cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High RANKs for Diabetes and Osteoporosis

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a part of the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes, with inflammatory signals contributing to both insulin resistance (in the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle) and pancreatic β-cell failure. Our growing arsenal of antidiabetic medications do not yet contain an anti-inflammatory drug designed to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease glucose levels. Nevertheless, new work suggests that we may already have such a drug in hand. Kiechl and colleagues suggest that receptor activator of nuclear factor–κB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) are central to the development of hepatic insulin resistance and diabetes. An existing osteoporosis drug could interfere with this pathway. The authors performed a prospective, population-based study and found that high concentrations of soluble RANKL in blood independently predicted the incidence of type 2 diabetes. They investigated the direct effect of RANKL on hepatic insulin resistance in both genetic and nutritional mouse models of obesity and diabetes. Blockade of RANKL signaling normalized fasting glucose in mice and significantly decreased insulin levels; it also improved glucose and insulin tolerance. A glucose clamp experiment revealed an improvement in hepatic glucose production after inhibition of RANKL signaling. These results corroborate the previously suggested role of nuclear factor–κB (NFκB) as a mediator of hepatic insulin resistance and provide evidence that RANKL acts directly to regulate metabolism in the liver. Of interest, denosumab—a monoclonal antibody against RANKL—was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2010 for the treatment of osteoporosis, a disease in which RANKL promotes osteoclast maturation and bone resorption. The new results may provide the missing mechanistic link for the epidemiological correlations between type 2 diabetes and bone resorption markers, osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Denosumab, or other inhibitors of RANK/RANKL signaling, could potentially prevent bone fractures and improve glycemic control simultaneously in osteoporotic patients with diabetes. S. Kiechl et al ., Blockade of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANKL) signaling improves hepatic insulin resistance and prevents development of diabetes mellitus. Nat. Med. 19 , 358–363 (2013). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v19/n3/abs/nm.3084.html
“I TAKE CARE OF MY KIDS”: Mothering Practices of Substance-Abusing Women

This article examines 17 substance-abusing women's perceptions of their mothering practices in the context of a residential substance-abuse treatment program for women with children and pregnant women. Using in-depth semistructured interviews and observations of treatment groups, the participants' cultural knowledge about mothering is explored. Although the women in this study described how their substance-abusing lifestyle had a negative impact on their children, they also detailed practices that illustrated that they felt capable as parents. The women were silent about how race, gender, or class arrangements affected their lives; their stories, however, showed active avoidance and manipulation of the contemporary ideology of mothering.
Pregnancy after organ transplant

The frequency and variety of solid organ transplantation in reproductive-age women increases each year. Pregnancy is no longer contraindicated in transplant recipients provided that their graft is functioning well and they are in good general health. Physicians who care for pregnant transplant recipients should be aware of the surmounting data that are available in the literature and through registries of maternal, fetal, and neonatal risks and complications as well as outcome data. Newer immunosuppressive agents preserve graft function and registry data attest to their safety in pregnancy. For optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes, a multispecialty care approach that includes the obstetrician/maternal-fetal specialist, transplant team, anesthesiologist, and neonatal team is prudent when caring for pregnancies after organ transplantation.
The synthesis of hexahydro‐6H‐dibenzo[b,d]pyrans: Derivatives of 9‐Nor‐9β‐hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol

To assess the importance of the phenol functionality in cannabinoids for analgetic activity a new series of 9-nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinoids was prepared. The synthesis of 1-substituted (H, CH 2 OH, OH, NH 2 ) 6aβ,7,8,9,10,10aα-hexahydro-9β-hydroxy-6,6-dimethyl-3-[1-methyl-4-phenylbutoxy]-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyrans from 3,5-dihydroxystilbene, 3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxystilbene or 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene is described. Relative stereochemistry and structure confirmations were obtained by nmr and X-ray crystal analysis
Energetic Frustration of Apomyoglobin Folding: Role of the B Helix

Apomyoglobin folds by a sequential mechanism in which the A, G, and H helix regions undergo rapid collapse to form a compact intermediate onto which the central portion of the B helix subsequently docks. To investigate the factors that frustrate folding, we have made mutations in the N-terminus of the B helix to stabilize helical structure (in the mutant G23A/G25A) and to promote native-like hydrophobic packing interactions with helix G (in the mutant H24L/H119F). The kinetic and equilibrium intermediates of G23A/G25A and H24L/H119F were studied by hydrogen exchange pulse labeling and interrupted hydrogen/deuterium exchange combined with NMR. For both mutants, stabilization of helical structure in the N-terminal region of the B helix is confirmed by increased exchange protection in the equilibrium molten globule states near pH 4. Increased protection is also observed in the GH turn region in the G23A/G25A mutant, suggesting that stabilization of the B helix facilitates native-like interactions with the C-terminal region of helix G. These interactions are further enhanced in H24L/H119F. The kinetic burst phase intermediates of both mutants show increased protection, relative to wild-type protein, of amides in the N-terminus of the B helix and in part of the E helix. Stabilization of the E helix in the intermediate is attributed to direct interactions between E helix residues and the newly stabilized N-terminus of helix B. Stabilization of native packing between the B and G helices in H24L/H119F also favors formation of native-like interactions in the GH turn and between the G and H helices in the ensemble of burst phase intermediates. We conclude that instability at the N-terminus of the B helix of apomyoglobin contributes to the energetic frustration of folding by preventing docking and stabilization of the E helix.
AACSB Deans' Understanding of Multimedia Copyright Laws and Guidelines

