cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Drosophila CG1674 gene encodes a synaptopodin 2-like related protein that localizes to the Z-disc and is required for normal flight muscle development and function.

Background To identify novel myofibrillar components of the Drosophila flight muscles, we carried out a proteomic analysis of chemically demembranated flight muscle myofibrils, and characterized the knockdown phenotype of a novel gene identified in the screen, CG1674. Results The CG1674 protein has some similarity to vertebrate synaptopodin 2‐like, and when expressed as a FLAG‐tagged fusion protein, it was localized during development to the Z‐disc and cytoplasm. Knockdown of CG1674 expression affected the function of multiple muscle types, and defective flight in adults was accompanied by large actin‐rich structures in the flight muscles that resembled overgrown Z‐discs. Localization of CG1674 to the Z‐disc depended predominantly upon presence of the Z‐disc component alpha‐actinin, but also depended upon other Z‐disc components, including Mask, Zasp52, and Sals. We also observed re‐localization of FLAG‐CG1674 to the nucleus in Alpha‐actinin and sals knockdown animals. Conclusions These studies identify and characterize a previously unreported myofibrillar component of Drosophila muscle that is necessary for proper myofibril assembly during development.
Nesting, brood rearing, and summer habitat selection by translocated greater sage‐grouse in North Dakota, USA

Human enterprise has led to large-scale changes in landscapes and altered wildlife population distribution and abundance, necessitating efficient and effective conservation strategies for impacted species. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter sage-grouse) are a widespread sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) obligate species that has experienced population declines since the mid-1900s resulting from habitat loss and expansion of anthropogenic features into sagebrush ecosystems. Habitat loss is especially evident in North Dakota, USA, on the northeastern fringe of sage-grouse' distribution, where a remnant population remains despite recent development of energy-related infrastructure. Resource managers in this region have determined a need to augment sage-grouse populations using translocation techniques that can be important management tools for countering species decline from range contraction. Although translocations are a common tool for wildlife management, very little research has evaluated habitat following translocation, to track individual behaviors such as habitat selection and fidelity to the release site, which can help inform habitat requirements to guide selection of future release sites. We provide an example where locations from previously released radio-marked sage-grouse are used in a resource selection function framework to evaluate habitat selection following translocation and identify areas of seasonal habitat to inform habitat management and potential restoration needs. We also evaluated possible changes in seasonal habitat since the late 1980s using spatial data provided by the Rangeland Analysis Platform coupled with resource selection modeling results. Our results serve as critical baseline information for habitat used by translocated individuals across life stages in this study area, and will inform future evaluations of population performance and potential for long-term recovery.
Time-dependent density-functional theory

Publisher Summary Density functional theory for stationary states or ensembles is a formulation of many-body theory in terms of the particle density. Time-dependent density functional theory as a complete formalism is of more recent origin, although a time-dependent version. This chapter describes the linear-response limit of time-dependent density functional theory along with applications to the photo-response of atoms, molecules and metallic surfaces. Beyond the regime of linear response, the description of atomic and nuclear collision processes appears to be a promising field of application where the time-dependent Kohn and Sham (KS) scheme could serve as an economical alternative to time-dependent configuration-interaction calculation. So far, only a simplified version of the time-dependent KS scheme has been implemented in this context. Another possible application beyond the regime of linear response is the calculation of atomic multiphoton ionization which, in the case of hydrogen, has recently been found 54i55 to exhibit chaotic behavior. A full-scale numerical solution of the time-dependent Schriidinger equation for a hydrogen atom placed in strong time-dependent electric fields has recently been reported. A time-dependent Hartree–Fock calculation has been achieved for the multiphoton ionization of helium. For heavier atoms an analogous solution of the time dependent Kohn-Sham equations offers itself as a promising application of time-dependent density functional theory.
Multi-Probe Equilibrium Analysis of Gradual (Un)Folding Processes

Studies of small proteins that exhibit noncooperative, gradual (un)folding can offer unique insights into the rarely accessible intermediate stages of the protein folding processes. Detailed experimental characterization of these intermediate states requires approaches that utilize multiple site-specific probes of the local structure. Isotopically edited infrared (IR) spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful methodology capable of providing such high-resolution structural information. Labeling of selected amide carbonyls with 13C results in detectable side-bands of amide I' vibrations, which are sensitive to local conformation and/or solvent exposure without introducing any significant structural perturbation to the protein. Incorporation of isotopically labeled amino acids at specific positions can be achieved by the chemical synthesis of the studied proteins. We describe the basic procedures for synthesis of 13C isotopically edited protein samples, experimental IR spectroscopic measurements and analysis of the site-specific equilibrium thermal unfolding of a small protein from the temperature-dependent IR data.
German intellectuals and the challenge of democratic renewal: Culture and politics after 1945

