cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retinoid Binding in Normal and Neoplastic Mammary Tissue

The inhibitory effect of dietary supplementation of certain retinoids on mammary carcinogenesis in the rat has been reported from our laboratory. Specific cytosolic retinoic acid binding proteins (cRABP) as well as retinol binding proteins sedimenting as 2S components have been detected in the mammary tissue during normal and neoplastic differentiation. Relatively higher levels of cRABP were observed in the mammary glands from pregnant animals as well as in ovarian hormone independent tumors; whereas in glands obtained from lactating rats and in hormone dependent tumors, lower levels of cRABP were evident. Exogenous treatment of such animals with estradiol-l7β enhanced the levels of cRABP. The results indicate a possible correlation between endocrine and retinoid function in both normal and neoplastic differentiation of mammary tissue. [3H]retinoic acid-RABP complex, under appropriate conditions, translocates into the nucleus. Unbound [3H]retinoic acid, however, failed to associate with the nuclear sites. Additional studies indicate a possible selective inhibition of ovarian hormone independent tumors by the retinoids.
Childhood Psychological Distress and Healthy Cardiovascular Lifestyle 17-35 Years Later: The Potential Role of Mental Health in Primordial Prevention

Background Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in adulthood has been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Increasing evidence suggests that behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular disease are established in childhood; however, limited research has evaluated whether childhood psychological factors play a role. Purpose To evaluate the association between childhood psychological distress and young to mid adulthood healthy lifestyle. Methods Using prospective data from the 1958 British Birth Cohort, we assessed whether psychological distress in childhood (captured by internalizing and externalizing symptoms at ages 7, 11, and 16 years) predicted healthy lifestyle at ages 33 (N = 10,748) and 42 (N = 9,581) years. Healthy lifestyle was measured using an index previously demonstrated to predict cardiovascular disease, consisting of five components: absence of smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, regular physical activity, healthy diet, and ideal body weight. Results Few participants (3.8% at age 33 years and 2.8% at age 42 years) endorsed all five healthy lifestyle components. Linear regression models, adjusting for potential child- and family-level confounders, revealed that higher distress levels in childhood were negatively associated with healthy lifestyle at age 33 years (β = -0.11, SE = 0.01, p < .001) and 42 years (β = -0.13, SE = 0.01, p < .001). Higher distress was also associated with significantly lower odds of endorsing each lifestyle component, except physical activity, at both ages. Additional analyses indicated that childhood distress levels were highest among those whose lifestyle scores were low at age 33 and further declined between ages 33 and 42. Conclusions Psychological distress in childhood may indicate children at risk of less healthy lifestyle practices later in life. Although our findings are preliminary, psychological distress may also provide an important target for public health interventions aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease.
“A New Election, A New Preterition”: Early New England's Calvinism and the Hegemonic Framework of GRAVITY'S RAINBOW

This article identifies the Calvinism of New England as an underlying mechanism rather than a metaphor in Thomas Pynchon’s Gravity’s Rainbow. It also links historical and geographical space within ...
Critical Thinking in the Business Curriculum

The call to make improved critical thinking a national education goal is often heard in the business world, where volumes of information must be reviewed daily for decision making. Business educato...
Comment l’expérience de douleur est-elle « construite » par le cerveau ? Effets du contexte émotionnel sur la perception de douleur

La nature de processus cerebraux qui sous-tendent l’experience de douleur demeure a ce jour incertaine. Ici, nous proposons une theorie selon laquelle la douleur resulterait de la categorisation de l’influx nociceptif comme « douloureux » en fonction du contexte et des preconceptions du sujet. Ainsi, le contexte emotionnel peut influencer la facon dont les signaux nociceptifs ascendants sont interpretes. Ces effets sur la « construction » cerebrale de douleur devraient etre distingues d’effets modulateurs descendants sur la nociception, ainsi que d’effets sur le rappel retrospectif de l’experience douloureuse.
Vascular integrin signaling.

Publisher Summary Integrins are a family of heterodimeric, transmembrane glycoproteins consisting of alpha (α) and beta (β) subunits. The integrin heterodimeric complexes are expressed on various cell types in a tissue-specific. Cellular interaction with extracellular matrix (ECM) components through cell surface integrins is required for cell growth, differentiation, progression of cell cycle through G1 phase, and cell survival. Cellular adhesion to ECM induces cellular proliferation and the lack thereof triggers programmed cell death of nonadherent cells in suspension. Extracellular matrix provides crucial support for proliferating vascular endothelium through adhesive interactions with endothelial cell surface integrins. During processes of angiogenesis, the proliferating and migrating endothelial cells organize to form three-dimensional capillary networks. These processes begin with the transition of endothelial cells into a spindle-shaped morphology. Previous studies indicated that integrins play crucial roles in each of these processes. Therefore, integrins in coordination with ECM proteins are believed to serve as master regulators of angiogenic programming in endothelial cells.
The Deep History of the Ficus thonningii Bl. in Central Africa: Ontology, Settlement, and Environment among Lower Congo Peoples (Early Times to ca. 500 B.C.E.)

