cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The redox state of iron in tektites

Abstract Several tektites have been analyzed for the concentrations of individual iron redox states dissolved therein. Essentially all the iron in these tektites was determined to be Fe(II). These tektites were then remelted under controlled temperature and oxygen fugacity in order to set constraints on the prevailing redox conditions during tektite formation. The Fe(III)Fe(II) and Fe(II)Fe(0) equilibria in the resynthesized tektites were then determined as a function of the redox conditions necessary to sustain each. Since these equilibrium considerations indicated that tektites should possess Fe(III) or Fe(0) along with iron as Fe(II), some process must have been operational in separating the iron redox states in order to achieve the final product which contained essentially all iron as Fe(II). One plausible explanation for the observed redox state of iron in tektites is that the tektites were initially molten at sufficiently reducing conditions so that the Fe(II)Fe(0) equilibrium was established. Before the quench to the glass, however, much of the Fe(0) as metal separated due to density differences from the melt to yield a glass with essentially all iron as Fe(II).
Prolegomenon to norms in branching space-times ✩

Abstract Earlier (collaborative) work postulated that agency is essentially indeterministic, and finds a home in “branching times” (BT). BT is built on world-wide but momentary events called “moments” structured by an indeterministic causal ordering. The notion of a “history” is defined as a suitable chain of moments; histories branch one from another at moments. Other earlier work, the essential points of which are summarized in Section 2, led to “branching space–times” (BST). BT moments are replaced in BST by local “point events,” and “histories” are redefined more realistically as a family of suitable space–time-like structures that branch from one another at point events. In BST one finds that “transitions” from initial events to outcome events—each properly defined—play a fundamental role as originating causes (causae causantes) and effects. This spatio-temporal-causal story provides, in Section 3, an objective foundation for an indeterministic theory of agents and choices amid BST (BSTAC), the key concepts of which are “life event,” “life history,” and “person,” the latter essentially involving alternate possibilities, some of which arise from free choices. Section 4 works out a concept of “choice point,” leading to a BST account of “agent α sees to outcome O ,” which is more sophisticated than the stit concept of earlier work. Many-agent cooperation is considered in Section 5, with hints concerning message sending and receiving. A theory of norms in BST (BSTACN) that builds on the foregoing, and also on earlier work, is briefly adumbrated in Section 6.
Lorenzo's Oil – Hope and Disappointment

The rational development of therapy for a disease depends critically on knowledge about its pathogenesis. In the absence of such insight, physicians are vulnerable to the prevailing winds of opinion and practice, each liable to shift from one moment to another. Even when a therapeutic approach seems logical, it must still be proved effective -- not by anecdotal reports, surrogate responses, or public opinion, but by the scientific method and the performance of clinical trials. Such is the case for dietary therapy of adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare and devastating neurodegenerative disease. A recent popular film, Lorenzo's Oil, prematurely implied that dietary . . .
Transnational spaces in national places: early activists in Polish–West German relations

This article investigates a legacy of transnational activism in Polish–West German relations during the 1950s and 1960s, connected to the borderlands/expellee background of several of the early activists who initiated the relations. At a time when the Polish and West German states maintained no official diplomatic relations with each other, the importance of non-state initiatives and dialogue breaking with the antagonistic nationalism of the two world wars grew disproportionately. These individuals' expellee background, bilingualism, cross-border networks and loosened national identities contributed to their effectiveness in Polish–German relations. Taking exception to the popular conceptions of expellees as necessarily identical with the negative or anti-Polish opinions commonly associated with the expellee organizations, the article also focuses specifically on how certain expellees and former borderlands inhabitants attempted to renegotiate their postwar roles, political stances and even identities by ...
Damage to physicians' gloves during “routine” cardiac catheterization: An underappreciated occurrence

Recently, concern for the protection of health care employees and health care recipients has led to increasing awareness of transmitted infections. However, it is evident that damage of barrier methods of controlling infection can occur and go undetected. In a prospective study conducted from January 13, 1989 through February 15, 1989, 100 sequential pairs of gloves (200 gloves) worn during routine pediatric cardiac catheterizations were evaluated for punctures. A control group of 25 pairs of unused physicians' gloves was also evaluated for the presence of spontaneous leakage. In the 25 pairs of unused gloves (50 gloves), no punctures were detected, whereas in the 200 gloves worn during the catheterization procedures, punctures were found in 38 gloves or 19% (p < 0.001). When comparing the frequency of punctures with respect to the digits, 81% of the punctures were detected within the thumb and index finger of the gloves. In the majority of instances, physicians describe stopcock manipulation as the cause of the punctures. Implication of the stopcock as a possible mechanism for glove damage can be isolated to the stop mechanism on the stopcock pivot. Although surgeons' gloves are worn in many procedures besides surgery, no previous studies have defined the incidence of glove punctures during these procedures. Recommendations include a redesign of the stopcock as a protective measure and immediate change of latex surgeons' gloves whenever damage is suspected.
Fat History: Bodies and Beauty in the Modern West