This book examines how democracy was rethought in Germany in the wake of National Socialism, the Second World War, and the Holocaust. Focusing on a loose network of public intellectuals in the immediate postwar years, Sean Forner traces their attempts to reckon with the experience of Nazism and scour Germany's ambivalent political and cultural traditions for materials with which to build a better future. In doing so, he reveals, they formulated an internally variegated but distinctly participatory vision of democratic renewal - a paradoxical counter-elitism of intellectual elites. Although their projects ran aground on internal tensions and on the Cold War, their commitments fueled critique and dissent in the two postwar Germanys during the 1950s and thereafter. The book uncovers a conception of political participation that went beyond the limited possibilities of the Cold War era and influenced the political struggles of later decades in both East and West.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome

Sleep-disordered breathing affects approximately 20 % of adults and is even more common among patients preparing for surgery. 7 % of adults have moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A small subset of these patients suffer from obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), defined as awake hypoventilation in the setting of obesity and sleep-disordered breathing. The prevalence of OHS is 0.15–0.3 % in adults, but up to 8 % in patients preparing for bariatric surgery.
Controlling Program Flow, Repetition

In this chapter, you will learn to make a program repeat specified actions over and over again, and to make it decide whether certain actions will be performed or not, depending upon values of specified data items.
The Role of Counsel in Civil Commitment Proceedings: Emerging Problems

Recent years have seen increasing judicial1 and legislative2 recognition that individuals subject to involuntary hospitalization should have a right to counsel, perhaps even court-appointed counsel. But the notion of a "right to counsel" has not yet been fully developed and articulated. The eventual dimensions of this right will thus depend on how it is defined, in practice as well as in theory. Unfortunately, even in those states where a right to appointed counsel is rec-
The Community Psychologist as Critical Friend: Promoting Critical Community Praxis

Community-engaged researchers have a responsibility to community partners to get beyond the traditional researcher stance to take on the active role of critical friend. On the basis of my own community research experiences in the USA, in this article, I argue that there is added value in taking on the practice of critical friendship to encourage a higher degree of critical reflection and critical practice in our partners and in our work together. In the context of long-term, trusting relationships with community partners, researchers can play the role of critical friend working together to shape critical community praxis on the basis of critical theorizing, critical reflection, and a shared commitment to working for social justice. Those trying to make a difference in communities are often isolated and can benefit from opportunities for dialogue with other community practitioners within a critical frame of reference. Although not without risks and challenges, stepping into this role allows us to put into sharper relief the gap between community practice that challenges injustice and practice that maintains it. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Millimeter ferrite phase shifters using arc plasma spray fabrication techniques

Arc plasma spray techniques have previously been developed for fabricating low microwave frequency non-reciprocal ferrite phase shifters, 3 GHz to 6 GHz. Currently, spraying techniques are being developed for the arc plasma fabrication of ferrite phasers for millimeter frequencies 35 GHz to 95 GHz. It is expected that the arc plasma process will have a significant impact on the cost of millimeter phasors, since they are difficult and expensive to fabricate by conventional techniques. Also, arc plasma millimeter phasors are expected to produce an improved device performance. However, for the arc plasma process to be suitable for fabricating millimeter phasors, new techniques and modifications of arc plasma spraying procedures were required. This paper presents the techniques developed and the device performance of arc plasma fabricated 35 GHz non-reciprocal ferrite phasors. Projected costs and future fabrication concepts are also presented.
Comparison of hemoglobin values in black and white male U.S. military personnel.

Black and white male military personnel were studied to determine if hemoglobin (Hb) differences existed between the two groups, and if so, whether they were due to dissimilar nutrient intakes or to different patterns of vitamin and mineral self-therapy. Data analyses showed that black males (n = 331) had a 0.27 g/dl lower mean Hb than white males (n = 2268, P = 0.006). However, when only black (n = 60) and white (n = 371) subjects with known iron intakes at or above the recommended level were compared, the differences in the Hb of the two groups became smaller. The serum ferritin values of both of the latter groups appeared adequate for unimpaired Hb synthesis. The use of vitamin and mineral supplements did not differ significantly between the two groups. Adequate intakes of the hemopoietic nutrients resulted in higher Hb levels for both black and white males; at these levels of nutrient intakes the differences in the Hb values of black and white subjects were smaller than those previously reported. Studies comparing the Hb levels of black and white personnel should consider the level of iron intake of the two groups before drawing conclusions about the magnitude and implications of observed differences in Hb concentrations.
Short-term femoral vein catheterization rarely causes thrombosis or bacteremia.

