cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Perspective on the Integration of Verification and Validation into the Decision Making Process

As more and more high-consequence applications such as aerospace systems leverage computational models to support decisions, the importance of assessing the credibility of these models becomes a high priority. Two elements in the credibility assessment are verification and validation. The former focuses on convergence of the solution (i.e. solution verification) and the “pedigree” of the codes used to evaluate the model. The latter assess the agreement of the model prediction to real data.
First-order Radial Nanolayered Polymer GRIN Achromat

We consider the design of a first-order radial GRIN achromat assuming it is fabricated using nanolayers of a two-polymer blend.
False detection of Coxiella burnetii-what is the risk?

The insertion sequence IS1111 is used for molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii but also found in Coxiella -like endosymbionts of ticks, presenting a risk of false positive detection of C. burnetii . Limited IS1111 sequences from Coxiella -like bacteria restrict in silico assessment of IS1111 assays. However, Coxiella -like bacteria detectable by IS1111 assays appear to be rare in tick populations, limiting the impact of false positives on C. burnetii prevalence estimations. C. burnetii can be distinguished from Coxiella -like bacteria using C. burnetii SNP genotyping assays. Such assays can be used for detection, but are best used as post hoc tests given the extreme sensitivity of assays that target the multiple copy IS1111. Recently, Duron (2015) demonstrated the presence of IS1111 in Coxiella -like endosymbionts of ticks. This work adds to our knowledge of sequence diversity within IS1111 from Coxiella -like endosymbionts. Duron et al . (2015) also show that Coxiella -like endosymbionts are widespread among tick species. Detection assays for the Q fever pathogen, C. burnetii , often target portions of IS1111 (Kim et al . 2005; Klee et al . 2006; Loftis et al . 2006; Panning et al . 2008; de Bruin et al . 2011); the repetitive nature of IS1111 provides multiple targets for primer annealing, resulting in unparalleled detection sensitivity. Given the presence of IS1111 in Coxiella -like bacteria, Duron and colleagues (Duron 2015 …
Elastic waves in sintered packings of planar discs and rings

Plane elastic waves in assemblies of solid or hollow circular particles are considered using finite element approximations combined with periodic boundary conditions. Of primary interest are the dispersion relations and their interaction with particle geometry, the nature of the slowness curves for this class of particle assembly, the influence of particle anisotropy, and the effective elastic constants of these assemblies as computed by wave speed parameters. A comparison with experimental results from the literature is also provided for the case of extremely thin isotropic rings.
Using Self-Determination Theory to Examine Differences in Motvation and Engagement in Video Gamers

The purpose of this study is to extend the work on video gamers by better understanding some of the motivational underpinnings of video gameplay. To do this, we have incorporated nontraditional mea...
Validation of A Model of the Effect of Tundra Vegetation on Soil Temperatures

A model of physical processes of heat transfer through vegetation canopies and soil was developed for the tundra and tested with data from the wet coastal tundra near Point Barrow, Alaska. The total leaf area index of the canopy was varied by clipping and adding dead material to different plots. Air and soil temperatures were monitored continuously in the growing season to validate the model. Calculated air and soil temperatures were within 1?C of the measured temperatures through the profiles. Calculated and observed depths of thaw were usually within 0.01 m through the season. Deviations were greatest during a period of snow. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the important variables and processes, many difficult to measure, are those relating to evaporation from the wet moss surface under the canopy.
Red-light running violation prediction using observational and simulator data

In the United States, 683 people were killed and an estimated 133,000 were injured in crashes due to running red lights in 2012. To help prevent/mitigate crashes caused by running red lights, these violations need to be identified before they occur, so both the road users (i.e., drivers, pedestrians, etc.) in potential danger and the infrastructure can be notified and actions can be taken accordingly. Two different data sets were used to assess the feasibility of developing red-light running (RLR) violation prediction models: (1) observational data and (2) driver simulator data. Both data sets included common factors, such as time to intersection (TTI), distance to intersection (DTI), and velocity at the onset of the yellow indication. However, the observational data set provided additional factors that the simulator data set did not, and vice versa. The observational data included vehicle information (e.g., speed, acceleration, etc.) for several different time frames. For each vehicle approaching an intersection in the observational data set, required data were extracted from several time frames as the vehicle drew closer to the intersection. However, since the observational data were inherently anonymous, driver factors such as age and gender were unavailable in the observational data set. Conversely, the simulator data set contained age and gender. In addition, the simulator data included a secondary (non-driving) task factor and a treatment factor (i.e., incoming/outgoing calls while driving). The simulator data only included vehicle information for certain time frames (e.g., yellow onset); the data did not provide vehicle information for several different time frames while vehicles were approaching an intersection. In this study, the random forest (RF) machine-learning technique was adopted to develop RLR violation prediction models. Factor importance was obtained for different models and different data sets to show how differently the factors influence the performance of each model. A sensitivity analysis showed that the factor importance to identify RLR violations changed when data from different time frames were used to develop the prediction models. TTI, DTI, the required deceleration parameter (RDP), and velocity at the onset of a yellow indication were among the most important factors identified by both models constructed using observational data and simulator data. Furthermore, in addition to the factors obtained from a point in time (i.e., yellow onset), valuable information suitable for RLR violation prediction was obtained from defined monitoring periods. It was found that period lengths of 2-6m contributed to the best model performance.
Hormone effects on specific motivational states and underlying CNS arousal

