cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Creativity in Art: the feasibility of assessing current conceptions in the school context

The article reviews different views of creativity, building on the work of Czikszentmihaly. It offers a definition of creativity in terms of trait/process/product. The issue of how creativity might be assessed is explored using this definition and some illustrative examples are provided. The article concludes that creativity can and should be assessed but that this must be with an appropriate methodology. Such assessment is important not only for assessing students' work but also for evaluating curriculum content, in order to promote curriculum development in the teaching of creativity.
The crystal structure of Sr3Y2Ge3O12

Abstract The crystal structure of the garnet Sr3Y2Ge3O12 (Ia3d, a = 13.0871(1) A) has been determined by time-of-flight neutron powder diffraction.
Cell Polarity: Endogenous Ion Currents Precede and Predict Branching in the Water Mold Achyla

The hyphae of the water mold Achyla bisexualis generate electrical currents that enter the growing tips and leave farther back. An inward-moving current also precedes branching and predicts the site of branch emergence; during the branching process, the current at the original tip declines or even reverses transiently without any change in growth rate. The inward current probably acts as an early signal during branch differentiation. The flow of specific ions rather than the flow of electrical charge probably serves to localize growth.
Tissue distribution of bovid herpesvirus-4 in inoculated rabbits and its detection by DNA hybridization and polymerase chain reaction.

A DNA hybridization technique, using the polyrepetitiveEcoRI L-fragment of bovid herpesvirus (BHV-4) as a probe, was developed to determine virus distribution in the tissues of BHV-4-infected pregnant rabbits. The cloned fragment did not react with the DNA of rabbits or of other herpesviruses, e.g., infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine herpes virus mammillitis, and pseudorabies viruses. The detection limit was 10−13g of DNA or approximately 600 genome equivalents of viral DNA, which indicates a level of sensitivity of one viral genome per 500 cells in our assay. Using conventional cell culture techniques, the virus was isolated from only one of fifteen infected rabbits and a few aborted fetuses. However, when organ culture or dot blot hybridization was used, BHV-4 was detected in all rabbits and their fetuses. Viral DNA was detected by DNA hybridization in spleen, ovary, uterus, lung, liver, salivary gland, lymph node, and placentome of adult rabbits and in a composite of fetal tissues. When polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used, the virus was detected in several organs (including the nervous tissues) that were found negative by other techniques. These results indicate that blot hybridization and PCR are more sensitive than conventional techniques for studying the pathogenesis of BHV-4 in animals. The data obtained by these methods suggest that BHV-4 may be maintained in infected rabbits in a latent state in a variety of tissues including the nervous system.
Evaluation of ERA-Interim and MERRA Cloudiness in the Southern Ocean

AbstractThe Southern Ocean cloud cover modeled by the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalyses are compared against Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) observations. ERA-Interim monthly mean cloud amounts match the observations within 5%, while MERRA significantly underestimates the cloud amount. For a compositing analysis of clouds in warm season extratropical cyclones, both reanalyses show a low bias in cloud cover. They display a larger bias to the west of the cyclones in the region of subsidence behind the cold fronts. This low bias is larger for MERRA than for ERA-Interim. Both MODIS and MISR retrievals indicate that the clouds in this sector are at a low altitude, often composed of liquid, and of a broken nature. The combined CloudSat–Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) cloud profiles confirm these passive obs...
Parenting Practices and Adolescent Decision-Making: The Importance of Racial Socialization

SUMMARY The current work sought to understand the ways in which family-level factors are related to youth's decisions regarding two hypothetical social dilemmas commonly faced by youth in high risk environments – deciding how to respond to persistent teasing and whether to intervene in a group fight. Specifically, the study focused on the relationship between African American youth's range of decisions on the two social dilemmas and five parenting practices previously identified as correlates to youth well-being. Analyses of data gathered from 118 African American youth and their caregivers revealed that only racial socialization parenting practices were significant factors against choosing escalating options on the two dilemma scenarios. These results add to the growing evidence of the positive effects of racial socialization upon African American youth. The current study highlights the importance of examining the ways in which racial socialization can enhance the decision-making of African American youth
Review: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements do not reduce major cardiovascular events in adults

Source Citation Rizos EC, Ntzani EE, Bika E, Kostapanos MS, Elisaf MS. Association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and risk of major cardiovascular disease events: a systematic review an...
Reverse Monte Carlo procedure for cluster analysis in colloidal systems

Abstract We examine the applicability of reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulations for studying cluster size and bond angle distributions in dense colloidal dispersions. Forward Monte Carlo simulations are used to generate radial distribution functions for a dispersion interacting through an attractive potential. These are then used for reconstructing the microstructural details in the dispersion using RMC simulations. We find that the RMC method accurately reproduces structures that are statistically identical to the test system over a range of length scales. Both cluster size distributions and bond angle distributions are reproduced within statistical accuracy. The results demonstrate that X-ray, neutron and light scattering data on the structure of dispersions (under static or dynamic conditions) can be used for extracting microstructural information that cannot be obtained by direct means.
Modeling and Simulation in Composite Materials: Integration from Nanostructure to Component-Level Design

The current special issue topic ‘‘modeling and simulation in composite materials’’ is intended to capture the recent advancements in the area of modeling and simulation in composite materials. The articles that appear under this topic describe theoretical models, molecular mechanics methods, finite-element methods, and multiscale methods for mechanical and thermal properties of composite materials. Review articles on the use of multiscale methods for composite materials, properties of metallic nanowires, and thermal conductivity of hollow particle filled syntactic foams have been included. The rapid growth in the usage of composite materials has made it necessary to summarize the progress made in the modeling and simulation fields and thus determine future perspectives.
Characterization of 10 new monoclonal antibodies against prostate-specific antigen by analysis of affinity, specificity and function in sandwich assays.

While prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is already an invaluable marker for prostate cancer, there is continuing demand for new anti-PSA antibodies with specific characteristics, e.g., high sensitivity and specificity and equimolar binding to free PSA (f-PSA) and the PSA-a-1-antichymotrypsin complex (PSA-ACT), as well as the ability to distinguish between these 2 immunoreactive forms of PSA. We have therefore generated and characterized 10 anti-PSA monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Apparent dissociation constants (Kd) of MAbs were determined by direct ELISA yielding Kd-0.2‐164.0 nM. Western blots suggested that 3 of the MAbs (60-1A2, 60-8A2 and 17-1A2) bind to linear epitopes. Sandwich assays identified 5 major antigenic regions as binding targets of the MAbs. Three combinations of MAbs recognize f-PSA and PSA-ACT in equimolar fashion with high sensitivity. Two of the MAb combinations are specific for f-PSA. Physical analysis of the new antibodies has allowed us to assign the MAbs to binding classes (based on their sandwiching capabilities) and to determine accurate apparent dissociation constants. Int. J. Cancer 71:1019‐1028, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc. The number of prostate cancers detected has risen in recent years, primarily due to increased use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum level as a routine test for early detection of prostate cancer. Low levels of PSA are usually present in male serum; increases generally indicate prostate disorders, including
Temperature/Heat Analysis of Annular Fins of Hyperbolic Profile Relying on the Simple Theory for Straight Fins of Uniform Profile

This technical brief addresses an elementary analytic procedure for solving approximately the quasi-1D heat conduction equation (a generalized Airy equation) governing the annular fin of hyperbolic profile. The importance of this fin configuration stems from the fact that its geometrical shape and heat transfer performance are reminiscent of the annular fin of convex parabolic profile, the so-called optimal annular fin. To avoid the disturbing variable coefficient in the quasi-1D heat conduction equation, usage of the mean value theorem for integration is made. Thereafter, invoking a coordinate transformation, the product is a differential equation, which is equivalent to the quasi-ID heat conduction equation for the simple straight fin of uniform profile. The nearly exact analytic temperature distribution is conveniently written in terms of the two controlling parameters: the normalized radii ratio c and the dimensionless thermogeometric parameter M 2 , also called the enlarged Biot number. For engineering analysis and design, the estimates of temperatures and heat transfer rates for annular fins of hyperbolic profile owing realistic combinations of c and M 2 give evidence of good quality.
Conventions and articulation work in a mobile workplace

My research interest is in the role of information technology in cooperative systems. My work is grounded in ethnomethodologically informed observation-based workplace studies focussing on procedures, conventions and coordinative artefacts. Recently I have started investigating work settings characterized by a high degree of mobility. This work is part of the project "Developing a Research Methodology for Studying Mobile IT Usage and Person Mobility", that I work on with Gloria Mark.
The late Miocene to Pleistocene ice-rafting history of southeast Greenland

Analysis of a Miocene-Pleistocene ice-rafted debris (IRD) record from the western Irminger Basin provides evidence for the initiation and long-term behavior of the SE portion of the Greenland Ice Sheet. In the late Miocene (˜7.3 Ma), IRD supply to Ocean Drilling Program site 918 increased significantly indicating that glaciers large enough to reach sea level were present in SE Greenland long before the onset of widespread Northern Hemisphere glaciation. IRD accumulated at this site throughout the Pliocene and Pleistocene, supporting the hypothesis that SE Greenland was a key nucleation area for the formation of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Since glacial onset, the western Irminger Basin IRD record is characterized by a succession of episodes with high IRD mass accumulation rates (MARs). The site 918 IRD record indicates that greatest iceberg production in SE Greenland occurred during major climatic transitions (e.g. widespread Northern Hemisphere glacial expansion at 2.7 Ma and the mid-Pleistocene climate shift at 0.9 Ma), and that SE Greenland sometimes also led the northern North Atlantic region in glacial response to climatic forcing (e.g. glacial intensification at ˜4.8 and, along with NE Greenland, at ˜3.5 Ma).
CCK1 receptor is essential for normal meal patterning in mice fed high fat diet