Abstract The use of multimedia as a form of instruction and program presentation is increasing. Copyright guidelines affecting multimedia production have been established, but extensive research findings are unavailable, and much uncertainty exists in the area. In this study, data to determine deans' understanding of the guidelines were gathered from completed questionnaires from 114 AACSB deans. The summative mean score of AACSB deans who responded to the questionnaire was 68.655, with a standard margin of error of 1.086. Perhaps this average suggests a lack of understanding of the copyright guidelines for multimedia production.
Probing Determinants of the Metal Ion Selectivity in Carbonic Anhydrase Using Mutagenesis

Few studies measuring thermodynamic metal ion selectivity of metalloproteins have been performed, and the major determinants of metal ion selectivity in proteins are not yet well understood. Several features of metal ion binding sites and metal coordination have been hypothesized to alter the transition metal selectivity of chelators, including (1) the polarizability of the coordinating atom, (2) the relative sizes of the binding site and the metal ion, and (3) the metal ion binding site geometry. To test these hypotheses, we have measured the metal ion affinity and selectivity of a prototypical zinc enzyme, human carbonic anhydrase II (CAII), and a number of active site variants where one of the coordinating ligands is substituted by another side chain capable of coordinating metal. CAII and almost all of the variants follow the inherent metal ion affinity trend suggested by the Irving-Williams series, demonstrating that this trend operates within proteins as well as within small molecule chelators and may be a dominant factor in metal ion selectivity in biology. Neither the polarizability of the liganding side chains nor the size of the metal ion binding site correlates strongly with metal ion specificity; instead, changes in metal ion specificity in the variants correlate with the preferred coordination number and geometry of the metal ion. This correlation suggests that a primary feature driving deviations from the inherent ligand affinity trend is the positioning of active site groups such that a given metal ion can adopt a preferred coordination number/geometry.
Distribution of Tritiated Cortisol in Blood, Brain, CSF and Other Tissues of the Cat1

The distribution of tritiated cortisol (F3H) was studied in blood, brain, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and other tissues of eviscerated and non-eviscerated cats. After a single injection of hormone in the eviscerated cat, there was a progressive increase in brain F3H concentration which, at 2 hr, was equal to or slightly greater than that of plasma. There was also a progressive increase in CSF concentration which, at 2 hr, approximated 25 % that in plasma. However, there was a progressive decrease in the F3H concentration in plasma, pituitary, lung, heart and brachial muscle mass. In intact cats, the plasma concentration decreased more rapidly than in the eviscerated cats due to excretion and metabolism of the hormone; plasma-tissue relationships were similar. In eviscerated cats in which the plasma concentration of F3H was maintained relatively constant, there was a progressive uptake of the hormone, the rate of which was similar in all tissues. When different amounts of F3H were administered by constant ...
The Connection Matrix Theory for Semiflows on (Not Necessarily Locally Compact) Metric Spaces

Abstract The index theory of Rybakowski for isolated invariant sets and attractor-repeller pairs in the setting of a semiflow on a not necessarily locally compact metric space is extended to include a connection matrix theory for Morse decompositions. Partially ordered Morse decompositions and attractor semifiltrations of invariant sets are defined and shown to be equivalent. The definition and proof of existence of index filtrations for an ordered Morse decomposition is provided. Via the index filtration, the homology index braid and the connection matrices of the Morse decomposition are defined.
Tissue-Specific Microtubule Functions in Drosophila Spermatogenesis Require the β2-Tubulin Isotype-Specific Carboxy Terminus

