cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transient Absorption and Photocurrent Microscopy Show That Hot Electron Supercollisions Describe the Rate-Limiting Relaxation Step in Graphene

Using transient absorption (TA) microscopy as a hot electron thermometer, we show that disorder-assisted acoustic-phonon supercollisions (SCs) best describe the rate-limiting relaxation step in graphene over a wide range of lattice temperatures (Tl = 5–300 K), Fermi energies (EF = ± 0.35 eV), and optical probe energies (∼0.3–1.1 eV). Comparison with simultaneously collected transient photocurrent, an independent hot electron thermometer, confirms that the rate-limiting optical and electrical response in graphene are best described by the SC-heat dissipation rate model, H = A(Te3 – Tl3). Our data further show that the electron cooling rate in substrate-supported graphene is twice as fast as in suspended graphene sheets, consistent with SC model prediction for disorder.
Pericytes within a pulmonary neurovascular unit in coronavirus disease 2019-elicited pathological changes.

A pericyte-centered theory suggesting that embolisms occurring within the microvasculature of a neurovascular unit can result in either parenchymal hemorrhage or intravascular congestion is presented here. Dysfunctional microvascular pericytes are characterized by their location in the neurovascular unit, either on the arteriole or venule side. Pathophysiological and pathological changes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) include pulmonary hypertension, edema, focal hemorrhage, microvascular congestion, and thrombosis. In this paper, I have extended the application of the pericytes-centered hypothesis to COVID-19 by proposing the concept of a pulmonary neurovascular unit (pNVU); application of this concept implies that human lungs contain approximately 300 million pNVUs. This concept of existing local regulation of microvascular blood flow is supported by the observation of pathophysiology in pulmonary embolism and in acute high-altitude illness. The autonomic control seen in these three disease states matches blood flow with oxygen supply in each pNVU to maintain physiological blood oxygen saturation level. Here, I illustrate how the malfunction of microvascular pericytes may cause focal hemorrhage, edema or microvascular congestion and thrombosis. A bypass existing in each pNVU would autonomically deviate blood flow from a COVID-19-affected pNVU to other healthy pNVUs. This action would prevent systemically applied medicines from reaching the therapeutic threshold in COVID-19- affected pNVUs. While testing this hypothesis with experimental evidence is urgently needed, supporting therapy aimed at improving microcirculation or rebuilding the physiological function of microvascular pericytes is recommended as a potentially effective treatment of COVID 19.
Genome-wide association analyses of post-traumatic stress disorder and its symptom subdomains in the Million Veteran Program.

We conducted genome-wide association analyses of over 250,000 participants of European (EUR) and African (AFR) ancestry from the Million Veteran Program using electronic health record-validated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and quantitative symptom phenotypes. Applying genome-wide multiple testing correction, we identified three significant loci in European case-control analyses and 15 loci in quantitative symptom analyses. Genomic structural equation modeling indicated tight coherence of a PTSD symptom factor that shares genetic variance with a distinct internalizing (mood–anxiety–neuroticism) factor. Partitioned heritability indicated enrichment in several cortical and subcortical regions, and imputed genetically regulated gene expression in these regions was used to identify potential drug repositioning candidates. These results validate the biological coherence of the PTSD syndrome, inform its relationship to comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders and provide new considerations for treatment. Genome-wide association analyses of post-traumatic stress disorder and its symptom subdomains in individuals of European and African ancestry provide insights into its relationship with anxiety and depressive disorders and identify potential candidates for drug repositioning.
The Analysis of Synaptically Generated Traveling Waves

Mathematical and computational models for the propagation of activity in excitatorily coupled neurons are simulated and analyzed. The basic measurable quantity--velocity--is found for a wide class of models. Numerical bifurcation techniques, asymptotic analysis, and numerical simulations are used to show that there are distinct scaling laws for the velocity as a function of a variety of parameters. In particular, the obvious linear relationships between speed and spatial spread or synaptic decay rate are shown. More surprisingly, it is shown that the velocity scales as a power law with synaptic coupling strength and that the exponent is dependent only on the rising phase of the synapse.
The Long Term Effect of Parental Divorce:: Marital Role Expectations

The present study examined the effects of a subject's sex, level of religiosity, and marital history of family origin on the development on marital role expectations in a sample of 80 college students. The results indicated that the marital roles expectations were a result of an interaction of the three variables examined. While it has been proposed that parental divorce leads to the development of "inappropriate" marital role expectations, the present study failed to support this conclusion. It appears that marital role development is the result of a complex interaction of a number of variables and not as easily explained as some would suggest. The differential influence of religiosity on the development of marital role expectation is discussed with implications for further research. The "role-model" rationale of the transmission of marital instability is discussed in light of these results.
Adrenal cells in tissue culture: The effect of papaverine and amytal on steroidogenesis, respiration and replication☆

