cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of mutant small, acid-soluble spore proteins from Bacillus subtilis on DNA in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract alpha/beta-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) of Bacillus subtilis bind to DNA and alter its conformation, topology, and photochemistry, and thereby spore resistance to UV light. Three mutations have been introduced into the B. subtilis sspC gene, which codes for the alpha/beta-type wild-type SASP, SspCwt. One mutation (SspCTyr) was a conservative change, as residue 29 (Leu) was changed to Tyr, an amino acid found at this position in other alpha/beta-type SASP. The other mutations changed residues conserved in all alpha/beta-type SASP. In one (SspCAla), residue 52 (Gly) was changed to Ala; in the second (SspCGln), residue 57 (Lys) was changed to Gln. The effects of the wild-type and mutant SspC on DNA properties were examined in vivo in B. subtilis spores and Escherichia coli as well as in vitro with use of purified protein. Both SspCwt and SspCTyr interacted similarly with DNA in vivo and in vitro, restoring much UV resistance to spores lacking major alpha/beta-type SASP, causing a large increase in plasmid negative supercoiling, and altering DNA UV photochemistry from cell type to spore type. In contrast, SspCAla had no detectable effect on DNA properties in vivo or in vitro, while SspCGln had effects intermediate between those of SspCAla and SspCwt. Strikingly, neither SspCAla nor SspCGln bound well to DNA in vitro. These results confirm the importance of the conserved primary sequence of alpha/beta-type SASP in the ability of these proteins to bind to spore DNA and cause spore UV resistance.
Guidelines for the Reporting of Treatment Trials for Alcohol Use Disorders.

Background The primary goals in conducting clinical trials of treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are to identify efficacious treatments and determine which treatments are most efficacious for which patients. Accurate reporting of study design features and results is imperative to enable readers of research reports to evaluate to what extent a study has achieved these goals. Guidance on quality of clinical trial reporting has evolved substantially over the past 2 decades, primarily through the publication and widespread adoption of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. However, there is room to improve the adoption of those standards in reporting the design and findings of treatment trials for AUD. Methods This paper provides a narrative review of guidance on reporting quality in AUD treatment trials. Results Despite improvements in the reporting of results of treatment trials for AUD over the past 2 decades, many published reports provide insufficient information on design or methods. Conclusions The reporting of alcohol treatment trial design, analysis, and results requires improvement in 4 primary areas: (i) trial registration, (ii) procedures for recruitment and retention, (iii) procedures for randomization and intervention design considerations, and (iv) statistical methods used to assess treatment efficacy. Improvements in these areas and the adoption of reporting standards by authors, reviewers, and editors are critical to an accurate assessment of the reliability and validity of treatment effects. Continued developments in this area are needed to move AUD treatment research forward via systematic reviews and meta-analyses that maximize the utility of completed studies.
Effects of sucrose concentrations on single alternation runway responding in rats

Abstract Rats received runway training under alternating reward and nonreward in which rewarded (R) trials provided 32 or 4% sucrose concentration from a drinking tube and nonrewarded (N) trials provided a dry tube or, for half of the rats in the 32% condition, plain water. Both 32 and 4% concentrations yielded faster running on R trials than on N trials; but this effect was reliable only for the 32% condition. Compared to 4% sucrose, 32% sucrose yielded reliably slower running on N trials and unreliably faster running on R trials.
Neutron powder-diffraction studies of lithium, sodium, and potassium metal.

Neutron powder-diffraction measurements have been performed on polycrystalline lithium and sodium specimens at 80 and 20 K and on potassium metal at 80 and 10 K. Lithium is bcc (body-centered cubic) at room temperature and undergoes a martensitic structural phase transformation to a 9{ital R} (samarium-type) form at low temperature. This experiment presents evidence that the 9{ital R} phase is present in sodium as well as lithium. No evidence of a transformation was observed in potassium at 10 K. The diffraction lines for both lithium and sodium after the phase transformation exhibit position shifts and broadening characteristic of stacking-fault defects. The line shifts, line broadening, and transformed fraction for the low-temperature phase of lithium and sodium metal are reported. The diffraction peak position shifts are, however, different from those predicted for deformation-type stacking faults alone. Qualitative agreement of the experimental results with stacking-fault-model calculations was obtained for a double-twin'' type of layer defect.
Outcomes after middle turbinate resection: Revisiting a controversial topic

OBJECTIVE To evaluate differences in endoscopy exam, olfactory function, and quality-of-life (QOL) status after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for patients with and without bilateral middle turbinate (BMT) resection.
The apparent contact dimension and covariates among orthodontically treated and nontreated subjects.