Publisher Summary Specific motivated behaviors are linked to states of CNS arousal, which are, in turn, fueled by a primitive, fundamental, generalized CNS arousal force. With respect to drive reduction and need reduction theories of reward, this chapter focuses on what causes increased drive, following increased bodily needs, to begin with. Ascending neuroanatomical systems supporting generalized CNS arousal are well known, and include noradrenergic (NA), dopaminergic, histaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems, augmented by the actions of orexin/hypocretin. For both females and males, hormonal “drives” on sexual behavior are not limited to consummatory responses themselves. Animals show increased motivation, as proven by their courtship behaviors, conditioned place preferences, willingness to learn arbitrarily chosen operants, and to suffer pain in order to gain access to the mating partner. Sex drive is discussed not only in the context of the performance of mating behaviors, but also as a product of more fundamental, primitive CNS arousal processes. These have been conceived as a “generalized arousal” force that depends on dopaminergic systems as well as several other transmitters and peptides. How generalized arousal transmitters affect ventromedial hypothalamic neurons that serve sexual arousal is studied. Furthermore, the chapter reviews the generation of sexual arousal at three different levels of the neuraxis.
Entropion Repair by Pre-tarsal Orbicularis Transposition

While there are many effective entropion repair techniques, the pre-tarsal orbicularis muscle transposition is one of the simplest to perform. It gives excellent result by addressing the pathophysiology and minimally disturbing normal anatomy. It may be used in the correction of involutional and severe form of spastic entropion. Recurrence is very rare, and when it occurs, the same technique may be repeated without difficulty.
Attitudes and Experiences of Early and Midcareer Pediatricians With the Maintenance of Certification Process

Abstract Objective Maintenance of certification (MOC) value and relevance have been recent topics of controversy and discussion in medicine. Systematically assessing pediatrician's attitudes and experiences to encourage and inform future modifications is important. Methods We surveyed 866 pediatricians in 2014 who graduated from residency 10 to 12 years ago and are part of a larger longitudinal study. Cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative data on understanding, attitudes, barriers, and needs specific to MOC part 2 (self-assessment/continued learning activities) and part 4 (quality improvement projects) were analyzed. McNemar tests compared responses on questions specific to part 2 with those specific to part 4. Multivariable logistic regression considered differences in participants who did and did not have positive part 4 attitudes. Results A total of 77.8% completed the survey. Comparing part 4 to part 2, there was less understanding of requirements (59.9%, 72.9%, P P P P Conclusions Pediatricians expressed significant frustration with the MOC process, poor understanding of requirements, and barriers with the process, especially for part 4. Increasing diplomate education on the process and increasing available and relevant activities may be important to optimize physician's continuous learning.
New Frontiers in Logistics Research: Theorizing at the Middle Range

Logistics has evolved from a description-based discipline to one based upon theoretical grounding from other business disciplines to define, explain, and understand complex interrelationships, resulting in the identification of the discipline's primary domain and major concepts—the “what's” of logistics. General theories, however, lack the domain specificity critical to understanding the inner workings within key relationships—the how's, why's, and when's—that drive actual outcomes. Middle-range theorizing (MRT) enables researchers to focus on these inner workings to develop a deeper understanding of the degree to and conditions under which logistics phenomena impact outcomes as well as the mechanisms through which such outcomes are manifested. This study seeks to spur logistics research at the middle-range level by presenting a context and mechanism-based approach to MRT, outlining a process with guidelines for how to theorize at the middle range, and providing a template and examples of deductive and inductive MRT.
Gestaltung erfolgreicher Lernumgebungen in der manuellen Montage

Kurzfassung Die erfolgreiche Gestaltung von Lernumgebungen ist, insbesondere bei zunehmender Komplexitat und immer kurzer werdenden Produktlebenszyklen, ein wichtiger Schlussel fur hohe Produktqual...
Barriers responsible for delay in surgical correction of strabismus: A study among adults undergoing strabismus surgery at a tertiary care center in Kerala