Abstract The smooth-muscle relaxant papaverine has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity (Kukovetz, W. R., and Poch, G. (1970) Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch. Pharmakol. 267 , 189). Because of this, papaverine was tested in monolayer cultures of functional mouse adrenal cortex tumor cells for possible stimulatory effects on Steroidogenesis. At 10 −5 m , papaverine was found to inhibit ACTH-stimulated steroidogenesis 50% and at 10 −4 m , > 95%. This was associated with a > 10-fold increase in [ 14 C]lactate production from [ 14 C]glucose and a 50% reduction in 32 P i , incorporation into macromolecules. These findings were similar to those observed with the barbiturate amytal, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron-transport chain at the level of oxidation of NADH (Site I). Papaverine was 100 times more effective than amytal in inhibiting steroidogenesis and 1000 times more effective in initiating an increase in glycolysis. In intact tumor cells and mitochondria isolated from normal rat adrenals, papaverine (10 −4 m ) completely inhibits oxygen uptake supported by malate or α-ketoglutarate. Oxygen uptake is restored by the addition of succinate, suggesting that, like amytal, papaverine inhibits respiration at Site I. Papaverine does not inhibit NADPH-supported cholesterol side-chain cleavage in bovine adrenal acetone powders or 11β-hydroxylation in normal rat adrenal cortex mitochondria. By contrast, amytal inhibits both these activities at concentrations comparable to that effective in intact adrenal cells, suggesting a direct interaction of amytal with cytochrome P-450. Both papaverine and amytal inhibit incorporation of thymidine into nuclear DNA to an extent far greater than that observed with either maximally stimulating levels of cyclic AMP or high concentrations of ACTH. Succinate does not reverse the inhibitory effects of either papaverine or amytal on thymidine incorporation into DNA. Papaverine increases intracellular cyclic AMP in both resting and ACTH-treated cells. However, the effects of papaverine on steroidogenesis, glycolysis, ATP-P i exchange, and DNA synthesis in adrenocortical cells are not directly attributable to this action.
THE MINNESOTA MULTIPHASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY-ADOLESCENT

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Adolescent (MMPI-A; Butcher et al., 1992) is an adolescent-specific revision of the original, broadband personality instrument, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI; Hathaway & McKinley, 1943). The original MMPI, designed primarily for adult clinical assessment, had been applied to evaluate adolescents from the time of its release. The revision to the MMPI-A was prompted by several considerations. First, the passage of nearly five decades since the original test's release made it necessary to develop contemporary adolescent norms. Second, it was apparent that MMPI items did not provide sufficient coverage of adolescent experiences. The accumulated research on adolescent MMPI profiles indicated that adolescent response patterns were quite distinct from those of adults, therefore warranting a developmentally appropriate instrument to achieve interpretive accuracy. The revision effort was undertaken with the goals of updating and refining item content, reducing test length and reading-level demands, developing a uniform set of contemporary adolescent norms, and developing scales to measure adolescent-relevant difficulties such as school- and family-related problems (Archer, 2005; Butcher et al., 1992). Keywords: adolescent; personality; psychopathology; assessment
Phase transitions in a magnetic field in V 2 − y O 3 ( y = 0 and 0 . 0 4 )

The effect of a magnetic field on the two long-range-ordered magnetic phases, the collinear insulating antiferromagnetic (AFI) and the incommensurate metallic transverse spin density wave (SDW), is investigated for the vanadium sesquioxide system. A field of 18 T has little effect on the AFI phase of a nominal ${\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ sample. The transverse SDW phase of ${\mathrm{V}}_{1.96}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ can be suppressed by a 4.6(3)-T magnetic field applied in the plane of spiraling spins, while the same magnetic field applied along the spiral axis has little effect on the SDW phase.
Inverse cubic law for the distribution of stock price variations

The probability distribution of stock price changes is studied by analyzing a database (the Trades and Quotes Database) documenting every trade for all stocks in three major US stock markets, for the two year period January 1994 - December 1995. A sample of 40 million data points is extracted, which is substantially larger than studied hitherto. We find an asymptotic power-law behavior for the cumulative distribution with an exponent $$a \approx 3$$ , well outside the Levy regime $$(0 < \alpha < 2)$$ .
Andrological evaluation of oligozoospermic men for AIH.

A protocol for the assessment of oligozoospermia prior to AIH is presented. Three to six carefully performed semen analyses at optimal intervals are required to confirm oligozoospermia. Routine semen analysis consist of volume, pH, viscosity, sperm count, motility, morphology, agglutination, fructose content, and leukocytes. Because of the high incidence of reproductive tract infection and chromosomal abnormalities in oligozoospermic men, microbiological investigation and full chromosomal analyses should be performed in all cases with sperm counts below 10 million/ml. Chromosomal abnormalities are an indication to reject a couple from AIH. Genital tract infections must be treated prior to insemination. Only sperm counts below 10 million/ml require the estimation of FSH levels. The existence of an oligozoospermic group with pituitary adenomajustifies routine PRL measurements in all cases of oligozoospermia and further investigations such as visual field examination and sella tomogram in case of hyperprolac...
A descriptive analysis of publication trends in the Journal of Behavioral Education: 1991–2005