UNLABELLED: The apparent contact dimension (ACD), a determinant of dental esthetics, has been purported to exhibit an esthetic relationship termed the "50:40:30" rule, implying that in an esthetic smile, the ACD between the central incisors, central and lateral incisors, and lateral incisor and canine would be 50, 40, and 30% of the height of a central incisor, respectively. This study assessed the existence of this proportion using casts of orthodontically treated (N = 40) and nontreated (N = 27) subjects deemed to possess excellent occlusion. Covariates studied included tooth size, tooth shape, tip, and torque. The average ACD proportions in this study, relative to the height of an ipsilateral central incisor, were found to be 49, 38, and 27% between the central incisors, central and lateral incisors, and the lateral incisor and canine, respectively. The ACD exhibited a positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the height of the clinical crown and a negative correlation (p < 0.05) with the width/height ratios of the corresponding teeth. No statistically significant correlations were evident between the ACD with the shape of the clinical crown, tip, and torque. However, the tip and torque did exhibit a statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation with the height of the clinical crown. This study is the first to validate the existence and proportions of the ACD. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study validates the existence of the ACD and quantifies the relationship of the ACD with tooth size, tooth shape, mesiodistal crown angulation (tip), and labiolingual crown inclination (torque) among subjects deemed to possess excellent occlusion and alignment. This quantifiable "ideal" and its correlation with the other determinants of dental esthetics may be used in conjunction with various evidence-based paradigms in the esthetic appraisal of the maxillary anterior teeth.
Synthesis of uniform diameter single wall carbon nanotubes in Co-MCM-41: effects of CO pressure and reaction time

The influence of the CO pressure and of the duration of catalyst exposure to CO was systematically investigated with respect to the carbon yield, selectivity, and diameter uniformity of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) produced by CO disproportionation over Co-MCM-41 catalysts. The SWNT were characterized by Raman and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, while the state of the catalyst and the size of the metallic cobalt clusters were investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The experimental results suggest that both the selectivity to SWNT and the uniformity of their diameters are controlled by the relative rates of the following competing processes: cobalt reduction, nucleation of cobalt into clusters, and SWNT growth. It was found that reaction at low CO pressures leads to a wider distribution of diameters and lower SWNT selectivity. The duration of catalyst exposure to CO was found to strongly affect the SWNT selectivity at the early stages of SWNT growth, while it has a minor effect on the SWNT diameter uniformity.
Novel pore-lining residues in CFTR that govern permeation and open-channel block

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is both a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily and a Cl(-)-selective ion channel. We investigated the permeation pathway of human CFTR with measurements on conduction and open-channel blockade by diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC). We used site-directed mutagenesis and oocyte expression to locate residues in transmembrane domain (TM) 6 and TM 12 that contact DPC and control rectification and single-channel conductances. Thus, TM 12 and the previously investigated TM 6 line the CFTR pore. In each TM, residues in contact with DPC are separated by two turns of an alpha helix. The contributions of TM 6 and TM 12 to DPC block and Cl- permeation, however, are not equivalent. The resulting structural model for the conduction pathway may guide future studies of permeation in other Cl- channels and ATP-binding cassette transporters.
Methamphetamine's effect on repeated acquisitions with serial discrimination reversals.

Rats were trained through a series of discrimination reversals until they developed a stable, repeated acquisition baseline. Methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) accelerated acquisition measured from this baseline. The drug effect was demonstrated with successive cumulative records and with a graphic method using a distribution of error scores to develop a baseline. Generally, with low doses(0.25–0.50), methamphetamine reduced errors without affecting rewarded responding. This effect is dose dependent, although at 1.0 mg/kg the drug may disrupt operant behavior.
Elucidation of the bicarbonate binding site and insights into the carboxylation mechanism of (N(5))-carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthase (PurK) from Bacillus anthracis

Structures of (N5)-carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthase (PurK) from Bacillus anthracis with various combinations of ATP, ADP, Mg2+, bicarbonate and aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) in the active site are presented. The binding site of bicarbonate has only been speculated upon previously, but is shown here for the first time. The binding involves interactions with the conserved residues Arg272, His274 and Lys348. These structures provide insights into each ligand in the active site and allow a possible mechanism to be proposed for the reaction that converts bicarbonate and AIR, in the presence of ATP, to produce (N5)-carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide. The formation of a carboxyphosphate intermediate through ATP phosphoryl transfer is proposed, followed by carboxylation of AIR to give the product, facilitated by a cluster of conserved residues and an active-site water network.
Evaluation of boundary conditions for computational aeroacoustics

The performance of three boundary conditions for aeroacoustics were investigated, namely, (1) Giles-1990; (2) Tam and Webb-1993, and (3) Thompson-1987. For each boundary condition, various implementations were tested to study the sensitivity of their performance to the implementation procedure. Details of all implementations are given. Results are shown for the acoustic field of a monopole in a uniform freestream.
Scanning tunneling microscope with long range lateral motion

