cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Parameter Space of tDCS and Cognitive Control via Manipulation of Current Polarity and Intensity.

In the cognitive domain, enormous variation in methodological approach prompts questions about the generalizability of behavioral findings obtained from studies of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). To determine the impact of common variations in approach, we systematically manipulated two key stimulation parameters—current polarity and intensity—and assessed their impact on a task of inhibitory control (the Eriksen Flanker). Ninety participants were randomly assigned to one of nine experimental groups: three stimulation conditions (anode, sham, cathode) crossed with three intensity levels (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mA). As participants performed the Flanker task, stimulation was applied over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; electrode montage: F3–RSO). The behavioral impact of these manipulations was examined using mixed effects linear regression. Results indicate a significant effect of stimulation condition (current polarity) on the magnitude of the interference effect during the Flanker; however, this effect was specific to the comparison between anodal and sham stimulation. Inhibitory control was therefore improved by anodal stimulation over the DLPFC. In the present experimental context, no reliable effect of stimulation intensity was observed, and we found no evidence that inhibitory control was impeded by cathodal stimulation. Continued exploration of the stimulation parameter space, particularly with more robustly powered sample sizes, is essential to facilitating cross-study comparison and ultimately working toward a reliable model of tDCS effects.
Predicting the phase behavior of fluorinated organic molecules using the GC-SAFT-VR equation of state

Abstract Fluorinated molecules such as perfluoroalkanes (PFA), perfluoroalkylalkanes (PFAA), fluoroalkanes, and hydrofluoroethers (HFE) possess attractive physical properties that have resulted in their use in a wide range of applications. However, while there is an abundance of thermophysical data for hydrocarbons in the literature, only limited studies have been performed that report the properties of the corresponding fluorinated species. Predictive approaches are therefore needed to accurately and reliably determine the physical properties of these molecules. The statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT) is a commonly used molecular-based equation of state that in its various forms has been applied to study a wide range of fluid systems. In recent work, several group contribution (GC) SAFT equations of state have been proposed, such as the GC-SAFT-VR equation that combines the SAFT equation for potentials of variable range (VR) with a group contribution approach that uniquely allows for the description of hetero-segmented chains. The GC-SAFT-VR equation has been shown to provide an excellent description of the phase behavior of pure associating and non-associating fluids and their mixtures, with a minimal reliance on fitting the model parameters to experimental data. Specifically, parameters for key functional groups (such as CH3, CH2, CH, CH2=CH, C=O, C6H5, ether and ester, OH, NH2, CH=O, COOH) have been obtained by fitting to experimental vapor pressure and saturated liquid density data for selected low molecular weight fluids and then used to predict the phase behavior of pure fluids and their mixtures without further adjusting the group parameters. To expand upon this effort, here we report parameters for the CF3, CF2, CF, CH2F, CHF2, and CHF functional groups and their cross interactions. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental data for pure PFAs, PFAAs, and HFEs, as well as binary mixtures of alkanes, alkenes, PFAs, PFAAs, and CO2 in order to test the transferability of the new group parameters. The GC-SAFT-VR approach is found to accurately predict the phase behavior of the systems studied.
The Dismantling of Dissent: Militarization and the Right to Peaceably Assemble

This Note tracks the evolution of the Assembly Clause jurisprudence and the intersection of that jurisprudence, militarization of police, and deteriorating constitutional protections for protesters.
Integration rules and experimental evidence for the stability of time domain integral equations

Because the analysis of the time domain integral equations of electromagnetics is complicated and cannot easily take into account all sources of error in any given implementation, judgements of stability tend to rest on experience. While such an approach eliminates the worst methods immediately, subtle implementation issues may affect the stability of more promising approaches. In this work, we examine the effects of integration rules on stability. Numerical results demonstrate that increasing accuracy does not always increase stability.
Protein Intake and Long-term Change in Glomerular Filtration Rate in the Jackson Heart Study.

Objective Dietary protein intake could have deleterious renal effects in populations at risk for chronic kidney disease. Here, we examined whether higher protein intake (≥80th percentile of energy from protein) is associated with decline in kidney function and whether this decline varies by diabetes status. Design Observational cohort study. Subjects and Settings Participants were African-Americans (n = 5,301), who enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study between 2000 and 2004. Methods Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire at baseline, and serum creatinine was measured at baseline (visit 1) and 8 years later (visit 3). Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) at baseline and follow-up were computed using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation. Main Outcome Measure The change in eGFR was computed by subtracting eGFR at visit 1 from that at visit 3. Results Of 3,165 participants with complete data, 64% were women, 57% had hypertension, and 19% had diabetes. The median (25th, 75th percentile) percent energy intake from protein was 14.3 (12.4, 16.4), comparable to that reported for the general US population (15% of energy). During a median (25th, 75th percentile) follow-up of 8.0 (7.4, 8.3) years, eGFR declined by 10.5% from a mean (SD) of 97.4 (17.5) to 86.9 (21.3) mL/min/1.73 m 2 . In the fully adjusted model, consumption of protein as percent of energy intake in lowest and highest quintiles was associated with decline in eGFR among diabetic subjects. The analysis of variance with a robust variance estimator was used to determine whether long-term change in eGFR significantly varies by protein intake. Conclusions Our results show that, among African-Americans with diabetes, higher protein intake as a percent of total energy intake is positively associated with greater decline in eGFR in analyses that accounted for risk factors for kidney disease.
Approximate regularized least squares algorithm for classification

