cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carcinogenesis Studies of Cresols in Rats and Mice

Cresols, monomethyl derivatives of phenol, are high production chemicals with potential for human exposure. The three isomeric forms of cresol are used individually or in mixtures as disinfectants, preservatives, and solvents or as intermediates in the production of antioxidants, fragrances, herbicides, insecticides, dyes, and explosives. Carcinogenesis studies were conducted in groups of 50 male F344/N rats and 50 female B6C3F1 mice exposed to a 60:40 mixture of m and p cresols (m-/p-cresol) in feed. Rats and mice were fed diets containing 0, 1500, 5000, or 15,000 ppm and 0, 1000, 3000, or 10,000 ppm, respectively. Survival of each exposed group was similar to that of their respective control group. Mean body weight gains were depressed in rats exposed to 15,000 ppm and in mice exposed to 3000 ppm and higher. A decrease of 25% over that of controls for the final mean body weight in mice exposed to 10,000 ppm appeared to be associated with lack of palatability of the feed. A marginally increased incidence of renal tubule adenoma was observed in the 15,000 ppm-exposed rats. The increased incidence was not statistically significant, but did exceed the range of historical controls. No increased incidence of hyperplasia of the renal tubules was observed; however, a significantly increased incidence of hyperplasia of the transitional epithelium associated with an increased incidence of nephropathy was observed at the high exposure concentration. The only significantly increased incidence of a neoplastic lesion related to cresol exposure observed in these studies was that of squamous cell papilloma in the forestomach of 10,000 ppm-exposed mice. A definitive association with irritation at the site-of-contact could not be made because of limited evidence of injury to the gastric mucosa at the time of necropsy. However, given the minimal chemical-related neoplastic response in these studies, it was concluded that there was no clear evidence of carcinogenicity in male rats or female mice exposed to the cresol mixture.
Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) spectroscopy applied to phytochrome and its model compounds. 2. Phytochrome and phycocyanin chromophores

Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) spectra of phytochrome at 77 K are reported. The spectra reveal significant differences between Pr and Pfr forms of phytochrome. SERRS spectra of C-phycocyanin Z,Z,Z- and Z,Z,E-chromopeptide isomers at 77 K are also reported. The phycocyanin chromopeptide studies are used to provide a basis for interpreting the phytochrome SERRS spectra. The spectra indicate that photoisomerization of chromophores from C-phycocyanin chromopeptides (from a Z,Z,Z to a Z,Z,E configuration) is detectable with SERRS.
E-Literature, New Media Art, and E-Literary Criticism

In his article "E-Literature, New Media Art, and E-Literary Criticism" Janez Strehovec explores the commonalities between electronic literature and new media art. Rather than deploying the traditional conceptual apparatus of e-literary criticism directed first and foremost to the new media elements of e-literature, Strehovec takes into account approaches from current theories in the social sciences and humanities. In doing so, he draws upon examples of new media art as a practice in which the novel's social paradigms change the way of art-making and challenge the very function of art. Close-readings of some new media art projects including Bookchin's Mass Ornament, EDT's Transborder Immigrant Tool, and Jodi's ZYX demonstrate that new media art is questioning the very ontological status of the field in terms of abandoning aesthetic and artistic functions in favor of their functions of use. In contrast, e-literature's interactions with society challenge the intrinsic possibilities of this field, especially in terms of blurring the boundaries between forms and revolutionizing e-literature's means of expression. Janez Strehovec, "E-Literature, New Media Art, and E-Literary Criticism" page 2 of 10 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 16.5 (2014): Special Issue New Work on Electronic Literature and Cyberculture. Ed. Maya Zalbidea, Mark C. Marino, and Asuncion Lopez-Varela
The measurement, excretion, and source of urinary 6-hydroxycortisol in humans.

Abstract A method, modified from previously reported techniques, for the measurement of 6-hydroxycortisol in human urine is described. 3 H-6 β-hydroxycortisol is employed as an internal recovery standard and 1 thin layer chromatogram used for isolation. The accuracy, precision and specificity of the method are documented. Levels are reported in a large group of endocrinologically normal males, females and older children. A positive correlation was observed in the excretion of 6-hydroxycortisol with that of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and creatinine which supports the use of the ratio, 6-hydroxycortisol/ 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, as an indicator of cortisol metabolism. This ratio was found to be significantly higher in females than males. Ancillary studies support the concept that some of the urinary 6-hydroxycortisol may originate directly from the adrenal glands but the evidence is not consistent and hence this question is unsettled at the present time.
Kinship, Sex, and Fitness in a Caribbean Community