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the factors responsible for delay in surgical treatment among adults with strabismus. Materials and Methods: A validated questionnaire-based study on fifty adult strabismic patients, enrolled through simple random sampling, who underwent surgical correction of strabismus at the strabismus clinic of a tertiary care eye hospital. Results: A total of fifty patients in the age group 18– 45 years, including 28 males (56%) and 22 females (44%) were studied. 24% were students, 22% were professionals, 18% were skilled laborers, and 18% were homemakers. Strabismus had significant psychological impact on the quality of life of the patient and 50% suffered from low self-esteem attributable to squint 32% reported peer pressure and bullying. Lack of awareness about surgery (32%), fear of surgery (24%), and nonaffordability were the most common reasons reported by patients for delayed the surgical correction. The reasons for seeking surgical treatment in adulthood were for improving self-esteem and quality of life (32%) and due to pressure from family and friends (24%). Conclusion: Social factors predominate as obstacles for timely correction of strabismus. Economic factors and lack of awareness among medical communities also contribute toward delay in treatment.
The Evolution, Functions and Applications of the Breast Cancer Genes BRCA1 and BRCA2

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are both tumor suppressors whose mutations are the cause of most hereditary breast cancers. Both genes are highly involved in ensuring genome stability. BRCA1 homologs are found in the plant and animal kingdoms while BRCA2 homologs are additionally found in the fungi kingdom. The initial origin of both genes remains unknown, however it is expected that the common ancestors originated around 1.6 billion years ago prior to the kingdoms diverging. There has been a great amount of divergence between homologs that is not observed in other tumor suppressors with only functionally important domains conserved. This divergence continues today with evidence of primate BRCA1/2 evolution. Cancer-associated mutations have been found to occur at conserved sites, indicating that conserved sites are important for function. In this study, we present a review on the phylogenesis of BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Virus-Specific T Cells for the Immunocompromised Patient.

While progress has been made in the treatment of both hematologic cancers and solid tumors, chemorefractory or relapsed disease often portends a dismal prognosis, and salvage chemotherapy or radiation expose patients to intolerable toxicities and may not be effective. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) offers the promise of cure for many patients, and while mismatched, unrelated or haploidentical donors are increasingly available, the recipients are at higher risk of severe immunosuppression and immune dysregulation due to graft versus host disease (GVHD). Viral infections remain a primary cause of severe morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Again, many therapeutic options for viral disease are toxic, may be ineffective or generate resistance, or fail to convey long term protection. Adoptive cell therapy with virus-specific T cells (VSTs) is a targeted therapy that is efficacious and has minimal toxicity in immunocompromised patients with CMV and EBV infections in particular. Products have since been generated specific for multiple viral antigens (multi-VST), which are not only effective but confer protection in 70-90% of recipients when used as prophylaxis. Notably, these products can be generated from either virus-naive or virus-experienced autologous or allogeneic sources, including partially matched HLA-matched third-party donors. Obstacles to effective VST treatment are donor availability and product generation time. Banking of third-party VST is an attractive way to overcome these constraints and provide products on an as-needed basis. Other developments include epitope discovery to broaden the number of viral antigens targets in a single product, the optimization of VST generation from naive donor sources, and the modification of VSTs to enhance persistence and efficacy in vivo.
Compensatory training for disabled readers: research to practice.

This paper reviews research efforts directed at identifying perceptual and cognitive components in reading and their dysfunction in disabled readers. The data can be accounted for by the complementary models of Hochberg (1970) describing peripheral and cognitive search guidance and LaBerge and Samuels' (1974) notions of developing automaticity. Disruption in the processing sequence is identified, and a compensatory training technique for the reading disabled is described. This technique improves sight vocabulary, reacquaints the reader with rewards of text, and tends to normalize the oculomotor system, and it is also simple to use.
Human Computer Interaction Trends in Healthcare: An Update

As the medical community evolves, so does its reliance on technology. With the rise of robotic surgery systems, the use of computers in tracking patient in-processing, and now mandates surrounding ...
Development and Applications

In the first applications of the S.C.I. the observed items of maladaptive behavior were simply summed to provide a measure of level of pathology.
An attack on the problems of speech analysis and synthesis with the power of an on-line system

How hard a problem can you solve? The answer to this question is no longer fixed by the solver's education and intelligence alone. We are already in an era where very substantial and maneuverable on-line systems can greatly enhance our capabilities. Consequently, the difficulty of a problem must now be measured by its distance from the combined powers of a man-machine problem-solving union. Furthermore, we wish to allow the starting man-machine combination to be used experimentally to develop an extended machine of increasing power in the direction required for the solution of a given hard problem. This is by no means just hand waving, for such an arrangement has already been used in a fundamental attack on the problems of speech analysis and synthesis. The substance of this writing consists of a simple description of the developing system with motivation for its development shown by direct illustrations of the structure of sounds in speech deduced through its use.
Elastic anisotropy and micro-damage processes in polycrystalline ice: Part II: Numerical simulations

This paper discusses numerical predictions of a microstructural damage model for polycrystalline ice which is presented in a companion paper [1]. The results are relevant for ice deforming at the high end of the quasi-static domain of loading. First, the fracture mechanics-based model of damage is investigated by comparing model predictions of the stresses to form (nucleate) the first microcracks with test data. This is followed by a detailed simulation of loading under uniaxial compression using the damage model and an internal variable creep model, also summarized in the companion paper [1]. This simulation allows the prediction of the evolving damaged elastic properties, and delineates the relative contribution of creep and microcracking to the total deformation.
Continuity on Metric Spaces