Abstract Cholecystokinin (CCK), released by lipid in the intestine, initiates satiety by acting at cholecystokinin type 1 receptors (CCK 1 Rs) located on vagal afferent nerve terminals located in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, we determined the role of the CCK 1 R in the short term effects of a high fat diet on daily food intake and meal patterns using mice in which the CCK 1 R gene is deleted. CCK 1 R −/− and CCK 1 R +/+ mice were fed isocaloric high fat (HF) or low fat (LF) diets ad libitum for 18 h each day and meal size, meal frequency, intermeal interval, and meal duration were determined. Daily food intake was unaltered by diet in the CCK 1 R −/− compared to CCK 1 R +/+ mice. However, meal size was larger in the CCK 1 R −/− mice compared to CCK 1 R +/+ mice when fed a HF diet, with a concomitant decrease in meal frequency. Meal duration was increased in mice fed HF diet regardless of phenotype. In addition, CCK 1 R −/− mice fed a HF diet had a 75% decrease in the time to 1st meal compared to CCK 1 R +/+ mice following a 6 h fast. These data suggest that lack of the CCK 1 R results in diminished satiation, causing altered meal patterns including larger, less frequent meals when fed a high fat diet. These results suggest that the CCK 1 R is involved in regulating caloric intake on a meal to meal basis, but that other factors are responsible for regulation of daily food intake.
Electron capture decay of 245Bk (4.90 d) and 246Bk (1.80 d)

Abstract The electron capture decay schemes of 245Bk and 246Bk have been investigated by measuring the γ-ray and conversion-electron spectra of mass-separated 245Bk and 246Bk samples. The γ-ray spectra were measured with a 25 cm3 Ge(Li) spectrometer and the conversion-electron spectra were measured with a cooled Si (Li) detector. Multipolarities of most of the transitions in 245Cm and 246Cm were deduced. The half-lives of 245Bk and 246Bk were determined by following the decay of the 252.85 and 798.7 keV photopeaks and were found to be 4.90 ± 0.03 d and 1.80 ± 0.02 d, respectively. The α/(α+EC) ratio for the 245Bk decay was measured to be (1.2 ± 0.1) × 10−3. On the basis of the present investigation the following non-rotational states were identified in 245Cm: 7 2 + [624], 0; 5 2 + [622], 252.85; 1 2 + 355.95; 3 2 − vibrational, 633.65; and 1 2 + [620], 740.95 keV. The 3 2 − state at 633.65 keV is int as a Kπ = 2− phonon coupled to the i 7 2 + [624] single-particle state. Our measurements of 246Bk γ-ray and conversion-electron energies and intensities confirm previous level assignments in 246Cm.
The Orbit of the High-Mass X-Ray Binary Pulsar 1E 1145.1-6141

Observations of the 297 s X-ray pulsar 1E 1145.1-6141 with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer have revealed its 14.4 day eccentric orbit around its B supergiant companion. The best-fit orbital elements are Porb = 14.365(2) days, ax sin i = 99.4(18) lt-s, and e = 0.20(3). No eclipses are detected, indicating that the binary inclination is 55°.
Cross-Cultural Analysis of Pastoral Adaptations and Organizational States: A Preliminary Study

Pastoral adaptations span a variety of organizational states ranging from self-sufficient, mixed-subsistence agropastoralists to economic specialists dependent on trade with agriculturalists for subsistence. A preliminary study of ethnographically documented pastoralist cases demonstrates robust relationships between environmental variables relevant to plant biomass, herd structure, mobility, labor organization, and subsistence dependence. Three organizational states of pastoral adaptations are distinguished by subsistence dependence on food acquired through trade, the geographic scale of mobility, and habitat variables. The archaeological sequence at Nabta Playa, a Neolithic site in the western desert of Egypt with early evidence for the presence of domesticated cattle, is used to illustrate the utility of this research for archaeologists concerned with the origins and evolution of pastoral adaptations.
High-voltage tolerant power driver with enhanced current drivability for integrated power applications

This paper presents a high-voltage tolerant power driver for integrated power applications in standard low-cost CMOS processes. The design employs a complementary stacked-MOSFET structure to achieve reliable, n× scalable high-voltage switching. In addition, the power driver enhances the current drivability, thereby improving the switching speed of the power switches in modern power conversion systems. By exploiting the availability of the rated power supply, it uses fewer on-chip biasing capacitors and diodes, which considerably reduces silicon area and cost. A hardware prototype of the proposed power driver is fabricated using the TSMC 0.25-μm CMOS process. It is capable of switching at 7.5 V, using 2.5-V rated transistors. The design improves the rise and fall times by 26.0 and 21.1 % at 1 MHz while driving a load of 70 pF, when compared to the prior art. In addition, the proposed design achieves 16.8 % silicon area savings due to the reduction of on-chip biasing capacitors and diodes.
Cortical thickness differences between bipolar depression and major depressive disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) affects 1–2% of the population worldwide; it is a leading cause of disability and carries an elevated risk for suicide (1–3). Although mania or hypomania are the defining features of the disorder, depression is the most common presenting state and accounts for the most lifetime disability in the disorder. BD depressive episodes cannot reliably be distinguished from those of major depressive disorder (MDD) besides by patient history, and if the patient has not had a manic or hypomanic episode, the two disorders remain indistinguishable. Differentiating between MDD and BD depression is important clinically because treatment with antidepressants in the absence of a mood stabilizer carries the risk of precipitating mania and may increase rates of cycling between mood states (4). Developing a reliable test to distinguish the two conditions is therefore an important research goal (5). Disorder specific neuroimaging findings may be useful as a biomarker for BD. Changes in cortical thickness can reflect differences in neuroplasticity, degeneration or neurotoxicity. Several studies have found less cortical thickness in BD compared to healthy volunteers in a number of regions, including several subregions of the frontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex (6–10). However, one study reported no cortical thickness differences in BD (11). One potential confound in most studies published to date has been inclusion of patients taking medications. Although the effects of medication on cortical thickness have not been fully elucidated, lithium is associated with increased grey matter density (12). Antidepressant medications have also been shown to have neurotrophic effects in cell culture and within the hippocampus of mouse models (13). To limit this potential complication, we included only depressed patients who were off of all psychiatric medications at the time of scanning. To our knowledge, no previous studies have directly compared cortical thickness differences between MD and BD subtypes of depression, the primary aim of this study. In fact, only a handful of neuroimaging studies have ever been published comparing bipolar and unipolar depression (14). As this is the first study to evaluate this question, whole cortex cluster-wise analyses were performed to examine the entire cortical mantle in an exploratory manner. As more previous studies have shown cortical thickness changes in subjects with BD, we hypothesized that the BD group would demonstrate less cortical thickness relative to the MDD group in a region specific manner.
A Case of Heatstroke Complicated by Persistent Ventricular Tachycardia

