cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field experiments with local software quality metrics

The theory for local software quality metrics that appeared in Software-Practice and Experience in November has been tested in field experiments. Data collected in the experiments and the results are presented here. The theory prescribed two activities, one for articulating rule sets for quality and the other for deriving a statistical metric. The process of deriving the statistical metric has been reduced to easy practice. Effective articulation of rule sets is still under study.
Polyphenolic content and sensory properties of normal and high oleic acid peanuts

Peanuts are an important food crop with many health benefits of their consumption realized by consumers worldwide. Limited information is available on non-nutrient phytochemical composition of peanuts and their relative antioxidant values, knowledge that may serve to increase overall marketability of the crop. Shelled peanuts from eight cultivars and four experimental genotypes with either high or normal oleic acid contents were evaluated for phytochemical, antioxidant, and sensory properties (roasted only) before and after dry roasting under constant time and temperature conditions. Peanuts were evaluated for color, total and individual phenolics, and antioxidant capacity while a trained sensory panel evaluated the peanuts for roasted and burnt peanut flavor and aroma, sweetness, and bitterness. Overall, no meaningful differences were observed for phytochemical and antioxidant properties between high and normal oleic acid peanuts, but differences were present among cultivars. However, high oleic acid varieties had higher burnt peanut aroma and burnt peanut flavor compared to normal oleic peanuts but were not necessarily independent from roasted peanut aroma and flavor. Numerous polyphenolics were separated and characterized based on spectral similarities to p-hydroxybenzoic acid, tryptophan, and p-coumaric acid in both free and bound (esterified) forms. Peanuts were found to be a good source of antioxidant polyphenolics, such as p-coumaric acid, that may be contributing factors to potential health benefits of their consumption.
GABA(A) receptors in the dorsal raphé nucleus of mice: escalation of aggression after alcohol consumption.

Rationale The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the origin for serotonin (5-HT) in forebrain areas, has been implicated in the neural control of escalated aggression. Gamma aminobutyric acid type-A (GABAA) and type-B (GABAB) receptors are expressed in the DRN and modulate 5-HT neuronal activity, and both play a role in the behavioral effect of alcohol.
Crystal structure of the von Willebrand factor A1 domain in complex with the function blocking NMC-4 Fab

The presence of one or more copies of von Willebrand factor type A domains identifies a superfamily of proteins usually involved in biological processes controlled by specific molecular interactions, often adhesive in nature. We have solved the crystal structure of the prototypic von Willebrand factor A1 domain, essential for the antihemorrhagic activity of platelets, in complex with the function blocking antibody, NMC-4, at 2.2 A resolution. This has led to the recognition of a putative binding groove for the platelet receptor, glycoprotein Ib alpha, formed by two adjacent alpha-helices and a beta-strand. The structure also shows a contact interface between A1 domain pairs, suggesting a hypothetical mechanism for the regulation of protein assembly and heterologous ligand binding mediated by homophilic interactions of type A domains.
Vacuum ultraviolet measurements of the emission profiles of the argon 1435.93A˚Ar(II) line

Abstract The profile of the 1435.93A˚Ar(II) line has been measured by using vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopic diagnostics for an argon plasma generated in a 300 amp, atmospheric free-burning arc, over a temperature range of 8000-18000°K. From the line profiles were obtained the Stark shifts and the Stark semi-half widths. Temperature measurements were made using the line 7635.1A˚Ar(I) and its adjacent continuum.
Toll-like receptor 4 mediates oxidized LDL-induced macrophage differentiation to foam cells.

Background Macrophage foam cells are central in the development of atherosclerosis, but the mechanism of foam cell formation is unclear. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling is known to participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Further, oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) enhances TLR4 expression in macrophages. We hypothesized that TLR4 mediates macrophage differentiation to foam cells. Methods Peritoneal macrophages were isolated by lavage from TLR4 competent C3H/HeN mice and TLR4 defective C3H/HeJ mice. Cells were treated with oxLDL, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or oxLDL plus LPS. Cells were also treated with a TLR4 blocking antibody before oxLDL treatment. Foam cells were identified by Oil red O staining for intracellular lipids. Percent macrophage differentiation into foam cells were compared between C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ macrophages. Results Following oxLDL treatment 29% of TLR4 competent macrophages differentiated into foam cells compared to 5.8% of TLR4 defective macrophages ( P P P Conclusions TLR4 is necessary for oxLDL-induced macrophage differentiation to foam cells. Macrophage foam cell clustering may indicate an underlying intercellular signaling mechanism that facilitates foam cell formation. We conclude that TLR4 contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by promoting foam cell formation.
Response of the regulatory oscillatory behavior of copperII-containing ECTO-NOX proteins and of CuIICl2 in solution to electromagnetic fields.

