cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Influence of Material Structure on Deformation Induced Surface Roughening in AA7050 Thick Plate

A methodology for incorporating a description of material structure into a finite element formulation is presented. This work describes an experiment/simulation - based methodology for characterizing attributes of material structure, and then incorporating those attributes into a modeling framework. The modeling framework was used to study the development of deformation induced surface roughening in thin sheets machined from AA 7050 thick plate. Predicting this roughening phenomenon necessitates the quantification and representation of material structure and processes that exist over several size scales. Electron backscatter diffraction experiments were used for material structure characterization, which included crystallographic texture, distributions in grain sizes, and a distribution in intragrain misorientation. These distributions in structure were incorporated in digital microstructures which represented virtual specimens composed of finite element-discretized crystals. A continuum slip-polycrystal plasticity model was coupled with the digital microstructures to study the differences in roughening seen in specimens deformed along the rolling direction and transverse direction of the plate material. The success of these simulations build additional insight into how to incorporate material structure into deformation simulations, and build representative virtual specimens that can be used to study the complicated processes that underlie deformation mechanics in polycrystalline materials.
A Concept Synthesis of Academically Dishonest Behaviors

Over the last several decades there has been an increase in the amount of research conducted concerning academically dishonest behaviors at the undergraduate level. However, this research and subsequent interventions are based on the assumptions that there exists a clear understanding of what constitutes academic dishonesty. In an attempt to address this gap in the current literature, a concept synthesis of students’ perceptions of academic behavior was completed. The end result was 18 categories of potentially dishonest academic behaviors. Definitions and examples are explored. Inter-rater reliability was completed and Kappa values are reported as well as implications for teaching and future research.
IIASA Energy Study unveiled

Meeting the energy needs of the world in 2030, when the projected population will be 8 billion, can be done, but not without international cooperation, a mix of energy technologies, and an understanding of the dependence of resources and use. That's the optimistic conclusion of the 7-year golbal energy study by the International Insitute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA).
Electronics states of a surface nickel atom on the nickel (001) surface

Abstract Electronic states of a Ni(001) surface atom, corresponding to different d-occupations, are calculated for a 49 atom cluster model of the surface. SCF and CI calculations on a variety of low lying states are reported. Strong mixing between d9 and d10 configurations is found for the lowest states of different symmetries with the splitting between the states ranging from 1.7 to 2.0 eV. In contrast, the d8 configurations do not interact strongly with other d configurations and lie energetically much higher at ∼3.0 eV. Thus, the splitting between d9 and d10 configurations is comparable to that of the isolated atom whereas the d8 configuration is greatly destabilized. The cluster produces a manifold of closely spaced electronic states above the ground state thus modeling the density of unoccupied states above the Fermi level.
High-speed memory retrieval with auditorily presented stimuli

Two groups of 8 Ss memorized three lists of consonental phonemes. The length of the memorized lists (M) was one, two, and four phonemes. Test words were presented, and reaction time (RT) for S to say whether or not the word started with a member of the memorized list was measured. RT increased with M. In one group, the phonemes comprising the memorized sets were dissimilar. RT increased linearly with M for that group. In the other group, the phonemes comprising the sets were similar. The function relating RT to M appeared to deviate from linearity. Even after extended practice, all the evidence was consistent with a somewhat modified serial model of memory retrieval.
Steady two- and three-dimensional flow from saturated to unsaturated soil

Abstract The steady two- and three-dimensional flow from saturated to unsaturated soil is examined. Geometries are relevant with respect to pits, trenches and irrigation furrows. Simplified analytical approximations are made by matching solutions for lines, cylinders, points and spheres in saturated soils to solutions for buried lines and points in unsaturated soils. The simplifying assumption is made that the unsaturated conductivity is exponential with the pressure head, i.e., K = K 0 exp( ah ) with K 0 and α constants. Regression relationships of log (αw)+0.13[ log (αw)] 2 and ( q K 0 w 2 )=1.24−0.14 log (αw)+0.22[ log (αw)] 2 were found valid for the cylinder and hemisphere, respectively, with q the appropriate inflow rate and w the semiradius.
Quantum Field Theories in the Infinite-Momentum Frame. IV. Scattering Matrix of Vector and Dirac Fields and Perturbation Theory

The scattering matrix of coupled spin-one and Dirac field theories formulated in light-front quantization of the preceding paper is studied. The scattering matrix of the vector-gluon model in this new formulation is shown to give the same predictions as in the equal-time formulation to all orders in perturbation theory. Renormalizability of this model in the new formulation is also established. A further test of the light-front quantization of spin-one fields is discussed by examples of fermion-fermion interaction and virtual as well as real Compton scattering in the axial-vector-gluon model in the lowest-order perturbation theory. A reduction formula for vector particles is derived and the Wick theorem is proved. Peculiarities in the perturbation theory of the light-front formulation are discussed. Finally, a partonlike model for scattering of two energetic particles is proposed which satisfies manifest $s$-channel unitarity.
The Bipyridyl Herbicide Paraquat Produces Oxidative Stress-Mediated Toxicity in Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells: Relevance to the Dopaminergic Pathogenesis