Abstract β-Tubulins are encoded by members of multigene families and are generally highly conserved at the sequence level. The carboxy terminal 15 amino acids are markedly more diverged than the rest of the sequence and constitute an "isotype defining region," which is conserved in corresponding β-tubulin isoforms in different vertebrate species. It is thought that the carboxy terminus of β-tubulin may not be required for assembly of microtubules per se, but it may be necessary for conferring properties on β-tubulins required for isotype-specific functions. We have determined the extent to which a β-tubulin isoform that lacks its carboxy terminus can assemble into functional suprastructures by generating two early-stop-codon variants of the gene for the testis-specific β-tubulin (β2) in Drosophila melanogaster . We have also sequenced the null allele of this gene and discovered that it also contains an early-stop codon. By examining the products of these genes and the phenotypes they confer, we have determined that the β-tubulin variants with large truncations (171 or 50 amino acids) do not accumulate to detectable levels and provide no β-tubulin function. However, a small truncation missing only the terminal 15 amino acids is capable of being assembled into ultrastructurally normal looking microtubules in vivo, even though the truncated protein is less stable than wild-type β2. The functional failings of this truncated β-tubulin are manifested in defective microtubule-based spermatogenic suprastructures, rather than at the level of assembly of individual microtubules. The most remarkable defect conferred by the truncated β2 is the failure of axonemes to assemble with proper organization, even though microtubules with presumptive axoneme identity are clearly present. We therefore demonstrate that the carboxy terminus of β2-tubulin is indeed required for organization of microtubule suprastructures in spermatogenesis. This observation supports the hypothesis that the variable carboxy terminus mediates isotype-specific microtubule-dependent functions.
Liquid-gas phase instabilities and droplet formation in nuclear reactions

The thermodynamics and critical exponents of nuclear matter near the critical point of a liquid-gas phase transition are studied. We then investigate fluctuations near the critical point. One effect of a finite number of nucleons, as in nuclear reactions, is to wash out the first-order phase transition for several MeV below the critical temperature. This is manifested in the fact that there is a finite probability for the system to exist in the metastable or unstable regions of infinite matter. The phenomenological droplet model is applied to a wide range of recent data on fragment yields in the range $6lAl52$, and good fits are obtained. Heavy ion reactions are consistent with droplet formation in a supersaturated vapor, with supersaturation ratios up to 3.25. Proton-nucleus reactions are consistent with droplet formation in a saturated vapor.
Chronic low humidity‐stress in the lizard Anolis carolinensis: Effects on ovarian and oviductal recrudescence

Anoline lizards, such as Anolis carolinensis, live in humid regions of the Americas and reproduce during the rainy seasons or when sufficient moisture is available. The present experiment was undertaken to elucidate the effect of low relative humidity on ovarian and oviductal recrudescence in A. carolinensis. The experiment was done in January, when ovaries and oviducts are quiescent. Warm temperatures and long photophase (14L32°C: 10D20°C) elicited ovarian and oviductal growth in lizards kept under high relative humidity (>80%). Chronic low humidity (<35%), however, severely retarded ovarian growth in lizards treated with stimulatory temperature and light. Although the ovaries grew slightly, oviductal growth was completely blocked by low humidity. These results suggest that low humidity may be an environmental cue for A. carolinensis, signalling low available moisture and inappropriate conditions for reproduction.
Season-Long Characterization of Vertical Distribution of Leaf Area in Corn

Amount and vertical distribution of leaf area are essential for estimating radiation interception for canopy photosynthesis modeling. The objective of this study was to quantify vertical distribution of leaf area in corn (Zea mays L.) during the entire growing season. Field experiments were conducted in 1994 and 1995 near Mead, NE. Treatments included irrigation vs. no irrigation and three N rates (0, 68, and 135 kg ha -1 ). A leaf-dissecting device was built for accurate clipping and collection of leaves at 0.10-m height intervals. A normal curve gave an excellent fit to measured vertical distributions of leaf area index (LAI) at 0.10-m height intervals (r 2 > 0.94), regardless of applied N, soil moisture, crop developmental stage, or year. It was concluded that corn LAI was distributed symmetrically in the vertical from crop emergence to maturity. Plots of LAI vertical distributions indicated not only the onset and magnitude of differences among treatments, but also how stress was shared among all canopy layers. Of the three fitted curve parameters, height of symmetry and measure of green-canopy spread were good indicators of plant growth, but LAI in interval containing height of the symmetry axis was not. The existence of a symmetrical vertical distribution of LAI fulfilled the requirement for applying the three-point Gaussian method of integration in corn.
Accuracy of three corrective techniques for implant bar fabrication.

Abstract Statement of the problem. Numerous articles emphasize the importance of passivity of implant-prosthetic component interfaces. Nonpassive interfaces can lead to bone loss, abutment fracture, and con-necting screw breakage. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 3 postcasting techniques for the correction of non-passive fit between a cast bar superstructure and its interface with an implant abutment. Material and methods. Thirty implant Hader bars were fabricated based on a metal model composed of two 3.8/4.5 HL PME titanium implant abutments. Initial measurements were collected on the y-axis of the left implant abutment-bar interface by using a M2001ARS toolmaker microscope. Means were calculated from buccal, distal, and lingual measurements on each specimen. Ten specimens were sectioned, indexed, and corrected by casting the same alloy (group 1). Ten specimens were sectioned, indexed, and corrected by soldering (group 2). The last 10 specimens were submitted to 2 cycles of electrical discharge machining on a MedArc M-2 EDM machine (group 3). Postcorrection measurements were collected on the 3 groups. A 1-way ANOVA and a Tukey-Kramer test at a.05 significance level were performed on the 3 groups after the corrective techniques. Results. Initial gap means were 192 μm for group 1, 190 μm for group 2, and 198 μm for group 3. There was a significant difference ( P Conclusion. The electrical discharge machining group resulted in the smallest mean gap distance of 7.5 μm, thus meeting the criteria of passive fit (within 10 μm) described in the literature. (J Prosthet Dent 2000;84:602-7.)
Catalyzing & sustaining change in computing education (abstract only)

