cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-temperature specific heat measurement of a ferroelectric copolymer film of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene

The specific heat of a highly crystallized ferroelectric copolymer film of vinylidene fluoride $(\ensuremath{\sim}80\mathrm{mol}%)$ and trifluoroethylene $(\ensuremath{\sim}20\mathrm{mol}%)$ was measured over the previously unexplored temperature range from 3.7 to 8.5 K. The data show a dominant cubic temperature dependence, with only marginal evidence for a ${T}^{3/2}$ or a ${T}^{2}$ component. There is also no evidence for the discontinuity in slope that was observed in previous measurements of the pyroelectric coefficient of this material in the vicinity of 6 K. This difference is consistent with the supposition that thermal expansion is the dominant contributor to the pyroelectric coefficient in this temperature range. The specific heat data also show a rapid transition from the three-dimensional to one-dimensional Debye limits.
The magnetic rotation spectrum of ICl and IBr

Abstract The magnetic rotation spectrum of ICl corresponding to the transition 3 Π 1 ← 1 Σ is reported and provides a classic example of the theory of the phenomenon and its application to structure analysis, isotope effects, and the determination of dissociation limits. In the region of vibrational energy in excess of 96% of the dissociation energy an anomalous drop in intensity is observed and explained only qualitatively in terms of an electronic perturbation. IBr exhibits a very similar but much weaker spectrum in the infrared as expected but also shows an unexpected and unusual spectrum in the visible with an anomalous isotope effect in which transitions to only v′ = 25 for IBr81 and v′ = 26 for IBr79 are observed with a separation of approximately 30 cm−1.
Rejection of a deviant point from a straight-line regression

Abstract A statistical procedure is described to help decide whether or not to reject a data point which deviates markedly from a straight-line regression. A Beer's law plot is used to illustrate the procedure.
Infant visual fixation on motion pictures of the human face.

Abstract Two experiments were conducted in which five-month-old infants' visual fixations on silent, color motion pictures of a woman's face were observed. The stimuli varied with respect to facial expression and movement. Three facial expressions (smiling, frowning, and a neutral expression) were used, each of which was presented both moving and nonmoving. The pictures were all fixated considerably longer than a control stimulus (white light) and the moving stimuli were fixated significantly longer than the nonmoving stimuli. A significant difference between stimuli differing in facial expressions was not found except in one specific situation, with nonmoving stimuli and with a short stimulus presentation time (28 seconds). No differences among the facial expressions were found with moving stimuli or when a 60-second stimulus presentation time was used. Kicking responses were also recorded in the first experiment. Very little kicking occurred, and no significant differences among kicking rates during the different stimuli were found.
Nutrient content of seagrasses and epiphytes in the northern Gulf of Mexico: Evidence of phosphorus and nitrogen limitation

Abstract We examined C:N:P ratios of seagrass leaves and epiphytic algae from the eastern shoreline of Grand Bay (Alabama, USA) and the entire shoreline of Big Lagoon (Florida, USA) during the summer of 2001 and March 2003, and used contour plotting of N:P ratios in both locations to examine spatial trends in our data. Results indicated phosphorus limitation for seagrass and epiphytes in each bay. In addition, C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios in both locations showed differences between summer and wintertime values for seagrasses; however, the only epiphytic elemental ratios to differ were C:P and N:P ratios in Grand Bay. Within Grand Bay, phosphorus limitation was stronger in epiphytes than seagrasses, with the largest amount of variation in N:P ratios occurring adjacent to the only developed land on the shoreline. In Big Lagoon, two distinct areas were present in N:P contour plots: the eastern end of the bay that was influenced by water from the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound, and the western end of the bay that was most influenced by Perdido Bay and a developed area along the northern shoreline. Detection of phosphorus limitation within Big Lagoon was not surprising, as both input sources to Big Lagoon are known to be low in phosphorus. However, phosphorus limitation in Grand Bay was unexpected, as both “feeder systems” (Mobile Bay and the Mississippi Sound) have high ambient phosphorus levels. As a result, C:N:P ratios from seagrasses and epiphytes may not accurately reflect ambient nutrient levels in Grand Bay due to decreased availability of some forms of phosphorus or increased competition for the uptake of phosphorus. Overall, our C:N:P analysis suggested that not only was P limitation greater than N limitation in Grand Bay and Big Lagoon, but patterns of nutrient limitation varied both temporally and geographically for inter- and intra-bay comparisons.
Room temperature ferromagnetic multilayer thin film based on indium oxide and iron oxide for transparent spintronic applications

Abstract Pulsed laser deposition technique is used for fabrication of multilayer thin film of indium oxide (In2O3) and iron oxide (Fe3O4). X-ray diffraction study shows that In2O3 film is highly oriented along (222) direction. The optical band gap of the multilayer is observed to be 3.65 eV. The film shows n-type behavior with resistivity, carrier concentration, and mobility of 5.59 × 10−4 Ω.cm, 2.33 × 1020 cm−3, and 48 cm 2v−1 s−1 respectively. Magnetic measurement shows that the film is ferromagnetic at room temperature. Hysteresis measurements at 5 K after field cooling show a shift and broadening of the hysteresis loop, which is due to exchange bias coupling.
Coordination of opposite-polarity microtubule motors