Recent studies on the relationship between human migration and environment in ancient Central Africa have made important advances in understanding the relational development among Bantu-speaking settlers, fruit trees and expanding savanna-corridors due to climate-induced destruction of the Central African rainforest during the last millennia B.C.E. However, the persistent lack of a broader set of reconstructed vocabularies about human–environment relations prevented scholars from incorporating in their explanations the ways in which people in the past perceived their own surroundings as they moved to new lands. Using historical linguistics, cognitive linguistics and comparative ethnography, this chapter discusses how the Ficus thonningii Bl., a native species of Central Africa, was used in the ritual for the foundation of new villages to establishing the condition for engagement between newcomers and terrestrial spirits of newfound lands. Moving beyond modernist assumptions about the separation between human and nature and mind and body, it shows how a host of embodied practices and cognitive processes marked the tree as a central entity in local ideologies. Focusing on how Lower Congo peoples engaged with the tree in the first millennia B.C.E., such an approach offers new insights into the relation between ontology and environment in an important region of Central Africa.
Controlling the Kinetics of Charge Transfer at Conductive Polymer/Liquid Interfaces through Microstructure

Controlling interfacial electron-transfer rates is fundamental to maximizing device efficiencies in electrochemical technologies including redox-flow batteries, chemical sensors, bioelectronics, and photo-electrochemical devices. Conductive polymer electrodes offer the possibility to control redox properties through synthesis and processing, if critical structure–property relationships governing charge transfer are understood. In this work, we show that the rate and symmetry of electron transfer at conductive polymer electrodes are directly connected to the microstructure and the density of states (DOS) using the model system of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+), as predicted by the Marcus–Gerischer model. Experimentally, crystalline P3HT exhibits a sufficient overlap between the polymer DOS and the DOS of both Fc and Fc+, resulting in a reversible electron transfer. Conversely, the DOS of amorphous electrodeposited P3HT does not overlap with that of Fc+, inhibiting reductio...
Tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA) in heated tobacco product IQOS

Heated tobacco products (HTP) have an electrical heating component, like e-cigarettes, that heats processed tobacco to 350°C releasing volatile components that often are not detectable in e-cigarettes.1 Although many combustion by-products may be eliminated in HTP devices, nitrosamines are generated in the process of tobacco curing rather than during combustion, and may be transferred from the HTP into the aerosol that it generates.2–4 We hypothesised that HTP may be a significant source of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA). This pilot study determined TSNA yields in aerosol emitted from HTP in comparison to the electronic and tobacco cigarettes. HTP (IQOS; Amber, tobacco flavour), e-cigarettes (MarkTen; 3.5% nicotine, tobacco flavoured) and tobacco cigarettes (Marlboro Red 100) were tested using a Borgwaldt LX-1 smoking machine following the Health Canada Intense protocol (55 mL puff volume, 2 s duration, 30 s interval). Using this puffing protocol, we generated aerosol from a single HTP HeatStick (12 puffs), single tobacco cigarette (8 puffs) and from e-cigarette (55 puffs). We used different number of puffs for …
Structure of the human epithelial sodium channel by cryo-electron microscopy

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), a member of the ENaC/DEG superfamily, regulates Na+ and water homeostasis. ENaCs assemble as heterotrimeric channels that harbor protease-sensitive domains critical for gating the channel. Here, we present the structure of human ENaC in the uncleaved state determined by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. The ion channel is composed of a large extracellular domain and a narrow transmembrane domain. The structure reveals that ENaC assembles with a 1:1:1 stoichiometry of α:β:γ subunits arranged in a counter-clockwise manner. The shape of each subunit is reminiscent of a hand with key gating domains of a 'finger' and a 'thumb.' Wedged between these domains is the elusive protease-sensitive inhibitory domain poised to regulate conformational changes of the 'finger' and 'thumb'; thus, the structure provides the first view of the architecture of inhibition of ENaC.
Design, fabrication, and characterization of a disordered one-dimensional broadband photonic bandgap structure

Disordered one-dimensional photonic bandgap (PBG) structures could prove useful in designing broadband reflectors capable of filtering chosen polarizations of incoming light. By capitalizing on the similarities between defects and disorder, it is possible to construct a 1D PBG structure such that the layers are non-uniform but the structure can retain its most novel properties. This is done by allowing the thickness of the layers in the structure to deviate uniformly around an average thickness by a preselected amount of deviation. A mathematical model using the Transfer Matrix Method for simulation has been previously constructed by this group. This model has been verified using FDTD simulation as well. The PBG structure was then fabricated consisting of TiO2 deposited by electron-beam physical vapor deposition (e-beam PVD) first at normal incidence and then at a 70o oblique angle. This pattern was repeated to create six bilayers of TiO2 films. This alternating pattern gives rise to the novel structure of a PBG structure by creating a repeating pattern of amorphous and biaxial, columnar, birefringent TiO2 ,which is analogous to using two different materials. Through testing using a polarizer, analyzer, and HeNe laser with a wavelength of 632.8 nm, it has been found that the sample does in fact match well with the expected theoretical results and acts as a broadband reflector for the TM polarization designed for a 70o incidence angle. The average layer thickness of the fabricated TiO2 PBG is 22.7 nm.
African Americans now outpace whites in opioid-involved overdose deaths: a comparison of temporal trends from 1999 to 2018