In machine learning, a good predictive model is the one that generalizes well over future unseen data. In general, this problem is ill-posed. To mitigate this problem, a predictive model can be constructed by simultaneously minimizing an empirical error over training samples and controlling the complexity of the model. Thus, the regularized least squares (RLS) is developed. RLS requires matrix inversion, which is expensive. And as such, its “big data” applications can be adversely affected. To address this issue, we have developed an efficient machine learning algorithm for pattern recognition that approximates RLS. The algorithm does not require matrix inversion, and achieves competitive performance against the RLS algorithm. It has been shown mathematically that RLS is a sound learning algorithm. Therefore, a definitive statement about the relationship between the new algorithm and RLS will lay a solid theoretical foundation for the new algorithm. A recent study shows that the spectral norm of the kernel matrix in RLS is tightly bounded above by the size of the matrix. This spectral norm becomes a constant when the training samples have independent centered sub-Gaussian coordinators. For example, typical sub-Gaussian random vectors such as the standard normal and Bernoulli satisfy this assumption. Basically, each sample is drawn from a product distribution formed from some centered univariate sub-Gaussian distributions. These new results allow us to establish a bound between the new algorithm and RLS in finite samples and show that the new algorithm converges to RLS in the limit. Experimental results are provided that validate the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the new algorithm to be very promising in solving “big data” classification problems.
Direct sizing of RNA fragments using RNase-generated standards.

Publisher Summary Electrophoretic migration of RNA is affected by its terminal OH or P character to a sizable and variable extent, considerably more than is DNA. If not accounted for when sizing RNA, errors of up to two nucleotides can arise, even when using sequencing ladders prepared from RNA with the same sequence. Many cellular cleavage events of interest generate 3′-OH termini, yet these termini are not formed when using the standard methods of preparing RNA sequencing ladders, which all generate 2′,3′-cyclic P and 5′-OH termini. Fortunately, conditions have been found in which nuclease P1 cleaves in a highly G-specific manner and different conditions in which it cleaves in an A-preferential manner, allowing convenient preparation of the desired sequencing ladders. The key to accurate RNA size determination is to select appropriate marker ladders that not only are from the same sequence RNA but also have comparable termini. Cleavage agents commonly used to generate such ladders are sequence-specific RNases, including RNase T1 (which cleaves after G residues) and RNase A (which cleaves after C and U residues), and alkali, which cleaves after any residue.
Phylogenetic analysis of large molecular data sets

Technological advances in molecular biology have greatly increased the speed and efficiency of DNA sequencing, making it possible to construct large molecular data sets for phylogeny reconstruction relatively quickly. Despite their potential for improving our understanding of phylogeny, these large data sets also provide many challenges. In this paper, we discuss several of these challenges, including 1) the failure of a search to find the most parsimonious trees (the local optimum) in a reasonable amount of time, 2) the difference between a local optimum and the global optimum, and 3) the existence of multiple classes (islands) of most parsimonious trees. We also discuss possible strategies to improve the' likelihood of finding the most parsimonious tree(s) and present two examples from our work on angiosperm phylogeny. We conclude with a discussion of two alternatives to analyses of entire large data sets, the exemplar approach and compartmentalization, and suggest that additional consideration must be given to issues of data analysis for large data sets, whether morphological or molecular.
Daten- und Plausibilitätsprüfungen

In den vorherigen Kapiteln haben wir uns mit der Ablaufsteuerung eines Anwendungssystems beschaftigt. Es wurde gezeigt, das es besonders wichtig ist, den Transaktionen einen Standardrahmen zugrunde zu legen, weil nur so nachtraglich Erweiterungen eingefugt werden konnen, die sich auf die gesamte Anwendung beziehen. So ermoglicht eine einfache Anderung in der Aufruffunktion fur die Feldexits den direkten Transaktionsaufruf in allen Einzeltransaktionen. Weiter haben wir gesehen, das die eigentliche Verarbeitungslogik in einem wohldefinierten Exit erfolgt, der durch seinen Namen immer mit der Transaktion verbunden ist. Ein wichtiger Bestandteil jeder Verarbeitung ist hierbei die Prufung der eingegebenen bzw. veranderten Daten auf Konsistenz. Da diese Prufungen haufig umfangreichen Anderungen und Erweiterungen unterworfen sind, soll auch fur die verschiedenartigen Datenprufungen innerhalb einer Anwendung ein einheitliches Vorgehensmodell entwickelt werden. Im Vordergrund wird hierbei das Ziel stehen, Datenprufungen auch nachtraglich, ohne Anderung des prozeduralen Codes, in eine Anwendung einzufugen.
Changes and Trends in Precipitation Extremes and Characteristics: Links to Climate Variability and Change