Abstract A family of cell surface and growth-related proteins, designated ECTO-NOX proteins, carry out both copper-dependent NADH and hydroquinone oxidation and protein disulfide–thiol interchange. The two activities they catalyze alternate to generate a regular period of 24 min in length for the constitutive CNOX. Unexpectedly, CuII salts alone in solution catalyze NADH (or hydroquinone) oxidation with a similar oscillatory pattern. Both patterns consist of five maxima, two of which at physiological temperatures are separated by an interval of 6 min and three of which are separated by intervals of 4.5 min [6 min + 4 (4.5 min)]. EXAFS and infrared spectroscopic measurements on pure water have shown previously that the ratios of ortho and para isomers of the hydrogen atoms of water occur on a similar time scale and produce regular patterns of unequally spaced oscillations similar to those observed with ECTO-NOX proteins and CuIICl2 solutions. Here, we provide results from CuIICl2 solutions that demonstrate that ECTO-NOX-/CuII-catalyzed oscillations in NADH oxidation are phased by exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields.
A checklist of types of Ixodoidea (Acari) in the collection of the Rocky Mountain Laboratories.

A checklist of the type specimens of Ixodoidea in the collection of the Rocky Mountain Laboratories is presented. The species are listed alphabetically and in a few instances the subspecific epithets are included as originally described; this followed by the author(s) and date of publication. Following those items is the original generic designation, the type status, the RML accession number, and the locality data for the primary type. Also included is a short history of the development of the Rocky Mountain tick collection that now contains over 116,000 separate collections, including ca. 740 of the 850 described species worldwide and ca. 300 types.
The reactions of 12C with 12C AT 293 MeV

Abstract Energy spectra, angular distributions, and elemental yield distributions have been measured for products Z = 1−9 produced in the reactions of 12 C on 12 C. A total reaction cross section 1170 −100 +170 mb was determined from the measured elemental cross sections and the principle of charge conservation. This total reaction cross section is about 250 mb less than the geometric cross section and agrees with the Glauber-model calculations of DeVries and Peng. The experimental energy spectra, angular distributions, and yield distributions were compared with those from model calculations for the statistical decay of the products of fusion and of incomplete fusion reactions. For both types of calculations, a modified version of the code LILITA was used. By comparing the data to model calculations, an upper limit of 75 mb for the fusion cross section was determined. That limit corresponds to an upper limit of L crit for fusion of 10ħ in the sharp-cutoff approximation. The dominant reaction mechanisms appear to be incomplete fusion processes.
Biochemical mechanisms of nephrotoxicity: application for metabolomics

This review describes biochemical pathways of nephrotoxicity and the application of metabolic biomarkers as they relate to nephrotoxicity. Specific and sensitive biomarkers constitute the missing link in the continuum of exposure to toxins and susceptibility, disease development and possible therapeutic intervention. Important requirements for biomarker development are a detailed understanding of biochemical pathways involved in nephrotoxicity, minimal invasiveness and capacity to screen large at-risk populations. Lastly, possible biomarker candidates should be organ specific and equally applicable in preclinical drug testing as well as in clinical care of patients. This review discusses four major metabolic pathways associated with disturbed renal homeostasis: i) direct metabolic evidence of abnormal excretion of endogenous metabolites; ii) disturbances in kidney osmolarity and renal osmolyte homeostasis; iii) impaired energy state followed by dysregulation of glucose, fatty acid and ketone body metabolism; and iv) oxidative stress in renal tissues. Each of these pathways can be monitored by specific surrogate markers in urine and blood using modern metabolomics technologies.
Studies in Kidney Function. II. Effect of Posture of Diuresis

SummaryIt has been shown with a group of normal subjects that the volume response to a water diuresis test is greater in the horizontal than in the sitting posture. The Trendelenberg position was also used and gave values slightly different from those in the horizontal position, and in the expected direction. The theoretical importance of the horizontal position, aside from the saving of effort, has been discussed relative to kidney disease and the toxemias of pregnancy.
Delay analysis of real-time data dissemination

The growing popularity of distributed real-time applications increases the demand for QoS-aware messaging systems. In the absence of transmission rate control, congestion may prevent a messaging system from meeting its timeliness requirements. In this paper, we develop an analytic model for congestion in data dissemination protocols and investigate the effect of transmission rate on message delivery latency. Unlike previous works, we take into account the processing overhead of receiver buffer overflow, which has a significant impact on the results. A simulation is used to obtain more insight into the problem and to study a number of additional effects ignored by the analytic model. The presented analysis can be incorporated into a transmission rate control logic, to enable it to rapidly converge to an optimal transmission rate.
The electron heat capacity of high-purity alpha and stabilized-delta plutonium

