cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mobility-based classification of closed kinematic chains in biomechanics and implications for motor control

Closed kinematic chains (CKCs), links connected to form one or more closed loops, are used as simple models of musculoskeletal systems (e.g. the four-bar linkage). Previous applications of CKCs have primarily focused on biomechanical systems with rigid links and permanently closed chains, which results in constant mobility (the total degrees of freedom of a system). However, systems with non-rigid elements (e.g. ligaments and muscles) and that alternate between open and closed chains (e.g. standing on one foot versus two) can also be treated as CKCs with changing mobility. Given that, in general, systems that have fewer degrees of freedom are easier to control, what implications might such dynamic changes in mobility have for motor control? Here, I propose a CKC classification to explain the different ways in which mobility of musculoskeletal systems can change dynamically during behavior. This classification is based on the mobility formula, taking into account the number of loops in the CKC and the nature of the constituent joint mobilities. I apply this mobility-based classification to five biomechanical systems: the human lower limbs, the operculum-lower jaw mechanism of fishes, the upper beak rotation mechanism of birds, antagonistic muscles at the human ankle joint and the human jaw processing a food item. I discuss the implications of this classification, including that mobility itself may be dynamically manipulated to simplify motor control. The principal aim of this Commentary is to provide a framework for quantifying mobility across diverse musculoskeletal systems to evaluate its potentially key role in motor control.
Soil Ecological Pros and Cons of Nanomaterials: Impact on Microorganisms and Soil Health

Nanotechnology is a novel technology that is currently emerging and may soon be used in every branch of agriculture. In the area of agriculture, scientific production is evident, concentrating on nano-agrochemicals, from nanopesticides to nanofertilizers. There has been a great interest in the use of nanomaterials in crop production and crop protection-based agriculture. However, the existing research reveals that the mixed response from the nanoparticle exposure on plants, microbes and soil starts from enhanced crop yield to genetic alteration. The rapid development of nanotechnology in agriculture sector could lead to release of huge amount of engineered nanoparticles, which may cause adverse effects on soil environment. Assessing the safety of nano-mediated chemicals related to human and environmental health, as emerging contaminants, needs to be addressed. With this in mind, this chapter explores the interesting aspects related to use, benefits, and potential challenges with both positive and negative effects of added nanomaterials with respect to the microbial diversity and health of soil.
3-year Outcome of Patients with Persistent Pain after Root Canal Treatment: The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

Abstract Introduction We measured the long-term outcomes of patients reporting persistent pain 6 months after root canal treatment (RCT) and assessed the characteristics differing patients with pain chronification from those with pain resolution. Methods Forty-five patients previously found to have persistent pain 6 months post-RCT from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network were approached for a 3-year follow-up, and 27 participated in the survey. The frequency of self-reported pain, its impact on the ability to perform daily activities, and health care use were measured. The differences between patients whose persistent pain continued and those whose pain resolved were assessed. Results Five patients met criteria for pain at 3.4 years (range, 3.1–3.9 years) post-RCT, which was moderate in intensity, occurred for about 3 days in the preceding month, and kept 1 patient from usual activities. Additional health care was received by 4 of 5 patients whose pain continued compared with 7 of 22 patients whose pain resolved. A longer duration of preoperative pain and higher pain intensity and interference at 6 months were found among patients with pain chronification. Of 13 patients with specific diagnoses for the persistent pain derived at 65 ± 41 days (∼8 months) post-RCT, 10 improved regardless of the diagnosis or treatment, and 11 had a temporomandibular disorder and/or headache as comorbid diagnoses (6) or causes (6) of the persistent “tooth” pain. Conclusions Progression of persistent post-RCT pain occurred in 19% of patients. The majority (56%) of patients improved without additional interventions. Both the group that improved and the group that continued to experience pain had a mixture of odontogenic and nonodontogenic etiologies.
Intrinsically motivated model learning for developing curious robots

Reinforcement Learning (RL) agents are typically deployed to learn a specific, concrete task based on a pre-defined reward function. However, in some cases an agent may be able to gain experience in the domain prior to being given a task. In such cases, intrinsic motivation can be used to enable the agent to learn a useful model of the environment that is likely to help it learn its eventual tasks more efficiently. This paradigm fits robots particularly well, as they need to learn about their own dynamics and affordances which can be applied to many different tasks. This article presents the texplore with Variance-And-Novelty-Intrinsic-Rewards algorithm (texplore-vanir), an intrinsically motivated model-based RL algorithm. The algorithm learns models of the transition dynamics of a domain using random forests. It calculates two different intrinsic motivations from this model: one to explore where the model is uncertain, and one to acquire novel experiences that the model has not yet been trained on. This article presents experiments demonstrating that the combination of these two intrinsic rewards enables the algorithm to learn an accurate model of a domain with no external rewards and that the learned model can be used afterward to perform tasks in the domain. While learning the model, the agent explores the domain in a developing and curious way, progressively learning more complex skills. In addition, the experiments show that combining the agent's intrinsic rewards with external task rewards enables the agent to learn faster than using external rewards alone. We also present results demonstrating the applicability of this approach to learning on robots.
Application of the damage control surgery for children with critical and severe gastrointestinal surgical diseases