Patterns of human kinship commonly involve preferential treatment of relatives based on lineal descent (lineages) rather than degree of genetic relatedness (kindreds), presenting a challenge for inclusive fitness theory. Here, we examine effects of lineage and kindred characteristics on reproductive success (RS) and number of grandchildren for 130 men and 124 women in a horticultural community on Dominica. Kindreds had little effect on fitness independently of lineage characteristics. Fitness increased with the number of lineal relatives residing in the community but decreased beyond an apparently optimal lineage size, suggesting resource enhancement and competition among kin. Female-biased patrilineage sex ratio was positively associated with men’s fitness, while male-biased matrilineage sex ratio was positively associated with women’s fitness. Number of brothers in the community was negatively associated with men’s, but not women’s, fitness. Parents and number of sisters had no effect on either male or female reproduction; however, women with younger sisters had higher RS, suggesting benefits of kin support for childcare. In sum, imposed norms for lineage social organization may enhance lineal ancestors’ inclusive fitness at a cost to individual inclusive fitness.
Molecular topology of the Photosystem II chlorophyll a binding protein, CP 43: Topology of a thylakoid membrane protein.

We have used antibodies generated against synthetic peptides to determine the topology of the 43 kD chlorophyll a binding protein (CP 43) of Photosystem II. Based on the pattern of proteolytic fragments detected (on western blots) by peptide specific antibodies, a six transmembrane span topological model, with the amino and carboxyl termini located on the stromal membrane surface, is predicted. This structure is similar to that predicted for CP 47, a PS II chlorophyll a binding protein (Bricker T (1990) Photosynth Res 24: 1–13). The model is discussed in reference to the possible location of chlorophyll binding sites.
A tetranuclear oxofluorovanadium(IV) cluster encapsulating a Na(H2O)n+ subunit

Abstract Hydrothermal reactions of sodium vanadate, methylenediphosphonic acid, hydrogen fluoride and the appropriate organoamine yielded the vanadium(IV)-oxyfluoride compounds [NH3(CH2)2(NH2)(CH2)2NH3]3[{Na(H2O)} ⊂ {V4O4F2(O3PCH2PO3)4}]·8H2O (1·8H2O) and [NH3(CH2)2(NH2)(CH2)2(NH2)(CH2)NH3]2[{Na(H2O)} ⊂ {V4HO4F2(O3PCH2PO3)4}]·7H2O (2·7H2O). The vanadium-oxyfluoride cationic unit {V4O4F2(O3PCH2PO3)4}10 − of the compounds consists of pairs of fluoride bridged {VFO5} octahedra linked through η4-diphosphonate ligands into a three polyhedra thick band. The {Na(H2O)n}+ groups occupy the interior of the band but are displaced from the centroid toward one face so as to project the aqua ligands into the extra-annular domain. The fluoride ligands bridge two vanadium sites as well as coordinating to the sodium cation.
Silane coatings for laser-driven polarized hydrogen sources and targets

It is necessary to use special coatings on the surfaces of volumes containing polarized atoms in order to minimize depolarizing spin interactions during wall collisions. We are studying coatings of organosilicon compounds that preserve hydrogen and potassium polarizations and prevent molecular recombination of hydrogen during wall collisions in a laser-driven polarized hydrogen source. Continuing problems with coatings for these sources has been the reproducibility of high-quality surfaces and reliable assessment of surface quality before installation of coated parts in the laser-driven source. We have used an atomic force microscope to scan surfaces coated with different organosilicon compounds with the goal of assessing surface quality and determining a method of preparing reproducible surfaces that do not degrade with time. Here we show AFM scans of the different coatings, discuss the quality of coatings made with different chemicals and application procedures, and present the results of coating stability tests as a function of temperature and exposure to potassium. We find that a simple organosilicon afterwash gives a significantly improved surface.
Increased thymidine uptake by methylcholanthrene-treated C3H/10T1/2 cells

The uptake of 3H-thymidine in post-confluent cultures of methylcholanthrene-transformed C3H/10T1/2 mouse embryo cells was markedly higher than in their non-transformed counterparts. In a reconstruction experiment as few as 2% transformed cells could be detected by increased thymidine uptake. Measurements made at various times up to 110 days in multi-chambered plates revealed that after 25 days methyl-cholanthrene-treated cultures incorporated significantly more thymidine than the acetone-treated controls. This increased uptake correlated with the appearance of Type III transformed foci.
Prior exposure to inescapable electric shock in rats affects extinction behavior after the successful acquisition of an escape response

Abstract In Expt 1, rats exposed to 64 inescapable electric shocks in a restrainer or merely restrained were later given either 0, 5, 15 or 30 escape/avoidance training trials with a two-way shuttlebox procedure that does not lead to interference with escape acquisition due to prior exposure to inescapable shock. After escape training all rats were given an escape/avoidance extinction procedure in which shock was inescapable. The rats which had received prior exposure to inescapable shock responded less often and with longer latencies in extinction than did the restrained rats. Experiment 2 demonstrated that this effect is caused by the inescapability of the initial shock treatment. These results were explained in terms of (a) associative interference which minimized the effect of shuttlebox escape training for the preshocked subjects, and (b) a stronger tendency to recognize the presence of an inescapable shock situation during extinction for the preshocked subjects. The relationship between these results and previous work demonstrating that exposure to the escape contingency mitigates the effects of inescapable shock exposure was also discussed.
Detection of magnetic nanoparticles in tissue using magneto-motive ultrasound