Paraquat (PQ) is a cationic nonselective bipyridyl herbicide widely used to control weeds and grasses in agriculture. Epidemiologic studies indicate that exposure to pesticides can be a risk factor in the incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD). A strong correlation has been reported between exposure to paraquat and PD incidence in Canada, Taiwan, and the United States. This correlation is supported by animal studies showing that paraquat produces toxicity in dopaminergic neurons of the rat and mouse brain. However, it is unclear how paraquat triggers toxicity in dopaminergic neurons. Based on the prooxidant properties of paraquat, it was hypothesized that paraquat may induce oxidative stress-mediated toxicity in dopaminergic neurons. To explore this possibility, dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells were treated with paraquat, and several biomarkers of oxidativestress were measured. First, a specific dopamine transporter inhibitor GBR12909 significantly protected SY5Y cells against the toxicity of paraquat, indicating that paraquat exerts its toxicity by a mechanism involving the dopamine transporter (DAT). Second, paraquat increased intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but decreased the levels of glutathione. Third, paraquat inhibited glutathione peroxidase activity, but did not affect glutathione reductase activity. On the other hand, paraquat increased GST activity by 24 h, after which GST activity returned to the control value at 48 h. Fourth, paraquat dissipated mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP). Fifth, paraquat produced increases of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls, as well as DNA fragmentation, indicating oxidative damage to major cellular components. Sixth, paraquat increased the protein level of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Taken together, these findings verify our hypothesis that paraquat produces oxidative stress-mediated toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Thus, current findings suggest that paraquat may induce the pathogenesis of dopaminergic neurons through oxidative stress.
Utilization of ketone bodies and glucose by established neural cell lines

The rates of utilization of [3-14C]-acetoacetate, [3-14C]-3-hydroxybutyrate, and [6-14C]-glucose were measured in four established cell lines from neuroblastoma of rat (B103) and mouse (N4TG1) and from rat astrocytoma (RGC6) and mouse oligodendroglia (G2620). The rates of incorporation of acetoacetate into lipid were 3-5 times higher than glucose in all cell lines. The incorporation of 3-hydroxybutyrate was similar to that of glucose. Thin-layer chromatography of the total lipid extracts showed the same relative rates of use of these substrates for synthesis of various phospholipids and neutral lipids. The rates of incorporation into neutral lipids and phosphatidylcholine were essentially linear for 12 hr; however, that into phosphatidylethanolamine was markedly higher in the second 6 hr interval than in the first. In all cases, the greatest percentage of label (35-50%) appeared in the phosphatidylcholine fraction. The distribution of label from each of the three substrates among the various lipids was similar in the glial cells, but there were marked differences in distribution of the two ketone bodies in the neuroblastoma lines. These cells also synthesized lipids that migrated to the same area on the chromatogram as cholesterol esters and free fatty acids. In three of the four cell lines the rates of oxidation were highest for glucose, intermediate for acetoacetate, and lowest for 3-hydroxybutyrate. The ratios of the rate of incorporation to the rate of oxidation were higher for ketone bodies (3.32 for 3-hydroxybutyrate and 5.29 for acetoacetate) than for glucose (0.41). This indicates that in these cells ketone bodies are directed toward lipid synthesis rather than oxidation, and glucose is preferentially used as an energy source.
Inappropriate Thyroid Gland Ablation in Patients With Generalized Resistance to Thyroid Hormone: A Common Sequela of a Rare Disorder

Generalized resistance to thyroid hormone is one of several rare disorders of thyroid metabolism that can be associated with confusing symptoms and signs. Five cases of generalized resistance to thyroid hormone that were misdiagnosed with thyrotoxicosis, leading to unnecessary thyroid gland ablation and iatrogenic hypothyroidism, are reviewed herein. These cases illustrate the point that a careful review of the history, physical examination, and laboratory data, as well as an understanding of hormonal feedback relationships, will greatly benefit the practitioner in evaluating the patients with thyroid dysfunction. Consultation with an endocrinologist may be helpful to establish the correct diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatments.
Conformational changes in myocardial nuclei of rats.