The authors measured the low-temperature heat capacities of α (monoclinic) and δ (face-centered cubic) plutonium from T≈2 K to T≈300 K. Heat capacity measurements were made via thermal relaxation calorimetry on high-purity plutonium metal prepared by a combination of levitation zone refining and distillation. The purification procedures show that 19 elements were reduced to quantities below the minimum detectable limits by zone refining, while phosphorous, potassium, and tungsten were significantly reduced. To date, these purified metal and alloys have been the focus of condensed matter physics and nuclear physics experiments including nuclear cross-section measurements, photoemission spectroscopy, optical properties in the liquid state, x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, elastic moduli measurements, grain growth methods for phonon dispersion measurements and calculations, and feed material for the preparation of single crystals of δ-Pu.
An integrated implementation for product design

Abstract This paper represent an integrated implementation to shorten the product development cycle. The developed system uses machine vision techniques to automate the creation of CAD models for existing parts of prototypes. It extracts the manufacturing features based on the created CAD database and the tolerances that are to be added to the created CAD dabatase for CAD/CAM practice and concurrent analysis. The geometric features are organized in a database which can be imported to an automated process planning and cost estimation system. This integrated implementation is capable of providing manufacturing feedback during the product development stage. This paper outlines the development of the vision system, the creation of the CAD model, and the design of the database.
Imbalance between pSmad3 and Notch induces CDK inhibitors in old muscle stem cells

We report on recent work on the equation of state and pairing gap of neutron matter and cold atomic systems. Results of quantum Monte Carlo calculations show that the equations of state are very similar. The neutron matter pairing gap at low densities is found to be very large but, except at the smallest densities, significantly suppressed relative to cold atoms. We also discuss recent attempts to measure and extract the pairing gap in the fully paired superfluid state at unitarity.
Compositional changes during magnetron sputtering of alloys

Abstract The transport of atoms sputtered from an alloy target has been examined by monitoring the composition of the resultant films as a function of various discharge and experimental parameters. Films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on both the sample plane as well as on the central and edge regions of the magnetron cathode and on side areas. To examine the effect of atom mass, cathodes were used of TiW and AlCu, in which one of the alloy components is 2–4 times the mass of the other. The transport was found to be characterized by three regimes. At low pressure, the transport was ballistic, and the sputtered atoms had virtually no collisions with gas atoms during transport. At high pressures, the transport was diffusive and was characterized by simple gas phase diffusion. In intermediate pressures, the lighter sputtered species tended to suffer more momentum- and direction-changing collisions than the heavier atoms. In this regime, the backscattered films were enriched in the lighter species, and the films deposited on the substrate were enriched in the heavier species. In addition, a dependence on the discharge power was observed, which is consistent with changes in the local gas density near the cathode due to heating by the sputtered atoms.
Stabilization of a channel's open state by a hydrophobic residue in the sixth membrane-spanning segment (S6) of rKv1.4.

We report the effects of mutating a threonine residue at position 529 (T529) in the middle of the S6 segment of rKv1.4 on the voltage-dependence and kinetics of activation and deactivation. Replacing T529 with glycine (no side chain) or with a residue that has a hydrophobic side chain (T529L, T529I, T529V, T529A, or T529F) caused a slowing of deactivation, along with a negative shift in the activation curve and a voltage-dependent slowing of activation. Numerical simulation showed that these effects could be reproduced by decreasing the rate constant for a transition from open to closed states. The degree of slowing of deactivation largely correlated with the degree of increase in 529 side-chain hydrophobicity. Specifically, the 529 mutation-induced alteration in free energy change accompanying deactivation per channel could be accounted for by the increase in free energy needed to transfer the 529 side chain of one subunit from a hydrophobic environment to an aqueous environment. We propose that in the open state, the 529 side chain faces a hydrophobic protein interior. The rate-limiting step in channel deactivation includes a conformational change in one subunit’s S6 segment, moving its 529 side chain to face the aqueous lumen of the pore.
Refractive indices of soot particles deduced from in-situ laser light scattering measurements

Classical and dynamic laser light scattering data are obtained for a fuel-rich premixed methane/oxygen flat flame. Particle size distribution is determined directly from the dynamic light scattering measurements. Particle number density and complex refractive index are then inferred from classical scattering and extinction data by introducing a relation between the real and imaginary parts of the complex electrical permittivity.
Women and a vision of dance

Time and the Dancing Image. By Deborah Jowitt. Illustrated. 328 pp. New York: William Morrow, 1988. $22.95 hardcover. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1989. $15.95 paper.
Purification and Analysis of Wheat Grain Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) Protein