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the magneto-motive ultrasonic detection of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles as a marker of macrophage recruitment in tissue. The capability of ultrasound to detect SPIO nanoparticles (core diameter ∼20 nm) taken up by murine liver macrophages was investigated. Eight mice were sacrificed two days after the intravenous administration of four SPIO doses (1.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0.1 mmol Fe/kg body weight). In the iron-laden livers, ultrasound Doppler measurements showed a frequency shift in response to an applied time-varying magnetic field. M-mode scan and colour power Doppler images of the iron-laden livers also demonstrated nanoparticle movement under focused magnetic field excitation. In the livers of two saline injected control mice, no movement was observed using any ultrasound imaging modes. The results of our experiments indicate that ultrasound imaging of magneto-motive excitation is a candidate imaging modality to identify tissue-based macrophages containing SPIO nanoparticles.
TDPAC STUDY OF STRUCTURAL DISORDER IN METAMICT ZIRCON

Abstract Time-differential perturbed angular correlation spectroscopy (TDPAC) was used to characterize the electric field gradient of zircon in the metamict and partially recrystallized state. TDPAC spectra were recorded of various samples originating from Australia using 181 Ta probe nuclei. The disorder of the metamict state is reflected by broadening of the TDPAC spectral lines. Spectra recorded of samples as received show linewidths as high as 12%. No significant change in the linewidths was observed after isochronal annealing between 200 and 600°C. Annealing above 600°C reduces the spectral linewidths, indicating the beginning of an ordering process. The annealing temperature required to result in a specific linewidth was found to be correlated with the samples' U and Th impurity concentrations. Calculations based on a simple point charge model are used to relate TDPAC linewidths to random displacements of atoms in the structure of zircon in the metamict and the partially annealed state.
Bear phalanx traumatically introduced into a living human: Prehistoric evidence.

Abstract Traumatically induced skeletal injuries are common and can be ascribed to a normal range of events occurring in an individual's lifetime. A subset of these trauma-induced injuries provides enhanced insight into cultural history. Such cases might include those referable to medico-surgical and religious/ritualistic practices. We describe prehistoric evidence and cultural implications of the traumatic insertion of an Ursus manual phalanx into the elbow of a living human. The injury healed and the phalanx remained in situ until death. The individual derives from the Ellis Landing shellmound and dates to a subphase of the Middle Period (≈500BC–300AD) in the California cultural sequence. The remains are of a 30–40 year-old female. Comparative data on arm morphology and pathological conditions present were collected ( n = 159). Three Ursus subspecies ( n = 15) were examined to identify the taxon represented by the phalanx. The described individual was probably wearing bear paw ornaments at the time she was crushed by a heavy object. During this event, a bear claw was driven into her cubital fossa, the basal phalangeal tubercle being impressed into the humerus. The wound healed completely. The presence of Ursus body parts indicates an elevated societal role for this female; most likely she was a shaman or healer.
Supraspinal nocifensive responses of cats: spinal cord pathways, monoamines, and modulation.

These experiments were conducted to determine (1) whether dorsal and ventral ascending spinal pathways can each mediate unlearned supraspinal nocifensive responses of cats to noxious thermal stimuli and (2) whether interrupting the spinal projection of supraspinal monoaminergic neurons alters the excitability and natural modulation of these responses. In partially restrained cats, thermal pulses (> 47°C) delivered to the hindlimbs of intact cats or rostra1 to lesions of the thoracic spinal cord elicited abrupt body movements and interruption of eating (or of exploring for) liquified food. These electronically monitored responses automatically terminated the stimulus. Natural modulation of responsiveness was produced by delivering food and thermal stimuli simultaneously; this reduced response probability by an average of 41%. Complete transection of the thoracic spinal cord eliminated both thermally elicited responses and orienting responses to noxious and tactile mechanical stimulation of the hindlimbs. Ventral bilateral thoracic spinal cord lesions that spared only the dorsal funiculus and portions of the dorsolateral funiculus (three cats) significantly reduced orienting responses to all mechanical hindlimb stimuli and reduced, but did not eliminate, movement and interrupt responses to noxious thermal hindlimb stimuli. Response latency was unaffected. Food-induced response supression persisted although lumbar spinal cord concentrations of serotonin (5HT) and norepinephrine (NE) were markedly reduced. A bilateral lesion of the dorsal funiculi and dorsal portions of the dorsolateral funiculi (one cat) also reduced nocifensive responsiveness, but only the NE concentration in lumbar spinal cord was reduced significantly relative to a matched cervical sample. In contrast, deep bilateral lesions of the dorsolateral funiculi (two cats) produced an increase in the probability of movement and interrupt responses without affecting either response latency or food-induced response supression. Lumbar spinal cord concentrations of NE and, in one cat, 5HT were reduced. We conclude that (1) the dorsal and ventral spinal funiculi are each sufficient to initiate and necessary to maintain normal supraspinally organized nocifensive behavior in the cat; (2) descending monoaminergic pathways are not necessary for the phasic modulation of these responses; and (3) the tonic excitability, but not the phasic modulation, of these responses is determined in part by fibers in the dorsolateral funiculus.
The reliability of the behavioral‐personnel assessment device (B‐PAD) in selecting police recruits

