cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Fusion Pore Closure and Compound Exocytosis in Neuroendocrine PC12 Cells by SCAMP1

During exocytosis, neuroendocrine cells can achieve partial release of stored secretory products from dense core vesicles (DCVs) by coupling endocytosis directly at fusion sites and without full discharge. The physiological role of partial secretion is of substantial interest. Much is known about SNARE-mediated initiation of exocytosis and dynamin-mediated completion of endocytosis, but little is known about coupling events. We have used real-time microscopy to examine the role of secretory carrier membrane protein SCAMP1 in exo-endocytic coupling in PC12 cells. While reduced SCAMP1 expression is known to impede dilation of newly opened fusion pores during onset of DCV exocytosis, we now show that SCAMP1 deficiency also inhibits closure of fusion pores after they have opened. Inhibition causes accumulation of fusion figures at the plasma membrane. Closure is recovered by restoring expression and accelerated slightly by overexpression. Interestingly, inhibited pore closure resulting from loss of SCAMP1 appears to increase secondary fusion of DCVs to already-fused DCVs (compound exocytosis). Unexpectedly, reinternalization of expanded DCV membranes following compound exocytosis appears to proceed normally in SCAMP1-deficient cells. SCAMP1's apparent dual role in facilitating dilation and closure of fusion pores implicates its function in exo-endocytic coupling and in the regulation of partial secretion. Secondarily, SCAMP1 may serve to limit the extent of compound exocytosis.
A Linkage Map of Sweet Cherry Based on RAPD Analysis of a Microspore-Derived Callus Culture Population

A partial linkage map was constructed for the sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivar Emperor Francis from a population of 56 microspore-derived callus culture individuals. The callus cultures were genotyped for two allozymes and 90 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers using 79 random decanucleotide DNA primers and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eighty-nine markers mapped to 10 linkage groups totaling 503.3 cM. DNA blot and hybridization analysis using five cloned RAPDs as probes demonstrated that one of the decanucleotide primers amplified a region of the Emperor Francis genome containing a unique sequence, whereas the other four decanucleotide primers amplified regions of the Emperor Francis genome containing repeated sequences. The five cloned RAPD probes also recognized putative homologous regions in ground cherry, P.fruticosa Pall., and sour cherry, P. cerasus L., a naturally occurring allopolyploid between P.fruticosa and P.avium.
Temperature dependence of electronic energy transfers within B850 antennae of the NF57 mutant of the purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Abstract Two-color absorption difference experiments were performed using numerous pump-probe wavelength combinations within the B850 absorption band of NF57 (LH1-deficient) mutant chromatophores from the purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides . Bacteriochlorophyll a photobleaching/stimulated emission rise features are observed at 870 nm for pump wavelengths between 830 and 86- nm. They typically exhibit 80–100 fs kinetics at room temperature, and 250–300 fs kinetics at 19 K. For other wavelength combinations, the time evolution in the B850 absorption difference profiles is somewhat reminiscent of BChl a spectral equilibration in FMO trimers, antenna complexes with well-defined structure that are known to exhibit diagonal energy heterogeneity. Our results suggest the presence of diagonal disorder within the B850 band of individual LH2 antennae, possibly due to distortions from C n symmetry. The temperature dependence of B850 spectral equilibration is considerably less marked than that of spectral equilibration in FMO trimers.
Teaching and Assessing Content Knowledge in Preservice Physical Education.

(2010). Teaching and Assessing Content Knowledge in Preservice Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 81, No. 4, pp. 40-44.
The detection and treatment of artifacts in computer-controlled neurophysiological experiments

Pattern recognition algorithms may be employed on time-series data obtained in electrophysiological experiments to detect particular artifacts that would otherwise contaminate the experimental data. Such algorithms may be classified by the statistical properties of the data they test. Four representative algorithms are presented that, on the basis of prior experiments in our laboratory, perform satisfactorily to improve the quality of electrophysiological measurement.
Relationship of lifestyle and body stature growth with the development of myopia and axial length elongation in Taiwanese elementary school children.