ABSTRACT Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding programs have used various whole kernel assays to estimate polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, thereby identifying germplasm that has a greater chance of producing consumer products with superior color. However, the enzymes involved in these assays are poorly understood and the purification and characterization of a wheat kernel PPO protein has not been reported previously. A PPO from wheat bran was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion and size-exclusion chromatography, and continuous elution electrophoresis. The purified protein migrated at 67 kDa on SDS-PAGE under denaturing and reducing conditions, exhibited PPO activity in the presence of SDS, and eluted at 45 kDa on SDS-PAGE under nondenaturing and nonreducing conditions. N-terminal sequence analysis of peptide fragments obtained from tryptic digests confirmed the purified wheat bran protein as a PPO. This wheat PPO protein showed the greatest sequence identity to grape (Vitis vinifera) and ...
WHAT IS THE CHARGE OF A PARTON.

It is shown that present inclusive electroproduction experiments cannot distinguish the fractionally charged quark model from certain multitriplet models with integral charges, e.g., the Han-Nambu three-triplet model, which contain additional internal degrees of freedom and predict new "charmed" hadron states which have not yet been observed. Both models are shown to predict identical results if no "charmed" states are produced, and very similar results unless charmed particle production appreciably affects the inclusive cross section.
A proof of the minimal-phase property of the prediction-error filter

A new proof of the minimal-phase property of the prediction-error filter of linear prediction is given, which is directly based on the fact that the optimal prediction coefficients minimize the mean-squared prediction error.
Recombination and excited-state absorption at photoluminescence centres in crystalline and amorphous arsenic triselenide

Abstract Results are presented of a detailed study of optical transitions from the excited states of the photoluminescence (PL) centres in c-As2Se3, including the first observation of photo-induced optical absorption (PA) arising from these states. It is inferred from observations of the decay rates and polarization dependences of the PL and PA that the lowest excited state of the PL centre is a triplet exciton state, and that the singlet-triplet splitting is 4 × 10−3 eV. The PA in the spectral range measured (0·4–2 eV) appears to probe transitions from the excttcd PL centres to states in the continuum. Also observed for the first time is PA from the excited states of the PL centres in a-As2Se3. The properties of the PL centres in a-As2Se3 and c-As2Se3 are compared.
An investigation of nonsimultaneous laser-induced fluorescence

An alternative to simultaneous, two-line laser-induced fluorescence for thermodynamic property measurement is presented. This spectroscopic approach is similar to multiple-overheat hot-wire anemometry and is based on laser excitation of different fluorescence transitions for separate, sequential wind tunnel runs. Both fluctuating and mean thermodynamic property measurements seem to be achievable with this method without exciting the transitions during the same laser pulse.
Safety, supply, and suits--litigation and the vaccine industry.

California has begun implementing the Affordable Care Act, recognizing that the stakes are high. The state is expected to have more newly insured people than any other state, and whether expanded coverage will improve access to care and population health is uncertain.
Peer Assessments in Physical Education

Abstract Peer assessments benefit students and teachers alike, but they can be tricky to implement. This guide will ease the process.
Effect of enhanced external counterpulsation on circulating CD34+ progenitor cell subsets

Abstract Background Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is associated with improvement in endothelial function, angina and quality of life in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease, although the mechanisms underlying the observed clinical benefits are not completely clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of EECP on circulating haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with refractory angina. We compared HPC and EPC counts between patients scheduled for EECP and patients with normal angiographic coronary arteries, with and without coronary endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized that an increase in circulating bone marrow derived progenitor cells in response to EECP may be part of the mechanism of action of EECP. Methods Thirteen consecutive patients scheduled to receive EECP treatment were prospectively enrolled. Clinical characteristics were recorded and venous blood (5ml) was drawn on day 1, day 17, day 35 (final session) and one month post completion of EECP therapy. Buffy coat was extracted and HPCs and EPCs were counted by flow cytometry. Results Median Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina class decreased and Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) functional score increased significantly (both, p Conclusion This study shows that HPCs, but not EPCs are significantly increased in response to EECP treatment and correlate with reproducible measures of clinical improvement. These findings are the first to link the functional improvement observed with EECP treatment with increased circulating progenitor cells.
Methanol and methane formation over palladium/rare earth oxide catalysts

