cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comments on “Experience with congruity in the perception of incongruity’

Lasko & Lindauer (1968) concluded from their study that recognition thresholds for perception of a trick card were higher than that for normal cards. It is suggested that their conclusion is inappropriate in the absence of basic control measures.
THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF CLASS II RIBONUCLEOTIDE REDUCTASE REVEALS HOW AN ALLOSTERICALLY REGULATED MONOMER MIMICS A DIMER

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, an essential step in DNA biosynthesis and repair. Here we present the crystal structure of class II (coenzyme B12-dependent) ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase (RTPR) from Lactobacillus leichmannii in the apo enzyme form and in complex with the B12 analog adeninylpentylcobalamin at 1.75 and 2.0 A resolution, respectively. This monomeric, allosterically regulated class II RNR retains all the key structural features associated with the catalytic and regulatory machinery of oligomeric RNRs. Surprisingly, the dimer interface responsible for effector binding in class I RNR is preserved through a single 130-residue insertion in the class II structure. Thus, L. leichmannii RNR is a paradigm for the simplest structural entity capable of ribonucleotide reduction, a reaction linking the RNA and DNA worlds.
Retinoic acid causes cell growth arrest and an increase in p27 in F9 wild type but not in F9 retinoic acid receptor β2 knockout cells

Abstract We have previously shown that an F9 teratocarcinoma retinoic acid receptor β2 (RARβ2) knockout cell line exhibits no growth arrest in response to all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), whereas F9 wild type (Wt), F9 RARα−/−, and F9 RARγ−/− cell lines do growth arrest in response to RA. To examine the role of RARβ2 in growth inhibition, we analyzed the cell cycle regulatory proteins affected by RA in F9 Wt and F9 RARβ2−/− cells. Flow microfluorimetry analyses revealed that RA treatment of F9 Wt cells greatly increased the percentage of cells in the G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle. In contrast, RA did not alter the cell cycle distribution profile of RARβ2−/− cells. In F9 Wt cells, cyclin D1, D3, and cyclin E protein levels decreased, while cyclin D2 and p27 levels increased after RA treatment. Compared to the F9 Wt cells, the F9 RARβ2−/− cells exhibited lower levels of cyclins D1, D2, D3, and E in the absence of RA, but did not exhibit further changes in the levels of these cell cycle regulators after RA addition. Since RA significantly increased the level of p27 protein (approximately 24-fold) in F9 Wt as compared to the F9 RARβ2−/− cells, we chose to study p27 in greater detail. The p27 mRNA level and the rate of p27 protein synthesis were increased in RA-treated F9 Wt cells, but not in F9 RARβ2−/− cells. Moreover, RA increased the half-life of p27 protein in F9 Wt cells. Reduced expression of RARβ2 is associated with the process of carcinogenesis and RARβ2 can mediate the growth arrest induced by RA in a variety of cancer cells. Using both genetic and molecular approaches, we have identified some of the molecular mechanisms, such as the large elevation of p27, through which RARβ2 mediates these growth inhibitory effects of RA in F9 cells.
Imaging Microscopic Magnetohydrodynamic Flows

Magnetohydrodynamic flows in nanoliter volumes of solution adjacent to the surface of a 25-μm-radius Pt disk electrode have been imaged with a scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM). Streamline and chaotic flows are imaged with submicrometer resolution. SECM images demonstrate that magnetic field-driven cyclotron flow within a ∼50-μm-radius torus results in spatial focusing of the electrogenerated molecules. SECM images also suggest that natural convective flow resulting from microscopic density gradients can be prevented by adjusting the external magnetic field strength such that magnetic and gravitational forces in the solution cancel one another.
Matrix metalloproteinase expression in nonrheumatic aortic stenosis.

Background: Nonrheumatic aortic stenosis (NAS) is considered to be a degenerative process characterized by valve thickening, fibrocalcific masses, collagen disarray, and an inflammatory infiltrate. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc- and calcium-dependent enzymes produced by inflammatory cells that are capable of degrading collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans. This study sought to test the hypothesis that MMPs are involved in the pathogenesis of NAS. Methods and Results: Aortic values were obtained from nine patients with NAS undergoing valve replacement and from four patients without NAS during autopsy. Microscopic analysis of NAS specimens revealed variable areas of calcium deposits, fibrosis, and an extensive cellular infiltrate consisting of macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts. Control aortic valves demonstrated normal architecture, a predominance of fibroblasts, occasional scattered macrophages, and no lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to MMP-1, -2, -3 and -9 revealed expression of each enzyme in macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts of all NAS patients. MMP-1, -2 and -3 were expressed by resident fibroblasts and macrophages in normal valves, but to a lesser degree. MMP-9 was not identified in normal valves. Conclusions: The current study confirms an inflammatory infiltrate composed of macrophages and lymphocytes in NAS. Additionally, the increased expression of MMP-1, -2, and -3, along with the unique expression of MMP-9 in NAS valve leaflets was documented. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that NAS is associated with chronic inflammation and that the increased expression of MMPs may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease process.
‘The friend of my enemy is my enemy’: Modeling triadic internation relationships