Abstract Background Patients suffering from heatstroke often present with electrocardiograph abnormalities, but persistent ventricular tachycardia has not been reported previously. Objective This report is intended to demonstrate that rapid and effective cooling is critical to survival in patients experiencing heatstroke with ventricular tachycardia. Case We cared for a healthy 38-year-old man with environmentally induced heatstroke, who presented with ventricular tachycardia resistant to cardioversion until his core body temperature was reduced significantly. Conclusions This case represents the first report of ventricular tachycardia occurring in a patient with heatstroke. Successful cardioversion could not be achieved until his core body temperature was lowered significantly, reinforcing the need for rapid temperature reduction that can be accomplished through noninvasive means.
The Abortion Controversy: A Documentary History

Series Foreword Introduction Before 1960 The Early History of Abortion The Common Law A Short History of Abortion Policy in the United States: The Historians' Brief The Medical Crusade against Abortion (1840-1880) Criminal Abortion Laws The Legal Prohibition of Contraception Signs of Change (1940-1960) The Abortion Reform Movement (1960-1972) The Bad Old Days The National Organization for Women Two Reformers: Lawrence Lader and Patricia Maginnis Mounting a Constitutional Attack on State Abortion Laws Task Force Report on Family Law and Policy American Women, 1968 Feminist The Thalidomide Scare and the German Measles Epidemic Concern about Population Pressures The Medical Profession: New Medical Techniques California Philosophical Arguments for and against the Liberalization of Abortion Laws The 1973 Abortion Cases The Constitutional Provisions: Liberty, Privacy, and the Ninth Amendment The Fourteenth Amendment Griswold v. Connecticut and the Right to Privacy How the Cases Got Started Inside the Court The Cases: Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton Doe v. Bolton: The Companion Case Public Reaction Reaction in Congress The Law Professors The Battle Lines Are Drawn (1974-1980) Missouri Passes a Restrictive Statute Parental Consent and the Rights of Minors State Cut Off Funding for Elective Abortions Legislative Attempts by Congress to Limit Abortion The Edelin Case (1975) A Human Life Amendment Hearing on Two Constitutional Amendments before the Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 1974-1975 The Report of the United States Commission on Civil Rights on the Human Life Amendments (1975) Religious Groups Enter the Political Fray Fundamentalist Chruches Become Involved in Politics Abortion Becomes an Issue in Presidential Politics, 1976-1977 The Reagan and Bush Administration and Beyond (1980-) Republican and Democratic Platform Statements on Abortion and the Selection of Judges (1980-1992) Congress Deliberates The Human Life Bill (1981) The Freedom of Choice Bill (1992) Packing the Supreme Court Abortion Decisions by the Reagan-Bush Supreme Court, 1983-1992 Abortion Clinic Violence Health Effects of Abortion on Women: the Koop Report, 1989 The Import Ban on a New Abortifacient Drug, RU-486 Epilogue: 1993 and After Appendix A: Major Supreme Court Decisions Related to Abortion, 1973-1992 Appendix B: Chronology of Events in the Abortion Controversy Index
PPAR research: Successful launching and promising future.