The modern struggle against fat cuts deeply and pervasively into American culture. Dieting, weight consciousness, and widespread hostility toward obesity form one of the fundamental themes of modern life. Fat History explores the meaning of fat in contemporary Western society and illustrates how progressive changes, such as growth in consumer culture, increasing equality for women, and the refocusing of women's sexual and maternal roles have influenced today's obsession with fat. Brought up-to-date with a new preface and filled with narrative anecdotes, Fat History explores fat's transformation from a symbol of health and well-being to a sign of moral, psychological, and physical disorder.
A General Theory for Frequency Discriminators Containing Null Networks

The characteristics of the ring demodulator and of null networks have suggested a generalized approach to the design of discriminators containing null networks. In the past, discriminators using null networks have been designed about various types of demodulators in which a carrier signal is necessary, the design fundamental being that the phase difference between the signal and carrier voltages applied to the demodulator should change by 180 degrees at the null frequency and be a multiple of pi radians immediately above and below the null frequency. However, since the phase difference has not been an even number of pi radians as the frequency departs from the null region, the output of the discriminator becomes sensitive to the amplitudes of both the signal and carrier voltages. The generalized theory presented in this paper permits the design of discriminators containing null networks where, neglecting second-order effects, coupling capacitors, and the like, the phase difference is maintained a multiple of pi radians at all frequencies. The result is an inherently wide-band discriminator which can be constructed largely from unbalanced networks and which can be accurately calibrated. It is further possible to design discriminators of arbitrary sensitivities to the point where, neglecting noise, the discriminator behaves more as a frequency switch. The mechanization of the theory involves phase-equalizing networks in both the signal and carrier input systems to the demodulator. The general theory is concerned with admissible network functions consistent with the desire to maintain phase differences at a multiple of pi radians.
Research misconduct in clinical research: The american experience and response

Research misconduct in the United States has occurred sporadically since 1961 in the laboratories of some of our most distinguished scientists. In view of the enormous number of research grants funded, cases of this kind are relatively uncommon, but have none the less attracted governmental supervision and calls for reform. The scientific community, universities and government have addressed the issue in various ways and changes have been proposed and some actually instituted. In view of human nature, no one seriously believes that dishonesty in research can be prevented to any greater extent than in any other human activity. However, some practices may discourage and mitigate such occurrences. These include: education in sound laboratory research practices, a fair distribution of authorship assignment, and adequate supervision of research personnel including appropriate reviewing of primary data. Other measures which might be considered include: an adequate check of the credentials of all new personnel, ...
Granular-bed filtration assisted by filter-cake formation: 4. Advanced designs for panel-bed filtration and gas treating

Abstract “Historic” panel bed filter louvers slope upward toward their outer edges. Improved louver designs exploit the discovery that puffback renewal of gas-entry sand faces is more effective if louvers slope downward toward outer edges. For given panel bed height, down-sloping louvers present larger total gas-entry sand face, affording equipment that occupies smaller ground area for given filtering capacity. As well, for down-sloping louver designs, other means can create a gas-entry-face renewing body movement, viz., a sharp motion (either, as appropriate, sideways, downward, or upward) such as may be effected by the blow of a hammer. Newly conceived arrangements of flat-plate louvers are particularly attractive relative to historic louvers: resembling subway gratings, they cost less, and are better suited for use in a panel bed that provides for countercurrent contacting of gas and powder. Also reported is a new “panel filter” comprising downwardly sloping “filter trays” mounted one above another, each tray displaying a gas-entry-face renewable either by puffback or hammer blow. For filtering a given flow of gas, a panel of filter trays can occupy smaller ground area than louvered beds, can be assembled from fewer elements, and can afford a lower pressure drop.
Development of novel arginase inhibitors for therapy of endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction and resulting vascular pathology have been identified as an early hallmark of multiple diseases, including diabetes mellitus. One of the major contributors to endothelial dysfunction is a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, impaired NO signaling and an increase in the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the endothelium NO is produced by eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), for which L-arginine is a substrate. Arginase, an enzyme critical in the urea cycle also metabolizes L-arginine, thereby directly competing with eNOS for their common substrate and constraining its bioavailability for eNOS, thereby compromising NO production. Arginase expression and activity is upregulated in many cardiovascular diseases including ischemia reperfusion injury, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus. More importantly, since the 1990s, specific arginase inhibitors such as N-hydroxy-guanidinium or N-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine, and boronic acid derivatives, such as, 2(S)-amino-6-boronohexanoic acid, and S-(2-boronoethyl)-L-cysteine (BEC), that can bridge the binuclear manganese cluster of arginase have been developed. These highly potent and specific inhibitors can now be used to probe arginase function and thereby modulate the redox milieu of the cell by changing the balance between NO and ROS. Inspired by this success, drug discovery programs have recently led to the identification of α-α-disubstituted amino acid based arginase inhibitors (such as (R)-2-amino-6-borono-2-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)hexanoic acid)), that are currently under early investigation as therapeutics. Finally, some investigators concentrate on identification of plant derived compounds with arginase inhibitory capability, such as piceatannol-3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PG). All of these synthesized or naturally derived small molecules may represent novel therapeutics for vascular disease particularly that associated with diabetes.
Perinephric Pseudocysts in the Cat: A Retrospective Study and Review of the Literature