The evolution of internation relationships is studied by means of a mathematical model based on a popular rule of triadic interaction: “the friend of my friend is my friend, the friend of my enemy is my enemy, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, the enemy of my friend is my enemy”. The rule is shown to lead to the formation and preservation of unipolar and bipolar configurations of nations, with the strengths of relationships, both friendly and conflictual, intensifying through time. These results confirm speculations originally made in static, graph theoretic studies of the balancing of relationships within individuals, small groups and systems of nations.
Higher order finite element analysis of lake circulation

Abstract The finite element method is applied to the analysis of the wind-driven circulation of variable-depth, shallow, homogenous lakes. Attention is concentrated upon higher-order description of the flow phenomena within the individual elements and upon the use of these higher order functions in the definition of curved element boundaries (isoparametric elements). Numerical results are presented for a rectangular basin, for which alternative results are available from both first-order finite element representations and finite difference analyses, and also for Lake Ontario, for which only the first-order finite element solution is available for comparison. These comparisons confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the finite element method in this field of application.
High-accuracy alignment based on subspace decomposition

One of the most crucial emerging challenges in Lithography is achieving rapid and accurate alignment under a wide variety of conditions brought about by different overlying films occluding the marks. The problem is exacerbated by planarizing processes such as Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) and asymmetric processes such as metal deposition and photoresist coating. These processes give rise to displacement of the perceived position of the alignment mark. Thus, any effective algorithm must be based on the history of such displacements. A new approach based on subspace decomposition of the alignment signals is described. The method only applies to imaging and/or scanning based alignment signals. The main assumption is that the process-induced asymmetries are small enough such that only linear effects need to be considered. We first find the subspace of alignment signals using a set of alignment signals with pre-known positions. The positions of the new signals are measured based on the fact that, if shifted correctly, they will lie in the same subspace as the previous signals. Current alignment algorithms assume symmetric alignment signals. Since this method exploits the structure of the signals, it results in more accurate measurement of the position than the current algorithms. Simulation results show that the alignment error is about an order of magnitude smaller than that achieved with conventional Maximum Likelihood or phase-fitting approaches. The computational complexity also increases linearly with the dimension of the subspace and is linearly proportional to signal bandwidth.
Correlation of wave data from buoy networks

Missing oceanographic data resulting from an instrument that is damaged, malfunctioning, or otherwise non-operational can be an impediment to real-time applications of the data and also to statistical calculations pertaining to climatological studies. The problem of reconstructing lost information by correlating oceanographic data from multiple stations is explored through the use of artificial neural networks. A comprehensive simulation study was performed by developing six buoy networks (each containing several buoys) in locations with diverse geographical and wave properties: the northeastern part of the US, the Gulf of Mexico, and Prince William Sound (Alaska). The simulations demonstrate that the missing significant wave heights at the location of one buoy can, for the most part, be reliably reconstructed using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and data from other buoys. ANN model results in the northeastern part of the US tended to suffer from frequent under-prediction, while networks in the Gulf of Mexico and in Prince William Sound showed greater fidelity to measurements. The potential for redeploying some buoys to other locations and using the neural network model instead is examined.
FUNDAMENTALS OF MEMBRANE TRANSPORT

Mass transport through thermally activated molecular dispersal (diffusion) in multicomponent mixtures comprising membrane systems can exhibit complexities which require different levels of physical and theoretical descriptions of which we give examples. At the simplest level mean field level component flows are derived from gradients of chemical potential. We will focus primarily in our talk on the mean field description in homogeneous or inhomogeneous polymer systems. Penetrant diffusion in homogeneous “rubbery” polymer films or membranes can be relatively successfully described by a simple “free volume” theory. Inhomogeneities due to e.g. polymer crystallinity are a further complication and are an essential aspect in diffusion in very porous systems such as rigid polymer foams. Further complications arise in mechanically relaxing polymer films with memory which are not in mechanical equilibrium. Such effects as well as penetrant stress driven diffusion and dual mode sorption can arise in polymer penetrant systems below their glass transition temperature.
Thoracoscopic Transillumination in Chest Wall Resection

Determining the extent of chest wall resection during en bloc lung cancer operations is often difficult secondary to the location of these tumors. We describe a hybrid technique that employs video-thoracoscopy and chest wall transillumination to determine the appropriate margin of resection.
Two-Wavelength Method of Measuring Path-Averaged Turbulent Surface Heat Fluxes