Since its inception a little over three years ago, PPAR Research has become a vibrant forum showcasing global effort in this ever-expanding field of research. Over this short period, more than 200 articles have appeared in the journal, both in regular and special issues. It is hoped that these articles have served as catalysts for new initiatives within the field. The following is a brief overview of the 12 special issues published, extracted from their respective editorials.
Self-assessment of psychological stress in schizophrenia: Preliminary evidence of reliability and validity

Abstract Heightened stress sensitivity is a common characteristic of schizophrenia and may be predictive of clinical and functional outcomes. However, systematic assessment is not part of routine clinical practice. This study investigated the reliability and predictive values of two versions of a new scale for the assessment of psychological stress in psychosis (Psychological Stress Index; PSI). Thirty-seven patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and 30 healthy controls completed a battery of self-report measures at baseline and 4–8 weeks for test–retest. Thirty-four patients were followed up at 12 months. Both of the 18-item and 9-item PSI demonstrated good levels of reliability and could significantly discriminate patients from healthy controls. Both versions showed moderate convergence with self-report and clinician ratings of depression and anxiety, and superior predictive validity of 12-month follow-up clinical and functional outcomes compared to an existing measure of stress (Perceived Stress Scale). The clinical usefulness of the PSI is supported by its predictive power on cross-sectional and longitudinal outcome. The PSI-9 performed as well as, if not better than, the PSI-18 in this study, but further evaluation is warranted for more conclusive comparison.
Populations of interacting oscillators and circadian rhythms

Abstract This paper considers a population of interacting oscillators which simulate the main features of circadian rhythms. It is shown that under strong coupling the oscillators oscillate at only a fraction of the frequency that each one of them would oscillate if they were not interconnected. This suggests a possible mechanism for obtaining 24-hour periods from biochemical oscillators whose period is only a few minutes. The frequency of the population is a function of the number of the individual oscillators, and this gives an additional degree of freedom to the system.
Market-Based Resource Allocation for Service Overlay Networks

In recent years, service overlay networks have been proposed as a promising solution to provide end-to-end QoS without changing the current Internet architecture. In deploying service overlay networks, one major issue is how to efficiently allocate resources (e.g., link bandwidth) on a substrate network to each application with end-to-end QoS requirement. This paper proposes a novel decentralized architecture that achieves efficient resource allocation using a market mechanism. Resources on a substrate network are priced and each application provider aims to buy resources needed to satisfy its QoS requirement with minimum cost, which leads to globally efficient resource allocation. In order to further enhance efficiency in resource allocation, the proposed architecture enables trade of resources between applications. Trade of resources allows an application provider to buy resources from other application providers when resources on a substrate network are unavailable or expensive. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed architecture in improving efficiency of resource allocation.
A History of Trust in Ancient Greece. By Steven Johnstone. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2011. Pp. xii, 242. $45.00.)

This work examines the operation of systems of impersonal trust in ancient Greece. Rejecting the Aristotelian view of political cooperation in Greek city‐states as rooted in personal trust shared a...
Early Versus Late Adhesiolysis for Adhesive-Related Intestinal Obstruction: A Nationwide Analysis of Inpatient Outcomes

Classical teaching advocates watchful waiting for 2 days before operating on adhesive-related intestinal obstructions (AIOs). Our aim was to compare the clinical and cost outcomes of early versus late adhesiolysis for AIOs. Patients undergoing adhesiolysis for AIOs from the 2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were stratified to early (≤2 days from admission) vs. late (>2 days) adhesiolysis. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and secondary outcomes were post-operative complications (POCs), post-operative length of stay (PLOS), and in-hospital cost. From 5,443 patients who underwent adhesiolysis for AIOs, 53 and 47 % underwent early and late adhesiolysis, respectively. Late adhesiolysis patients were older (65.0 vs. 60.1 years) and more co-morbid compared to the early group (p < 0.05). After adjustment with propensity score methods, late adhesiolysis patients had no difference in mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.95, 95%-confidence intervals [CI] 0.67–1.36, p = 0.79) or POCs (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.89–1.14, p = 0.91) compared to the early group, but had 9.8 % increased PLOS and 41.9 % increased in-hospital cost (p < 0.001). The 2-day limit of watchful waiting is not associated with increased mortality or POCs for those patients undergoing adhesiolysis for an AIO. Late adhesiolysis, however, was associated with significantly increased PLOS and in-hospital cost compared to early adhesiolysis.
Trouble in Toms River

Drawing on a recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision (2007), this case addresses a school district’s responsibility regarding homophobic bullying, school culture, and the rights of lesbian, gay, b...
Proteomic analysis of pediatric sinonasal secretions shows increased MUC5B mucin in CRS.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by mucous overproduction and submucosal gland hyperplasia. The global protein profile of sinonasal secretions in pediatric CRS has not been studied. We hypothesized that MUC5B, a glandular mucin, would be relatively increased in CRS secretions compared to other mucins. Secretions were collected at Children’s National Health System (Children’s National) from CRS patients undergoing sinus surgery and from control patients without CRS undergoing craniofacial procedures. Proteins were extracted, digested to peptides, and analyzed by mass spectometry. Fold change significance was calculated using the QSpec algorithm. Western blot analysis was performed to validate proteomic findings. In total, 294 proteins were identified. Although both MUC5B and MUC5AC were identified in a majority of samples, the relative abundance of MUC5B was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05). Western blot data validated these findings. Other proteins with the highest significant positive-fold change in CRS samples were BP1 fold-containing family A member 1, chitinase-3-like protein 1, plastin-2, serpin 10, and BP1 fold-containing family B member 1. Overall, our data demonstrate an increase of MUC5B abundance in the sinus secretions of pediatric patients with CRS.
Chemical mass transfer in magmatic processes IV. A revised and internally consistent thermodynamic model for the interpolation and extrapolation of liquid-solid equilibria in magmatic systems at elevated temperatures and pressures