Sometimes it is important to look back so that one can more clearly determine future directions. As such, the purpose of this paper was twofold. First, characteristics of participants, settings, interventions, interventionists, design, and measures were coded and analyzed to ascertain the nature of publication trends in the Journal of Behavioral Education for volumes 1–14. Analyses revealed that approximately 65% of articles in JoBE were data-based and the majority of studies were conducted in special education settings by researchers during the time period. Also of note was that procedural integrity data were collected in just over half of studies in these studies. Second, based on the descriptive data, a series of recommendations are presented in an effort to make the interventions examined in the journal more generalizable across educational environments.
Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of tin(II) alkoxides

Abstract Tin(II) alkoxides (Sn(OR)2, R=CH3, C2H5 and C4H9) were synthesized. I.R., H-NMR, mass and Mossbauer spectra are reported and discussed in terms of possible solid and solution state structures. The molecular weight of the butoxy compound is determined in methylene chloride solution and indicates a dimeric substance.
Control of pore radius regulation for electroporation-based drug delivery

Abstract Electroporation uses electric pulses to create transient, nonselective pores in a cell’s membrane, allowing drugs to be delivered into the targeted cells. To ensure proper uptake of drug molecules, it is essential to control the radii of the pores and the time duration, for which the pores remain open. Electroporation is intrinsically a nonlinear dynamic process. A careful analysis of the electroporation dynamics reveals that, under variation of the magnitude of the input voltage, the equilibrium pore radius undergoes a pair of saddle-node bifurcations. As a result, there exists a range of pore radii that is physically unstable and thus cannot be maintained in conventional experiments. The bifurcations and the associated unstable regime impose restrictions on the operation of electroporation, limiting the sizes of deliverable drug particles. To overcome these problems, we design a novel control strategy to stabilize the originally unstable solutions. In contrast to the conventional control algorithms based on local stability analysis, the present control is globally stable. Numerical examples show that the control eliminates the original bifurcations and allows one to achieve a wide range of pore radii. The robustness and effectiveness of the control strategy would potentially enhance the application of electroporation.
Beachfront nourishment decisions: the "sucker-free rider" problem

Coastal communities and beachfront property owners often respond to erosion by adding sand to restore local beaches. However, beach nourishment alters shoreline dynamics, not only at the replenishment site but also in adjacent coastal regions, as natural coastal processes shift sand from one location to another. The result is that “sucker” communities pay to build up their beaches, but that replenishment also helps protect the coastlines of “free rider” communities. The sucker–free rider situation is an example of a classic problem studied in economics and game theory frameworks.
Machiavellian managers: Do they perform better?

This study investigates the relationship between Machiavellianism and job performance, as measured by sales per square foot, gross margin percentage, and inventory turnover, among 60 retail store managers. Except for a significant relationship between male store managers' gross margin percentage no other relationships were observed between Machiavellianism and job performance. Several explanations for the absence of significant relationships were discussed.
Synthesis of multi carbon-13 labeled dexamethasone

Abstract A synthesis of dexamethasone multiply labeled with 13 C about the A ring is described. 16-α-Methyl-17α,20-dihydroxypregn-1,4,9(11)-trien-3,20-dione ( 1 ) was blocked as the bismethylenedioxy derivative and degraded to the ring C,D-fragment, Des-A,B-9-keto-16α-methyl-17α, 20.20,21-bismethylenedioxypregn-8α-propionic acid ( 9 ) Conversion to the enol lactone and condensation with 1-diethylphosphono-4-pentanone- 13 C ethylene ketal followed by methylation and A-ring closure afforded the BMD derivative of 16α-methyl-pregn-4,9(11)-diene-3-one- 13 C ( 14 ). The steroidal intermediate was further transformed to dexamethasone- 13 C.
Utility of deep sea CO2 release experiments in understanding the biology of a high-CO2 ocean: Effects of hypercapnia on deep sea meiofauna

[1] Oceanic CO2 levels are expected to rise during the next 2 centuries to levels not seen for 10–150 million years by the uptake of atmospheric CO2 in surface waters or potentially through the disposal of waste CO2 in the deep sea. Changes in ocean chemistry caused by CO2 influx may have broad impacts on ocean ecosystems. Physiological processes animals use to cope with CO2-related stress are known, but the range of sensitivities and effects of changes in ocean chemistry on most ocean life remain unclear. We evaluate the effectiveness of various designs for in situ CO2 release experiments in producing stable perturbations in seawater chemistry over experimental seafloor plots, as is desirable for evaluating the CO2 sensitivities of deep sea animals. We also discuss results from a subset of these experiments on the impacts of hypercapnia on deep sea meiofauna, in the context of experimental designs. Five experiments off central California show that pH perturbations were greatest for experiments using “point source” CO2 pools surrounded by experimental plots. CO2 enclosure experiments with experimental plots positioned within a circular arrangement of CO2 pools had more moderate pH variation. The concentration of dissolution plumes from CO2 pools were related to the speed and turbulence of near-bottom currents, which influence CO2 dissolution and advection. Survival of meiofauna (nematodes, amoebae, euglenoid flagellates) was low after episodic severe hypercapnia but lower and variable where pH changes ranged from 0 to 0.2 pH units below normal.
PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATION OF VASCULAR ANASTOMOSES BETWEEN THE RETINA AND CHOROID IN RECURRENT TOXOPLASMOSIS