Abstract We present our work on a recently built scanning tunneling microscope (STM), with coarse motion in two-dimensions. The tip of this STM can be translated a few millimeters in directions both parallel and perpendicular to the tip. This feature allows sampling of a larger area for experiments such as the study of how the electrical properties of charge density waves evolve between contacts, the proximity effect near a normal metal–superconducting interface, charge transport near the contact of a semiconductor interface, and for finding microscopically small samples like graphene. This STM is based on one of our previous one-dimensional designs. It utilizes orchestrated motion of six piezoelectric tubes in a slip–stick configuration in order to produce long range motion for the walker. This device is a single unit with a compact design making it very stable. It is stable enough to obtain atomic resolution on HOPG. It can operate in either a horizontal or vertical configuration and at cryogenic temperatures. It was designed entirely from non-magnetic materials for potential work in a magnetic field.
Endogenous Bacterial Endophthalmitis: Report of a Ten-year Retrospective Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report the predisposing factors, timing of symptoms, timing of diagnosis, causative organisms, source of infection, and visual outcome in cases of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis. Methods: The records of 28 patients with endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis who presented to our combined ophthalmology and medicine services over a 10-year period were reviewed. Results: Ninety percent of the patients had prior medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, cardiac disorders, and malignancy. Acute ocular symptoms were the most common reasons why the patient went to the physician (usually an ophthalmologist) rather than systemic symptoms. A correct initial diagnosis was made in 50% of patients, with a delay in diagnosis of 4 days or more in 29% of patients. Organisms were identified in 27 of the 28 patients (96% identification rate), two thirds of which were gram-positive organisms. Streptococcal species were the most common group (32% of patients), although the single most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus (25% of patients). Sources of infection were identified in 93% of patients, with endocarditis and the gastrointestinal tract being the most common. In the majority of patients, visual outcome was poor. However, six eyes that received intravenous and intravitreal antibiotics, as well as therapeutic vitrectomy, achieved visual acuities of 20/50 or better. Conclusion: These results provide a further understanding of the manner of presentation, organisms involved, and sources of infection in endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis. They also suggest that improved outcome may be associated with early initiation of combined medical and surgical treatment.
The Ability of a Residual Reduction Algorithm to Account for Handrail Use During Gait Analysis

Subjects with significant gait impairments may require the use of external support to safely walk during motion capture collections [1]. Development of musculoskeletal simulations in the OpenSim environment, however, is complicated by external forces beyond ground reaction forces. Measured ground reaction forces and moments may be dynamically inconsistent with model kinematics due to modeling assumptions and experimental error [2]. With the addition of external forces applied using handrails, a harness support system or other loads, prediction of muscle forces and contribution to movement may be inaccurate, especially if all external forces are not able to be measured and included in the model.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Toward a quantitative biochemical model for circadian oscillators.

Abstract In this paper it is shown that a rather simple biochemical oscillator can simulate quantitatively the behavior of circadian oscillators. The system involves two enzymes whose concentrations are assumed to be decreasing functions of temperature. This results in a temperature independent period of oscillations. The feedback necessary for oscillations is achieved through an allosteric effect. Light is assumed to contribute to the activation of one of these enzymes; this results in a system following Ascoff's rule and presenting phase response curves similar to those observed in various organisms.
In-plane texturing and its effect on critical current densities of YBa2Cu3O7−x thin films grown on polycrystalline substrates

Abstract It is demonstrated that on polycrystalline substrates, a - b plane textures of c -axis oriented YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x (YBCO) thin films can be controlled with biaxially aligned yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) buffer layers grown by ion beam-assisted pulsed laser deposition. An X-ray φ scan measurement shows that the in-plane alignment of the a - (or b -) axes in polycrystalline YBCO thin film is determined by the in-plane texture of YSZ buffer layer. The transport critical current density ( J c ) of the YBCO thin film was found to directly correlate with its degree of in-plane alignment characterized by the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of YBCO (103)/(013) φ scan profile. For a YBCO thin film with the FWHM of 27°, J c shows an order of magnitude increase in comparison to YBCO thin films with a random in-plane distribution of a - and b -axes. Using a numerical method to describe the distribution of the a - (or b -) axes of YBCO grains, the misorientation angles of the grain boundaries were determined, and the transport critical current densities of polycrystalline YBCO thin films were calculated. The results are in good agreement with the experimental J c data for samples with different degrees of in-plane alignment. It indicates that the reduction of the number of high-angle grain boundaries is the main reason for the improved J c observed in the biaxially aligned YBCO thin films.
Purification of estradiol-17β dehydrogenase from human placenta by affinity chromatography