Abstract Because few geophysical surfaces are horizontally homogeneous, point measurements of the turbulent surface fluxes can be unrepresentative. Path-averaging techniques are therefore desirable. This paper presents a method that yields path-averaged measurements of the sensible and latent heat fluxes with a potential accuracy as good as that for eddy-correlation measurements. The method relies on electro-optical measurements of the refractive index structure parameter Cn2 at two wavelengths: one in the visible-to-mid-infrared region, where Cn2 depends largely on turbulent temperature fluctuations, and a second in the near-millimeter-to-radio region, where Cn2 depends more strongly on humidity fluctuations. A sensitivity analysis, the cornerstone of the study, provides quantitative guidelines for selecting wavelength pairs to use for the measurements. The sensitivity analysis also shows that the method is not uniformly accurate for all meteorological conditions; for limited ranges of the Bowen ratio, t...
Quantum energy flow during molecular isomerization

Intramolecular energy flow greatly influences molecular isomerizations, particularly when the energy barrier to reaction is low, as in catalytic and biochemical reactions. We discuss here a simple quantum mechanical theory that describes the extent and rate of vibrational energy flow in molecules, and apply it for the first time to predict rates of isomerization. We consider trans-cis photoisomerization of stilbene, which has been extensively studied experimentally. Vibrational flow in stilbene plays a crucial role in moderating isomerization; the rate both in supersonic jets and low pressure gases is well described by the theory treating quantum flow.
Uncertainty in the difference between maps of future land change scenarios

It is essential to measure whether maps of various scenarios of future land change are meaningfully different, because differences among such maps serve to inform land management. This paper compares the output maps of different scenarios of future land change in a manner that contrasts two different approaches to account for the uncertainty of the simulated projections. The simpler approach interprets the scenario storyline concerning the quantity of each land change transition as assumption, and then considers the range of possibilities concerning the value added by a simulation model that specifies the spatial allocation of land change. The more complex approach estimates the uncertainty of future land maps based on a validation measurement with historic data. The technique is illustrated by a case study that compares two scenarios of future land change in the Plum Island Ecosystems of northeastern Massachusetts, in the United States. Results show that if the model simulates only the spatial allocation of the land changes given the assumed quantity of each transition, then there is a clearly bounded range for the difference between the raw scenario maps; but if the uncertainties are estimated by validation, then the uncertainties can be so great that the output maps do not show meaningful differences. We discuss the implications of these results for a future research agenda of land change modeling. We conclude that a productive approach is to use the simpler method to distinguish clearly between variations in the scenario maps that are due to scenario assumptions versus variations due to the simulation model.
Modern Analytical Techniques for the Detection of Rubber Chemicals and Their Decomposition Products in the Environment

Abstract Amine derived accelerators are decomposed during the vulcanisation of rubber and thereby may generate small quantities of nitrosamines. A method has been developed for monitoring nitrosomorpholine in vulcanisation fumes. The fumes are trapped in an absorbing solution and analysed by single ion monitoring GCMS. The method has been applied for both rubber vulcanisation presses and simulation devices. The presence of free volatile morpholine in certain accelerators may give rise to e.g. smell problems. Free morpholine in di-thio-bis-morpholine was determined by passing air through the powder sample and trapping in dilute HCI. The resulting solution was analysed directly by isotachophoresis. An HPLC method has been developed for the determination of p-phenylene diamine, a known skin irritant. The method has been applied on commercial p-phenylene diamine based rubber antidegradants.
The oocyte‐cumulus complex: Ultrastructure of the extracellular components in hamsters and mice

To enhance preservation of the extracellular materials, we have fixed hamster and mouse oocyte cumulus complexes (OCC) for transmission electron microscopy in the presence of ruthenium red. Ruthenium red had four effects on the extracellular components of the freshly ovulated hamster OCC. It interacted with the surface of cumulus and corona radiata cells; it stabilized the extracellular matrix (ECM) that was comprised of granules and filaments; it produced moderate electron density and good structural definition in the zona pellucida, and it revealed occasional smalls granular depsits on the oolemma. The ECM observed between cells of the cumulus and corona radiata layers extended into the outer one third of the zona pellucida. The granule and filament matrix was removed from the cumulus layer, corona radiata, and pores of the zona pellucida by brief treatment with hyaluronidase. The extracellular components of oviducal OCC from hamsters and mice appeared similar to OCC removed from follicles of the hamster shortly before ovulation. However, oviducal OCC did show increased aggregation of granules in the ECM. In most cases where females had been mated and oocytes were fertilized, the extracellular components appeared similar to those seen in fresh OCC. Exceptions were noted in some oocytes that lacked cumulus and corona radiata cells. In these instances, the zona pellucida generally lacked the granule/filament matrix. After fertilization numerous small electrondense granules were noted in the perivitelline space. These were presumed to originate in the cortical granules and formed a new investing layer around the zygote. Our data suggest that the OCC becomes more difficult for a sperm to penetrate as it approaches the oocyte. The significance of these results is discussed with respect to sperm traffic in the OCC and the cortical reaction.
Lung volume reduction surgery: tempest in a teapot.

