cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of hydroxy group on coacervate formation by sodium hydroxybenzoates with benzalkonium chloride

Abstract Shah et al. (1) reported coacervate formation by sodium salicylate (sodium o-hydroxybenzoate) with benzalkonium chloride. The phase transition diagram of this system (Fig. 1) illustrates two main regions: a biphasic coacervate system (I) and a monophasic equilibrium solution (II). The biphasic coacervate system shows two distinct regions. In one region (B) the coacervate phase has a higher density than the equilibrium liquid and it settles to the bottom of the container, and in the other region (T), the coacervate phase is lighter than the equilibrium liquid and floats on the top of the liquid.
Splenectomy in Gaucher Disease: New Management Dilemmas 722

Gaucher disease, the inherited deficiency of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase, is currently managed with enzyme replacement therapy using a mannose-terminated form of human glucocerebrosidase. Although most patients with type 1 Gaucher disease respond to this therapy, we describe an Ashkenazi patient with type 1 Gaucher disease with massive hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, who despite two years of aggressive high dose enzyme replacement therapy with Alglucerase, ultimately required a splenectomy for effective management. The removed spleen weighed 6.5kg and had nodular appearing external surfaces and focal subcapsular infarcts. Serial sections showed rubbery and focally fibrotic surfaces. This correlated with his presurgical axial T2-weighted MRI, which demonstrated multiple low signal intensity nodules not seen on T1-weighted views. Postoperatively the patient has remained stable with normal blood and platelet counts.
Double level fractures of the cervical spine

Sixten cases of double level fracture of the cervical spine treated at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Athens University from 1970 to 1983 are presented. These comprise 5.5% of all cervical fractures. The aetiology, mechanism of injury, neurological complications and management of these injuries is discussed. Awareness of double level fracture in the cervical spine will alert the clinician to a more careful examination allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment of these injuries. The problems in management are stressed.
Self-focusing: From transient to quasi-steady-state

Abstract We have made quantitative measurements on the characteristics of self-focusing varying from transient to quasi-steady-state. The results agree well with a simple unified physical description of self-focusing and with known theoretical predictions. Stimulated Brillouin scattering is identified as the mechanism responsible for the limiting diameter of the self-focused beam in our experiment.
Dynamics of prey threshold harvesting and refuge

The dynamics of a predator-prey model with continuous threshold prey harvesting and prey refuge is studied. One central question is how harvesting and refuge could directly affect the dynamics of the ecosystem, such as the stability properties of some coexistence equilibria and periodic solutions. Theoretical and numerical methods are used to investigate boundedness of solutions, existence of bionomic equilibria, as well as the existence and stability properties of equilibrium points and periodic solutions. Several bifurcations are also studied.
Studies on Ca2+ channel antagonists. A 2-diazo-3,3,3-trifluoropropionamide derivative related to verapamil as a potential photoaffinity probe.

Abstract 2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5-[N-[4-(N-methyl-2-diazo- 3,3,3-trifluoropropionamido)phenethyl]methyl-amino]valeronitril e (3), a potential photoaffinity probe for Ca2+ channels related to verapamil (1), was prepared from N-methyl-4-nitrophenethylamine (7) and 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropyl-5-(methanesulfonoxy)valeron itrile (12). Compound 3 showed concentration-dependent negative inotropic effects in rat right myocardial ventricular strips, EC50 = (1.05 +/- 0.33) X 10(-7) M (mean +/- SD), being slightly less potent than gallopamil (2), EC50 = (2.18 +/- 0.66) X 10(-8) M. It displaced [3H]gallopamil in myocardial membranes, Ki = (3.76 +/- 1.55) X 10(-8) M, compared to 2, Ki = (1.55 +/- 0.16) X 10(-8) M. Photoactivation at 265 nm reduced the recoverable binding of [3H]gallopamil to 26% compared to no effect on 2. This agent may be a useful photoaffinity probe to aid in further characterization of Ca2+ channels.
Slavery and pawnship in the Yoruba economy of the nineteenth century

(1994). Slavery and pawnship in the Yoruba economy of the nineteenth century. Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 15, Unfree labour in the development of the Atlantic world, pp. 221-245.
Correlates of serum matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentrations in nondiabetic subjects without cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Background Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the relative contribution of genetic and non-genetic variables to serum MMP-8 concentrations in nondiabetic subjects without known cardiovascular disease. Methods A blood sample was obtained from 100 subjects ≥ 18 y. Total serum MMP-8 concentrations were assayed by ELISA. MMP8 genotypes (− 799 C/T and − 381 A/G) were determined by PCR-pyrosequencing. Results MMP-8 concentrations were significantly higher in subjects with the metabolic syndrome ( n = 40) compared to those without the metabolic syndrome (11.71 vs 6.81 ng/ml, p p = 0.001). MMP-8 concentrations were significantly correlated with body mass index, triglyceride/HDL ratio, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, and age. MMP-8 concentrations were not significantly different between MMP8 genotype groups. In regression analysis, variables that were significantly associated with serum MMP-8 concentrations were presence of the metabolic syndrome and smoking ( p p = 0.009, respectively), accounting for 21.4% of the variability in serum MMP-8 concentrations. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that the metabolic syndrome and smoking are independently associated with elevated serum MMP-8 concentrations. The relationship between MMP-8 concentrations and cardiovascular risk merits further investigation.
Consideration of ac conductivity as evidence of localized tail states in amorphous chalcogenides