Myocardial nuclei have been found to undergo a dramatic change in nuclear conformation during the contraction-relaxation cycle. This was demonstrated with electron micrographs of longitudinally and transversely oriented nuclei in contracted and relaxed fibers of rat myocardium. The contracted fibers had a mean sarcomere length of l.7µ ± 0.1µ (±1 SD), and extended fibers had a mean sarcomere length of 2.1µ ± 0.3µ. The amount of membrane wrinkling was quantified by comparing a straight-line distance of 6.64µ between two points on the nuclear membrane to the distance along the membrane (NML) between the same points. The degree of wrinkling was expressed as "redundancy" which is [(NML - 6.64)/6.64] x 100. Longitudinal sections showed a marked difference in mean length and width in the two populations of nuclei, with an axial ratio of 2.2 in the contracted, and 4.8 in the extended fibers. The most obvious difference between the two populations, however, was the nuclear membrane redundancy, which was 2.1% and 27.0% for the extended and contracted fibers, respectively. Although a difference in nuclear membrane redundancy was clear in longitudinal sections, it was not apparent in transverse sections. It is concluded that during systole myocardial nuclei become longitudinally compressed with folding of the membrane perpendicular to the long axis. The correlation of the change in sarcomere length with the change in nuclear length and membrane redundancy suggests a coupling of the nuclear membrane to some sarcomere segment.
Turnover: A Lucrative Hard Dollar Phenomenon

Traditionally, employee turnover has been seen as dysfunctional to the organization. This paper presents turnover in a positive, hard dollar perspective. The savings and recovered funds that are a direct function of employee turnover are examined. It is concluded that turnover is not inexorably a negative phenomenon with respect to the organization. In fact, responsible levels of employee turnover may be very lucrative, a veritable windfall for the organization.
Peroxide effects on survival and mutation induction in ultraviolet light exposed and photoreactivated bacteria

Abstract When UV-exposed cells of Escherichia coli strain B/r were incubated in hydrogen peroxide and yeast extract, a marked lethal effect was observed within 4 min. Previous photoreversal treatment (eliminating most pyrimidine dimers) did not reduce the amount of killing produced by the peroxide. Similar results were observed when the cells were incubated with yeast extract previously irradiated with UV. This effect was eliminated by the presence of the peroxide decomposing enzyme, catalase, during the UV-irradiation of the yeast extract. A slight lethal effect of peroxide-containing medium on unirradiated control cultures was seen. This was increased considerably if the cultures were exposed to photoreversing light prior to incubation with peroxide. The data suggest that some component both of the UV-light and (to a lesser extent) the “white” light from the photoreversing source induces some sublethal damage to the bacteria which renders them susceptible to the lethal effect of subsequent incubation with peroxide. The mutagenic effect of the peroxide was determined at concentrations which produce considerable killing (by utilization of induction of reversion to prototrophy in a mfd + and a mfd − double auxotrophic strain of E. coli ). Incubation of unirradiated cultures in peroxide-containing medium caused no measurable modification of the mutation frequency. Incubation of the UV-exposed mfd + strain with peroxide resulted in an immediate and marked decline in mutation frequency which was not seen with the mfd − strain. No increase in mutation frequency of the mfd − strain was seen with incubation in peroxide suggesting that the lethal interaction of peroxide with the UV-damaged cell does not promote in surviving bacteria an increase in mutation frequency for this type reversion to prototrophy.
Measuring Open Source Quality: A Literature Review

There is an ample debate over the quality of Free/Libre Open Source Software FLOSS with mixed research results. The authors show that a reason for these mixed results is that quality is being defined, measured, and evaluated differently. They report the most popular approaches including software structure measures, process measures, and maturity assessment models. The way researchers have built their samples has also contributed to the mixed results with different project properties being considered and ignored. Because FLOSS projects evolve with each release, their quality does too, and it must be measured using metrics that take into account their communities' commitment to quality rather than just the structure of the resulting code. Challenges exist in defining what constitutes a defect or bug, and the role of modularity in affecting FLOSS quality. The authors suggest three considerations for future research on FLOSS quality models: 1 defect resolution rate, 2 kind of software product, and 3 modularity-both technical and organizational.
The Decomposition of a Commercial Perfluoropolyalkylether on Alpha and Gamma Catalytic Aluminas

The decomposition of a commercial perfluoropolyalkylether liquid lubricant (PFPE Z) was studied using a thermal gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry unit. Small porous alumina pellets (alpha and gamma forms) were charged with approximately 5 mg of PFPE Z, and the charged pellets were then placed inside the thermal units where decomposition started to occur over the. narrow temperature range of 198° to 210°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. At the end of a test, 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane solvent was used to extract PFPE Z and decomposition products from the pellets. This extract was analyzed using high-pressure liquid chromatography in the size exclusion mode. The alumina pellets were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Analysis of the thermal, chromatography, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data support evidence that there are two different decomposition mechanisms for PFPE Z. The data indicated, that active surface sites, other than Lewis acid sites, were responsible for P...
ORFs and Genes: How Strong a Connection?