Abstract This chapter presents methods for assessing trends in precipitation characteristics and extremes due to climate variability and climate change. An exhaustive discussion of indices and measures used to evaluate changes in precipitation extremes and characteristics is provided. Wherever possible, influences of climate variability manifested due to coupled oceanic and atmospheric oscillations on spatial and temporal variation in regional precipitation extremes and characteristics are discussed.
Cancer Gene Discovery: Past to Present

Cancer is a complex disease that originates from genetic changes leading to multiple phenotypic manifestations that ultimately result in suffering and death from cancer. Attempts have been made to define the phenotypic and genetic "hallmarks" of cancer, but many of these "hallmarks" remain descriptive, while the underlying mechanisms responsible for these hallmarks remain elusive. For decades, cancer researchers have been methodically identifying the molecular mechanisms that result in tumor initiation, growth, metastases, and resistance to therapy. Great strides forward have been made and we are entering an era of "precision medicine" with the goal of treating each cancer based on its unique etiology. Increasingly, the decision to use targeted therapies and immunotherapies in the clinic is based on the genotype of the cancer being treated. For example, specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors are only prescribed to patients that express the tyrosine kinase protein on their cancer cells. Likewise, a genetically unstable cancer is predictive for successful immunotherapy. Knowledge of the specific genetic changes that result in overproduction of oncogenes and reduced production of tumor suppressors is crucial for advancing therapeutic options for cancer. The first chapter of this book presents a brief history of cancer gene discovery. In the remaining chapters of this book, we present protocols using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo techniques for identifying genetic drivers of cancer, in the hope that these protocols will be used to increase our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms driving cancer.
Quantum description of synaptic nervous function. The phenomenological status of the conditional reflex.

A profound problem exists in formulating a mode for description of biological phenomena which is unified with that for chemistry and physics. A similar problem occurred historically with respect to chemical phenomena and physics. Section I of this paper is a sketch of how the resolution of conceptual dualism between physics and chemistry came about by the application of quantum description. The end of Section I and all of Section II is an exercise concerned with neurophysiology and psychobiology at the level of synaptic function which serves as an example of how resolution of conceptual dualism betweephysics and biology is also possible by application of quantum description. Coincidentally, the phenomenological status of the conditional reflex is clarified by this exercise.
Measuring local conformations and conformational disorder of (Cy3)2 dimer labeled DNA fork junctions using absorbance, circular dichroism and two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy

The sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA near single-stranded (ss)-double-stranded (ds) junctions likely fluctuates within a broad distribution of conformations to permit the proper binding of genome regulatory proteins that function at these sites. In this work we use absorbance, circular dichroism (CD), and two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (2DFS) to study the local conformations and conformational disorder within chromophore-labeled DNA constructs. These constructs employ dimers of the fluorescent chromophore Cy3 that are site-specifically incorporated into the sugar-phosphate backbones of DNA strands at ss-ds DNA fork junctions. We show that these data can be analyzed to determine the local conformations of the (Cy3)2 dimer, and the degree of conformational disorder. Our analysis employs an essential-state Holstein-Frenkel Hamiltonian model, which takes into account the internal electronic-vibrational motions within each Cy3 chromophore, and the resonant electronic interaction that couples the two chromophores together. Our results suggest that this approach may be applied generally to understand local backbone conformation and conformational disorder at ss-ds DNA fork junctions.
History of the Development of Polarized Targets

From my viewpoint as a solid state experimentalist, I will give a somewhat personal account of the key ideas and physical mechanisms leading to the achievement of large dynamic nuclear polarizations in solids. Following this I backtrack a bit and describe application to the first real targets. Finally, as a bystander, I review briefly the subsequent advances in target materials and technology, which are quite sophisticated nowadays.
The isolation and characterization of a new snake venom cysteine-rich secretory protein (svCRiSP) from the venom of the Southern Pacific rattlesnake and its effect on vascular permeability.