Abstract The temperature dependence of the ac conductivity for As 2 Te 3 and TeAsSiGe films is given. Below 200°K, σ 1 ( ω ) ∞ T ; above 200°K, σ 1 ( ω ) rises more rapidly with T . Interpretation of σ 1 ( ω ) as due to hopping in localized states at the Fermi level and in tail states near mobility edges is discussed. An unsymmetrical density of states is discussed, and a high density of states at the Fermi level is considered to be consistent with optical absorption data.
CRAM and Kirchhoff images of a west Africa salt structure

The main objective of this project was to optimize the seismic image underneath the salt overhangs for better interpretation of the reservoir beds as they approach the salt body. Target depths from 680 to 5970 m were imaged, with input and output bins of 12.5 × 12.5 m and a depth step of 5 m. The velocity model was set up using Kirchhoff migration with some minor modification after WEM imaging. Total area imaged was 23 km2. Input was from a square about 160 km2. CRAM (common reflection-angle migration) imaging resulted in better imaging of the steep salt flanks, steeply dipping beds, and improved lateral spatial resolution. In addition, the CRAM image indicates that the salt model would benefit from further adjustment, although this would probably not materially affect the shallower section.
Serum cortisol levels in thermally-acclimated goldfish (Carassius auratus) and killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus): Implications in control of hepatic glycogen metabolism☆

Abstract 1. 1. Serum cortisol levels, determined by radioimmunoassay, were reduced 94% from 11.1 to 0.7μg/dl in cold-acclimated (1°C) compared with warm-acclimated (20°C) goldfish. Hepatic glycogen levels were elevated with cold acclimation. 2. 2. Cold-acclimated (−1°C) killifish had increased serum cortisol (6.1 μg/dl vs 0.2 μg/dl) and reduced hepatic glycogen content compared with warm-acclimated (20°C) killifish. 3. 3. The reciprocal relationship between serum cortisol levels and hepatic glycogen content seen with different acclimation temperatures in both fish and the deposition of hepatic glycogen seen with hypophysectomy in both fish suggest that cortisol levels were altered by acclimation temperature and that cortisol promotes mobilization of hepatic glycogen.
Synthesis of N-acyl-α-amino esters via cobalt-catalyzed carbonylation of N-acyl-α-alkoxyamines

Abstract A variety of N -acyl-α-amino esters were synthesized from N -acylamines through anodic oxidation followed by cobalt-catalyzed carbonylation with high efficiency. By utilizing this method, the highly stereoselective synthesis of trans -6-methylpipecolic acid was also achieved. Some mechanistic aspects of the carbonylation are discussed.
The relation of root systems to shoot systems in vascular plants

The roots and shoots of vascular plants may be positionally and developmentally related in various ways. However, botanical teaching and research are strongly influenced by the paradigmatic annual dicotyledon, whose bipolar embryo develops into a plant with root and shoot meeting only at the hypocotyl. In 1930 Goebel criticized this example as a general model for plants, proposing instead the opposed concepts “allorhizy” (referring to plants whose root and shoot are related as above) and “homorhizy”(referring to plants without a bipolar embryo, all of whose roots are shoot-borne, e.g., pteridophytes). Goebel’s approach permeates the extensive German morphological literature, but has been virtually ignored in English-language literature. The allorhizy/homorhizy dichotomy has proved heuristic. However, it suggests a correlation between embryo type and mature morphology that does not always hold. Furthermore, it does not take into account the root-borne shoots typical of many plant species. Finally, Goebel’s presentation of the terms (which he does not explicitly define) creates ambiguity as to whether they designate structural concepts or the attributes of evolutionary groups. The alternative proposed here is a structural analysis of the possible topological relationships among root and shoot systems. Each structural class is then considered with regard to embryo types, potential for clonal growth and other ecological correlates, and phylogenetic distribution. This approach provides both a test of Goebel’s concepts and a basis for further comparative study of wholeplant form.
DNA polymerase Family X: Function, structure, and cellular roles

Abstract The X family of DNA polymerases in eukaryotic cells consists of terminal transferase and DNA polymerases β, λ, and μ. These enzymes have similar structural portraits, yet different biochemical properties, especially in their interactions with DNA. None of these enzymes possesses a proofreading subdomain, and their intrinsic fidelity of DNA synthesis is much lower than that of a polymerase that functions in cellular DNA replication. In this review, we discuss the similarities and differences of three members of Family X: polymerases β, λ, and μ. We focus on biochemical mechanisms, structural variation, fidelity and lesion bypass mechanisms, and cellular roles. Remarkably, although these enzymes have similar three-dimensional structures, their biochemical properties and cellular functions differ in important ways that impact cellular function.
Alcohol's direct and indirect effects on men's self-reported sexual aggression likelihood.