Prospective angiographic observations demonstrated the formation of both choroidoretinal arteriolar anastomoses as well as retinochoroidal venular anastomoses in the ocular fundus of a young man with recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis.
A model of the muscarinic receptor-induced changes in K(+)-current and action potentials in the bullfrog atrial cell

A model is formulated for characterizing the behavior of the acetylcholine (ACh)-sensitive K+ membrane channel (muscarinic channel) in bullfrog atrial myocytes. Parameters of the muscarinic current model are chosen in fit available data from the literature on bullfrog atrial myocytes (3, 4, 45). This model is subsequently incorporated into a large mathematical model of the bullfrog myocyte that is based on quantitative whole-cell voltage clamp data (40). Simulations are conducted on the active atrial cell model in bathing media containing ACh at different concentrations to explore the effect of this muscarinic channel on the electrical behavior of the myocyte. The model predicts a progressive shortening of the action potential with increasing [ACh], as well as an indirect influence of the muscarinic K+ current on the other membrane currents of the atrial cell. Interpretation of the simulation results provides suggestions for the probable mechanisms underlying the shortening of the action potential due to activity of the muscarinic channel. Specifically, the model predicts that with an increase in ACh concentration: (a) the outward muscarinic current, IK,ACh(t), increases in magnitude but shortens in duration; (b) the calcium current, ICa(t), may increase in magnitude, but when it does so it decreases in duration compared with the control conditions; (c) the intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i waveform during the action potential decreases in both magnitude and duration. Because the contractile activity of the cell is controlled by the [Ca2+]i waveform, the model predicts a decrease in contractile strength with an increase in ACh concentration in the bathing medium; i.e., a negative inotropic effect.
A pairing mechanism in superconductivity due to the screened coulomb field

Abstract It is the purpose of this note to attempt to develop a new concept for the superconducting Cooper-pairing instability based on the consideration of pair interactions in the particle-hole channel of an interacting Fermi gas. This concept is an extension of the conventional Cooper instability and may lead to a unified understanding of both low- and high-Tcsuperconductivity. Pairing of two quasiparticles is analogous to the resonating valence binding (RVB) between two electrons in a positronium molecule-like structure (biexciton). The possible scattering diagrams from this model allow one to evaluate the vertex part Γcin the charge channel.Tcis calculated using the pole condition of Γc. It has been found thatTccan reach quite high values and gives rise to the bell shape.Tcdepends on the carrier density, interlayer distance, dieletric constant and electron band mass.
Preservice teachers’ debut as researchers: An active learning process

The purpose of this qualitative research is to explore the process, discuss the impacts, and highlight the implications of initiating elementary preservice teachers into the realm of teacher as researcher. The research took place at a Midwestern university in three sections of an elementary science methods class taught by two female instructors: one a professor, the other a graduate student. The analysis of elementary science textbooks was the tool by which preservice teachers conducted action research. The primary means of data collection were open-ended questionnaires, audiotaped interview transcripts, videotaped classroom sessions, student journals, participant/observer reflective sessions, course artifacts, and field observations. Data was coded and analyzed, using constant comparative methods (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). The following three themes emerged: (1) preservice elementary teachers response to open-ended, feminist/constructivist teaching methodologies; (2) group dynamics; and (3) preservice elementary science teachers’ changing perceptions of research and teacher as researcher.
Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of disulfiram for the treatment of cocaine dependence in methadone-stabilized patients.

Abstract This study examined the dose-related efficacy of disulfiram for treating cocaine dependence in methadone-stabilized cocaine dependent participants. Design One hundred and sixty-one cocaine- and opioid-dependent volunteers were entered into a 14-week, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial at two sites. Methods Participants were stabilized on methadone during weeks 1–2 and received disulfiram at 0, 62.5, 125 or 250 mg/day during weeks 3–14. All participants also received weekly cognitive behavioral therapy. Thrice-weekly urine samples and weekly self-reported drug use assessments were obtained. Results Baseline subject characteristics, retention and drug use did not differ across groups. Outcome analyses were performed on those who participated beyond week 2. Opioid-positive urine samples and self-reported opioid use did not differ by treatment group. The prevalence of alcohol use was low prior to and during the trial and did not differ by treatment group. Cocaine-positive urines increased over time in the 62.5 and 125 mg disulfiram groups and decreased over time in the 250 mg disulfiram and placebo groups ( p p = 0.04). Conclusions Disulfiram may be contraindicated for cocaine dependence at doses
A Factor-Analysis Method for Diagnosing Variability in Mulitvariate Manufacturing Processes