Objective To investigate the results of the damage control surgery (DCS) for chil-dren with critical and severe gastrointestinal surgical diseases. Methods Thirty-one cases were retro-spectively analyzed,who underwent DCS. Fifteen patients who underwent traditional operations were selected as the control group. Pre-operative children severity score (CSS), and postoperative body tem-perature (T), blood pH in arterial blood gas (PH), prothrombin time (PT) and curative rate were compared between these two groups. Results There was no statistical significance in CSS between 2 groups (P>0. 05). Significant difference was noted in postoperative pH and PT between 2 groups (P 0. 05), however, the tendency of temperature recovery in DCS group was milder. The curative rate of DCS group is signifi-cantly higher than that of the control group. Conclusions Better therapeutic effect can be gained from DCS in treating patients with critical and severe gastrointestinal surgical diseases. Key words: Damage control surgery; Critical illness; Gastrointestinal surgical procedures; Child
A Commentary on the Special Issue: Promoting Use of Positive Reinforcement in Schools:

In this commentary on the Beyond Behavior special issue: In Support of Positive Reinforcement, the authors ask the question of why myths and misinformation related to positive reinforcement exist. ...
Childhood Adversities, Midlife Health, and Elder Abuse Victimization: A Longitudinal Analysis Based on Cumulative Disadvantage Theory.

OBJECTIVES Elder abuse victimization is increasingly recognized as a pressing public health concern. However, few empirical studies have investigated whether early life course adversities and midlife sequelae heighten risks for abuse in late life. Guided by cumulative disadvantage theory, the current study examined whether compromised health in middle adulthood (physical, psychological, cognitive) mediates the association between child abuse and elder abuse. METHOD This secondary analysis was based on data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a population-based, multi-wave dataset. We analyzed responses from 5,968 participants (mean age = 71 years; 54% female) on adapted versions of standardized measures: elder abuse victimization (outcome variable), childhood adversities (independent variable), and midlife health (physical health, depressive symptoms, cognitive functioning; mediator variables). Serial multiple mediation models were conducted, controlling for background characteristics. RESULTS Rates for any elder abuse and child adversities were, respectively, 16.34% and 47.98%. Multivariate analyses supported the cumulative disadvantage hypothesis. Childhood adversities (0.11, p < .001) and midlife health (physical, -0.10, p < .05; depressive symptoms, 0.09, p < .001; cognitive functioning, 0.02, p < .05) had significant direct effects on elder abuse victimization. Childhood adversities also had an indirect effect on elder abuse through physical health (0.002, p < .05) and depressive symptoms (0.01, p < .001), both in serial. DISCUSSION This innovative study advances our understanding mechanisms through which childhood trauma influences abuse in late life. Boosting health in middle adulthood could help prevent elder abuse. Other implications for clinical practice, treatment, and future research on elder abuse are discussed.
Water isotopic constraints on the enhancement of the mid-Holocene West African monsoon

Abstract During the early to mid-Holocene, changes in orbital precession led to considerable increases in West African monsoon (WAM) rainfall compared to today and shifted its reach further north. However, climate proxies and paleoclimate model simulations disagree over fundamental aspects of the mid-Holocene (MH; 6 ka BP) enhancement of the WAM. Here, we use a water isotope-enabled Earth system model (iCESM1) to, for the first time, directly compare simulated northern African hydroclimatic change between the mid-Holocene and pre-industrial era (PI) with the hydroclimate signal inferred from leaf wax n-alkanes in order to study the WAM's past spatial change. iCESM1 simulates a northernmost WAM extent of ∼24°N, which broadly agrees with the extent inferred from pollen and dust records (23–28°N) but falls short of that from leaf wax n-alkanes (27–31°N). While the isotopic composition of rainfall ( δ D P ) inferred from leaf wax n-alkanes is lower during the MH than the PI, simulated MH δ D P is higher in northwestern Africa, especially in boreal fall. This discrepancy can be reconciled by interpreting the inferred signal of leaf wax n-alkanes as being reflective of the isotopic composition of soil water ( δ D S ) and its subsequent influence by soil evaporation. We postulate that leaf wax n-alkanes may overestimate inferred mean annual precipitation rates in the MH by not incorporating the enrichment of precipitation shown by iCESM1. Our results have broad implications for reconstruction of past hydrologic change in northern Africa and lend further support to the northernmost WAM extents inferred from pollen and dust records.
Should Marriage Equality be Taught as Controversial Post-Obergefell v. Hodges?:

BackgroundHaving students engage with controversial issues is considered a hallmark of a quality civic education, in part because it requires students to interact with perspectives that contradict ...
Abstract 2159: Oscillating p53 temporal dynamics enable proliferative recovery of cells following DNA damage