AIMS To estimate racial differences in rates of opioid-involved overdose deaths (OOD) between whites and African Americans in the United States from 1999 to 2018 to (1) identify racial variation in the temporal trends of OOD during the 20-year period and (2) compare trends in OOD rates between whites and African Americans using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) three defined OOD epidemic periods. METHODS Data were obtained from the CDC wide-ranging on-line data for epidemiological research, which combines OOD data from the National Vital Statistics System, and population data from the US Census Bureau. Joinpoint regression models were used to estimate age-adjusted annual percentage change (APC) in OOD by race from 1999 to 2018. RESULTS The temporal trends of OOD varied by race. African Americans had a persistently low rate of OOD and statistically non-significant rate of change in OOD from 1999 to 2012 (APC = 0.47; P > 0.05), with a statistically significant and rapid acceleration in OOD rates in 2012 that persisted to 2018 (APC = 26.16; P < 0.01). Whites had three statistically significant periods of acceleration in OOD rate from 1999 to 2006 (APC = 12.43; P < 0.01), 2006 to 2013 (APC = 4.34, P < 0.01) and the greatest increase from 2013 to 2016 (APC = 18.96; P < 0.01). Whites had a statistically non-significant decrease in OOD from 2016 to 2018 (P = 0.16). The trend for whites more closely aligned with the CDC-defined epidemic periods than for African Americans. During wave 1 (1999-2010), the average annual percentage change (AAPC) for African Americans was significantly lower than for whites (0.47 versus 9.42, P < 0.01); however, by wave 3 (2013-current; defined by the introduction of illicitly manufactured fentanyl), the AAPC was significantly higher in African Americans (26.16 versus 13.19, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Despite historically lower rates of opioid misuse and opioid-involved overdose deaths among African Americans compared with whites, the growth in opioid-involved overdose deaths among African Americans now outpaces that of whites in the United States.
China’s Achievements and Challenges: Reflections on a Rising Power’s Predicaments

Internally, China is celebrating its successes while having to overcome its dilemmas and complications caused by those accomplishments; externally the nature of its rise is being questioned by some...
A comparison of the release of phosphorus by a phytase enzyme in pigs fed diets deficient or adequate in phosphorus content.

Previous research indicated that phytase may release less phosphorus (P) from phytate when it is evaluated using diets with P levels above requirement as compared with diets below requirement. The objectives of this experiment were to further test the hypothesis that the P release values determined for phytase are higher when pigs are fed diets that are deficient (DE) in P compared with when they are fed diets that are adequate (AD) in P, and that phytase will increase the digestibility of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), nitrogen (N), and calcium (Ca) independent of dietary P status. Twenty-four barrows (body weight: 23.2 ± 1.8 kg) were randomly assigned to one of eight dietary treatments and housed in individual pens for 21 d and then moved to metabolism crates for 9 d, with the collection of urine and feces occurring on the final 5 d. A basal corn-soybean meal diet (P-AD) was formulated at 0.36% standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P and total calcium:STTD P (Ca:STTD P) of 2:1. A P-DE diet was also formulated to maintain a constant Ca:STTD P of 2:1 in both basal diets. Phytase was added to AD and DE diets at 350, 600, 1,000 phytase units (FYT)/kg. Pig was the experimental unit; diet (P-AD or P-DE), phytase level, and replicate were fixed effects. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to test linear and quadratic effects of phytase within P-AD and P-DE diets. Phytase improved apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and STTD of P in both P-AD (linear P 0.1). In conclusion, the release of P by phytase is lower in diets that are AD in P than those which are DE. Phytase increased the availability of Ca only in the diets DE in P. Finally, phytase increased the ATTD of DM and tended to increase the ATTD of energy, independent of dietary P status.
Calibrating the scan statistic with size-dependent critical values: heuristics, methodology and computation

It is known that the scan statistic with variable window size favors the detection of signals with small spatial extent and there is a corresponding loss of power for signals with large spatial extent. Recent results have shown that this loss is not inevitable: Using critical values that depend on the size of the window allows optimal detection for all signal sizes simultaneously, so there is no substantial price to pay for not knowing the correct window size and for scanning with a variable window size. This paper gives a review of the heuristics and methodology for such size-dependent critical values, their applications to various settings including the multivariate case, and recent results about fast algorithms for computing scan statistics.
Emerging chikungunya virus variants at the E1-E1 inter-glycoprotein spike interface impact virus attachment and Inflammation