Abstract A novel snake venom cysteine-rich secretory protein (svCRiSP), Hellerin, was purified from C. o. helleri venom using sequential reverse phase and cation-exchange chromatography. Gel electrophoresis, N-terminal sequencing, and LC-MS/MS sequencing identified a single protein with a molecular mass of approximately 24.8 kDa and confirmed its identity as a svCRiSP. Hellerin had cytotoxic effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a dose-dependent manner but not in human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs) and human dermal blood endothelial cells (HDBECs). Hellerin produced a dramatic increase in both blood vascular permeability in vivo, and in the trans-epithelial permeability of cultured HDLEC and HDBEC cells. This is the first study that describes the effect of a svCRiSP on vascular, blood and lymphatic permeability.
Time behavior of the emission of 1274 keV gamma-rays from UF6

Abstract 22 Na ingrowth originating from fluorine–alpha interactions has been proposed as a chronometer for U F 6 cylinders. However, these proposals have ignored the prompt 1274 keV gamma-ray contribution from 19F( α , p). We have shown that this contribution is significant and cannot be ignored when using this as a chronometer for U F 6 .
Characterization of saponin foam from Saponaria officinalis for food applications

Abstract Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) is a natural source of saponins, which are known for their surface-active properties and ability to form metastable foams. The properties of saponin extract from soapwort have not been well characterized. This study examines the chemical and physical properties of soapwort extract as well as its foaming behavior under food relevant conditions. We show that the extract produces metastable solid-like foams, with high foam capacity and stability. Further, the surfactant has a higher critical micelle concentration (CMC) than other natural sources, and shows some ionic character, although changes in pH only slightly affect its behavior. For a comprehensive understanding, the foaming properties were analyzed in the presence of other molecules commonly used in food systems. The presence of sodium chloride, sucrose, ethanol, and low pH was found not significantly to affect foam properties. Addition of heat increases the foam capacity, whereas ethanol at high concentrations is unfavorable. The extract presents a promising alternative surfactant for foams and other dispersions in diverse food systems.
Electrical transport properties of n- and p- doped InSe: Bulk crystals versus exfoliated layers

Efficient doping of 2D materials, including carrier type, concentration and mobility, is challenging but essential for enabling their future electronic and photonic applications. We are developing substitutional n- and p- doping of InSe semiconductor by introducing Sn and Zn, respectively, in the Bridgman bulk crystal growth. Electrical transport properties of undoped vs. n- and p- doped InSe crystals are compared by conducting Hall measurements on bulk crystals and FET transport measurements on exfoliated thin layers. Undoped InSe is intrinsically n-type in both bulk and thin-film forms, with [n]~3.5E14 cm-3 and mu values of up to 1,400 cm2 V-1 s-1 for thick layers at 300K. Carrier concentration in Sn-doped thick layers increases approximately two-fold, while the corresponding mobility reduces ~2 times at 300 K. Zn-doped InSe shows p- behavior for bulk InSe with [p]~7.9E13 cm-3 and mu~43 cm2 V-1 s-1 at 300 K, which reverts to ambipolar/n- type behavior for thin layers in FET devices.
Deep Brain Stimulation: Emerging Technologies and Applications

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical technique that consists of continuous delivery of electrical pulses through chronically implanted electrodes connected to a neurostimulator, programmable in amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and stimulation channel. DBS is a promising treatment option for addressing severe and drug-resistant movement disorders. The success of DBS therapy stems from a combination of surgical implantation techniques, device technologies, and clinical programming strategies. Changes in device settings require highly trained and experienced clinicians to achieve maximal therapeutic benefit for each targeted symptom, and optimization of stimulation parameters can take many clinic visits. Thus, the development of innovative DBS technologies that can optimize the clinical implementation of DBS will lead to wider-scale utilization. This chapter aims to discuss engineering approaches that have the potential to improve clinical outcomes of DBS, focusing on the development novel temporal patterns, innovative electrode designs, computational models to guide stimulation, closed-loop DBS, emerging clinical indications, and future noninvasive strategies.
Hemigland Cryoablation of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer: Intermediate-Term Followup via Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guided Biopsy.

Purpose:Contemporary biopsy methods were used to determine the success rate of hemigland cryoablation as a primary treatment for prostate cancer. Previous studies, often including men at low risk, ...
Prenatal Provider Breastfeeding Toolkit: Results of a Pilot to Increase Women's Prenatal Breastfeeding Support, Intentions, and Outcomes.

BackgroundBreastfeeding rates for United States women with lower incomes fall below the government’s Healthy People 2020 Goals. Breastfeeding recommendations combined with support from providers an...
Tautology in Criminological Theory

Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) self-control theory has been characterized as "tautological.” We analyze this claim and use the theory to discuss logical falsifiability and empirical identifiability in criminological theory. The Gottfredson-Hirschi theory is not tautological. Identifiability, an empirical analog of falsifiability, is a difficult problem. If self-control is defined as a fixed-point trait, its identifiability is difficult to demonstrate. If self-control is defined as a range of values around a fixed-point, however, it can be manipulated. We propose manipulability as an identifiability criterion. Manipulability may not be a useful criterion for all criminological theories. For the Gottfredson-Hirschi theory, it demonstrates that the controversial causal mechanism is not problematic.
Advancing Health Equity in Digital Mental Health: Lessons From Medical Anthropology for Global Mental Health

