cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The “Propaganda State” and Sino-American Rapprochement: Preparing the Chinese Public for Nixon’s Visit *

Studies of Sino-American rapprochement in 1972 have not sufficiently explored how the Chinese public, which had been taught to hate the American “imperialists,” learned (or was instructed) about the dramatic change. By analyzing Renmin Ribao (People’s Daily) and Cankao Xiaoxi (Reference News), an internal (neibu) newspaper circulated only among Chinese Communist Party cadres, this article examines how the Chinese government prepared the party and its people for rapprochement from 1969 through 1971. Reference News kept cadres posted about Washington’s overtures, Nixon’s expressed wish to visit China, and Mao’s willingness to receive him, among other items not shared with the wider public. Before official exchanges were agreed, the Chinese government conducted “people-to-people diplomacy” by inviting American “friends” and displaying them to the Chinese public through banquets, receptions, and ceremonies. People’s Daily, which offered intensive coverage to these visitors, was particularly important in promoting the atmosphere of friendship. Party leaders did not need the approval of the public and party workers, but they did take their response into account in making foreign policy, especially on dramatic changes. By evaluating the Chinese communication system and its handling of public opinion on relations with the United States, this article presents a more nuanced picture of the “propaganda state.”
The Effects of Neuromuscular Paralysis on Systemic and Splanchnic Oxygen Utilization in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Objective To evaluate the effect of neuromuscular paralysis on systemic and splanchnic oxygen utilization in patients in respiratory failure during controlled mechanical ventilation. Setting A university-affiliated teaching hospital. Intervention Mechanically ventilated patients, who were undergoing hemodynamic monitoring and who had a gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) of less than 7.35, were studied. Prior to paralysis, the patients were sedated with lorazepam and morphine to standard end points, and the cardiac output and oxygenation were optimized. The patients were then paralyzed with doxacurium and the ventilator rate adjusted to keep the PaCO 2 at baseline value. The hemodynamic and oxygenation profile and pHi were determined prior to paralysis and repeated 2 to 2.5 h later. Results Eight patients were studied; their mean age was 63±8 years and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score was 22±4. The mean fraction of inspired oxygen, positive end-expiratory pressure, and venous admixture ratio prior to the study was 0.7±0.14, 11.8±2.4 cm H 2 O, and 26±9%, respectively. Prior to paralysis, the mean set assist controlled ventilation rate was 15± 2 breaths/min and the patient rate was 23±5 breaths/min. With neuromuscular paralysis, the cardiac index fell from 4.6±2.2 to 4.3±2.4 L/min/m 2 (p=0.1), the oxygen delivery fell from 537±129 to 471±95 mL/min/m 2 (p=0.03), and the oxygen consumption and extraction ratio fell from 200±77 to 149±35 mL/min/m 2 (p=0.03) and 36±5 to 31±10, respectively (p=0.2). The pHi increased from 7.21±0.16 to 7.29±0.1 (p=0.02). Conclusion In critically ill patients in respiratory failure, neuromuscular paralysis decreases whole body oxygen consumption and increases pHi. Presumably, by eliminating the work of breathing, there is a redistribution of blood flow from the respiratory muscles to the splanchnic and other nonvital vascular beds.
The F-box Protein β-TrCp1/Fbw1a Interacts with p300 to Enhance β-Catenin Transcriptional Activity

Hyperactivated β-catenin is a commonly found molecular abnormality in colon cancer, and its nuclear accumulation is thought to promote the expression of genes associated with cellular proliferation and transformation. The p300 transcriptional co-activator binds to β-catenin and facilitates transcription by recruiting chromatin remodeling complexes and general transcriptional apparatus. We have found that β-TrCp1/Fbw1a, a member of the Skp1/Cullin/Rbx1/F-box E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, binds directly to p300 and co-localizes with it to β-catenin target gene promoters. Our data show that Fbw1a, which normally targets β-catenin for degradation, works together with p300 to enhance the transcriptional activity of β-catenin, whereas other F-box/WD40 proteins do not. Fbw1a also cooperates with p300 to co-activate transcription by SMAD3, another Fbw1a ubiquitylation target, but not p53 or HIF-1α, which are substrates for other ubiquitin ligase complexes. These results suggest that, although Fbw1a is part of a negative feedback loop for controlling β-catenin levels in normal cells, its overexpression and binding to p300 may contribute to hyperactivated β-catenin transcriptional activity in colon cancer cells.
A knowledge-rich approach to identifying semantic relations between nominals