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arthropod-borne alphavirus and a serious threat to human health. Therefore, efforts toward elucidating how this virus causes disease and the molecular mechanisms underlying steps of the viral replication cycle are crucial. Using an in vivo transmission system that allows intra-host evolution, we identified an emerging CHIKV variant carrying a mutation in the E1 glycoprotein (V156A) in the serum of mice and saliva of mosquitoes. E1 V156A has since emerged in humans during an outbreak in Brazil, co-occurring with a second mutation, E1 K211T, suggesting an important role for these residues in CHIKV biology. Given the emergence of these variants, we hypothesized that they function to promote CHIKV infectivity and subsequent disease. Here, we show that E1 V156A and E1 K211T modulate virus attachment and fusion and impact binding to heparin, a homolog of heparan sulfate, a key entry factor on host cells. These variants also exhibit differential neutralization by anti-glycoprotein monoclonal antibodies, suggesting structural impacts on the particle that may be responsible for altered interactions at the host membrane. Finally, E1 V156A and E1 K211T exhibit increased titers in an adult arthritic mouse model and induce increased foot-swelling at the site of injection. Taken together, this work has revealed new roles for E1 where discrete regions of the glycoprotein are able to modulate cell attachment and swelling within the host. IMPORTANCEAlphaviruses represent a growing threat to human health worldwide. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has rapidly spread to new geographic regions in the last several decades, causing overwhelming outbreaks of disease, yet there are no approved therapeutics. The CHIKV glycoproteins are key determinants of CHIKV adaptation and virulence. In this study, we characterize the naturally emerging E1 glycoprotein variants, V156A and K211T. We demonstrate that E1 V156A and K211T function in virus attachment to cells, a role that until now has been only attributed to the CHIKV E2 glycoprotein. We also demonstrate E1 V156A and K211T to increase foot-swelling in mice. Observing that these variants and other pathogenic variants occur at the E1-E1 inter-spike interface, we highlight this structurally important region as critical for multiple steps during CHIKV infection. Together, these studies further defines the function of E1 in CHIKV infection and can inform the development of therapeutic or preventative strategies.
Coronary artery calcium scoring in patients with statin associated muscle symptoms: Prescribing statins for those most likely to benefit.

Abstract For primary prevention, statin therapy reduces the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events in adults with intermediate or high estimated 10-year risk using traditional population-based risk calculators. While a variety of reported symptoms may limit statin adherence, muscle complaints, whether typical or atypical of that associated with statin therapy, are the most common reported by patients. Because additional testing, alteration in the patient's medical regimen and subsequent medical visits are often required, an informed clinician-patient discussion and shared decision making are necessary to achieve the best outcomes. The authors provide support for the perspective that coronary calcium scoring, by individualizing estimated risk and helping to identify those most likely to benefit, plays a vital role in preventive therapy decision-making for the primary prevention patient with troublesome muscle complaints attributed to statin therapy.
Medial prefrontal pathways for the contextual regulation of extinguished fear in humans.

The maintenance of anxiety disorders is thought to depend, in part, on deficits in extinction memory, possibly due to reduced contextual control of extinction that leads to fear renewal. Animal stu ...
Carbohydrate-rich snacks influence plasma glucose, insulin and ghrelin responses in overweight adults (1039.5)

The effects of a whole food (dried plums; DP) or refined (low-fat muffins; LFM) snack on satiety and insulin responses following consumption were assessed before and after a snack intervention tria...
La bibliotecología y la ciencia de la información: dos paradigmas

La biblioteca como institucion social, y el movimiento de la informacion como un sistema de comunicacion humana, son los dos paradigmas de la bibliotecologia y la ciencia de la informacion que se caracterizan en este articulo, en el cual se hacen comentarios criticos sobre sus debilidades y tambien sobre su posible combinacion, que da lugar a una vision unilateral de la disciplina, sin embargo existe un fundamento para concluir que ambos paradigmas se complementan en vez de negarse.
Prolonged Effects of Fasting-Refeeding on Rat Adipose Tissue Lipoprotein Lipase Activity: Influence of Caloric Restriction during Refeeding

We studied lipoprotein activity in white adipose tissue of male rats during a 3-day fast and up to 21 days of refeeding. Changes in LPL were considered in relation to concomitant changes in fat cell size. During fasting fat cell size decreased and LPL activity declined markedly (80%). With ad libitum refeeding LPL activity returned to control values by 3 or 5 days of refeeding, increased above control values (60-100%) by 10 days of refeeding and returned to control values by 20 days of refeeding. The normalization and overshoot of LPL activity preceded and accompanied increases in fat cell size, which occurred between days 5 and 10 of refeeding; LPL activity returned to control values Only after fat cell size also returned to control values. Mild food restriction (approximately 25%) during refeeding allowed LPL activity to return to control values but reduced the magnitude and duration of the overshoot. Severe food restriction (approximately 50%) during refeeding delayed the return of LPL activity to control values until day 20 of refeeding. These data support a role for LPL in restoration of adipocyte lipid stores during refeeding. Food restriction during refeeding influences LPL and may modulate the rate of lipid accumulation by adipocytes during refeeding.
Computational Divided Differencing and Divided-Difference Arithmetics

