cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The williams-beuren syndrome-a window into genetic variants leading to the development of cardiovascular disease

Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) arises when there is a genomic microdeletion at human chromosome 7q11.23 (Mouse 5G2), resulting in various cardiovascular, developmental, metabolic, and mental disorders [1]. Cardiovascular complications from WBS are a frequent cause of death. The deleted region is predisposed to non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) due to the presence of repetitive DNA regions called segmental duplications. WBS can result in deletions of up to 1.83 Mb in a region containing roughly 28 genes that includes the gene ELN encoding the tissue structural protein elastin [2]. Many of the cardiovascular features of WBS can be partially explained by elastin defects. WBS individuals have a combined prevalence of cardiovascular disease of 84% that includes supraand sub-aortic stenosis (SVAS); aortic, pulmonary, and mitral valvular disease; aortic coarctation; hypertension; and, less commonly, myocardial infarction [2,3]. These defects have also been found in mouse models [4]. Elastin not only provides ‘‘elastic’’ support for vessels, it also serves as a negative regulator for smooth muscle cell proliferation. WBS patients are also at high risk for hypertension and Eln mice are hypertensive [1,4]. In 2006, Del Campo et al. recognized that hemizygosity of the NCF1 gene as a result of the largest recognized WBS microdeletion—about 1.83 Mb—decreases the risk for hypertension in WBS patients compared to those possessing the more common smaller deletion (1.55 Mb) not incorporating NCF1 (Figure 1, top) [5]. NCF1 codes for p47, a critical subunit in the assembly of NADPH oxidase (NOX); homozygous deficiency accounts for 20% of patients with chronic granulomatous disease, a disorder associated with repeated infections due to an inability to kill bacteria. p47 is a major effector of angiotensin II (AngII), as demonstrated by a lack of elevation in blood pressure of Ncf1 mice [6]. In this issue of PLoS Genetics, Campuzano and colleagues replicate the WBS cardiovascular phenotype in a WBS mouse model with and without a deletion of the Ncf1 gene [7]. Their study has broad implications for our understanding of hypertensionand reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related cardiovascular disease.
Modeling viscoelastic properties of triblock copolymers: A DPD simulation study

Gel systems based on self-assembled, amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers in midblock-selective solvent form stable, spatially extended networks with controllable morphology and tunable viscoelastic behavior. In this work, we systematically evaluate the mechanical properties of these gels using morphology calculations, and a nonequilibrium oscillatory shear technique based on the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method. Our simulations demonstrate that low molecular weight triblock copolymers with incompatible blocks self-assemble into micelles connected with bridges and loop-like chains comprised of the solvent-selective polymer midblocks. The fraction of bridges, Φ b , generally increases with increasing relative volume of the midblock, x, defined as the ratio of midblock and endblock volumes (x = V B/ V A ). For our model, Φ b reaches a plateau at approximately x > 9 for a strongly selective solvent. At this limit, the value of Φ b increases from 0.40 to about 0.66 as the copolymer concentration, c, increases from 0.2 to 0.5; however, this increase is less significant at higher concentrations. The elastic response of the gel studied here is comparable with the Rouse modulus. The elastic modulus increases with polymer concentration, and it exhibits a broad peak within 6 < x < 12. Finally, we present an approximate method to predict the elastic modulus of unentangled ABA triblock copolymers based solely on the morphology of the micellar gel, which can be gleaned from equilibrium DPD simulations. We demonstrate that our simulation results are in good qualitative agreement with other theoretical predictions and experimental data.
A framework for innovation decision making in the internet age

This paper aims to advance our understanding of innovation decision making among organisations in the Internet Age. By identifying an asymmetry existing between outward driving forces and inward shaping forces of innovation, it develops a framework for integrating the two driving forces and supporting innovation decision making in the changing world. By means of incorporating the changes of innovation environment, innovation practices and innovation paradigm, the framework provides us with a useful tool for dealing with innovation issues in a networked business environment.
Teaching English Through Play in a Chinese Classroom

Abstract Many schools in China focus on memorization of facts for the purpose of performing on standardized tests, causing a lack of enthusiasm among teachers and students. This essay discusses some of the challenges surrounding education practices in China and identifies participatory environment, book-related pretend play, and the use of technology as three components of a playful environment to enhance the quality and endurance of Chinese students in English learning.
Measurement of the self-diffusion coefficient of each component in a complex system using pulsed-gradient fourier transform NMR

Abstract The self-diffusion coefficient of each component in a multicomponent system may be determined by obtaining the Fourier transform of the spin echo using the pulsed gradient, spin echo technique. The pulsed gradient Fourier transform technique also has the individual advantages of Fourier transform NMR and the pulsed gradient technique leading to enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and improved resolution. The method is illustrated for a water(dimethylsulfoxide solution.
The perils of the imperfect expectation of the perfect baby