A revised regular solution-type thermodynamic model for twelve-component silicate liquids in the system SiO2-TiO2-Al2O3-Fe2O3-Cr2O3-FeO-MgO-CaO-Na2O-K2O-P2O5-H2O is calibrated. The model is referenced to previously published standard state thermodynamic properties and is derived from a set of internally consistent thermodynamic models for solid solutions of the igneous rock forming minerals, including: (Mg,Fe2+,Ca)-olivines, (Na,Mg,Fe2+,Ca)M2 (Mg,Fe2+, Ti, Fe3+, Al)M1 (Fe3+, Al,Si)2TETO6-pyroxenes, (Na,Ca,K)-feldspars, (Mg,Fe2+) (Fe3+, Al, Cr)2O4-(Mg,Fe2+)2 TiO4 spinels and (Fe2+, Mg, Mn2+)TiO3-Fe2O3 rhombohedral oxides. The calibration utilizes over 2,500 experimentally determined compositions of silicate liquids coexisting at known temperatures, pressures and oxygen fugacities with apatite ±feldspar ±leucite ±olivine ±pyroxene ±quartz ±rhombohedral oxides ±spinel ±whitlockite ±water. The model is applicable to natural magmatic compositions (both hydrous and anhydrous), ranging from potash ankaratrites to rhyolites, over the temperature (T) range 900°–1700°C and pressures (P) up to 4 GPa. The model is implemented as a software package (MELTS) which may be used to simulate igneous processes such as (1) equilibrium or fractional crystallization, (2) isothermal, isenthalpic or isochoric assimilation, and (3) degassing of volatiles. Phase equilibria are predicted using the MELTS package by specifying bulk composition of the system and either (1) T and P, (2) enthalpy (H) and P, (3) entropy (S) and P, or (4) T and volume (V). Phase relations in systems open to oxygen are determined by directly specifying the fo2 or the T-P-fo2 (or equivalently H-P-fo2, S-P-fo2, T-V-fo2) evolution path. Calculations are performed by constrained minimization of the appropriate thermodynamic potential. Compositions and proportions of solids and liquids in the equilibrium assemblage are computed.
Mood, performance, and pain sensitivity: Changes induced by food constituents

We examined the behavioral effects of the dietary constituents tryptophan and tyrosine on human mood, sensorimotor performance and pain sensitivity. Tryptophan and tyrosine are neurotransmitter precursors present in varying amount in protein-containing foods. Tryptophan (50 mg/kg) increased subjective drowsiness and fatigue but unlike many hypnotics did not impair sensorimotor performance. Tryptophan also decreased human pain sensitivity in a manner that was more specific than certain analgesic drugs.
Tyrosine Kinase and c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Mediate Hypertrophic Responses to Prostaglandin F2α in Cultured Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Myocardial infarction results in focal areas of ischemia, hypoxia, necrosis, and decreased contractile function. To compensate for loss of contractile function, remaining viable myocytes undergo hypertrophic growth. Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), which is released from cells of the myocardium during periods of stress such as hypoxia or ischemia/reperfusion, has recently been shown to stimulate hypertrophic growth in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. In the present study, we determine which growth-related intracellular pathways are required for PGF2alpha to induce morphological and genetic features characteristic of the hypertrophic phenotype. In cardiomyocytes, PGF2alpha increases the hydrolysis of inositol phosphates and induces the translocation of protein kinase C epsilon to the myocyte membrane, consistent with PGF2alpha receptor coupling to Gq. PGF2alpha also activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Surprisingly, studies using pharmacological inhibitors and transfection of dominant-interfering proteins demonstrate that PGF2alpha-induced myocyte hypertrophy occurs independent of either PKC, p38, or ERK pathways. Additional studies demonstrate that PGF2alpha stimulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation and activates c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and suggest that these pathways mediate hypertrophic growth in response to PGF2alpha.
Sperner theory in a difference of boolean lattices

Consider any sets x ⊆ y ⊆ {1,...,n}. Remove the interval [x, y] = {z ⊆ y|x ⊆ z} from the Boolean lattice of all subsets of {1,...,n}. We show that the resulting poset, ordered by inclusion, has a nested chain decomposition and has the normalized matching property. We also classify the largest antichains in this poset. This generalizes results of Griggs, who resolved these questions in the special case x = θ.
Considerations for the Short-Term Stability of Frequency Multipliers

The effects of frequency multiplication circuits on the short-term stability of an oscillator system are analyzed. The short-term stability of real components such as varactor multipliers are compared to the short-term stability of an ?ideal? frequency multiplier which maintains the stability of the basic oscillator. In addition, it is shown that positive feedback like that used in a synchronized oscillator, while useful for tracking, degrades short-term stability.
Studies on Polyphenol Content, Activities and Isozymes of Polyphenol Oxidase and Peroxidase During Air-Curing in Three Tobacco Types