The length of an open reading frame (ORF) is one important piece of evidence often used in locating new genes, particularly in organisms where splicing is rare. However, there have been no systematic studies quantifying the degree of correlation between length of ORF, on the one hand, and likelihood of gene function, on the other. In this paper, techniques are derived to estimate the conditional probability of gene function, given ORF length, based on evidence both from the databases and from simulation. Several complete chromosomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have now been sequenced, and considerable effort is being expended on locating and characterizing the genes in these sequences. Thus, we illustrate the techniques for this organism.
Phosphoproteomic Analysis Identifies Grb10 as an mTORC1 Substrate That Negatively Regulates Insulin Signaling

The evolutionarily conserved serine-threonine kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a critical role in regulating many pathophysiological processes. Functional characterization of the mTOR signaling pathways, however, has been hampered by the paucity of known substrates. We used large-scale quantitative phosphoproteomics experiments to define the signaling networks downstream of mTORC1 and mTORC2. Characterization of one mTORC1 substrate, the growth factor receptor-bound protein 10 (Grb10), showed that mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation stabilized Grb10, leading to feedback inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and extracellular signal-regulated, mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK-MAPK) pathways. Grb10 expression is frequently down-regulated in various cancers, and loss of Grb10 and loss of the well-established tumor suppressor phosphatase PTEN appear to be mutually exclusive events, suggesting that Grb10 might be a tumor suppressor regulated by mTORC1.
Variation in δ13C and δ15N diet–vibrissae trophic discrimination factors in a wild population of California sea otters

The ability to quantify dietary inputs using stable isotope data depends on accurate estimates of isotopic differences between a consumer (c) and its diet (d), commonly referred to as trophic discrimination factors (TDFs) and denoted by delta(c-d). At present, TDFs are available for only a few mammals and are usually derived in captive settings. The magnitude of TDFs and the degree to which they vary in wild populations is unknown. We determined delta13C and delta15N TDFs for vibrissae (i.e., whiskers), a tissue that is rapidly becoming an informative isotopic substrate for ecologists, of a wild population of sea otters for which individual diet has been quantified through extensive observational study. This is one of the very few studies that report TDFs for free-living wild animals feeding on natural diets. Trophic discrimination factors of 2.2 per thousand +/- 0.7 per thousand for delta13C and 3.5 per thousand +/- 0.6 per thousand for delta15N (mean +/- SD) were similar to those reported for captive carnivores, and variation in individual delta13C TDFs was negatively but significantly related to sea urchin consumption. This pattern may relate to the lipid-rich diet consumed by most sea otters in this population and suggests that it may not be appropriate to lipid-extract prey samples when using the isotopic composition of keratinaceous tissues to examine diet in consumers that frequently consume lipid-rich foods, such as many marine mammals and seabirds. We suggest that inherent variation in TDFs should be included in isotopically based estimates of trophic level, food chain length, and mixing models used to quantify dietary inputs in wild populations; this practice will further define the capabilities and limitations of isotopic approaches in ecological studies.
Decay rates of leaf litters from arbuscular mycorrhizal trees are more sensitive to soil effects than litters from ectomycorrhizal trees

Summary While it is well established that leaf litter decomposition is controlled by climate and substrate quality at broad spatial scales, conceptual frameworks that consider how local-scale factors affect litter decay in heterogeneous landscapes are generally lacking. A critical challenge in disentangling the relative impacts of and interactions among local-scale factors is that these factors frequently covary due to feedbacks between plant and soil communities. For example, forest plots dominated by trees that associate with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi often differ from those dominated by trees that associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in terms of their litter quality, microbial community structure and inorganic nutrient availability. Here, we evaluate the extent to which such factors alter leaf litter decomposition rates. To characterize variations in decomposition rates, we compared decay rates of high-quality litter (maple; AM) and low-quality litter (oak; ECM) across forest plots representing a gradient in litter matrix quality and nitrogen (N) availability driven by the relative proportions of AM and ECM trees in each plot. In experiment two, we added litter from two AM and three ECM tree species to forest plots with either a high-quality litter matrix and high N availability (i.e. AM-dominated plots) or a low-quality litter matrix and low N availability (i.e. ECM-dominated plots). In both experiments, we found that AM litter decomposed more rapidly than ECM litter, and this effect was enhanced in AM-dominated plots. Then, to separate the contributions of litter matrix effects from N availability effects, we added N fertilizer to a subset of plots from experiment two. Nitrogen addition increased decay rates of high-quality litter across all sites, but had no effect on low-quality litter, suggesting that low N availability, not litter matrix quality, constrains decomposition of high-quality litters. Hence, N availability appears to alter litter decomposition patterns independently of litter matrix properties. Synthesis. Our results indicate that shifts in the relative abundance of ECM- and AM-associated trees in a plot or stand have the potential to affect litter decay rates through both changes in litter quality as well as through alterations of the local-scale soil environment.
Stimulation of Estrogen Receptor Signaling by γ Synuclein