The transcription factor and tumor suppressor protein p53 regulates cellular outcomes (e.g. cell cycle arrest, senescence or apoptosis) following DNA damage. Cellular outcomes can be influenced by modulating the temporal expression dynamics of p53, which in turn alters target gene mRNA expressions patterns. However, it is not clear how changes in such mRNA dynamics would eventually results in differences in temporal protein expression dynamics, which ultimately determines the cell outcome. By quantifying mRNA and protein by RNA-Seq and mass-spectrometry, respectively over time, we systematically categorized the different dynamics which could arise of p53 target mRNAs and proteins. We show that while p53 target proteins plateaus under pulsatile dynamics, the majority of target proteins are enhanced and accumulates under sustained dynamics including many regulators of terminal cell fates such as apoptosis and senescence. Next we derived synthesis and degradation rates based on empirical measurements to model how different p53 dynamics could lead to the assortment of subsequent target protein dynamics. We show that target protein dynamics are highly governed by protein degradation rate, implying the temporal selection of target gene expression is not pre-determined by the initiating stress signal, but rather through differences in the inherent protein degradation rates. Furthermore, we identify multiple unique signaling network motifs which results in target protein accumulation only under sustained (persistent) but not pulsatile (oscillatory) p53 dynamics. Our results highlight the diversity of mechanisms cells evolved to decode transcription factor dynamics as well as the role of p53 in governing cellular outcome, important both in understanding cellular information processing as well as therapeutic implications for cancer treatments. Citation Format: Dan Lu, Alba Jimenez, Ashwini Jambhekar, Galit Lahav. Oscillating p53 temporal dynamics enable proliferative recovery of cells following DNA damage [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2159.
Tumor-Treating Fields: A Fourth Modality in Cancer Treatment, New Practice Updates

Although major innovations in treatment are advancing, cancer persists as one of the leading causes of mortality. With the rising incidence of cancer and as we treat them, patients incur short term and long-term toxicities of current traditional therapies, including chemotherapy. This imposes a significant physical, emotional, and financial burden among patients, which affects their quality of life. Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields) is a novel innovative new treatment modality that utilizes alternating electric fields at specific intermediate frequencies to diminish tumor growth by inhibiting mitosis and thus proliferation of malignant cells. The distinguishing feature of this new treatment modality is that it is noninvasive and tolerable. In fact, TTFields is currently FDA approved for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) as well as malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Recently, TTFields have also been found to affect immunogenic cell death resulting in stronger anti-neoplastic effects. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of action of TTFields, the plethora of clinical trials being conducted in patients with GBM, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ovarian cancer, non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC), brain metastasis from NSCLC, and MPM and toxicity profile.
Velocity and Range Considerations for the Attainment of Given Intercept Angles

Summary Based on simplified two-body assumptions, a general analysis is presented for ballistic trajectories which result in a specified intercept angle at a given altitude. The minimum velocity required is derived starting with zero velocity and from a circu­ lar orbit. The range is obtained for initial intercepts at the specified altitude. The velocity requirements starting from a 150-nm circular orbit with final altitudes of 450,000 ft and 1,028 nm are presented in graphical form. Symbols a b e r R V V AV a 0 y 8 e
Reactivity of Amine/E(C6F5)3 (E = B, Al) Lewis Pairs toward Linear and Cyclic Acrylic Monomers: Hydrogenation vs. Polymerization

This work reveals the contrasting reactivity of amine/E(C6F5)3 (E = B, Al) Lewis pairs toward linear and cyclic acrylic monomers, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and biorenewable γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (γMMBL). While mixing of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TMP) and B(C6F5)3 leads to a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP), Et3N reacts with B(C6F5)3 to form disproportionation products, ammonium hydridoborate ionic pair and iminium zwitterion. On the other hand, the stoichiometric reaction of either TMP or Et3N with Al(C6F5)3 leads to clean formation of a classic Lewis adduct (CLA). Neither TMP nor Et3N, when paired with E(C6F5)3, polymerizes MMA, but the Et3N/2B(C6F5)3 pair promotes transfer hydrogenation of MMA to form methyl isobutyrate. In contrast, the amine/E(C6F5)3 pairs promote rapid polymerization of γMMBL carrying the more reactive exocyclic methylene moiety, achieving full conversion in less than 3 min even at a low catalyst loading of 0.0625 mol %. TMP is more effective than Et3N for the polymerization when paired with either the borane or the alane, while the alane exhibits higher polymerization activity than the borane when paired with Et3N. Overall, the TMP/Al(C6F5)3 system exhibits the highest polymerization activity, achieving a maximum turn-over frequency of 96,000 h-1 at 0.125 mol % of catalyst loading, producing high molecular weight PγMMBL with Mn = 1.29 × 105 g∙mol-1.
Single spatial mode room temperature operated 3.15μm diode lasers