Objective: This study investigated pathways through which alcohol's direct and indirect expectancy effects and direct physiological effects influenced men's self-reported sexual aggression likelihood after they read a violent pornographic story. The indirect effects of participants' affective responses and cognitive judgments of story characters were also examined. Method: Male social drinkers (N = 135), recruited through newspaper ads in a large western city, were randomly assigned to one of three beverage conditions: alcohol, placebo or control. After completing pretest measures, subjects read a violent pornographic story and reported their sexual arousal, affect, cognitive judgments and sexual aggression likelihood. Results: Pre-existing expectancies operated directly and interactively with alcohol consumption on reported sexual aggression likelihood. The influence of expectancies on sexual aggression likelihood also occurred indirectly through positive affect and cognitive judgments of assailant force...
Menopausal symptoms and fertility concerns in premenopausal breast cancer survivors: a comparison to age- and gravidity-matched controls.

Objective: Many young breast cancer survivors experience menopausal symptoms and feel concerned about infertility due to oncologic treatment. However, there has been little research to date comparing young survivors' concerns and symptoms with those of young women of the same age and gravidity in the general population. Methods: We surveyed breast cancer survivors with regular menses after adjuvant chemotherapy and compared them with age-matched, gravidity-matched controls as part of a study to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy on ovarian reserve. All survivors were 1 year or more from diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer, without evidence of recurrence. The survey assessed menopausal symptoms and infertility concerns. Results: The study was stopped after a planned interim analysis of the first 20 matched pairs revealed significantly diminished measures of ovarian reserve in survivors compared with controls. Mean age was 37 years for both groups (range, 31-43 y). Eighty percent of survivors and 25% of controls expressed some concern regarding fertility at the time of the survey (P = 0.001). Survivors were more likely to report bothersome menopausal symptoms than were controls (P = 0.05). An exploratory analysis revealed that menopausal symptoms were greatest in the survivors taking tamoxifen. Conclusions: Young women who remained premenopausal after breast cancer chemotherapy expressed greater concern about fertility and reported more menopausal symptoms than did age- and gravidity-matched controls. This may have been due to cancer diagnosis or treatment, or it may reflect other differences between the survivors and controls in this study. Additional research is warranted to determine how to most effectively address fertility concerns and reduce symptom burden in this population.
Über den Einfluß dielektrischer Nachwirkungen auf den Leitungsvorgang von CdS-Einkristallen im Bereich der Durchschlagsfeldstärke†

Es werden experimentelle Untersuchungen behandelt, die zeigen, das dielektrische Nachwirkungen den Leitungsvorgang in CdS-Einkristallen im Bereich hoherer Feldstarken wesentlich beeinflussen konnen. Es wird die Abhangigkeit dieser dielektrischen Nachwirkungen von einer Reihe experimenteller Parameter, insbesondere der Leitfahigkeit angegeben.
Transcription and replication of mitochondrial DNA

The physical isolation of mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) over 30 years ago marked the beginning of studies of its structure, replication and the expression of its genetic content. Such analyses have revealed a number of surprises: novel DNA structural features of the circular genome such as the displacement loop (D-loop); multiple sized and deleted forms of the circular genome; a minimal set of mitochondrially encoded rRNAs and tRNAs needed for translation; a bacteriophage-like, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial RNA polymerase for transcription; and a direct linkage between transcription and the commitment to replication of the leading mtDNA strand that centres on the nuclear encoded mitochondrial transcription factor A. One of the more recent revelations is the existence, near the D-loop, of an atypical, stable RNA-DNA hybrid (or R-loop) at the origin of mammalian leading-strand DNA replication, composed of the parent DNA strands and an RNA transcript. In mammalian mitochondrial systems, all of the proteins known to be involved in DNA replication are encoded in the nucleus. Thus alterations and deficiencies in mtDNA replication must arise from mutations in mtDNA regulatory sequences and nuclear gene defects. Further studies of the relationships between nuclear-encoded proteins and their mtDNA target sequences could result in strategies to manipulate genotypes within cellular mtDNA populations.
The effect of tape-recorded relaxation training on well-being, symptoms, and peak expiratory flow rate in adult asthmatics: A pilot study