Why is change in academia so difficult? What risks and pitfalls await? How can we approach change so that it does not depend solely on our efforts or end when we are no longer there to maintain it? In this collaborative, interactive workshop, we will explore these questions and craft strategies to create sustainable change in computing curricula. This workshop is for those who want to create curricular change in their home departments, catalyze interdisciplinary curricula, or otherwise inspire innovation in teaching and learning at a scale that goes beyond a single classroom. Prereading (available online) will be expected. The workshop will end with the creation of concrete action plans. Laptop optional.
Role of Topical Therapies in the Management of Cutaneous Disease

Within the last decade, healthcare providers have had a larger selection of effective novel topical immunomodulatory agents to treat many dermatologic conditions. Novel mechanisms of action of newer topical agents have facilitated differentiation from well-established topical agents such as corticosteroids and 5-fluorouracil. Further, because of a growing understanding of the immune mechanisms within the skin, the opportunity has arisen to use the body's immune system to effectively treat many dermatologic conditions, such as condyloma acuminata, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and atopic dermatitis, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Imiquimod 5% cream, an immune response modifier, is safe and effective in the treatment of condyloma acuminata, actinic keratosis, and primary superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC). Pimecrolimus cream 1% and tacrolimus ointment (0.1% and 0.03%) are safe and effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. This review highlights newer data on approved and investigational indications for these topical immunomodulatory agents.
Questions considering the ‘normative skepticism’ of Ágnes Heller

This paper situates the critical attitude undergirding Agnes Heller’s theory of modernity by elucidating her conceptualization of its ‘undialectical dialectics’ relative to the dialectical philosop...
Schooling, wages and profits: Negative pecuniary externalities from schooling and their consequences for schooling investments

Abstract This paper tests the hypothesis that the schooling of the poor reduces profits for landowners, and that such negative pecuniary externalities in turn adversely affect schooling investments made by local governments. A theoretical model of occupational choice in the presence of credit and labor market constraints, combined with existing political economy models of the delivery of local public goods delivers such a result. This hypothesis is tested using household data from India. The empirical analysis shows that profits are reduced by the schooling of the poor and that this is primarily because of the effect of schooling on wages. It also shows that the negative effect of wages on profits reduces government provided schooling inputs.
Physical gels of [BMIM][BF4] by N‐ tert‐butylacrylamide/ethylene oxide based triblock copolymer self‐assembly: Synthesis, thermomechanical, and conducting properties

We report a strategy to prepare and characterize mechanically robust, transparent, thermoreversible physical gels of an ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [BMIM][BF4], to harness its good ionic conductivity and electrolytic properties for solid-state electrolyte and lithium ion battery applications. Physical gels are prepared using a triblock copolymer comprising central polyethylene oxide block that is soluble in [BMIM][BF4] and the end blocks, poly(N-tert-butylacrylamide), that are insoluble in [BMIM][BF4]. Transparent, strong, physical ion-gels with significant mechanical strength can be formed at low concentration of the triblock copolymer (∼5 wt %), unlike previous reports in which chemical gels of [BMIM][BF4] are obtained at very high polymer concentration. Our gels are thermoreversible and thermally stable, showing 1–4% weight loss up to 200°C in air. Gelation behavior, mechanical properties, and ionic conductivity of these ion-gels can be easily tuned by varying the concentration or N-tert-butylacrylamide block length in the triblock copolymer. These new non-volatile, reprocessable, mechanically robust, [BMIM][BF4]-based physical ion-gels obtained from a simple and convenient preparation method are promising materials for solid-state electrolyte applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Dielectric relaxation in yttrium- and lanthanum-doped calcium fluoride

The complex dielectric constant has been measured at five audio frequencies over the temperature range 5.5-400 K for 0.1 mol% of yttrium and lanthanum in calcium fluoride. Five relaxations are observed in the yttrium-doped material and one is observed for lanthanum. These results are consistent with trends with ion size observed previously for rare earths in calcium fluoride and emphasize that ion size is the primary factor determining defect formation in calcium fluoride doped with trivalent ions.
Properties and applications of powdered polysaccharide acids. II. Tablet studies