ung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has resulted in perhaps themost dynamic controversy within cardiothoracic surgery in recentyears. Initial publications reported compelling improvements in pul-monary function and resulted in rapid dissemination of the procedurethroughout the United States and the world. The rationale for theenthusiasm was legitimate given the lack of alternative therapies forpatients with severe end-stage emphysema. No medical therapy was able to improvepulmonary function or reverse the inexorable decline of breathless patients withemphysema. Only a very small subset of these patients were candidates for thesurgical interventions of bullectomy or lung transplantation. Therefore, the oppor-tunity to improve function and quality of life with a new surgical procedure inspiredthe hopes of desperate patients and their physicians. LVRS was easily the mostexciting and innovative addition to general thoracic surgery since the ﬁrst successfullung transplant procedure 20 years ago.Parallel to the rapid clinical dissemination of LVRS, controversy emergedregarding the procedure’s efﬁcacy, long-term outcomes, selection criteria, and costs.Many clinicians raised legitimate questions regarding the validity of the earlyclinical reports, citing small patient numbers, incomplete follow-up, selection bias,and survivorship or follow-up bias as multiple factors confounding the interpretationof clinical outcomes from LVRS. Critics pointed at early publications that docu-mented a high surgical mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and prolongedhospital stays in some patients.
MOMENTUM CONFINEMENT AT LOW TORQUE

Momentum confinement was investigated on DIII-D as a function of applied neutral beam torque at constant normalized beta βN, by varying the mix of co (parallel to the plasma current) and counter neutral beams. Under balanced neutral beam injection (i.e. zero total torque to the plasma), the plasma maintains a significant rotation in the co-direction. This 'intrinsic' rotation can be modeled as being due to an offset in the applied torque (i.e. an 'anomalous torque'). This anomalous torque appears to have a magnitude comparable to one co neutral beam source. The presence of such an anomalous torque source must be taken into account to obtain meaningful quantities describing momentum transport, such as the global momentum confinement time and local diffusivities.Studies of the mechanical angular momentum in ELMing H-mode plasmas with elevated qmin show that the momentum confinement time improves as the torque is reduced. In hybrid plasmas, the opposite effect is observed, namely that momentum confinement improves at high torque/rotation. GLF23 modeling suggests that the role of E × B shearing is quite different between the two plasmas, which may help to explain the different dependence of the momentum confinement on torque.
Protein function prediction: towards integration of similarity metrics

Genomic centers discover increasingly many protein sequences and structures, but not necessarily their full biological functions. Thus, currently, less than one percent of proteins have experimentally verified biochemical activities. To fill this gap, function prediction algorithms apply metrics of similarity between proteins on the premise that those sufficiently alike in sequence, or structure, will perform identical functions. Although high sensitivity is elusive, network analyses that integrate these metrics together hold the promise of rapid gains in function prediction specificity.
Driving method for gate-delay compensation of TFT/LCD

Gate delay is one of the biggest limiting factors for large-screen-size, high-resolution thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT/LCD) design. To solve this problem, we have developed a new driving method which can achieve high image quality and reliability and reduce the power consumption with conventional processes, even if gate-line resistance and load capacitance are increased. The new method uses gate-pulse waveforms that separate the functions of feedthrough compensation, with pulse edge timing that greatly reduces errors due to gate delay.
Role of PI3-kinase in the development of interstitial cells and pacemaking in murine gastrointestinal smooth muscle

1. Development of the pacemaker system in the small intestine depends upon signalling via tyrosine kinase (Kit) receptors. The downstream pathways initiated by Kit in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) have not been investigated. Wortmannin and 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY 294002), inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3-kinase), were used to test the involvement of this pathway in the development and maintenance of ICC and electrical rhythmicity in the murine small intestine. 2. ICC and electrical slow waves were present in the murine jejunum at birth. ICC and electrical rhythmicity continued to develop in neonates such that adult activity was recorded after 1 week. Development of ICC and rhythmicity were maintained in organ culture. 3. Wortmannin or LY 294002 inhibited the development of slow waves and blocked rhythmicity within 2-4 days. Loss of slow waves was preceded by disappearance of Kit-positive cells from the myenteric (IC-MY) and deep muscular plexus (IC-DMP) regions. Wortmannin or LY 294002 had no acute effect on slow waves. 4. Muscles from older animals (day 10-day 30) developed resistance to wortmannin treatment, but when the exposure to wortmannin was increased to 35 days, damage to ICC networks and electrical dysrhythmias were observed. 5. PI3-kinase appears to be a critical downstream signalling element linking Kit receptors to ICC development and maintenance of phenotype. ICC are more sensitive to Kit or PI3-kinase blockade at birth, but the importance of the PI3-kinase signalling in the maintenance of ICC persists into adulthood. Interference with PI3-kinase signalling in immature or adult animals could result in disruption of ICC and gastrointestinal dysrhythmias.
Discographic, MRI and psychosocial determinants of low back pain disability and remission: a prospective study in subjects with benign persistent back pain.