Synucleins are emerging as central player in the fundamental neural processes and in the formation of pathologically insoluble deposits characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, gamma Synuclein (SNCG) is also highly associated with breast cancer and ovarian cancer progression. Whereas most studies of this group of proteins have been directed to the elucidation of their role in the formation of depositions in brain tissue, the normal cellular function of this highly conserved synuclein family remains largely unknown. A notable finding in this study is that SNCG, identified previously as a breast cancer-specific gene 1, strongly stimulated the ligand-dependent transcriptional activity of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) in breast cancer cells. Augmentation of SNCG expression stimulated transcriptional activity of ER-alpha, whereas compromising endogenous SNCG expression suppressed ER-alpha signaling. The SNCG-stimulated ER-alpha signaling was demonstrated in three different cell systems including ER-alpha-positive and SNCG-negative MCF-7 cells, ER-alpha-positive and SNCG-positive T47D cells, and SNCG-negative and ER-alpha-negative MDA-MB-435 cells. The SNCG-mediated stimulation of ER-alpha transcriptional activity is consistent with its stimulation of the ligand-dependent cell growth. Whereas overexpression of SNCG stimulated the ligand-dependent cell proliferation, suppression of endogenous SNCG expression significantly inhibited cell growth in response to estrogen. The stimulatory effect of SNCG on ERalpha-regulated gene expression and cell growth can be effectively inhibited by antiestrogens. These data indicate that SNCG is required for efficient ER-alpha signaling and, thus, stimulated hormone-responsive mammary tumors.
Histone H2A and Spt10 Cooperate to Regulate Induction and Autoregulation of the CUP1 Metallothionein

Copper is an essential cellular cofactor that becomes toxic at high levels. Copper homeostasis is tightly regulated by opposing mechanisms that control copper import, export, and copper binding capacity within the cell. High levels of copper induce the expression of metallothioneins, small sulfhydryl-rich proteins with high metal binding capabilities that serve as neutralizers of toxic levels of metals. In yeast, the CUP1 gene encodes a copper metallothionein that is strongly induced in response to metals and other stress and is subsequently rapidly down-regulated. Activation of CUP1 is mediated by the copper-responsive transcriptional activator AceI, and also requires the histone acetylase Spt10 for full induction. We have examined the role of histone H2A in the normal regulation of the CUP1 gene. We have shown that specific H2A mutations in combination with spt10 deletions result in aberrant regulation of CUP1 expression. Certain lysine mutations in H2A alleviate the transcriptional defect in spt10Δ strains, though CUP1 activation is still delayed in these mutants; however, CUP1 shutdown is normal. In contrast, serine mutations in H2A prevent CUP1 shutdown when combined with spt10 deletions. In addition, swi/snf mutants exhibit both impaired CUP1 induction and failure to shut down CUP1 normally. Finally, different Spt10-dependent histone acetylation events correlate with induction and shutdown. Taken together, these data indicate that CUP1 transcriptional shutdown, like induction, is an active process controlled by the chromatin structure of the gene. These results provide new insights for the role of chromatin structure in metal homeostasis.
Paracrine Wnt signaling both promotes and inhibits human breast tumor growth

Wnt signaling in mouse mammary development and tumorigenesis has been heavily studied and characterized, but its role in human breast cancer remains elusive. Although Wnt inhibitors are in early clinical development, it is unclear whether they will be of therapeutic benefit to breast cancer patients, and subsequently, to which ones. To address this, we generated a panel of Wnt reporting human breast cancer cell lines and identified a previously unrecognized enrichment for the ability to respond to Wnt in the basal B or claudin-low subtype, which has a poor prognosis and no available targeted therapies. By co-injecting Wnt3A expressing human mammary fibroblasts with human breast cancer cell lines into mouse mammary fat pads, we showed that elevated paracrine Wnt signaling was correlated with accelerated tumor growth. Using this heterotypic system and a dual lentiviral reporter system that enables simultaneous real-time measurement of both Wnt-responsive cells and bulk tumor cells, we analyzed the outcome of elevated Wnt signaling in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Interestingly, the PDX models exhibited responses not observed in the cell lines analyzed. Exogenous WNT3A promoted tumor growth in one human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressing PDX line but inhibited growth in a second PDX line obtained from a patient with triple-negative breast cancer. Tumor suppression was associated with squamous differentiation in the latter. Thus, our work suggests that paracrine Wnt signaling can either fuel or repress the growth of human breast cancers depending on yet to be determined aspects of the molecular pathways they express.
Supression of collisional frequency shifts in an optical lattice clock

By strongly confining atoms in a two-dimensional optical lattice, we have suppressed collisional frequency shifts in a 87Sr optical lattice clock.
Prognosis for High-Z Semiconductor Detectors