Abstract Estriol 16-hemisuccinate has been synthesized and covalently attached to Sepharose through 1,5-diaminopentane. A crude preparation of estradiol-17β dehydrogenase from human placenta was adsorbed on the gel. After extensive washing, the enzyme was eluted by M hydroxylamine in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer (20–50% glycerol), pH 7, at room temperature. An apparently homogeneous enzyme with a specific activity of 7.2 U/mg (82% recovery) was obtained. It is stable for weeks in the eluting buffer. The hydroxylamine can be removed by passing the enzyme solution over a Sephadex G-100 column or by dialyzing it against 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer containing 20% glycerol. This one-step process makes purification of the enzyme simple and easy.
The effect of stress on metal semiconductor junctions

Abstract The effects of stress on metal-semiconductor junctions have been investigated assuming that the transport mechanisms operative are thermionic emission, thermionic-field emission, or field emission. For generality the semiconductor has been considered to have a many valley conduction band structure. The analysis is developed in such a manner as to allow the calculation of the change in the built-in potential caused by the presence of a stress field from experimental data for several field configurations. Thus, it permits appraisal of the actual electron transfer process causing the stress-sensitivity in a given junction. For a material with a single valley structure in the conduction band, it is shown that the barrier height change is equal to the change in bias, at constant current, for any uniform stress field. For a loading applied normally to a portion of the contact an expression is also obtained for the barrier height change. For materials with a many valley structure, the same results are obtained for certain crystallographic directions; whereas, for others, repopulation effects are present. Their importance and magnitude are discussed.
Interaction of Euonymus scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) feeding damage and severe water stress on leaf abscission and growth of Euonymus fortunei.

Rooted cuttings of Euonymus fortunei were grown in a 2x2 factorial design experiment with or without euonymus scales and/or water stress. Infested plants and water stressed plants abscised leaves whereas uninfested, unstressed plants did not. There was significant interaction between scale infestation and water stress, with a synergistic effect on leaf abscission. Both scale infestation and water stress reduced the root weight, but there was no resulting change in the root/shoot ratio.
A microcomputer approach to storage of qualitative patient data using key words

A microcomputer program is presented which stores and retrieves qualitative patient information, such as diagnosis and physical findings. Users can design and enter a key word list and modify it as needed. Using those key words, up to 5000 patient entries can be made on a single floppy disk. Application of the program to CT scan study results is discussed.
On generalization of decomposability

Let X be a complex Banach space and let T be a bounded linear operator on X . Then T is decomposable if for every finite open cover of σ( T ) there are invariant subspaces Y i ( i = 1, 2, …, n ) such that (An invariant subspace Y is spectral maximal [for T ] if it contains every invariant subspace Z for which σ( T | Z ) ⊂ σ( T | Y ).).
Photonic Crystals: Turning data on a dime

By enlisting help from a robot to assemble precise structures, researchers have guided telecommunications-wavelength light around multiple hairpin turns in a three-dimensional photonic crystal.
The development of translucent end tubers

A study was made to gain greater understanding of the development of translucent end tubers which caused problems for french fry processors duringthe processing season of 1971–72. Analysis of seven commercial and three experimental samples revealed a lower dry matter and higher reducing sugar content in the basal portion of the tubers. Normally Russet Burbank potatoes contain higher dry matter in the basal end. A study of dry matter changes during growth and development in 1971 and of moisture stressed potatoes in 1972 showed a reversal in dry matter content and an uneven distribution of reducing sugars, whereas the normally irrigated potatoes maintained a higher percentage of dry matter in the basal portion throughout. A decrease in pH of the tissue accompanied the loss of starch from the basal portion of moisture stressed potatoes. As postulated by other research workers, the loss of dry matter is attributed to initiation of active growth of the apical end, thereby utilizing carbohydrates from the basal end following a period of stress. Immaturity of tubers and storage at low temperatures immediately after harvest caused water stressed potatoes to develop increased numbers of translucent ends in storage.
A numerical algorithm for optimal control of a class of hybrid systems: differential transformation based approach

A novel numerical algorithm based on differential transformation is proposed for optimal control of a class of hybrid systems with a predefined mode sequence. From the necessary conditions for optimality of hybrid systems, the hybrid optimal control problem is first converted into a two-point boundary value problem (TPBVP) with additional transverse conditions at the switching times. Then we propose a differential transformation algorithm for solving the TPBVP which may have discontinuities in the state and/or control input at the switching times. Using differential transformation, the hybrid optimal control problem reduces to a problem of solving a system of algebraic equations. The numerical solution is obtained in the form of a truncated Taylor series. By taking advantage of the special properties of the linear subsystems and a quadratic cost functional, the differential transformation algorithm can be further simplified for the switched linear quadratic optimal control problem. We analyse the error of...
Methods and Applications of Inversion