Context: The development of myopia and growth of the eye, occur at a time when body stature is increasing. Aims: To investigate the relationship of lifestyle and body growth with axial elongation and myopia development among schoolchildren aged 7 to 9 years. Settings and Design: Prospective study. Materials and Methods: Children in elementary schools without serious eye disorders were invited to participate. We measured cycloplegic refraction, corneal curvature, intraocular pressure, axial length, body height, and weight. Questionnaires about the children's daily lifestyles, family members' myopia and parents' socio-demographic status were completed. The children were followed up every 6 months in a 3-year period. Statistical Analysis Used: Bivariate correlations, simple and multiple regression. Results: Eighty-eight children participated in this study. Forty-eight were myopic at the beginning of the study, and their myopia correlated with longer axial length and parental myopia (P = 0.015, 0.012). Sixty-five children (74%) completed the study, and the rates of change per year were -0.43 ± 0.58 (mean + standard deviation) diopters in spherical equivalence, 0.32 ± 0.25 mm in axial length (AL), 5.73 ± 2.71 cm in body height, and 3.84 ± 2.23 kg in weight. The axial length change was positively correlated with the height change (P < 0.001). The myopia shift was correlated to axial length change (P = 0.000) but not correlated to height change. Using multiple regression test, near work was the only significant risk factor for myopia progression (P = 0.022). Conclusions: Our study showed that body height increment was correlated to axial length elongation but not to myopia shift in children aged 7-9 years. Genetic factors such as parental myopia and body height had a possible influence on myopia development, and the environment factor as near work intensity was related to myopia progression.
Carbonation-Induced and Chloride-Induced Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Structures

AbstractCorrosion is one of the most critical problems that impair the durability of RC structures. Both carbonation-induced and chloride-induced corrosion widely prevail in civil infrastructure around the globe. Expansive products are formed due to corrosion at the interface between concrete and reinforcing bar (rebar). The cracking and spalling in concrete due to expanding corrosion products and the reduction in the cross-sectional area of rebar jeopardize the safety and serviceability of RC structures. From an outsider perspective, this literature review summarizes the state of the art on the mechanisms of the two types of corrosion, mechanical degradation in RC structures as a result of these mechanisms, the analytical methods to predict the basic parameters most related to corrosion, and the available laboratory and field corrosion measurement techniques.
On the chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols — Part I: Some stoichiometric aspects of the problem

Following a recent hypothesis on the role of activated sodium chloride particles as possible condensation and sublimation nuclei, an analysis of data given byC. Junge on the chemical composition of aerosols, is made. It is established that all reported giant nuclei fall into three distinct categories of composition and that within each of these categories the ratio of the sums of anions to the sums of cations for constituents for which analyses were made, remains remarkably constant throughout the days of sampling, and for both geographic positions at which sampling has been carried out. A dependence of the hydroxide-carbonate content, on that of nitrate is also indicated in the «alkaline» nuclei. The system is treated as a saturated solution, and it is shown by the procedure of continuous variations that singularities occur at particular ratios of the prevalent chemical groups in solution, possibly indicating formation of complex species. This, together with the presence of double salts in the solid phase may be partly the reason for the constancy of ratio of sums in the groups of particles studied byJunge, while the grouping itself may depend on the origin and subsequent transformations of the particles.
Conquest of a Worldwide Human Disease: Particle-Induced Periprosthetic Osteolysis

It is rare in the long history of human disease to encounter a completely unique disease. In the 21st century, when it does occur, the disease commonly is man-made, as is true for periprosthetic osteolysis. However, it also is rare to unravel the mysteries of a biologic process as complex as periprosthetic osteolysis in slightly longer than one generation and even less common to create the means for the worldwide prevention of an entire disease. Such is the story of periprosthetic osteolysis. The adventure from the iatrogenic creation of the disease to the identification of its pathology, to the understanding of its molecular biology and, subsequently, to its prevention, during a period of four decades, is a fascinating story of medical detective work.
Predictors and outcomes of adolescent bariatric support group attendance

Abstract Background Attending support groups connects adults undergoing bariatric surgery to peers and may improve weight loss efficacy. Predictors and outcomes of support group attendance of adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery are unknown. The objective of this cohort study was to determine the rate, predictors, and outcomes of support group attendance in a free-standing adolescent bariatric program. Methods Charts of 68 consecutive adolescents who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy were retrospectively reviewed, and demographic and anthropometric variables and support group and clinic visit attendance were recorded. Prospectively collected vitamin adherence data were also analyzed. Univariate analyses evaluated characteristics and multivariate analyses evaluated predictors of support group attendance, clinic visit attendance, and vitamin adherence. Results Of the 68 patients, one third attended 1–3 support sessions, one third attended ≥4, and one third were nonattenders. Greater distance from clinical center ( P = .01) and caregiver bariatric history ( P = .05) were associated with decreased attendance. Only high preoperative body mass index ( P P P = .03) and 12-month ( P P = .33). Conclusions Caregiver bariatric history and higher preoperative body mass index were associated with decreasing attendance at an adolescent bariatric support group program. This highlights a need to encourage attendance in these patients, because adolescent attendance at support group sessions was positively associated with greater adherence to scheduled clinic visits postoperatively, which may positively influence long-term outcomes.
Parameter identification for degrading and pinched hysteretic structural concrete systems