Considerable interest has been generated recently in the use of high-Z semiconductors for x-ray spectroscopy. To aid in this study, a Monte-Carlo computational model has been used to simulate x-ray spectral response in semiconductor detectors. The model employs one-dimensional charge collection in an arbitrary electric field profile and includes trapping and electronics system effects. Spectra are calculated for several materials, including HgI2 and CdTe, and are compared to experimental results.
Study of Emission from Finite-Size Objects using FDTD

A 3D-FDTD algorithm is developed and used to compute the emissivity of finite-size and arbitrary-shape objects. Under thermal equilibrium, the emissivity of an object is the same as its absorptivity. The absorptivity is a function of both the scattering cross section and the absorption cross section of the object; in this study, these cross sections were computed using the FDTD approach. Emissivity values for spherical, cylindrical and landmine-like objects as function of observation angle, polarization and permittivity are generated and presented in this paper.
Organisational adaptation in an activist network: Social networks, leadership, and change in al-Muhajiroun

Social networks are said to facilitate learning and adaptation by providing the connections through which network nodes (or agents) share information and experience. Yet, our understanding of how this process unfoldsinreal-worldnetworksremainsunderdeveloped.Thispaperexploresthisgapthroughacasestudy of al-Muhajiroun, an activist network that continues to call for the establishment of an Islamic state in Britain despite being formally outlawed by British authorities. Drawing on organisation theory and social network analysis, we formulate three hypotheses regarding the learning capacity and social network properties of al-Muhajiroun (AM) and its successor groups. We then test these hypotheses using mixed methods. Our methods combine quantitative analysis of three agent-based networks in AM measured for structural properties that facilitate learning, including connectedness, betweenness centrality and eigenvector centrality, with qualitative analysis of interviews with AM activists focusing organisational adaptation and learning. The results of these analyses confirm that al-Muhajiroun activists respond to government pressure by changing their operations, including creating new platforms under different names and adjusting leadership roles among movement veterans to accommodate their spiritual leader’s unwelcomeexodustoLebanon.Simpleastheyareeffective,these adaptationshaveallowedal-Muhajiroun and its successor groups to continue their activism in an increasingly hostile environment.
A Phase-Locked Loop Model of the Response of the Postural Control System to Periodic Platform Motion

A phase-locked loop (PLL) model of the response of the postural control system to periodic platform motion is proposed. The PLL model is based on the hypothesis that quiet standing (QS) postural sway can be characterized as a weak sinusoidal oscillation corrupted with noise. Because the signal to noise ratio is quite low, the characteristics of the QS oscillator are not measured directly from the QS sway, instead they are inferred from the response of the oscillator to periodic motion of the platform. When a sinusoidal stimulus is applied, the QS oscillator changes speed as needed until its frequency matches that of the platform, thus achieving phase lock in a manner consistent with a PLL control mechanism. The PLL model is highly effective in representing the frequency, amplitude, and phase shift of the sinusoidal component of the phase-locked response over a range of platform frequencies and amplitudes. Qualitative analysis of the PLL control mechanism indicates that there is a finite range of frequencies over which phase lock is possible, and that the size of this capture range decreases with decreasing platform amplitude. The PLL model was tested experimentally using nine healthy subjects and the results reveal good agreement with a mean phase shift error of 13.7° and a mean amplitude error of 0.8 mm.
Splenocyte Glutathione and CD3-Mediated Cell Proliferation Are Reduced in Mice Fed a Protein-Deficient Diet

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is associated with decreased host immune defense. Glutathione (GSH) status is reported to be decreased in PEM, and GSH is important for lymphocyte function. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of PEM and dietary repletion (RP) on GSH status in various tissues and splenocytes and on CD3-mediated calcium mobilization and cell proliferation of splenic T-lymphocytes. For the PEM model, mice were fed a 0.5% protein diet (LP group) for 4 or 6 wk, and control mice were fed a 15% protein diet (CP group). In the RP study, LP mice were fed the 15% protein diet for 3 d, 1 wk, 2 wk or 3 wk (RP groups). Glutathione concentrations were significantly lower in liver, lung, heart and spleen of LP mice compared with CP mice at 4 and 6 wk. Splenocytes from LP mice were significantly lower in number and had a lower intracellular GSH concentration, depressed CD3-stimulated T-lymphocyte proliferation in culture media without thiol supplementation (2-mercaptoethanol), and enhanced CD3-stimulated proliferation in thiol-supplemented culture media compared with splenocytes from CP mice. CD3-stimulated calcium mobilization was significantly lower in CD8 + , but not CD4 + , splenocytes from LP mice. Within 1 wk of dietary repletion, splenocyte GSH concentration was normal and splenocyte numbers were greater, and in vitro sensitivity of CD3-stimulated T-lymphocyte proliferation to thiol was lower, compared with LP mice. Glutathione status in vivo and thiol supplementation in vitro seem to modulate the signal transduction pathway for T-lymphocyte proliferation in mice with PEM.
Mutual and Self-Impedance for Colinear Antennas