Perinephric pseudocysts (PNPs) are fluid-filled fibrous sacs that surround the kidney and are not lined by an epithelium. In cats, PNPs are idiopathic, but they usually occur in association with chronic renal failure (CRF). Thirteen cats with PNPs were examined. PNPs occurred in mixed breed cats of either sex with a median age of 16 years. The PNP was palpable on physical examination and usually was interpreted as renomegaly. Clinicopathologic findings reflected CRF, and urinary tract infection was common. Rarely, a primary renal disease was diagnosed concurrent with PNPs and CRF. Diagnosis of PNPs was made by ultrasound examination and fine-needle aspiration, and treatment was by surgical removal of the PNP or ultrasound-guided drainage. Compared to previous reports of PNPs, this series of cats tended to be older and no sex predilection was found, but other findings were similar to those in the literature. Cats with PNPs may have a favorable prognosis if CRF is not severe and no other concurrent diseases are present.
The Met-Tyr-Trp cross-link in Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalase-peroxidase (KatG): autocatalytic formation and effect on enzyme catalysis and spectroscopic properties.

Abstract Catalase-peroxidases (KatG) are bifunctional enzymes possessing both catalase and peroxidase activities. Three crystal structures of different KatGs revealed the presence of a novel Met-Tyr-Trp cross-link that has been suggested to impart catalatic activity to the KatGs. High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of the peptide fragments resulting from tryptic digestion of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis WT KatG identified a peptide with unusual UV-visible spectroscopic features attributable to the Met255-Tyr229-Trp107 cross-link, whose structure was confirmed by mass spectrometry. WT KatG lacking the Met-Tyr-Trp cross-link was prepared, making possible studies of its formation under oxidizing conditions that generate either compound I (peroxyacetic acid, PAA) or compound II (2-methyl-1-phenyl-2-propyl hydroperoxide, MPPH). Incubation of this “cross-link-free” WT KatG with PAA revealed complete formation of the Met-Tyr-Trp structure after six equivalents of peracid were added, whereas MPPH was unable to promote cross-link formation. A mechanism for Met-Tyr-Trp autocatalytic formation by KatG compound I is proposed from these studies. Optical stopped-flow studies of WT KatG and KatG(Y229F), a mutant in which the cross-link cannot be formed, were performed with MPPH and revealed an unusual compound II spectrum for WT KatG, best described as (P·)FeIII, where P· represents a protein-based radical. This contrasts with the oxoferryl compound II spectrum observed for KatG(Y229F) under identical conditions. The structure-function-spectroscopy relationship in KatG is discussed with relevance to the role that the Met-Tyr-Trp cross-link plays in the catalase-peroxidase mechanism.
Electronic States and Band Spectrum Structure in Diatomic Molecules. VIII. Some Empirical Relations in σ-Type Doubling

Some of the empirical relations which exist in $\ensuremath{\sigma}$-type doubling are summarized. In particular, the magnitudes of the doublet intervals as a function of $j$, and in relation to $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}E}{B}$, are considered. The observed relations, although very varied, are consistently in agreement with theoretical work of Van Vleck (cf. preceding paper). Van Vleck's work shows definitely that the $^{3}P$ levels involved in the second positive nitrogen bands are both normal (not inverted).
Spinal Lipomas in Children: Outcome of 270 Procedures

Spinal lipomas are a common cause of spinal cord tethering. Recently, prophylactic surgical removal of spinal lipomas has been questioned, especially of the conus medullaris. Unfortunately, few statis
Longevity and plasticity of CFTR provide an argument for noncanonical SNP organization in hominid DNA.

Like many other ancient genes, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has survived for hundreds of millions of years. In this report, we consider whether such prodigious longevity of an individual gene – as opposed to an entire genome or species – should be considered surprising in the face of eons of relentless DNA replication errors, mutagenesis, and other causes of sequence polymorphism. The conventions that modern human SNP patterns result either from purifying selection or random (neutral) drift were not well supported, since extant models account rather poorly for the known plasticity and function (or the established SNP distributions) found in a multitude of genes such as CFTR. Instead, our analysis can be taken as a polemic indicating that SNPs in CFTR and many other mammalian genes may have been generated—and continue to accrue—in a fundamentally more organized manner than would otherwise have been expected. The resulting viewpoint contradicts earlier claims of ‘directional’ or ‘intelligent design-type’ SNP formation, and has important implications regarding the pace of DNA adaptation, the genesis of conserved non-coding DNA, and the extent to which eukaryotic SNP formation should be viewed as adaptive.
Arthroscopic surgery of the carpal and digital tendon sheaths