Many cargoes move bidirectionally, frequently reversing course between plus- and minus-end microtubule travel. For such cargoes, the extent and importance of interactions between the opposite-polarity motors is unknown. In this paper we test whether opposite-polarity motors on lipid droplets in Drosophila embryos are coordinated and avoid interfering with each other's activity, or whether they engage in a tug of war. To this end we impaired the minus-end transport machinery using dynein and dynactin mutations, and then investigated whether plus-end motion was improved or disrupted. We observe a surprisingly severe impairment of plus-end motion due to these alterations of minus-end motor activity. These observations are consistent with a coordination hypothesis, but cannot be easily explained with a tug of war model. Our measurements indicate that dynactin plays a crucial role in the coordination of plus- and minus-end–directed motors. Specifically, we propose that dynactin enables dynein to participate efficiently in bidirectional transport, increasing its ability to stay “on” during minus-end motion and keeping it “off” during plus-end motion.
Track-to-track association for tracks with features and attributes

The problem of track-to-track association - a prerequisite for fusion of tracks - has been considered in the literature only for tracks described by kinematic states. The association of tracks from a common target can also be solved using additional feature or attribute variables which are associated with those tracks. We extend the existing results to the situation where track association is done using feature variables, which are continuous valued, as well as target classification information or attributes, which are discrete valued. The sufficient statistic for the optimal association test (in the Neyman-Pearson sense) based on discrete-valued target classification information observables (attributes) is derived and its relationship with the class probability vector is discussed. Based on this, "attribute gates" are presented, which play a similar role to the kinematic gates in track-to-track association.
NIR method validation: critical performance parameters

Numerous regulatory documents and a wide variety of books (1-4), papers and technical standards provide guidelines for method validation. Regardless of the numerous sources providing general direction to the method developer, “validation” is an extremely complex regulatory issue that is not easily defined. Proving the specificity, linearity and range of NIR methods provides unique challenges relative to more traditional analytical techniques. Various approaches for proving the validity of these performance parameters exist.
Negotiating narratives surrounding children's mental health diagnoses: Children and their contribution to the discourse

Abstract Despite increasing numbers of children diagnosed with mental health disorders, there is limited research on how children come to understand these diagnoses in childhood. This study examines the retrospective accounts of emerging adults who were diagnosed with mental health disorders in childhood to better understand how they made sense of their diagnoses over time. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 emerging adults (ages 18 to 22) who were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and/or bipolar disorder in childhood. Interviews elicited participants' experiences learning about their diagnoses and suggestions for how diagnoses should best be explained to children. Findings demonstrate that participants actively sought and obtained information about their diagnoses over time. They negotiated narratives from several sources, including parents, teachers, mental health professionals, peers, siblings, the media, reading materials, and the Internet. Many of those who embraced medical accounts of their diagnoses did so as they obtained in-depth medical information over time. Meanwhile, those whose parents were open and communicative without using medical narratives suggest it is possible to share information with children without utilizing the terminology of “disorder.” Participants emphasize the importance of being open with children and providing them assurances, explaining that their problems are legitimate, common, and “not their fault.” Implications for social work practice are discussed.
The end is always nigh

Why are we so attracted to prophecies of doom, from religious raptures to environmental collapse? It's part of our psychology, says Michael Shermer
One-dimensional zeolites as hydrocarbon traps

Several zeolites with varying pore dimensionality have been investigated as hydrocarbon (HC) traps by studying the temperature programmed desorption of propane and toluene mixtures. In one-dimensional (1-D) zeolites, the diffusive motion of propane is blocked by the more-strongly adsorbed toluene thus raising the desorption temperature of propane above its single-component desorption temperature. In the 1-D zeolite EUO, propane is trapped within the pores by the toluene and is only able to desorb to the gas phase once toluene begins to desorb. This leads to an increase in the propane desorption temperature of 35 °C over the single-component value. In the 1-D zeolite mordenite, propane desorbs in the presence of toluene at an intermediate temperature that is 100 °C larger than the single component case. Toluene then desorbs at an even higher temperature. It is suggested that propane undergoes an activated process of passing toluene within the 1-D pores that requires the intermediate temperatures. This HC trapping is not observed in the three-dimensional pore zeolites ZSM-5 or Y. Propane in the binary mixture with toluene in these zeolites desorbs at the same temperature as in the single component cases, suggesting that propane is able to diffuse around the more-strongly adsorbed toluene due to the connectivity of the pores. Therefore, it is the one-dimensionality of the zeolites that allows the trapping of propane to higher temperatures in the presence of the more-strongly adsorbing toluene. This phenomenon may find application in reducing cold start HC emissions from automotive exhaust.
Reduced immunoregulatory potency of low density lipoproteins with selectively modified arginine and lysine residues of apolipoprotein B