BACKGROUND: Experts and national regulatory bodies have deemed femoral vein catheterization (FVC) unsafe, and recommend avoiding it whenever possible. OBJECTIVE: To assess rates of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBI) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) complicating FVC. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Medical intensive care unit (MICU) of a 350-bed community teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive admissions to the MICU during 7 months. METHODS: Demographic, laboratory and Doppler ultrasound studies were collected on patients receiving large vein catheters (VC) in our MICU. Ultrasound examinations were systematically performed on the day of and 5 to 7 days after removal of FVC. RESULTS: VC were inserted in 238 (35% of) patients. Of that total, 217 catheters were in large veins (49% FVC, 38% internal jugular and 13% subclavian) for an average of 2.7 days for femoral, 5.7 days for internal jugular and 3.6 days for subclavian vein catheters. During 1200 catheter-days, no central VC CRBI was identified. Of 107 FVC, initial and follow-up Doppler studies were performed in 50 patients. A total of 97% of patients received routine thromboprophylaxis and none had a DVT. Of the 57 patients with initial but no Doppler follow-up at 5 to 7 days following removal, no patient developed clinically detected venous thromboembolism (VTE). CONCLUSION: Short-term FVC was used safely in our MICU in the setting of thromboprophylaxis. In light of its favorable safety profile for initial resuscitation of critically ill patients, it may be premature to strongly discourage FVC. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Sequence-specific Dimerization of the Transmembrane Domain of the “BH3-only” Protein BNIP3 in Membranes and Detergent

Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis is regulated by proteins of the Bcl-2 superfamily, most of which contain a C-terminal hydrophobic domain that plays a role in membrane targeting. Experiments with BNIP3 have implicated the transmembrane (TM) domain in its proapoptotic function, homodimerization, and interactions with Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. We show that the BNIP3 TM domain self-associates strongly in Escherichia coli cell membranes and causes reversible dimerization of a soluble protein in the detergent SDS when expressed as an in-frame fusion. Limited mutational analysis identifies specific residues that are critical for BNIP3 TM self-association in membranes, and these residues are also important for dimerization in SDS micelles, suggesting that the self-association observed in membranes is preserved in detergent. The effects of sequence changes at positions Ala176 and Gly180 suggest that the BNIP3 TM domain associates using a variant of the GXXXG motif previously shown to be important in the dimerization of glycophorin A. The importance of residue His173 in BNIP3 TM domain dimerization indicates that polar residues, which have been implicated in self-association of model TM peptides, can act in concert with the AXXXG motif to stabilize TM domain interactions. Our results demonstrate that the hydrophobic C-terminal TM domain of the pro-apoptotic BNIP3 protein dimerizes tightly in lipidic environments, and that this association has a strong sequence dependence but is independent of the identity of flanking regions. Thus, the transmembrane domain represents another region of the Bcl-2 superfamily of proteins that is capable of mediating strong and specific protein-protein interactions.
Skin rejuvenation with microthermal fractional photothermolysis.

: Fractional resurfacing is gaining acceptance as a preferred method for skin resurfacing. Experience in treating photoaging, acne scars, and melasma is reviewed.
Strategies to avoid arrest: crack sellers’ response to intensified policing

Interviews over 120 sellers and low‐level distributors of the drug “crack” in New York City. Documents seller strategies to counter police tactics. Finds that crack sellers and distributors have developed several important strategies to limit vulnerability to arrest, but that success in avoiding arrest diminishes considerably once they are detected by police. Suggests that problem‐oriented approaches are better than crackdowns, since they permanently disrupt the environmental conditions that foster drug market sites.
Myocardial ischemia in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of myocardial ischemia measured by adenosine stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using visual myocardial perfusion and a quantitative myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with anginal chest pain (CP). Background Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE. Previous studies demonstrated the presence of perfusion defects using adenosine stress CMR in patients with CP and no obstructive CAD, consistent with microvascular coronary dysfunction in patients without SLE. Method Twenty female SLE patients with typical and atypical anginal CP were prospectively enrolled. Patients with established cardiovascular disease were excluded. CMR was performed with 0.05 mmol/kg gadolinium adenosine stress first-pass perfusion in SLE patients and in 10 asymptomatic reference control women. SLE patients also underwent 64-slice coronary computed tomography angiography. CMR was scored visually and quantitatively (MPRI). Results Among 18 patients with complete data, no patient had obstructive CAD; however, 8 of 18 (44%) displayed visual perfusion defects on stress CMR compared with 0 in 10 control subjects (p = 0.014). The mean MPRI in patients versus controls was 2.0 ± 0.4 versus 2.4 ± 0.4 (p = 0.031) in the subepicardium and 1.8 ± 0.3 versus 2.1 ± 0.4 (p = 0.24) in the subendocardium. Multivariate linear regression revealed that SLE was the only predictor of subepicardial (p Conclusions We observed a 44% prevalence of abnormal stress myocardial perfusion by CMR in the absence of obstructive CAD in SLE patients with anginal CP. Compared with controls, reduced MPRI was observed in SLE patients, and SLE presence was a significant predictor of an abnormal MPRI. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that anginal CP in SLE patients without obstructive CAD is due to myocardial ischemia potentially caused by microvascular coronary dysfunction. Further research in a larger SLE population is warranted.
Comparison of heel ultrasound and finger DXA to central DXA in the detection of osteoporosis. Implications for patient management.