Advances in modern medicine invite the assumption that medicine can control human biology. There is a perilous logic that leads from expectations of medicine's control over reproductive biology to the expectation of having a perfect baby. This article proposes that obstetricians should take a preventive ethics approach to the care of pregnant women with expectations for a perfect baby. We use Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic short story, "The Birthmark," to illustrate the perils of the logic of control and perfection through science and then identify possible contemporary sources of the expectation of the perfect baby. We propose that the informed consent process should be used as a preventive ethics tool throughout the course of pregnancy to educate pregnant women about the inherent errors of human reproduction, the highly variable clinical outcomes of these errors, the limited capacity of medicine to detect these errors, and the even more limited capacity to correct them.
Zur Frage der traumatischen Lungentuberkulose

Es werden 2 Falle vonTraumatischer Verschlimmerung einer bis dahin latenten Lungentuberkulose durch unmittelbare mechanische Gewalteinwirkung auf den Brustkorb auf der Seite des hauptsachlichsten Sitzes der Erkrankung beschrieben. Bei beiden trat dieentscheidende Blutung innerhalb der vonFinkelnburg geforderten Frist von 2 mal 24 Stunden (nachKaufmann 3 Tage als obere Grenze) auf. Beide waren — wenn auch nur scheinbar — bis zum Unfall lungengesund und haben ihren Beruf als Handarbeiter voll ausgefullt. Wie weit die Lungentuberkulose schon vor dem Unfall vorgeschritten war, last sich nicht mit Sicherheit sagen. Im Falle L., in dem bereits 3 Tage nach dem Unfall Kavernen festgestellt wurden, ist deren Entstehung erst durch die Brustkontusion kaum anzunehmen, so schwer sie auch gewesen sein mag. Im Falle E., in dem die Kaverne erstmalig 6 Monate spater rontgenologisch diagnostiziert wurde, kann die nachtragliche Entstehung wohl nicht unbedingt abgelehnt werden. Beiden Fallen ist gemeinsam die Hamoptoe als erstes sicheres klinisches Zeichen der Lungentuberkulose nach dem Unfall, also „Phthisis ab haemoptysi”. Wenn auch bei nichttraumatischer Lungentuberkulose zweifellos in einer grosen Anzahl von Fallen (nachGrau in etwa 54%) eine Hamoptoe auftritt, diese oft sogar als „initiale Hamoptoe” das erste Zeichen der Tuberkulose ist, das den Kranken zum Arzt furhrt, so war hier doch die unmittelbare zeitliche Folge und die Schwere des Unfalls Veranlassung zur Anerkennung der ursachlichen Zusammenhange. Beide Falle konnen als Schulfalle einer sog. traumatischen Lungentuberkulose angesehen werden, wie sie auch in ausgedehnter Gutachterpraxis nur selten zur Beobachtung kommen.
Gastric processing and evacuation during emersion in the red rock crab, Cancer productus

The passage of a radio-opaque meal was followed through the digestive system of the red rock crab, Cancer productus, using a fluoroscope. When the crabs were maintained in seawater, the food was apparent in the foregut as soon as the animals had fed. Release of food from the foregut was routinely slow and digesta appeared in the midgut only in small amounts at any one time. The foregut was emptied between 24 and 36 h, digesta was cleared from the midgut region at 36 h and by 48 h only a small amount of residual digesta was left in the posterior part of the hindgut. Contractions of the cardiac region of the foregut were somewhat sporadic and ranged between 6 and 11 min−1. Contractions of the pyloric region were more stable, varying between 45–65 min−1. In both cases, there was no change in rate during 18 h period in seawater. When crabs were subjected to both short- and long-term aerial exposure, release of food from the foregut was halted for the first 4–6 h of emersion. Although, small amounts of digesta...
Is the grass greener? Early results of the Nuss Procedure

Abstract Background/Purpose: Minimal access surgery (MIS, Nuss Procedure) is gaining acceptance rapidly as the preferred method for pectus excavatum repair. This shift in operative management has followed a single institution's evaluation of the procedure. This report describes an additional experience with the Nuss procedure. Methods: Twenty-one patients with pectus excavatum underwent repair by the Nuss Procedure. The patients ranged in age from 5 to 15 years (average, 8.2 years). There were 19 boys and 2 girls. Results: In 1 patient (age 5 years) the MIS procedure was aborted because of persistence of chest wall asymmetry. The other 20 patients had completion of their procedure without intraoperative complication. The operating times ranged from 45 to 90 minutes; however, there was an additional anesthetic set-up time (average, 45 minutes). All cases utilized a single support bar (11 to 17 inches). Patients underwent extubation in the operating room and were admitted to a ward bed with an epidural catheter in place for pain control and received intravenous analgesia. The hospital stay ranged from 4 to 11 days and averaged 4.9 days. Early postoperative complications included ileus (n = 1), bilateral pleural effusion (n = 2), atelectasis (n = 1), fungal dermatitis (n = 1), pneumothorax (n = 1), and flipped pectus bar (n = 2). Delayed complications included flipped pectus bar (n = 2), marked pectus carinatum requiring bar removal (n = 1), mild carinatum (n = 1), mild bar deviation (n = 1), progressive chest wall asymmetry (n = 3) with 1 requiring bar removal and open pectus repair, pleural effusion (n = 1), and chronic persistent pain requiring bar removal (n = 1). The length of follow-up is 3 to 20 months with an average of 12.3 months. Conclusions: The Nuss Procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and a technically easy method to learn; however, our data indicate there is a significant learning curve. Although previous reports suggest that few complications occur, we believe further assessment of patient selection regarding age, presence of connective tissue disorder, and severe chest wall asymmetry are still needed. Long-term follow-up also will be required to assure both health professionals and the public that this is the procedure of choice for patients with pectus excavatum. J Pediatr Surg 35:246-251. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Synthesis and antimicrobial studies of silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes bearing a methyl benzoate substituent