Abstract Chronic active tenosynovitis of the digital sheath can become increasingly complicated by intrathecal mass and adhesion development, annular ligament constriction, and secondary linear clefting or flattening of the tendons. Endoscopic techniques (tenoscopy) provide a minimally invasive mechanism for thorough digital sheath examination, resection of masses and adhesions, transection of the annular ligament, and debridement of frayed edges after secondary damage. Use of a torniquet, an arthroscope entry point distal to the annular ligament, and instrument portals over the proximal cul-de-sacs of the sheath provide access for tendon and tendon sheath repair. The surgery in advanced cases can be challenging but improvement in work capability and cosmetic appearances are frequently positive. Similarly, a complex form of carpal sheath tenosynovitis can develop from intrusions of bony exostoses and osteochondroma from the radius, tears of the flexor tendons, overextension of the carpus, or fracture of the accessory carpal bone. Tenoscopic examination and debridement within the carpal sheath can assist in rehabilitation. Additionally, the proximal check ligament can be easily transected using carpal sheath tenoscopic techniques. A lateral arthroscope entry proximal to the accessory carpal bone provides access to most clinically relevant regions within the carpal sheath. Instrument portals are made after spinal needle insertion to establish the most appropriate path to the lesion. Removal of bone protrusions and tenosynovial masses, debridement of flexor tendon damage, and release of the carpal retinaculum all offer better chances of improved work capability in a variety of carpal sheath diseases. The examination of the carpal sheath and its contents is more complete than that following open approaches, and a return to rehabilitation exercise programs can be quickly initiated after surgery.
Presynaptic facilitation by hyperpolarization-activated pacemaker channels.

Hyperpolarization-activated potassium channels presynaptically facilitate transmitter release in a calcium-independent fashion.
A comparative study of the efficacy of four barbiturates as promoters of the development of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase-positive foci in the liver of carcinogen treated rats

The promoting action of four barbiturates, and their modulation of the promoting action of a choline-devoid (CD) diet was investigated by quantitating the gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)-positive foci which developed in the liver of rats exposed to a single injection of diethylnitrosamine. Phenobarbital (PHB), pentobarbital (PTB) and amobarbital (AMB), exerted a promoting action, while barbituric acid (BA) had no effect. Addition of PHB or PTB to a CD diet resulted in a synergistic promoting action, but AMB had only an additive effect. Feeding a CD diet to rats caused a stimulation of liver DNA synthesis and of cell proliferation. These effects of the diet were markedly inhibited by addition of PHB or PTB, while addition of AMB resulted only in an inhibition of the enhanced proliferation of hepatocytes. No inhibitory effect was exerted by BA. The results indicate that the liver tumor promoting action of PHB and of barbiturates is dependent upon biological effects related to the presence of an alkyl group in their side chain. It is hypothesized that the promoting action of the agents herein studied may involve two components, a stimulation of the proliferation of initiated liver cells, and a suppression of the proliferation of non-initiated cells.
VARIABLE INTAKE, COMPENSATORY GROWTH, AND INCREASED GROWTH EFFICIENCY IN FISH: MODELS AND MECHANISMS

Resources fluctuate in space and time, and animals routinely experience temporally varying opportunities for resource intake, and variation in intake itself. We investigate consequences of such variation in intake on growth and growth efficiency (growth per unit intake) in juvenile hybrid striped bass. We observed, after statistically accounting for the effects of total consumption and initial body size, that individuals re- ceiving a low ration followed by a higher ration (the fluctuating ration) grew faster than individuals receiving a temporally constant ration (the normal ration). To interpret this increase in growth efficiency, we consider a set of alternative models representing different physiological hypotheses of the growth process. Using a simple growth model, an analytical result shows that the fluctuating ration as typically applied in experiments (a low ration followed by a high ration), independent of any change in physiology, increases growth efficiency relative to individuals on the normal ration. Growth efficiency increases because cumulative maintenance costs are lower for individuals that stay small initially and then grow rapidly in comparison to individuals that grow steadily. Further, a statistical analysis of alternative models inferred that fish receiving a variable ration show higher assimilation and/or conversion efficiencies of food and lower mass-specific maintenance costs. Our analysis suggests that the lower cumulative maintenance costs incurred over a time interval with low consumption followed by high consumption act in association with higher assim- ilation-conversion efficiencies, and lower overall mass-specific maintenance costs to in- crease growth efficiency in hybrid striped bass.
Effect of silver chloride on the short-circuit current across the isolated toad skin.