Hysteretic models are frequently used to predict the non-linear behavior of reinforced concrete structural systems. Such models are typically characterized by control parameters that have to be calibrated from observed experimental testing. A system identification methodology is presented in this paper for determining the values of control parameters in a continuously smooth hysteretic model for inelastic dynamic behavior of structural concrete systems. The technique is based on a modified Gauss-Newton approach in which a non-linear relationship between model parameters and the force-deformation or moment-curvature hysteretic loops is assumed. The methodology is applied to an extended version of the well known rate-dependent Bouc-Wen hysteretic model. Six control parameters are introduced into the model which influence the degrading characteristics and, therefore, represent the target parameters that need to be optimized. The versatility of the approach is demonstrated through sample simulations of observed behavior which are drawn from reinforced and partially prestressed concrete elements and subassemblages including beams, columns and beam-column joints. Studies of convergence of the proposed algorithm and sensitivity of the model to identified parameters is presented.
Build on Past Successes, Tackle Long-Term Challenges

D espite accusations that it ignored the region in order to focus on the Middle East and terrorism, the Bush administration actually devoted substantial attention to Asia, achieving some notable results. Relations with China are at a high point. The United States has bolstered its alliance with Japan and embarked on a new era of strategic cooperation with India. After several years of tension, relations with South Korea appear to be back on track. Both the nuclear stand-off with North Korea and the delicate situation in the Taiwan Strait look less prone to explode than they did only a few years ago. While it inherits a region, and a policy, in reasonably good order, the new administration will have to work hard to prevent its predecessor’s achievements in Asia from unraveling. The new president will also have to address some difficult long-term issues that have not yet been fully faced. Continued Sino-U.S. amity is by no means assured. In the near term the greatest threats to good relations will be economic rather than strategic. A protracted global recession may lead to heightened protectionist pressure from Congress. If the new president fails to resist, simmering trade tensions between the two Pacific powers could easily boil over. Despite the recent reduction in open hostility, the China-Taiwan issue is also far from settled. Taiwan’s newly elected president has shown a willingness to talk with China, but given the divisions among his own people he is unlikely to be able to make the concessions the mainland desires. If China’s leaders anticipate an early diplomatic breakthrough, they are destined for disappointment. Assuming that the new U.S. administration follows through on the long-standing commitment to supply Taiwan with
An improved image processing technique for asphalt concrete X-ray CT images

This paper presents a comparative evaluation of two image segmentation techniques for processing asphalt concrete microstructure images obtained with X-ray computed tomography (CT). These are the adaptive enhancement-based thresholding algorithm (AETA) and the watershed segmentation embedded into the volumetric-based thresholding algorithm (VTA). Both these methods were used to process the X-ray CT images of nine asphalt concretes. These consisted of three mix types, each prepared with three aggregate types. The mix designs included a coarse matrix high-binder Type C mix, a gap-graded porous friction course mix, and a fine-graded Superpave Type C (Superpave) mix. The three aggregate types included hard limestone, granite, and soft limestone. All mixtures were prepared with a PG 76-22 modified binder. The comparison of the two methods was carried out both visually and quantitatively. The later was accomplished by comparing the gradation estimated from the images using purpose-designed software to the grada...
A real-time ratiometric method for the determination of molecular oxygen inside living cells using sol-gel-based spherical optical nanosensors with applications to rat C6 glioma.

The first sol−gel-based, ratiometric, optical nanosensors, or sol−gel probes encapsulated by biologically localized embedding (PEBBLEs), are made and demonstrated here to enable reliable, real-time measurements of subcellular molecular oxygen. Sensors were made using a modified Stober method, with poly(ethylene glycol) as a steric stabilizer. The radii of these spherical PEBBLE sensors range from about 50 to 300 nm. These sensors incorporate an oxygen-sensitive fluorescent indicator, Ru(II)−tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) chloride ([Ru(dpp)3]2+), and an oxygen-insensitive fluorescent dye, Oregon Green 488-dextran, as a reference for the purpose of ratiometric intensity measurements. The PEBBLE sensors have excellent reversibility, dynamic range, and stability to leaching and photobleaching. The small size and inert matrix of these sensors allow them to be inserted into living cells with minimal physical and chemical perturbations to their biological functions. Applications of sol−gel PEBBLEs insert...
Choice Coding in Frontal Cortex during Stimulus-Guided or Action-Guided Decision-Making

To optimally obtain desirable outcomes, organisms must track outcomes predicted by stimuli in the environment (stimulus–outcome or SO associations) and outcomes predicted by their own actions (action–outcome or AO associations). Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are implicated in tracking outcomes, but anatomical and functional studies suggest a dissociation, with ACC and OFC responsible for encoding AO and SO associations, respectively. To examine whether this dissociation held at the single neuron level, we trained two subjects to perform choice tasks that required using AO or SO associations. OFC and ACC neurons encoded the action that the subject used to indicate its choice, but this encoding was stronger in OFC during the SO task and stronger in ACC during the AO task. These results are consistent with a division of labor between the two areas in terms of using rewards associated with either stimuli or actions to guide decision-making.
Milrinone Pharmacokinetics in Critically Ill Children 179