Ridge waveguide type-I quantum-well GaSb-based diode lasers operating at room temperatures in the spectral region near 3.15 µm have been designed and fabricated. The laser active region comprises three InGaAsSb quantum-wells embedded into quinary AlInGaAsSb barrier material to promote carrier confinement. Lasers generate 9 mW of continuous-wave output power at 3.16 µm in a diffraction limited beam at 20°C. Devices operate in continuous-wave regime up to 40°C producing above 1 mW of power at wavelength above 3.2 µm.
Physiological energetics of the intertidal sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. I: Prey capture, absorption efficiency and growth

Energy budgets were calculated for individuals of the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt), collected in 1981 and 1982 from Bodega Harbor, California, USA. Rates of ammonium excretion were measured in high-and low-intertidal, symbiotic and aposymbiotic sea anemones within 24 h of collection. Among symbiotic and aposymbiotic individuals, no differences in excretion rate were found on the basis of intertidal height. However, rates of ammonium excretion in aposymbiotic anemones (2.14 μmol NH + 4 g-1 h-1) were significantly higher than in symbiotic ones (0.288 μmol NH + 4 g-1 h-1). Rates of excretion were used with estimated rates of oxygen uptake to calculate nitrogen quotients (NQ). NQ and RQ values from the literature were used to calculate an oxyenthalpic equivalent [501 kJ (mol O2)-1 for R+U], and mass proportions of protein (54%), carbohydrate (44%) and lipid (2%) catabolized during routine metabolism in this species 24 h after feeding. Integrated energy budgets of these experimental anemones were calculated from data on ingestion, absorption and growth, and estimates of translocated energy from the symbiotic algae. Contribution of zooxanthellae to animal respiration based on translocation=90% and RQ=0.97 are 41 and 79% in high-and low-intertidal anemones, respectively. Calculated scope for growth is greater than directly measured growth in both high-and low-intertidal individuals. The deficit, estimated as 30% of assimilated energy in high-intertidal anemones, is attributed to unmeasured costs (specific dynamic effect) or production (mucus). Low-intertidal anemones lost mass during the experiment, implying that the magnitude of the deficit was greater in these anemones than in upper intertidal individuals. Anemones from both shore levels lost zooxanthellae during the experiment, which contributed to energy loss since the contribution of the zooxanthellae is greater in low-intertidal anemones. Scope for growth is preserved in high-intertidal anemones (29% of assimilated energy) because metabolic demands are lower due to aerial exposure, and prey capture rate is higher compared to lowshore anemones. Although possibly underestimated, lower scope for growth in low-shore anemones may result from continuous feeding and digestion processes that are less efficient than those of periodically feeding high-intertidal anemones.
Phenylalanine Hydroxylase from Pseudomonas Species (ATCC 11299a) PURIFICATION OF THE ENZYME AND ACTIVATION BY VARIOUS METAL IONS

Abstract Phenylalanine hydroxylase from Pseudomonas species has been purified 20- to 30-fold by ammonium sulfate precipitation, heat treatment, and diethylaminoethyl Sephadex chromatography. Activation by mercuric, cadmium, cupric, and cuprous ions as well as by ferrous ions has been observed. Several characteristics of the enzyme, such as its affinity for oxygen, tetrahydropteridine, and substrate, and its heat stability, have been measured in the presence of different metal activators. The properties of the enzyme were found to be substantially unchanged by the use of different metal ions as activators. Activation by ferrous ion did not produce any change in the molecular weight of the enzyme as measured by sucrose density sedimentation. Comparison of this enzyme with rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase showed that the enzymes differ in several aspects, most strikingly in their molecular weights.
A checklist of the bryophytes of Chiapas, Mexico

The vascular flora of Chiapas, Mexico, has been the subject of a long term study by Dennis Breedlove of the California Academy of Sciences. This has stimulated a related project dealing with the bryophyte flora of the region. A collecting expedition in 1988 generated 1420 collections of bryophytes. Specialists from 13 institutions assisted with identifications. Approximately 70% of the collections have been determined. Checklists of species of bryophytes of Chiapas are presented. These lists are based on collections at CAS and literature citations. A total of 364 species of mosses and 310 species of hepatics and hornworts are reported from Chiapas.
The National Archives and Left-Wing Sources from Russia: Records of the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, the Communist Party of Canada and Left-Wing Internationals

As THE COMMUNIST ORDER in Russia and the other Union Republics began unravelling, its bonds critically weakened by Gorbachev's efforts to humanize and modernize that order both in theory and structure, one of the countless side-effects of Gorbachev's ministrations was, in the realm of archives, a loosening of extraor dinarily strict controls over records in the Soviet archival system, and in access to them. This phenomenon manifested itself by 1989. By the time that Gorbachev was finally stripped of any nominal, residual authority in late 1990early 1991, Russian archives were revealing riches whose existence had been suspected by many, but experienced by very, very few. Among the records of interest to many Western countries were the fonds of the Rossiikii Tsentr Khraneniia i Izucheniia Dokumentov Noveishei Istorii (the "Centre for the Preservation and Study of Records of Contemporary History"),
Multicomponent dipeptide hydrogels as extracellular matrix-mimetic scaffolds for cell culture applications