In Part I a two-element colinear array, consisting of identical center-driven antennas of finite radius, is discussed as a boundary-value problem. A formulation is given for the distribution of current when the antennas are driven symmetrically and antisymmetrically. From these data the impedance properties of the array may be deduced. In Part II a simplified, but much less rigorous investigation of the same problem is presented. The more important results include curves and tables for mutual and self-impedance.
Mitotic recombination map of 13cen–13q14 derived from an investigation of loss of heterozygosity in retinoblastomas

Loss of heterozygosity at tumor-suppressor loci is an important oncogenic mechanism first discovered in retinoblastomas. We explored this phenomenon by examining a set of matched retinoblastoma and leukocyte DNA samples from 158 patients informative for DNA polymorphisms. Loss of heterozygosity at the retinoblastoma locus (13q14) was observed in 101 cases, comprising 7 cases with a somatic deletion causing hemizygosity and 94 with homozygosity (isodisomy). Homozygosity was approximately equally frequent in tumors from male and female patients, among patients with a germ-line vs. somatic initial mutation, and among patients in whom the initial mutation occurred on the maternal vs. paternal allele. A set of 75 tumors exhibiting homozygosity was investigated with markers distributed in the interval 13cen-13q14. Forty-one tumors developed homozygosity at all informative marker loci, suggesting that homozygosity occurred through chromosomal nondisjunction. The remaining cases exhibited mitotic recombination. There was no statistically significant bias in apparent nondisjunction vs. mitotic recombination among male vs. female patients or among patients with germ-line vs. somatic initial mutations. We compared the positions of somatic recombination events in the analyzed interval with a previously reported meiotic recombination map. Although mitotic crossovers occurred throughout the assayed interval, they were more likely to occur proximally than a comparable number of meiotic crossovers. Finally, we observed four triple-crossover cases, suggesting negative interference for mitotic recombination, the opposite of what is usually observed for meiotic recombination.
The Study of Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds: Past Approaches and New Directions

Over the last decade, evidence has mounted demonstrating that human-made compounds released into the environment are disrupting endocrine systems of animals. Research has centered largely on direct steroidogenic or antisteroidogenic effects of these compounds with a recent focus on development of rapid in vitro assays employing estrogen receptors. A literature search and analysis confirms attention placed on estrogen and anti-estrogen-like aspects of endocrine disruption at the receptor level. Non-steroidal components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-end gland axes have received much less attention in the published endocrine disruption literature. Furthermore, aspects of endocrine physiology, such as the ability of animals to cope with stress or communicate chemically, have also received relatively less literature attention when compared to disruption of development and reproduction. As researchers continue to investigate complex mixes of human-synthesized compounds in the environment, it is critical to broaden the spectrum of hormonal disruption investigated beyond estrogenic and androgenic actions and to determine how exposure to mixes affects physiological function beyond reproduction. Last, in the field of endocrine disruption, it also important to begin to use data on individuals for development of hypotheses regarding fitness risks, changes in population dynamics, and the potential for ecosystem level disruption.
Gastrointestinal involvement and multiple lymphomatous polyposis in mantle-zone lymphoma.

The clinical, histologic, and immunologic features of three cases of lymphoma presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms and involving the gastrointestinal tract were studied. Two of the cases had involvement of long segments of the bowel with polypoid lesions, a rare presentation of gastrointestinal lymphoma referred to as multiple lymphomatous polyposis (MLP). All cases were classified as mantle-zone lymphoma (MZL), a follicular variant of intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma (ILL) characterized by the proliferation of small atypical lymphoid cells as wide mantles surrounding benign-appearing germinal centers. The patients were typical of other patients with MZL in that they were male, middle age or older, and their clinical courses were not aggressive despite the presence of disease at an advanced stage. Our review of the literature suggests that there is an inordinate number of cases of MZL with gastrointestinal involvement. We also note that most reports of cases of MLP have described histologic lesions ...
Introduction: Using Evidence-Based Cognitive and Behavioral Principles to Improve HIV-Related Psychosocial Interventions

Abstract Behavioral interventions have been, and continue to be, a cornerstone of efforts to prevent new HIV infections, as well as to improve the physical and mental health of people living with the virus. Most existing efficacious behavioral interventions, many based on the principles of cognitive behavior therapy, have been developed and disseminated to focus on reducing unprotected sex, given that the HIV epidemic in the United States is primarily facilitated through sexual contact, and improving adherence to life-saving HIV medications. The new wave of behavioral HIV interventions builds on that strong foundation by integrating cognitive and behavioral techniques to ameliorate mental health symptoms, focusing content to be culturally tailored to unique subpopulations, and implementing novel delivery methods (telephone, family-based, etc.). The articles that appear in this special series report on the details of several novel, evidence-based, cognitive behavioral interventions related to HIV prevention or treatment.
The Plymouth Rock of the American West: Remembering, Forgetting, and Becoming American in Utah