Digital health engenders the opportunity to create new effective mental health care models-from substance use recovery to suicide prevention. Anthropological methodologies offer a unique opportunity for the field of global mental health to examine and incorporate contextual mental health needs through attention to the lived experience of illness; engagement with communities; and knowledge of context, structures, and systems. Attending to these diverse mental health needs and conditions as well as the limitations of digital health will allow global mental health researchers, practitioners, and patients to collaboratively create new models for care in the service of equitable, accessible recovery.
Exploring and Influencing Teacher Grading for Block-based Programs through Rubrics and the GradeSnap Tool

This article examines the grading process and profiles of secondary computer science teachers as they assess block-based student programming submissions. Through an iterative design process, we have created a new tool, Gradesnap, which streamlines how teachers can open, review, and evaluate student submissions within the same interface. Our study compares teachers’ grading processes using the different assessment formats, so that we can understand how their grading processes can be augmented or supported to reduce ’pain points’ and to enable teachers to provide more constructive and formative feedback for students. We use a case study approach to examine the experiences and outcomes of four secondary computer science teachers with varied teaching and assessment experience, when grading as usual, grading with a rubric, and grading with GradeSnap. Our study shows that when participants use GradeSnap, they are able to give supportive comments to lower performing and borderline students who need critical feedback to better understand misconceptions. We also discovered that the different grading processes provided a vehicle for reflection for some teachers in understanding their grading goals and how they enact them. This research is the first to examine teacher grading processes for computer science, and highlights the need for teacher preparation and support for providing programming feedback and assessment.
Automated Optimization of Residual Reduction Algorithm Parameters in OpenSim

The residual reduction algorithm (RRA) in OpenSim improves dynamic consistency of movement simulations of musculoskeletal models. RRA requires the user to select numerous tracking weights for the joint kinematics to reduce residual errors. Selection is often performed manually, which can be time-consuming and is unlikely to yield optimal tracking weights. A multi-heuristic optimization algorithm was employed to expedite tracking weight decision making to reduce residual errors. This method produced more rigorous results than manual iterations and although the total computation time was not significantly reduced, this method does not require the user to monitor the algorithm9s progress to find a solution, thereby reducing manual tuning. Supporting documentation and code to implement this optimization is freely provided to assist the community with developing movement simulations.
Emotions During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Health Versus Economy Analysis of Public Responses

People all over the world were under severe stress and were concerned about their health after a devastating pandemic struck the world in the form of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in late ...
I Wasn't There: Caring for a Patient With Trisomy 21, Alzheimer Disease, and Epilepsy Until His Final Days With COVID-19.

A physician's reflection upon caring for a patient with the medical complexities of Trisomy 21 and Alzheimer's disease, whom she diagnosed with epilepsy, and navigating that care after he contracted COVID-19.
SU-C-BRB-07: Optimizing Fiducial Visibility On Periodically Acquired Megavoltage and Kilovoltage Image Pairs During Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy

Purpose: Robust detection of implanted fiducials is essential for monitoring intra-fractional motion during hypo-fractionated treatment. We developed a plan optimization strategy to ensure clear visibility of implanted fiducials, and facilitate 3D localization during volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Method: Periodic kilovoltage (kV) images were acquired at 20° gantry intervals, and paired with simultaneously acquired 4.4° short arc megavoltage digital tomosynthesis (MV-DTS) to localize three fiducials during VMAT delivery for prostate cancer. Beginning with the original optimized plan, control point segments where fiducials (with 1cm margin to account for potential motion) were consistently blocked by MLC within each 4.4° MV-DTS interval were first identified. For each segment, MLC apertures were edited to expose the fiducial that led to the least increase in a dosimetric cost function. Subsequently, MLC apertures of all control points not involved with fiducial visualization were re-optimized to compensate for plan quality losses and match the original DVH. MV dose for each MV-DTS was also kept above 0.4 MU to ensure acceptable image quality. Different imaging (gantry) intervals and visibility margins around fiducials were also evaluated. Result: Fiducials were consistently blocked by the MLC for, on average, 38% of the imaging control points for five hypofractionated prostate VMAT plans but properly exposed after re-optimization. Optimization resulted in negligible dosimetric differences compared with original plans, and outperformed simple aperture editing: on average, PTV D98 recovered from 87% to 94% of prescription, and PTV dose homogeneity improved from 9% to 7%. Without violating plan objectives and compromising delivery efficiency, the highest imaging frequency and largest margin that can be achieved are a 10° gantry interval, and 15mm, respectively. Conclusion: VMAT plans can be made to accommodate MV-kV imaging of fiducials. Fiducial visualization rate and workflow efficiency are significantly improved with an automatic modification and re-optimization approach. Research supported by Varian Medical System
Loyal Sons and Daughters of God? American Catholics Debate Catholic Antiwar Protest