Introduction:We investigated the pharmacokinetic characteristics of milrinone in critically ill children, a group in which pharmacokinetic data are limited. Methods:Fourteen children were enrolled and received a loading dose followed by a continuous infusion. Four to 9 timed blood samples were collected from each patient: prior to milrinone, at the end of the loading dose (C1), ≈24 hours later (C2), prior to (C3), and after stopping the infusion. [Milrinone] of extracted serum samples was measured by HPLC. The milrinone half-life (t1/2), steady state clearance (CLss), and volume of distribution (Vd) were calculated assuming 1st-order elimination with an open 1-compartment model. Results: The loading dose of milrinone (48.5±1.9 mcg/kg) resulted in C1 of 185 ±60 ng/ml and continuous infusion (0.5 mcg/kg/min) was associated with C2 of 83.4 ± 29.1 ng/ml. At discontinuation of the drug (in 5.3 ± 2.7 days) C3 was 61.4 ± 18 ng/ml (C2 v C3, p=ns). CLss was 8.2 ± 2.7 ml/kg/min, Vd was 0.66± 0.38 L/kg, and t1/2 was 58 ± 38 minutes. One patient developed multi-organ system failure (MOSF) and received an infusion of 0.25 mcg/kg/min: C3 was 241 ng/ml, [milrinone] was >200 ng/ml 2 hours after stopping the infusion, CLss was 1.0 ml/kg/min and t1/2 was markedly prolonged (> 8 hours). Excluding the patient with MOSF, age was not correlated with any kinetic parameter. However, C2 increased with increasing serum creatinine and bilirubin (p 100 ng/ml)[2]. However, [milrinone] declined during the infusion, suggesting a need to study increased infusion rates in children. Milrinone should be used with great care or avoided entirely in children with MOSF.
Walking when utilizing a sensory feedback system and an electrical muscle stimulation gait orthosis

Abstract Electrical muscle stimulators (EMS) have been combined with a reciprocating gait orthosis (RGO) to produce an EMS-RGO system for constant velocity ambulation exercise in a spinal cord injured (SCI) individual. The objective of this study is to evaluate an auditory feedback system (AFS) used by the SCI subject when ambulating with the EMS-RGO. Three different types of auditory signals (M = metronome alone, MSL=metronome plus stride length information, and NONE=no auditory feedback) were examined at three different constant walking velocities (WV1 = 0.64 kph, WV2=1.22 kph, and WV3=1.80 kph). The experimental design was 3 × 3 full factorial with repeated measures, and the dependent variable was the absolute error (AE) of walking distance (absolute value of the distance the subject walked in one minute subtracted from the target distance). A block diagram and circuit schematic of the AFS is provided. The results indicate that at WV1 there is no significant difference of AE among the three auditory conditions (M, MSL and NONE). At WV2, the AE for the NONE auditory condition is significantly greater than the AE for M and MSL ( p p
High thermal variance in naturally incubated turtle nests produces faster offspring

The effects of climate change on populations are complex and difficult to predict, and can result in mismatches between interdependent organisms or between organisms and their environment. Reptiles with temperature-dependent sex determination may be able to compensate for potential skews in offspring sex ratio caused by climate change by selecting cooler (i.e., shadier) nest sites. Although changing nest location may prevent sex ratio skews, it may also affect thermally sensitive performance traits in offspring. I tested righting, sprinting, and swimming performance in hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), produced by female turtles from five populations across the species’ geographic range, nesting in a common-garden environment. I found that speed of hatchling performance was faster in hatchlings whose mothers originated from warmer climates, and that nests with higher mean daily variation in incubation temperature produced faster hatchlings. These results suggest that the increased temperatures predicted by climate change models could result in hatchling turtles that are faster at sprinting and swimming; however, it is not yet known how these performance measures translate into fitness.
Segmenting the Commercial Producer Marketplace for Agricultural Inputs

Abstract A cluster analysis procedure was used to develop a market segmentation of U.S. crop and livestock farms with annual sales in excess of $100,000. The segments were developed based on the importance of six factors that producers evaluate when selecting input suppliers. The results indicate that four distinct segments exist: Convenience buyers, Balance buyers, Price buyers, and Performance buyers. Differences in preferences across these segments have important implications for the marketing strategies of agricultural input suppliers.
Virtual screening against metalloenzymes for inhibitors and substrates.