In many modern manufacturing processes, large quantities of multivariate process-measurement data are available through automated in-process sensing. This article presents a statistical technique for extracting and interpreting information from the data for the purpose of diagnosing root causes of process variability. The method is related to principal components analysis and factor analysis but makes more explicit use of a model describing the relationship between process faults and process variability. Statistical properties of the diagnostic method are discussed, and illustrative examples from autobody assembly are provided.
Translation-invariant memories on spaces of exponentially bounded functions☆

under “natural Caratheodory conditions” in a Banach space E. In all these studies, A4 is a linear mapping from some space of continuous functions on R with values in E to the space of all locally integrable functions on R with values in E; the non-anticipatory nature of M implied by the term “memory” is expressed by the assumption that for each t E R the values of MU on ]-co, t] depend on u only through its values on ]-co, t]. The autonomous character of the equation is reflected in the translation-invariance of M. In [7] the action of a memory on those functions that agree with 0 near -co was studied; this action was termed a core-memory. In particular, a representation theorem for translation-invariant continuous core-memories was obtained when E is finite-dimensional (see Theorem 3.1 below; for the relevant notion of continuity see Section 3 and the discussion in [7, p. 2281). In the present paper we begin the study of the structure of translationinvariant memories on other reasonable spaces of inputs. We restrict ourselves throughout to finite-dimensional E. Since our memories are long, i.e., the values of MU near t may depend on values of ZJ at places in ]-co, t] however long past, the choice of space of inputs is crucial (cf. [4-61). The particular spaces we examine here are those consisting of all continuous functions that are bounded in the past by suitable exponential functions; precise definitions are given in Section 2. The continuity of a translation-
Analysis of effects of macroscopic propagation and multiple molecular orbitals on the minimum in high-order harmonic generation of aligned CO 2

We report theoretical calculations of the effect of the multiple-orbital contribution in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) of aligned CO${}_{2}$ with the inclusion of macroscopic propagation of harmonic fields in the medium. Our results show very good agreement with recent experiments for the dynamics of the minimum in HHG spectra as laser intensity or alignment angle changes. Calculations are carried out to check how the position of the minimum in HHG spectra depends on the degrees of molecular alignment, laser-focusing conditions, and the effects of alignment-dependent ionization rates of the different molecular orbitals. These analyses help to explain why the minima observed in different experiments may vary.
Nonlinear, dissipative, planar Nearfield Acoustical Holography based on Westervelt wave equation ☆

When a conventional, linear, lossless Nearfield Acoustical Holography (NAH) procedure is applied to reconstruct three-dimensional (3-D) sound fields that are radiated from a high-level noise source and include significant nonlinear components, it can result in significant reconstruction errors. Here, a nonlinear, dissipative, planar NAH procedure is introduced that can be used to identify nonlinear noise characteristics in the 3-D nearfield of a high-level noise source from two-dimensional (2-D) sound pressure data measured on a hologram surface. The proposed NAH procedure is derived by applying perturbation and renormalization methods to the nonlinear, dissipative Westervelt wave equation. In order to validate the proposed procedure, the nonlinear and dissipative sound pressure fields radiated from a high-level pulsating sphere and an infinite-size, vibrating panel are calculated from the Burgers equations in the spherical and rectangular coordinates, respectively. An improved SONAH procedure is applied to reconstruct source sound pressure fields that are input to the proposed nonlinear NAH projection procedure. Within 2.5 m nearfield reconstruction distance from the pulsating sphere, the nonlinear sound pressure field reconstructed by applying the proposed NAH procedure matches well with the directly-calculated field at the maximum reconstruction error of 0.6 dB. In the infinite-size panel case, the reconstructed nonlinear sound pressure field agrees also well with the directly-calculated result with the maximum reconstruction error of 1 dB.
Course of phosphatase activity in healing of fractured bone.

SummaryFollowing fracture of adult rabbit bone there is a rapid rise in the phosphatase activity at the site of bone injury which reaches a peak at some time near the twenty-second day and drops gradually as repair progresses.
Breaking waves in laboratory-generated JONSWAP seas

Abstract Results from a laboratory study of wave breaking in deep-water random seas are presented for approximate JONSWAP sea states. Waves generated at one end of a 116-meter wave tank are observed for breaking at a section of the tank approximately 30 meters from the wavemaker and in regions spanning three and six meters about the section. Emphasis is on the relative number of breaking waves observed at the section and in the regions about it, and on the relative number of crest amplitudes exceeding specified levels at the section. Measurements at the section are shown to be in good agreement with predictions formed using idealized assumptions about the breaking waves and a modified Rayleigh distribution of crest amplitudes that accounts approximately for nonlinear effects in seas with narrow-banded wave frequencies. Results indicate that the average downward crest acceleration of breaking waves in these sea states is equal approximately to one-third the acceleration of gravity. Experimental measurements of breaking in regions about the section are shown to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions relating breaking events over a region to those at a fixed location.
Informal alcohol in Malawi: Stakeholder perceptions and policy recommendations