Abstract Since addition of 10 −4 M AgNO 3 to either an inside or outside bathing medium containing sulfate had no effect on short-circuit current (SCC), a measure of net Na + transport, or transmural potential difference (PD) in the isolated surviving toadskin, the effect of adding Ag + to chloridebased Ringer solution was studied. Exposure of the outside bathing medium to 10 −4 M AgNO 3 resulted in, after a 20 minute time lag, a 250 ± 51% (N=6) increase in SCC within 100 minutes as opposed to an immediate response which had a 350 ± 26% (N=8) increase in SCC by addition of 10 −4 M AgNO 3 to the inside bathing solution. The dose response curve relating change in SCC to the Ag + concentration added to the inside bathing medium was saturable at 10 −5 M Ag + . The uptake of Ag + by the tissue, as measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, showed no correlation to the relative change in SCC. Na + flux experiments under short-circuited conditions showed that Ag + Cl − stimulated only the unidirectional outside to inside Na + flux. These results indicate that Ag + Cl − enhances active sodium transport and that Ag + Cl − binding to specific membrane groups is required for this effect.
Template RR Lyrae Hα, Hβ, and Hγ Velocity Curves

We present template radial velocity curves of ab-type RR Lyrae stars constructed from high-precision measurements of Hα, Hβ, and Hγ lines. Amplitude correlations between the Balmer line velocity curves, Johnson V band, and Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) g- and r-band light curves are also derived. Compared to previous methods, these templates and derived correlations reduce the uncertainty in measured systemic (center-of-mass) velocities of RR Lyrae stars by up to 15 km s^(–1), and will be of particular interest to wide-area spectroscopic surveys such as the SDSS and LAMOST Experiment for Galactic Understanding and Exploration.
Structure and conformation of 1,3-dithlane: an electron diffraction study

Abstract A gas-phase electron diffraction study of 1,3-dithiane, carried out at 100° C, has found no statistically significant evidence for the presence of any conformer in the vapor other than the chair, within an estimated uncertainty of 10%. An index of the degree of ring puckering in 1,3-dithiane is the average torsional angle which was found to be 61.3°, appreciably greater than that in cyclohexane, but somewhat less than that in 1,4-dithiane and 1,3,5-trithianc. The C-C-C, C-C-S and S-C-S valency angles, 113.6(33)°, 114.9(4)° and 115.0(3)° respectively, were all larger than the C-C-C valency angles in cyclohexane. The C-S-C valency angle, 98.1(7)°, was slightly smaller than that of dimethyl sulfide. Observed bond lengths were r g (C-H) = 1.116(10) A, r g (C-H) = 1.533(5)A, and r g (C-S) = 1. 812(3)A and mean amplitudes of vibration were l g (C-H) = 0.081(12)A, l g (C-C) = 0.052(6)A and l g (C-S) = 0.052(4) A (parenthesized quantities correspond to 3σ). Curiously, nonbonded distances between the axial hydrogen atoms in 1,3-dithiane are virtually identical to those in cyclohexane, even though these molecules have greatly different bond lengths, valency angles, and torsional angles.
New approximations to the exact distribution of the kruskal-wallis test statistic

Several approximations to the exact distribution of the Kruskal-Wallis test' statistic presently exist. There approximations can roughly be grouped into two classes: (i) computationally difficult with good accuracy, and (ii) easy to compute but not as accurate as the first class. The purpose of this paper is to introduce two nev approximations (one in the latter class and one which is computationally more involved)y and to compare these with other popular approximations. These comparisons use exact probabilities where available and Monte Carlo simulation otherwise.
Field measurements, absorbed dose, and biologic dosimetry of microwaves.

A technique for microwave dosimetry was established using rats. Two microwave exposure arrangements were used: a multimodal resonating cavity system, in which the animal serves as the load and is exposed multilaterally; and a far-field exposure system in an anechoic chamber, in which the animal is exposed unilaterally to a well-defined incident field. Four major conclusions were made: 1) The mass absorption density appears to be a useful dose unit for comparing biologic effects produced with different exposure arrangements. Other measures, such as silhouette area absorption density, may be useful for a particular geometry but not for others. 2) The use of models for estimating energy absorption by animals must take into consideration the geometry of the exposure arrangement. With cavity irradiation, the mass of the load appears to be the important factor. In unilateral far-field irradiations, the silhouette surface area of the object is the important factor. 3) It may not be possible to generalize information derived from cavity irradiations to far-field exposure conditions. 4) A safety standard based on incident field densities and based on data from experiments with far-field exposures may not be applicable under conditions where multilateral irradiations occur. (auth-JWP)
Diagnostic and surgical aspects of atrial tumors

Abstract Although our experience with atrial tumors has not been great, sufficient information has been accumulated to stimulate our recurrent suspicions as to its probable presence under certain circumstances, and thus has led our group to definitive preoperative studies. Appropriate surgical management then followed readily. An alertness for this diagnostic possibility leading to the utilization of angiocardiographic or cine-angiocardiographic techniques will surely increase the incidence of correct preoperative diagnoses and hence an earlier restoration of health in these seriously ill patients. For surgical cure is readily possible in the vast majority of primary atrial tumors. We wish to emphasize the potentially great importance moreover of early diagnosis and treatment in order to forfend the hazards of death or disability from embolization.
Focal therapy for prostate cancer 1996: Maximizing outcome