Molecular docking uses the three-dimensional structure of a receptor to screen databases of small molecules for potential ligands, often based on energetic complementarity. For many docking scoring functions, which calculate nonbonded interactions, metalloenzymes are challenging because of the partial covalent nature of metal−ligand interactions. To investigate how well molecular docking can identify potential ligands of metalloenzymes using a “standard” scoring function, we have docked the MDL Drug Data Report (MDDR), a functionally annotated database of 95 000 small molecules, against the X-ray crystal structures of five metalloenzymes. These enzymes included three zinc proteases, the nickel analogue of an iron enzyme, and a molybdenum metalloenzyme. The ability of the docking program to retrospectively enrich the annotated ligands as high-scoring hits for each enzyme and to calculate proper geometries was evaluated. In all five systems, the annotated ligands within the MDDR were enriched at least 20 ti...
Woody plants modulate the temporal dynamics of soil moisture in a semi-arid mesquite savanna

Climate variability and human activities interact to increase the abundance of woody plants in arid and semi-arid ecosystems worldwide. How woody plants interact with rainfall to influence patterns of soil moisture through time, at different depths in the soil profile and between neighboring landscape patches is poorly known. In a semi-arid mesquite savanna, we deployed a paired array of sensors beneath a mesquite canopy and in an adjacent open area to measure volumetric soil water content (theta) every 30 min at several depths between 2004 and 2007. In addition, to quantify temporally dynamic variation in soil moisture between the two microsites and across soil depths we analysed theta time-series using fast Fourier transforms (FFT). FFT analyses were consistent with the prediction that by reducing evaporative losses through shade and reducing rainfall inputs through canopy interception of small rainfall events, the mesquite canopy was associated with a decline in high-frequency (hour-to-hour and day-to-day) variation in shallow theta. Finally, we found that, in both microsites, high-frequency theta variation declined with increasing soil depth as the influence of evaporative losses and inputs associated with smaller rainfall events declined. In this case, we argue that the buffering of shallow soil moisture against high-frequency variations can enhance nutrient cycling and alter the carbon cycle in dryland ecosystems.
Direct-write printing of multilayered appliqué antennas on high impedance surfaces

We present in this paper a number of powerful innovations we have recently developed for the printing of applique antennas, HISs, and similar devices. These innovations pertain specifically to very low temperature direct-write printing and include (1) the capability for printing highly conductive metal directly onto microwave laminate without damage to the laminate, and (2) printing multilayered structures composed of metal and low-loss dielectric layers. With these capabilities, for example, we have printed planar conductive antennas directly onto multilayered HISs, which themselves were printed directly onto standard microwave laminate.
Modeling and simulation of e-mail social networks: a new stochastic agent-based approach

Understanding how the structure of a network evolves over time is one of the most interesting and complex topics in the field of social networks. In our attempt to model the dynamics of such systems, we explore an agent-based approach to model growth of email-based social networks, in which individuals establish, maintain and allow atrophy of links through contact-lists and e-mails. The model is based on the idea of common neighbors, but also on a detailed specialization of the classical preferential attachment theory, thus capturing a deeper understanding of the topology of inter-node connections. In our event-based simulation that schedules the agents? actions over time, the proposed model is amenable to significant efficiency improvements through an application of the Gillespie stochastic simulation schemes. Computer simulation results are used to validate the model by showing that its unique features endow it with ability to simulate real-world email networks with convincing realism.
Telomere attrition in cancer cells and telomere length in tumor stroma cells predict chromosome instability in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a genome-wide analysis

Previous studies showed that chromosomal instability was common in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); however, the mechanisms underlying this instability are unknown. Individuals with deficiencies in telomere maintenance are susceptible to enhanced telomere loss during cell proliferation; such deficiencies could result in telomere dysfunction and genomic instability. We investigated the association between genome-wide chromosomal changes in cancer cells and telomere length/attrition in cancer/stroma cells in 47 ESCC patients. Genome-wide detection of loss of heterozygosity was performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Telomere length was assessed separately for cancer cells, carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF), infiltrative lymphocytes, and adjacent normal epithelial cells by quantitative fluorescent in situ hybridization using paraffin-embedded sections. Telomere length differed significantly among cell types, such that length in infiltrative lymphocytes > CAFs > cancer cells. Shortened telomeres were observed in cancer cells in 44 of 47 (94%) of the tumors examined. Telomere length in CAFs was significantly associated with chromosomal instability on 4q and 13q and lymphocyte telomere length was significantly associated with instability on chromosomal arms 15q. Although telomere length in cancer cells was not associated with chromosome arm instability, telomere attrition in cancer cells, defined as the telomere length in CAFs minus the telomere length in cancer cells, was significantly associated with chromosomal instability on 13q and 15q. This study provides evidence that telomere shortening is a common genetic alteration in ESCC and that chromosome arm instability is related to both telomere attrition in cancer cells and telomere length in tumor stroma cells.
Clinical Psychologists in the 2010s: 50 Years of the APA Division of Clinical Psychology