Abstract Evidence indicates that psychological stress plays a role in precipitating and exacerbating asthma symptoms and suggests that relaxation techniques aimed at reducing stress and autonomic arousal leads to symptom reduction. This study explored the effect of a tape-recorded relaxation intervention on well-being (mood and stresson). asthma symptoms, and a measure of pulmonary function (PEFR). Twenty adult asthmatics were studied for 21 days in their natural environment using a multiple baseline design. Self-administered relaxation training (including both breathing exercises and muscle relaxation) led to decreased negative mood and stressor report. Reporting of asthma symptoms decreased over time, and PEFR was increased by relaxation training. Asthma medication use was unchanged. Results suggest that tape–recorded relaxation training positively impacts well-being, asthma symptoms. and PEFR in a naturalistic setting. Further study of the potential use of inexpensive tape-recorded interventions in chr...
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE REDUNDANT SOLUTIONS OF THE LOW-WICK EQUATION

The content of the Low-Wick scattering formalism is studied, using the example of a class of exactly soluble meson theories with fixed-source interaction. The theories in question describe a set of harmonic oscillators with an arbitrary distribution of frequencies, coupled to a scalar meson field by means of their total dipole moment. The Low equation for scattering of a meson is shown to possess infinitely many solutions. These are compared with the exact, explicit solution of the same problem, and it is shown that there is a one- to-one correspondence between a particular choice of theory (number of oscillators and their frequencies) and a given one of the aforementioned solutions of the Low equation. A similar situation is shown to obtain for symmetric pseudoscalar theory, and it is made plausible thereby that Chew and Low have chosen the particular solution appropriate to their Hamiltonian. (auth)
Genetic Variance Components Estimation for Binary Traits Using Multiple Related Individuals

Understanding and modeling genetic or nongenetic factors that influence susceptibility to complex traits has been the focus of many genetic studies. Large pedigrees with known complex structure may be advantageous in epidemiological studies since they can significantly increase the number of factors whose influence on the trait can be estimated. We propose a likelihood approach, developed in the context of generalized linear mixed models, for modeling dichotomous traits based on data from hundreds of individuals all of whom are potentially correlated through either a known pedigree or an estimated covariance matrix. Our approach is based on a hierarchical model where we first assess the probability of each individual having the trait and then formulate a likelihood assuming conditional independence of individuals. The advantage of our formulation is that it easily incorporates information from pertinent covariates as fixed effects and at the same time takes into account the correlation between individuals that share genetic background or other random effects. The high dimensionality of the integration involved in the likelihood prohibits exact computations. Instead, an automated Monte Carlo expectation maximization algorithm is employed for obtaining the maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters. Through a simulation study we demonstrate that our method can provide reliable estimates of the model parameters when the sample size is close to 500. Implementation of our method to data from a pedigree of 491 Hutterites evaluated for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) reveal evidence of a strong genetic component to T2D risk, particularly for younger and leaner cases.
Evasion of Apoptosis as a Cellular Stress Response in Cancer

One of the hallmarks of human cancers is the intrinsic or acquired resistance to apoptosis. Evasion of apoptosis can be part of a cellular stress response to ensure the cell's survival upon exposure to stressful stimuli. Apoptosis resistance may contribute to carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and also treatment resistance, since most current anticancer therapies including chemotherapy as well as radio- and immunotherapies primarily act by activating cell death pathways including apoptosis in cancer cells. Hence, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regarding how cellular stress stimuli trigger antiapoptotic mechanisms and how this contributes to tumor resistance to apoptotic cell death is expected to provide the basis for a rational approach to overcome apoptosis resistance mechanisms in cancers.
Some laboratory techniques for vacuum coating of plastic films

Abstract The objective of these notes is to suggest guidelines for use in laboratory coating of plastic films. As the Laboratory worker does not always have just one thickness of one material to coat, nor one evaporant to use, it is impossible to lay down exact rules for each case in advance. The general methods indicated are practicable for protecting the delicate plastic film from destruction by heat, or from poor quality coating. In diifficult cases, one or more of such procedures can be adopted as the circumstances require; they have proved helpful to the author in many experiments involving deposition on plastics.The chief precautions relate to heater design, substrate backing, absorption of stray radiation, speed of deposition, and the adequate capacity of the vacuum system, both in space and pumping speed.
From pilot to program: Evaluating the progress of a professional development school

Abstract Much of the professional development school (PDS) literature to date has centered on (a) how best to define professional development schools; (b) the benefits of PDSs for teacher preparation programs; (c) identifying the obstacles encountered when working with a PDS; and (d) the lessons learned from early PDS experiences. Only recently has the effectiveness of the PDS taken center stage as a primary issue. This article describes four broad criterion themes that emerged from our literature review—issues of marginality, changing roles, reward structure, and ongoing inquiry. These four measures are then applied to ongoing PDS projects in an effort to assess progress toward fully developed professional sites.
Building bridges with institutionalized orphans in Ukraine: An art therapy pilot study