Abstract Objectives To summarize improvements in patient selection and the results of focal therapy for the management of localized prostate cancer. Methods A contemporary series of patients managed with wide surgical excision, radiation therapy (three-dimensional conformal radiation, interstitial radiation, and charged-particle or proton therapy), and cryotherapy were reviewed. Results We used preoperative cancer grade, transrectal ultrasound, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in all patients, and cross-sectional imaging and bone scans in selected patients to allow for reasonably accurate cancer staging and selection of patients most likely to be cured by radical prostatectomy or radiation. In patients with extracapsular extension of prostate cancer, wide surgical excision and achievement of a clear surgical margin had therapeutic value. Newer radiation techniques resulted in a higher likelihood of prostate cancer control than previous techniques. Cryotherapy for patients with stages T1 through 3 prostate cancer was associated with a posttreatment undetectable PSA rate of 48% and a positive biopsy rate of 23%. Conclusions Patients with organ-confined and, therefore, curable prostate cancer can be identified. Well-performed radical prostatectomy, radiation, and cryotherapy are alternative treatments for the management of localized prostate cancer.
Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase is Activated by Double-stranded DNA-Induced Oligomerization

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a cytosolic DNA sensor mediating innate antimicrobial immunity. It catalyzes the synthesis of a noncanonical cyclic dinucleotide, 2',5' cGAMP, that binds to STING and mediates the activation of TBK1 and IRF-3. Activated IRF-3 translocates to the nucleus and initiates the transcription of the IFN-β gene. The structure of mouse cGAS bound to an 18 bp dsDNA revealed that cGAS interacts with dsDNA through two binding sites, forming a 2:2 complex. Enzyme assays and IFN-β reporter assays of cGAS mutants demonstrated that interactions at both DNA binding sites are essential for cGAS activation. Mutagenesis and DNA binding studies showed that the two sites bind dsDNA cooperatively and that site B plays a critical role in DNA binding. The structure of mouse cGAS bound to dsDNA and 2',5' cGAMP provided insight into the catalytic mechanism of cGAS. These results demonstrated that cGAS is activated by dsDNA-induced oligomerization.
Perturbation of Nuclear Architecture by Long-Distance Chromosome Interactions

Abstract Position–effect variegation (PEV) describes the stochastic transcriptional silencing of a gene positioned adjacent to heterochromatin. Using FISH, we have tested whether variegated expression of the eye-color gene brown in Drosophila is influenced by its nuclear localization. In embryonic nuclei, a heterochromatic insertion at the brown locus is always spatially isolated from other heterochromatin. However, during larval development this insertion physically associates with other heterochromatic regions on the same chromosome in a stochastic manner. These observations indicate that the brown gene is silenced by specific contact with centromeric heterochromatin. Moreover, they provide direct evidence for long-range chromosome interactions and their impact on three-dimensional nuclear architecture, while providing a cohesive explanation for the phenomenon of PEV. §Present Address: Department of Developmental Biology, B300 Beckman Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305.
Polarization vision: a new sensory approach to image understanding

Overviewed are recent results of a new general approach to image understanding and computer vision utilizing the sensing of polarization of light. Whereas human vision is oblivious to components of light polarization, polarization parameters of light are shown to provide an important visual extension to intensity and color significantly expanding the application potential for image understanding. A physical state of polarization can be visualized directly in human terms as a particular hue and saturation, and this paper utilizes such a scheme presenting images of ordinary scenes as never seen before by humans in the domain of polarization vision. Metaphorically, humans are 'color blind' with respect to the perception of polarization, and even though this does not appear to inhibit human visual performance, we show how polarization vision is a sensory augmentation that can significantly enhance both automated image understanding and even possibly improve human visual performance itself under certain conditions. Sensors, calledpolarization cameras, have been developed that automatically sense components of partial linear polarization and computationally process these components to produce polarization images. Prototypes of different polarization camera sensors have been presented in earlier literature. A recent advancement in the design of polarization cameras has made it possible to interface low-cost modular components with almost any existing imaging device converting it into an automatic polarization camera. This compatibility with small portable imaging devices is making polarization imaging for the first time accessible to a number of application areas outside the laboratory, both outdoors and underwater, revealing polarization vision as a vast new visually augmented domain with unique capabilities. This paper presents various results from three on-going field applications: natural object recognition, inspection of ship hulls for damage, and marine biology.
Problems and Prospects of Democratic Socialism in France and Italy

IN FRANCE AND ITALY, the presence of large Communist parties and the hidebound conservatism of the middle classes have combined to pose a serious problem for democratic Socialism. In France, the SFIO (Section Francaise de l'Internationale Ouviere) has been able to remain unified but ranks far behind the Parti Communiste Franfais (PCF) in membership and voting strength. Italian Socialism is relatively stronger but is split into two mutually antagonistic camps: the Partito Socialista Italiano (PSI), led by Pietro Nenni, is closely allied with the Italian Communist Party, while the Partito Socialista Democratico Italiano, led by Giuseppe Saragat, is firmly opposed to any collaboration with the Communists. Despite certain differences, the situations in both countries are roughly comparable: the absence of a powerful and independent Socialist movement serves as a barrier to the reforms which both societies so urgently need.
Clathrin and associated assembly and disassembly proteins.