Through the eyes of those involved in the alcohol policy-making process in Malawi, we explored the role of informal (non-commercial) alcohol in rural communities, its harmful effects, and implications for appropriate national policy. Harms included early drinking initiation, violence, and sexual risk exposure. Informants suggested that policy should address informal alcohol's content, selling times, and easy access. Because most informal alcohol producers are women who rely upon sales for subsistence, policies must avoid limiting women's economic opportunities while protecting community health.
Neural Crest Stem Cells Persist in the Adult Gut but Undergo Changes in Self-Renewal, Neuronal Subtype Potential, and Factor Responsiveness

We found neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) in the adult gut. Postnatal gut NCSCs were isolated by flow-cytometry and compared to fetal gut NCSCs. They self-renewed extensively in culture but less than fetal gut NCSCs. Postnatal gut NCSCs made neurons that expressed a variety of neurotransmitters but lost the ability to make certain subtypes of neurons that are generated during fetal development. Postnatal gut NCSCs also differed in their responsiveness to lineage determination factors, affecting cell fate determination in vivo and possibly explaining their reduced neuronal subtype potential. These perinatal changes in gut NCSCs parallel perinatal changes in hematopoietic stem cells, suggesting that stem cells in different tissues undergo similar developmental transitions. The persistence of NCSCs in the adult PNS opens up new possibilities for regeneration after injury or disease.
Metal/silicate equilibrium in the early Earth—New constraints from the volatile moderately siderophile elements Ga, Cu, P, and Sn

Abstract We report new measurements of metal/silicate partition coefficients for Ga, Cu, and Sn at 10 to 90 kb and 1250 to 1900°C. We show that all three of these siderophile elements (D(metal/silicate) > 10) become more lithophile at high pressure and temperature conditions. Metal/silicate partition coefficients calculated for the conditions of an early deep magma ocean are all close to or less than 1. Thus, in an early terrestrial magma ocean scenario, the depletions of these elements in the mantle must be caused by volatility rather than by metal/silicate equilibrium. For Mars, moderate mantle depletions of both Sn and Cu (relative to Earth) may be due to separation of an S-rich metallic core. In contrast, the sizable depletions of Ga in the Moon and Vesta must be caused by both volatility and core formation. Volatility controlled depletions of these elements may have been inherited from early solar system materials.
Conversion to the world view of Alcoholics Anonymous: A refinement of conversion theory

Most empirical studies of the conversion process have focused on individuals who have come to espouse the world view of a deviant religious denomination or sect. Using observational data our research analyzes the conversion process by which individuals come to identify with the ideology propounded by Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). A.A. provides prospective “alcoholics” with both a solution to drinking problems and an overarching world view with which to reinterpret their past experience. The A.A. conversion process can be divided into six phases: hitting bottom, first stepping, making a commitment, accepting your problem, telling your story, and doing Twelfth Step work. Each of these phases is described in detail. Similarities and differences are noted between the observed A.A. conversion process and the model generally described in the sociological literature on religious conversion. Our analysis indicates certain weaknesses in the process-model explanation of conversion and points to the necessity of taking into account organizational context and situational variables.
Cardiovascular biomarkers and their utility in the older adult.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals over the age of 65, yet diagnosis, risk stratification and management continue to be more challenging than in younger adults due to the vast heterogeneity seen in this population. The current literature validates the use of biomarkers in addition to traditional risk assessment tools in younger and middle-aged adults. The evidence for biomarkers in this older population is sparse; this review examines the epidemiological association of current biomarkers in the field and the utility of these markers in the diagnosis, risk discrimination, and management of cardiovascular disease.
Substitutions of Glutamate 781 in the Na,K-ATPase α Subunit Demonstrate Reduced Cation Selectivity and an Increased Affinity for ATP

The intramembrane Glu781 residue of the Na,K-ATPase α subunit has been postulated to have a role in the binding and/or occlusion of cations. To ascertain the role of Glu781, the residue was substituted with an aspartate, alanine, or lysine residue and the mutant Na,K-ATPases were coexpressed with the native β1 subunit in Sf9 insect cells using the baculovirus expression system. All α mutants are able to efficiently assemble with the β1 subunit and produce catalytically competent Na,K-ATPase molecules with hydrolytic activities comparable to that of the wild-type enzyme. Analysis of the kinetic properties of the mutated enzymes showed a decrease in apparent affinity for K+ compared to wild-type Na,K-ATPase, with the lysine and alanine substitutions displaying the greatest reduction. All Na,K-ATPase mutants demonstrated a significant increase in apparent affinity for ATP compared to wild-type Na,K-ATPase, while the sensitivity to the cardiotonic inhibitor, ouabain, was unchanged. The dependence on Na+, however, differs among the mutant enzymes with both the Glu781→ Asp and Glu781→ Ala mutants displaying a decrease in the apparent affinity for the cation, while the Glu781→ Lys mutant exhibits a modest increase. Furthermore, in the absence of K+, the Glu781→ Ala mutant displays a Na+-ATPase activity and a cellular Na+ influx suggesting that Na+ is substituting for K+ at the extracellular binding sites. The observation that trypsin digestion of the Glu781→ Ala mutant in Na+ medium produces a K+-stabilized tryptic fragment also intimates a decreased capacity of the mutant to discriminate between Na+ and K+ at the extracellular loading sites. All together, these data implicate Glu781 of the Na,K-ATPase α subunit as an important coordinate of cation selectivity and activation, although the modest effect of Glu781→ Lys substitution seemingly precludes direct involvement of the residue in the cation binding process. In addition, the fifth membrane segment is proposed to represent an important communicative link between the extramembraneous ATP binding domain and the cation transport regions of the Na,K-ATPase.
Focus of a Concave Grating Spectrograph