Abstract The goal of the study was to investigate the potential discordance in patient management when a clinician assumes that a peripheral device is a diagnostic surrogate for central DXA in the detection and treatment of osteoporosis. Over a period of 2 mo, asymptomatic women seeking conventional central DXA evaluation for osteoporosis at a diagnostic imaging center were also evaluated with heel ultrasound and finger DXA peripheral imaging devices. T-Scores of −2.5 or less in screening examinations were used to evaluate the discordance between the two peripheral devices and central DXA in the identification of patients with osteoporosis. Higher T-score cutoffs (>−2.5) were also evaluated. Using central DXA as the standard for comparison, the sensitivity of heel ultrasound for screening cases was 0.34 and specificity was 0.92. For finger DXA, sensitivity was 0.23 and specificity was 0.92. Overall discordance between the peripheral devices and central DXA was 21% (heel) and 23% (finger). Heel ultrasound identified 7 out of every 22 osteoporotic patients diagnosed with central DXA. Finger DXA identified 5 out of every 22 osteoporotic patients. Using lower T-scores for the peripheral devices increased sensitivity but markedly increased discordance with DXA. The peripheral devices we studied cannot be considered equivalent surrogates for central DXA in the screening of asymptomatic women for osteoporosis.
Dynamics and comparative statics of mutualistic communities.

Abstract The sensitivity of mutualistic communities to perturbations from equilibrium is examined, and the factors which regulate this sensitivity are discussed in both biological and mathematical terms. The response of equilibrium population densities to changes in environmental and biological parameters is also investigated. These investigations are then extended to include communities which allow for a limited form of competition. The results are discussed in terms of the familiar two species Lotka-Volterra equations.
Energy-Efficient Cooperative Opportunistic Positioning for Heterogeneous Mobile Devices

The fast growing popularity of smartphones and tablets enables us the use of various intelligent mobile applications. As many of those applications require position information, a smart mobile device provides positioning methods such as GPS, WiFi, or Cell-ID based positioning services. However, those positioning methods have different characteristics of energy efficiency, accuracy, and service availability. In this paper, we present an Energy- Efficient Cooperative and Opportunistic Positioning System (ECOPS) for heterogeneous mobile devices. ECOPS facilitates mobile devices with estimated locations using WiFi in cooperation with a few available GPS broadcasting devices, in order to achieve high energy efficiency and accuracy within available budget constraints. ECOPS estimates the location using heterogeneous positioning services and the combination methods including a received signal strength indicator, 2D trilateration, and available power measurement of mobile devices. The evaluation shows that ECOPS significantly reduces energy consumption and achieves the good accuracy of a location.
Dependence of polymer thin film adhesion energy on cohesive interactions between chains

Substrate–film interfacial properties play a fundamental role in the adhesion of glassy polymer thin films onto supporting substrates. Utilizing steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations, here we uncover that the cohesive noncovalent forces between polymer chains also have a significant effect on the adhesive properties of polymer films in contact with flat substrates. We demonstrate that weaker interchain interactions, all else being the same, can induce higher adhesion energy within the interface. Three different regimes in the adhesion energy profile can be characterized by a nonlinear scaling relationship. In the weak substrate–film interaction regime, the adhesion energy of the film exhibits near independence of cohesive force variations, and the entropic contributions to the surface free energy are consequential. In the intermediate regime, films with weaker cohesive forces exhibit higher adhesion energy due to the ability of polymer chains to pack more effectively in the interfacial region, ther...
The chalicothere Metaschizotherium bavaricum (Perissodactyla, Chalicotheriidae, Schizotheriinae) from the Miocene (MN5) Lagerstätte of Sandelzhausen (Germany): description, comparison, and paleoecological significance

Within the fossil collection from the Sandelzhausen Lagerstatte in the Upper Freshwater Molasse near Mainburg, Germany, are remains of the schizotheriine chalicothere Metaschizotherium bavaricum, von Koenigswald, 1932. This new material includes elements from a large part of the body, and allows the dentition and postcranial skeleton of Metaschizotherium to be described in detail for the first time. At approximately 16 Ma (MN5), M. bavaricum is now the best-known Early and Middle Miocene European schizotheriine and is important for comparative studies. It differs to some degree from earlier Miocene (MN2–MN4) European material attributed to Moropus sp. or Metaschizotherium wetzleri (Kowalewsky, 1873) and to a larger degree from the Late Miocene species Ancylotherium pentelicum (Gaudry and Lartet, 1856). At Sandelzhausen, M. bavaricum apparently lived in a moist forested environment, where it probably fed on leaves, fruit, and seeds. Members of the Chalicotheriinae, such as Anisodon and Chalicotherium, are not found at Sandelzhausen and may not have been present in Europe at this time. M. bavaricum, like other Schizotheriinae, did not have the bizarre gorilla-like proportions of the Chalicotheriinae. Instead, its general body proportions resemble those of contemporary schizotheriine chalicotheres on other continents, for example, Moropus from North America. M. bavaricum is slightly smaller than the type species of Metaschizotherium, M. fraasi von Koenigswald, 1932 (MN6–MN7) and differs from it in small ways that are still being explored as variation within and differences between these species are clarified. The schizotheriine chalicothere from La Grive St.-Alban (France) referred to M. fraasi by von Koenigswald (Palaeontographica, Beitrage zur Naturgeschichte der Vorzeit 8:1–24, 1932) and Viret (Nouvelles Archives Musee d’Histoire Naturelle de Lyon 6:53–81, 1961) should be restudied and referred to a different taxon.
Tertiary Age Extension of Leppy Hills Area (Southwest Silver Island Mountains) Near Wendover, Nevada: ABSTRACT