Let (X, d1) and (Y, d2) be two metric spaces. Let f : X→Y and a an element of X. The function f is said to be continuous at a if for every sequence (xn) converging to a the sequence (f(xn)) converges to f(a).
Energy management and optimal storage sizing for a shared community: A multi-stage stochastic programming approach

Abstract The aim of this paper is to propose a new energy management framework and storage sizing for a community composed of multiple houses and distributed solar generation. Uncertainties associated with solar generation and electricity demand are included to make the mathematical models more realistic, and as a result, provide more accurate control strategies to manage storage devices utilization. To evaluate that, a multi-stage stochastic program model designed to minimize community electricity purchase cost per day is used to support decision-making by creating control policies for energy management. Two different strategies are created to represent the interest of a single household (the individual energy management - IEM) and households that share their assets with the community (shared energy management - SEM). Our strategies consider time-of-use rates (ToU), load and resource variation during different seasons, with their distinct days of the year, to calculate net present value (NPV) associated with the energy savings. IEM and SEM are then used in a framework designed to establish the requirement of optimal energy storage size for each house of the community based on NPV values. The results of this study for an analysis considering a community with five houses show that the proposed SEM strategy reduces the overall electricity purchase costs for a summer day up to 11% and 3% compared with heuristic and IEM control respectively. Moreover, our results suggest that the application of the methodology increases peak energy savings up to 17%, scales up solar generation usage up to 23%, and the optimal storage size obtained in the shared community case reduces up to 50%.
Fragment-Specific Fixation in Distal Radius Fractures.

Fragment-specific fixation can be a useful tool in treating distal radius fractures. In order to best utilize these techniques, surgeons require an understanding of the normal anatomy, fracture patterns, approaches, and fixation strategies. Fragment-specific fixation may be appropriate for certain fracture patterns particularly when monoblock plating techniques are not sufficient. Radial styloid, volar rim, dorsal wall, dorsal–ulnar corner, and impacted intraarticular fragments may be secured with implants designed specifically for each individual fragment. Although more technically demanding, advantages include accurate articular reconstruction, minimal hardware irritation, and reliable functional outcomes.
Interface reactions and mechanical properties of FeCrAl-coated Zircaloy-4

Abstract FeCrAl has been proposed as a coating layer to enhance accident tolerance of Zircaloy-4 fuel cladding. In this study, we systematically examined the diffusion kinetics and interface compound formation of the spray-coated FeCrAl and Zircaloy-4 substrate. After vacuum annealing at 923 K, 963 K, and 998 K for various time periods, a mixed Zr2Fe phase and Zr3Fe formed at the interface. The formation energies of these two phases were found to be 65 kJ/mol and 58 kJ/mol for Zr2Fe and Zr3Fe, respectively. Bending tests of cantilevers prepared by a focused ion beam technique showed good interface bonding between the coating layer and the substrate. Nanoindentation and micropillar compression tests in the cross-section of polished samples show different mechanical responses of each phase. The substrate exhibited the lowest hardness and most ductile deformation under compression, while interfacial Zr2Fe and Zr3Fe possessed the highest hardness and brittle failure.
Ovarian Cancer Risk in Laying Hens Is Reduced by Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Case for Redox Homeostasis and Reprogrammed Mitochondrial Metabolism in Ovarian Tumors (OR04-05-19)

In 2012, ovarian cancer accounted for 239,000 new cancer cases and 152,000 cancer-related deaths worldwide. Epidemiological studies around the world suggest that high dietary consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduces a woman's odds of developing ovarian cancer. We hypothesize that PUFA-enriched diets will decrease ovarian cancer risk in White Leghorn laying hens. The specific aim of our research was to investigate ovarian cancer risk and molecular events in ovarian tumors of White Leghorn laying hens consuming PUFA-enriched diets. We exposed laying hens to long-term (46-week) dietary PUFA treatment, using Whole Flaxseed (WFX), Flaxseed Oil (FXO), Fish Oil (FHO), Corn Oil (CNO), and a low-PUFA diet, Defatted Flaxseed (DFX). At the end of the dietary treatment we collected 88 ovarian tumors and conducted qPCR analysis for gene expression. In comparison to a control diet lacking a PUFA supplement, the odds ratios of hens developing ovarian cancer decreased with PUFA enrichment (Odd Ratios: DFX = 0.74, WFX = 0.69, FXO = 0.61, FHO = 0.57, CNO = 0.57), corroborating human epidemiological observations of ovarian cancer risk. Gene expression analysis from hen ovarian tumors suggests that PUFA-rich diets (ie WFX, FXO, FHO, and CNO) improve mitochondrial electron transport chain function by upregulating Cytochrome B (Complex 3) and Cyctochrome C Oxidases 1, 2, and 3 (Complex 4), and likely reduce superoxide emission from Complex 1 as evidenced by the downregulation of NADH Dehydrogenase 2. PUFA enrichment also reduced the expression of enzymes associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and lipid peroxides, suggesting overall major improvement in the redox state of tumors from PUFA-enriched diets. The FXO diet was uniquely distinguished by increasing the expression of ATP5B1 (catalytic subunit of ATP Synthase) and the ADP/ATP Translocase (ANT1), suggesting increased mitochondrial cristae space and improved oxidative phosphorylation capacity in FXO-enriched ovarian tumors. Dietary PUFA enrichment (omega-3 or omega-6) reduces end point risk for ovarian cancer in laying hens. The underlying etiology appears to center on decreasing oxidative stress and increasing mitochondrial function in ovarian tumors. National Institutes of Health.
A psychometric investigation of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4-Revised among sexual minority adults in the U.S.