Due to the properties of silver as an antimicrobial, our research group has synthesized many different silver carbene complexes. Two new silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes derived from 4,5-dichloroimidazole and theobromine bearing methyl benzoate substituents were synthesized by in situ carbene formation using silver acetate as the base in the reaction. The new compounds were fully characterized by several methods including NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Preliminary antimicrobial efficacy studies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli were conducted. The results of this study demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy of the two complexes comparable to silver nitrate, showing their potential for use in the treatment of bacterial infections.
Courtship in the personals column: The influence of gender and sexual orientation

Eight hundred personal advertisements were analyzed, representing an equal sampling of male and female homosexual and heterosexual advertisers on the East and West Coast of the United States. In general, men were more concerned with physical characteristics, while women stressed psychological factors. Homosexuals were more concerned with sexuality, while heterosexuals specified a broader range of characteristics. Significant interactions between gender and sexual orientation point to the importance of sex-role expectations in the heterosexual context and suggest substantial differences between males and females who choose homosexuality.
Effects of temperature, chemical treatments and endogenous hormone content on peach seed germination and subsequent seedling growth

Seeds of ‘Nemaguard’ and ‘Halford’ peaches were chilled and removed periodically for chemical treatment, estimation of abscisic acid and gibberellic acid and assessment of germination response. Non-chilled ‘Nemaguard’ seed treated with gibberellin germinated at 80%, and after 2 weeks' chilling at nearly 100%. ‘Halford’ seed germination was not enhanced by gibberellin at any stage prior to or during chilling. Only ‘Nemaguard’ seed germination was hastened by benzylamino purine. Both ‘Nemaguard’ and ‘Halford’ seed germination was reduced by abscisic acid. ‘Halford’ was far more sensitive to 100 mg l−1 abscisic acid, with zero germination even after 8 weeks' chilling; a similar treatment for ‘Nemaguard’ resulted in 70% germination. ‘Nemaguard’ seedling growth following giberellin treatment of non-chilled seed was similar to chilled controls; in contrast, ‘Halford’ seedlings grown from seed so treated did not compare favorably with controls. Abscisic acid seed treatment prior to germination restricted ‘Nemaguard’ seedling growth after germination and prevented ‘Halford’ seedling growth. There remains no clear primary role for these hormones applied exogenously, or their endogenous content, in regulating peach seed dormancy. We suggest their role, if any, to be in seedling growth subsequent to germination.
An evaluation of Unix in the psychology computer laboratory

Psychology users of the Unix operating system responded to questionnaire items concerning the use of Unix, the ease of learning and using Unix, and the value and quality of the system for their research needs. The data suggest that Unix is poor according to human-factors criteria, but good according to programming and systems criteria.
Are vocal signals used to recognize individuals during male–male competition in greater prairie-chickens ( Tympanuchus cupido )?

Vocal signaling can be an important component of vertebrate communication during social interactions. If vocalizations vary among individuals but are consistent within a given individual, they may be used to discriminate among individuals. In many species, territorial males use vocalizations to discriminate between neighbors and strangers and either respond more aggressively toward strangers relative to neighbors (“dear enemy” effect) or they respond more aggressively toward neighbors relative to strangers (“nasty neighbor” effect). In the greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido), male vocalizations are an integral part of the display males produce on leks. We investigated whether male greater prairie-chickens discriminate among familiar individuals on their own territory, familiar individuals outside their normal territory and strangers from a nearby lek. Vocal characteristics varied among males, suggesting that vocalizations may potentially be used by prairie-chickens to identify individuals. Males responded to playback of prairie-chicken calls by vocalizing at a faster rate and approaching the playback speaker, but did not vary in their response to the vocalizations based on the identity of the caller. Our results suggest that variation is present among the vocalizations of individual male greater prairie-chickens, but males do not appear to discriminate among familiar individuals and strangers based solely on their “boom” vocalizations. Greater prairie-chicken vocalization likely functions as a way of announcing that a territory is occupied and defended, but it may also serve as a way of advertising to conspecifics or as a signal that is secondary to other forms of communication.
Salmonella Infection Upregulates the Leaky Protein Claudin-2 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Background Tight junctions seal the space between adjacent epithelial cells. Mounting evidence suggests that tight junction proteins play a key role in the pathogenesis of human disease. Claudin is a member of the tight junction protein family, which has 24 members in humans. To regulate cellular function, claudins interact structurally and functionally with membrane and scaffolding proteins via their cytoplasmic domain. In particular, claudin-2 is known to be a leaky protein that contributes to inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. However, the involvement of claudin-2 in bacterial infection in the intestine remains unknown. Methods/Principal Findings We hypothesized that Salmonella elevates the leaky protein claudin-2 for its own benefit to facilitate bacterial invasion in the colon. Using a Salmonella-colitis mouse model and cultured colonic epithelial cells, we found that pathogenic Salmonella colonization significantly increases the levels of claudin-2 protein and mRNA in the intestine, but not that of claudin-3 or claudin-7 in the colon, in a time-dependent manner. Immunostaining studies showed that the claudin-2 expression along the crypt-villous axis postinfection. In vitro, Salmonella stimulated claudin-2 expression in the human intestinal epithelial cell lines SKCO15 and HT29C19A. Further analysis by siRNA knockdown revealed that claudin-2 is associated with the Salmonella-induced elevation of cell permeability. Epithelial cells with claudin-2 knockdown had significantly less internalized Salmonella than control cells with normal claudin-2 expression. Inhibitor assays demonstrated that this regulation is mediated through activation of the EGFR pathway and the downstream protein JNK. Conclusion/Significance We have shown that Salmonella targets the tight junction protein claudin-2 to facilitate bacterial invasion. We speculate that this disruption of barrier function contributes to a new mechanism by which bacteria interact with their host cells and suggests the possibility of blocking claudin-2 as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent bacterial invasion.
Body temperature and ethanol pharmacokinetics in temperature-challenged mice.