The American Psychological Association's Division of Clinical Psychology constitutes one of the oldest, largest, and most active organizations of clinical psychologists in the world. For 50 years, beginning with E. Lowell Kelly in 1960, researchers have chronicled the evolution of its membership and the transformation of clinical psychology in the United States. In this article, we highlight the continuity and change in clinical psychologists’ demographics, educations, theories, employment, activities, and satisfactions over a 50-year span. Results from the most recent, 2010 study (N = 588, 46% return rate) are summarized in both contemporary and historical contexts. Among the prominent trends are steady increases in the proportion of female and ethnic minority psychologists, the rise of Psy.D. graduates, the domination of the cognitive orientation, a relative decline in psychological assessment in general and projective testing in particular, the ascendancy of independent practice, and a pattern of high career satisfaction.
Corpus callosum morphology of Williams syndrome: relation to genetics and behavior

As the largest interhemispheric commissure in the brain, the corpus callosum is of particular interest in disorders that may preferentially affect white matter development such as Williams syndrome (WS). Individuals with WS possess a remarkable array of neurobehavioral peaks and valleys, including deficits in visuospatial ability, mathematics, and attention, but with relative preservation of language and affect. Our study measured the corpus callosum and its primary subdivisions using high-resolution MRI in 20 individuals with WS (13 females and seven males; mean age 28.5, SD 8.3 years; range 19 to 44 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched control participants (mean age 28.5, SD 8.2 years; range 19 to 48 years). Total midsagittal corpus callosum area was reduced (F=4.5, p=0.04, df=36) in the WS population. The area of the splenium (F=12.4, p=0.001, df=36) and isthmus (F=9.4, p=0.004, df=36) were disproportionately reduced in WS beyond the absolute reduction of the entire corpus callosum. These reductions are in concordance with other neuroanatomical findings of decreased parietooccipital volumes as well as the observed visuospatial problems associated with WS.
The Electrophysiology of the Hypothalamic Gonadotropic Hormone Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Pulse Generator in the Rhesus Monkey

The rhythmic pulsatile nature of gonadotropic hormone section first noted in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey (Dierschke et al., 1970) has since been described in every mammal studied in this regard (Pohl and Knobil, 1982). The original supposition that each gonadotropin pulse is the consequence of a pulse of GnRH released by the hypothalamus into the pituitary portal circulation has been amply confirmed (Carmel et al., 1976; Clarke and Cummins, 1982). These findings have given rise to the concept of a neuronal construct in the central nervous system which is responsible for the rhythmic activation of GnRH cells and the release of the neuropeptide from their terminals. While this system has been variously referred to as an oscillator or pulse generator for descriptive convenience, its cellular nature remains unknown. In the rhesus monkey, using conventional neuroendocrinological techniques, the pulse generator has been localized to the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) (Krey et al., 1975), and more specifically, to the area of the arcuate nucleus (Plant et al., 1978). An effort to detect the electrophysical basis of pulse generator activity was initiated in the late 1970’s and was based on the supposition that each bolus of GnRH released into the pituitary portal circulation must be the consequence of the synchronous firing of a large number of GnRH cells and that the approach most likely to detect their action potentials was the application of multiunit recording techniques as utilized earlier for the study of the macrocellular system in the rhesus monkey by Hayward and his colleagues (Hayward, 1977). Our initial approach utilizing single tungsten electrodes acutely placed in the region of the arcuate nucleus of anesthetized rhesus monkeys, while largely unsuccessful, occasionally yielded evidence of astonishing increases in multiunit electrical activity (MUA) coupled with pulses of LH as measured in the peripheral circulation (Dufy et al., 1979; Knobil, 1981). We assumed that the rarity of successful electrode placements were attributable to the sparsity of the active units in the hypothalamus and changed our strategy to the stereotaxic bilateral implantation of chronic multiple electrode arrays which blanketed the MBH (Wilson et al., 1984). This new approach yielded predictable results from one or more electrodes in most animals and permitted the systematic study of the pulse generator by direct, electrophysiological observation.
Mapping loci controlling vernalization requirement in Brassica rapa

Brassica cultivars are classified as biennial or annual based on their requirement for a period of cold treatment (vernalization) to induce flowering. Genes controlling the vernalization requirement were identified in a Brassica rapa F2 population derived from a cross between an annual and a biennial oilseed cultivar by using an RFLP linkage map and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of flowering time in F3 lines. Two genomic regions were strongly associated with variation for flowering time of unvernalized plants and alleles from the biennial parent in these regions delayed flowering. These QTLs had no significant effect on flowering time after plants were vernalized for 6 weeks, suggesting that they control flowering time through the requirement for vernalization. The two B. rapa linkage groups containing these QTLs had RFLP loci in common with two B. napus linkage groups that were shown previously to contain QTLs for flowering time. An RFLP locus detected by the cold-induced gene COR6.6 cloned from Arabidopsis thaliana mapped very near to one of the B. rapa QTLs for flowering time.
Efficient representation of induced currents on large scatterers using complex exponential functions