In considering Methods and Applications of Inversions, it is important to realize that the study of inverse problems is not a well-posed endeavor. To begin with, the variety of such problems is extremely broad; any systematic attempt to use observational data to make inferences about a model of the underlying physical processes qualifies as an inverse method. And then, the methods of analysis can branch off in innumerable directions. Many choices must be made in formulating the problem, determining the type and amount of regularization, selecting a solution algorithm, and in representing the results. Finally there is the peculiar process of appraisal, which is often treated as optional, in which one attempts to determine whether a solution was actually obtained and whether it contains any new information. What this means is that when a group gets together to discuss inverse problems, one should not be surprised to encounter a broad variety of problems and approaches. Such is the case with Methods and Applications of Inversions.
A small-scale multi-purpose reverberation room

Abstract A one-fourth scale model of the large (425 m3) National Bureau of Standards reverberation room is described. This facility was constructed to carry out acoustical research at relatively low cost in a frequency range two octaves higher than that used in the larger facility. Initial experimental measurements carried out in this facility concern sound power emitted by small sources. The pure tone qualification procedure specified in American National Standard S1.21-1972 ‘Metods for the Determination of Sound Power Levels of Small Sources in Reverberation Rooms’ was carried out using computer control of the experiment. This standard is of particular interest to the international acoustical community since it is technically equivalent to ISO Documents DIS 3741 and DIS 3742. The effect of increased low frequency absorption upon room qualification was tested in the model room. Future research plans to make use of the small-scale reverberation rooms are described.
Evaluation of fluorescence in situ hybridization as an ancillary tool to urine cytology in diagnosing urothelial carcinoma

Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on routine urine samples and to compare the relative sensitivities of urine cytology and FISH for detecting urothelial carcinoma. Light microscopy (LM) using cytologic evaluation and FISH were used to study 121 consecutive urine samples. A mixture of fluorescent probes to chromosomes 3, 7, 17, and the 9p21 locus were used for detection of numerical chromosomal abnormalities (UroVysion, Vysis/Abbott). Biopsy specimens from patients in the study were reviewed if available. FISH analysis was performed without knowledge of cytology or biopsy findings. The urine cytology of 121 samples was interpreted as 59 negative, 41 reactive, 16 atypical, 2 suspicious and 3 insufficient cells for diagnosis. 85 samples were successfully analyzed by FISH. Thirty-one of these showed chromosomal abnormalities and these samples were initially regarded on the original cytology reading as follows: 10 negative, 10 reactive, 9 atypical, and 2 suspicious. FISH demonstrated chromosomal abnormalities in a significant number of cases (67%) that were initially diagnosed as normal or reactive by LM. Twenty-five patients were identified who had biopsy-proven TCC and successful FISH. Thirteen of the 25 patients (52%) were abnormal by FISH (cytology: 2 suspicious, 6 atypical, 4 reactive, 1 negative). One patient was atypical by cytology with normal FISH results but had TCC on biopsy. Hyperdiploidy for chromosomes 3 (77%) and 7 (67%) were seen consistently. Multiple chromosomal abnormalities were seen in 67% of these cases. We conclude that FISH has a greater sensitivity in detecting urothelial carcinoma when coupled with urine cytology. It is not entirely clear at this time whether a positive FISH may indicate frank neoplastic urothelial transformation or merely be an indicator of unstable urothelium capable of or primed for malignant transformation thus detecting patients at significant risk. The use of FISH in conjunction with urine cytology can potentially reduce urothelial carcinoma morbidity and mortality by diagnosing these tumors earlier.
Patterns of parental investment, dispersal and size among coral-reef fishes

Coral-reef fishes have been selected to produce propagules for dispersal because they live in a patchy environment, and the adults cannot migrate between patches. For large species (> 100 mm SL) and widely separated patches, numerous propagules are needed, often with specialized pelagic intervals. Individuals of small species are confined to portions of the reef. They are unable to produce enough eggs for effective long-range dispersal, and so they keep their vulnerable eggs and young out of the plankton until they are well developed enough to seek out and settle onto the appropriate habitat before dispersing.
Single wall carbon nanotubes density of states: comparison of experiment and theory

Abstract We study the electronic structure of a variety of single wall carbon nanotubes and report density of states obtained with the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized gradient approximation and hybrid PBE0 approximation of density functional theory using Gaussian orbitals and periodic boundary conditions. PBE gives very good results for metallic tubes but the addition of a portion of exact exchange in the hybrid PBE0 functional worsens the agreement between experiment and theory. On the other hand, the PBE0 hybrid significantly improves the theoretical predictions (compared to PBE) for semiconducting tubes.
A critical pedagogy of place and the critical place(s) of pedagogy