Abstract The relationships between ambient temperature, body temperature, ethanol pharmacokinetics and behavioral sensitivity to ethanol were examined in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with 3.6 or 2.0 g/kg ethanol. Exposure to increasing ambient temperatures of 4–34°C immediately after ethanol injection resulted in a significant increase in body temperature, ethanol elimination rate and brain:blood ethanol concentration ratios in 3.6 g/kg ethanol-injected mice, but not in mice injected with 2.0 g/kg ethanol. As the mean body temperature increased from 26.0 to 38.2°C in the 3.6 g/kg mice, there was a 50% increase in ethanol elimination rate. Delayed (30 min) exposure to increasing ambient temperatures following injection of 3.6 g/kg ethanol resulted in a significant increase in ethanol elimination rate, a marked increase in the duration of loss of righting reflex and a decrease in ethanol concentration at the regain of righting reflex. The results indicate that temperature-induced changes in the absorption, distribution and elimination of ethanol do not appear to mediate the effects of temperature on behavioral sensitivity to ethanol in C57 mice.
MR Imaging of the Elbow in the Injured Athlete

This article summarizes key MR imaging findings in common athletic elbow injuries including little leaguer's elbow, Panner disease, osteochondritis dissecans, olecranon stress fracture, occult fracture, degenerative osteophyte formation, flexor-pronator strain, ulnar collateral ligament tear, lateral ulnar collateral ligament and radial collateral ligament tear, lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, biceps tear, bicipitoradial bursitis, triceps tear, olecranon bursitis, ulnar neuropathy, posterior interosseous nerve syndrome, and radial tunnel syndrome. The article also summarizes important technical considerations in elbow MR imaging that enhance image quality and contribute to the radiologist's success.
Measurement of sorption and diffusion in nonporous membranes by transient permeation experiments

The knowledge of sorption and diffusion of liquids or vapors and their mixtures in nonporous membranes facilitates systematic membrane selection and process design. A novel experimental technique for the measurement of sorption and diffusion in nonporous membranes is described. An experimental apparatus has been designed for carrying out the transient permeation experiments. A general time-lag analysis procedure has also been developed in order to obtain the sorption and diffusion parameters from the transient permeation data. The effects of concentration dependent diffusivities, polymer swelling and a thermodynamic correction factor have been included in the analysis. Transient permeation experiments have been carried out to determine the sorption and diffusion of acetone in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The results obtained are in good agreement with data from the literature, indicating that the proposed technique is suitable for the measurement of sorption and diffusion in nonporous membranes.
HMR 1098 is not an SUR isotype specific inhibitor of heterologous or sarcolemmal KATP channels

Murine ventricular and atrial ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels contain different sulfonylurea receptors (ventricular K(ATP) channels are Kir6.2/SUR2A complexes, while atrial K(ATP) channels are Kir6.2/SUR1 complexes). HMR 1098, the sodium salt of HMR 1883 {1-[[5-[2-(5-chloro-o-anisamido)ethyl]-2-methoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-3-methylthiourea}, has been considered as a selective sarcolemmal (i.e. SUR2A-dependent) K(ATP) channel inhibitor. However, it is not clear whether HMR 1098 would preferentially inhibit ventricular K(ATP) channels over atrial K(ATP) channels. To test this, we used whole-cell patch clamp techniques on mouse atrial and ventricular myocytes as well as (86)Rb(+) efflux assays and excised inside-out patch clamp techniques on Kir6.2/SUR1 and Kir6.2/SUR2A channels heterologously expressed in COSm6 cells. In mouse atrial myocytes, both spontaneously activated and diazoxide-activated K(ATP) currents were effectively inhibited by 10 μM HMR 1098. By contrast, in ventricular myocytes, pinacidil-activated K(ATP) currents were inhibited by HMR 1098 at a high concentration (100 μM) but not at a low concentration (10 μM). Consistent with this finding, HMR 1098 inhibits (86)Rb(+) effluxes through Kir6.2/SUR1 more effectively than Kir6.2/SUR2A channels in COSm6 cells. In excised inside-out patches, HMR 1098 inhibited Kir6.2/SUR1 channels more effectively, particularly in the presence of MgADP and MgATP (mimicking physiological stimulation). Finally, dose-dependent enhancement of insulin secretion from pancreatic islets and decrease of blood glucose level confirm that HMR 1098 is an inhibitor of Kir6.2/SUR1-composed K(ATP) channels.
Legendre-Tau approximation for functional differential equations. Part II: The linear quadratic optimal control problem