Abstract The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 Revised (SATAQ-4R) is a measure of internalization (or belief and acceptance) of muscular, thin/low body fat, and general attractiveness ideals; and of sociocultural pressures experienced from family, peers, media, and significant others to achieve the ideal body. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the SATAQ-4R scores in a sample of sexual minority (non-heterosexual) men and women. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to examine the factor structure in men (n = 479) and women (n = 482). The original 7-factor structure was replicated, and internal reliability coefficients for the seven subscale scores were acceptable (≥ .82 α and ω). For men and women, the thin/low body fat, family, peers, media, and significant others subscales exhibited significant positive medium-to-large associations with subscale scores on the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), measuring aspects of eating pathology. The muscular ideal subscale exhibited a significant large correlation with the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS), measuring muscularity-related concerns. Both the muscular ideal and general attractiveness ideal subscale exhibited significant small or non-significant correlations with eating pathology. In sum, the SATAQ-4R scores demonstrated acceptable reliability and structural and convergent validity in samples of sexual minority men and women.
Potential For Applying Continuous Directed Evolution To Plant Enzymes

SUMMARY Plant evolution has produced enzymes that may not be optimal for maximizing yield and quality in today’s agricultural environments and plant biotechnology applications. By improving enzyme performance, it should be possible to alleviate constraints on yield and quality currently imposed by kinetic properties or enzyme instability. Enzymes can be optimized faster than naturally possible by applying directed evolution, which entails mutating a target gene in vitro and screening or selecting the mutated gene products for the desired characteristics. Continuous directed evolution is a more efficient and scalable version that accomplishes the mutagenesis and selection steps simultaneously in vivo via error-prone replication of the target gene and coupling of the host cell’s growth rate to the target gene’s function. However, published continuous systems require custom plasmid assembly, and convenient multipurpose platforms are not available. We discuss two systems suitable for continuous directed evolution of enzymes, OrthoRep in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and EvolvR in Escherichia coli, and our pilot efforts to adapt each system for high-throughput plant enzyme engineering. To test our modified systems, we used the thiamin synthesis enzyme THI4, previously identified as a prime candidate for improvement. Our adapted OrthoRep system shows promise for efficient plant enzyme engineering.
Historias conectadas: notas para una reconfiguración de Eurasia en la modernidad temprana

Spanish translation of the fundamental paper, “Connected Histories” by scholar Sanjay Subrahmanyam. In 1997, he published a discussion of his methodological proposal for the study of the early modern period and the major cultural transformations that it purported across the globe: he called it “connected histories”. It conveyed an innovative perspective that sought to overcome the limitations of the more traditional comparative approach as it had been implemented in particular in the context of Southeast Asia, that is, normalizing geopolitical frames projected from the modern nation-State. Through connected histories, the author pinpoints areas of contact –historical epicenters– where ideas, people, and things circulated, prompting deep, mutual influence that resonated at the local, regional and global level.
A Scoping Study of Parents With a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse and a Theoretical Framework for Future Research.

Transitioning to a parenting role is a complex psychological process that can be stressful for a parent with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Over the past decade, important advances have...
Intercultural therapy: challenges, insights, and developments: edited by Baffour Ababio and Roland Littlewood, London and New York, Routledge, 2019, 180 pp., $35.00-$45.00 USD (paperback), ISBN 978-1-136-62560-0

Intercultural Therapy: Challenges, Insights, and Developments is an edited collection of clinical reflections, case studies, and theoretical perspectives regarding intercultural psychotherapy as de...
Is Social Media Killing Local News?: An Examination of Engagement and Ownership Patterns in U.S. Community News on Facebook

This article focuses on two forces linked to declines in coverage of genuinely local civic affairs: (a) the impact of increasing corporate consolidation in ownership among news providers, and (b) t...
Neurophysiology of Auditory Inhibitory Gating in Rat Medial Prefrontal Cortex