The problem of mounting a twenty-one foot concave grating and slit at oblique incidence, so that the focus will lie on a previously established track having less than one inch adjustment range, is discussed. A simple technique, employing only a good transit, is described. The development of this method depends on a precise knowledge of the nature of the general focal curve. This information is found by a brief examination of grating theory. A table of permissible departures of the slit from the Rowland circle is given, such that the error in path length to the sharpest image is less than λ/4. Application of classical grating theory to the case of oblique incidence and diffraction results in an expression for maximum useful grating width. This expression is shown to differ only by a factor of 1.06 from the expression derived in a recent article by Mack, Stehn and Edlen.
Elevated expression of TGF-β1 in head and neck cancer-associated fibroblasts

Head and neck cancers are characterized by a vigorous desmoplastic response, but the contribution of stromal-derived growth factors to the tumor microenvironment is poorly understood. We evaluated the expression of stromal growth factor expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in normal and tumor-associated stromal cells. Stromal tissue was isolated from epithelial cells with laser capture microdissection (LCMD) and analyzed by cDNA array for the expression of TGFalpha, TGF-beta1, HGF, PDGF-alpha, IGFII, bFGF, aFGF, VEGFC, and VEGF. Primary fibroblasts were isolated in vitro from HNSCC tumors, adjacent histologically normal mucosa, and skin in vitro. Fibroblast populations were assessed for TGF-beta1 expression by ELISA and luciferase reporter assay to assess protein expression. We identified TGF-beta1 and IGFII overexpression in normal and tumor-associated stromal cells; however, only TGF-beta1 was significantly overexpressed (3.4-fold) in tumor-associated stroma. Assessment of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), normal dermal fibroblasts (NDFs), and normal mucosal fibroblasts (NMFs) in propagated fibroblasts demonstrated persistently elevated levels of TGF-beta1 in CAFs compared to NMF and NDF populations. Elevated levels of TGF-beta1 were identified in the stromal compartment of HNSCC tumors compared to normal mucosa by immunohistochemical analysis. These results suggest that TGF-beta1 mRNA and protein is specifically upregulated in CAFs in vitro and in vivo.
The Effects of Harm-Doing on Interpersonal Attraction

Summary In a 2 × 2 factorial experiment, subjects were induced to like or dislike a confederate who then delivered shocks to them either one or five times out of five opportunities. Subjects were then permitted five opportunities to return shocks. Subjects reciprocated shocks according to the amount they had previously received. Changes in attraction from pre- to postinteraction were found to be due to both the initial inducement and the frequency of shocks received. High attraction subjects decreased their liking for the confederate as a direct function of the amount of shocks he mediated. Low attraction subjects increased their liking for the confederate, the fewer the shocks they received. The results were discussed in terms of expectancies and the resultant changes that occur when they are violated.
Initial steps in the unifying theory of the pathogenesis of artery aneurysms.

Abstract Objectives. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in histology and proteolysis and the role of apoptosis in the development of peripheral artery aneurysms. Methods. Eighteen popliteal, 6 abdominal aortic, 10 iliac, 2 carotid, and 6 femoral artery aneurysm specimens were obtained from patients undergoing elective surgical repair. All were males with ages 48 to 93 (mean 71 years). Normal controls were obtained from patients matched for age, sex, and major risk factors. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), macrophages, T lymphocytes, and apoptosis-regulating molecules were detected immunohistochemically. Detection of apoptosis was by TUNEL assay. Proteolytic activity was determined by 10% gelatin gel zymography. Results. Paucity of VSMCs, increased amount of inflammatory infiltrate, and fragmentation of elastic lamellae were observed in aneurysmal tissues as compared to normal arteries ( P P = 0.01). Apoptosis is significantly high in aneurysm tissues ( P FAA>PAA>IAA>CAA. There is increased expression of Bax, CPP-32, Fas, and p53 in PAA specimens as compared to normal popliteal arteries ( P Conclusions. These data confirm the apparent architectural disruption and loss of VSMCs that are hallmarks of aneurysm development, in peripheral artery aneurysms. Apoptosis and signaling molecules capable of initiating cell death may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of all aneurysms. Our data suggest a common etiology between the various types of aneurysms.
Family Treatment Approaches for Depression in Adolescent Males