Abstract Human plasma low density lipoproteins (LDL) suppress lymphocyte activation in vitro by inhibiting the early, membrane-associated events such as phytohemagglutinin-enhanced Ca 2+ accumulation and phosphatidylinositol turnover. Chemical modification of the arginine residues of the protein constituent of LDL by 1,2-cyclohexane-dione/borate or of the lysine residues by reductive methylation substantially decreases the immunosuppressive potency of LDL. The decrease in inhibitory capability of LDL correlates with a reduction in the ability of the derivatized LDL to compete with 125 I-labeled LDL for lymphocyte membrane receptors. This correlation indicates that immunoregulation by LDL is the direct result of the binding of LDL to specific receptors at the cell surface. The receptor recognition site of LDL may consist of a high content of basic amino acid residues such that chemical modification of the LDL apolipoprotein reduces the LDL-lymphocyte interaction by specifically altering the charge and/or steric properties of the receptor recognition site. Alternatively, chemical modification of arginine or lysine may cause a conformational change of the lipoprotein which is transmitted to the receptor recognition site. Derivatization of lysine or arginine residues does not elicit gross structural alteration of LDL, as evidenced by chemical analysis and by fluorescence quenching analysis. The intrinsic fluorescence intensity of LDL is, however, decreased by chemical modification, indicative of a minor but perhaps biologically significant structural alteration.
The fine structure of akinete formation and germination in Cylindrospermum

Akinete formation and germination were studied in a species of Cylindrospermum using the electron microscope. The differentiation of a vegetative cell into an akinete is characterized by cell enlargement, sheath condensation, deposition of several spore envelope layers, including a dense fibrillar layer and deposition of large cyanophycin granules. The mature akinete in addition to the multilayered envelope retains internally a large number of cyanophycin granules, a photosynthetic thylakoid system, polyhedral bodies, lipid deposits and nucleoplasmic regions. Germination of the akinete can take place in several modes differing in detail. Most frequently the spore envelope remains intact and the germling which may or may not have divided emerges through a pore at one end of the envelope. The photosynthetic thylakoid system appears to increase by the fusion of small vesicles found in the cytoplasm. Alpha-granules are numerous and cyanophycin is nearly absent in the germling.
Dietary L-Tryptophan Supplementation with Reduced Large Neutral Amino Acids Enhances Feed Efficiency and Decreases Stress Hormone Secretion in Nursery Pigs under Social-Mixing Stress

Tryptophan (Trp), the rate-limiting substrate of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptoamine (5-HT)] synthesis in the brain, competes with large neutral amino acids (LNAA) to cross the blood-brain barrier. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of L-Trp supplementation on nursery pigs experiencing social-mixing stress and fed diets varying in LNAA concentrations. Forty-eight individually housed barrows at 6 wk of age were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments based on a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with L-Trp supplementation (0 or 0.6%) and LNAA concentrations (4.5 or 3.8%) as the 2 main factors. Pigs were fed the diets for 7 d. On d 4, pigs within a treatment were paired in a new pen to create social-mixing stress and behavior was recorded for 24 h. Body weight was measured on d 0, 4, 5, and 7. Saliva and blood were collected on d 4 and 7. On d 7, pigs were killed to obtain hypothalami. During the entire period excluding the mixing day (d 5), L-Trp supplementation improved (P < 0.01) feed efficiency of pigs and lowering the LNAA further enhanced (P < 0.05) the effects of L-Trp. Supplementation of 0.6% L-Trp increased (P < 0.001) hypothalamic 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The salivary cortisol concentration was reduced (P < 0.05) by lowering the LNAA. Collectively, lowering the LNAA further enhanced the improvement of feed efficiency by L-Trp supplementation of nursery pigs under social-mixing stress in association with reduced stress hormones, indicating that reducing LNAA in the diet can facilitate the effect of L-Trp on the stress response of pigs.
Triplication vs. duplication in regenerated arthropod limbs: multiple stable states in the shaping of cell sheets

Abstract A model for the shaping of cell sheets offers an interpretation for alternative structures which regenerate after a grafting operation. The model treats an epithelium as a thin shell which is fluid-like; cells in a small multicellular element can exchange neighbors to relieve shear stress. This fluidity allows interfacial tensions between groups of cells which differ in their adhesive affinities. The shell element bends elastically; its stiffness is associated with the cytoskeleton in each cell and with intercellular junctions. This fluid elastic shell model is used to model regeneration of the epithelium covering an insect or crustacean. The model suggests that mechanisms of regeneration minimize an energy functional. Typically regeneration restores the normal local pattern of structures everywhere in the epithelium. However, regenerated structures containing a few abnormal local patterns may also represent energy minima.
Double (mitral and tricuspid) opening snap in patients with valvular lesions