Fmoc-3F-Phe-Arg-NH2 and Fmoc-3F-Phe-Asp-OH dipeptides undergo coassembly to form two-component nanofibril hydrogels. These hydrogels support the viability and growth of NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells. The supramolecular display of Arg and Asp at the nanofibril surface effectively mimics the integrin-binding RGD peptide of fibronectin, without covalent connection between the Arg and Asp functionality.
Recent Developments in Noninvasive Neuromodulation for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Noninvasive neuromodulation refers to a family of device-based interventions that apply electrical or magnetic fields, either at convulsive or subconvulsive levels, to the brain through the intact skull to modulate neural function. This is a rapidly evolving field, with new research emerging regarding the various roles that these devices can play both in studying the neural mechanisms underlying mood and anxiety disorders, and in treating pharmacoresistant conditions either on their own or in combination with other therapies. Each neuromodulation modality has its pros and cons and should be carefully chosen after weighing the risks and benefits. This manuscript reviews some of the most exciting developments in this field over the past year and emphasizes themes that are emerging as being important for these tools to fulfill their potential to transform how we study and treat mood and anxiety disorders. Key among these themes is the concept of how we understand the “dose” of the stimulation, and how exogenously applied fields interact with endogenous brain activity. Refining the concept of dose will ultimately be important in allowing clinicians and researchers to apply the procedure with precision to engage the targeted network to achieve the desired effects in each individual. The large parameter space defining dose of neuromodulation makes interpreting the literature on safety and efficacy challenging and highlights the need for clear and accurate reporting of the spatial, temporal, and contextual features of dosage to make the emerging literature base as informative as possible. Ultimately, the impact of noninvasive neuromodulation devices is potentially transformational given their utility in providing mechanistic insight into the circuit-based and oscillatory origins of mood and anxiety disorders, as well as providing therapeutic interventions rationally designed to target disease-related processes.
Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom: A Tour of Logical Pluralism

Logical pluralism is the view that there is more than one correct logic. In this article, I explore what logical pluralism is, and what it entails, by: (i) distinguishing clearly between relativism about a particular domain and pluralism about that domain; (ii) distinguishing between a number of forms logical pluralism might take; (iii) attempting to distinguish between those versions of pluralism that are clearly true and those that are might be controversial; and (iv) surveying three prominent attempts to argue for logical pluralism and evaluating them along the criteria provided by (ii) and (iii).
Donor des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin positivity is a risk factor for poor early graft function in liver transplantation.

Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) is an abnormal prothrombin that lacks coagulating activity. The aim of this study was to determine if the presence of DCP in the donor could be used as a marker of post-transplant graft function. We collected data and serum samples on 90 organ donors. DCP level was correlated with donor-specific factors and with graft function intraoperatively and in the early post-transplant period. Twenty-seven donors (30.0 %) had positive DCP levels before harvesting. Although recipients were similar in demographics, preoperative liver function, and primary disease distribution, patients transplanted with livers from DCP-positive donors needed significantly more intraoperative transfusion. Furthermore, donor DCP positivity was identified as a preoperative risk factor for poor early graft function based on multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 6.58, P = 0.0032). Our findings suggest that DCP is another valuable marker for evaluating the quality of donor livers.
General arrays, operators and functions

This paper discusses "general arrays," i.e., arrays in which the items are either scalars or other arrays. Functions are defined to construct, select from, restructure, and in general manipulate such arrays. Operators are presented as functions whose arguments or values are other functions that can be other than scalar functions. The exposition is shortened and simplified by presenting the material throughout in terms of APL.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Mutations Alter Shear Response without Changes in Cell-Cell Adhesion

Aims The majority of patients diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) have mutations in genes encoding desmosomal proteins, raising the possibility that abnormal intercellular adhesion plays an important role in disease pathogenesis. We characterize cell mechanical properties and molecular responses to oscillatory shear stress in cardiac myocytes expressing mutant forms of the desmosomal proteins plakoglobin and plakophilin, which are linked to ARVC in patients. Methods and Results Cells expressing mutant plakoglobin or plakophilin showed no differences in cell-cell adhesion relative to controls, while knocking down these proteins weakened cell-cell adhesion. However, cells expressing mutant plakoglobin failed to increase the amount of immunoreactive signal for plakoglobin or N-cadherin at cell-cell junctions in response to shear stress, as seen in control cells. Cells expressing mutant plakophilin exhibited a similar attenuation in the shear-induced increase in junctional plakoglobin immunoreactive signal in response to shear stress, suggesting the phenotype is independent of the type of mutant protein being expressed. Cells expressing mutant plakoglobin also showed greater myocyte apoptosis compared to controls. Apoptosis rates increased greatly in response to shear stress in cells expressing mutant plakoglobin, but not in controls. Abnormal responses to shear stress in cells expressing either mutant plakoglobin or plakophilin could be reversed by SB216763, a GSK3β inhibitor. Conclusions Desmosomal mutations linked to ARVC do not significantly affect cell mechanical properties, but cause myocytes to respond abnormally to mechanical stress through a mechanism involving GSK3β. These results may help explain why patients with ARVC experience disease exacerbations following strenuous exercise.
The Role of Cocrystals in Solid-State Synthesis: Cocrystal-Controlled Solid-State Synthesis of Imides