A recent entry into the police selection tools market has been the behavioral‐personnel assessment device (B‐PAD). Applicants view videotaped scenarios and are instructed to respond as if they were the officer handling the situation. Participant responses are preserved on tape for subsequent review by panels of three raters. Given the instrument’s limited reliability checks to date and literature that questions the reliability of the oral board process, the present study examines whether B‐PAD ratings are influenced by the demographic backgrounds of raters and ratees. The data were based on 113 subjects exposed to eight scenarios graded by panels of three judges. The results indicate that B‐PAD scores are independent of rater race and sex, as well as ratee race and sex. While the B‐PAD appears to be reliable and free from bias, the study cautions that a need for an independent validity check still remains.
Development of a genetic algorithm for component placement sequence optimization in printed circuit board assembly

This paper describes the development and evaluation of a custom application exploring the use of genetic algorithms (GA) to solve a component placement sequencing problem for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. In the assembly of PCB's, the component placement process is often the bottleneck, and the equipment to complete component placement is often the largest capital investment. The number of components placed on a PCB can range from few to hundreds. As a result, developing an application to determine an optimal or near-optimal placement sequence can translate into reduced cycle times for the overall assembly process and reduced assembly costs. A custom application was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of using GA's to solve the component placement sequencing problem. A designed experiment was used to determine the best representation and crossover type, crossover rate, and mutation rate to use in solving a component sequencing problem for a PCB consisting of 10 components being placed on a single-headed placement machine. Three different representations (path, ordinal, and adjacency) and six appropriate crossover types (partially mapped, ordered, cycle, classical, alternating edges, and heuristic) were evaluated at three different mutation rates and at 11 crossover rates. Two algorithm response variables, the total distance traveled by the placement head and the algorithm solution efficiency (measured as number of generations and algorithm solution time) were used to evaluate the different GA applications. The combination of representation and crossover type along with mutation rate were found to be the most significant parameters in the algorithm design. In particular, path representation with order crossover was found to produce the best solution as measured by the total distance traveled as well as the solution generation efficiency. Increasing the mutation rate led to slightly improved solutions in terms of head travel, but also resulted in increased solution time.
The Psychology of Courage: Modern Research on an Ancient Virtue

While drawing on a limited field of articles and chapters on courage, the editors of The Psychology of Courage: modern research on an ancient virtue have postulated a viable history of the evolution of courage in psychology and chosen a select set of articles which advocate the influence of some of the more modern approaches to psychological thought, while relying only slightly on the historical and alternative views of courage. An alternative view and application of courage presented here examines the impact of courage as a component of a dynamic system. This dynamic systems approach allows for courage to have an interactional impact on the individual regardless of cultural identity or label.
Internal magnesium, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, and the regulation of the steady-state volume of human red blood cells by the Na/K/2Cl cotransport system.

This study is concerned with the relationship between the Na/K/Cl cotransport system and the steady-state volume (MCV) of red blood cells. Cotransport rate was determined in unfractionated and density-separated red cells of different MCV from different donors to see whether cotransport differences contribute to the difference in the distribution of MCVs. Cotransport, studied in cells at their original MCVs, was determined as the bumetanide (10 microM)-sensitive 22Na efflux in the presence of ouabain (50 microM) after adjusting cellular Na (Nai) and Ki to achieve near maximal transport rates. This condition was chosen to rule out MCV-related differences in Nai and Ki that might contribute to differences in the net chemical driving force for cotransport. We found that in both unfractionated and density-separated red cells the cotransport rate was inversely correlated with MCV. MCV was correlated directly with red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG), whereas total red cell Mg was only slightly elevated in cells with high MCV. Thus intracellular free Mg (Mgifree) is evidently lower in red cells with high 2,3-DPG (i.e., high MCV) and vice versa. Results from flux measurements at their original MCVs, after altering Mgifree with the ionophore A23187, indicated a high Mgi sensitivity of cotransport: depletion of Mgifree inhibited and an elevation of Mgifree increased the cotransport rate. The apparent K0.5 for Mgifree was approximately 0.4 mM. Maximizing Mgifree at optimum Nai and Ki minimized the differences in cotransport rates among the different donors. It is concluded that the relative cotransport rate is regulated for cells in the steady state at their original cell volume, not by the number of copies of the cotransporter but by differences in Mgifree. The interindividual differences in Mgifree, determined primarily by differences in the 2,3-DPG content, are responsible for the differences in the relative cotransport activity that results in an inverse relationship with in vivo differences in MCV. Indirect evidence indicates that the relative cotransport rate, as indexed by Mgifree, is determined by the phosphorylated level of the cotransport system.
Mathematical Analysis of HIV-1 Dynamics in Vivo