Abstract Lanthanide rare earth oxide (REO)-supported Pd systems can provide very good CO hydrogenation catalysts, especially for CH3OH formation. At low temperature and 1 atm, the major product was methanol but the selectivity shifted to methane at higher temperatures because of equilibrium constraints. The turnover frequency (TOP) values for CH4 varied more than tenfold, but all, except for Pd Eu 2 O 3 , were more than an order of magnitude higher on these catalysts than on Pd SiO 2 or pure Pd metal. Activation energies for CH4 on these Pd REO samples were consistently near 32 kcal/mole and very close to the value on Pd powder, indicating that the methanation reaction mechanism may be similar on all these catalysts. At 14.6 atm total pressure, the major product over the Pd REO catalysts was methanol and the selectivity for oxygenates ranged from 78 to 96% at 225 °C. Activation energies for CH3OH varied from 17 to 21 kcal/mole and were close to the value obtained for Pd powder. Pd La 2 O 3 and Pd Nd 2 O 3 were the most active CH3OH catalysts whereas Pd CeO 2 was the least active. All the Pd REO catalysts deactivated initially at high pressure but reached steady state after about 30 hr on stream, with the stabilized activity being approximately half the initial activity in all cases. In contrast, the activity of Pd powder increased with time before reaching a steady state. The selectivity of Pd powder for oxygenates was lower compared to REO-supported Pd, and the CH3OH TOP over Pd powder was an order of magnitude lower than the least active Pd REO catalyst. The role of these supports in CH3OH synthesis is consistent with that of promoting the concentration of formyl/formate intermediates on the surface, particularly at the Pd-support interface.
Nonlinear analysis of the coupling between interface deflection and hexagonal patterns in Rayleigh-Bénard-Marangoni convection.

An analytical study is conducted to examine the coupling between buoyancy and surface tension forces in a shallow pool of a Boussinesq fluid. The liquid layer is bounded below by a rigid and poorly conducting plate, and is open to the air at its upper deformable free surface. At the onset of convection, the coupling between buoyancy and surface-tension-induced instabilities is represented by a single parameter m. A pattern selection study predicts the existence of a critical value for the parameter m, ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{c}}$, that separates subcritical hexagons with upflow at their centers from subcritical hexagons with downflow at their centers. Several experimental situations are identified in terms of the Prandtl, Galileo, and capillary numbers, and the dependence of ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{c}}$ on these parameters is analyzed. Further, expressions for the interface deflection that accompanies the onset of Rayleigh-B\'enard-Marangoni convection are derived. These expressions show explicitly the dependence of the interface morphology on the coupling parameter m and on the Prandtl, Galileo, and capillary numbers. It is also noted that, for a specific set of experimental parameters, spatial resonance will occur which leads to a situation in which the interfacial deformations do not conform to the flow pattern. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Cytokines play an aetiopathogenetic role in fibromyalgia: a hypothesis and pilot study

Objective To measure soluble factors having a possible role in fibromyalgia (FM) and compare the profiles of patients with recent onset of the syndrome with patients with chronic FM. Methods The production of cytokines, cytokine-related molecules, and a CXC chemokine, interleukin (IL)-8, was examined. Fifty-six patients with FM (23 with 2 yr of symptoms) were compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Cytokines and cytokine-related molecules were measured in sera and in supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) that were incubated with and without lectins and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Results No differences between FMS and controls were found by measuring IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-10, serum IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Levels of IL-1R antibody (IL-1Ra) and IL-8 were significantly higher in sera, and IL-1Ra and IL-6 were significantly higher in stimulated and unstimulated FM PBMC compared with controls. Serum IL-6 levels were comparable to those in controls, but were elevated in supernatants of in vitro-activated PBMC derived from patients with >2 yr of symptoms. In the presence of PMA, there were additional increases in IL-1Ra, IL-8 and IL-6 over control values. Conclusions In patients with FM we found increases over time in serum levels and/or PBMC-stimulated activity of soluble factors whose release is stimulated by substance P. Because IL-8 promotes sympathetic pain and IL-6 induces hyperalgesia, fatigue and depression, it is hypothesized that they may play a role in modulating FM symptoms.
Diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate commissural disconnection after corpus callosotomy

Introduction Corpus callosum transection can prevent propagation of epileptic discharges. If seizures persist after surgery, assessment of the efficacy of the transection requires knowledge that the commissural fibers have been disrupted. We evaluated whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion tensor fiber tracking can assess the degree of callosal transection and determine which white matter pathways remain intact.
The molecular biology and clinical features of amyloid neuropathy