In the Leppy Hills, a series of 11.6 Ma volcanic flows is separated from the underlying Permian limestone by an angular unconformity of about 15°, indicating the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks dipped gently and the area had low topographic relief as little as 11.6 Ma. Faulting ended by the Pleistocene, for Quaternary deposits overlap the faults. Most of the rocks in the Leppy Range dip 10°-60° west. Normal faults are common and generally trend north. During extension, the limestone beds deformed brittlely and faulted while shaly beds were stretched ductilely. The fault surfaces range from distinct planar zones with narrow gouge zones to large brecciated zones. Commonly, breccia fragments are covered with concentric bands of fibrous calcite that indicate a cavity filling. Calcite-filled extension fractures increase in abundance toward fault zones. Locally, up to 25% of the rock volume is veined. Some faults up to 100 m (330 ft) long curve to become subparallel to bedding, producing a spoon-shaped geometry, with the bowl of the spoon facing upward. Multiple generations of faulting have subsequently rotated faults and eds. Space problems along curved faults on the tens of meters scale were accommodated by: (a) intense brecciation and formation of calcite-filled veins or voids, (b) cataclastic flowage of limestone or ductile flowage of shale into the space, or (c) antithetic faulting or "passive listric folding" of the hanging wall. The extension in the Leppy Hills, calculated along the simplest cross section, is at least 70%. In summary, the complicated faulting history resulted from crustal extension since the Miocene. End_of_Article - Last_Page 948------------
Effect of Chronologic Aging and Ultraviolet Irradiation on Langerhans Cells in Human Epidermis

The effect of aging on epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) and on their response to a single ultraviolet (UV) exposure was studied in skin biopsy specimens of healthy adults, 4 aged 22-26 yr and 7 aged 62-86 yr. In unirradiated skin, old adults had fewer LC than young adults, 5.8 +/- 1.1 versus 10.0 +/- 0.8 (mean +/- SEM) per 3 mm wide cross-section (p = .015). Following irradiation with 3 times the minimal erythema dose, recognizable LC were absent in all but 2 subjects within 24 hr. However, LC number fell less rapidly in old adults and was almost unchanged at 4 hours (5.8 +/- 1.1 versus 5.0 +/- 1.2), while in young adults LC number decreased from 10.0 +/- 0.8 to 3.3 +/- 1.3 during the same period (p less than .05). Other changes noted in both young and old subjects following irradiation included cytoplasmic vacuolization, frequent apposition of LC to severely damaged keratinocytes, and the finding of LC in the basal layer of the epidermis rather than exclusively suprabasilarly as in control sections. These data demonstrate an age-associated loss of epidermal LC and slowing of LC response to UV irradiation. UV-induced LC changes appear qualitatively similar in young and old adults and include histological evidence of cellular damage, transient association of LC with damaged keratinocytes, and possible migration of LC from the irradiated epidermis within 24 hr.
Mice homozygous for c.451C>T mutation in Cln1 gene recapitulate INCL phenotype.

Objective Nonsense mutations account for 5–70% of all genetic disorders. In the United States, nonsense mutations in the CLN1/PPT1 gene underlie >40% of the patients with infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL), a devastating neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease. We sought to generate a reliable mouse model of INCL carrying the most common Ppt1 nonsense mutation (c.451C>T) found in the United States patient population to provide a platform for evaluating nonsense suppressors in vivo. Methods We knocked-in c.451C>T nonsense mutation in the Ppt1 gene in C57 embryonic stem (ES) cells using a targeting vector in which LoxP flanked the Neo cassette, which was removed from targeted ES cells by electroporating Cre. Two independently targeted ES clones were injected into blastocysts to generate syngenic C57 knock-in mice, obviating the necessity for extensive backcrossing. Results Generation of Ppt1-KI mice was confirmed by DNA sequencing, which showed the presence of c.451C>T mutation in the Ppt1 gene. These mice are viable and fertile, although they developed spasticity (a “clasping” phenotype) at a median age of 6 months. Autofluorescent storage materials accumulated throughout the brain regions and in visceral organs. Electron microscopic analysis of the brain and the spleen showed granular osmiophilic deposits. Increased neuronal apoptosis was particularly evident in cerebral cortex and abnormal histopathological and electroretinographic (ERG) analyses attested striking retinal degeneration. Progressive deterioration of motor coordination and behavioral parameters continued until eventual death. Interpretation Our findings show that Ppt1-KI mice reliably recapitulate INCL phenotype providing a platform for testing the efficacy of existing and novel nonsense suppressors in vivo.
Compatibility of a seal glass with (Mn,Co)3O4 coated interconnects: Effect of atmosphere