Mathematical models have proven valuable in understanding the dynamics of HIV-1 infection in vivo. By comparing these models to data obtained from patients undergoing antiretroviral drug therapy, it has been possible to determine many quantitative features of the interaction between HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS, and the cells that are infected by the virus. The most dramatic finding has been that even though AIDS is a disease that occurs on a time scale of about 10 years, there are very rapid dynamical processes that occur on time scales of hours to days, as well as slower processes that occur on time scales of weeks to months. We show how dynamical modeling and parameter estimation techniques have uncovered these important features of HIV pathogenesis and impacted the way in which AIDS patients are treated with potent antiretroviral drugs.
Peaceful Play Program: Yoga for hematology/oncology inpatient children and their parents

Objective Yoga is being used increasingly in the medical field as a healing modality for adult patients experiencing serious illness and for those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of a single 45-min yoga intervention on pediatric hematology/oncology inpatients and their parents facing a life-threatening disease and hospitalization. Methods The study included a cohort of 16 patients, ages 7–16, who were receiving inpatient treatment for cancer or blood disorders. There were 6 females and 10 males; 11 were ages 7–11, and 5 were ages 13–16. The parent cohort included 33 parents of children receiving inpatient treatment for cancer. There were 23 mothers and 10 fathers. The Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure subjects’ anxiety and a general sense of well-being. Measurements were administered immediately before and after the yoga class. The adult version was used for the adolescents and the parents; and the child version was used for the children. Results In the child group ( n =11), a Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed that the pre-class STAI score ( Md =31) evidenced little change. In the adolescent group ( n =5), anxiety and sense of well-being significantly improved with the median STAI score decreasing from pre-class ( Md =41) to post-class ( Md =28), z =−2.03, p =0.042. In the parent cohort ( n =33), STAI scores showed a decrease in anxiety and increase in well-being, with the median STAI score decreasing from pre-class ( Md =45) to post-class ( Md =30) z =−5.00, p Conclusion Yoga is a feasible intervention in a hospital setting. Children, adolescents and parents were enthusiastic about class participation. There was a significant improvement in the sense of well-being in adolescents and parents, while well-being in children remained constant. The majority of participants enjoyed yoga as a family activity. Parents reported how meaningful it was to engage in a healthy activity with their ill child. As a mind body experience, adolescent patients appeared to be more sensitive to the benefits of yoga than the younger patients. This may be due to developmental differences and merits further investigation. Yoga is a beneficial activity for parents, who are stressed by the hospitalization of their chronically ill child.
The Administrator as Superhero A Commentary on Balkin and Mello’s “Facilitating and Creating Synergies Between Teaching and Research: The Role of the Academic Administrator”

As a way to achieve better alignment of the ongoing teaching–research activity gap in business schools, David Balkin and Jeff Mello suggest that schools need to hire academic administrators with significantly developed management skills. The author responds to this recommendation with two concerns. First, many of the causes of the research–teaching gap are deeply embedded in the structure of the academic reward system and beyond the control of the academic administrator. Second, if academic administrators are to achieve what they propose, we need far better selection and training of these administrators.
Enhanced hepatic chromatin protein methylation induced by triiodothyronine treatment of the rat.

A pharmacological dose of 3,3′,5-triiodo-L-tbyronine (200 μg/100g) that induces marked DNA replication in rat liver cells, also is shown to cause a significant increase in the methylation of chromatin proteins in these cells. This increase in the methylation appears to correlate with the increase in DNA replication. Specificity of this phenomenon is suggested by its absence in kidney and spleen of the hormone-treated animals, two tissues that also fail to respond proliferatively to the iodothyronine.
A matroid related to finitely chainlike, countably infinite networks

The determination of the currents and voltages in a countably infinite electrical network containing infinite energy requires not only the imposition of Kirchoff's laws and Ohm's laws but also the arbitrary assignment of the current-voltage pairs in certain sets of branches, called joints. For finitely chainlike, countably infinite networks the maximal joint sets satisfy the base axioms of a matroid.
The undecidability of the second-order unification problem

Abstract It is shown that there is no effective procedure for determining whether or not two terms of the language of second-order logic have a common instance.
Non-Gaussian speckle caused by thin phase screens of large root-mean-square phase variations and long single-scale autocorrelations