The numerical scheme based on the Legendre-tau approximation is proposed to approximate the feedback solution to the linear quadratic optimal control problem for hereditary differential systems. The convergence property is established using Trotter ideas. The method yields very good approximations at low orders and provides an approximation technique for computing closed-loop eigenvalues of the feedback system. A comparison with existing methods (based on averaging and spline approximations) is made.
Proactive Dementia Care: A Five-Year Experience in Dementia Caregiver Counseling (P07.156)

Objective: To determine whether health educator (HE) and social worker (SW) counseling at time of diagnosis improves compliance with doctor advice related to dementia care. Background The contributions of HE and SW counseling to dementia care are underrecognized. Design/Methods: 1577 patients with a cognitive disorder were seen in a dementia clinic between January 2006 and December, 2010. All patients were referred to a HE and to a SW. We retrospectively determined how often a durable power of attorney for health care (DPOA) was present in the medical record and the enrollment level in our Gift to Life autopsy program (GTL). Results: Patients reflected the typical demographics of a dementia specialty clinic - 682 were men (43.24%), mean age 72.8 (SD 11.04), range 29 – 98 years, education 0 – 20 years, mean 14.25 (SD 2.9), Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) or equivalent 0 – 30, mean 22.08 (SD 6.85). 1167 (74%) met with the health educator at least once, and 353 (22%) met with the social worker. We performed 4 separate logistic regression models with DPOA or GTL enrolment as outcomes, and SW visit (yes/no), or HE visit (yes/no) as predictor and controlled for gender and dichotomized for age, years of education, symptom years, and MMSE using cut off point 70, 12, 2, and 24 respectively. Exposure to either SW or HE was associated with DPOA documentation and enrollment in GTL.outcome Predictor Used observations OR (95% CI) pDPOA HE 1247 1.68 (1.29, 2.19) Conclusions: HE and/or SW counseling increases compliance with physician advice to complete a DPOA and to enroll in GTL. Prospective studies are needed to demonstrate that HE and SW improve quality of life and reduce costs. Supported by: Anonymous donor. A grant from The Center for Health Improvement. The Center for Alzheimer9s Care, Imaging, and Research at the University of Utah. Disclosure: Dr. Zamrini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mandal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Andersen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Simpson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Greene has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ying has nothing to disclose. Dr. King has received research support from Alzheimer9s Association and the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Foster has received personal compensation for activities with GE Healthcare and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Dr. Foster received research support from Eli Lilly & Company, Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy, and Pfizer Inc.
A Note on Identification of Discrimination in Mortgage Lending

This paper shows how reduced form estimates of discrimination in mortgage lending may be biased by race differences in loan demand. The result, which follows formally from the model of the mortgage lending process developed in the seminal paper by Maddala and Trost (1982), has important implications for the regulation of financial institutions. It also reinforces findings of Rachlis and Yezer (1993) and Yezer, Phillips and Trost (1994). A review of recent empirical evidence on race differences in loan demand suggests that this factor may help explain mortgage loan application differentials.
Evolution of acoustic feature timing and imaging for different cylinder exposures and applications of reversible SAS filtering

When looking at acoustic scattering from a target near a flat surface, scattering mechanisms exist that may be attributed to interactions with the surface. These different mechanisms can be identified using the timing slope dt/dh, where dh signifies the change in the cylinder exposure. The slopes for the different mechanisms can be determined using ray theory. A technique involving Synthetic Aperture Sonar imaging can be used to isolate acoustic paths scattering directly off the target from those paths which have interacted with the surface after scattering off the target. This method is useful for quickly determining what type of mechanism is involved with a particular path, and in this paper is utilized to verify the identification of slopes. The case studied in this paper is a cylinder near a free surface.
RELATION BETWEEN ACTIVATION LEVEL AND PRODUCTION OF FANTASY

Sr~mmary.40 college students rated themselves at intervals on scales measuring anxiety, alertness, relaxation, and sleepiness. Subjects imagined a fantasy animal and then rated the animal's mood and activity level. Subjects' activation level tended to influence fantasy in a congruent direction. However, the amount of influence on fantasy production was not very great. To a remarkable extent, fantasies seemed to have a life of their own.
On the Planetary Theory of Copernicus

In 1958 A. Koyre spoke about “l’abandon de l’equant, ce haut titre de gloire de l’astronomie copernicienne”, adding that in the lunar theory “Copernic reussit la simplification la plus grande en la debarassant de l’equant (ce qui nous donne la mesure de son genie mathematique).”1
Late complications associated with the Fontan circulation