This paper describes a state-of-the-art supervised, knowledge-intensive approach to the automatic identification of semantic relations between nominals in English sentences. The system employs a combination of rich and varied sets of new and previously used lexical, syntactic, and semantic features extracted from various knowledge sources such as WordNet and additional annotated corpora. The system ranked first at the third most popular SemEval 2007 Task -Classification of Semantic Relations between Nominals and achieved an F-measure of 72.4% and an accuracy of 76.3%. We also show that some semantic relations are better suited for WordNet-based models than other relations. Additionally, we make a distinction between out-of-context (regular) examples and those that require sentence context for relation identification and show that contextual data are important for the performance of a noun-noun semantic parser. Finally, learning curves show that the task difficulty varies across relations and that our learned WordNet-based representation is highly accurate so the performance results suggest the upper bound on what this representation can do.
Sensory factors in eating behavior

Before foods or fluids can affect behavior, they must be sensed. Olfaction, touch, temperature, and pain (e.g., chili peppers) are all sensations associated with food. Taste appears to be tuned to nutrients. Sugars are sweet, NaC1 is salty, and many poisons are bitter. Olfaction, on the other hand, appears to be organized to identify foods holistically (e.g., bacon, pizza, peanut butter, etc.) rather than to identify the nutrients within them. The roles of the other senses in food perception are less clear. Some differences in the ability to taste and smell are genetic, age changes taste and smell differentially (age affects smell much more than taste), and pathology, disease, and treatments for disease may affect taste and smell. Species differences in taste and smell place limitations on animal models. Sensory studies have an important role in studies of eating behavior.
DINUCLEAR, METAL-METAL-BONDED PLATINUM(III) COMPOUNDS. 4. STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF SEVERAL COMPOUNDS WITH SULFATE OR HYDROGENPHOSPHATE IONS

Abstract Three compounds containing Pt26+ units have been accurately characterized by X-ray crystallography: K2[Pt2(SO4)4(H2O)2], 1; Na2[Pt2(HPO4)4(H2O)2], 2; [(C5H5)4N]2[Pt2(H2PO4)2·(HPO4)2Cl2·H2O, 3. All three compounds crystallized in space group P 1 . Crystallographic data are as follows. For compound 1: a = 7.453(3) A, b = 7.524(3) A, c = 7.593(3) A, α = 102.01(4)°, β = 111.45(3)°, γ = 99.80(3)°, V = 373.1(9) A3, A = 1. For compound 2: a = 7.912(1) A, b = 7.893(2) A, c = 13.732(4) A, α = 82.66(2)°, β = 98.29(2)°, γ = 144.27(2)°, V = 780.2(6) A3, Z = 2. For Compound 3: a = 10.136(3) A, b = 11.660(6) A, c = 8.392(3) A, α = 111.30(3)°, β = 88.04(3)°, γ = 109.47(2)°, V = 867.0(6) A3, Z = 1. The PtPt distances (A) in the three compounds are: 1, 2.461(1); 2, 2.487(2), 2.485(1); 3, 2.529(1). The structure of compound 1 was reported earlier by others but not fully refined or described. The structure of compound 2 is here reported fully for the first time. Compound 3 is a new compound with an unprecedented assortment of H2PO4− and HPO22− and HPO42− bridging ligands. In each of the three compounds the Pt2(O2XO2)4 arrengement entails non-planar Pt2O2X ings, all bent in the same direction to afford C4h symmetry. The outer PO and POH bonds can be distinguished by their different lengths. The PtPt distance in 3 is appreciably longer than any other one for a species of this general class.
Synthesis of Oligonucleotides Containing the Alkali-Labile Pyrimidopurinone Adduct, M1G