Non-Gaussian speckle generated by the coherent superposition of a small number of random complex amplitudes can be physically realized through the elastic scattering of incident monochromatic radiation with a thin, nondepolarizing random phase screen. Under conditions of Gaussian-distributed phase fluctuations whose rms is much greater than 2π rad, whose lateral autocorrelation is Gaussian in shape with a correlation length z greater than twice the wavelength of the illumination, and for which the ratio of these two is less than 0.05, the Kirchhoff diffraction integral approximation can be applied. A series solution for the first and second intensity moments for the far field is derived and presented. The steepest-descents solution given by Jakeman McWhirter [ Appl. Phys. B26, 125 ( 1981)] converges to the given series solution for the mean intensity. With improved experimental technique, measurements of the normalized second moment are shown to agree with Jakeman and McWhirter’s approximation over a wide range of illuminated scattering centers. A computer simulation of this experiment for phase objects of up to 50-rad rms phase deviations is shown to agree well with predictions of the mean intensity. The second moments agree well in the low- and high-illumination limits but systematically overestimate the normalized second moment near the peak of each curve.
Aggregation of Claudins and Formation of Tight Junctions: A Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Study

Tight junctions are dynamic structures that consist of a number of membrane proteins and their cytoplasmic counterparts. Claudins are one the major components of tight junctions that control the transport of ions and small molecules in paracellular pathways. The recently solved crystallographic structure of claudin-15 shows a membrane protein consisting of four transmembrane helices (TM1-TM4) and a large extracellular domain (ESC). Claudin monomers polymerize in membrane to form tight junction strands, which are connected to similar strands in neighboring cells and glue two cells together. We have used the structure of claudin-15 to investigate the polymerization and assembly of claudins in lipid membranes with molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations revealed that the linear arrangement of claudins as observed in the crystal is not stable in the membrane. Individual claudins rotate in the membrane to form new contacts between TM3 and ECS resulting in a curved configuration with a diameter of 100A. To obtain more insight about the side-by-side interaction of claudins in the membrane, 16 claudins were placed in a lipid bilayer in a 4x4 matrix arrangement and their diffusion was studied in coarse-grained simulations. In these simulations, claudins form linear configurations consisting of 2-8 claudins stabilized by interactions between TM2 or TM3 segments and ECS. These results show that the side-by-side interaction of claudins in the membrane occurs through two interfaces. The presence of two interaction surfaces might in fact be a key factor in stabilization of long and flexible tight junction strands in the cell. In addition, head-to-head interaction of claudins across two neighboring cells, which is essential for tight junction formation, was studied. In the presence of trans interactions, claudins show a slower dynamics in each membrane and form shorter strands.
Hierarchical volumetric object representations for digital fabrication workflows

With the rise of of desktop 3D printers, hackerspaces, and fab labs, more and more individuals are engaging in personal-scale digital fabrication. For historical reasons, fabrication workflows are often based on triangulated meshes. Meshes are easy to render, but cannot guarantee physical feasibility -- holes, zero-area faces, incorrect normals, and other flaws can make them nonsensical descriptions of physical objects.
A METHODOLOGY FOR THE ESTIMATION OF CAPACITIVE CROSSTALK-INDUCED SHORT-CIRCUIT ENERGY

In the nanometer regime, crosstalk significantly impacts the dynamic power consumption of a chip. In this paper, we present a methodology for analyzing crosstalk-induced short-circuit power dissipation in cell-based digital designs. We introduce a new cell pre-characterization technique for facilitating the estimation of crosstalk-induced short-circuit power. Examples demonstrate that the presented methodology is three orders of magnitude faster than circuit simulators while the average error is as low as 3.5%.
Mutation of a Conserved Threonine in the Third Transmembrane Helix of α- and β-Connexins Creates a Dominant-negative Closed Gap Junction Channel

Single site mutations in connexins have provided insights about the influence specific amino acids have on gap junction synthesis, assembly, trafficking, and functionality. We have discovered a single point mutation that eliminates functionality without interfering with gap junction formation. The mutation occurs at a threonine residue located near the cytoplasmic end of the third transmembrane helix. This threonine is strictly conserved among members of the α- and β-connexin subgroups but not the γ-subgroup. In HeLa cells, connexin43 and connexin26 mutants are synthesized, traffic to the plasma membrane, and make gap junctions with the same overall appearance as wild type. We have isolated connexin26T135A gap junctions both from HeLa cells and baculovirus-infected insect Sf9 cells. By using cryoelectron microscopy and correlation averaging, difference images revealed a small but significant size change within the pore region and a slight rearrangement of the subunits between mutant and wild-type connexons expressed in Sf9 cells. Purified, detergent-solubilized mutant connexons contain both hexameric and partially disassembled structures, although wild-type connexons are almost all hexameric, suggesting that the three-dimensional mutant connexon is unstable. Mammalian cells expressing gap junction plaques composed of either connexin43T154A or connexin26T135A showed an absence of dye coupling. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, these mutants, as well as a cysteine substitution mutant of connexin50 (connexin50T157C), failed to produce electrical coupling in homotypic and heteromeric pairings with wild type in a dominant-negative effect. This mutant may be useful as a tool for knocking down or knocking out connexin function in vitro or in vivo.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the perimeatal-based flap and tubularized incised-plate techniques for primary hypospadias repair