Abstract Fifty-two patients with opening snaps were studied by means of two simultaneously recorded phonocardiograms. Twenty-six of the patients were catheterized; 18 were operated on, and 6 were studied at autopsy. In 13 cases, nonsimultaneous opening snaps were found. In 11 of them, the snap recorded at the apex preceded that recorded in the third left or third right interspace by 20 msec. or more. In 2, the opposite relation was found. It is postulated that one of the snaps originated in the left side of the heart (mitral opening), the other in the right (tricuspid opening snap). The exceptional occurrence (tricuspid snap preceding the mitral) was found in 2 patients, 1 having mitral and tricuspid lesions, the other having a Bernheim syndrome and elevated right atrial pressure. The most usual time relation and location was found in 11 patients with mitral lesions of various types and severity. It is concluded that a tricuspid opening snap, related to hemodynamic phenomena, can occur in patients with mitral valve lesions. It can be recognized because it follows the mitral snap and is recorded best at the third right or third left interspace. This snap is rarely associated with anatomic abnormality of the valve itself.
Suicide and the sufficiency of surrogate decision makers.

In this issue's target article, “Withdrawal of Nonfutile Life Support After Attempted Suicide,” Samuel Brown and colleagues (2013) explore the murky waters of end-of-life decision making in the con...
Template Electrodeposition of Cobalt–Gadolinium Alloys

Template electrodeposition of cobalt-gadolinium alloy nanowires and nanotubes has been demonstrated from an aqueous sulfamate bath, for the first time. The effect of electrolyte pH on wire and tube formation was investigated. Wire formation was favored at pH 2.15 and tube formation predominately occurred at pH 1.8. Pore depth had a significant effect on the composition of the nanostructures. In polycarbonate templates, the deposit had an average gadolinium concentration of 15 wt %, which increased to 55 wt % in anodized alumina templates as the pore depth increased from 6 to 60 μm. Compositionally modulated, electrodeposited, multilayered nanowires of CoGd/Co were also demonstrated.
Activation of postsynaptic 5‐HT1A receptors by fluoxetine despite the loss of firing‐dependent serotonergic input: Electrophysiological and neurochemical studies

Systemic doses of fluoxetine slow dorsal raphe cell firing by blocking the reuptake carrier located in the cell body region with the surplus 5-HT thus generated activating inhibitory autoreceptors. The concurrent actions of fluoxetine on postsynaptic receptors in raphe projection areas has not been as thoroughly investigated, although it is presumed that a reduction in cell firing should curtail these targeted effects. The goal of the present studies was to assess the degree of postsynaptic receptor activation obtained with fluoxetine and relate it to cell body autoreceptor activation and the level of extracellular 5-HT obtained at the nerve endings. Changes in firing rates of CA3 hippocampal neurons following systemic administration of fluoxetine were used as a marker of SSRI-dependent changes in postsynaptic 5-HT receptor activation; monitoring of unit activity of neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus served to gauge the degree of serotonergic input in a parallel series of animals. Estimates of the corresponding changes in terminal 5-HT release in the CA3 region were analyzed by microdialysis. The results indicate that fluoxetine inhibits hippocampal cell firing in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 = 4.4 mg/kg i.v.) and one sensitive to pretreatment with the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100,635. Within the same dose range, increases in hippocampal extracellular 5-HT approaching 300% above basal levels were achieved. Both the changes in hippocampal neuronal activity and extracellular 5-HT are evident at doses of fluoxetine in excess of that required to inhibit dorsal raphe cell firing (ED50 = 1.1 mg/kg i.v.). Taken together, these data suggest that increases in extracellular levels of 5-HT on the order of that observed are sufficient to alter postsynaptic excitability and that this accumulation of synaptic 5-HT and the subsequent activation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors are achievable despite loss of firing-dependent 5-HT release. Synapse 41:49–57, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transient modeling of current-fed quasi-Z-source inverter

Current-fed quasi-Z-source inverter has many advantages when it is used in the vehicle motor drive: it has buck-boost function with single stage; it has regeneration capability; it protects the open circuit by itself. This paper is to demonstrate that this inverter also has fast transient response that it only needs several switching cycles to transfer from motoring mode to regeneration mode, which makes it very suitable to be used for HEV or EV motor drive. Theory analysis, simulation results and experimental results are all given to demonstrate it.
Interruption of estradiol signal transduction by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) through disruption of the protein phosphorylation pathway in adipose tissues from immature and mature female rats

At doses of 10–115 μg/kg, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) decreased body and adipose tissue weights of mature female rats. Doses below 10 μg TCDD/kg decreased body and adipose tissue weights of immature, but not mature females. Doses of 2 and 10 μg TCDD/kg decreased adipose tissue epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) binding activity 5 and 7 days later in immature and mature females, respectively. At these times, there was a decrease in the activities of tyrosine kinase (TK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP2K), and protein kinase A (PKA). In mature females, estradiol (E2, 15 μg/kg) increased TK and PKA activities and decreased MAP2K activity. In immature females, E2 decreased TK and PKA activities but not MAP2K activity. TCDD abolished the stimulatory effect of E2 on TK and PKA in mature females, and in immature females TCDD potentiated the negative effect of E2 on all three kinases. TCDD decreased binding of [3H]E2 to cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) of mature and immature females, and antagonized the stimulatory effect of E2 on ER binding activity. E2 increased DNA binding activity of the estrogen response element (ERE) and activator protein-1, and TCDD antagonized this effect. Geldanamycin, an inhibitor of Src tyrosine kinase, reduced the effects of TCDD on body and adipose tissue weights. Geldanamycin antagonized the effects of TCDD on EGFR binding activity and TK activity. In cell-free preparations, TCDD antagonized E2 action on TK activity in mature females, as well as E2 action on PKA activity in immature females. We hypothesize that TCDD antagonizes E2 action in female adipose tissues through disruption of common cytosolic signal transduction pathways.
Embolotherapy of an arterioportal fistula