The change in polyphenol content in the primed leaves of burley, flue-cured, and Turkish tobaccos during air-curing was related to the activities and isozymes of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. The quantity of chlorogenic acid was rapidly reduced during the first week of curing. The decrease in rutin content during curing was less significant, especially when the concentration of chlorogenic acid was high in leaf tissues. This result was further confirmed by in vitro assays with partially purified tobacco polyphenol oxidase.The polyphenol oxidase activity did not differ at any stage of curing in the 3 tobaccos. When the activity was measured by the oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine it rose rapidly during the first day of curing and then decreased sharply so that in the fully cured leaf only 15% activity remained. The increase in activity was not observed when chlorogenic acid was used as the substrate. A similar level of peroxidase activity was found in the 3 tobaccos before curing. Peroxidase activities increased rapidly during the first 24 hr of curing, declined thereafter, and remained highest in the flue-cured tobacco, less in the Turkish line, and least in the burley at the end of curing process.By polyacrylamide gel block electrophoresis, 10 peroxidase isozyme bands, 2 cationic and 8 anionic, appeared identical in all 3 tobaccos. When catechol replaced benzidine-2 HCl as the electron donor, 1 cationic and 2 anionic peroxidase isozymes did not form. Of interest is that the same 10 peroxidase isozyme bands also exhibited polyphenol oxidase activities when treated with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine or chlorogenic acid. Results suggest that in the crude tobacco leaf extract the peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase may associate as protein complexes, and peroxidase isozymes may differ in electron-donor requirements. Isozyme patterns for both oxidases at various curing intervals differed only quantitatively.
Atrial fibrillation and CHADS2 risk factors are associated with highly sensitive C-reactive protein incrementally and independently.

Background: Inflammation has been shown to have a direct role in the initiation, maintenance, and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) although the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Similarly, it is unclear if inflammatory markers are elevated due to the AF alone or the coexisting cardiovascular diseases that increase the risk of AF. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent angiography for suspicion of coronary artery disease, but without a myocardial infarction, were studied. Serum was analyzed to determine high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level. Patients’ AF status was determined through ICD-9 codes, review of hospital discharge summaries, clinical evaluations, and electrocardiograms. Results: A total of 2,340 patients were studied (64±12 years). Comorbid diseases included 1,438 (61%) coronary artery disease, 1,309 (56%) hypertension, 433 (19%) diabetes, 345 (15%) congestive heart failure, and 43 (2%) a prior stroke. The hs-CRP level was significantly higher in patients with AF (n = 238) compared to those without (14.0 mg/L vs 9.1 mg/L, P < 0.001). Greater CHADS2 score was also significantly associated with higher hs-CRP in a linear fashion (medians [mg/L], 0: 1.99, 1: 2.91, 2: 3.49, 3: 3.89, 4–5: 4.82, P <0.001). The presence of AF was associated with higher hs-CRP level across all scores (medians [mg/L], 0: 2.22 vs 1.98, P = 0.83, 1: 3.85 vs 2.86, P = 0.057, 2: 4.96 vs 3.29, P = 0.021, 3: 6.29 vs 3.17, P = 0.09, 4–5: 4.82 vs 4.50, P = 0.87). Conclusion: Risks factors associated with AF were associated with higher hs-CRP in an incremental manner. The presence of AF increased hs-CRP across the CHADS2 score strata is supportive of the concept that AF is an inflammatory process and may convey independent risk.
The Effects of Insulin-Like Growth Factors on Surfactant Protein mRNA Levels in a Human Pulmonary Epithelial Cell Line

The Effects of Insulin-Like Growth Factors on Surfactant Protein mRNA Levels in a Human Pulmonary Epithelial Cell Line
A role for leaf epidermis in the control of leaf size and the rate and extent of mesophyll cell division

Little is known about the control of leaf size in plants, yet there must be mechanisms by which organ size is measured. Because the control of leaf size extends beyond the action of individual genes or cells, an understanding of the role of leaf cell layers in the determination of leaf size is warranted. Following the construction of graft chimeras composed of small- and large-leaf genotypes of Nicotiana, bilateral leaf blade asymmetry was observed on leaves possessing either a genetically larger or smaller epidermis on one side of the midrib. Although cell size was unaffected by the genotype of the epidermis, the rate and extent of cell division in leaf epidermis altered the rate and extent of cell division in mesophyll and affected leaf size. The data presented neither prove nor disprove whether the mesophyll impacts epidermal cell division but provide the first unequivocal evidence that the extent of cell division in the leaf epidermis alters the extent of cell division in the mesophyll and is a factor regulating blade expansion and ultimate leaf size.
Properties and production of F-doped silica glass

Abstract Fluorine-doped silica glass is an optical material with high transmission in the vacuum ultraviolet region, specifically at 157 nm. This feature, along with low thermal expansion and ease of polishing make it the material of choice for the photomask substrate for the 157 nm lithography node. We report the synthesis of fluorine-doped silica glass using various dopants. Characterization of the glasses was achieved by measuring vacuum UV and IR spectra and by refractive index measurements. Transmission and refractive index are both found to depend on fluorine concentration.
Digestive physiological outcomes related to polydextrose and soluble maize fibre consumption by healthy adult men