An improved method for the synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing the endogenous adduct, pyrimido[1,2-a]purin-10(3H)-one (M1G), is reported. The key features of the methodology include improved synthesis of the deoxynucleoside of M1G by transribosylation with deoxycytidine catalyzed by nucleoside 2‘-deoxyribosyltransferase and the use of commercially available 4-tert-butylphenoxyacetyl protecting groups for normal nucleotides. Facile deprotection and removal of the M1G-containing oligomers from the solid support were achieved by treatment with a solution of potassium carbonate in methanol. NMR studies were performed to determine the stability of the oligonucleotides at different pHs.
The Theory of Reasoned Action A Case Study of Falsification in Psychology

Although Fishbein and Ajzen’s theory of reasoned action has been a leading theory in social psychology for the last few decades, it also has been an object of criticism for much of that period and subject to definitional issues about what an attitude is. One of the main recent criticisms is that the theory is not falsifiable. In contrast, I argue not only that the theory makes risky predictions, and hence is falsifiable under reasonable standards of falsification, but also that at least one of its assumptions has actually been falsified. This specific argument is used to set up a more general argument that psychologists tend to subscribe to a naive falsificationist viewpoint, invalidly use this viewpoint to evaluate theories, and thereby prevent important empirical research from being performed.
Power, Risk, and the Status Quo: Does Power Promote Riskier or More Conservative Decision Making?

Two experiments suggest that the experience of power can interact with a person's level of power motivation to produce effects on risky decision making. In Study 1, assignment to a position of power increased risk taking among participants with low levels of power motivation but reduced risk taking among participants with high levels of power motivation. In Study 2, participants high in power motivation again made more conservative decisions, but only under circumstances in which the dominance hierarchy was unstable and there was potential for losing their power. When power was irrevocable and participants' choices had no bearing on their ability to retain power, both high and low power-motivated participants responded by making riskier decisions. Findings suggest that although power may generally lead to riskier decisions, power may lead to more conservative decisions among power-motivated individuals, especially when the status quo is perceived to be in jeopardy.
The single crystal electronic spectra of dichlorodipyridinenickel(II) and dichlorodiquinolinenickel(II) complexes

Abstract The single crystal electronic spectra of tetragonal [NiL2Cl2], where L = pyridine and quinoline, complexes have been measured with polarized light at liquid N2 temperature. The bands in the spectra of the dipyridine complex were polarized and thus assigned on the basis of the D4h vibronic intensity mechanism, whereas the spectra of the diquinoline complex did not show any distinctive polarization characteristics and were assigned assuming the same order of energy levels as in the dipyridine complex. Our assignments of the spectra of both systems differ from those published earlier by others. The assigned absorption maxima in the dipyridine system were fitted with the predicted energy equations by extracting electron repulsion, spin—orbit, and ligand-field symmetry parameters and compared with those obtained earlier by us for the [Ni(py)4Cl2] system. It was found that either the ligand-field symmetry parameters or the translated molecular orbital bonding parameters are not transferable between these two systems.
The Effect of Chlorine on PAH, Soot, and Tar Yields From a Jet Stirred/Plug Flow Reactor System

Abstract The effect of Cl on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), soot, and tar yields from fuel rich combustion is studied using a jet-stirred reactor close-coupled with a plug flow reactor system (JSR/PFR). The JSR provides input to the PFR from the fuel rich (φJSR = 2.2) combustion of C2H4/O2/N2, and chlorine is introduced into this stream at the PFR inlet via addition of CH3Cl (φPFR = 2.3). This experimental condition is compared to second condition where C2H4 is added (φPFR = 2.3) to the PFR in lieu of CH3Cl. PAH yields are seen to increase under both conditions at early PFR residence limes, while coming to an equilibrium value, or even decreasing in concentration at the end of the PFR. However, the yield of cyclopenta(cd)pyrene, a major human and bacterial cell mutagen, is suppressed with Cl present by as much as 90% near the end of the PFR, while benzo(a)pyrene, a major human carcinogen, shows a decrease in yield of about 25%. Tar (defined as total CH2Cl2 soluble material) is split into a low mol...
Calcium carbonate whites