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the perimeatal-based flap (PBF) and tubularized incised-plate (TIP) techniques for primary hypospadias repair and determine whether the two techniques had similar reported outcomes. The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched using the terms: hypospadias, Snodgrass, TIP*, tubularized incised plate, tubularized incised-plate, Mathieu*, perimeatal-based flap, perimeatal flap, meatal-based flap and meatal based flap. No other limits were used. Inclusion criteria included: primary hypospadias repair only; both including the PBF and TIP techniques; at least one of the quantitative outcomes obtainable from study; comparative studies. Twelve studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences between the two techniques when comparing fistula (OR = 1.47; 95 % CI: 0.82–2.63; P = 0.20), meatal stenosis (OR = 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.24–1.16; P = 0.11), and wound dehiscence (OR = 0.82; 95 % CI: 0.24–2.84; P = 0.76). Both the studies which assessed cosmesis objectively showed a consistent better cosmetic result of the TIP technique (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of complication rates between the two techniques, and the TIP technique was usually of better cosmesis. Given the large clinical heterogeneity among studies, future more well-designed studies with full data and uniform criterion were awaited.
H and D curves of screen-film systems: factors affecting their dependence on x-ray energy.

The sensitometric properties of radiographic screen--film systems are investigated with regard to their dependence on x-ray energy. Sensitometric measurements and a heuristic model for density formation are used to show that variation in the relative amount of light emitted by front and back screens may be the most important factor influencing the change in system H and D curves with x-ray energy.
College students with previous exposure to crime report more PTSD after 9-11-2001

A sample of 415 university students (52 Crime Victims, 363 Nonvictims) who experienced indirectly the 9/11/01 disaster through media exposure, were administered the Davidson Trauma Scale. Crime victims had significantly more PTSD symptoms related to 9/11 exposure.
Cyclothiazide Modulates AMPA Receptor-Mediated Increases in Intracellular Free Ca2+ and Mg2+ in Cultured Neurons from Rat Brain

We investigated the modulation of (±)-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-induced increases in intracellular free Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) and intracellular free Mg 2+ ([Mg 2+ ] i ) by cyclothiazide and GYKI 52466 using microspectrofluorimetry in single cultured rat brain neurons. AMPA-induced changes in [Ca 2+ ] i were increased by 0.3-100 μM cyclothiazide, with an EC 50 value of 2.40 μM and a maximum potentiation of 428% of control values. [Ca 2+ ] i responses to glutamate in the presence of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists were also potentiated by 10 μM cyclothiazide. The response to NMDA was not affected, demonstrating specificity of cyclothiazide for non-NMDA receptors. Almost all neurons responded with an increase in [Ca 2+ ] i to both kainate and AMPA in the absence of extracellular Na + , and these Na + -free responses were also potentiated by cyclothiazide. GYKI 52466 inhibited responses to AMPA with an IC 50 value of 12.0 μM. Ten micromolar cyclothiazide significantly decreased the potency of GYKI 52466. However, the magnitude of this decrease in potency was not consistent with a competitive interaction between the two ligands. Cyclothiazide also potentiated AMPA- and glutamate-induced increases in [Mg 2+ ] i . These results are consistent with the ability of cyclothiazide to decrease desensitization of non-NMDA glutamate receptors and may provide the basis for the increase in non-NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity produced by cyclothiazide
Topological properties of disjoint channel networks within enclosed regions

Enclosure of some portion of one or more natural stream-drainage basins by superposition of a rectangle on a map of drainage network results in fragmentation of the natural basins into a set of disjoint channel networks. Each of these may have some channel links and forks of the natural network plus truncated links intersected by the enclosure boundary. The topological properties of the network elements in the enclosure are used to set up a model of random network patterns, in which the number of disjoint channel networks is expressed as a function of the number of links and forks in the enclosures. This function is shown to be a multiplicative constant times the square root of the number of links or forks. Empirical data on square and rectangular enclosures of several sizes from the Inez (Kentucky)Quadrangle map showed that the predicted multiplicative constants do not agree with observation, but that the square-root relation seems to hold at least to a first approximation. The models thus can be used as a norm against which deviations of real-world enclosures from network pattern randomness can be studied.
Transcriptional partners in regulatory T cells: Foxp3, Runx and NFAT

A general theme in gene regulation is that transcription factors never function alone. Recent studies have emphasized this concept for regulatory T cells, a unique lineage of CD4+ T cells that exert active immune suppression and are essential to maintaining self-tolerance.
Monolayers of sterols and phosphatidylcholines containing a 20-carbon chain