Cocrystal-controlled solid-state synthesis (C3S3) of imides occurs via heating of cocrystals formed between anhydride and aromatic amine cocrystal formers.
Health-Related Behaviors of Women Physicians vs Other Women in the United States

Objective: To examine the health-related behaviors of women physicians compared with those of other women of high and not high socioeconomic status and with national goals. Methods: We examined the results of a questionnairebased survey of a stratified random sample, the Women Physicians’ Health Study, and a US telephone survey (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga). We analyzed 3 samples of women aged 30 to 70 years: (1) respondents from the Women Physicians’ Health Study (n=4501); (2) respondents from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n=1316) of the highest socioeconomic status; and (3) all other respondents from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n=35 361). Results: Women physicians were more likely than other women of high socioeconomic status and even more likely than other women not to smoke. The few physicians (3.7%) who smoked reported consuming fewer cigarettes per day, and physicians who had stopped smoking reported quitting at a younger age than women in the general population. Women physicians were less likely to report abstaining from alcohol, but those who drank reported consuming less alcohol per episode than other women and were less likely to report binging on alcohol than women in the general population. Unlike women in the general population and even other women of high socioeconomic status, women physicians’ reported behaviors exceeded national goals for the year 2000 in all examined behaviors and screening habits. Conclusions: Women physicians report having generally good health habits even when compared with other socioeconomically advantaged women and report exceeding all examined national goals for personal screening practices and other personal health behaviors. Women physicians’ behaviors may provide useful standards for other women in the United States. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:342-348
Calculations of the superconducting properties of scandium under high pressure

In recent years the number of elements in the periodic table that become superconductors under pressure has increased to the point that this is no longer considered a rare phenomenon. Recent experiments suggest that scandium reaches a superconducting temperature of $9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ at a pressure of $74\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$. Using the results of self-consistent band theory calculations, the McMillan theory, and the rigid-muffin-tin approximation, we have calculated the electron-phonon coupling and ${T}_{c}$ for scandium, in good agreement with experiment.
Fiber/matrix interaction in carbon/PEEK composites

This paper deals with the fiber/matrix interface in carbon /PEEK compos ites. It is found that although interphase crystallinity is essential to ensure good interfacial strength in carbon /PEEK com...
Human Chromosome 17 Comparative Anchor Loci Are Conserved on Bovine Chromosome 19

Eight comparative anchor loci on human chromosome 17, TP53, CHRNB1, THRA1, CRYB1, NF1, MPO, MYL4, and P4HB, were mapped to bovine chromosome 19 using bovine x hamster and bovine x mouse hybrid somatic cell lines. This completes the synteny mapping of human chromosome 17 comparative anchor loci in cattle, all of which have been mapped to bovine chromosome 19 and mouse chromosome 11, with the exception of CSH1. It is likely that the suggested homologue of human CSH1, PL1 on cattle chromosome 23, is a not true homologue of the human gene. This study reveals the largest conserved synteny segment among human, cattle, and mouse autosomes described to date. While all of the genes mapped to cattle chromosome 19 are on human chromosome 17, genes on mouse chromosome 11 are distributed on 7 human chromosomes, supporting the hypothesis that there is greater conservation of synteny between human and bovine chromosomes than between human and mouse.
A broad upregulation of cerebral chemokine genes by peripherally-generated inflammatory mediators

Previously, we have shown that peripheral challenge of mice with double stranded RNA (dsRNA), a viral mimic, evokes global upregulation of cerebral inflammatory genes and, particularly, genes encoding chemokines. Because chemokine networks are potent modulators of brain function, the present study was undertaken to comprehensively characterize the cerebral response of chemokine ligand and receptor genes to peripheral immune system stimulation. Briefly, C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 12 mg/kg of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (PIC) and the expression of 39 mouse chemokine ligand and 20 receptor genes was monitored in the cerebellum by real time quantitative RT-PCR within 24 h. Almost half of the ligand genes featured either transient or sustained upregulation from several- to several thousand-fold. Five CXC type genes, i.e., Cxcl9, Cxcl11, Cxcl10, Cxcl2 and Cxcl1, were the most robustly upregulated, and were followed by six CC type genes, i.e., Ccl2, Ccl7, Ccl5, Ccl12, Ccl4 and Ccl11. Seven genes showed moderate upregulation, whereas the remaining genes were unresponsive. Six receptor genes, i.e., Cxcr2, Ccr7, Cxcr5, Ccr6, Ccr1 and Ccr5, featured a several-fold upregulation. Similar chemokine gene response was observed in the forebrain and brainstem. This upregulation of chemokine genes could be induced in naive mice by transfer of blood plasma from PIC-challenged mice. Employing oligodeoxynucleotide-labeled PIC we further showed that intraperitoneally injected PIC was not transferred to the blood. In conclusion, peripheral PIC challenge elicits a broad upregulation of cerebral chemokine genes, and this upregulation is mediated by blood-borne agents.
Short-time radiocarbon-labelled carbon dioxide incorporation experiments with synchronously growing Chlorella cells.