We present a complex case of a splanchnic arterioportal vein fistula in a patient who presented with weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and pancreatitis. We report successful use of the Guglielmi Detachable Coil (GDC) and N-butyl cyanoacrylate glue for the therapeutic embolization of the fistula between the superior mesenteric artery, the common hepatic artery, and the portal vein. On the day following the procedure, the patient reported total remission of the abdominal pain and diarrhea. These results were maintained at 3 months follow-up.
Experimental investigation of the effects of temperature and ionic strength on Mo isotope fractionation during adsorption to manganese oxides

The Mo stable isotope system is being applied to study changes in ocean redox. Such applications implicitly assume that Mo isotope fractionation in aqueous systems is relatively insensitive to frequently changing environmental variables such as temperature (T) and ionic strength (I). A major driver of fractionation is the adsorption of Mo to Mn oxyhydroxide surfaces [Barling J. and Anbar A. D. (2004) Molybdenum isotope fractionation during adsorption by manganese oxides. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett.217(3–4), 315–329]. Here, we report the results of experiments that determine the extent to which Mo isotope fractionation during adsorption of Mo to the Mn oxyhydroxide mineral birnessite is sensitive to T and I. The results are compared to new predictions from quantum chemical computations. We measured fractionation from 1 to 50 °C at I = 0.1 m and found that Δ97/95Modissolved–adsorbed varies from 1.9‰ to 1.6‰ over this temperature range. Experiments were also performed at 25 °C in synthetic seawater (I = 0.7); fractionation at this condition was the same within analytical error as in low ionic strength experiments. These findings confirm that the Mo isotope fractionation during adsorption to Mn oxyhydroxides is relatively insensitive to variations and T and I over environmentally relevant ranges. To relate these findings to potential mechanisms of Mo isotope fractionation, we also report results for density functional theory computations of the fractionation between MoO42- and various possible structures of molybdic acid as a function of temperature. Because no plausible species fractionates from MoO42- with a magnitude matching the experiments, we are left with three possibilities to explain the fractionation: (1) solvation effects on the vibrational frequencies of aqueous species considered thus far are significant, such that our calculations in vacuo yield inaccurate fractionations; (2) a trace aqueous species not yet considered fractionates from MoO42- and then adsorbs to birnessite; or (3) a surface complex not present in solution forms on birnessite in which Mo is not tetrahedrally coordinated. Our findings help validate assumptions underlying paleoceanographic applications of the Mo isotope system and also lead us closer to understanding the mechanism of isotope fractionation during adsorption of Mo to Mn oxyhydroxides.
Synthesis and characterization of spinel MgAl2O4 thin film as sapphire optical fiber cladding for high temperature applications

Abstract Spinel MgAl2O4 thin films have been coated on ϕ75-μm single crystal sapphire fibers and sapphire wafers by low-temperature (700 °C) firing of (Mg2 +,Al3 +)-chelated polymeric precursor films. The MgAl2O4 coating was demonstrated to be chemically stable on sapphire substrate at temperatures as high as 1200 °C. No evidences of solid state reactions or ion diffusion between the MgAl2O4 and sapphire layers were found by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy examinations for the samples annealed at 1200 °C for 672 h. The refractive indices of the MgAl2O4 films fired at 1000 °C and 1200 °C were close to the index of MgAl2O4 single crystal but slightly smaller than that of the sapphire fiber. The MgAl2O4 thin film-coated sapphire fiber exhibited a dramatically reduced numerical aperture and improved preservation of transmitting light intensity as compared to the uncoated fiber. Results of this study demonstrate that the MgAl2O4 thin film is suitable for sapphire fiber cladding for high temperature applications.
α-pinene photooxidation under controlled chemical conditions – Part 1: Gas-phase composition in low- and high-NO x environments