Abstract Pressure-area curves of monolayer films were measured for phosphatidylcholines (PC) in which the 1-position was occupied by palmitic acid and the 2-positions were occupied respectively by: 20 : 0, 20 : 1n9, 20 : 2n6, 20 : 3n3, 20 : 3n6, 20 : 3n9, 20 : 4n6 or 20 : 5n3 fatty acids. The interactions of these PC with cholesterol or desmosterol were studied. Fully saturated PC (16 : 0–20 : 0) displayed a relatively small molecular area. The presence of one double bond greatly increased the molecular area, but a second double bond resulted in only a small additional increase in area. A third double bond caused a further large expansion in area, but the presence of a fourth or fifth double bond had little additional effect. Condensation of molecular area was observed with all sterol/PC mixed films. Approximately equimolar mixtures of sterols and unsaturated PC condensed maximally, but 16 : 0–20 : 0 PC condensed most in mixtures containing 20–30 mol% of either sterol. The extent of condensation varied with surface pressure. The pressure at which maximum condensation occurred depended upon the structure of the PC and was always 20 dyn/cm or lower. The pressure at which maximum condensation with cholesterol occurred increased with increasing unsaturation of the PC.
Gamer communities, design, and learning: panel proposal

Though much of the study of games and learning has understandably emphasized the interaction of game players with specific games (e.g., Gee [2003]), recent work has shifted to the understanding the social sphere around games and communities of engaged gamers (e.g., Squire and Giovanetto [2008]; Wright et al [2002]). In particular, online discussions around and supporting games are an increasingly ubiquitous feature of popular games, providing venues for passionate gamers to discuss games, critique each other's work, and interact with game designers. We argue that the ways that communities of gamers interact on the Internet show the inextricable nature of a variety of design activities and approaches to learning in contemporary gamer cultures, across a wide range of game genres.
Power-System Frequency and Stability Control using Decentralized Intelligent Loads

Modern power systems operate on the premise that the load is uncontrollable and that system voltage, frequency and stability are primarily maintained through control of the generation. In this paper, we challenge this premise by proposing a much more active role for intelligent loads specifically related to frequency control and dynamic stability. In modern systems the load is typically only controlled under severe stability conditions via load shedding. Recent research has demonstrated that many loads could cost-effectively become intelligent, allowing for the potential of the loads to more actively participate in system operation and control. The potential benefits of active load control are investigated. Also, reliability and implementation issues are explored. Fundamental analysis and multi-machine system simulation examples are used to demonstrate many of the issues
The hemodynamic effects of isoproterenol on pulmonary hypertension in man

Abstract 1. 1. Fourteen patients with pulmonary hypertension received 20 mg. of sublingual isoproterenol, and the hemodynamic effects were measured. 2. 2. Isoproterenol increased pulmonary blood flow and decreased pulmonary vascular resistance, whereas pulmonary arterial and pulmonary arterial wedge pressures remained unchanged. 3. 3. Isoproterenol caused active vasodilatation of the hypertensive pulmonary vascular bed.
Quantifying the Dosimetric Trade-Offs When Using Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy to Treat Concave Targets Containing Normal Tissues

Purpose To quantitatively assess the relationship between intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)–driven sparing of dose to normal tissues located “within” concave targets with heterogeneity in dose delivered to the target and redistribution of dose to normal tissue beyond the concavity. Methods and Materials A combination of idealized and real-patient volumes was considered. Multiple IMRT plans were generated with progressive dose restriction to the normal tissue within the concavity. We quantified the impact of such sparing on the heterogeneity of dose within the target tissue itself, and the dose received by normal tissues beyond the concavity. Results As the dose to the normal tissue concavity region is reduced, the heterogeneity in dose delivered to the target increases in an exponential fashion. Furthermore, there is a rapid increase in redistributed dose to other normal tissue regions, particularly to the other normal tissues immediately adjacent to the outside edges of the concavity. Increasingly restricting dose to these adjacent normal tissue regions resulted in increasing dose to the normal tissue in the concavity and increasing dose heterogeneity in the target volume. Conclusions For targets with concavities, there are dosimetric consequences associated with reducing dose to normal tissue located within these concavities. There appears to be a trade-off between the heterogeneity in dose delivered to the target, the mean dose to the concavity, and the redistributed dose to other normal tissues. Understanding the interaction between these dosimetric factors can aid the planner in assessing the feasibility of a desired dose distribution.
A Child's House: Social Memory, Identity, and the Construction of Childhood in Early Postclassic Mexican Households

Despite the recent attention given to the archaeology of childhood, households continue to be treated by archaeologists as the product of adult behavior and activities. Yet children shaped the decisions and motivations of adults and influenced the structure and organization of daily activities and household space. Further, children's material culture serves to both create and disrupt social norms and daily life, making children essential to understanding broader mechanisms of change and continuity. Thus, archaeologists should reconceptualize houses as places of children. This research brings together multiple lines of evidence from the Early Postclassic site of Xaltocan, Mexico, including ethnohistory, burials, and figurines to reconstruct the social roles and identities of children and to problematize our understanding of households. I argue that thinking of houses as places of children enables us to see that children were essential to daily practice, the construction and transmission of social identity, and household economic success.