Abstract After a tenfold dilution of an initial culture, grown at 25° and 10,000 lux to a density of 18 ml packed cells per liter and containing a high percentage of small cells, cells of Chlorella pyrenoidosa have have grown synchronously at 20° and 12,000 lux. In 2- and 5-min photosynthesis experiments in the presence of 14 CO 2 , the incorporation of 14 C per unit volume of packed cells was increased in progressing stages of cell development. In later stages of the cell development prior to cell division, the portion of radioctivity in the 80% and 20% ethanol-insoluble material was higher than during the initial growth of the cells. At the same time a large increase of 14 C incorporated in sucrose and a decrease of 14 C incorporated in alanine have been observed.
Active control of nonlinear-nonstationary response and radiation of a panel-stringer structure near a supersonic jet

This paper is on the control of nonlinear-nonstationary vibration of an aircraft-type frame-stringer structure and the acoustic radiation resulting from high levels of excitation by a nearby supersonic model jet exhaust. The objective of the control is to reduce the acoustic fatigue and the interior noise in a high-speed aircraft. Control of the structural response is achieved by actively forcing the structure with an actuator at the shock oscillation frequency whose amplitude is locked into a self-control cycle. This controller follows the amplitude modulation that results from the rotation and counter-rotation of the jet column. Results show that the peak level of the power in the structural response due to shock impingement is reduced by a factor of 63, corresponding to a power level reduction of 18 dB. As a result, new broadband components emerge with at least four harmonics contributing to the broadening of the response spectrum. At accelerating and decelerating supersonic speeds, the exhaust from the jet induces higher transient loading on the nearby flexible structure due to the occurrence of multiple shocks from the jet.
The effect of ultrasonic vibrations on crystallization processes

Abstract Ultrasound has long been used during a phase transition to produce small, uniform crystals. Many theories have been suggested to explain the action of ultrasound in this application. This paper reviews the proposed mechanisms of ultrasonic crystallization.
Epicurean Happiness: A Pig's Life?

In this paper, I argue that for Epicurus, the highest form and final end of human happiness arises whenthe body is free from pain and the soul is free from distress; these, moreover, are what Epicurus denotesas the static pleasures. The static pleasures may be accompanied by pleasant thoughts and sensations:these are what are called the kinetic pleasures. More particularly, the kinetic pleasures of the body arenot those of replenishment (as is commonly supposed), but consist rather in unalloyed, but alsounnecessary, pleasures such as sweet smells and delicious tastes; correspondingly, the kinetic pleasuresof the mind are joy (khara) and good cheer (euphrosune), which also are in the class of non-necessarypleasures.
Evaluation of State Schedule II Controlled Substance Laws

Background:States have the authority to mandate laws that are more stringent than federal law, which often results in important differences in prescribing and dispensing patterns throughout the cou...
Red cell membrane and malaria.

Abstract Malaria is the most serious and widespread parasitic disease of humans, with up to 500 million people being infected each year with malaria parasites and a million individuals, predominantly infants and young children, dying as a consequence of the infection. During intra-erythrocytic life cycle of 48 h, over 400 proteins produced by parasites are exported into the red cell cytoplasm and a number of these proteins interact with membrane skeleton. Significant progress is being made in identifying the binding domains in both parasite proteins and red cell proteins that mediate protein–protein interactions. These various parasite-red cell protein interactions are responsible for striking structural and morphological changes in the infected red cell including loss of normal discoid shape, perturbations in the rheological and adhesive properties of the cell that are responsible for the clinical manifestation of malaria infection, malarial anemia and cerebral malaria. It is anticipated these ongoing advances will offer opportunities for the discovery of new and urgently needed therapeutic targets for the treatment of malaria.
Autoregulation of blood flow to choroid plexus of rabbits

Abstract Blood flow to the choroid plexus (CP) of rabbits was measured before and during an increase in arterial pressure (AP). Blood flow returned to control levels in the CP of the lateral and fourth ventricles of the brain when AP was increased 63% by i.v. infusion of norepinephrine. However, when AP was increased 68% by occlusion of the descending thoracic aorta, blood flow to the CP of the fourth ventricle remained elevated, while blood flow to the CP of the lateral ventricles returned to the control level. Our findings suggest that blood flow to the CP of the lateral ventricles autoregulates during nonpharmacological or pharmacological increases in AP, while blood flow to CP of the fourth ventricle does not autoregulate during nonpharmacological increases in AP. ©1977 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Level decay and orientational kinetics of the rhodamine B monomer and dimer