One of the major challenges in solving large-body scattering problems using rigorous numerical techniques is to overcome the burden of memory and CPU time requirements, arising from the need to employ a large number of unknowns to represent the induced current on the scatterer. Typically, general-purpose and robust techniques such as the method of moments (MoM) with subdomain basis functions are able to handle scatterers whose characteristic dimensions are only a few wavelengths. The author shows that the induced current on the smooth portions a large scatterer may be represented along linear contours on the surface of the scatterer in terms of a series of complex exponential functions comprising of only a handful of terms, typically four or five. Several observations can be made regarding the above approximation: (i) this type of current representation is valid not only for scatterers that are perfect conductors, but also for those coated with absorbers to reduce their RCS; (ii) the complex exponents may be used as entire domain basis functions in a MoM formulation; and, (iii) these numerically-derived basis functions vary slowly and smoothly with the frequency; hence, they may be initially extracted from induced current distributions at lower frequencies, and then extrapolated to higher frequencies for use as entire domain basis functions to drastically reduce the number of unknowns for large scatterers. Illustrative examples presented include a partially coated two-dimensional scatterer modeling a helicopter blade, and a three dimensional problem of a thin plate with edge treatments.
University methodology for internetworking principles and design projects

An undergraduate engineering internetworking learning environment that presents both internetworking principles and laboratory experimentation is described. The learning environment uses the source code availability of the Linux operating system as a case study of the implementation issues and ramifications of internet networking infrastructures. Laboratory use of experimentation with internetworking equipment and software allows interaction with internetworking principles and fundamentals as well as implementation and performance issues. The objectives of this environment include providing a comprehensive mechanism whereby students are exposed to fundamentals and principles that may readily be applied to experimental-based internetwork research and internetwork product development. A follow-on capstone design environment is also briefly described.
The Creative Patient

This article deals with the dynamics of poetry as an effective ancillary tool in clinical practice in dealing with individuals psychologically. In the hands of the professional clinician, poetry may be used efficaciously as a sharp, probing psychodiagnostic tool to assess patient malfunctioning, personality evaluation, and behavioral manifestations. Poetry therapy delineates the awareness of underlying tension and anxiety, and offers psychological release to hasten the healing process toward greater overall maturity, by revealing the individuality of the person. As a therapeutic process it helps the psychologist to recognize in the patient those attributes within the self that form the personality in action. The service function of poetry in a therapeutic format is stressed, with poetry utilized well in relation to sociological functioning of the individual as a distinct aspect of educational, psychological, and habilitation programs. The article considers background material and conceptualizations from t...
STEM and green IT

Most students know about Information Technology (IT) through the use of their PCs, laptops, IPads, smart phones, and all the social media used with those devices. Thus energy efficient IT (or Green IT), is an area that should grab their interest. Most schools in the U.S. use IT as a tool with their instruction. The student will need to understand the basics on data centers since data centers house the servers that students access when they use Google, Facebook, or any of the many Internet applications used by all users, young and old. This paper provides an overview on how Green IT is an excellent topic for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). An important aspect of the STEM project would be data centers. Data centers are found in nearly every sector of the economy including financial services, media, high-tech, universities, and government institutions. Dramatic server growth at data centers is indicated by well known web services such as Google, Amazon, and eBay. Estimates indicate that Google maintains over 450,000 servers, arranged in racks located in clusters in cities around the world. Google has major data centers in California, Virginia, Georgia, Ireland, and new facilities in Oregon and Belgium. In 2009 Google opened one of its first sites in the upper Midwest in Council Bluffs, Iowa, close to abundant wind power resources for fulfilling green energy objectives and proximate to fiber optic communications links. There are also thousands of servers for Amazon.com and eBay. It is estimated that the Second Life Internet-based virtual world launched in 2003 has over 9,000 servers. Even with these large numbers of current servers, IBM Consulting estimates that in the next decade server shipments will grow by six times and data storage by an amazing 69-fold. Green energy efficient data centers will help us reduce greenhouse gases – which in turn will help reduce global warming. The ongoing UN and White House sessions on climate change emphasize the environmental importance of green projects. Although the extent of the Global Warming danger may continue to be open to debate, implementing Green Data Centers presents a significant opportunity for all of us to help reduce greenhouse gasses. This paper will bring in case studies based on the authors experiences with energy efficient computing and experiences discussing Green IT with STEM students.
Introduction to Moms in Motion (MIM)

Lifestyle of the mother and father can lead to dramatic developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) effects on their offspring. Given the studies to date, the next logical step is to encourage good habits in expectant moms and couples who seek children. However, this is easier said than done. Even in middle-class individuals, it is difficult to break bad habits, even when ample evidence exists to indicate that they are bad for our own health, let alone the health of our children and several generations to follow.
Updated TDP-43 in Alzheimer’s disease staging scheme