Topics discussed include: calcite, marble, and limestone; chalk; prep aration; history of use; synthetic or precipitated calcium carbonate; lime white; shell white; coral; color; optical properties of calcite; physical properties; chemical properties; permanance and compatibility; purity of composition; identification; particle characteristics; microchemical tests; emission spectrographic analysis, x-ray diffraction, x-ray spectrometric and electron probe analysis; infra-red absorption spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis and radiography. Extensive micrographic illustration, charts and tables are included. Occurrences of chalk on paintings are given in several tables. For example, Joyce Plesters reports occurrences of chalk in paintings of European schools examined in the scientiflc department of the National Gallery in London.
Image object adaptation in variable data printing

In variable data printing (VDP), it is desirable to automatically fit an arbitrary shaped image object into an arbitrarily shaped copy hole in a template with maximized use of the available space. In this paper, we describe a practical image processing method that segments out the object and determines the scale and translation factors for the optimal fitting. For our application, an image object is placed on a uniformed color background in a JPEG compressed image file. The compression artifacts around the object boundary area complicate object segmentation. In order to identify object boundary precisely, we developed an orientation-dependent adaptive region growing method, which significantly improve the boundary accuracy. In the first step, we identify the background pixels using zero thresholding. Connectivity analysis is then performed to remove very small blobs. Mathematical morphological operations are applied to background pixels in order to smooth the border. In the second step, object boundaries are refined using the proposed orientation-dependent adaptive region growing. In determining the optimal scale and translation, we use an image-based exhaustive search algorithm that steps through a set of scaling factors in descending order until a complete fit is found. The exit scaling factor along with the associated mass center of the feasible translations are then used for the object placement.
Conceptual basis of animal models in psychiatry: A conference summary

Abstract Future progress in selected areas of psychiatric research will depend upon use of animal models. The incorporation of such models into clinical psychiatry needs to be done carefully and in a way not only consonant with descriptive psychiatry and cellular-molecular biology, but also with evolutionary biology and related fields. This report summarizes critical concepts of evolutionary biology that provide a framework for relating animal modeling research to clinical issues.
Changing target size is a stimulus for accommodation

Accommodation was monitored by using a high-speed infrared optometer while subjects viewed a target that appeared to approach and recede in a sinusoidal manner. The target was presented under open-loop conditions to prevent blurring because of accommodation. The experiments suggest that changing target size can be an effective stimulus on its own. This supports the view that accommodation responds to both dioptric and nondioptric stimuli.
HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INDUCES STAGE-SPECIFIC EMBRYONIC ANTIGEN 1 IN DIFFERENTIATING HUMAN TERATOCARCINOMA CELLS AND FIBROBLASTS

Cell surface expression of stage specific embryonic antigen 1 (SSEA-1), or Lex (III3 FucnLC4), was induced in differentiated human teratocarcinoma cells and in human diploid fibroblasts 3-6 d after infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In parallel, fucosylated lactoseries glycolipids bearing the SSEA-1/Lex epitope were readily detected in the infected cells but not in the uninfected cells. HCMV infection also results in altered expression of several glycosyltransferases. SSEA-1/Lex induction is probably a consequence of both increased expression of beta 1----3N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in lactoseries core chain synthesis, and subtle alterations in the relative competition for common precursor structures at key points in the biosynthetic pathway. Since SSEA-1 has been suggested to play a role in some morphogenetic cell-cell interactions during embryonic development, the induction of this antigen at inappropriate times might provide one mechanism whereby intrauterine infection with HCMV can damage the developing fetal nervous system.
Modal Based Geometric Stiffening Formulation for Dynamics Simulation of Multibody Systems

This work concerns the implementation of nonlinear modal reduction to flexible multi-body dynamics. Linear elastic theory will lead to instability issues with rotating beamlike structures, due to the neglecting of the membrane-bending coupling on the beam cross-section. During the past decade, considerable efforts have been focused on the derivation of geometric nonlinear formulation based on nodal coordinates. In this work, in order to improve the convergence characteristic and also to reduce the computation time in flexible multi-body dynamics, which is extremely important for complicated large systems, a standard modal reduction procedure based on matrix operation is developed with essential geometric stiffening nonlinearities retained in the equation of motion. The example used in this work is a rotating Euler-Bernoulli beam, two nonlinear reduced models were established based on modal coordinates, the first reduced model created from theoretical bending and axial mode shapes by Galerkin method; the second reduced model is derived by the standard matrix operator from a full finite element model. Transient simulation results of lower degrees of freedom from above two reduced models are compared with those obtained from full nonlinear finite element model.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Wigner function in signal processing of nanostructures