Several new powdered polysaccharide acids were tested for their effects on the hardness and disintegration times of sulfathiazole tablets. Their effects were compared with those of some better known additives in tablet formulas. Several of these new polysaccharide type acids were shown to hasten disintegration whereas others retarded disintegration.
Reversible Excited-State Transient Solvation in Binary Supercritical Fluids Revealed by Multifrequency Phase and Modulation Fluorescence:

Frequency-domain fluorescence spectroscopy is used to study the transient solvation of 4-amino-N-methylphthalimide (4AMP) in binary supercritical fluids composed of 2-propanol and CO2. The time-resolved emission spectra are constructed for this system with the use of the wavelength-dependent frequency-domain data. Analysis of the experimental data indicates that: (1) 4AMP is pre-associated with 2-propanol prior to excitation; (2) the 2-propanol-induced spectral relaxation occurs on a nanosecond time scale; and (3) the excited-state reaction between 4AMP and 2-propanol is reversible.
Phenomenology of subnanosecond gas discharges at pressures below one atmosphere

Volume breakdown and surface flashover in quasi-homogeneous applied fields in 10-5 to 600 torr argon and dry air are investigated, using voltage pulses with 150 ps risetime, 100 torr, indicating the role of runaway electrons during breakdown. Maximum X-ray emission coincides with shortest breakdown delay times at several 10 torr. Simple modeling using the average force equation and cross sections for momentum transfer and ionization supports the experimental results
Further evidence that not all executive functions are equal.

The current study presents a comparison of 2 structural equation models describing the relationship between the executive functions of updating and inhibiting. Although it has been argued that working memory capacity is defined by one’s ability to control the focus of attention, the findings of the current study support a view of the executive control of attention that reflects updating and inhibiting as not entirely dependent on the same resources.
Citizenship, Locality and Resistance

While urbanists may see the future city melting into flows of information or erupting into conflicts among ever more divided populations, concrete and longstanding attachments of people and places have nonetheless continually reconstituted urban societies over millennia and may also illuminate our analyses of the future. While recognizing transnational movements, dual cities and urban sprawl, we must also ask who still lives in cities, why, and what these citizens may try to do about their own futures. Here, citizenship proves an intriguing category for understanding cities and predicting their future. To explore this phenomenon, this paper evaluates strategies by which three diverse metropolitan centers—Hong Kong, Philadelphia and Barcelona —already have created their groundwork for future civic participation and the future city. [Urban, citizenship, Hong Kong, Philadelphia, Barcelona]
Asymptotic expansions for the description of gas bubble dissolution and growth

A new asymptotic expansion is presented to describe the dissolution or growth of an isolated, stationary gas bubble in a liquid. With the exception of long times, bubble radii calculated via this expansion are in excellent agreement with values obtained by numerical methods over a wide range of gas under(super)-saturations.
Adipose Development: From Stem Cell to Adipocyte

ABSTRACTCell culture models have been developed to study commitment and subsequent differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 commits mesenchymal stem cells to the adipose lineage. Other factors, including Wnt signaling, cell density, and cell shape, play a role in lineage commitment. Following commitment to the adipose lineage, growth-arrested preadipocytes can differentiate to adipocytes by treatment with insulin-like growth factor 1, glucocorticoid and an agent that increases cAMP level. This process is characterized by a rapid and transient increase in CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) β and synchronous re-entry into the cell cycle. Acquisition of DNA-binding by C/EBPβ occurs after the transcription factor becomes phosphorylated. The cells enter a growth-arrested state and begin terminal differentiation. C/EBPα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and adipocyte determination, and differentiation-dependent factor 1 coordinate the expression of genes th...
Response of macroarthropod assemblages to the loss of hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), a foundation species

In eastern North American forests, eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a foundation species. As hemlock is lost from forests due to the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) and pre-emptive salvage logging, the structure of assemblages of species associated with hemlock is expected to change. We manipulated hemlock canopy structure at hectare scales to investigate the effects of hemlock death on assemblages of ants, beetles, and spiders in a New England forest. Relative to reference hemlock stands, both in situ death of hemlock and logging and removal of hemlock altered composition and diversity of beetles and spiders, and logging increased the species richness and evenness of ant assemblages. Species composition of ant assemblages in disturbed habitats was non-random relative to the regional species pool, but we found no evidence that interspecific competition shaped the structure of ant, beetle, or spider assemblages, in either manipulated or intact forest stands. Environmental filtering by hemlock appears to maintain low levels of species richness and evenness in forest stands, suggesting that the loss of hemlock due to the hemlock woolly adelgid or human activities will not likely lead to extirpations of ant, beetle, or spider species at local scales.
Paradigms for Investigating Rehabilitation and Adaptation to Childhood Disability and Chronic Illness

Significant research perspectives in investigating chronic illness and disability are presented. Historical research conceptualizations in childhood disability are reviewed and newer contexts for evaluating disorder are presented. Future research in childhood illness and disability is directed toward basing investigations on theoretical models and promoting prospective longitudinal programs. Pediatric psychologists are encouraged to consider more collaborative efforts to move the field forward systematically.
Dynamic visual languages