Abstract. The gas-phase oxidation of α-pinene produces a large amount of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in the atmosphere. A number of carboxylic acids, organosulfates and nitrooxy organosulfates associated with α-pinene have been found in field samples and some are used as tracers of α-pinene oxidation. α-pinene reacts readily with OH and O3 in the atmosphere followed by reactions with both HO2 and NO. Due to the large number of potential reaction pathways, it can be difficult to determine what conditions lead to SOA. To better understand the SOA yield and chemical composition from low- and high-NOx OH oxidation of α-pinene, studies were conducted in the Caltech atmospheric chamber under controlled chemical conditions. Experiments used low O3 concentrations to ensure that OH was the main oxidant and low α-pinene concentrations such that the peroxy radical (RO2) reacted primarily with either HO2 under low-NOx conditions or NO under high-NOx conditions. SOA yield was suppressed under conditions of high-NOx. SOA yield under high-NOx conditions was greater when ammonium sulfate/sulfuric acid seed particles (highly acidic) were present prior to the onset of growth than when ammonium sulfate seed particles (mildly acidic) were present; this dependence was not observed under low-NOx conditions. When aerosol seed particles were introduced after OH oxidation, allowing for later generation species to be exposed to fresh inorganic seed particles, a number of low-NOx products partitioned to the highly acidic aerosol. This indicates that the effect of seed acidity and SOA yield might be under-estimated in traditional experiments where aerosol seed particles are introduced prior to oxidation. We also identify the presence of a number of carboxylic acids that are used as tracer compounds of α-pinene oxidation in the field as well as the formation of organosulfates and nitrooxy organosulfates. A number of the carboxylic acids were observed under all conditions, however, pinic and pinonic acid were only observed under low-NOx conditions. Evidence is provided for particle-phase sulfate esterification of multi-functional alcohols.
Mitotic chromosomal instability and cancer: mouse modelling of the human disease

The stepwise progression from an early dysplastic lesion to full-blown metastatic malignancy is associated with increases in genomic instability. Mitotic chromosomal instability - the inability to faithfully segregate equal chromosome complements to two daughter cells during mitosis - is a widespread phenomenon in solid tumours that is thought to serve as the fuel for tumorigenic progression. How chromosome instability (CIN) arises in tumours and what consequences it has are still, however, hotly debated issues. Here we review the recent literature with an emphasis on models that recapitulate observations from human disease.
Bim Protein Degradation Contributes to Cisplatin Resistance

Cisplatin is the first-line chemotherapy for the treatment of several cancers. However, the development of cisplatin resistance represents a major clinical problem, and the mechanisms of acquired resistance are not fully understood. Here we show that degradation of the Bcl-2 homology 3-only proapoptotic protein Bim plays an important role in cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer. Specifically, we show that treatment of ovarian cancer cells with cisplatin caused Bim phosphorylation and subsequent degradation and that its degradation is associated with cisplatin resistance. We also show that cisplatin treatment caused the activation of ERK, which correlated with Bim phosphorylation and degradation. By inhibiting ERK phosphorylation with the MEK inhibitor and knocking down ERK expression with siRNA, we show that Bim phosphorylation and degradation were blocked, which suggests that Bim is phosphorylated by ERK and that such phosphorylation is responsible for cisplatin-induced Bim degradation. We show that ERK was activated in cisplatin-resistant OV433 cells as compared with their counterpart parental OV433 cells. We also show that Bim was phosphorylated and degraded in cisplatin-resistant OV433 cells but not in the parental OV433 cells. Importantly, we show that inhibition of Bim degradation by the proteasome inhibitor MG132 sensitized resistant OV433 cells to cisplatin-induced death. Taken together, our data indicate that degradation of Bim via ERK-mediated phosphorylation can lead to cisplatin resistance. Therefore, these findings suggest that cisplatin resistance can be overcome by the combination of cisplatin and the proteasome inhibitors in ovarian cancer cells.
A nonparametric test for path dependence in discrete panel data

Abstract This paper proposes a test for path dependence in discrete panel data based on a characterization of stochastic processes that are mixtures of Markov chains. This test is applied to European Community Household Panel data on employment histories. The data allow to reject the null of no path dependence in all subsamples considered.
Childhood abuse experiences and combat-related PTSD†

Current literature on the etiology of combat-related PTSD strongly implicates combat trauma exposure as a primary etiological factor. However, studies of premilitary variables have produced conflicting results, perhaps in part due to methodological inconsistencies and failure to employ standardized measures. The present study examines one premilitary variable, childhood physical abuse history. Using a standardized measure developed by child abuse researchers, forty-five percent of veterans with PTSD were identified as recipients of abusive physical punishment during childhood. A positive correlation between physical abuse history and severity of combat-related PTSD was found. These preliminary findings set the stage for further investigation of the child abuse variable and underscore the need for treatment of veterans with combat-related PTSD which addresses developmental traumagenic events.
On influence, stable behavior, and the most influential individuals in networks: a game-theoretic approach

We introduce a new approach to the study of influence in strategic settings where the action of an individual depends on that of others in a network-structured way. We propose network influence games as a game-theoretic model of the behavior of a large but finite networked population. In particular, we study an instance we call linear-influence games that allows both positive and negative influence factors, permitting reversals in behavioral choices. We embrace pure-strategy Nash equilibrium, an important solution concept in non-cooperative game theory, to formally define the stable outcomes of a network influence game and to predict potential outcomes without explicitly considering intricate dynamics. We address an important problem in network influence, the identification of the most influential individuals, and approach it algorithmically using pure-strategy Nash-equilibria computation. Computationally, we provide (a) complexity characterizations of various problems on linear-influence games; (b) efficient algorithms for several special cases and heuristics for hard cases; and (c) approximation algorithms, with provable guarantees, for the problem of identifying the most influential individuals. Experimentally, we evaluate our approach using both synthetic network influence games and real-world settings of general interest, each corresponding to a separate branch of the U.S. Government. Mathematically, we connect linear-influence games to important models in game theory: potential and polymatrix games.
The Islamic Origins Debate Goes Public