The notion of place‐based education as grounding student learning in the local raises important questions about what constitutes the ‘local’ in a now closely interconnected world and what constitutes an educational ‘place’ when places of learning are shifting, as both new virtual sites emerge and old physical ones, including schools, lose some of their significance. In response to Gruenewald’s proposal to blend place‐based education with critical pedagogy as traditions whose respective emphasis complements the other’s limitations, I identify some tensions and remaining limitations but disagree with Bowers’ critique that a critical pedagogy of place is an oxymoron. Instead, I argue that these two traditions can be productively juxtaposed whereby their junctures and disjunctures can be revealed and used as a pedagogical space for authentic environmental and cultural learning by engaging students in constructing thick descriptions (as Bowers advocates) and critical analyses, both historically and contemporan...
Repetitive vibronic structure patterns and the energy gap in the spectra of metal complexes caused by excited state distortions

Abstract Two unusual features in the electronic spectra of transition metal compounds which result from excited state distortions are the subject of this paper. The first feature, repetitive patterns of vibronic structure, are interpreted in terms of beats in the time domain between the time-dependent overlaps of two or more modes. The patterns which appear in the emission and absorption spectra of bis(maleonitriledithiolato)palladium are analyzed. The second feature, large gaps separating the emission and absorption spectra of some metal complexes, is a consequence of displacements in two or more normal modes, one of which is not totally symmetric. The active asymmetric b 1g mode of PtCl 4 2− is modeled by a double minimum potential surface. The electronic spectra and the energy gap are calculated by using the split operator technique for numerical integration of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation.
Shamanism and Cognitive Evolution (with comments)

Shamanic referents in Upper Palaeolithic cave art indicate its pivotal role in the Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition. Etic models of shamanism derived from cross-cultural research help articulate the shamanic paradigm in cave art and explicate the role of shamanism in this transition. Shamanism is found cross-culturally in hunter-gatherer societies, constituting an ecological and psychosociobiological adaptation that reflects the ritual and cosmology of early modern humans. Shamanism played a role in cognitive and social evolution through production of analogical thought processes, visual symbolism and group-bonding rituals. Universals of shamanism are derived from innate modules, particularly the hominid ‘mimetic controller’ and music and dance. These induced altered states of consciousness, which produce physiological, cognitive, personal and social integration through integrative brain-processing. Shamanic altered states of consciousness have the cross-modal integration characteristic of the emergent features of Palaeolithic thought and facilitated adaptations to the ecological and social changes of the Upper Palaeolithic. Cross-modular integration of innate modules for inferring mental states (mind), and social relations (self/others), and understanding the natural world (classificatory schemas) produced the fundamental forms of trope (metaphor) that underlay analogical representation. These integrations also explain animism (mental and social modules applied to natural domains); totemism (natural module applied to social domain); and guardian spirit relations (natural module applied to self and mental domains).
Pair-transfer with heavy deformed nuclei at high spins

Abstract The sudden limit for rotational excitation combined with a macroscopic description of the pair-transfer process allows calculations to be carried out for transfer reactions to high-spin states.
Coherence Relaxation Methods For Holography

Techniques for producing and receiving holograms in light of reduced coherence are described. Both coherent and incoherent methods are considered.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Chemical communication among workers of the fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Fr. Smith) 1. The Organization of Mass-Foraging

Abstract 1. 1. Recruitment in mass foraging is organized almost exclusively by the use of the trail substance, which is secreted by Dufpur's gland and released through the extruded sting. The secretion is a powerful attractant, which excites workers and draws them out of the nest in the direction indicated by the trail. No other stimuli are required to induce this behaviour. The initial build-up of workers at food masses is exponential. The build-up decelerates towards a limit as workers become crowded on the food mass because (1) workers unable to reach the mass turn back without laying trails, and (2) the trail deposits of single workers evaporate within a few minutes. As a result, the number of workers at food masses tends to stabilize at a level which is a function of the area of the food mass. But the nature of the communication requires that the feed-back system have a lag of up to several minutes. The lag is measurable in the “overshoot” of numbers of approaching workers and is a function of the distance of the food mass from the nest. 2. 2. Trail-laying, as measured by the extrusion of the sting, is an all-or-none response of individual workers; hence individual trails do not communicate quantity or quality of the food find. Quantity of food is communicated in the mass response by means of the negative feedback control of build-up just described. Quality is communicated by means of an “electorate” mass response, in which individuals choose whether to lay trails after inspecting the food find. The more desirable the food find, the higher the percentage of positive responses, the more the trail substance presented to the colony, and hence the more the newcomer ants that emerge from the nest. 3. 3. The trail substance is highly species-specific. In transposition experiments utilizing the fire ant species Solenopsis saevissima, S. geminata, and S. xyloni, it was found that the geminata secretion is certainly different from that of the other two species. The secretions of saevissima and xyloni are more interchangeable but appear to differ somewhat. The thief-ant S. molesta and members of other myrmicine genera tested also do not share the saevissima trail substances. Curiously, the Dufour's gland secretion of the dolichoderine species Monacis bispinosa causes a full response in saevissima workers, but M. bispinosa uses another substance for its trails. 4. 4. The foraging and homing behaviour of individual workers is partially analysed. An unexpected response, in which workers are attracted and lay trails to unexplored areas near the nest, is described.
A parameter-free dynamic alternative to hyper-viscosity for coupled transport equations