To demonstrate the potential of the Wigner function in the processing of signals with very low SNR such as those generated by nanostructures, we present the results from two preliminary studies: visualization of the frequency content of a simulated signal of SNR as low as 0.2, and the recovery of the current density from the simulated magnetic field at a separation of z=10μm.
Onze timmy heeft mondkanker

Een kwaadaardige aandoening in de mond van een familielid. Dat is niet plezierig. Ook niet als het familielid vier poten en een staart heeft.
Simulated herbivory induces extrafloral nectary production in Prunus avium

1. Induced chemical responses to herbivory have been widely documented, however less attention has been given to the induced morphological defences, particularly those that mediate protection mutualisms. One of the most widely studied mutualisms is the ant-plant protection mutualism, in which ants and other predatory arthropods defend plants against herbivores in exchange for food or housing. 2. Chemical and morphological traits that mediate this protection mutualism attract beneficial partners to plants. Thus induction of traits can lead to greater protection by mutualists when herbivores are present. In this study we examined whether extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are induced in response to simulated herbivory in Prunus avium. 3. In a greenhouse experiment, continuous damage to seedlings was simulated in two treatments intended to mimic different types of herbivores: (i) 50% of the area of each leaf was removed using a paper hole punch (e.g. insect herbivore simulation), and (ii) 50% of the area of each leaf was removed using scissors (e.g. browsing mammal simulation). Seedlings in the control group were not damaged. 4. Post-treatment, damaged plants produced significantly more EFNs per leaf on pre-existing leaves, as well as those that emerged following the onset of damage, than plants in the control group. Regardless of treatment, leaves emerging earlier supported fewer EFNs than leaves emerging later in the experiment. 5. Allocation to defence by seedlings, which have limited resources available, suggests the protection mutualism could be important to plant fitness in the field. Further study of patterns of EFN induction in P. avium seedlings is needed to better understand the significance of this induced response.
Regulation of sodium and potassium in muscle fibers of the ventricle of Union, a fresh-water lamellibrach

Abstract 1. 1. Union ventricle tissue loses potassium and gains sodium in the absence of external potassium. The muscle regions K + and extrudes Na + when returned to potassium-containing medium. Ouabain and 2,4-dinitrophenol, when placed in the pottasium containing medium, inhibit the net movements of both Na + and K + . 2. 2. These results suggest that sodium, and possibly potassium, are actively transported. The stoichiometry of potassium and sodium fluxes suggests coupled transport. 3. 3. The rate of unidirectional sodium efflux was reduced by the removal of external potassium, which is consistent with coupled transport of K + and Na + .
Correlation between nanosecond X-ray flashes and stick–slip friction in peeling tape

Triboluminescence is an optical phenomenon sometimes seen when there is relative motion between two contacting surfaces. Everyday examples include sugar cubes or candies that are rubbed together, and many adhesive tapes will emit a flash of light when they are ripped from a surface. Physicists from the University of California at Los Angeles set out to characterize 'sticky tape' triboluminescence, with surprising results. The energy released by peeling sticky tape in a vacuum was observed to extend into the X-ray regime, and was of sufficient intensity to be used for X-ray photography. The developed X-ray is superimposed over a view of the experimental set-up. The energy concentrating process at work here poses an interesting challenge for the theorists, since the limits on energies and flash widths involved are beyond the predictions of current theories. Relative motion between two contacting surfaces can produce visible light, a process known as triboluminescence. Scientists now fully characterize the energy emissions from peeling sticky tape in a vacuum and show the generation of X-rays with sufficient intensity that they were used for X-ray imaging. Relative motion between two contacting surfaces can produce visible light, called triboluminescence1. This concentration of diffuse mechanical energy into electromagnetic radiation has previously been observed to extend even to X-ray energies2. Here we report that peeling common adhesive tape in a moderate vacuum produces radio and visible emission3,4, along with nanosecond, 100-mW X-ray pulses that are correlated with stick–slip peeling events. For the observed 15-keV peak in X-ray energy, various models5,6 give a competing picture of the discharge process, with the length of the gap between the separating faces of the tape being 30 or 300 μm at the moment of emission. The intensity of X-ray triboluminescence allowed us to use it as a source for X-ray imaging. The limits on energies and flash widths that can be achieved are beyond current theories of tribology.
Teaching Principles of Economics Without Lectures.