Abstract The interfacial compatibility of an alkaline earth silicate glass (SABS-0) with (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 coated Crofer 22 APU and AISI 441 interconnects has been investigated at 800 °C for 100 h in argon, air, and H 2 /H 2 O atmospheres. Detailed microstructural and diffusion studies show that the interfacial compatibility is better for the (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 coated Crofer 22 APU alloy but deteriorates from the H 2 /H 2 O to the air or the argon atmospheres for both alloys. Thermal treatment atmosphere mainly affects the inter-diffusion of Cr in the Crofer 22 APU alloy. The (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 layer cannot eliminate the undesirable Cr diffusion for the Crofer 22 APU alloy regardless of the thermal treatment atmosphere. The interfacial reaction for the AISI 441/SABS-0 is so severe that the inter-diffusion of the elements is less significant. Oxidation of the AISI 441 alloy degrades the (Mn,Co) 3 O 4 coating stability and increases the reaction of the coating with the SABS-0 glass, leading to inferior interfacial compatibility.
EVALUATING THE STEADY STATE ASSUMPTION: SIMULATIONS OF GORILLA NEST DECAY

Large mammal surveys are often based on indices of animal abundance such as dung or, for great apes, sleeping nests. They also tend to rely on the “steady state” assumption that the rate at which an index is deposited in the environment is exactly balanced by the rate at which it disappears (decays). Here we use a data set on western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) sleeping nest decay rates to show that this assumption is likely to be strongly violated often and in ways that have serious implications for our ability to accurately survey and monitor a wide range of endangered species, particularly in tropical forests. We first fit the data using a model describing the daily probability of nest decay as a function of nest age and monthly rainfall. We then use this decay model to simulate time series of gorilla nest standing stock, given observed rainfall regimes from a series of sites in the equatorial African country of Gabon. These simulations suggest that, within a given site, the relationship between nest standing stock and true gorilla density fluctuates wildly and is, on average, tens of percent away from the mean nest decay time for the empirical data set. The behavior of nest standing stock is extremely sensitive to variability in rainfall, not just annual mean rainfall. Differences between sites in rainfall variability produce counterintuitive differences between sites in nest standing stock. Multiyear trends in the mean and variance of rainfall produce the spurious impression of trends in animal abundance. Furthermore, heterogeneity in rainfall exists at all spatial and temporal scales, so that attempts to use regression models based on rainfall measurements taken at one location or time are not likely to accurately predict the nest decay regime at other places or times. We close with some suggestions on alternative estimation methods that do not rely on extrapolations of environmental conditions from one time or place to another.
Multi-objectivization Via Decomposition: An analysis of helper-objectives and complete decomposition

Abstract Multi-objectivization has been used to solve several single objective problems with improved results over traditional genetically inspired optimization methods. Multi-objectivization reformulates the single objective problem into a multiple objective problem. The reformulated problem is then solved with a multiple objective method to obtain a resulting solution to the original problem. Multi-objectivization Via Decomposition (MVD) and the addition of novel objectives are the two major approaches used in multi-objectivization. This paper focuses on analysis of two major MVD methods: helper-objectives and complete decomposition. Helper-objectives decomposition methods identify one or more decomposed objectives that are used simultaneously with the main objective to focus attention on components of the decomposed objectives. Complete decomposition, unlike helper-objectives does not explicitly use the main objective and instead uses decomposed objectives that exhaustively cover all portions of the main objective. This work examines the relationship between helper-objective decompositions and complete decomposition using both an analytic and experimental methodology. Pareto dominance relationships are examined analytically to clarify the relationship between dominant solutions in both types of decompositions. These results more clearly characterize how solutions from the two approaches rank in Pareto-frontier based fitness algorithms such as NSGA-II. An empirical study on job shop scheduling problems shows how fitness signal and fitness noise are affected by the balance of decomposition size. Additionally we provide evidence that, for the settings and instances studied, complete decompositions have a better on-average performance when compared to analogous helper-objective decompositions. Lastly we examine the underlying forces that determine effective decomposition size. We argue that it is advantageous to use less balanced decompositions as within-decomposition conflict increases and as heuristic strength increases.
Development and validation of a high-sensitivity assay for an antipsychotic agent, CP-88,059, with solid-phase extraction and narrow-bore high-performance liquid chromatography.

