Teacher Education programs. The author maintains that contrary to the single-subject approach that obtains in many institutions, pedagogical approaches should be re-conceptualized to embrace diverse perceptions in content, methods and assessment tools across all disciplines. The leadership in teacher training institutions also has the responsibility of creating positive environments where multicultural initiatives can thrive. Such transformative approaches will foster multicultural appreciation in pre-service teachers and provide them with the competences necessary to effectively meet the challenges of the changing school demographics.
Dynamic graphs and continuous Boolean networks, II: Large-scale organic structures

Abstract In this paper, we propose a new method for constructing large-scale dynamic graphs. The procedure is based on the notion of graph entanglement, and involves “organic” operations such as self-replication and random mutations. Graphs obtained in this manner are globally asymptotically stable, and the simulation of their dynamics requires only a modest computational effort. As a result, they provide a suitable mathematical framework for studying the behavior of large-scale continuous Boolean networks.
A Tutorial on Interpreting Bifactor Model Scores.

This tutorial addresses possible sources of confusion in interpreting trait scores from the bifactor model. The bifactor model may be used when subscores are desired, either for formative feedback on an achievement test or for theoretically different constructs on a psychological test. The bifactor model is often chosen because it requires fewer computational resources than other models for subscores. The bifactor model yields a score on the general or primary trait measured by the test overall, as well as specific or secondary traits measured by the subscales. Interpreting the general trait score is straight-forward, but the specific traits must be interpreted as residuals relative to the general trait. Trait scores on the specific factors are contrasted with trait scores on a simple-structure model with correlated factors, using example data from one TIMSS test booklet and a civic responsibility measure. The correlated factors model was used for contrast because its scores correspond to a more intuitive...
Early treatment of anterior calvarial craniosynostosis using endoscopic-assisted minimally invasive techniques

A total of 100 patients who presented with synostosis of the metopic or coronal suture were consecutively treated during a 6-year period using minimally invasive endoscopic-assisted suturectomies. After surgery, all patients were fitted with custom-made cranial helmets for up to 12 months. The coronal group consisted of 50 patients, 26 females and 23 males with a mean age of 3.78 months. Surgery was done through a single 2-mm incision at the ipsilateral stephanion. After endoscopic-assisted dissection, a craniectomy of the involved suture was done (mean width, 6 mm, and mean length, 10 cm). The metopic group consisted of 50 patients, 35 males and 16 females with a mean age of 4.1 months. A single 2- to 3-cm incision was placed on the midline behind the hairline. A suturectomy of the suture from anterior fontanelle to nasofrontal suture was performed (mean width, 7 mm, and mean length, 9.8 cm). For the entire cohort, the mean estimated blood loss was 34 cc (5–250 cc). The mean estimated percent of blood volume lost was 5.2% (1–26%). There were no intraoperative blood transfusions and five postoperative for a total transfusion rate of 6.7%. The mean surgical time was 56 min. All but one patient (99%) was discharged on the first postoperative day. Complications included two dural tears and four pseudomeningoceles. There were two cases of incomplete reossification of the craniectomy. There were no infections, mortalities, hematomas, or visual injuries. There were no complications related to helmet therapy except three superficial skin breakdowns that cleared immediately with helmet non-use for 3–4 days. Using anthropometric measurements and extensive photographic and physical assessments, excellent results were obtained in 84%, good results in 9%, and poor results in 7% of patients. Early treatment of infants with coronal or metopic craniosynostosis using endoscopic assisted minimally invasive suturectomies is a safe and efficacious treatment alternative associated with excellent results in a large portion of these patients.
Id expression in amphioxus and lamprey highlights the role of gene cooption during neural crest evolution