PERSPECTIVES AND SUMMARY. . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415 CLATHRIN . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .... .. . . . . . . . . ....... . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . 4 1 7 Clathrin Heavy Chains 417 Clathrin Light Chains 417 Clathrin Trimer/Triskelion...... ......... ...... ........ . . . . . . . . ....... . . . . . . . . . 419 APs: ASSEMBLY PROTEINS/ADAPTOR PROTEINS/ASSOCIATED PROTEINS.... 423 AP-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423 AP-I and AP1801AP-3 . 426 AP Activities 427 AP-Membrane Interactions 429 UNCOATING ATPase/Hsc70. . . . ...... . . . . . 431 Uncoating ATPase is Hsc70 431 Functions of the Hsc70lUncoating ATPase 433
Personality from a controlled processing perspective: an fMRI study of neuroticism, extraversion, and self-consciousness.

Although neuroticism has been central to most theories of personality, self-reported neuroticism has had limited success in predicting expected behavioral outcomes. The reason for this may be due, in part, to the imprecision of self-reports. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between neural correlates of control systems and neuroticism, extraversion, and self-consciousness. In response to an oddball task, neuroticism was associated with increased dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) reactivity, typically associated with discrepancy detection, whereas extraversion and self-consciousness were associated with lateral and medial frontoparietal networks, respectively, typically associated with task-focused (lateral) or self-focused (medial) controlled processes. We also examined whether the neural measure of neuroticism would predict a relevant behavioral outcome better than self-reports would. Interoceptive accuracy, an outcome associated with neuroticism, was better accounted for by dACC reactivity (r 2=.74) than by self-reported neuroticism (r 2=.16), suggesting that neural reactivities may provide a more direct measure of personality than self-reports do.
Resolvents of minus M-matrices and splittings of M-matrices

Abstract This paper investigates the relationship of the combinatorial properties of a minus M-matrix to the growth rate and decay rate of the individual elements in its resolvent. These results are then used to develop properties of splittings of an M-matrix. Resolvent compatible splittings, distance dominated splittings, and weak graph compatible splittings are introduced here, and their relationships to graph compatible and G-compatible splittings are investigated. Some of the results of this paper are summarized in an implications diagram.
Study of phonon propagation in water using picosecond ultrasonics

The propagation of ultra-short sound pulses in water is studied by using the picosecond ultrasonic technique. A sound pulse is generated when light is absorbed in a metal transducer film deposited onto a substrate. The sound propagates across a thin layer of water and is then reflected back to the surface at which it was generated. The efficiency of optoacoustic detection of the reflected sound is enhanced through the use of a resonant optical cavity. We show that the variation of the shape of the returning sound pulse with propagation distance agrees with that calculated by using the attenuation of sound in water that has been measured at lower frequencies.
A research agenda for licensing and certification testing validation studies.

The set of articles appearing in this issue of Evaluation & the Health Professions provides an in-depth examination of the validation process for licensing and certification test score decisions. T...
A three-wheel vehicle with expanding wheels: differential flatness, trajectory planning, and control

This paper describes the analysis and simulation of a novel 3-wheel vehicle with expanding wheels. The motivation for this design is to attain added navigation capability by expanding the wheels according to the requirements of the terrain. For this vehicle, we present the analysis of motions in the plane and in 3D space. In these models, it is assumed that the contact point of the wheel with the ground is directly underneath the center of the wheel and has no slip. The kinematic models are studied for the property of differential flatness and this property is used to plan the trajectory and design feedback controllers. The paper presents simulations performed using MATLAB. Currently, a vehicle with these features has been fabricated at University of Delaware.
Immunologic responses to a murine mammary adenocarcinoma. I. Passive transfer of immunity by sera from tumor-bearing mice.

DBA/2 mice bearing a syngeneic mammary adenocarcioma T1699 produced high levels of tumor-specific antibody, detected by indirect immunofluorescence and subsequently identified as the IgG2a subclass. Tumor-bearer sera passively administered to normal recipients protected the animals from subsequent challenge with T1699 tumor cells but not from challenge with a non-cross-reacting syngeneic tumor, SaD2 fibrosarcoma. Administration of sera prior to tumor challenge was found to be more effective than treatment after the challenge. The protective effect of sera appeared to parallel both antibody titers and appearance of concomitant immunity; however, sera absorbed with T1699 cells, with the indirect fluorescent antibody titers reduced more than 100-fold, conferred an almost identical level of protection. Immune suppression of serum recipients before serum transfer abolished the effect, suggesting that protection depended on a cellular immune response by the host in addition to the possible protective effect(s) of humoral antibody.
A modified challenge-based learning approach in a capstone course to improve student satisfaction and engagement.