An analytical method has been developed and validated for the quantitation of CP-88,059 in human serum. The compound and internal standard were extracted from serum by solid-phase extraction with a weak cation-exchange phase. The analytes were resolved from endogenous interferences using narrow-bore (2.1 mm I.D.) C18 reversed-phase HPLC. Column effluent was monitored by UV absorbance detection at 215 nm. The standard curve range was 1 to 250 ng/ml. The accuracy and precision values for the method were within ±10% and ±15%, respectively. A four-fold detectability enhancement was achieved using a 2.1 mm I.D. HPLC column relative to the more common 4.6 mm I.D. column. A performance comparison was made between the 2.1 mm I.D. column used for validation and a 4.6 mm I.D. column with the same stationary phase.
Integration of a discrete multi-component fuel evaporation model with a G-equation flame propagation combustion model and its validation:

A discrete multi-component fuel evaporation model has been successfully integrated with a G-equation flame propagation combustion model. In the discrete multi-component fuel evaporation model, the ...
The GABA/GAD innervation within the inner spiral bundle in the mouse cochlea

Stains with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the cochlea of postnatal and adult mice reveal within the inner spiral bundle a distinctive neuronal plexus intimately associated with the inner hair cells. This innervation provides endings that cradle the receptor poles of the sensory cells and lateral end collaterals that wind between the cells, distributing endings alongside and around them. Some GAD-positive fibers enter the inner pillar bundle, from where they distribute tunnel fibers to the outer hair cells and recurrent collaterals to the inner hair cells. The GABAergic innervation within the inner spiral bundle is present along the entire cochlear axis, with the highest density in its basal half. Stainings against calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which localizes in the cholinergic counterpart of the inner spiral bundle, reveal that some of these fibers parallel the GABAergic circuit. The present data, together with our previous demonstration of compound (serial, converging, triadic) efferent synapses within this pathway (Sobkowicz et al. (1995) Abst. ARO 18, 171) evidences the presence of a distinctive innervation to the inner hair cells, hitherto unrecognized. The expression of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) within the inner hair cell innervation in the adult cochlea provides evidence for a continuous synaptic turnover and plasticity, thus emphasizing its functional importance.
Long-Term Safety of Stimulant Use for ADHD: Findings from Nonhuman Primates

Stimulant medications (methylphenidate (MPH) and amphetamine (AMP)) have been used for the treatment of ADHD for >50 years. At the time of their approval, the regulatory processes were much less stringent with respect to safety information than those of today. Currently, around 4 million children are treated with stimulants each day in the USA (Zuvekas and Vitiello, 2012), which has led to valid concerns over their possible developmental effects, particularly as children and adolescents are being treated with stimulant medications at the time of profound neural, hormonal, and physical changes and usually over relatively long time periods—several years. A chief concern has been the potential adverse effects of stimulant medications to the developing brain, specifically as they relate to dopamine (DA) brain function and the risk for substance use disorder (Volkow and Swanson, 2008). This is because stimulant medications increase DA in the nucleus accumbens, which is the pharmacological effect that underlies drug reward and that with repeated use triggers the neuroadaptations in dopaminergic and glutamatergic signaling associated with addiction (Kalivas and Volkow, 2005). Indeed, MPH and AMP are abused and can result in addiction (Volkow and Swanson, 2003). Another clinical concern has been the potential adverse effects of stimulant medications on physical growth (Swanson et al, 2007). However, resolution of these critical clinical issues about stimulant medications has been difficult to address directly in humans because of ethical and practical considerations.
Compound semiconductor nanocrystals formed by sequential ion implantation

Ion implantation and thermal processing have been used to synthesize compound semiconductor nanocrystals (SiGe, GaAs, and CdSe) in both SiO{sub 2} and (0001) Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Equal doses of each constituent are implanted sequentially at energies chosen to give an overlap of the profiles. Subsequent annealing results in precipitation and the formation of compound nanocrystals. In SiO{sub 2} substrates, nanocrystals are nearly spherical and randomly oriented. In Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, nanocrystals exhibit strong orientation both in-plane and along the surface normal.
Printed MEMS membranes on silicon

We report a new method for additive fabrication of thin (125±15 nm thick) gold membranes on patterned silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) substrates for acoustic MEMS. The deflection of these membranes, suspended over cavities in a SiO 2 dielectric layer atop a conducting electrode, can be used to produce sounds or monitor pressure. This process uses a novel technique of dissolving an underlying organic film using acetone to transfer membranes onto SiO 2 substrates. The process avoids fabrication of MEMS diaphragms via wet or deep reactiveion etching, which in turn removes the need for etch-stops and wafer bonding. Membranes up to 0.78 mm2 in area are fabricated and their deflection is measured using optical interferometry. The membranes have a maximum deflection of about 150 nm across 28 μm diameter cavities. Young's modulus of these films is shown to be 74±17 GPa, and their potential sound pressure generation at 15 V is calculated.
Test of spatial isotropy using a cryogenic torsion pendulum

Motion of the earth through the cosmic neutrino background, or through certain kinds of vacuum states, produces a term of the form g(sigma) x v in the energy of an electron. To search for such a term, a cryogenic torsion pendulum carrying a transversely polarized magnet was used. Superconducting shields reduced magnetic torques. A sigma x v term would produce a sinusoidal oscillation of the pendulum with a period of one sidereal day. Such an oscillation was not detected, and a new limit of 8.5 x 10 to the -18th eV has been set for the splitting of the spin states of an electron at rest on the earth.
Alloimmune peritoneal macrophages as specific effector cells: characterization of specific macrophage cytotoxin.