Abstract This pilot study used the art therapy Bridge Drawing assessment to measure if institutionalized orphans in Ukraine, isolated from society and without a secure parental attachment base, have the capacity to visualize and draw their future life, goals, and hopes. For this cross-sectional quantitative research, the Bridge Drawing directive was modified by means of including a path to encourage psychological and image response. Participants ( N = 258) from 32 Ukrainian orphanages between the ages of 8 and 20 completed the Bridge Drawing while attending a life skills camp in Ukraine. Less than half (44%) of the orphans drew a path in the right quadrant of the paper leading towards a future life. Not surprisingly, 86% of future comments were written by adolescent orphans who at the time of the study were psychologically preparing for their departure from orphanage to society. The results of this study confirm that institutionalized orphans have the ability to find meaning in life and are goal-oriented however, only a small proportion.
Durability of Second-generation Extensively Porous-coated Stems in Patients Age 50 and Younger

Early versions of uncemented femoral total hip stems were often associated with thigh pain thought to be due to micromotion between the implant and bone in the distal uncoated regions. An extensively coated stem was introduced in 1992 to reduce that risk. We therefore asked whether second-generation extensively porous-coated cementless femoral stems in patients younger than 50 years of age would (1) be durable in terms of revisions; (2) provide high functional scores and reduce thigh pain; and (3) show radiographic signs of durability, including a reduction in stress shielding. We prospectively followed all 100 patients (115 hips) age 50 and younger treated with primary cementless total hip arthroplasties using a second-generation extensively porous-coated femoral stem between June 1994 and December 1999. The average age was 39.6 years (range, 17–50 years). The stems were mated to cementless acetabular components. Ninety patients were followed for a minimum of 5 years (mean, 8.6 years; range, 5–10 years). One stem was revised after a periprosthetic fracture. None were revised for loosening and all stems demonstrated bony ingrowth at last followup. No acetabular shell was revised for loosening and none was radiographically loose. Six acetabular liners were revised for wear (three each were 22-mm and 26-mm heads). This second-generation extensively porous-coated stem was durable at 5- to 10-year followup in this young active population.
Neutron diffraction studies of the magnetoelastic compounds Tb5SixGe4−x (x=2.2 and 2.5)

We report the results of a neutron diffraction study, carried out on both single crystalline and polycrystalline samples of ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2.2}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{1.8}$ and polycrystalline ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2.5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{1.5}$. On cooling, at approximately 120 K, the ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2.2}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{1.8}$ system undergoes a magnetoelastic transition from a high-temperature monoclinic-paramagnetic to a low-temperature orthorhombic-ferromagnetic structure. Between 120 K and 75 K, the magnetic structure has a net ferromagnetic component along the $a$ axis direction. The moments are slightly canted with respect to the $a$ axis, while the components along the $b$ and $c$ axes are ordered antiferromagnetically. A second magnetic transition occurs at approximately 75 K. Below this temperature, the magnetic structure consists of ferromagnetically aligned ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{x}$ and ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{z}$ projections of the magnetic moments and an antiferromagnetic arrangement of the ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{y}$ moment components. Magnetic structures of ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2.5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{1.5}$ are nearly identical to those of ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{5}{\mathrm{Si}}_{2.2}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{1.8}$.
Proximal pole scaphoid fractures and nonunion

Abstract Proximal pole fractures and nonunions of the scaphoid present an extremely challenging treatment problem. Untreated, proximal pole fractures have a high rate of developing a nonunion that may lead to painful arthritis. Cast immobilization is not adequate, and surgery is recommended for the treatment of acute fractures and nonunions. The fractures are difficult to treat through a conventional volar approach, and the preferred treatment is open reduction and internal fixation using a dorsal approach with a screw that is specially designed for the scaphoid. The type of fixation implant used is important, because the end of the screw must be buried beneath the articular cartilage when the dorsal approach is used. The main blood supply of the scaphoid enters through the dorsoradial ridge of the scaphoid. By definition, proximal pole nonunions have partial ischemia or complete avascular necrosis, because the fracture line isolates the proximal pole from the perforating vessels. The definitive treatment for these fractures is a standard or vascularized bone graft, depending on the vascularity of the proximal pole of the scaphoid in addition to internal fixation via a dorsal approach. Using this treatment algorithm, the surgeon can optimize the success rate of achieving a successful scaphoid union in the shortest possible time of immobilization. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Light emitting diode‐generated blue light modulates fibrosis characteristics: Fibroblast proliferation, migration speed, and reactive oxygen species generation