A central part of modern secularization has been the de-theologization of the stories of religious origins. Islam is no different, even though this de-theologization tends to be obscured by contemporary fundamentalism. In Islam, the story of origins centers on Mecca, Medina, the prophet Muhammad, the early Muslim community, and the expansion out of Arabia. A few scholars at the end of the nineteenth century and many at the end of the twentieth century raised the question of whether this story should be considered a theology – that is, an apologia or justification – of origins rather than a history as traditionally understood. This article provides a survey of the Islamic origins literature produced by Middle East scholars in the last century.
Sound localization: the role of the commissural pathways of the auditory system of the cat

Abstract Three main commissural pathways transmit auditory information from one side of the brain to the other. They are the trapezoid body, the commissure of the inferior colliculus and the corpus callosum. The present experiment was an attempt to determine whether one or more of these commissures are part of a neural mechanism that encodes the binaural auditory cues which enable an animal to localize sound in space. The accuracy with which cats can localize sound was determined by behavioral methods. Then in separate operations the trapezoid body, the commissure of the inferior colliculus and the corpus callosum were transected; the order of these operations varied from animal to animal. After each operation, the animal's accuracy at localizing sound was again determined. The only operations that had any effect on localization ability were those in which transection of the trapezoid body was attempted. Transection of the commissure of the inferior colliculus or of the corpus callosum, or of both, had no observable effect on localization ability. We concluded that: (1) the auditory pathways in the medulla appear to transmit information important for localization of sound, and (2) neither the corpus callosum nor the commissure of the inferior colliculus appears to carry this information.
Achieving High-Value Cardiac Imaging: Challenges and Opportunities

Cardiac imaging is under intense scrutiny as a contributor to health care costs, with multiple initiatives under way to reduce and eliminate inappropriate testing. Appropriate use criteria are valuable guides to selecting imaging studies but until recently have focused on the test rather than the patient. Patient-centered means are needed to define the true value of imaging for patients in specific clinical situations. This article provides a definition of high-value cardiac imaging. A paradigm to judge the efficacy of echocardiography in the absence of randomized controlled trials is presented. Candidate clinical scenarios are proposed in which echocardiography constitutes high-value imaging, as well as stratagems to increase the likelihood that high-value cardiac imaging takes place in those circumstances.
Photoaffinity labeling of platelet thrombin-binding proteins.

Abstract The interaction of thrombin and platelets was studied with a heterobifunctional photoactivable crosslinking agent. Radiolabeled thrombin that was modified with ethyl- N -5-azido-2-nitrobenzoylaminoacetimidate formed two types of complex with platelet proteins; platelet-associated complexes and supernatant complexes. The platelet-associated complexes formed within 20 s. Autoradiography after electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulfate indicated that these complexes had apparent masses of 210, 185, 155 and 125 kDa. Formation of the complexes was blocked by hirudin; this is consistent with crosslinking that was a direct consequences of the binding of thrombin to a specific receptor, since hirudin blocks thrombin-induced platelet activation and the saturable binding of thrombin to platelets. The labeled supernatant complex had an apparent mass of about 490 kDa. It also formed in the supernatant solution of platelets after activation with a divalent cation ionophore, suggesting a complex of thrombin with a secreted protein. The supernatant complex did not involve fibrinogen or α 2 -macroglobulin, but a similar complex was formed with partially purified secreted glycoprotein G (thrombin-sensitive protein, thrombospondin). Formation of the complex was blocked by hirudin. A similar complex was formed after prolonged (1 h) incubation without photoactivation. It is concluded that thrombin forms high-affinity, hirudin-sensitive complexes with secreted glycoprotein G, as well as with platelet surface proteins.
Symmetry detection and dynamic variable ordering of decision diagrams

Knowing that some variables are symmetric in a function has numerous applications; in particular, it can help produce better variable orders for Binary Decision Diagrams (BDDs) and related data structures (e.g., Algebraic Decision Diagrams). It has been conjectured that there always exists an optimum order for a BBD wherein symmetric variables are contiguous. We propose a new algorithm for the detection of symmetries, based on dynamic reordering, and we study its interaction with the reordering algorithm itself. We show that combining sifting with an efficient symmetry check for contiguous variables results in the fastest symmetry detection algorithm reported to date and produces better variable orders for many BDDs. The overhead on the sifting algorithm is negligible.
Effect of posture and locomotion on energy expenditure