Howard Casey Cromwell, Advisor Medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a crucial region involved in inhibitory processes. Damage to mPFC leads to loss of normal inhibitory control over motor, sensory, emotional and cognitive functions. The present study was designed to examine basic properties, influence of aversive conditioning, and neuropharmacology of inhibitory gating in mPFC. Inhibitory gating is a neurophysiological assay for sensory filters in higher brain regions that potentially enable or disable information throughput. This perspective has important clinical relevance due to findings that gating is dramatically impaired in individuals with emotional and cognitive impairments (i.e., in schizophrenia, PTSD, and drug abuse). In the present research, single-units and local field potentials (LFPs) were measured using chronic microwire arrays implanted in rat mPFC. The stability of gating was first examined using paired tone tests in short-term (within session) and long-term (between session) analyses of auditory gating. LFPs displayed reduction in amplitudes of tone responses and increase of gating over both short and long-term time windows. A variety of single-unit responses retained similar levels of auditory responsiveness and inhibition in both short and long-term analysis. Next, altering the interval between tones in each tone-pair influenced the potency of inhibition. Neural inhibition decreased monotonically related to the increase in intertone interval for both LFPs and single-units. The influence of fear conditioning was investigated by administering 30 footshock pairings with tones similar to those normally used to test gating. Inhibitory gating of LFPs weakened, and animals’ orienting behavior to tones increased after, compared to before, the session of footshock and tone pairings. Systemic neuropharmacological manipulations were used to investigate effects of dopamine and GABA neurotransmitter systems on inhibitory gating of LFPs in mPFC. For effects of
Abstract 394: Hypertrophy in GLUT4 Deficient Hearts Results From Increased Sensitivity of mTOR Signaling

Cardiac specific ablation of GLUT4 glucose transporters (G4KO) leads to compensated hypertrophy, but the mechanisms responsible are unknown. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an important role in the induction and maintenance of pathologic and physiologic cardiac hypertrophy. We therefore sought to determine the role of mTOR in the induction and maintenance of cardiac hypertrophy in G4KO mice. Because nutrients are important regulators of mTOR, G4KO and WT mice were subjected to modest nutritional deprivation between birth and weaning (4 weeks). Caloric restriction (CR) resulted in growth retardation in WT and G4KO mice. Body weights decreased by 16%, p perinatal nutritional deprivation prevents cardiac hypertrophy in G4KO mice, mTOR inhibition causes significant but partial regression of established hypertrophy in adult G4KO mice, In contrast to WT, G4KO have a more robust hypertrophic response to short term adrenergic challenge that is completely prevented by mTOR inhibition. Thus the metabolic disturbance caused by GLUT4 deletion in the heart increases the sensitivity of mTOR mediated hypertrophic signaling pathways.
New insights into cellular α-synuclein homeostasis in health and disease

α-Synuclein (αSyn) is a highly abundant neuronal protein whose exact structure and function are under debate. Misfolding and aggregation of this normally soluble, 140-residue polypeptide underlies a group of neurodegenerative disorders called synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The αSyn field has focused increasing attention on the hypotheses that certain aggregates of αSyn may be directly toxic to the neurons in which they arise and/or that aggregates can be released from some neurons and diffuse by undefined mechanisms to other neurons to seed αSyn in the recipient cells, thus propagating neuropathology by a non-cell autonomous process ('pathogenic spread'). While intense interest in these hypotheses has led to new approaches and tools to model aspects of the disorders, it is important to analyze which molecular events initiate αSyn aggregation inside neurons in the first place. Here, we review new insights into how neuronal αSyn homeostasis may be maintained under physiological conditions but perturbed by pathological factors.
Corn leaf phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylases. The effect of divalent cations on activity.

Abstract Differences in the kinetic properties of corn leaf phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase isoenzymes were found, depending on whether Mg 2+ or Mn 2+ was used as the metal cofactor of the reaction. Also, differences in kinetic constants with respect to Mg 2+ and Mn 2+ were noticed between the two isoenzymes which further differentiates the two proteins. The catalytic activity of the enzyme in the Mg 2+ -activated system was dependent on a PEP-Mg 2+ complex and not on the concentration of free Mg 2+ or free PEP. Kinetics in the presence of total Mg 2+ and those of PEP-Mg 2+ suggest a negative cooperative effect with respect to ligand binding with concurrent progressive substrate activation. Magnesium ions, thus, have a special regulatory role in the corn leaf PEP carboxylase reaction.
Electric and Magnetic Shielding with Superconductors

For many years superconductivity was felt to be a phenomenon which would always be merely a laboratory curiosity, devoid of any practical applications. Yet today we realize so many potential applications that we can hold a summer course on the science and technology of superconductivity and treat many of the applications as commonplace, their having already attained the status of review by the New York Times or Time magazine. We would like to discuss one of the lesser known applications which has not yet attained the Times science page but which has the potential impact on the making of sensitive measurements that the high field superconductors have had on the creation of large stable magnetic fields.
Energy from the western states of the USA: conflicts and constraints

Abstract Large-scale energy resource development in the western states will almost certainly be required if the USA is to increase its domestic energy production significantly. Such development will create several problems, including conflicts over water use and quality, air quality, growth management and housing, and land use. In this article the authors discuss each of these issues and the kinds of trade-off which can be expected if certain policies are chosen. Although there are several promising strategies for realizing the benefits of development while minimizing environmental and socioeconomic costs, their success is likely to be limited by serious institutional constraints. These constraints ultimately block much energy resource development in the western states.
Acyl azide derivatives in affinity chromatography. Immobilization of enzymatically active trypsin on beaded agarose and porous glass.