Neuropathy is often a major manifestation of systemic amyloidosis. It is most frequently seen in patients with hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis, but is also present in 20% of patients with systemic immunoglobulin light chain (primary) amyloidosis. Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is the most common form of inherited amyloidotic polyneuropathy, with clinical and electrophysiologic findings similar to neuropathies with differing etiologies (e.g., diabetes mellitus). Hereditary amyloidosis is an adult-onset autosomal-dominant disease with varying degrees of penetrance. It is caused by specific gene mutations, but demonstration that a patient has one such mutation does not confirm the diagnosis of amyloidosis. Diagnosis requires tissue biopsy with demonstration of amyloid deposits either by special histochemical stains or electron microscopy. Transthyretin amyloidosis is treated by liver transplantation, which eliminates the mutated transthyretin from the blood, but for some patients continued amyloid deposition can occur from wild-type (normal) transthyretin. Presently, a study is ongoing to determine whether amyloid deposition can be inhibited by small organic molecules that are hypothesized to affect the fibril-forming ability of transthyretin. Proposed gene therapy with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to suppress hepatic transthyretin synthesis is effective in a transgenic mouse model but has not yet been tested in humans.
Saturable Absorption in a Short Graded-Index Multimode Optical Fiber Using Nonlinear Multimodal Interference

Nonlinear multimodal ineterference in a device composed of a graded-index multimode optical fiber coupled to two single-mode fibers on each end is investigated. This structure shows potential applications in nonlinear switching and saturable absorption.
Benign galactorrhea/breast discharge in adolescent males probably due to breat self-manipulation

Three adolescent males presented with nipple discharge. In two boys, the expressed secretion was clinically consistent with galactorrhea. Galactorrhea/breast discharge is a rare complaint in males of any age. Although galactorrhea is commonly associated with a neuroendocrine disorder or drug ingestion, the work-up in each, including basal prolactin level, was normal. Reluctantly, each boy admitted to breast self-manipulation to reduce gynecomastia. When the behavior was discontinued, the galactorrhea/breast secretion ceased. Clinicians should be aware of this heretofore undescribed and apparently benign phenomenon. If basal hyperprolactinemia is absent in a male with a breast discharge and a history of breast manipulation, then an extensive work-up is not usually indicated.
Sensorimotor gating effects produced by repeated dopamine agonists in a paradigm favoring environmental conditioning.

Abstract Rationale. It is not known whether dopamine agonist-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition (PPI) can be conditioned to the environment, a phenomenon established for dopamine agonist-induced locomotor activation and other behaviors. Furthermore, the literature is contradictory regarding whether PPI disruption, like locomotor activity, can become sensitized after repeated dopamine agonist administration. Differences in methodology (e.g. drug-environment pairing) may have contributed to these contradictory findings. Objectives. In a series of studies, we investigated whether dopamine agonist-induced disruption of PPI could be conditioned and whether repeated administration of dopamine agonists, in a paradigm favorable to conditioning, would produce sensitization to dopamine agonist-induced disruption of PPI. Methods. One group of rats were administered subcutaneous apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg) daily for 7 (experiment 1) or 5 (experiment 3) consecutive days contingent with startle testing (in testing rooms, immediately before test sessions). A second group received the same apomorphine dose daily in a manner non-contingent with behavioral testing (in home cages after test sessions). The following day, all rats received vehicle injections contingent with the test environment to assess for environmental conditioning (vehicle challenge day). The next day, all animals received a challenge of apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg) contingent with the test environment to assess the contribution of drug-environment pairing on changes observed in apomorphine-induced disruption of PPI (apmorphine challenge day). PPI was measured immediately after drug injections in the test environment. A separate study (experiment 2) tested amphetamine (3.0 mg/kg) using a similar methodology. In a fourth study, rats were pretreated with haloperidol (1.0 mg/kg) or saline prior to receiving daily apomorphine to see if haloperidol could modify the changes in PPI produced by repeated apomorphine administration. Results. On the vehicle challenge day, PPI exhibited by the rats that received daily apomorphine contingent with the testing environment did not differ from the group that received vehicle contingent with the testing environment. However, animals receiving apomorphine contingent with testing exhibited partial tolerance to its PPI effects during the conditioning period. The PPI exhibited by both groups did not differ significantly on the apomorphine-challenge day. Amphetamine produced a complete tolerance to its PPI effects by day 3. Haloperidol pretreatment blocked the PPI tolerance produced by repeated apomorphine injections. Conclusions. These results suggest: 1) unlike locomotion, PPI disruption induced by apomorphine cannot be conditioned to the environment; 2) unlike locomotion, repeated adminstration of dopamine agonists produce tolerance, rather than sensitization, to PPI; 3) environmental factors do not seem to be critical for PPI tolerance; and 4) dopamine receptors mediate PPI tolerance to apomorphine.
Supervisees' Perceptions of Their Clinical Supervision: A Study of the Dual Role of Clinical and Administrative Supervisor

A study of 158 postdegree counselor supervisees showed that 49% had a clinical supervisor who was also their administrative supervisor. Supervisees reported overall satisfaction with clinical supervision, with no statistically significant differences between those whose supervisor served in both clinical and administrative roles and those receiving supervision from only a clinical supervisor. Furthermore, the majority of supervisees receiving clinical and administrative supervision from the same person did not view this dual supervisory role as problematic (82% of n = 70), and 72.5% reported specific benefits. Implications for research and practice are provided, with attention given to ethical considerations.
Effects of hydroxyl radical induced-injury in atrial versus ventricular myocardium of dog and rabbit.