Lectures have generally been considered essential to good instruction. Indeed, some colleges have severely penalized truant students who dared absent themselves from the lecture hall. In this article, McConnell and Lamphear present important evidence that “students taking principles of economics with lectures, and those taking the course on a lectureless basis [perform] equally well on an intensive battery of objective examinations.”
Survival outcomes for patients with stage IVB vulvar cancer with grossly positive pelvic lymph nodes: Time to reconsider the FIGO staging system?

Objective To evaluate treatment outcomes for patients with vulvar cancer with grossly positive pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs).
RSFQ arithmetic blocks for DSP applications

We have designed a Rapid Single-Flux-Quantum (RSFQ) bit-serial real-time pipeline multiplier for digital signal processing (DSP) applications. A single-bit module of this multiplier consists of 96 Josephson junctions and uses a B-flip-flop-based carry-save adder (CSA). For HYPRES' standard 1-kA/cm/sup 2/ Nb process with 3.5 /spl mu/m-diameter Josephson junctions the module occupies all area of 350/spl times/600 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. Simulations show that the circuit should dissipate 28 /spl mu/W of power at 2.6 mV dc supply voltage and operate at frequencies of up to 25 GHz. We have successfully tested all cells of the module and verified correct operation of a simplified version of the module at low frequencies. According to numerical simulations, the speed of the multiplier is limited by the CSA. In order to overcome this bottleneck we have developed a concept of a fast carry-save pipeline adder based on XOR gates which uses an RSFQ-specific algorithm for carry bit calculation. >
Personalized Decision Support in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Current Evidence and Future Directions

The management of type 2 diabetes comprises a complex series of medical decisions regarding goals of care, self-care behaviors, and medical treatments. The quality of these medical decisions is critical to determining whether an individual diabetes patient is treated appropriately, overtreated, or undertreated. It is hypothesized that the quality of these medical decisions can be enhanced by personalized decision support tools that summarize patient clinical characteristics, treatment preferences, and ancillary data at the point of care. We describe the current state of personalized diabetes decision support on the basis of 13 recently described tools. Three tools provided support for personalized decisions based on preferences, while the remaining 10 provided support for treatment decisions designed to achieve standard diabetes goals. For the tools that supported personalized decisions, patient participation in medical decisions improved. Future decision support tools must be designed to account for both clinical characteristics and patient preferences.
Lower potassium intake is associated with increased wave reflection in young healthy adults

Increased potassium intake has been shown to lower blood pressure (BP) even in the presence of high sodium consumption however the role of dietary potassium on vascular function has received less attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between habitual intake of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) and measures of arterial stiffness and wave reflection. Thirty-six young healthy adults (21 M, 15 F; 24 ± 0.6 yrs; systolic BP 117 ± 2; diastolic BP 63 ± 1 mmHg) recorded their dietary intake for 3 days and collected their urine for 24 hours on the 3rd day. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the synthesis of a central aortic pressure waveform (by radial artery applanation tonometry and generalized transfer function) were performed. Aortic augmentation index (AI), an index of wave reflection, was calculated from the aortic pressure waveform. Subjects consumed an average of 2244 kcals, 3763 mg Na, and 2876 mg of K. Average urinary K excretion was 67 ± 5.3 mmol/24 hr, Na excretion was 157 ± 11 mmol/24 hr and the average Na/K excretion ratio was 2.7 ± 0.2. An inverse relationship between AI and K excretion was found (r = -0.323; p 0.05). Reflection magnitude, the ratio of reflected and forward waves, was significantly associated with the Na/K excretion ratio (r = 0.365; p 0.05) but showed an inverse relationship with K excretion (r = -0.308; p < 0.05). These data suggest that lower potassium intakes are associated with greater wave reflection and stiffer arteries in young healthy adults.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Amyloid β Dimer Formation