Abstract New acyl azide derivatives of beaded agarose and porous glass have been prepared from stable acyl hydrazide derivatives. The azides have been found to be reactive towards nucleophilic groups of protein molecules and thus are useful intermediates for affinity adsorption chromatography. These reactive azide derivatives of beaded agarose and glass are suitable for coupling to the enzyme trypsin in particular, affording enzymatically active immobilized forms of trypsin which have a specific and high binding capacity for the naturally occurring trypsin inhibitor of soybeans. The materials should find additional utility in providing insoluble enzymatic activity and for the isolation of other naturally occurring inhibitors of trypsin.
Kinematics of Molecular Gas in Orion from Observations of the 1 3 CO J=2→1 Line

We have obtained spectra of the J=2→1 transition of 1 3CO covering a 16 arcminute by 33 arcminute region centered on the KL object in the Orion molecular cloud. These spectra reveal a high degree of complexity in the emission at many positions, which suggests that the molecular gas has been significantly perturbed by the HII region and Trapezium stars located in front of it. The velocity features in the affected regions are generally quite narrow with δvFWHM~1.5 km s-1. A number of well-defined but extended velocity features indicate that the gas motion in this region is inherently quite complex.
Infrared and 1H NMR spectra of five co-ordinate complexes of the bis(N,N′-diethyldithiocarbamato)zinc with the pyridine and other related nitrogen donors

Abstract Five coordinate complexes of bis(N,N′-diethyldithiocarbamato)zinc with pyridine, 2-picoline, 3-picoline, 4-picoline and quinoline have been prepared. The i.r. spectra of these complexes in the range of 4000 cm−1 to 700 cm−1 are discussed in terms of coordination of the pyridine and other related nitrogen donors. The 1H NMR spectra have also shown the pyridine and other nitrogen donors are coordinated to bis(diethyldithiocarbamato) zinc in solution.
Discovering collectively informative descriptors from high-throughput experiments

Improvements in high-throughput technology and its increasing use have led to the generation of many highly complex datasets that often address similar biological questions. Combining information from these studies can increase the reliability and generalizability of results and also yield new insights that guide future research. This paper describes a novel algorithm called BLANKET for symmetric analysis of two experiments that assess informativeness of descriptors. The experiments are required to be related only in that their descriptor sets intersect substantially and their definitions of case and control are consistent. From resulting lists of n descriptors ranked by informativeness, BLANKET determines shortlists of descriptors from each experiment, generally of different lengths p and q. For any pair of shortlists, four numbers are evident: the number of descriptors appearing in both shortlists, in exactly one shortlist, or in neither shortlist. From the associated contingency table, BLANKET computes Right Fisher Exact Test (RFET) values used as scores over a plane of possible pairs of shortlist lengths [1, 2]. BLANKET then chooses a pair or pairs with RFET score less than a threshold; the threshold depends upon n and shortlist length limits and represents a quality of intersection achieved by less than 5% of random lists. Researchers seek within a universe of descriptors some minimal subset that collectively and efficiently predicts experimental outcomes. Ideally, any smaller subset should be insufficient for reliable prediction and any larger subset should have little additional accuracy. As a method, BLANKET is easy to conceptualize and presents only moderate computational complexity. Many existing databases could be mined using BLANKET to suggest optimal sets of predictive descriptors.
Rab41 is a novel regulator of Golgi apparatus organization that is needed for ER-to-Golgi trafficking and cell growth.

Background The 60+ members of the mammalian Rab protein family group into subfamilies postulated to share common functionality. The Rab VI subfamily contains 5 Rab proteins, Rab6a/a’, Rab6b, Rab6c and Rab41. High-level knockdown of Rab6a/a’ has little effect on the tightly organized Golgi ribbon in HeLa cells as seen by fluorescence microscopy. In striking contrast, we found Rab41 was strongly required for normal Golgi ribbon organization. Methods/Results Treatment of HeLa cells with Rab41 siRNAs scattered the Golgi ribbon into clustered, punctate Golgi elements. Overexpression of GDP-locked Rab41, but not wild type or GTP-locked Rab41, produced a similar Golgi phenotype. By electron microscopy, Rab41 depletion produced short, isolated Golgi stacks. Golgi-associated vesicles accumulated. At low expression levels, wild type and GTP-locked Rab41 showed little concentration in the Golgi region, but puncta were observed and most were in ruffled regions at the cell periphery. There was 25% co-localization of GTP-locked Rab41 with the ER marker, Sec61p. GDP-locked Rab41, as expected, displayed an entirely diffuse cytoplasmic distribution. Depletion of Rab41 or overexpression of GDP-locked Rab41 partially inhibited ER-to-Golgi transport of VSV-G protein. However, Rab41 knockdown had little, if any, effect on endosome-to-Golgi transport of SLTB. Additionally, after a 2-day delay, treatment with Rab41 siRNA inhibited cell growth, while overexpression of GDP-locked Rab41, but not wild type or GTP-locked Rab41, produced a rapid, progressive cell loss. In double knockdown experiments with Rab6, the Golgi ribbon was fragmented, a result consistent with Rab41 and Rab6 acting in parallel. Conclusion We provide the first evidence for distinctive Rab41 effects on Golgi organization, ER-to-Golgi trafficking and cell growth. When combined with the evidence that Rab6a/a’ and Rab6b have diverse roles in Golgi function, while Rab6c regulates mitotic function, our data indicate that Rab VI subfamily members, although related by homology and structure, share limited functional conservation.
Hypothalamically induced hyperlipidemia: Protection by pentaerythritol tetranitrate