We present dynamic visual languages for Tele-Action Objects, which are complex multimedia objects with associated hypergraph and knowledge structures, capable of automatically reacting to events and supporting effective presentation and efficient communication of multimedia information. To design TAOs, we need generalized icons and spatial/temporal operators. The definition of relational visual languages is extended to multidimensional languages, with special emphasis on dynamic multidimensional languages. Application examples are illustrated.
Heme oxygenase: colors of defense against cellular stress

The discovery of the gaseous molecule nitric oxide in 1987 unraveled investigations on its functional role in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of biological and pathological processes. At that time, the novel concept that an endogenous production of a gaseous substance such as nitric oxide can impart such diverse and potent cellular effects proved to be very fruitful in enhancing our understanding of many disease processes including lung disorders. Interestingly, we have known for a longer period of time that there exists another gaseous molecule that is also generated endogenously; the heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme system generates the majority if not all of the endogenously produced carbon monoxide. This enzyme system also liberates two other by-products, bilirubin and ferritin, each possessing important biological functions and helping to define the uniqueness of the HO enzyme system. In recent years, interest in HO has emerged in numerous disciplines including the central nervous system, cardiovascular physiology, renal and hepatic systems, and transplantation. We review the functional role of HO in lung biology and its real potential application to lung diseases.
NMR investigations of non-lamellar phase promoters in the lamellar phase state

Abstract A delicate balance of attractive and repulsive forces between lipid molecules determines the average area per lipid in the liquid crystalline lamellar phase. Formation of inverted non-lamellar phases is linked to an imbalance in lateral tension between lipid headgroups and chains favoring formation of curved lipid monolayers, such as in inverse hexagonal (H II ) and cubic phases. If assembled in bilayers, non-lamellar forming lipids are under a curvature related lateral stress. This tension imbalance influences molecular cross-sectional area in the lamellar phase which is reflected in order parameter changes of a perdeuterated lipid chain. 2 H NMR order parameters are sensitive to variations as small as 0.2 A 2 in area per molecule. Curvature stress caused by a reduction of repulsive forces between headgroups, e.g. replacement of PC with PE raises chain order and reduces area per lipid by a few square angstrom. Stress caused by increased repulsive tension between lipid hydrocarbon chains, e.g. an increase in chain length, chain unsaturation or a rise in temperature, lowers chain order and increases area per molecule. Addition of alkanes, alcohols, cholesterol and other substances also changes lipid order, but interpretation of these changes in terms of tension in headgroup and chain regions does not follow simple patterns. In addition to altering tension, these additives may stabilize non-lamellar phases by lowering interstitial energies.
Mesozoic forearc basin in central Oregon

The Upper Triassic to Upper Jurassic sequence of the John Day inlier was deposited along the seaward flank of a major forearc basin. The clastic strata mask the buried contact between the coeval Huntington arc terrane on the southeast and an uplifted melange belt on the northwest. Counterparts elsewhere may be important mid-Mesozoic tectonic elements of the Cordillera.
Predicting Career Success of Graduate Business School Alumni

Factors related to the career progress of graduate business school alumni were studied. Individuals with full-time work experience prior to enrolling are progressing faster in their careers. Alumni...
Growth hormone enhances regeneration of nitric oxide synthase-containing penile nerves after cavernous nerve neurotomy in rats

AbstractPurpose: As growth hormone has been reported to improve nerve regeneration, we studied the effect of rat growth hormone (GH) on the regeneration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing penile nerves and the neurons in the pelvic ganglia after unilateral cavernous nerve neurotomy in rats.Materials and Methods: Male rats were divided into three groups: sham operation (n = 14); unilateral neurotomy of a 5 mm. segment of the cavernous nerve (n = 14) with subsequent injection of buffer solution only; and unilateral neurotomy with GH injection (n = 14). Electrostimulation of the intact cavernous nerve was performed at 1 and 3 months. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase staining was used to identify NOS in penile nerve fibers of the mid-shaft segment and in neurons of the pelvic ganglia.Results: One month after unilateral neurotomy, both the buffer alone and GH-treated groups showed a significant decrease in NOS-containing nerve fibers in the dorsal and intracavernosal nerves...
First-Principles-Based Dispersion Augmented Density Functional Theory: From Molecules to Crystals

Standard implementations of density functional theory (DFT) describe well strongly bound molecules and solids but fail to describe long-range van der Waals attractions. We propose here first-principles-based augmentation to DFT that leads to the proper long-range 1/R^6 attraction of the London dispersion while leading to low gradients (small forces) at normal valence distances so that it preserves the accurate geometries and thermochemistry of standard DFT methods. The DFT-low gradient (DFT-lg) formula differs from previous DFT-D methods by using a purely attractive dispersion correction while not affecting valence bond distances. We demonstrate here that the DFT-lg model leads to good descriptions for graphite, benzene, naphthalene, and anthracene crystals, using just three parameters fitted to reproduce the full potential curves of high-level ab initio quantum mechanics [CCSD(T)] on gas-phase benzene dimers. The additional computational costs for this DFT-lg formalism are negligible.
Perry v. Louisiana: can a state treat an incompetent prisoner to ready him for execution?