Advanced Biochemistry, a senior capstone course for biochemistry majors, was first offered in 2011. The course objectives focused on students’ ability to access and use primary literature. Despite engaging conversation and excellent student presentations, evaluations of the course content were lower than what this instructor usually receives (3.65/5 compared to 4.3/5 from the previous semester). However, the evaluation of just the instructor was equivalent to historical results. In an effort to improve the course, a challenge-based learning (CBL) design was implemented in 2013 to frame the course around four big questions relevant to our world and local community. This change was made to test if a CBL course design would increase student engagement in the course and therefore their achievement of learning outcomes. Collected data show an improvement in students’ perception of the course. Most significantly, course evaluation results increased when compared to the previous year (4.5/5 as compared to 3.65/5 in 2011). Students also rated the CBL approach as highly effective in achieving core course outcomes and related skills (all queried outcomes averaged 4.2/5 at midterm).
Multiple Phylogenetically Distinct Events Shaped the Evolution of Limb Skeletal Morphologies Associated with Bipedalism in the Jerboas

Recent rapid advances in experimental biology have expanded the opportunity for interdisciplinary investigations of the evolution of form and function in non-traditional model species. However, historical divisions of philosophy and methodology between evolutionary/organismal biologists and developmental geneticists often preclude an effective merging of disciplines. In an effort to overcome these divisions, we take advantage of the extraordinary morphological diversity of the rodent superfamily Dipodoidea, including the bipedal jerboas, to experimentally study the developmental mechanisms and biomechanical performance of a remarkably divergent limb structure. Here, we place multiple limb character states in a locomotor and phylogenetic context. Whereas obligate bipedalism arose just once in the ancestor of extant jerboas, we find that digit loss, metatarsal fusion, between-limb proportions, and within-hindlimb proportions all evolved independently of one another. Digit loss occurred three times through at least two distinct developmental mechanisms, and elongation of the hindlimb relative to the forelimb is not simply due to growth mechanisms that change proportions within the hindlimb. Furthermore, we find strong evidence for punctuated evolution of allometric scaling of hindlimb elements during the radiation of Dipodoidea. Our work demonstrates the value of leveraging the evolutionary history of a clade to establish criteria for identifying the developmental genetic mechanisms of morphological diversification.
Acidosis Dilates Brain Parenchymal Arterioles by Conversion of Calcium Waves to Sparks to Activate BK Channels

Rationale:Acidosis is a powerful vasodilator signal in the brain circulation. However, the mechanisms by which this response occurs are not well understood, particularly in the cerebral microcircul...
Roman Catholic Approaches to the Qur'an since Vatican II

Vatican II opposes polemical attitudes to Islam but gives no specific guidance on the Qur'an. Modern Roman Catholic writing on the Qur'an includes a considerable variety of approaches. At the positive end of the spectrum: for Christian members of GRIC (Groupe de Recherche Islamo-Chretien) the Qur'an is “an authentic Word of God, but one in part essentially different from the one in Jesus Christ”; George Dardess affirms that the Qur'an and the Eucharist are both means through which “God shares with us God's self through the word”; for Giulio Basetti-Sani the Qur'an is divine revelation but it does not contradict Christian doctrine; Jacques Dupuis sees the Qur'an as a real but imperfect revelation. More cautious approaches are found in the writings of Jacques Jomier and Christian Troll, for whom the biblical testimony to Christ is the decisive word of God, and not just one divine revelation alongside another in the Qur'an.
Avoiding common pitfalls of chlorophyll fluorescence analysis under field conditions

The determination of chlorophyll fluorescence emission is a powerful tool for assessing the status of PSII and the allocation of absorbed light to photosynthesis v. photoprotective energy dissipation. The development of field-portable fluorometers has enabled growing numbers of scientists to measure fluorescence emission from plants in diverse field settings. However, the ease of operation of contemporary fluorometers masks the many challenges associated with collecting meaningful and interpretable fluorescence signals from leaves exposed to relevant environmental conditions. Here, we offer methodological advice aimed at, but not limited to, the non-specialist for the proper measurement of fluorescence parameters, with an emphasis on avoiding common errors in the use of fluorescence under field conditions. Chief among our suggestions is (1) to delay use of automatically calculated fluorescence parameters, presented by the instrument software, until raw data 'traces' have been carefully inspected to ensure the integrity of findings, and (2) to combine chlorophyll fluorescence analysis, as a rapid, preliminary method of assessing plant responses to stress, with additional methods of characterising the system of interest (e.g. gas exchange, foliar pigment composition, thylakoid protein composition).