Abstract Background context A range of morphologic and psychosocial variables has been suggested as risk factors for serious low back pain (LBP) illness. Although the relative contributions of structural and psychosocial variables are intensely debated, the validity of differing hypotheses has proven difficult to test because the incidence of serious disabling LBP illness is low in healthy subjects. These factors dictate the requirement for large sample sizes, extensive structural imaging and extended longitudinal study. Previous studies included either small cohorts with intensive imaging testing or large population studies that do not establish a detailed morphologic baseline. Purpose To establish, using a strict patient sample design, the relative contribution of structural and psychosocial determinants of serious LBP illness among subjects with no previous LBP disability or clinical LBP illness. Study design/setting A prospective, longitudinal study of subjects with high risk factors for serious LBP as determined by structural and psychosocial characteristics. Patient sample One hundred subjects with known mild persistent low back pain and a 2:1 ratio of chronic (non-lumbar) pain syndrome were recruited from a study population with a predisposition to disc degenerative disease, to undergo baseline examination, testing and 5-year follow-up. Outcome measures Observations were made at 6-month intervals over 4 to 6 years (mean, 5.3) for the after primary outcomes measures: episodes of serious back pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]≥6), episodes of occupational disability less than 1 week, episodes of occupational disability for 1 week, remission episodes of all back pain symptoms at least 6 months and medical visits primarily for LBP evaluation and treatment. Methods Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), lumbar provocative discography (in psychometrically normal subjects), physical examinations, medical and work histories and psychometric testing were performed at baseline. Imaging and psychometric testing were graded by blinded examiners. A scripted interview was conducted every 6 months during follow-up by independent research assistants who also were blinded to patient baseline data. The interview covered interval medical, occupational and accident or injury histories. Results Psychosocial variables strongly predicted both long- and short-term disability events, duration and health-care visits for LBP problems (p Conclusion The development of serious LBP disability in a cohort of subjects with both structural and psychosocial risk factors was strongly predicted by baseline psychosocial variables. Structural variables on both MRI and discography testing at baseline had only weak association with back pain episodes and no association with disability or future medical care.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Sodium Ascorbate Monophosphate as Inhibitors of Off-flavor Development in Cooked, Vacuum-packaged, Frozen Turkey

Sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) or sodium ascorbate monophosphate (SAsMP) in water solutions (0.3 and 0.5% levels) or water only were added to ground turkey which was cooked, vacuum packaged, and stored frozen. Soapy flavor was higher, but rancid flavor and hexanal and bathophenathroline-chelateable (nonheme) iron contents were lower in samples with phosphate salts. Samples without phosphates contained the greatest amount of bathophenathroline-chelateable iron; samples with 0.5% STP contained the least. The addition of phosphate salts decreased cooking losses and increased moisture but did not affect the fat content. Generally, intensity scores for stale and rancid aroma and flavor attributes were low, < 1 for all samples.
Spinning a Web site on the Internet

The increasing use of the Internet for business compels everyone to consider setting up a Web site as soon as possible. Creating your own Web site is not as expensive or as difficult as you might think. The following describes an efficient and economical way to get on the Web-fast. After you have claimed your spot on the info highway, you can deliberate and later add complex options that most likely will require professional help.
An approach to rapid protein crystallization using nanodroplets

An approach that enables up to a two order of magnitude reduction in the amount of protein required and a tenfold reduction in the amount of time required for vapor-diffusion protein crystallization is reported. A prototype high-throughput automated system was used for the production of diffraction-quality crystals for a variety of proteins from a screen of 480 conditions using drop volumes as small as 20 nL. This approach results in a significant reduction in the time and cost of protein structure determination, and allows for larger and more efficient screens of crystallization parameter space. The ability to produce diffraction-quality crystals rapidly with minimal quantities of protein enables high-throughput efforts in structural genomics and structure-based drug discovery.
Environment discrimination with vibration feedback to the foot, arm, and fingertip

Haptic feedback for upper-limb prostheses is desirable to enable a user to interact naturally with his or her environment, including operating the limb without vision and performing activities of daily living. We present a noninvasive method of providing one type of haptic feedback, vibration, to an upper-limb prosthesis user to enable discrimination of environment properties. Using a telemanipulation system that emulates an ideal prosthesis, able-bodied subjects tapped on materials of varying stiffness while vibration signals were recorded using an accelerometer. The vibrations were displayed in real time to the user through a C2 tactor mounted on the fingertip, foot, or upper arm. A three-alternative forced choice experiment was conducted, in which pairs of materials were presented. The subjects identified the stiffer surface or stated that they were of equal stiffness. Differing visual and force cues among the materials were eliminated through the use of the teleoperator and a graphical display. Results for five users indicate that vibration feedback to the foot enables environment discrimination comparable to that of the fingertip, and that the foot is better than the upper arm. The foot is a promising location for haptic feedback because of its sensitivity to haptic stimuli and the convenience of placing small devices and power sources within the shoe.
The power therapies: A proposed mechanism for their action and suggestions for future empirical validation.