Aim: Despite the widespread use of ventricular tissue in the investigation involving hydroxyl-radical (OH*) injury, one of the most potent mediators in ischemia-reperfusion injury, little is known about the impact on atrial myocardium. In this study we thus compared the OH*-induced injury response between atrial and right ventricular muscles from both rabbits and dogs under identical experimental conditions. Methods: Small, contracting ventricular and atrial rabbit and dog trabeculae were directly exposed to OH*, and contractile properties were examined and quantified. Results: A brief OH* exposure led to transient rigor like contracture with marked elevation of diastolic tension and depression of developed force. Although the injury response showed similarities between atrial and ventricular myocardium, there were significant differences as well. In rabbit atrial muscles, the development of the contracture and its peak was much faster as compared to ventricular muscles. Also, at the peak of contracture, both rabbit and dog atrial muscles show a lesser degree of contractile dysfunction. Conclusion: These results indicate that both atrial and ventricular muscles develop a rigor like contracture after acute OH*-induced injury, and atrial muscles showed a lesser degree of contractile dysfunction. Comparison of dog versus rabbit tissue shows that the response was similar in magnitude, but slower to develop in dog tissue.
Holistic Human Development

One of the tenets of holism is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Applying this theorem epistemologically, we could say that a holistic view is greater than the sum of the specialized views that contribute to it. Within the framework of three divergent worldviews (mechanistic, organismic and contextual) as originally proposed by Pepper (World hypotheses: A study in evidence, University of California Press, Los Angeles, 1961), holism as both a philosophical position and a practical approach to research is applied to the study of adult human development. Because spiritual development has received less scholarly attention than biological, cognitive, or emotional functioning, topics such as meditation research, non-religious spirituality, and the concept of soul are covered to promote a balanced developmental perspective. Historical and philosophical factors leading to holism are described, a sampling of interdisciplinary dialogue between psychology and theology is presented, and conclusions regarding the need for holistic thinking and the relationship between religion and spirituality are offered.
Disruption of Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling by a Novel Ligand-dependent Mechanism

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is the prototype in a family of secreted proteins that act in autocrine and paracrine pathways to regulate cell development and function. Normal cells typically coexpress TGF-β receptors and one or more isoforms of TGF-β, thus the synthesis and secretion of TGF-β as an inactive latent complex is considered an essential step in regula-ting the activity of this pathway. To determine whether intracellular activation of TGF-β results in TGF-β ligand–receptor interactions within the cell, we studied pristane-induced plasma cell tumors (PCTs). We now demonstrate that active TGF-β1 in the PCT binds to intracellular TGF-β type II receptor (TβRII). Disruption of the expression of TGF-β1 by antisense TGF-β1 mRNA restores localization of TβRII at the PCT cell surface, indicating a ligand-induced impediment in receptor trafficking. We also show that retroviral expression of a truncated, dominant-negative TβRII (dnTβRII) effectively competes for intracellular binding of active ligand in the PCT and restores cell surface expression of the endogenous TβRII. Analysis of TGF-β receptor–activated Smad2 suggests the intracellular ligand–receptor complex is not capable of signaling. These data are the first to demonstrate the formation of an intracellular TGF-β–receptor complex, and define a novel mechanism for modulating the TGF-β signaling pathway.
Excessive daytime sleepiness and adherence to antihypertensive medications among Blacks: analysis of the counseling African Americans to control hypertension (CAATCH) trial.

Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) often occurs as a result of insufficient sleep, sleep apnea, illicit substance use, and other medical and psychiatric conditions. This study tested the hypothesis that blacks exhibiting EDS would have poorer self-reported adherence to hypertensive medication using cross-sectional data from the Counseling African-Americans to Control Hypertension (CAATCH) trial. Methods: A total of 1,058 hypertensive blacks (average age 57±12 years) participated in CAATCH, a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a multilevel intervention for participants who receive care from community health centers in New York City. Data analyzed in this study included baseline sociodemographics, medical history, EDS, and medication adherence. We used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, with a cutoff score of $10, to define EDS. Medication adherence was measured using an abbreviated Morisky Medication Adherence scale, with a score .0 indicating nonadherence. Results: Of the sample, 71% were female, 72% received at least a high school education, 51% reported a history of smoking, and 33% had a history of alcohol consumption. Overall, 27% of the participants exhibited EDS, and 44% of those who exhibited EDS were classified as adherent to prescribed antihypertensive medications. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusting for effects of age, body mass index, sex, education, and smoking and drinking history indicated that participants who exhibited EDS were more than twice as likely to be nonadherent (odds ratio 2.28, 95% confidence interval 1.42–3.67, P,0.001). Conclusion: Analysis of the CAATCH data showed a high prevalence of EDS among hypertensive blacks. EDS is a significant predictor of nonadherence to prescribed medications for hypertension. These findings point to a modifiable variable that can be targeted in future inter ventions focusing on medication adherence.
Fabrication of Aluminum-Silicon Carbide Composites Using Spray-Assisted Roll Bonding