Adolescent depression is a serious and common disorder. Though adolescent males are less likely to report depression than females, they have serious risks associated with the disorder, like suicide, future substance abuse, and illegal activity. Several gender differences have been observed among depressed adolescents and should be considered in assessment and treatment. Little efficacy research exists for family treatments of depression in adolescent males, though several approaches have been proposed. These approaches include Structural Family Therapy, Interpersonal Family Therapy, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy. These treatments have been found useful in clinical settings, but much more efficacy research is necessary.
Computational aerodynamics and artificial intelligence

The general principles of artificial intelligence are reviewed and speculations are made concerning how knowledge based systems can accelerate the process of acquiring new knowledge in aerodynamics, how computational fluid dynamics may use expert systems, and how expert systems may speed the design and development process. In addition, the anatomy of an idealized expert system called AERODYNAMICIST is discussed. Resource requirements for using artificial intelligence in computational fluid dynamics and aerodynamics are examined. Three main conclusions are presented. First, there are two related aspects of computational aerodynamics: reasoning and calculating. Second, a substantial portion of reasoning can be achieved with artificial intelligence. It offers the opportunity of using computers as reasoning machines to set the stage for efficient calculating. Third, expert systems are likely to be new assets of institutions involved in aeronautics for various tasks of computational aerodynamics.
Cardiac parameters in children recovered from acute illness as measured by electrical cardiometry and comparisons to the literature

Electrical cardiometry (EC) is a non-invasive cardiac output method that can assess cardiac index (CI) and stroke index (SI) but there are no reference values for children per se. The primary aim of this study was to develop reference values for clinical application. The secondary aim was to compare the EC measurements to published values. We performed a prospective observational study in patients (<21 years of age) without structural heart disease who had recovered from an acute illness. EC recordings in children that had normal heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure at discharge were eligible for analysis. The relationship of CI or SI and age in children was performed by regression analysis. Similar analysis was performed comparing measurements by EC to cardiac parameters values compiled from reference sources to assess bias in EC. Eighty-three children (2 weeks–21 years of age) were studied. There was a significant curvilinear relationship between CI or SI and age by EC (F-test, p < 0.05). Regression curves of cardiac parameters reported in the literature using 6 Fick’s method, thermodilution, echocardiography and cardiac MRI were the same or higher than (0–19.6 %) values obtained with EC, with higher values being statistically significant (p < 0.05 all). There is a curvilinear relationship of CI or SI and age by EC in normal children. Cardiac parameters reported in the literature using alternative methods are different from those obtained with EC but are within acceptable ranges, with EC biased to underestimate CI. Adjustment of target value is required for EC goal-directed therapies.
Distinct contribution of electrostatics, initial conformational ensemble, and macromolecular stability in RNA folding.

We distinguish the contribution of the electrostatic environment, initial conformational ensemble, and macromolecular stability on the folding mechanism of a large RNA using a combination of time-resolved “Fast Fenton” hydroxyl radical footprinting and exhaustive kinetic modeling. This integrated approach allows us to define the folding landscape of the L-21 Tetrahymena thermophila group I intron structurally and kinetically from its earliest steps with unprecedented accuracy. Distinct parallel pathways leading the RNA to its native form upon its Mg2+-induced folding are observed. The structures of the intermediates populating the pathways are not affected by variation of the concentration and type of background monovalent ions (electrostatic environment) but are altered by a mutation that destabilizes one domain of the ribozyme. Experiments starting from different conformational ensembles but folding under identical conditions show that whereas the electrostatic environment modulates molecular flux through different pathways, the initial conformational ensemble determines the partitioning of the flux. This study showcases a robust approach for the development of kinetic models from collections of local structural probes.
Processing and joining of DNA ends coordinated by interactions among Dnl4/Lif1, Pol4, and FEN-1.

The repair of DNA double-strand breaks is critical for maintaining genetic stability. In the non-homologous end-joining pathway, DNA ends are brought together by end-bridging factors. However, most in vivo DNA double-strand breaks have terminal structures that cannot be directly ligated. Thus, the DNA ends are aligned using short regions of sequence microhomology followed by processing of the aligned DNA ends by DNA polymerases and nucleases to generate ligatable termini. Genetic studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have implicated the DNA polymerase Pol4 and the DNA structure-specific endonuclease FEN-1(Rad27) in the processing of DNA ends to be joined by Dnl4/Lif1. In this study, we demonstrated that FEN-1(Rad27) physically and functionally interacted with both Pol4 and Dnl4/Lif1 and that together these proteins coordinately processed and joined DNA molecules with incompatible 5′ ends. Because Pol4 also interacts with Dnl4/Lif1, our results have revealed a series of pair-wise interactions among the factors that complete the repair of DNA double-strand breaks by non-homologous end-joining and provide a conceptual framework for delineating the end-processing reactions in higher eukaryotes.