Power Therapies claim to achieve rapid results in reducing fear elicited by a large number of situations.is paper presents a theory of how competition among stimuli may be the basis for how the Power Therapies work. The compelling features of these therapies are that they all interrupt old habits and conditioned reflexes and provide new habits and conditioning. Therefore, many of the protocols involve overcoming prior-stimulus dominance. In addition to proposing a mechanism for these therapies, this article also reveals that, despite superficial differences, power therapies fundamentally accomplish the same thing.These therapies reduce the intensify of emotional responses elicited by stimuli associated with trauma. It is proposed that they accomplish this end through working at the subcortical level of brain activity to interrupt the negative emotional responses elicited by the trauma stimuli. Power Therapies constitute a general category unto themselves within the field of psychotherapy, and they have become an alternative to traditional behavioral and psychodynamic psychotherapeutic techniques in the treatment of trauma. These therapies include: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), developed by Francine Shapiro (Shapiro, 1995); Thought Field Therapy (TFT), developed by Roger Callahan and W. Callahan (Callahan, 1995); Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), developed by Gary Craig (1997); Visio/Kinesthetic Dissociation (V/KD), developed by Bandler (Bandler & Grinder, 1979, Cameron-Bandler, 1978); and Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), developed by Frank Gerbode (1989). They may be most closely akin to
Trophic structure and food resources of epipelagic and mesopelagic fishes in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre ecosystem inferred from nitrogen isotopic compositions

We used bulk tissue d 13 C and d 15 N values and d 15 N values of individual amino acids (AA) to characterize the trophic structure of a pelagic fish assemblage from the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) ecosystem. We focus on energy flow between fishes inhabiting distinct epipelagic, mesopelagic, and upper bathypelagic habitats and on predatory fish foraging across and within these depth habitats. Trophic positions (TPs) estimated from a combination of trophic and source AA d 15 N values (TPTr-Src) spanned a narrow range of 0.7 TP for 10 species of large fishes, including tunas, billfishes, and gempylids (TPTr-Src 4.3-5.0). Similarly, 13 species of small micronekton fishes encompassed a range of 1.2 TP (TPTr-Src 2.6-3.8). The d 15 N values of three source AAs were found to increase with increasing depth of capture across the 13 micronekton fish species (d 15 NPhe range 56.6&; d 15 NGly range 513.4&; d 15 NSer range 513.6&), indicating that some species from epipelagic, mesopelagic, and upper bathypelagic communities access distinct food resources, such as suspended particles. These isotopic depth trends are consistent with previous observations in particulate organic matter and zooplankton from the NPSG, providing new evidence that large pelagic and micronekton fishes access a food web fueled by particles formed in surface waters but that are highly modified by microbes as they slowly settle to remote depths. On the contrary, no significant relationships between the d 15 N values of source AAs and habitat depth were observed in the large predator fish group, of which many species move and forage across large depth gradients.
NP-1, a Rabbit α-Defensin, Prevents the Entry and Intercellular Spread of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Rabbit neutrophil peptide-1 (NP-1), a prototypic α-defensin, protects cells in vitro from infection by clinical and laboratory isolates of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Incubation of concentrated virus stocks for 1 h with noncytotoxic concentrations of NP-1 reduces subsequent infection by >98%. Pretreating cells with NP-1 for 1 h prior to inoculation with untreated virus also prevents infection. NP-1, a cationic peptide, does not compete with viral envelope glycoproteins for binding to cellular heparan sulfate receptors, but it prevents viral entry. No VP16, a major viral tegument protein, is transported to the cell nucleus in the presence of NP-1. Infectious center assays demonstrate that NP-1 also inhibits cell-to-cell viral spread. Thus, NP-1 prevents virally mediated fusion events, entry, and cell-to-cell spread. This unique mechanism of anti-HSV activity, coupled with established antibacterial and possible anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activities of defensins, render this family of compounds excellent candidates for further development as topical microbicides.
Tbata modulates thymic stromal cell proliferation and thymus function

Niche availability provided by stromal cells is critical to thymus function. Thymi with diminished function contain fewer stromal cells, whereas thymi with robust function contain proliferating stromal cell populations. Here, we show that the thymus, brain, and testes–associated gene (Tbata; also known as SPATIAL) regulates thymic epithelial cell (TEC) proliferation and thymus size. Tbata is expressed in thymic stromal cells and interacts with the enzyme Uba3, thereby inhibiting the Nedd8 pathway and cell proliferation. Thymi from aged Tbata-deficient mice are larger and contain more dividing TECs than wild-type littermate controls. In addition, thymic reconstitution after bone marrow transplantation occurred more rapidly in Rag2−/−Tbata−/− mice than in Rag2−/−Tbata+/+ littermate controls. These findings suggest that Tbata modulates thymus function by regulating stromal cell proliferation via the Nedd8 pathway.
Random error in holistic evaluations and additive decompositions of multiattribute utility: An empirical comparison.