Tools for computational differentiation transform a program that computes a numerical function F(x) into a related program that computes F′(x) (the derivative of F). This paper describes how techniques similar to those used in computational-differentiation tools can be used to implement other program transformations—in particular, a variety of transformations for computational divided differencing. The specific technical contributions of the paper are as follows: – It presents a program transformation that, given a numerical function F(x) defined by a program, creates a program that computes F[x0, x1], the first divided difference of F(x), where F[x_0,x_1] \eqdef\left\{ \begin{array}{l@{\quad}l}\ds\frac{F(x_0)-F(x_1)}{x_0 - x_1}& \mbox{if}~x_0 \neq x_1 \\[10pt] \ds\frac{d}{d z} F(z), \mbox{evaluated at}~z = x_0 & \mbox{if}~x_0 = x_1 \end{array}\right. – It shows how computational first divided differencing generalizes computational differentiation. – It presents a second program transformation that permits the creation of higher-order divided differences of a numerical function defined by a program. – It shows how to extend these techniques to handle functions of several variables. The paper also discusses how computational divided-differencing techniques could lead to faster and/or more robust programs in scientific and graphics applications. Finally, the paper describes how computational divided differencing relates to the numerical-finite-differencing techniques that motivated Robert Paige's work on finite differencing of set-valued expressions in SETL programs.
We teach that, don't we? Planning assessment and responding to the results

The paper describes the initiation of an outcome based assessment process in the Engineering Technology Department at Western Washington University. It describes some of the standard difficulties of instituting outcome based assessment and how we have addressed them. In addition, it describes our process to this point, and our plan for the future. Finally, the paper elucidates how assessment has effected our programs, concentrating on changes to our Manufacturing Engineering Technology program. Overall, assessment has proceeded slowly, but it has brought positive changes to the Engineering Technology Department.
Marine boundary layer drizzle properties and their impact on cloud property retrieval

Abstract. In this study, we retrieve and document drizzle properties, and investigate the impact of drizzle on cloud property retrieval in Dong et al. (2014a) from ground-based measurements at the ARM Azores facility from June 2009 to December 2010. For the selected cloud and drizzle samples, the drizzle occurrence is 42.6 %, with a maximum of 55.8 % in winter and a minimum of 35.6 % in summer. The annual means of drizzle liquid water path LWPd, effective radius rd, and number concentration Nd for the rain (virga) samples are 4.73 (1.25) g m−2, 61.5 (36.4) μm, and 0.38 (0.79) cm−3. The seasonal mean LWPd values are less than 3 % of the LWP values retrieved by the microwave radiometer (MWR). The annual mean differences in cloud-droplet effective radius with and without drizzle are 0.75 and 2.35 %, respectively, for the virga and rain samples. Therefore, we conclude that the impact of drizzle below the cloud base on cloud property retrieval is insignificant for a solar-transmission-based method, but significant for any retrievals using radar reflectivity.
Multidimensional image analysis and mathematical morphology

Summary form only given. Multidimensional operators based on mathematical morphology have been proposed for image segmentation. Mathematical morphology is basically a set theory. It provides the concept of a structuring element to probe the image with arbitrary geometric patterns, in order to capture the topological properties of the image. The classical operators have been extended to multidimensions. A morphological approach to scale-space filtering has been developed. Multiscale morphological openings that nonlinearly smooth the image without blurring the features (edges) have been used. The approach has been formulated within the framework of alternating sequential filters (ASF). >
A new synthesis of substituted pyrazoles from 1,4-dianions of phenylhydrazones having an α-hydrogen

The 1,4-dianions of acetophenone, para-substituted acetophenones, deoxybenzoin and dibenzyl ketone phenylhydrazone were prepared by treatment of the respective phenylhydrazone with two molecular equivalents of n-butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran-hexane at 0° and condensed with a variety of aromatic esters, followed by acid cyclization to give the substituted pyrazole in good yield. The synthesis procedure appears to be a convenient and unequivocal method for preparing a particular pyrazole isomer without interfering side reactions. The 1,4-dianion of N,N-diphenylsemicarbazone was also prepared, and the condensation-cyclization gave the pyrazole in somewhat lower yield.
Absence of statistical fluctuations in quasi-one-dimensional disordered systems

The fact that the inverse localization length is normally distributed in disordered onedimensional systems, combined with the delocalizing effects of inelastic scattering, imply that the resistance of thin metallic wires will be a well-behaved random variable in any temperature regime which appears to be accessible by present experimental techniques. In particular, it is shown that the exponentially large fluctuations in the zero-temperature dc resistance found in studies of the Landauer formula can only be of importance in the exponential hopping regime. A condition for these fluctuations to be observed is derived.
BOUNDS ON PROPAGATORS, COUPLING CONSTANTS AND VERTEX FUNCTIONS* ,