Recent experiments with amyloid b (Ab) peptide indicate that formation of toxic oligomers may be an important contribution to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The toxicity of Ab oligomers depends on their structure, which is governed by assembly dynamics. Due to limitations of current experimental techniques, a detailed knowledge of oligomer structure at the atomic level is missing. We introduce a molecular dynamics approach to study Ab dimer formation. 1), We use discrete molecular dynamics simulations of a coarse-grained model to identify a variety of dimer conformations; and 2), we employ all- atom molecular mechanics simulations to estimate thermodynamic stability of all dimer conformations. Our simulations of a coarse-grained Ab peptide model predicts 10 different planar b-strand dimer conformations. We then estimate the free energies of all dimer conformations in all-atom molecular mechanics simulations with explicit water. We compare the free energies of Ab(1-42) and Ab(1-40) dimers. We find that 1), dimer conformations have higher free energies compared to their corresponding monomeric states; and 2), the free-energy difference between the Ab(1-42) and the corresponding Ab(1-40) dimer conformation is not significant. Our results suggest that Ab oligomerization is not accompanied by the formation of thermodynamically stable planar b-strand dimers.
MEASUREMENT ERROR IN RESEARCH ON THE HUMAN RESOURCES AND FIRM PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIP: FURTHER EVIDENCE AND ANALYSIS

Our earlier article in Personnel Psychology demonstrated how general-izability theory could be used to obtain improved reliability estimates in the human resource (HR) and firm performance literature and that correcting for unreliability using these estimates had important implications for the magnitude of the HR and firm performance relationship. In their comment, Huselid and Becker both raise criticisms specific to our study and broad issues for the field to consider. In our present article, we argue, using empirical evidence whenever possible, that the issues and criticisms raised by Huselid and Becker do not change our original conclusions. We also provide new evidence on how the reliability of HR-related measures may differ at different levels of analysis. Finally, we build on Huselid and Becker's helpful discussion of broad research design and strategy issues in the HR and firm performance literature in an effort to help researchers make better informed choices regarding their own research designs and strategies in the area.
Tail kinematics of the chub mackerel Scomber japonicus: testing the homocercal tail model of fish propulsion

Scombrid fishes possess a homocercal caudal fin with reduced intrinsic musculature and dorso-ventrally symmetrical external and internal morphology. Because of this symmetrical morphology, it has often been assumed that scombrid caudal fins function as predicted by the homocercal tail model. According to that model, the caudal fin moves in a dorso-ventrally symmetrical manner and produces no vertical lift during steady swimming. To test this hypothesis, we examined the tail kinematics of chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus (24.8+/-1.3 cm total length, L). Markers were placed on the caudal fin to identify specific regions of the tail, and swimming chub mackerel were videotaped from lateral and posterior views, allowing a three-dimensional analysis of tail motion. Analysis of tail kinematics suggests that, at a range of swimming speeds (1.2-3.0 L s(-)(1)), the dorsal lobe of the tail undergoes a 15 % greater lateral excursion than does the ventral lobe. Lateral excursion of the dorsal tail-tip also increases significantly by 32 % over this range of speeds, indicating a substantial increase in tail-beat amplitude with speed. In addition, if the tail were functioning in a dorso-ventrally symmetrical manner, the tail should subtend an angle of 90 degrees relative to the frontal (or xz) plane throughout the tail beat. Three-dimensional kinematic analyses reveal that the caudal fin actually reaches a minimum xz angle of 79.8 degrees. In addition, there is no difference between the angle subtended by the caudal peduncle (which is anterior to the intrinsic tail musculature) and that subtended by the posterior lobes of the tail. Thus, asymmetrical movements of the tail are apparently generated by the axial musculature and transmitted posteriorly to the caudal fin. These results suggest that the caudal fin of the chub mackerel is not functioning symmetrically according to the homocercal model and could produce upward lift during steady swimming.
Temperature-driven coral decline: the role of marine protected areas