The recent significant reduction in operative mortality associated with surgical completion of the Fontan circulation is clearly multi-factorial. Better understanding of the fundamental physiological and anatomical issues have led to refinements in operative technique, early neutralization of potential risk factors, widespread use of a staged approach, and selective application of the concept of fenestration or incomplete partitioning. While further reduction of operative mortality is important, and may be anticipated in the future, major emphasis now must be placed on optimizing functional outcome, and understanding and managing the late complications associated with the unique physiology produced by the Fontan circulation.
On the robustness of nonlinearity tests to moment condition failure

Abstract This paper investigates the consequences of testing nonlinearities in data that suffer from moment condition failure. Simulation experiments indicate that tests designed to have maximal power against misspecification of the conditional variance seem to be especially sensitive to the nonexistence of moments. The relationship between findings of nonlinearity and moment condition failure is further investigated in a sample of daily stock returns. The empirical study shows that evidence of nonlinearity in stock returns cannot all be attributed to the nonrobustness of nonlinearity tests to moment condition failure. However, it is shown that most tests of nonlinearity are not reliable in testing situations involving heavy-tailed data.
Informal cognitive walkthroughs (ICW): paring down and pairing up for an agile world

Agile software teams' frequent releases and fast iterations present a growing need for rigorous user experience research methods that are faster, lighter-weight, and more flexible. To this end, we developed the Informal Cognitive Walkthrough (ICW). This agile research methodology grew organically, over the course of three years, while working with a very large agile software development team. ICWs involve conducting one or more Simplified 'Streamlined Cognitive Walkthroughs' (SSCW), followed by one or more Simplified 'Pluralistic Walkthroughs' (SPW). In this paper, we present the ICW and provide a real-world example of its application. Preliminary experiences with the method revealed potential advantages over traditional lab studies, ranging from more quickly uncovering and fixing usability issues, to a stronger collaboration between the disciplines, and to acting as a forcing function in aligning diverse engineers to deliver on a common user goal.
Single synaptic vesicles fusing transiently and successively without loss of identity

Vesicle fusion and recycling are particularly critical for ongoing neurotransmitter release in the small nerve terminals of the brain, which typically contain about 30 functional vesicles. However, the modes of exocytosis and endocytosis that operate at synapses of the central nervous system are incompletely understood. Here we show real-time visualization of a single vesicle fusing at a small synapse of the central nervous system, made possible by highly intensified charge-coupled device imaging of hippocampal synaptic terminals, in which a single vesicle was labelled with the fluorescent membrane marker FM1-43 (ref. 6). In a small number of cases, full loss of fluorescent membrane dye was elicited by a single action potential, consistent with classical complete collapse. In most cases, however, action potentials triggered only partial loss of fluorescence, suggesting vesicular retention of membrane marker, consistent with 'kiss-and-run' vesicle cycling. An alternative hypothesis of independent fusion of partially stained vesicles arising from endosomal splitting could be excluded by observations on the size and timing of successive fusion events. Thus, our experimental evidence supports a predominance of kiss-and-run fusion events and rapid vesicular re-use.
Further applications of pentachlorophenyl active esters in the synthesis of peptides

Pentachlorophenylaktivierte Ester von N-Carbobenzoxy-aminosauren verbinden sich in guten Ausbeuten mit Dicyclohexylaminsalzen von Aminosauren. Um die Hydrolyse zu vermeiden, wurde eine Kombination der Methoden der gemischten Anhydriden und pentachlorophenylaktivierten Estern zur Verlangerung der Peptidenketten benutzt.
Standard reference materials (SRM's) for measuring genetic damage

Standard reference materials were designed for the measurement of radiolytic products resulting from OH radical reaction with DNA in patients treated by radiation therapy. Deuterated thymine glycol and thymidine glycol are proposed as such SRM's; the synthesis of the former is described in detail. They might be of importance for optimising the therapy.
Nutrient Budgets for White-Tailed Deer in New England with Special Reference to Sodium

Estimates of nutrient consumption by white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) in north-central New Hampshire were compared to annual losses through feces, urine, hair replacement, reproduction, and annual growth. Balances or near balances were found for N, K, Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu. Female deer used approximately 18 times and males 8 times as much Na as was gained through consumption of terrestrial plants. Consumption of aquatic plants by deer, estimated by balancing Fe budgets, provides about ⅓ of the annual Na used. Deer in this area apparently meet their Na requirements along roadsides where NaCl is used for snow and ice control.
Structural studies of diaminocyclohexane-containing aza-crown ether macrocycles and their Zn(II) complexes