We construct several bounds on renormalization constants and on the asymptotic behavior of propagation functions and vertices. The inputs are experimental measurements and/or analyticity properties of vertex functions. We also discuss the connection between zeros in propagators, poles in vertex functions, and the values of coupling constants. This is the problem studied by Geshkenbein and Ioffe and by Meiman, and we discuss the possible physical significance of such zeros in terms of an extended Lee model. In particular we argue on the basis of this model and the scattering amplitude derived from it that there is no reason to exclude the existence of zeros in the propagator. This negates the arguments given for bounding the coupling constants in field theory.
Local Antiferromagnetic Order in Single-Crystal MnO above the Néel Temperature

This investigation of the spin arrangement in a single crystal of MnO above the N\'eel temperature (${T}_{N}\ensuremath{\simeq}122$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) has shown that the magnetic neutron scattering in the vicinity of the (111) magnetic peak position consists of diffuse but distinct satellites. The presence of these satellites, which are lined up approximately along a 111g axis of the single crystal, indicates that small regions containing antiphase boundaries and strong antiferromagnetic order exist well above ${T}_{N}$. Applying a model developed for domains in ordered alloys, the average domain size was estimated to be 46 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 \AA{} at 133\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The general features of the scattering indicate that the number of coherent domains in a given region is small, and lead to the preliminary conclusion that the local order in MnO above ${T}_{N}$ is inhomogeneous.
Importance of third mesial canals in mandibular molars: Report of 2 cases

Most mandibular first molars have 2 mesial canals. Two cases of failed endodontically treated first mandibular molars are presented with 2 obturated mesial canals. The cases were retreated with a third mesial canal identified, and instrumented and obturated with resolution of the patients' signs and symptoms. These cases show that consideration must be made to recognize the possibility of a third mesial canal and perform complete treatment to minimize the possibility of failure.
Secreted transforming growth factor β2 activates NF-κB, blocks apoptosis, and is essential for the survival of some tumor cells

The basis of constitutive activation of NF-κB, essential for survival and resistance to apoptosis in many tumors, is not well understood. We find that transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2), predominantly in its latent form, is secreted by several different types of tumor cell lines that exhibit constitutively active NF-κB and that TGFβ2 potently stimulates the activation of NF-κB in reporter cells. Suppression of TGFβ2 expression by small interfering RNA kills prostate cancer PC3 cells, indicating that the TGFβ2–NF-κB pathway is important for their viability. These findings identify TGFβ2 as a potential target for therapeutic strategies to inhibit the growth of tumor cells that depend on constitutively active NF-κB, or to sensitize them to treatment with cytotoxic drugs.
Transformation of Kluyveromyces lactis with the kanamycin (G418) resistance gene of Tn903.

Abstract Direct selection of Kluyveromyces lactis resistant to the antibiotic G418 following transformation with the kanamycin resistance gene of Tn903 required the development of a procedure for producing high yields of viable spheroplasts and for the isolation of autonomous replication sequences ( ARS ). To obtain high yields of viable spheroplasts, cells were treated with (1) a thiol-reducing agent ( l -cysteine), and (2) a high concentration of an osmotic stabilizer, 1.5 M sorbitol. Several ARS -containing plasmids were selected from a K. lactis recombinant DNA library in K. lactis and in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Two of four ARS clones selected in K. lactis promoted transformation frequencies of 5–10 × 10 2 G418-resistant cells/μg of plasmid DNA. This frequency of transformation was at least twice as high as with ARS clones selected in S. cerevisiae . The stability of ARS -containing plasmids varied; after 20 generations of growth in the presence of G418, 16–38% of the cells remained resistant to the drug. In the absence of selection pressure less than 5 % of the cells retained the drug-resistance phenotype. Plasmids containing the ARS 1 or 2μ replicon of 5. cerevisiae failed to transform K. lactis for G418 resistance. Inclusion of S. cerevisiae centromere, CEN 4, in a K. lactis ARS recombinant plasmid did not increase the stability of the plasmid in K. lactis , and marker genes on the vector segregated predominantly 4 −1 :0 + through meiosis. We conclude that neither the ARS sequences or the centromere of S. cerevisiae was functioning in K. lactis .
How Appreciative Inquiry Can Help Managers Gain Trust

Energizing and enabling deep change in organizations are often necessary and always challenging. In “Creating a Healthy Workplace Culture Using an Appreciative Inquiry 4-D Cycle,” Raymond Calabrese...
When the Same Is Different: A Comparison of the Information Processing Strategies of Deaf and Hearing People

In this study, the information processing strategies of Gallaudet University students who are profoundly and prelingually deaf were evaluated. The subjects demonstrated the highest levels of recognition to the left and right of the fixation point, often referred to as a reading strategy when found in hearing people. Additionally, they demonstrated higher levels of recognition at positions in the top right quadrant of the display, a pattern not found in hearing people. A main effect was found: subjects whose primary and secondary school backgrounds were oral and manual combined had significantly higher levels of recognition overall than did subjects from oral-only educational backgrounds. Differences in background did not interact with strategy use in this study. These findings lead to the conclusion that the information processing strategies of deaf people need to be evaluated closely before general conclusions can be made. Alternative means for evaluating these types of findings are suggested.
A Survey of Techniques for Modeling and Improving Reliability of Computing Systems