The fabrication of nanoparticle reinforced sheet metal composites may result in composites with promising mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Cold roll bonding (CRB) is a good candidate for fabricating such composites as it can be easily scaled up for industrial production. Moreover, it eliminates some of the problems accompanied with conventional metal matrix composite (MMC) fabrication methods. This study begins by looking at the effects of surface preparation on the CRB process. Additionally, it looks at fabrication of aluminum-silicon carbide (Al-SiC) composites using CRB and an ultrasonic spray deposition technique. Further, the accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process is investigated as a possibility for increasing the loading capacity of reinforcement particles. The bond strength was tested using a peel test and the bonding and process quality was inspected and analyzed with optical microscopy. The addition of the SiC nanoparticles at the interface increased the bond strength by approximately 1.5 and 2.0 times that of the unsprayed sample. The samples fabricated using ARB were successfully bonded and samples composed of up to 128 layers were successfully fabricated.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Tumor suppressor Lzap regulates cell cycle progression, doming, and zebrafish epiboly

Initial stages of embryonic development rely on rapid, synchronized cell divisions of the fertilized egg followed by a set of morphogenetic movements collectively called epiboly and gastrulation. Lzap is a putative tumor suppressor whose expression is lost in 30% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Lzap activities include regulation of cell cycle progression and response to therapeutic agents. Here, we explore developmental roles of the lzap gene during zebrafish morphogenesis. Lzap is highly conserved among vertebrates and is maternally deposited. Expression is initially ubiquitous during gastrulation, and later becomes more prominent in the pharyngeal arches, digestive tract, and brain. Antisense morpholino-mediated depletion of Lzap resulted in delayed cell divisions and apoptosis during blastomere formation, resulting in fewer, larger cells. Cell cycle analysis suggested that Lzap loss in early embryonic cells resulted in a G2/M arrest. Furthermore, the Lzap-deficient embryos failed to initiate epiboly--the earliest morphogenetic movement in animal development--which has been shown to be dependent on cell adhesion and migration of epithelial sheets. Our results strongly implicate Lzap in regulation of cell cycle progression, adhesion and migratory activity of epithelial cell sheets during early development. These functions provide further insight into Lzap activity that may contribute not only to development, but also to tumor formation.
Morphology in incipient bilingual Spanish-speaking preschool children with specific language impairment

This study examined the use of clitic pronouns by incipient bilingual Spanish-speaking 4- and 5-year-old children with and without language impairments. Incipient bilingualism refers to the initial stages of contact between two languages, when an individual still has only passive knowledge of a second language. The participants included 10 children with typical language development and 10 children with specific language impairment (SLI). The experimental task elicited clitic pronouns serving as direct objects with finite verbs (lo, la, los, and las). The children who had SLI used clitic pronouns less frequently than their age-matched peers and were less accurate in their use of gender agreement for clitics. No group differences were found for third person singular and plural verb inflections in the preterite tense. These results were compared to previous studies of Spanish- and Italian-speaking children with SLI.
Age of entry and the high school performance of immigrant youth

Abstract In 2005, immigrants exceeded 12% of the US population, with the highest concentrations in large metropolitan areas. While considerable research has focused on how immigrants affect local wages and housing prices, less research has asked how immigrants fare in US urban public schools. Previous studies find that foreign-born students outperform native-born students in their elementary and middle school years, but urban policymakers and practitioners continue to raise concerns about educational outcomes of immigrants arriving in their high school years. We use data on a large cohort of New York City (NYC) public high school students to examine how the performance of students who immigrate during high school (teen immigrants) differs from that of students who immigrate during middle school (tween immigrants) or elementary school (child immigrants), relative to otherwise similar native-born students. Contrary to prior studies, our difference-in-difference estimates suggest that, ceteris paribus, teen immigrants do well compared to native-born migrants, and that the foreign-born advantage is relatively large among the teen (im)migrants. That said, our findings provide cause for concern about the performance of limited English proficient students, blacks and Hispanics and, importantly, teen migrants. In particular, switching school districts in the high school years – that is, student mobility across school districts – may be more detrimental than immigration per se. Results are robust to alternative specifications and cohorts, including a cohort of Miami students.