Background and Objective Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum that does not generate harmful DNA adducts associated with skin cancer and photoaging, and may represent a safer therapeutic modality for treatment of keloid scars and other fibrotic skin diseases. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that light-emitting diode (LED) red and infrared light inhibits proliferation of skin fibroblasts. Moreover, different wavelengths of light can produce different biological effects. Furthermore, the effects of LED blue light (LED-BL) on human skin fibroblasts are not well characterized. This study investigated the effects of LED-BL on human skin fibroblast proliferation, viability, migration speed, and reactive oxygen-species (ROS) generation. Methods and Materials Irradiation of adult human skin fibroblasts using commercially-available LED-BL panels was performed in vitro, and modulation of proliferation and viability was quantified using the trypan blue dye exclusion assay, migratory speed was assessed using time-lapse video microscopy, and intracellular ROS generation was measured using the dihydrorhodamine flow cytometry assay. Statistical differences between groups were determined by ANOVA and Student's t-test. Results Human skin fibroblasts treated with LED-BL fluences of 5, 10, 15, 30, and 80 J/cm2 demonstrated statistically significant dose-dependent decreases in relative proliferation of 8.4%, 29.1%, 33.8%, 51.7%, and 55.1%, respectively, compared to temperature and environment matched bench control plates, respectively. LED-BL fluences of 5, 30, 45, and 80 J/cm2 decreased fibroblast migration speed to 95 ± 7.0% (P = 0.64), 81.3 ± 5.5% (P = 0.021), 48.5 ± 2.7% (P < 0.0001), and 32.3 ± 1.9% (P < 0.0001), respectively, relative to matched controls. LED fluences of 5, 10, 30, and 80 J/cm2 resulted in statistically significant increases in reactive oxygen species of 110.4%, 116.6%, 127.5%, and 130%, respectively, relative to bench controls. Conclusion At the fluences studied, LED-BL can inhibit adult human skin dermal fibroblast proliferation and migration speed, and is associated with increased reactive oxygen species generation in a dose-dependent manner without altering viability. LED-BL has the potential to contribute to the treatment of keloids and other fibrotic skin diseases and is worthy of further translational and clinical investigation. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:210–215, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automated method for extracting response latencies of subject vocalizations in event-related fMRI experiments

Abstract For functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of the neural substrates of language, the ability to have subjects performing overt verbal responses while in the scanner environment is important for several reasons. Most directly, overt responses allow the investigator to measure the accuracy and reaction time of the behavior. One problem, however, is that magnetic resonance gradient noise obscures the audio recordings made of voice responses, making it difficult to discern subject responses and to calculate reaction times. ASSERT ( A daptive S pectral S ubtraction for E xtracting R esponse T imes), an algorithm for removing MR gradient noise from audio recordings of subject responses, is described here. The signal processing improves intelligibility of the responses and also allows automated extraction of reaction times. The ASSERT-derived response times were comparable to manually measured times with a mean difference of −8.75 ms (standard deviation of difference = 26.2 ms). These results support the use of ASSERT for the purpose of extracting response latencies and scoring overt verbal responses.
Forward marching procedure for separated boundary-layer flows

A forward-marching procedure for separated boundary-layer flows which permits the rapid and accurate solution of flows of limited extent is presented. The streamwise convection of vorticity in the reversed flow region is neglected, and this approximation is incorporated into a previously developed (Carter, 1974) inverse boundary-layer procedure. The equations are solved by the Crank-Nicolson finite-difference scheme in which column iteration is carried out at each streamwise station. Instabilities encountered in the column iterations are removed by introducing timelike terms in the finite-difference equations. This provides both unconditional diagonal dominance and a column iterative scheme, found to be stable using the von Neumann stability analysis.
Hormone-Induced Protection Against Breast Cancer

Reproductive history is a consistent risk factor for human breast cancer. Epidemiological studies have repeatedly demonstrated that early age of first full-term pregnancy is a strong protective factor against breast cancer and provides a physiologically operative model to achieve a practical mode of prevention. In rodents, the effects of full-term pregnancy can be mimicked by exposure to low doses of estrogen and progesterone or treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie hormone-induced refractoriness are largely unresolved. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the protective effects of hormones. These involve the induction of differentiation of the mammary gland to provide a less responsive cell population to carcinogens, a decrease in proliferative activity in the parous gland compared to the age-matched virgin, an altered hormonal environment mediated by a decrease in circulating growth hormone, and an alteration in cell fate mediated by specific molecular changes induced by estrogen and progesterone. The evidence for and against these hypotheses is discussed along with recent results on possible molecular alterations that may underlie the refractory state. One central question that is still unresolved is whether the refractoriness is intrinsic to the mammary epithelial cells and/or mediated by persistent alterations in the host environment.
On the relation between radiative and nonradiative transitions in molecules

Abstract The first-order perturbation description appropriate to a given radiationless transition is related to the structure and decay rate of a spectroscopic signal.
Effect of pore structure on the producibility of tight-gas sandstones

The estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) is one of the most significant properties of tight-gas sandstone reservoirs, but it remains difficult to predict. Estimated ultimate recovery is dependent on the success of stimulation by hydraulic fracturing, the existence and connectivity of natural fractures, and as illustrated in this article, the pore structure of the matrix. Here, we analyze the lab measurements that are indicative of the pore structure, and then we predict the effect of pore structure on producibility. We develop a relationship between the EUR of tight-gas sandstones and their petrophysical properties measured by drainage and imbibition tests (mercury intrusion, withdrawal, and porous plate) and by resistivity analyses. We use the ratio of residual mercury saturation after mercury withdrawal ( S gr) to initial mercury saturation ( S gi), which is the saturation at the start of withdrawal, as a measure of gas likely to be trapped in the matrix during production and, hence, a proxy for EUR. A multitype pore space model is required to explain mercury intrusion capillary pressures in these rocks. Implications of this model are supported by other available laboratory measurements. The model comprises a conventional network model and a treelike pore structure (an acyclic network) that mimic the intergranular and intragranular void spaces, respectively. The notion of the treelike pore structure is introduced here for the first time in the context of tight-gas sandstones. Applying the multitype model to porous plate data, we classify the pore spaces of rocks into intergranular dominant, intermediate, and intragranular dominant. This pore space classification is topological and is not based on scale or size. These classes have progressively less drainage and imbibition hysteresis, which leads to the prediction that significantly more hydrocarbon is recoverable from intragranular porosity than intergranular porosity. Available field data (production logs) corroborate the higher producibility of intervals with intragranular porosity, although the data are not sufficient to eliminate the possible contribution of other factors such as size and shape of the volume contacted by hydraulic fractures or the presence and attributes of natural fractures. The superior recovery of hydrocarbon from intragranular-dominant pore structures is despite its inferior initial production rate.
Molecular Basis for the High CO2 Adsorption Capacity of Chabazite Zeolites

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Raul F. Lobo at the University of Delaware. The image shows the migration of CO2 molecules from the earth′s atmosphere into the interior of a chabazite zeolite structure, as described in their article. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201402555.
The temperature and pressure dependence of the dynamic properties of branched perfluoropolyethers

The relative volume and the limiting low shear viscosity have been accurately determined as functions of temperature and pressure for a series of eight branched perfluoropolyether liquids. The Murnaghan equation of state was fitted to the volumes and three correlations for viscosity were examined: the Doolittle free volume, the Bair and Casalini thermodynamic scaling, and the improved Yasutomi. The ambient-pressure bulk modulus increases gradually with molecular weight and is low compared with conventional lubricants. The Doolittle parameter increases with molecular mass as does the occupied volume fraction. The Ashurst–Hoover interaction parameter decreases with increasing molecular mass. The improved Yasutomi model provides accuracy comparable to models requiring an equation of state. When the kinematic viscosity at 40℃ is greater than about 200 mm2/s, fragility is independent of pressure. When the kinematic viscosity is less than about 200 mm2/s fragility increases with pressure. The pressure counterpa...
Morphometric and Histopathologic Analysis of Lymphoid Depletion in Murine Spleens Following Infection with Brucella abortus strains 2308 or RB51 or an htrA Deletion Mutant

BALBK mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with suspensions of Brucella abortus strains 2308 or RB5 1 or an htrA mutant. Spleens were examined on postinoculation day (PID) 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, 21, 30, and 60. Brucellae were cultured in high numbers from the spleens of mice infected with strains 2308 or htrA through PID 60; however, mice infected with strain RB51 cleared the infection between PID 30 and PID 60. Histo- pathologic changes in spleens from 2308-infected mice were characterized by marked accumulations of mac- rophages, which expanded marginal zones beginning as early as PID 7 and persisting through PID 60. Mor- phometnc analysis showed a decrease in splenic white pulp in 2308-infected mice at PID 10, which correlated with the peak of bacterial infection. Although this decrease was significant (P 0.05). Spleens from mice infected with the htrA mutant showed moderate to marked accumulations of macrophages in marginal zone areas, which persisted through PID 60. Multifocal necrosis in lymphoid follicles as early as PID 4 was seen in both htrA and 2308 infection. Morphometric analysis of htrA-infected spleens revealed no significant decrease in white pulp and no obvious correlation with bacterial numbers in the spleen. These results suggest that virulent B. abortus does not induce lymphoid depletion significantly below those values seen in noninfected mice; thus, the possible role of lymphoid depletion in the pathogenesis of brucellosis remains questionable.
Evaluating the First U.S. Consensus Conference: The Impact of the Citizens’ Panel on Telecommunications and the Future of Democracy