American Catholics witnessed a wave of radical Catholic action during the Vietnam War. Many Catholics protested the war by burning draft cards and destroying draft files. Radical Catholic action continued into the 1980s with the Plowshares actions, protests in which religious activists attempted to damage nuclear weapons and facilities. The response of ordinary Catholics to such protests, gleaned from Catholic editorial letters, was mixed. Some Catholics drew on a tradition in American Catholicism that emphasized patriotism and sought to keep religious and secular matters separate. Others supported the protests on biblical grounds and found justification in church tradition and teaching. Response to Vietnam-era Catholic protests tended to focus on the propriety of Catholic protests and the changes wrought by the Second Vatican Council, rather than the war itself. By the 1980s, however, American Catholics had become more comfortable with Catholic public protest and focused their editorial debate on the morality of nuclear weapons.
Active learning, hardware projects and reverse instruction in microwave/RF education

We report on our lessons-learned regarding teaching microwave/RF classes at PSU for the last five years. Central themes of our pedagogy involve having students do as much as possible by themselves (active learning), using authentic/realistic projects, and using the lab for true experimentation, which encourages failure-iteration cycles. Students are given many different opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities with projects and soft-skills (writing, presentations) playing a prominent role. We also discuss the role of misconceptions and how they hamper student learning, and propose development of a concept inventory for microwave/RF education. Such a development may provide a significant boost in the effectiveness of microwave/RF education.
Progressive query optimization for federated queries

Database Management Systems (DBMS) perform query plan selection by mathematically modeling the execution cost of candidate execution plans and choosing the cheapest query execution plan (QEP) according to that cost model. The cost model requires accurate estimates of the sizes of intermediate results of all steps in the QEP. Outdated or incomplete statistics, parameter markers and complex skewed data frequently cause the selection of a suboptimal query plan, which in turn results in bad query performance. Federated queries are regular relational queries accessing data on one or more remote relational or non-relational data sources, possibly combining them with tables stored in the federated DBMS server. Their execution is typically divided between the federated server and the remote data sources. Outdated and incomplete statistics have a bigger impact on federated DBMS than on regular DBMS, as maintenance of federated statistics is unequally more complicated and expensive than the maintenance of the local statistics; consequently bad performance commonly occurs for federated queries due to the selection of a suboptimal query plan. We present an extension of the mid-query reoptimization technique "Progressive Query Optimization" (POP), which adds robustness to query processing by dynamically detecting if an access plan is suboptimal and by triggering a reoptimization in that case. Our extensions enable efficient reoptimization of federated queries. Our contributions are (a) an opportunistic, but risk controlled, reoptimization technique for federated DBMS (b) a technique for multiple reoptimizations during federated query processing, with a strategy to discover redundant and eliminate partial results and (c) a mechanism to eagerly procure statistics in a federated environment. We have implemented these techniques in a prototype version of WebSphere Information Integrator for DB2. Our enhancements enable robust and acceptable performance for federated queries, even if the remote data sources provided almost no statistical information about the data. An extensive case study on real world data shows POP has negligible runtime overhead and improves the performance of complex federated queries by up to a full order of magnitude.
Ammonia Synthesis – Biomimetic

In addition to binding and reducing N2 (to NH3), the nitrogenase enzyme binds and reduces at its metal–sulfur cluster center (FeMoco) a number of alternative substrates including acetylene, hydrazine, cyanide, isocyanides, and the proton. This enzyme is also inhibited by CO. In order to help understand the detailed mechanism of these reactions, a number of metal-containing systems have been developed which seek to mimic the properties of the enzyme system. In general, these include systems formed from mixing salts of the appropriate metals (Fe, Mo, or V) and reducing agents, which reduce nitrogenase substrates; systems involving metal–sulfur cluster molecules which interact with certain nitrogenase substrates and/or CO; and mononuclear metal complexes which contain a nitrogenase substrate, or CO, bound to the metal. This article describes a range of such systems and indicates the knowledge drawn from them with regard to the role of the metal centers in the catalytic action of nitrogenase. Keywords: nitrogenase; molybdenum; vanadium; iron; sulfur; clusters; FeMoCo; substrates; N2; H+; C2H2; N2H4; CH3CN; CN−; CO; H2
Single-Cell, Time-Resolved Antimicrobial Effects of a Highly Cationic, Random Nylon-3 Copolymer on Live Escherichia coli