Recent trends of aggressive technology scaling have greatly exacerbated the occurrences and impact of faults in computing systems. This has made ‘reliability’ a first-order design constraint. To address the challenges of reliability, several techniques have been proposed. This paper provides a survey of architectural techniques for improving resilience of computing systems. We especially focus on techniques proposed for microarchitectural components, such as processor registers, functional units, cache and main memory etc. In addition, we discuss techniques proposed for non-volatile memory, GPUs and 3D-stacked processors. To underscore the similarities and differences of the techniques, we classify them based on their key characteristics. We also review the metrics proposed to quantify vulnerability of processor structures. We believe that this survey will help researchers, system-architects and processor designers in gaining insights into the techniques for improving reliability of computing systems.
Luminescence response of thin plastic scintillator detectors to fission fragments from proton-induced fission of 232Th, 235U, and 238U

Abstract The luminescence response of a thin-film detector to fragments from the fission of 232 Th, 235 U, and 238 U induced by 10–18 MeV protons was determined. Measurements were made in coincidence with signals from a surface-barrier solid-state detector, and the detector responses were displayed for each energy as two-parameter plots. Detector responses to 252 Cf spontaneous-fission fragments were determined for comparison. Results are consistent with previous work at comparable energies. The possible significance of a previously observed change in symmetric-to-asymmetric fission ratio near 15 MeV bombarding energy, and the applicability of thin-film detectors to identification of unknown fissioning nuclides are discussed.
Nanotube electrodes and biosensors

This article reviews the state of the art in carbon nanotube electrode and biosensor research. Carbon nanotubes have unique mechanical, electrical, and geometrical properties that are ideal for developing different types of nanoscale electrodes and biosensors. Carbon nanotube synthesis and subsequent functionalization strategies to immobilize special biomolecules are discussed first. Then different types of carbon nanotube biosensors and electroanalytical methods are reviewed particularly considering their capabilities for low detection limits, point-of-care applications, and label-free use. Detection strategies for proteins and nucleic acids, as well as mammalian and bacterial cells are also outlined. We conclude with some speculations and predictions on future exciting and challenging directions for nanotube biosensor research and applications.
Accelerators for charged particle therapy

History has shown that energetic particles can be useful for medical applications. From the time, in 1895 when Roentgen discovered X-rays, and in 1913 when Coolidge developed the vacuum X-ray tube, energetic particles have been an important tool for medicine. Development of the appropriate tool for effective and safe radiotherapy requires an in-depth understanding of the application and constraints. Various solutions are possible and choices must be analyzed on the basis of the suitability for meeting the requirements. Some of the requirements of charged particle therapy are summarized and various accelerator options are described and discussed.
Active control of structures with adaptive modified positive position feedback

Abstract The modified positive position feedback controller , an active vibration control method that uses collocated piezoelectric actuator actuators and sensor s, is developed using an adaptive controller. The adaptive mechanism consists of two main pa rts: 1) Frequency adaptation mechanism, and 2) Adaptive controller. Frequency adaptation only tracks the frequency of vibrations using Fast Fourier Transforms. The obtained frequency is then fed to MPPF compensators and the adaptive controller. This provides a unique feature for MPPF, by extending its domain of capabilities from controlling tonal vibrations to broad band disturbances. The adaptive controller mechanism consists of a reference model that is of the sa me order as the MPPF system and its compensators. The adaptive law provides the additional control fo rce that is needed for controlling frequency changes caused by broad band vibrations. The experimental results show that the frequency tracking method that is derived has worked quite well. The results also indicate that the MPPF can provide significant vibration reduction on a cantilever beam that is used throughout the experiments. Keywords: Active control, Vibration suppression, Positive Position Feedback, Adaptive control. 1 Introduction Positive Position Feedback (PPF) control has been ex tensively used in active vibration control. It was first introduced in mid-eighties for aerospace applications [1]. This method is designed to
High-Resolution Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectra of a Rabbit Sciatic Nerve

Proton magnetic resonance spectra (220-megahertz field) of an isolated rabbit sciatic nerve in its native state have been observed and assigned to the extracellular water, intracellular water, and phospholipids of the nerve. This study indicates that the nerve fibers contain fluid-like hydrophobic regions, in agreement with the results of recent electron spin resonance spin-labeled studies of excitable membranes of nerve and muscle.
Quantitative Differences between Lightning and Nonlightning Convective Rainfall Events as Observed with Polarimetric Radar and MSG Satellite Data

AbstractTo increase understanding of the relationships between lightning and nonlightning convective storms, lightning observations from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) campaign were analyzed with Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) geostationary satellite and S-band NASA Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar (NPOL) data. The study’s goal was to analyze the time evolution of infrared satellite fields and ground-based polarimetric radar during NAMMA to quantify relationships between satellite and radar observations for lightning and nonlightning convective clouds over equatorial Africa. Using NPOL data, very low-frequency arrival time difference lightning data, and MSG Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager observations, the physical attributes of growing cumulus clouds, including ice mass production, updraft strength, cloud depth, and cloud-top glaciation were examined. It was found that, on average, the lightning storms had stro...
A Uniform Bound for the Jacobian of the Gravitational Force Vector for a Class of Robot Manipulators