Neural crest cells are unique to vertebrates and generate many of the adult structures that differentiate them from their closest invertebrate relatives, the cephalochordates. Id genes are robust markers of neural crest cells at all stages of development. We compared Id gene expression in amphioxus and lamprey to ask if cephalochordates deploy Id genes at the neural plate border and dorsal neural tube in a manner similar to vertebrates. Furthermore, we examined whether Id expression in these cells is a basal vertebrate trait or a derived feature of gnathostomes. We found that while expression of Id genes in the mesoderm and endoderm is conserved between amphioxus and vertebrates, expression in the lateral neural plate border and dorsal neural tube is a vertebrate novelty. Furthermore, expression of lamprey Id implies that recruitment of Id genes to these cells occurred very early in the vertebrate lineage. Based on expression in amphioxus we postulate that Id cooption conferred sensory cell progenitor-like properties upon the lateral neurectoderm, and pharyngeal mesoderm-like properties upon cranial neural crest. Amphioxus Id expression is also consistent with homology between the anterior neurectoderm of amphioxus and the presumptive placodal ectoderm of vertebrates. These observations support the idea that neural crest evolution was driven in large part by cooption of multipurpose transcriptional regulators from other tissues and cell types.
Mexican-origin youths' trajectories of depressive symptoms: the role of familism values.

Abstract Purpose To describe Mexican-origin youths' trajectories of depressive symptoms from early to late adolescence and examine the role of three aspects of familism values: supportive, obligation, and referent. Methods Mexican-origin adolescents (N = 492) participated in home interviews and provided self-reports of depressive symptoms and cultural values at four assessments across an 8-year span. Using a cohort sequential design and accounting for the nesting within the 246 families (two youths per family), we examined depressive symptoms from ages 12 to 22 years and the within-person, between-sibling, and between-family effects of familism values. Results Mexican-origin males' depressive symptoms decreased across adolescence, whereas females' symptoms exhibited a cubic pattern of change. Results revealed that increases in supportive and referent familism values within individuals and across families were related to lower levels of depressive symptoms. Findings were most pronounced for referent familism values, as a between-sibling effect also emerged. Obligation familism values were not associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions Our findings provide important descriptive information about Mexican-origin youths' depressive symptoms and highlight the promotive role of familism values.
On a conjecture of Atkin for the primes 13, 17, 19, and 23

In his paper (2), Atkin pioneered computer investigations of divisibility prop- erties of Fourier coecien ts of the modular invariant by powers of 13; 17; 19, and 23. On the basis of these computations he formulated certain conjectures in (2, 3). In particular, the question why similar congruence properties occur for these primes is posed in (2). We show how a combination of Serre's theory of p-adic modular forms and Hida's Control Theorem explains the phenomenon.
Redox refunctionalization of steroid spiroketals. Structure correction of ritterazine M.

The structure of the North spiroketal moiety of ritterazine M has been corrected from 1a to 1b. This was accomplished by comparison of published spectra of the natural product with five synthetic spiroketal−alcohols. Synthesis of these models was efficiently accomplished by reductive cleavage of the spiroketal and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of an isopentyl, methyl 1,1-disubstituted olefin, followed by Suarez iodine[III] oxidative spirocyclization of monoprotected 1°,3° 1,2 diols.
Generation of Electrons and Holes in Anthracene by Ruby Laser Light

Abstract The number of carriers generated in an anthracene crystal by a pulse of light from a Q-spoiled ruby laser has been investigated. The number observed far exceeds the number expected on the basis of existing theoretical predictions, varies approximately as the intensity of the laser light cubed and increases exponentially with increasing temperature as e −To/T where T 0=2 × 103 °K. The carriers are generated uniformly throughout the volume of the crystal. A neodymium laser pulse of the same energy density produced no detectable signal so it is concluded that the carriers are not produced by the electric field associated with the light pulse.
Thermal Aging Behavior of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Rubber

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber was exposed to an accelerated thermal aging environment produced by an air-circulating oven for different time periods. The changes of thermal stability and chemical structures of EPDM were monitored by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the accelerated thermal aging environment did not obviously affect the thermal stability of EPDM. FTIR and XPS confirmed the formation of hydroxyl, carbonyl and ester groups in the test environment.