Consensus conferences, also known as citizens’ panels—a collection of lay citizens akin to a jury but charged with deliberating on policy issues with a high technical content—are a potentially important way to conduct technology assessments, inform policy makers about public views of new technologies, and improve public understanding of and participation in technological decision making. The first citizens’ panel in the United States occurred in April 1997 on the issue of “Telecommunications and the Future of Democracy.” This article evaluates the impact of this citizens’ panel. The standard criteria to evaluate the impact of analyses focus on the “actual impact” and on the “impact on general thinking.” To these standard criteria, this article introduces the evaluation of two impacts related to learning: impact on the training of knowledgeable personnel and the interaction with lay knowledge. The impact evaluation is based on a nearly comprehensive set of semistructured telephone interviews with the parti...
Thermodynamic mechanism for solution phase chiral amplification via a lattice model

We formulate a two-dimensional lattice model to study the equilibrium phase behavior of a ternary mixture composed of two enantiomeric forms of a chiral molecule and a nonchiral liquid solvent. Numerical solution of the model invoking the mean-field approximation of statistical mechanics allows the calculation of a ternary phase diagram. A prominent feature of the phase diagram is the appearance of a mirror-image pair of triple points involving coexistence of a liquid phase enriched in one of the enantiomers with two solid phases: a racemic and an enantiopure crystal. Thus, over broad ranges of initial composition, including liquid mixtures containing almost equal amounts of the two enantiomers, the equilibrium state of the system produces liquid-phase chiral amplification. The calculations predict that chiral amplification is favored at low temperatures, and by strengthening those molecular interactions that stabilize the racemic crystal. The phase behavior that we obtain is qualitatively identical to that reported in a recent experimental study of solutions of amino acids, aimed at probing the liquid-phase control of asymmetric catalysis. Those results, and the present calculations that provide molecular-level insight into their underlying causes, suggest a possible thermodynamic scenario for the liquid-phase emergence of chiral imbalance in a prebiotic and presumably nearly racemic world.
In Defense of the Community Reinvestment Act

In the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977 has probably received more media attention in the past 2 years than it garnered cumulatively over the previous 30 years. Numerous conservative pundits and commentators have blamed the CRA for the subprime crisis and the subsequent worldwide financial meltdown. Most social workers are probably unaware that the CRA is probably responsible for more investment, loans, and wealth creation in low and moderate income neighborhoods than any other single piece of federal legislation over the past 40 years. This article highlights the following features about the CRA that social workers need to know: The CRA was created and passed only because of grassroots community organizing; the CRA has been directly or indirectly related to 8 trillion dollars of investments, mortgage, and small business loans in low income neighborhoods since 1977; community organizing has always been the primary enforcement mechanism of the CRA; cont...
Electrochemical examples of multiple‐electron transfer

Various electroactive reactants that undergo multipleelectron transfer reactions at electrodes are divided into two broad classes. The first class exhibits a series of single electron steps at different electrode potentials. The second class exhibits multiple-electron transfer in a single voltammetric step. Examples from each class are offered and the reasons for their electrochemical behavior are described.
Market equilibrium via the excess demand function

We consider the problem of computing market equilibria and show three results. (i) For exchange economies satisfying weak gross substitutability we analyze a simple discrete version of tâtonnement, and prove that it converges to an approximate equilibrium in polynomial time. This is the first polynomial-time approximation scheme based on a simple atonnement process. It was only recently shown, using vastly more sophisticated techniques, that an approximate equilibrium for this class of economies is computable in polynomial time. (ii) For Fisher's model, we extend the frontier of tractability by developing a polynomial-time algorithm that applies well beyond the homothetic case and the gross substitutes case. (iii) For production economies, we obtain the first polynomial-time algorithms for computing an approximate equilibrium when the consumers' side of the economy satisfies weak gross substitutability and the producers' side is restricted to positive production.
Classification and Characterization of Tropical Precipitation Based on High-Resolution Airborne Vertical Incidence Radar. Part II: Composite Vertical Structure of Hurricanes versus Storms over Florida and the Amazon

Abstract High-resolution airborne measurements of vertical incidence radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity, as well as coincident upwelling 85-GHz radiances, are analyzed for several Atlantic Ocean hurricanes and for numerous convection-generated systems in Florida and Amazonia. Characteristic reflectivity, hydrometeor motion, and vertical air motion profiles of convective and stratiform precipitation are compared and related to their ice-scattering signature, with an emphasis on the difference between hurricanes and convection-generated storms. Hurricanes are found to be largely and clearly stratiform, displaying a remarkably narrow echo and vertical velocity spectrum. Air currents are inferred to be rising steadily at all levels, even in stratiform regions. Land-based, convection-generated stratiform regions tend to experience low-level descent and mid- to upper-level ascent, although the vertical velocity variability is large. Florida storms produce little stratiform precipitation. Their spectrum of ...