From 1967 to 1977, the Supreme Court upheld a dr jucto moratorium on executions in the United States.' In 1972, the Court vacated the sentence of three capital defendants in Fzlnnan v. Ge~rgia,~ ruling that the sentences inflicted cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Furinan court's concern with the arbitrary and discriminatory application of the death penalty eventually prompted state legislatures to refine their capital punishment statutes.' Four years after Furman, the Court upheld the first group of revised death penalty statutes in Gregg v. G~orgia.~ and a majority of states copied those statutes. reenacting the death penalty.' The newly condemned inmates slowly began to be executed; finally, in 1984, more than 20 prisoners were executed, twice as many as in the previous 20 years ~ombined.~ The nation's death row population swelled because the tedious appeals process meant that prisoners were condemned to death faster than the judicial system could dispose of their cases.7 Today, with the appeals process taking as
Allocation of DS-CDMA parameters to achieve multiple rates and qualities of service

We consider a cellular packet data DS-CDMA network which supports multiple traffic classes. Each traffic class has a different requirement on information rate and performance. Given sufficient bandwidth, these requirements can be satisfied by an appropriate assignment of power and processing gain to the users in each class. For a single class of data users we examine the relationship between delay and processing gain. We show that lowering the processing gain below a threshold can produce multiple operating points, which correspond to different delays. Two classes of traffic are then considered corresponding to voice and data, and the delay of the data users is examined as a function of the powers and processing gains assigned to both classes.
The Fate of DNA–protein Crosslinks Formed in γ-Irradiated Metaphase Cells

SummaryThe induction of DNA–protein crosslinks (DPC) was compared in γ-irradiated metaphase and asynchronous Chinese hamster V79 cells. Unirradiated metaphase cells were found to have a higher level of background DPC than unirradiated asynchronous cells, and the metaphase cells were less susceptible to radiation-induced DPC production than were asynchronous cells. SDS-PAGE analysis of crosslinked proteins prepared from the two cell populations, both irradiated and unirradiated, showed very similar protein patterns. Crosslinked DNA was isolated and probed with radioactively labelled interphase poly(A +)RNA. The results indicated that the hypersensitivity of interphase actively transcribing DNA sequences to radiation-induced DPC formation was maintained at metaphase when the chromosomes are highly condensed. In contrast to asynchronous cells, radiation-induced DPC formed in metaphase cells were not removed during a 4 h post-irradiation period. However, metaphase cells appear to be able to remove the active ...
Clinical and neuropathological characteristics of hippocampal sclerosis: a community-based study.

Background Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is a neuropathologic finding characterized by neuronal loss and gliosis in the CA-1 and subiculum of the hippocampus. Previous studies of HS have shown that this is a common postmortem finding in elderly subjects with dementia. However, these studies were from selected samples and therefore are not necessarily representative of patients seen in the general medical community. Objectives To examine the clinical and pathologic characteristics of HS in a community-based case series of dementia and to compare these characteristics with those observed in subjects with Alzheimer disease (AD) from the same study sample. Methods One hundred thirty-four autopsy cases were available from a community-based registry of dementia. Sixteen cases (12%) had a postmortem diagnosis of HS. Thirty-two comparison control cases with a neuropathologic diagnosis of AD were selected from the same files. Each case of HS was reviewed for HS neuropathologic features, including severity, distribution, and additional pathologic processes. Blinded review of clinical characteristics for the HS and control groups was performed to assess risk factors. Results There was a wide range of severity and distribution of HS lesions between cases and substantial variability in lesion severity and age within individual cases. Serial neuropsychologic and behavioral assessments revealed similar clinical features and rates of dementia progression between HS and AD groups. Of all neuropsychologic tests performed at enrollment, only enhanced performance on Trails A differentiated the HS from the AD group (64 seconds, 0 errors vs 114 seconds, 0.6 errors; P ≤.05). The number of AD cases with at least 1 apolipoprotein ϵ4 allele was significantly greater than the HS cases (61% vs 31%; χ 2 = 3.81, P ≤.05). Although medical record review indicated higher frequencies of clinical stroke and neuroradiologic white matter abnormalities in the HS group, risk factors for vascular disease and neuropathologic evidence of cerebrovascular disease did not differ between the groups. Conclusions Our results suggest that HS is a frequent pathologic finding in community-based dementia. Individuals with HS have similar initial symptoms and rates of dementia progression to those with AD and therefore are frequently misclassified as having AD. Our clinical and pathologic findings suggest that HS has characteristics of a progressive disorder although the underlying cause remains elusive.
Propulsive Efficiency of the Underwater Dolphin Kick in Humans