Abstract Pretreatment of rat with the smooth muscle dilating compound pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) completely prevented the hyperlipidemia of electric stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus usually observed in the choleretic rat. The prophylactic effect of PETN is attributable to its relaxation of the Sphincter of Oddi, preventing functional obstruction of the extrahepatic biliary system after hypothalamic stimulation.
Seagrass productivity: The effect of light on carbon uptake

Productivity, as estimated by 14C uptake, was determined as a function of irradiance for six North American seagrasses (Thalassia testudinum Banks ex. Konig, Syringodium filiforme Kutz, Halodule wrightii Aschers., Halophila engelmanni Aschers., Phyllospadix scouleri Hook and Ruppia maritima L. s.l.) from temperate, subtropical and tropical environments. Light versus productivity curves were typical of those of aquatic plants. Seagrasses achieved high rates of uptake (up to 17.31 mg C (g dry)−1 h−1) and exhibited high saturation irradiances (⩾ 40% surface irradiance). Within each environment half-saturation and saturation irradiances were similar, indicating no competition for light in the production systems of the various species. Between environments maximum productivity and saturation irradiances changed as a function of the differing irradiance. When rates were normalized for ambient irradiance, there were no differences in maximum rates, except for plants from Texas. In the subtropics and tropics where several species co-exist in the same seagrass bed, two types of responses occurred, corresponding to climax versus colonizer species. The difference in the response appeared in the initial and maximum rates and in sensitivity to high irradiance. Productivity of seagrasses can be estimated, with certain limitations, from light measurements using the equations of Michaelis-Menten and Steele.
Competitive Characteristics of Small and Medium‐sized Manufacturing Firms in the US. and Canada

This paper examines the competitive characteristics of small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMFs) in a Canada-U.S. crossborder region (the Niagara Frontier). Particular attention is given to the innovation and business performance of comparably-sized firms on both sides of the border. The results of two firm-level surveys are presented. A comparative analysis of the two groups suggests that Canadian Sh4Fs exhibit significantly stronger export and innovation performance than their US. counterparts. The results also suggest that U.S. firms face tougher competitive difficulties arising fiom specific national and regional circumstances, including shortages of skilled labor, higher corporate tax rates, rising import competition, and a more complex regulatory environment. The implications of the empirical results are discussed in the context of policy options for regional economic development in crossborder zones such as the Niagara Frontier
A vise-configuration β-counter determination of total exchangeable potassium using a low dose of isotope

A BETA -ray counter in the form of a vise is described. A liquid sample is placed between the two jaws in a novel sample holder. Geometry is extremely reproducible. Efficiency is 28% for K/sup 42/ in aqueous samples of 80 ml volume. Liquid samples containing /sup K 42/ in concentrations as low as 10/ sup -5/ mu c/ml may be conveniently assayed with high accuracy. Results are given for measurement of total exchangeable potassium in man using a dose of only 10 mu c of /sup K 42/, and collecting equilibrium samples 40 and 44 hr after tracer administration, at which time the body burden would be 1 mu c or less. (auth)
Experimental Analysis of Nanofluid Slurry Through Rectangular Porous Channel

One of the limitations in evolution of energy-efficient heat transfer fluids in industrial application is their low thermal conductivity. Among the emerging heat transfer technologies of today are fluid additives based on metallic nanoparticles. Previous studies show that Matalic nano particles increase the heat transfer rate by their thermal conductivity. This experimental study investigates the heat transfer behavior of nanofluid slurry through metal foam. Using suspending Aluminum Oxide nanoparticles (AL2O3) in fluid flowing through porous medium leads to have an even greater augmentation in heat transfer rate. Metal foams (porous media) enhance heat transfer rate not only by their high thermal conductivity and also by their mixing effect. When these two subjects come together even more interesting behaviors happen. This paper presents the result of heat transfer enhacment by slurry of metal nanoparticles in porous media in various of flow velocities, heat flux and porous media structures e.g. PPI and particle concentration of nanofluid.Copyright © 2012 by ASME