In this study, we update the TDP-43 in Alzheimer’s disease staging scheme by assessing the topography of TDP-43 in 193 cases of Alzheimer’s disease, in 14 different brain regions (eight previously described plus six newly reported) and use conditional probability to model the spread of TDP-43 across the 14 brain regions. We show that in addition to the eight original regions we previously reported [amygdala, entorhinal cortex, subiculum, dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, occipitotemporal cortex, inferior temporal cortex, middle frontal cortex and basal ganglia (putamen/globus pallidum)] that TDP-43 is also deposited in the insular cortex, ventral striatum, basal forebrain, substantia nigra, midbrain tectum, and the inferior olive of the medulla oblongata, in Alzheimer’s disease. The conditional probability analysis produced six significantly different stages (P < 0.01), and suggests that TDP-43 deposition begins in the amygdala (stage 1), then moves to entorhinal cortex and subiculum (stage 2); to the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and occipitotemporal cortex (stage 3); insular cortex, ventral striatum, basal forebrain and inferior temporal cortex (stage 4); substantia nigra, inferior olive and midbrain tectum (stage 5); and finally to basal ganglia and middle frontal cortex (stage 6). This updated staging scheme is superior to our previous staging scheme, classifying 100 % of the cases (versus 94 % in the old scheme), based on criteria provided, and shows clinical significance with some regions and with increasing stage. We discuss the relevance of the updated staging scheme, as well as its impact on the prion-like hypothesis of protein spread in neurodegenerative disease. We also address the issue of whether frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 could be the primary pathology in stage 6.
Remyelination is critical for stroke recovery

Stroke is a major cause of worldwide death and disability. Numerous events are triggered in the brain after stroke onset, which together lead to irreversible non-selective brain cells death, including neurons, endothelial cells, oligodendrocytes etc. The only sufficient clinical treatment, recombination tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), limits its administration in patients due to its very narrow treatment window and the risk of hemorrhage. Many studies have been carried out to find new therapeutic treatments, which are generally categorized into drugs/chemokine/cytokine treatment, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, stem cell-based gene therapy and other physical therapy. These studies are mainly focused on reduction of inflammatory response, protection of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and promotion of angiogenesis and neurogenesis. After stroke, white matter is more vulnerable to deprivation of glucose and oxygen. A very vital component of whiter matter is oligodendrocytes, which ensheath the axons to form myelin and ensure proper pulse signal transduction. However, the studies on how to protect the integrity of white matter myelin, and promote the remyelination after stroke are much fewer than those for angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and remyelination are indispensable for neurobehavioral function recovery after stroke. The therapeutic treatments for remyelination should be treated as important as those for angiogenesis and neurogenesis during stroke recovery phase.
Pobreza y perseverancia: La misión jesuita de Isfahán y Shamakhi en el Irán Safaví tardío

This essay considers the presence and activities of the Jesuits in early modern Iran, a topic that, to date, has received little attention in English-language scholarship. It examines their motives for wanting to establish a permanent mission in Safavid territory in the mid-seventeenth century—a desire to bring Iran’s Gregorian Armenians under papal jurisdiction and, in part, their search for an overland route to India and China free from Portuguese influence—and discusses these in the context of Iranian concerns and interests. The study’s particular focus is the role of French and Polish Jesuits in the establishment of a mission in Isfahan and the subsequent creation of an outpost in Shamakhi, located in the Safavid-held part of the Caucasus, on the trade route between Iran and Russia. It concludes by evaluating their (meager) accomplishments despite perseverance in the face of poverty and loneliness.
Urgency, Motivation, and Group Performance: The Effect of Prior Success on Current Success Among Professional Basketball Teams

The extent to which confidence and motivation affect task performance is a controversial issue among social psychologists. Although most participants believe that prior success breeds present success, many researches have found no effect of prior performance on current performance. Contrary to the conventional view, I argue that in team competition, prior successs breeds failure in current task performance because it decreases the necessity of success. Conversely, I suggest that prior failure breeds current success because it increases the urgency of success. I test this argument with data on playoff games between professional basketball teams from 1947 through 1982
Eigenmode analysis of a high-gain free-electron laser based on a transverse gradient undulator

The use of a transverse gradient undulator (TGU) is viewed as an attractive option for free-electron lasers (FELs) driven by beams with a large energy spread. By suitably dispersing the electron beam and tilting the undulator poles, the energy spread effect can be substantially mitigated. However, adding the dispersion typically leads to electron beams with large aspect ratios. As a result, the presence of higher-order modes in the FEL radiation can become significant. To investigate this effect, we study the eigenmode properties of a TGU-based, high-gain FEL, using both an analytically-solvable model and a variational technique. Our analysis, which includes the fundamental and the higher-order FEL eigenmodes, can provide an estimate of the mode content for the output radiation. This formalism also enables us to study the trade-off between FEL gain and transverse coherence. Numerical results are presented for a representative soft X-ray, TGU FEL example.