Abstract A series of C2-symmetrical, diaminocyclohexane-containing macrocycles has been shown to form Zn(II) complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry in methanol. The larger, more flexible members of the series (R)-2 and (R)-3 demonstrate similar behavior in that they undergo metal ion exchange slowly on the NMR timescale and exhibit spectra reflective of C2-symmetry at all temperatures studied. NMR, X-ray crystallographic, and molecular modeling studies suggest that Zn(II) coordination significantly enhances the conformational rigidity of (R)-2 and (R)-3 by enforcing anti conformations about both N-benzyl bonds. In contrast, the Zn(II) complex of the smallest, most rigid member of the series (R)-1 shows significant exchange broadening by 1H NMR at room temperature. Variable temperature NMR studies of this complex reveal asymmetry at low temperatures (−80 °C) and C2-symmetry at elevated temperatures (60 °C), indicating that the complex assumes a relatively long-lived asymmetrical conformation. Additionally, the ortho-linked naphthyl-containing macrocycle (R)-4 is shown by X-ray crystallography to possess a diaxial conformation in the solid state, which is thought to be stabilized by crystal packing forces.
Reactivation of L1 retrotransposon by benzo(a)pyrene involves complex genetic and epigenetic regulation.

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), is an environmental pollutant present in tobacco smoke and a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion that likely contributes to the tumorigenic processes in human cancers including lung and esophageal. Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 (LINE-1) or L1 is a mobile element within the mammalian genome that propagates via a “copy-and-paste” mechanism using reverse transcriptase and RNA intermediates. L1 is strongly expressed during early embryogenesis and then silenced as cells initiate differentiation programming. Although the complex transcriptional control mechanisms of L1 are not well understood, L1 reactivation has been described in several human cancers and following exposure of mouse or human cells to BaP. In this study we investigated the molecular mechanisms and epigenetic events that regulate L1 reactivation following BaP exposure. We show that challenge of HeLa cells with BaP induces early enrichment of the transcriptionally-active chromatin markers histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4Me3) and histone H3 acetylated at lysine 9 (H3K9Ac), and reduces association of DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) with the L1 promoter. These changes are followed by proteasome-dependent decreases in cellular DNMT1 expression and sustained reduction of cytosine methylation within the L1 promoter CpG island. Pharmacological inhibition of the proteasome signaling pathway with the inhibitor MG132 blocks degradation of DNMT1 and alters BaP-mediated histone epigenetic modifications. We conclude that genetic reactivation of L1 by BaP involves an ordered cascade of epigenetic events that begin with nucleosomal histone modifications and is completed with alterations in DNMT1 recruitment to the L1 promoter and reduced DNA methylation of CpG islands.
Recombinant Adenovirus Expressing Von Hippel-Lindau-Mediated Cell Cycle Arrest Is Associated with the Induction of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27Kip1☆

Abstract A recombinant adenovirus containing the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) cDNA was constructed (AdVHL) and used to investigate the function of this tumor suppressor gene. Exposure of renal and breast cancer cell lines to AdVHL resulted in high levels of VHL mRNA and protein. AdVHL infection resulted in G1 cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition of renal and breast cancer cell lines. AdVHL-mediated cell cycle arrest was associated with induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p27 Kip1 and inhibition of CDK2 and cyclinB1-dependent cdc2 activities. Nuclear run-on analyses and actinomycin D inhibition studies indicate that the induction of p27 Kip1 RNA by VHL is mediated at least in part through an increase in p27 Kip1 mRNA synthesis. Furthermore, [ 35 S]methionine pulse-chase studies indicate that the increase in p27 Kip expression is also regulated through posttranscriptional control mechanisms. These studies support a novel concept that the tumor suppressor gene VHL controls cell cycle progression by regulation of p27 Kip1 at both the mRNA and protein levels.
Last Word on Point:Counterpoint: Left ventricular volume during diastasis is the physiological in vivo equilibrium volume and is related to diastolic suction

to the editor: We thank the commentators for sharing their perspectives and we would like to expand on them as a group–with a focus on causation. Although equilibrium volume definitions may appear semantic, disagreement leads to experimentally differentiable consequences about suction, which as
Mind-controlled micro-biomanipulation with position sensing feedback: System integration and validation

An integrated micro-biomanipulation system that can perform mind-controlled biomanipulation at micro scale is presented in the paper. The system incorporates a non-invasive electroencephalogram (EEG) device with a high-precision automated micromanipulator through high speed network. The human manipulation mind measured by the EEG can effectively drive the micromanipulator to perform the 2-D manipulation on bio-samples at micro scale. During the manipulation, the trace of human manipulation mind or movement signal is monitored by a custom-built high-precision position sensing detector (PSD) interface unit. In addition, topographical properties of all 14 EEG channels from the operator corresponding to 2-D mind movements are plotted and preliminarily analyzed. Experimental results validate the performance of the developed network-enabled and mind-controlled micro-biomanipulation system. Further work will focus on using the system to investigate neurobiofeedback mechanisms or manipulation behaviors of human brain during micro-biomanipulation and microassembly, so as to facilitate developing high-efficiency strategy of engineering approaches in micro/nano level.
The return of magic