Synthetic random copolymers based on the nylon-3 (β-peptide) backbone show promise as inexpensive antimicrobial agents resistant to proteolysis. We present a time-resolved observational study of the attack of a particular copolymer MM63:CHx37 on single, live Escherichia coli cells. The composition and chain length of MM63:CHx37 (63% cationic subunits, 37% hydrophobic subunits, 35-subunit average length) were optimized to enhance antibacterial activity while minimizing lysis of human red blood cells. For E. coli cells that export GFP to the periplasm, we obtain alternating phase-contrast and green fluorescence images with a time resolution of 12 s over 60 min following initiation of copolymer flow. Within seconds, cells shrink and exhibit the same plasmolysis spaces that occur following abrupt external osmotic upshift. The osmoprotection machinery attempts to replenish cytoplasmic water, but recovery is interrupted by permeabilization of the cytoplasmic membrane (CM) to GFP. Evidently, the highly cationic copolymer and its counterions rapidly translocate across the outer membrane without permeabilizing it to GFP. The CM permeabilization event is spatially localized. Cells whose CM has been permeabilized never recover growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for cells lacking the osmolyte importer ProP is 4-fold smaller than for normal cells, suggesting that osmoprotection is an important survival strategy. In addition, at the time of CM permeabilization, we observe evidence of oxidative stress. The MIC under anaerobic conditions is at least 8-fold larger than under aerobic conditions, further implicating oxidative damage as an important bacteriostatic effect. Once the copolymer reaches the periplasm, multiple growth-halting mechanisms proceed in parallel.
Findings from focus groups indicating what Chinese American immigrant women think about breast cancer and breast cancer screening.

Objectives To explore beliefs of Chinese American, immigrant women related to breast cancer and mammography.
Brouwer versus Hilbert: 1907–1928

L. E. J. Brouwer and David Hubert, two titans of twentieth-century mathematics, clashed dramatically in the 1920s. Though they were both Kantian constructivists, their notorious Grundlagenstreit centered on sharp differences about the foundations of mathematics: Brouwer was prepared to revise the content and methods of mathematics (his “Intuitionism” did just that radically), while Hilbert's Program was designed to preserve and constructively secure all of classical mathematics.Hilbert's interests and polemics at the time led to at least three misconstruals of intuitionism, misconstruals which last to our own time: Current literature often portrays popular views of intuitionism as the product of Brouwer's idiosyncratic subjectivism; modern logicians view intuitionism as simply applying a non-standard formal logic to mathematics; and contemporary philosophers see that logic as based upon a pure assertabilist theory of meaning. These pictures stem from the way Hilbert structured the controversy.Even though Brouwer's own work and behavior occasionally reinforce these pictures, they are nevertheless inaccurate accounts of his approach to mathematics. However, the framework provided by the Brouwer-Hilbert debate itself does not supply an adequate correction of these inaccuracies. For, even if we eliminate these mistakes within that framework, Brouwer's position would still appear fragmented and internally inconsistent. I propose a Kantian framework — not from Kant's philosophy of mathematics but from his general metaphysics — which does show the coherence and consistency of Brouwer's views. I also suggest that expanding the context of the controversy in this way will illuminate Hilbert's views as well and will even shed light upon Kant's philosophy.
Influence of Renal Transplantation in Rats on Glomerular and Tubular Immune Complexes

Kidneys were transplanted from rats with immune complex nephritis to normal rats to determine the role of circulating antibodies to renal antigens in the maintenance of immune complexes. Glomerular subepithelial immune complexes in nine proteinuric donor rats, actively or passively immunized with proximal tubular antigen Fx1A (active and passive Heymann nephritis), were studied at the time of transplantation and two to four and onehalf months after transplantation to normal unilaterally nephrectomized recipient rats. These subepithelial IgG deposits and proteinuria persisted throughout the four-month period after transplantation. Tubular subepithelial immune complexes in the kidneys of nine rats, actively immunized with a distal renal tubular antigen, Tamm-Horsfall protein, were studied at the time of transplantation when donors had high circulating IgG antibody titers to Tamm-Horsfall protein and at one to eight weeks after transplantation. The abundant granular and nodular immune complexes of rat IgG and Tamm-Horsfall protein at the base of tubular cells were very rapidly cleared during the first two weeks after transplantation and were virtually absent by four weeks. The rapid clearance of tubular immune complexes after transplantation of kidneys from actively immunized rats followed a time course similar to that after passive immunization with antisera to Tamm-Horsfall protein. These findings support the concept that high titers of circulating antibodies to Tamm-Horsfall protein are required to prevent the rapid clearance of tubular immune complexes, a process that is facilitated by conditions of antigen excess at the surface of tubular cells. The more prolonged persistence of glomerular deposits and proteinuria in rats with both the active and passive Heymann models of membranous glomerulonephropathy after transplantation further emphasizes the role that differences in local factors play in immune complex turnover and clearance.
Purification and characterization of a metabolite-regulated pyruvate kinase from Leishmania major promastigotes.

The pyruvate kinase (ATP:pyruvate 2-O-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) of Leishmania major promastigotes is a multimer of 59 kDa subunits having an Mr 181 000. It is activated by its substrate phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) in a positively cooperative manner, and heterotropically by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP). Kinetics with regard to the phosphate acceptor adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), MgCl2, and KCl are hyperbolic and unaffected by FBP. The enzyme is strongly inhibited by the reaction product ATP, as well as GTP and ITP, and to a lesser degree by citrate. Of seven amino acids reported to inhibit the pyruvate kinases of other organisms, none have any effect on the L. major pyruvate kinase in vitro. The enzyme shows its maximum activity at pH 7.0 in the absence of FBP, and at pH 7.6 in its presence. Contrary to previous suggestions, the enzyme appears to be well-suited for a regulatory role in the metabolism of an aerobic organism capable of net glucose synthesis.
Artificial induction of lactation in cattle: Effect of modified treatments on milk yield, fertility, and hormones in blood plasma and milk.