Abstract The population kinetics and the rotational diffusion of the rhodamine B monomer and dimer were measured by using picosecond pulses from a mode-locked Nd : YAG laser to induce and time resolve the concentration-dependent transient absorption saturation of various aqueous solutions of this organic dye.
Broadening of extended X-ray absorption fine structure arising from the finite lifetime of the K hole

Abstract It is shown that for elements with Z ⪆ 40, the standard description of the extended X-ray-absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is invalid because the short lifetime of the K hole is neglected. A modified formula is derived that explicitly exhibits the broadening associated with the decay of the K hole. The effect of the broadening on the accuracy of extracted structural information from EXAFS is investigated.
Mechanistic insights from the three-dimensional structure of 3-oxo-Delta(5)-steroid isomerase.

3-Oxo-Delta(5)-steroid isomerase (KSI) catalyzes the isomerization of beta,gamma-unsaturated 3-oxosteroids to their conjugated isomers through the formation of an intermediate dienolate. The three-dimensional structure of the enzyme from Pseudomonas testosteroni was solved by multidimensional heteronuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This protein, a 28-kDa symmetric dimer, exhibits a three-dimensional fold with the two independently folded monomers packed together via extensive hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The previously identified catalytically important residues Tyr-14 (general acid) and Asp-38 (general base) are located near the bottom of a deep hydrophobic cavity and are positioned in a manner consistent with previous mechanistic hypotheses. The structure also revealed the presence of an unexpected acid group (Asp-99) located in the active site adjacent to Tyr-14. Mutagenesis and kinetic studies show that Asp-99 has an anomalously high pK(a) (>9), which allows it to contribute to catalysis by donating a hydrogen bond to the intermediate and to the transition states. In support of this hypothesis, effects on the kinetic parameters of the mutations Y14F and D99A are additive in the Y14F/D99A mutant.
The self-catalyzed destruction of lipoxygenase

Abstract Lipoxygenase (E.C. 1.99.2.1) from soybean catalyzes its own destruction in the presence of both substrates, oxygen and fatty acid. The apparent first order rate constant for this inactivation was 0.050 min−1 in the presence of 9,12-octadecadienoate and 0.32 min−1 with 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoate.
Kinetics of Self-Trapped Holes in Alkali-Halide Crystals: Experiments in NaI(Tl) and KI(Tl)

A previous model calculation of the kinetics of hole diffusion in thallium-activated alkali iodides led to predictions concerning the role of binary electron-hole diffusion in the energy transport associated with the scintillation process. In this paper we report the resuls of time-resolved emission and absorption measurements on KI(Tl) and NaI(Tl) at various temperatures and compare these results with the model calculation. By absorption spectroscopy we recorded the growth and decay of the ${\mathrm{Tl}}^{++}$ absorption band following excitation by pulse of electrons. The characteristic diffusion time of the self-trapped hole was obtained from the growth curve, and recombination kinetics (due to electrons thermally excited from ${\mathrm{Tl}}^{0}$) were obtained from the decay curve. The luminescence intensity was also recorded as a function of time and this function was correlated with the diffusion and recombination processes. Experimental results are in accord with the principal conclusions of the diffusion calculation, and permit definitive statements regarding the mechanism of energy transport. In particular, it is concluded that nearly all of the energy transport in KI(Tl) occurs by electron-hole diffusion.
Poverty's Numbing Effect on Collective Action: A Case Study of Squatter Settlers in Lima, Peru

Current scholarship in Latin America discusses at length how the presence of certain factors promotes collective action of the poor in Latin America. However, this article examines how a lack of these factors restrains the participatory capacity of the poor. Older scholarship that explicitly connects poverty and a lack of collective action is integrated with contemporary theoretical concepts to identify a lack of social capital as a limiting factor on the participatory capacity of the poor. A case study of squatter settlers in Lima, Peru illustrates how heightened poverty and exclusion among the poor in the neoliberal age undermine the development of social capital on which collective mobilization is founded. Despite intense grievances with poverty and the resulting exclusion of their children from public education, settlers do not consider collective action as a way of addressing these shared problems. Los estudios actuales en Latinoamerica tratan en detalle, como la presencia de ciertos factores promuev...
The Evolution of Coding in Signaling Games

Signaling games with reinforcement learning have been used to model the evolution of term languages (Lewis 1969, Convention. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; Skyrms 2006, “Signals” Presidential Address. Philosophy of Science Association for PSA). In this article, syntactic games, extensions of David Lewis’s original sender–receiver game, are used to illustrate how a language that exploits available syntactic structure might evolve to code for states of the world. The evolution of a language occurs in the context of available vocabulary and syntax—the role played by each component is compared in the context of simple reinforcement learning.