In this paper, we study the boundedness of the Jacobian of the gravitational force vector of serial link robot manipulators with respect to the generalized coordinate vector. The uniform bound of this matrix plays an important role in the stability analysis and design of many control systems. In order to insure the existence of a uniform bound, it is typically assumed that manipulators under consideration have only revolute joints. We therefore propose a larger class of manipulators, referred to as class BD manipulators, for which a uniform bound exists. This bound can easily be computed using basic link parameters including the link masses, the Denavit-Hartenberg link parameters, and the link center of mass locations.
Substrate binding and the presence of ferredoxin affect the redox properties of the soluble plant Δ9-18∶0-acyl carrier protein desaturase

Substrate-free Δ9-18∶0-acyl carrier protein desaturase (abbreviated to Des) [E.C. # 1.14.99.6] was 2-electron reduced with E’0 = −0.03 + −0.01 V; the presence of spinach ferredoxin (SpFd) induces an additional 1-electron reduction wave at E’0 = −0.21 + −0.02 V, which shifts by 0.106 V upon substrate binding.
Schrödinger self-adjoint extension and quantum field theory

Abstract We argue that the results obtained using the quantum mechanical method of self-adjoint extension of the Schrodinger Hamiltonian can also be derived using Feynman perturbation theory in the investigation of the corresponding non-relativistic field theories. We show that this is indeed what happens in the study of an anyon system, and, in doing so, we establish a field theoretical description for “colliding anyons”, i.e. anyons whose quantum mechanical wave functions satisfy the non-conventional boundary conditions obtained with the method of self-adjoint extension. We also show that analogous results hold for a system of non-abelian Chern-Simons particles.
(1R,7R)-4-[(1R,2S,5R)-2-Iso­propyl-5-methyl­cyclo­hex­oxy]-9,9-di­methyl-2,2,6,6-tetra­phenyl-3,5,8,10-tetraoxa-4-phosphabi­cyclo[5.3.0]­decane

The crystal structure of the title compound, C41H47PO5, has been determined. The absolute configuration assignment was based on knowledge of the chirality of the starting material.
Utility of additional CT examinations driven by completion of a standard trauma imaging protocol in patients transferred for minor trauma

Many clinicians order focused computed tomography (CT) examinations for trauma patients based on history and physical examinations. Trauma patients transferred to our level I trauma center undergo an extensive, nonfocused standard trauma CT protocol. We hypothesize that the use of the standard trauma CT protocol does not contribute significant clinical information for patient care when compared with CT examinations based on history and physical examination. We aim to quantify the utility of the additional CT examinations required by our institution’s trauma protocol compared with emergent CT examinations dictated by the patient's history and physical examination findings. In this IRB-approved study, we retrospectively evaluated 132 trauma patients transferred to our center who underwent additional CT examinations as determined by fulfillment of our institution’s standard trauma CT protocol. The emergency radiologist evaluated the CT examinations acquired after the patient's transfer to determine if there were any additional acute findings that were identified on these additional examinations compared with the initial assessment undertaken at the outside institution. A total of 101 patients transferred to our trauma center met inclusion criteria. The majority of these patients sustained minor trauma. The standard trauma protocol generated 474 negative CT examinations in 101 patients. In seven patients, there were unexpected acute findings. However, these unexpected acute findings did not change clinical management in any of the patients. After initial evaluation, the acquisition of additional nonfocused CT examinations based on the standard trauma CT protocol provides little useful clinical information in patients who are transferred for minor trauma. Rather, CT utilization should be based on clinical findings. Replacement of standard trauma CT protocol with focused CT examinations in trauma patients is a way to curtail overutilization, thereby decreasing health care cost and the amount of patient radiation exposure.
A Random Field Model for Anomalous Diffusion in Heterogeneous Porous Media

Heterogeneity, as it occurs in porous media, is characterized in terms of a scaling exponent, or fractal dimension. A feature of primary interest for two-phase flow is the mixing length. This paper determines the relation between the scaling exponent for the heterogeneity and the scaling exponent which governs the mixing length. The analysis assumes a linear transport equation and uses random fields first in the characterization of the heterogeneity and second in the solution of the flow problem, in order to determine the mixing exponents. The scaling behavior changes from long-length-scale dominated to short-length-scale dominated at a critical value of the scaling exponent of the rock heterogeneity. The long-length-scale-dominated diffusion is anomalous.
Computational Studies of [2+2] and [4+2] Pericyclic Reactions between Phosphinoboranes and Alkenes. Steric and Electronic Effects in Identifying a Reactive Phosphinoborane that Should Avoid Dimerization

Computational studies of pericyclic reactions between phosphinoboranes X2BPY2 and alkenes/dienes were undertaken for comparison with organic analogues. Identification of a suitable phosphinoborane ...