Three-dimensional fully unsteady computational fluid dynamic simulations of five Olympic-level swimmers performing the underwater dolphin kick are used to estimate the swimmer's propulsive efficiencies. These estimates are compared with those of a cetacean performing the dolphin kick. The geometries of the swimmers and the cetacean are based on laser and CT scans, respectively, and the stroke kinematics is based on underwater video footage. The simulations indicate that the propulsive efficiency for human swimmers varies over a relatively wide range from about 11% to 29%. The efficiency of the cetacean is found to be about 56%, which is significantly higher than the human swimmers. The computed efficiency is found not to correlate with either the slender body theory or with the Strouhal number.
Size of the smallest scales in cosmic string networks

We present a method for the calculation of the gravitational back-reaction cutoff on the smallest scales of cosmic string networks taking into account that not all modes on strings interact with all other modes. This results in a small scale structure cutoff that is sensitive to the initial spectrum of perturbations present on strings. From a simple model, we compute cutoffs in radiation- and matter-dominated universes which are much smaller than the results usually presented in the literature.
Immediate effects of single-session music therapy on affective state in patients on a post-surgical oncology unit: A randomized effectiveness study

Abstract After initial diagnosis, surgery is often the first component of cancer treatment. Engaging post-operative inpatients in music therapy may distract them from negative symptoms and immediately elevate affective states. The purpose of this randomized effectiveness study was to determine the immediate effects of a single music therapy session on affective states in patients on a post-surgical oncology unit. The researchers investigated the following research question: What are the effects of 20 to 30-min of patient preferred live music and therapeutic interaction on the mood of patients on a surgical oncology unit? Participants (N = 22) were randomly assigned to experimental or control conditions in a single-session wait-list control design. As autonomy has been linked with coping and hospitalized patients tend to prefer receptive music therapy over active music therapy especially during initial sessions, participants were able to choose live music based on their preferences. Affective states were measured at pre- and posttest using the quick mood scale. Results indicated no between-group differences at pretest. There were significant posttest between-group differences in relaxation/anxiety with experimental participants having more favorable posttest scores than control participants. From the results of this randomized controlled effectiveness study, it seems that a single music therapy session can be an effective psychosocial intervention to immediately affect relaxation and anxiety for patients on a post-surgical oncology unit. Limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and implications for clinical practice are provided.
A standardized model for predicting flap failure using indocyanine green dye

Techniques that provide a non-invasive method for evaluation of intraoperative skin flap perfusion are currently available but underutilized. We hypothesize that intraoperative vascular imaging can be used to reliably assess skin flap perfusion and elucidate areas of future necrosis by means of a standardized critical perfusion threshold. Five animal groups (negative controls, n=4; positive controls, n=5; chemotherapy group, n=5; radiation group, n=5; chemoradiation group, n=5) underwent pre-flap treatments two weeks prior to undergoing random pattern dorsal fasciocutaneous flaps with a length to width ratio of 2:1 (3 x 1.5 cm). Flap perfusion was assessed via laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography and compared to standard clinical assessment for predictive accuracy of flap necrosis. For estimating flap-failure, clinical prediction achieved a sensitivity of 79.3% and a specificity of 90.5%. When average flap perfusion was more than three standard deviations below the average flap perfusion for the negative control group at the time of the flap procedure (144.3±17.05 absolute perfusion units), laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography achieved a sensitivity of 81.1% and a specificity of 97.3%. When absolute perfusion units were seven standard deviations below the average flap perfusion for the negative control group, specificity of necrosis prediction was 100%. Quantitative absolute perfusion units can improve specificity for intraoperative prediction of viable tissue. Using this strategy, a positive predictive threshold of flap failure can be standardized for clinical use.
Two-Photon Activation of p-Hydroxyphenacyl Phototriggers: Toward Spatially Controlled Release of Diethyl Phosphate and ATP.

Two-photon activation of the p-hydroxyphenacyl (pHP) photoactivated protecting group is demonstrated for the first time using visible light at 550 nm from a pulsed laser. Broadband two-photon absorption measurements reveal a strong two-photon transition (>10 GM) near 4.5 eV that closely resembles the lowest-energy band at the same total excitation energy in the one-photon absorption spectrum of the pHP chromophore. The polarization dependence of the two-photon absorption band is consistent with excitation to the same S3 (1ππ*) excited state for both one- and two-photon activation. Monitoring the progress of the uncaging reaction under nonresonant excitation at 550 nm confirms a quadratic intensity dependence and that two-photon activation of the uncaging reaction is possible using visible light in the range 500–620 nm. Deprotonation of the pHP chromophore under mildly basic conditions shifts the absorption band to lower energy (3.8 eV) in both the one- and two-photon absorption spectra, suggesting that tw...