The objective of the present study was to evaluate digestive physiological outcomes elicited by functional fibres fed to healthy adult men. A total of twenty-one healthy adult men were utilised in a cross-over design. Each subject received polydextrose (PDX) or soluble maize fibre (SCF) (21 g/d) or no supplemental fibre (no fibre control; NFC) in a snack bar. Periods were 21 d and faeces were collected during the last 5 d of each period. Food intake, including fibre intake, did not differ among treatments. Flatulence (P = 0·001) and distention (P = 0·07) were greatest when subjects consumed PDX or SCF. Reflux was greater (P = 0·04) when subjects consumed SCF compared with NFC. All tolerance scores were low ( < 2·5), indicating only slight discomfort. Faecal ammonia, 4-methylphenol, indole and branched-chain fatty acid concentrations were decreased (P < 0·01) when subjects consumed the functional fibre sources compared with NFC. Faecal acetate, propionate and butyrate concentrations were lower (P < 0·05) when subjects consumed PDX compared with SCF and NFC. Faecal pH was lower (P = 0·01) when subjects consumed SCF compared with NFC, while PDX was intermediate. Faecal wet weight was greatest (P = 0·03) when subjects consumed SCF compared with NFC. Faecal dry weight tended to be greater (P = 0·07) when subjects consumed PDX compared with NFC. The functional fibres led to 1·4 and 0·9 g (PDX and SCF, respectively) increases in faecal dry mass per g supplemental fibre intake. Bifidobacterium spp. concentrations were greater (P < 0·05) when subjects consumed SCF compared with NFC. These functional fibres appear to be beneficial to gut health while leading to minimal gastrointestinal upset.
Differential effects of ethanol on two synaptic membrane Ca2+ transport systems

The Na+Ca2+ exchange activity in synaptic plasma membranes is inhibited by very low concentrations of ethanol (<25 mM). The high affinity Mg2+- and ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport in highly purified synaptic membranes is much less sensitive to inhibition by ethanol, with no statistically significant inhibition observed until an ethanol concentration of nearly 800 mM was used. Manipulations of the lipid environment designed to increase membrane fluidity enhanced the activity of the Na+Ca2+ exchange system but inhibited the ATP-dependent Ca2+ pump. The differential responses of the two synaptic plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting systems to such modifications of membrane structure suggest that these two ion transport processes differ in the extent to which their activity is dependent on the lipid microenvironment in which they reside. Thus, the effects of ethanol on the Na+Ca2+ antiporter may represent a fairly selective inhibitory process.
On the measurement of gas-phase ion-molecule equilibrium constants in an ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer

Abstract The technique used in measuring ion-molecule equilibrium constants, in particular proton-transfer equilibrium constants, with a high pressure drift cell ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer is described. Experimental and kinetic problems which occur in such measurements and their effect on the determination of accurate equilibrium constants are discussed. Non-attainment of equilibrium may result from either slow proton-transfer rates or fast competitive side reactions. With proper experimental technique, errors in free energies caused by such kinetic problems may usually be kept below 0.2 kcal mol−1. A number of examples are given. While the analysis is applied to high pressure drift cell ICR, most of the constraints are applicable to equilibrium measurements with any type of apparatus.
Management of the neonatal ureterocele.

Ureteroceles are potentially complex anomalies that have historically been managed with open reconstructive opera-tions. In the last decade, endoscopic management has been proposed as an initial approach in patients with uretero-celes. With antenatal diagnosis, intervention can be performed on an outpatient basis prior to the development of any infections. Recent peer-reviewed studies help to define the appropriate technique, the patient population best managed with incision, and long-term outcomes.
Susceptibility of normal and X-irradiated animals toAeromonas hydrophila infections

The virulence of threeAeromonas hydrophila strains isolated from humans and water were compared by intramuscular inoculation of normal and x-irradiated mice and goldfish. Selected strains, irrespective of source, were pathogenic for mice and goldfish with maximum mortality of normal hosts observed at 24–48 h after injection. Immunosuppression resulted in increased mortality of hosts by two of the threeA. hydrophila strains. The variation in virulence potential of differentA. hydrophila isolates may depend upon the in vivo interaction of endotoxins, surface antigens, and extracellular bacterial products.
Conjugating time and frequency: hemispheric specialization, acoustic uncertainty, and the mustached bat.

A prominent hypothesis of hemispheric specialization for human speech and music, states that the left and right auditory cortices (ACs) are respectively specialized for precise calculation of two canonically-conjugate variables: time and frequency. This spectral-temporal asymmetry does not account for sex, brain-volume, or handedness, and is in opposition to closed-system hypotheses that restrict this asymmetry to humans. Mustached bats have smaller brains, but greater ethological pressures to develop such a spectral-temporal asymmetry, than humans. Using the Heisenberg-Gabor Limit (i.e., the mathematical basis of the spectral-temporal asymmetry) to frame mustached bat literature, we show that recent findings in bat AC (1) support the notion that hemispheric specialization for speech and music is based on hemispheric differences in temporal and spectral resolution, (2) discredit closed-system, handedness, and brain-volume theories, (3) underscore the importance of sex differences, and (4) provide new avenues for phonological research.