George Clement Bond and Diane M. Ciekawy (Eds.). 2001. Witchcraft dialogues . Anthropological and philosophical exchanges . Athens, OH: Ohio University Press. 344 pp. $26.00. ISBN 0 89680 220 5. Birgit Meyer and Peter Pels (Eds.). 2003. Magic and modernity . Interfaces of revelation and concealment . Stanford: Stanford University Press, 390 pp. $22.95. ISBN 0 8047 4464 5. Henrietta L. Moore and Todd Sanders (Eds.). 2001. Magical interpretations , material realities . Modernity, witchcraft and the occult in postcolonial Africa . London: Routledge, 253 pp. $25.95. ISBN 0415 258677. Magic is alive and well! Long banned from progressive ethnographic accounts for its implications of backwardness and primitivism, the concept of magic has been reclaimed from its prior function as a negative trope in the constructions of the exotic other and recast to elucidate a wide variety of social processes and practices. Like other once maligned but now rehabilitated conceptual tools of the anthropologist's kit – fetishism and syncretism are two that come to mind – magic has gained a new lease on life to judge from these three recent publications focused on the occult and its ever visible place in contemporary societies the world over. If the volumes under review can be said to share anything, it is precisely an interest in the newly discovered use of magic as an analytical category as well as the intent to contribute to the framing of this renewed anthropological interest. Despite their divergent analytical foci and their distinct uses of interchangeable terms such as the occult, witchcraft, sorcery or enchantment to describe local realities, all three propose approaches to the problem of magic that are both enlightening and rewarding for their attention to people's lived experience. All three also present collections of generally well-written and interpretively provocative essays that cover a wide range of issues from a wide range of cultural or historical spaces.
Equine estrogen metabolite 4-hydroxyequilenin induces anchorage-independent growth of human mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells: differential gene expression.

Abstract Long-term exposure to synthetic and endogenous estrogens has been associated with the development of cancer in several tissues. One potential mechanism of estrogen carcinogenesis involves catechol formation and these catechols are further oxidized to electrophilic/redox active o -quinones, which have the potential to both initiate and promote the carcinogenic process. Previously we showed that 4-hydroxyequilenin (4-OHEN) autoxidized to an o -quinone and caused a variety of damage to DNA. Since these deleterious effects could contribute to gene mutations, we investigated the Chinese hamster V79 cells to ascertain the relative ability of estradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol, 17β-hydroxyequilenin, 4,17β-hydroxyequilenin, estrone, 4-hydroxyestrone, equilenin, and 4-hydroxyequilenin to induce the mutation of the hypoxanthine–guanine phosphoribosyltransferase ( hprt ) gene. All the 4-hydroxylated catechols induced significantly more colony formations in V79 cells as compared to the parent phenols at 100 nM, suggesting that the catechol estrogen metabolites are more mutagenic towards the hprt gene than estrogens. Since 4-OHEN induced the highest mutation frequency, we examined a biomarker for transformation potential of this compound in MCF-10A cells using an anchorage-independent growth assay. Although 4-OHEN induced anchorage-independent growth of these cells, the isolated clones were not able to grow as tumors in vivo when injected into nude mice. These cells were assayed for genetic changes using cDNA microarrays. Real time RT-PCR confirmation of some of the differentially expressed genes showed down-regulation of metallothionein 2A , p53 , BRCA1 , and c- myc . Moreover, we showed the involvement of other genes important in cell transformation and oxidative stress, strengthening the hypothesis that this mechanism plays a considerable role in 4-OHEN-induced anchorage-independent growth.
Speculation on posture, locomotion, energy consumption, and blood flow in early hominids

Abstract Energy consumption and blood flow allocations were studied in human subjects who were induced to stand and walk in a bent-head, bent-knee way, which is one of the different bipedal behaviours that could be considered for the posture and locomotion of Australopithecus afarensis. In these subjects oxygen consumption was intermediate between modern humans standing/walking normally and humans standing/walking on all fours, and blood flow was lower for the internal carotid and subclavian arteries and higher for the external carotid and femoral arteries. When erect posture is similar to that of modern humans the demands of blood supply required by the general musculature are diminished in view of the relatively efficient modes of human posture and locomotion, but blood flow to the enlarged human brain is markedly increased.
A PROTEIN SUBUNIT OF BROMEGRASS MOSAIC VIRUS.

The protein and RNA of bromegrass mosaic virus were separated from each other by dialysis of the virus against 1 M -calcium chloride. In this medium the virus is degraded, the RNA is quantitatively precipitated and there remains a supernatant solution of viral protein. The protein obtained in this way was soluble in various buffers in the pH range 5·5 to 6·5 and exhibited a single symmetrical sedimenting boundary in the ultracentrifuge. Its molecular weight was 40,000 ± 2,000 as determined by the Ehrenberg method of approach to sedimentation equilibrium. Amino acid analyses indicated that there were about 52 lysyl plus arginyl residues per molecular weight of 40,000. Tryptic hydrolysis of urea-denatured protein yielded 23 soluble peptides and an insoluble residue amounting to about 20% by weight of the intact protein. From the number of soluble tryptic peptides and an assumed number of tryptic peptides in the insoluble residue it was concluded that the molecular weight of the protein subunit of bromegrass mosaic virus was slightly greater than 20,000 and that the protein moiety obtained by treatment with 1 M -CaCl 2 was a relatively stable dimer of the subunit. Partial separation of the soluble peptides resulting from tryptic hydrolysis was achieved on a preparative scale by column chromatography.