The stabilization of high order spectral elements to solve the transport equations for tracers in the atmosphere remains an active topic of research among atmospheric modelers. This paper builds on our previous work on variational multiscale stabilization (VMS) and discontinuity capturing (DC) (Marras et al. (2012) 7]) and shows the applicability of VMS+DC to realistic atmospheric problems that involve physics coupling with phase change in the simulation of 3D deep convection. We show that the VMS+DC approach is a robust technique that can damp the high order modes characterizing the spectral element solution of complex coupled transport problems. The method has important properties that techniques of more common use often lack: 1) it is free of a user-defined parameter, 2) it is anisotropic in that it only acts along the flow direction, 3) it is numerically consistent, and 4) it can improve the monotonicity of high-order spectral elements. The proposed method is assessed by comparing the results against those obtained with a fourth-order hyper-viscosity programmed in the same code. The main conclusion that arises is that tuning can be fully avoided without loss of accuracy if the dissipative scheme is properly designed. Finally, the cost of parallel communication is that of a second order operator which means that fewer communications are required by VMS+DC than by a hyper-viscosity method; fewer communications translate into a faster and more scalable code, which is of vital importance as we approach the exascale range of computing.
Cocaine-associated status epilepticus☆

Abstract Four patients with cocaine-associated status epilepticus are presented and the literature reviewed. Cocaine-associated status epilepticus occurs after unusually large doses of cocaine and is resistant to treatment. Despite high morbidity and mortality, aggressive management is indicated, since a good outcome without residual deficits is possible.
Nasal versus oronasal raised volume forced expirations in infants – A real physiologic challenge

Raised volume rapid thoracoabdominal compression (RTC) generates forced expiration (FE) in infants typically from an airway opening pressure of 30 cm H(2)O (V(30)). We hypothesized that the higher nasal than pulmonary airway resistance limits forced expiratory flows (FEF(%)) during (nasal) FE(n), which an opened mouth, (oronasal) FE(o), would resolve. Measurements were performed during a brief post-hyperventilation apnea on 12 healthy infants aged 6.9-104 weeks. In two infants, forced expiratory (FEFV) flow volume (FV) curves were generated using a facemask that covered the nose and a closed mouth, then again with a larger mask with the mouth opened. In other infants (n = 10), the mouth closed spontaneously during FE. Oronasal passive expiration from V(30) generated either the inspiratory capacity (IC) or by activating RTC before end-expiration, the slow vital capacity ((j) SVC). Peak flow (PF), FEF(25), FEF(50), FEF(25-75), FEV(0.4), and FEV(0.5) were lower via FE(n) than FE(o) (P 0.05). FEFV curves generated via FE(o) exhibited higher PF than FV curves of IC (P 0.05) but lower than those of (j) SVC (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the higher nasal than pulmonary airways resistance unequivocally affects the FEFV curves by consistently reducing PF and decreases mid-expiratory flows. A monitored slightly opened mouth and a gentle anterior jaw thrust are physiologically integral for raised volume RTC in order to maximize the oral and minimize nasal airways contribution to FE so that flow limitation would be in the pulmonary not nasal airways.
Na,K-ATPase mRNA levels and plaque load in Alzheimer's disease.

The expression of Na,K-ATPase α1- and α3-mRNAs was analyzed byin situ hybridization in the superior frontal cortex and cerebellum of brains from five Alzheimer's disease (AD), five nondemented age-matched, and three young control subjects. Brains with well-preserved RNA, tested by Northern hybridization of immobilized RNA with [32P]-labeled human β-actin riboprobe, were chosen for analysis.In situ hybridization was performed on formalin-fixed, 5 μm-thick Paraplast sections with [35S]-labeled riboprobes prepared by in vitro transcription of the respective linearized clones: a 537-bpEcoRI-PstI fragment of α1-cDNA and a 342-bpPstI-EcoRI fragment of α3-cDNA. In cortex, grains related to mRNA were measured by density per unit area in five cortical columns separated by 1.0–1.2 cm in each of two adjacent sections. Each cortical column of 180-μm width was divided into four depths orthogonal to the pial surface between the pia and the white matter. Amyloid plaques were counted in the same regions of adjacent sections. In addition, α3-mRNA grain clusters over individual pyramidal neurons within depth 4 were analyzed. We found the following significant changes (p<0.05): 1. Increases in total α1-mRNA by 13–19% in AD compared to young and by 7–12% in AD compared to age-matched controls. 2. Decrease in total α3-mRNA by 31–38% in AD compared to young and age-matched controls. 3. Decrease in α3-mRNA content over individual pyramidal perikarya by 14% in normal aged brains without plaques compared to young controls, and by 44% in AD relative to young controls and by 35% compared to age-matched controls.
Pharmacy Student Performance on Constructed-Response versus Selected-Response Calculations Questions