This paper details the results of an empirical investigation of the random errors associated with decomposition estimates of multiattribute utility. In a riskless setting, two groups of subjects were asked to evaluate multiattribute alternatives both holistically and with the use of an additive decomposition. For one group, the alternatives were described in terms of three attributes, and for the other in terms of five. Estimates of random error associated with the various elicitations (holistic, single-attribute utility, scaling constants, or weights) were obtained using a test-retest format. It was found for both groups that the additive decomposition had significantly smaller levels of random error than the holistic evaluation. However, the number of attributes did not seem to make a significant difference to the amount of random error associated with the decomposition estimates. The levels of error found in the various elicitations were consistent with theoretical bounds that have recently been proposed in the literature. These results show that the structure imposed on the problem through decomposition results in measurable improvement in quality of the multiattribute utility judgements, and contribute to a greater understanding of the decomposition method in decision analysis.
Glucagon receptor is required for long-term survival: A natural history study of the Mahvash disease in a murine model

Abstract Background and aim We have described a novel Mahvash disease of hyperglucagonemia and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) associated with an inactivating glucagon receptor mutation, and identified the glucagon receptor-deficient (Gcgr −/− ) mice as its murine model. We aim to elucidate the natural history of the rare Mahvash disease by long-term observation of the Gcgr −/− mice. Materials and method Wild type (WT) ( n = 52), heterozygous ( n = 127), and Gcgr −/− ( n = 56) mice living under standard vivarium conditions were observed without specific treatments over 22 months. Autopsy was performed on dead animals. Results The WT and heterozygous mice did not exhibit any measurable differences. The Gcgr −/− mice became progressively lethargic and cachexic after 12 months. Random glucose levels were stable in WT and heterozygous mice but decreased with age in the Gcgr −/− mice. At the end of observation, 28/56 Gcgr −/− , 7/52 WT, and 24/127 heterozygous mice died. The survival curve of Gcgr −/− mice began to separate from those of WT and heterozygous mice at 12 months and the survival difference widened with age. At 18 months, survival probability was 17% for Gcgr −/− mice but 77% for WT and 81% for heterozygous mice. Autopsy revealed numerous PNETs up to 15 mm in diameter in most well-preserved Gcgr −/− pancreata (17/20) but none in WT or heterozygous ones. Four Gcgr −/− mice developed liver or subcutaneous metastasis. Conclusion The untreated Mahvash disease may cause cachexia, severe hypoglycemia, and early death. Patients with Mahvash disease need to undergo life-long surveillance for PNETs. Functional glucagon receptor is thus required for long-term survival.
Active Sugar Transport by the Small Intestine : The effects of sugars, amino acids, hexosamines, sulfhydryl-reacting compounds, and cations on the preferential binding of D-glucose to Tris-disrupted brush borders

Tris-disrupted and intact brush border membrane preparations from mucosa of hamster jejunum were capable of preferentially binding actively transported D-glucose in a similar manner. Density gradient centrifugation of the Tris-disrupted brush borders indicated that D-glucose was bound to a fraction containing the cores or inner material of the microvilli. The properties of this binding were examined with the Tris-disrupted brush border preparation. Actively transported sugars competitively inhibited preferential D-glucose binding, whereas no effect was observed with nonactively transported sugars. Neither actively nor nonactively transported amino acids affected D-glucose binding. D-Glucosamine, which is not actively transported, was inhibitory to preferential D-glucose binding as well as to the active transport of D-glucose by everted sacs of hamster jejunum. No inhibitory effect was observed with the same concentration of D-galactosamine. Preferential D-glucose binding was also inhibited by sulfhydryl-reacting compounds, Ca2+, and Li+ ions. On the other hand, Mg2+ was shown to be stimulatory and Na+, NH4+, and K+ had no effect on this phenomenon. The results of these experiments suggest that preferential D-glucose binding to brush borders is related to the initial step in active sugar transport by the small intestine.
THE UNUSUAL LIFE CYCLE OF DAUBAYLIA POTOMACA, A NEMATODE PARASITE OF HELISOMA ANCEPS

Abstract Daubaylia potomaca is a parasitic nematode that exhibits a direct life cycle using planorbid snails as their only host. Within the snail host Helisoma anceps, all developmental stages of the parasite are present at any given time. The nematode has an unusual life cycle, with the adult female being the infective stage rather than the third-stage larvae (L3), as is commonly the case in many other parasitic nematode life cycles. In addition, length analysis showed that L1 and L2 were not present in tissues, suggesting that larvae hatch from eggs as the L3. Previous studies by other investigators show that adult females abandon Biomphalaria glabrata at some point between 3 and 9 days of host death; in the present study, adult female D. potomaca leave H. anceps up to 59 days (and a mean of 14.8 days) before host death. This observation indicates a striking physiological difference between an experimental and a natural host for the parasite.
Characterization of AIM2 DNA-Binding Properties and Filament Formation