AbstractThis paper examines how Utah’s 1947 This Is The Place Monument functioned in two contradictory ways: First, it confirmed the Mormon narrative of their entry into the Salt Lake Valley as a mythic narrative about a chosen people entering into their promised land. Second, it reinforced Mormonism as one among many traditions participating in the civil religion of Utah and the American West. In its exploration of these contradictory impulses, the paper examines the intersections of historical memory and the creation of sacred space.
Evolution of Acoustic Behaviour in African Bufo (Anura: Bufonidae)

AbstractMating calls are known for 29 species of African Bufo belonging to 11 species groups. Twenty-five African species, representing eight species groups (including four groups or complexes having 2N=22) have calls which Martin (1972) termed Type I. This call type is also found in Schismaderma carens, Nectophrynoides tornieri and N. occidentalis. It is known in only four species of Bufo outside Africa and in Odontophrynus americanus which is thought to be closely related to leptodactylids that gave rise to the genus Bufo. Four African species of Bufo have Type II calls.Geographic distribution of three call types indicates large radiations of one or two call types in South America, North America and Africa. The European and Asian Bufo faunas appear to be derived primarily from American radiations.The radiation of bufonids in Africa appears to be equal to that of South America. An explanation of this may be that Bufo or its progenitor evolved prior to the continental separation of South America and Africa.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A TWO-STAGE PROCESS?

The concept that the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is dependent on both an environmental factor and host factors associated with the puberty period was tested using the data for the Faroe Islands "outbreak." Although this "outbreak" affected only 25 individuals, its value may be unique since it is the only virgin outbreak described. The population affected demonstrated an age-associated bimodality. Incubation period for the older group, using 1942 (midpoint of British troop occupation) as onset time, was 5 years, while for the younger group, using puberty as onset time, a similar 5.7-year incubation period was demonstrated. Male and female incubation periods for both groups were similar, demonstrating an internal validity check. Although 10 cases were below the age of puberty at the time of the occupation, none of these developed disease prior to reaching puberty. The data suggest that onset of pathogensis of MS is dependent on passing or having passed through the puberty period. This would explain why MS is rarely seen below age 10, is unusual below age 15, why age 15 has been a "critical time" in migration studies and why females have an earlier onset than males. The data further indicate that susceptibility to MS may be acquired over a wide range of ages. The fact that many aging curves such as those for estrogen, testosterone or 17-hydroxycorticosteroid show striking similarity to the MS incidence curves raises the question whether infection is the entire explanation for the age distribution.
Evolution of Order During Vacuum-Assisted Self-Assembly of Graphene Oxide Paper and Associated Polymer Nanocomposites

Three mechanisms are proposed for the assembly of ordered, layered structures of graphene oxide, formed via the vacuum-assisted self-assembly of a dispersion of the two-dimensional nanosheets. Thes...
Retirement Planning, Financial Literacy and Small Business Owners

Retirement planning is a broad concern for individuals and policymakers alike, particularly as a larger proportion of the population is nearing and passing traditional retirement age. In particular, little is known about the financial literacy of small business owners and how they prepare for retirement compared to their waged and salaried counterparts. We use a publicly available panel data set from the United States to examine the retirement savings decisions of self-employed and non-self-employed individuals nearing retirement age.
Brain Modulyzer: Interactive Visual Analysis of Functional Brain Connectivity

We present Brain Modulyzer, an interactive visual exploration tool for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans, aimed at analyzing the correlation between different brain regions when resting or when performing mental tasks. Brain Modulyzer combines multiple coordinated views—such as heat maps, node link diagrams, and anatomical views—using brushing and linking to provide an anatomical context for brain connectivity data. Integrating methods from graph theory and analysis, e.g. , community detection and derived graph measures, makes it possible to explore the modular and hierarchical organization of functional brain networks. Providing immediate feedback by displaying analysis results instantaneously while changing parameters gives neuroscientists a powerful means to comprehend complex brain structure more effectively and efficiently and supports forming hypotheses that can then be validated via statistical analysis. To demonstrate the utility of our tool, we present two case studies—exploring progressive supranuclear palsy, as well as memory encoding and retrieval.
Comparision of Different Guiding for Percutaneous Pulmonary Lesions Biopsy

Objective To investigate the indications and clinical values of percutaneous transthoracic biopsy guided by different locating means respectively on pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients were divided into different groups according the locating methods,which included X -ray, type -B ultrasonography, and CT. Pathologic diagnosis and complications were retrospectively analysed between groups. Conclusion Each locating method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Results we should choose the optimistic one according the patients′ condition.