Objective. To introduce PharmD students to changes in calculations question types (constructed-response versus selected-response questions); measure and compare student performance on constructed-response and selected-response questions in a pharmaceutics course; and collect student feedback on the use of differing question types. Methods A pharmaceutics/pharmaceutical calculations examination was administered that included 15 pairs of questions; each pair consisted of a constructed-response question and a similar selected-response question. An online questionnaire was conducted to collect student feedback. Results. Of the 15 topics, the class scored higher on the constructed-response question for 4 topics and higher on the selected-response question for 10 topics. Eighty percent of the class preferred selected-response questions, although 47.8% felt constructed-response questions better prepared them for a career in healthcare. Conclusions. Students correctly answered more selected-response questions than constructed-response questions and felt more confident in doing so. Additional constructed-response teaching and testing methods should be incorporated into pharmacy education.
Allosteric Inhibitors of the Eya2 Phosphatase Are Selective and Inhibit Eya2-mediated Cell Migration

Eya proteins are essential co-activators of the Six family of transcription factors and contain a unique tyrosine phosphatase domain belonging to the haloacid dehalogenase family of phosphatases. The phosphatase activity of Eya is important for the transcription of a subset of Six1-target genes, and also directs cells to the repair rather than apoptosis pathway upon DNA damage. Furthermore, Eya phosphatase activity has been shown to mediate transformation, invasion, migration, and metastasis of breast cancer cells, making it a potential new drug target for breast cancer. We have previously identified a class of N-arylidenebenzohydrazide compounds that specifically inhibit the Eya2 phosphatase. Herein, we demonstrate that these compounds are reversible inhibitors that selectively inhibit the phosphatase activity of Eya2, but not Eya3. Our mutagenesis results suggest that this class of compounds does not bind to the active site and the binding does not require the coordination with Mg2+. Moreover, these compounds likely bind within a site on the opposite face of the active site, and function as allosteric inhibitors. We also demonstrate that this class of compounds inhibits Eya2 phosphatase-mediated cell migration, setting the foundation for these molecules to be developed into chemical probes for understanding the specific function of the Eya2 phosphatase and to serve as a prototype for the development of Eya2 phosphatase specific anti-cancer drugs.
Beam dispersion of ions penetrating through an amorphous compound binary layer

Abstract Based on Monte Carlo simulations, we calculated the beam dispersion of ions penetrating through an amorphous binary compound layer with the atomic number of compositional elements ranging from Z = 5 to Z = 80. The scattering probabilities were compared with that obtained by approximating the compound layer as a monatomic target with mean atomic number and mean atomic mass. Very good agreement is observed between the two approaches for the compound substrate having close atomic numbers. An appreciable difference is observed for the substrate having considerably different atomic numbers. However, such differences disappear when the transition from single scattering (corresponding to an ultra thin layer) to multiple scattering (corresponding to a relatively thick layer) occurs. The study reveals the factor determining the validity and limits of the approximation method in studying scattering phenomena, with the motivation to provide a method to easily estimate the dechanneling of an ion beam passing through a crystalline compound target having a surface amorphous layer.
The epidemiology of the atopic child: Who is at risk for what?

Abstract In the past few decades, a number of epidemiologic studies have identified risk factors for the development of allergic disease. Although both maternal and paternal history of allergy are associated with an increased risk of atopy, maternal history of asthma confers the greater risk for childhood asthma, which suggests that environmental factors such as the in utero immunologic environment may confer additional susceptibility. Cytokine profiles at birth may also indicate a predisposition to allergic disease in later childhood. Specifically, low interferon-γ appears to be associated with an increased risk for later development of allergic symptoms and atopic disease. Allergen exposure may also increase the risk of atopic consequences, but the outcome is highly dependent on dose of the allergen, timing of exposure, and, most interestingly, the nature of the allergen in question. Endotoxin exposure during infancy has been associated with increased wheezing during the first years of life, but several studies indicate that early exposure may confer some protection against allergy later in life. Clearly, all these factors should be evaluated in identifying the appropriate prevention measures and treatment for the child who is at risk for allergic disease.