Specific macrophage cytotoxin (SMC) is a soluble cytotoxin detected in the culture medium after a 2-hr interaction of alloimmune peritoneal macrophages and specific target cells at 37°C. The cytotoxicity of SMC affects only specific allogeneic cells and is not mediated through heat labile serum components. SMC is inactivated by heating at 56°C for 30 min and it is trypsin sensitive. The specificity and characteristics of SMC show it to be unique from other reported mouse in vitro cytotoxins.
Visual responses in geniculo-striate and pulvino-extrastriate systems to patterned and unpatterned stimuli in squirrel monkeys

Abstract Summated visually evoked potentials (VEPs) from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (GL), striate cortex area 17 (VC-17), circumstriate visual cortex area 19 (VC-19) and the inferior pulvinar (PuI), together with single unit responses from the inferior pulvinar, were recorded in seven squirrel monkeys during repeated sessions in the dark-adapted state, under stimulus conditions which varied the luminance of diffuse unpatterned flashes and varied the contrast border and contour density of patterned flashes which were equated for luminance. These recordings, except for the unit responses of the inferior pulvinar, were contrasted with VEPs from the same sites and under the same stimulus conditions in the light-adapted state. In addition, VEPs, and also unit responses from the inferior pulvinar, were recorded in the absence of eye movements during a terminal paralyzed state under gallamine triethiodide and tubocurarine and compared with the VEPs obtained under the same stimulus conditions during the non-paralyzed state. In the non-paralyzed state with head fixed but eyes free to move the following results were obtained. As expected, the higher of two luminance levels used with diffuse flashes produced generally larger amplitude VEPs from all recording sites. Therefore, a standard luminance level was selected for unpatterned diffuse flashes and the average luminance of each of the patterned stimuli (two sizes of black and white checkerboard squares and two widths of black and white vertical striations, with the two sizes of squares and stripes measuring 4.3° and 1.1° of visual angle) was equated to that of the standard diffuse flash. No differences in the VEPs from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus were observed between unpatterned diffuse flashes and any of the patterned flashes in either the dark-adapted or light-adapted states. For each of the other recording sites (VC-17; VC-19; PuI) under both dark-adapted and light-adapted states there were marked differences in the waveform and amplitude of VEPs for unpatterned and patterned stimuli, especially those patterned flashes of higher contrast border and counter density (small checkerboard squares and fine vertical striations — CB 1.1° and VS 1.1°). These differences were not observed in the paralyzed state with general muscular paralysis and all eye movements eliminated. Post-stimulus time histograms for single units recorded in the inferior pulvinar under both non-paralyzed and paralyzed states showed differences between unpatterned diffuse flashes and patterned flashes. Patterned flashes showed a higher concentration of unit discharges around modal points in time. The highest rates of firing were associated with patterns having higher values of contrast border. Unit responses recorded in the inferior pulvinar tended to have three distinct latencies of modal rate of discharge which corresponded generally to the peak latencies of three of the components of the VEPs recorded in the inferior pulvinar.
The Validity and Reliability Study of a Revised Motivated Strategy for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) for Assessing Computer Software Learning Strategies

Instructional theories have shifted from viewing students as reactive learners in the mid-1980s to the current view of students as proactive learners. Emphasis is no longer placed on the teachers to adapt instruction to meet individual studentâ€™s mental ability or social-cultural background. In contrast, students are viewed as active participants in their own learning process. Based on the literature and prior research, the purpose of this study is to revise the learning strategy section of the Motivated Strategy for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) to reflect the unique learning strategies involved in learning computer skills. MSLQ is a very widely used instrument to assess studentsâ€™ motivation and learning strategies. It assumed that learning strategies can be generalized across context, but context affect the learnersâ€™ choices and learning strategies available. Although the instrument is effective in assessing strategies used in processing information from texts and lectures, research findings tend to contradict general beliefs when the learning activities involved hands-on, applied learning. With 201 students who participated in the study, this research reports the initial validity and reliability of a revised version of the learning strategies in the MSLQ.
Samuel D. Gross: The Nestor of American Surgery

Samuel David Gross (1805–1884) represented the most notable surgeon of his generation and was honored with the title of “The Nestor of American Surgeon” by surgeon biographer Isaac Minis Hays. Of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, he was born on the family farm near Easton, Pennsylvania. He attended Wilkebarre Academy and Lawrenceville High School, noted private institutions of the day. He apprenticed under Doctor Joseph K. Swift of Easton and later with Professor George McClellan while in Philadelphia. In 1828, he graduated from Jefferson Medical College and remained for a short time in Philadelphia. Professor Gross focused his professional pursuits in the cities of Easton (1830–1833), Cincinnati (1833–1840), Louisville (1840–1856), and Philadelphia (1856–1882). He retired from Jefferson Medical College two years before his death in 1884.Samuel D. Gross' contributions to surgery were numerous and diverse. He was recognized as a prolific author of classic texts of pathology, surgery, and history, an educator, a le...