Holsteins were divided into groups CON and IL, each with six dry cows and six heifers. Group CON calved in mid-summer when group IL was treated (kg body weight per day) with (a) progesterone (P; .25 mg) and estradiol-17beta (Ebeta), either .05 mg or .10 mg, for 7 days; (b) continued Ebeta at one-third the initial rate until udders were engorged; (c) then 12 injections (8-hr intervals) of TRH (each 200 mug) or saline; and (d) GnRH during lactation. Milk yield was not affected by Ebeta dose rate, TRH or GnRH. GnRH luteinized the persistent ovarian follicles in group IL, and pregnancy rates were 80% and 83% in groups IL and CON, respectively. Large differences (P .10) 14 days after the last injection of P or Ebeta than in group CON or in milk from the herd's bulk tank. The steroids were lowest in milk and plasma from ovariectomized cows. It was hypothesized that high insulin, as well as low prolactin and growth hormone, may contribute to inferior induced lactations.
Novel control of cardiac myofilament response to calcium by S-glutathionylation at specific sites of myosin binding protein C.

Our previous studies demonstrated a relation between glutathionylation of cardiac myosin binding protein C and diastolic dysfunction in a hypertensive mouse model stressed by treatment with salt, deoxycorticosterone acetate, and unilateral nephrectomy. Although these results strongly indicated an important role for S-glutathionylation of myosin binding protein C as a modifier of myofilament function, indirect effects of other post-translational modifications may have occurred. Moreover, we did not determine the sites of thiol modification by glutathionylation. To address these issues, we developed an in vitro method to mimic the in situ S-glutathionylation of myofilament proteins and determined direct functional effects and sites of oxidative modification employing Western blotting and mass spectrometry. We induced glutathionylation in vitro by treatment of isolated myofibrils and detergent extracted fiber bundles (skinned fibers) with oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Immuno-blotting results revealed increased glutathionylation with GSSG treatment of a protein band around 140 kDa. Using tandem mass spectrometry, we identified the 140 kDa band as cardiac myosin binding protein C and determined the sites of glutathionylation to be at cysteines 655, 479, and 627. Determination of the relation between Ca2+-activation of myofibrillar acto-myosin ATPase rate demonstrated an increased Ca2+-sensitivity induced by the S-glutathionylation. Force generating skinned fiber bundles also showed an increase in Ca-sensitivity when treated with oxidized glutathione, which was reversed with the reducing agent, dithiothreitol. Our data demonstrate that a specific and direct effect of S-glutathionylation of myosin binding protein C is a significant increase in myofilament Ca2+-sensitivity. Our data also provide new insights into the functional significance of oxidative modification of myosin binding protein C and the potential role of domains not previously considered to be func
Acoustic neuroma presenting as sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss occurs as the initial symptom in 1 to 9 per cent of all acoustic neuromas. A case of an acoustic neuroma presenting with sudden hearing loss is described. In this case, the hearing thresholds returned to normal. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case in which an acoustic neuroma presenting with sudden hearing loss exhibited a return to normal thresholds. This suggests that such tumors may have an initial reversible effect on hearing thresholds.
Mitotic activity in dorsal epidermis of Rana pipiens.

Study of statistically significant rhythms of mitotic division in dorsal epidermis of frogs, Rana pipiens, exposed to a 12:12 light:dark environment for 14 days. The results include the findings that (1) male animals have a primary period of 22 hr in summer and 18 hr in winter, (2) female animals have an 18 hr period, and (3) parapinealectomy and blinding abolish the rhythm.
Studies of renal urea cycle enzymes. II. Human renal arginase activity and location of the adaptive changes of renal arginase in the protein deprived rat

Rats fed 6% protein for 3 weeks with growth retardation and urinary concentration defect had 3 times higher arginase activity in the kidney cortex (10.8 ± 28, M ± SD) compared with controls fed 21% protein (3.3 ± 0.9, M ± SD). In the outer medulla there was a 50% increase of arginase activity whereas no change was observed in the inner medulla and papilla. Arginase activity in fresh human cortical tissue was of the same magnitude as in the rat. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis that intrarenal urea synthesis contributes to the maintenance of the intrarenal urea gradient in the protein deprived state. The response in the protein deprived rat might thus be an adaptation to a situation with substrate deficiency.
Learning symbolic-experiential therapy: One approach

This paper is intended to serve as a stimulus to the thinking of students regarding ways in which they might better organize their symbolic training experiences. It illustrates how one supervisee derived a conceptual framework from the literature that made it easier to track process events and organize her training experiences. The authors believe it is important to discover ways to facilitate the learning process without operationalizing the approach.