AIM2-Like Receptors (ALRs) are a class of innate immune receptors for foreign DNA, members of which exist in both the cytosol and nucleus. The eponymous member of this family, AIM2, is a cytosolic DNA sensor composed of an N-terminal pyrin domain (PYD) and a C-terminal HIN-200 domain (HIN). Previous studies of this protein has been limited to an N-terminal tag-protected version of the full-length or a truncated version of the protein. From these studies it has been concluded that AIM2 exists in a resting, autoinhibited form in which the PYD is bound to the HIN. Upon DNA binding, the PYD is released and forms a larger complex with its downstream partners to initiate the inflammation process. Recently, we have been successful in purifying the native (tag-less) full length protein. Using a combination of fluorescence, electron microscopy, and gel-shift assays, coupled with mutagenesis studies, we have characterized the DNA-binding properties of AIM2 and its ability to form filaments in solution.
Nanostructural organization and anion effects in the optical Kerr effect spectra of binary ionic liquid mixtures.

This article reports a study of the effect of anions on the optical Kerr effect (OKE) spectra of binary ionic liquid mixtures with one mixture comprising the 3-methyl-1-pentylimidazolium ([C5mim]+) cation and the anions PF6− and CF3CO2− (TFA−), and another mixture comprising the [C5mim]+ cation and the anions Br− and bis(trifluomethanesulfonyl)imide (NTf2−). The spectra were obtained by the use of optical heterodyne-detected Raman-induced Kerr Effect Spectroscopy at 295 K. The OKE spectra of the mixtures are compared with the calculated mole-fraction weighted sum of the normalized OKE spectra of the neat liquids. The OKE spectra are nearly additive for [C5mim]Br/[C5mim][NTf2] mixtures, but nonadditive for [C5mim][PF6]/[C5mim][TFA] mixtures. In the case of the equimolar [C5mim][PF6]/[C5mim][TFA] mixture, the nonadditivity is such that the experimental OKE spectrum is narrower than the calculated OKE spectrum. The additivity or nonadditivity of OKE spectra for IL mixtures can be explained by assuming ionic ...
Development of dimensionless correlation for natural convection cooling board

Non-dimensional correlation between Nusselt number (Nu) and Grashoff number (Gr), dedicated to high-density printed circuit board (PCB), was derived in natural convection cooling system. For the verification of the correlation, experimental simulation was performed in basis of several PCB properties. And unique definitions were given to dimensionless numbers.
Centrifugal filtration through beds of small spheres

In 1856 Darcy observed that water flowed through a sand bed at a rate proportional to the area of the bed and to the difference between the upstream and dowstream hydraulic heads and inversely proportional to the bed thickness. Since that time many investigators have accumulated masses of data in support of numerous theoretical and empirical relationships for correlating and predicting pressure drop, flow rate, and fluid and bed properties. Naturally certain areas of research have received less attention than others. Among the areas receiving least attention are flow through beds composed of particles of identical shape but mixed size, flow through unconsolidated beds composed of small particles, and flow under the influence of a centrifugal driving force. Accordingly, the flow of liquids through unconsolidated beds of small spherical particles of mixed size was investigated in two laboratory centrifugal filters. Experimental conditions were such that the flow was laminar and the cakes were incompressible. While there was some difficulty in obtaining reproducibility of cakes, the data for any particular cake were correlated satisfactorily by the Darcy equation adapted for centrifugal filtration.
The Effects of School District Consolidation on Educational Cost and Quality

We examine the effects of both whole-grade sharing and administrative consolidations of local school districts in Iowa in the 1990s, the majority of which were induced by state fiscal incentives. We find no effects of either sharing or consolidation on the pupil-teacher ratio, enrollments, or dropout rates. In terms of revenues, we find evidence of temporary increases in state aid, as predicted by the state incentives. This increased state aid, however, is not offset by changes in local revenue and thus total revenue increases. We find a corresponding increase in local expenditures, although this increase was smaller than the increase in revenues, resulting in an increased surplus. Although we lack detailed quality data on student outcomes, these findings suggest an absence of efficiency gains from either whole-grade sharing or consolidation.
Virulent human strains of group G streptococci express a C5a peptidase enzyme similar to that produced by group A streptococci.

Abstract Specific proteolytic destruction of the human chemotaxin, C5a, is a property of group A and B streptococcal pathogens. Here we show that virulent group G streptococci from human sources also express C5a peptidase activity. The enzyme responsible for this activity is approximately the same size as and is antigenically similar to that produced by group A streptococci. On the basis of Southern hybridization analysis with an internal fragment of the group A C5a peptidase gene (scpA) as a probe, a copy of this gene was found in the genome of all group G human isolates tested. Comparison of partial restriction maps of scpA and scpG revealed significant similarity between the two genes. Group G strains isolated from dogs and cows were found to lack C5a peptidase activity and did not hybridize to the scpA-specific probe. The association of this activity with three streptococcal species suggests that elimination of phagocyte chemotactic attractants is a more universal virulence mechanism than originally anticipated.