Energy expenditure for human adults and infants and for dogs was measured in resting (supine or lateral) posture, in bipedal posture and locomotion, and in quadrupedal posture and locomotion. Variations in respiratory and heart rate and in body temperature were utilized in this comparative study. Oxygen consumption was also measured in human adults. In human adults, bipedal posture and locomotion were shown to be much less energy-consuming than corresponding quadrupedal posture and locomotion. The opposite was observed in adult dogs, where bipedalism was shown to be much more energy-consuming than quadrupedalism. In addition, this study demonstrated, for human adults in their natural erect posture, an energy expenditure barely higher than in supine or lateral resting posture, while the dogs in their natural quadrupedal stance, the energy expenditure is much higher than in their resting posture. With respect to energy, therefore, humans are more adapted to bipedalism than dogs to quadrupedalism. Human children, at the transitional stage between quadrupedalism and bipedalism, have high and almost equal requirements for all postures and locomotions. This demonstrates, in term of energy, their incomplete adaptation to erect behavior.
A typology of supervision in child welfare: Multilevel latent class and confirmatory analyses of caseworker–supervisor relationship type

Abstract Based on survey data collected from 1460 public- and private-agency child welfare caseworkers in Illinois, this study examines the nature of child welfare supervisory relationships by empirically identifying a discrete set of modal caseworker–supervisor relationship types as defined by a combination of positive and negative supervisory support. This study also examines the degree to which differences in the nature of caseworker–supervisor relationships are attributable, respectively, to supervisors, supervisor–caseworker dyads, and agency settings. Results suggest the existence of qualitatively distinct caseworker–supervisor relationship types that coalesce into discrete mixtures of relationship types at the supervisory team level. In contrast, results suggest that little, if any, of the overall variability in supervisory relationship type is attributable to the agency level. Findings concerning the interrelationships among relationship type and caseworkers' job satisfaction and perceptions of their work environment underscore the salience of individual caseworker–supervisor dyads, and suggest the importance of relationship building as means to improve the effectiveness of supervision.
Influence of electrostatic heteroaggregation of lipid droplets on their stability and digestibility under simulated gastrointestinal conditions

There is emerging interest in the impact of food structure on lipid digestion and its relationship to human nutrition. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of heteroaggregation of lipid droplets on their potential biological fate using a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT). At neutral pH, a highly viscous “mixed emulsion” was formed by mixing anionic β-lactogobulin (β-Lg) coated lipid droplets with cationic lactoferrin (LF) coated lipid droplets due to electrostatic attraction. We compared the behavior of β-Lg-emulsions, LF-emulsions and mixed emulsions under in vitro oral, gastric, and small intestinal conditions. In the oral stage, the β-Lg emulsion and mixed emulsion were stable but the LF emulsion aggregated, which was attributed to electrostatic interactions with mucin. In the gastric stage, extensive droplet aggregation occurred in all three emulsions, which was attributed to proteolysis of adsorbed proteins by pepsin, as well as the influence of high acidity and ionic strength on electrostatic interactions. Despite the differences in the initial compositions and microstructures of the three emulsions, we did not observe an appreciable difference in the rate or extent of their lipid digestion in the small intestine. Qualitatively similar results were obtained using a simple GIT model (small intestine only) and the full GIT model (oral, gastric, and small intestine). The knowledge gained from this study will be useful for the creation of functional foods to improve health and well-being.
Automated segmentation of the choroid from clinical SD-OCT.

Purpose We developed and evaluated a fully automated 3-dimensional (3D) method for segmentation of the choroidal vessels, and quantification of choroidal vasculature thickness and choriocapillaris-equivalent thickness of the macula, and evaluated repeat variability in normal subjects using standard clinically available spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods A total of 24 normal subjects was imaged twice, using clinically available, 3D SD-OCT. A novel, fully-automated 3D method was used to segment and visualize the choroidal vasculature in macular scans. Local choroidal vasculature and choriocapillaris-equivalent thicknesses were determined. Reproducibility on repeat imaging was analyzed using overlapping rates, Dice coefficient, and root mean square coefficient of variation (CV) of choroidal vasculature and choriocapillaris-equivalent thicknesses. Results For the 6 × 6 mm(2) macula-centered region as depicted by the SD-OCT, average choroidal vasculature thickness in normal subjects was 172.1 μm (95% confidence interval [CI] 163.7-180.5 μm) and average choriocapillaris-equivalent thickness was 23.1 μm (95% CI 20.0-26.2 μm). Overlapping rates were 0.79 ± 0.07 and 0.75 ± 0.06, Dice coefficient was 0.78 ± 0.08, CV of choroidal vasculature thickness was 8.0% (95% CI 6.3%-9.4%), and of choriocapillaris-equivalent thickness was 27.9% (95% CI 21.0%-33.3%). Conclusions Fully automated 3D segmentation and quantitative analysis of the choroidal vasculature and choriocapillaris-equivalent thickness demonstrated excellent reproducibility in repeat scans (CV 8.0%) and good reproducibility of choriocapillaris-equivalent thickness (CV 27.9%). Our method has the potential to improve the diagnosis and management of patients with eye diseases in which the choroid is affected.