Warming ocean temperatures are considered to be an important cause of the degradation of the world’s coral reefs. Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been proposed as one tool to increase coral reef ecosystem resistance and resilience (i.e. recovery) to the negative effects of climate change, yet few studies have evaluated their efficacy in achieving these goals. We used a high resolution 4 km global temperature anomaly database from 1985–2005 and 8040 live coral cover surveys on protected and unprotected reefs to determine whether or not MPAs have been effective in mitigating temperature-driven coral loss. Generally, protection in MPAs did not reduce the effect of warm temperature anomalies on coral cover declines. Shortcomings in MPA design, including size and placement, may have contributed to the lack of an MPA effect. Empirical studies suggest that corals that have been previously exposed to moderate levels of thermal stress have greater adaptive capacity and resistance to future thermal stress events. Existing MPAs protect relatively fewer reefs with moderate anomaly frequencies, potentially reducing their effectiveness. However, our results also suggest that the benefits from MPAs may not be great enough to offset the magnitude of losses from acute thermal stress events. Although MPAs are important conservation tools, their limitations in mitigating coral loss from acute thermal stress events suggest that they need to be complemented with policies aimed at reducing the activities responsible for climate change.
Effect of genetically modified low phytic acid plants on mineral absorption

Summary The reduction of phytic acid content in grains by genetic manipulation is a novel approach to increase mineral absorption from food based diets. Low phytic acid corn (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and soybean (Gycine max) genotypes have been generated and mineral absorption has been evaluated. Genetically modified low phytic acid plants could be a novel contribution to the reduction of micronutrient malnutrition and animal waste phosphorus. Nevertheless, additional research needs to be done to understand the molecular biology and genetics of phytic acid accumulation during seed development, the negative and positive roles of dietary phytic acid in human health and the feasibility and effectiveness of the sustainable implementation of this approach at the community level.
Cortical Connections of Auditory Cortex in Marmoset Monkeys: Lateral Belt and Parabelt Regions

The primate auditory cortex is comprised of a core region of three primary areas, surrounded by a belt region of secondary areas and a parabelt region lateral to the belt. The main sources of thalamocortical inputs to the auditory cortex are the medial geniculate complex (MGC), medial pulvinar (PM), and several adjoining nuclei in the posterior thalamus. The distribution of inputs varies topographically by cortical area and thalamic nucleus, but in a manner that has not been fully characterized in primates. In this study, the thalamocortical connections of the lateral belt and parabelt were determined by placing retrograde tracer injections into various areas of these regions in the marmoset monkey. Both regions received projections from the medial (MGm) and posterodorsal (MGpd) divisions of the medial geniculate complex (MGC); however, labeled cells in the anterodorsal (MGad) division were present only from injections into the caudal belt. Thalamic inputs to the lateral belt appeared to come mainly from the MGC, whereas the parabelt also received a strong projection from the PM, consistent with its position as a later stage of auditory cortical processing. The results of this study also indicate that the organization of the marmoset auditory cortex is similar to other primates.
Mechanisms and consequences of shell fouling in the kelp snail, Norrisia norrisi (Sowerby) (Trochidae): Indirect effects of octopus drilling

Abstract The kelp snail, Norrisia norrisi (Sowerby), dwells on the large kelps Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) and Eisenia arborea Areschoug, and is rare on benthic substrata. Approximately 4% of the snail population is dislodged from plants each day. Per capita mortality of snails on the benthos is an order of magnitude greater than individuals on kelp. Even though snails displaced to the bottom actively seek a plant to climb, we found that between 20–40% of marked snails released on the bottom were killed over a 24-day period. While most N. norrisi are free of epibionts on their shells, ≈30% of the population are encrusted by the barnacle Megabalanus californicus (Pilsbry). The majority of barnacle fouling was the result of failure by Octopus bimaculatus (Verrill) to kill Norrisia norrisi ; barnacle cyprids settled in octopus drill holes in the shells of live kelp snails. N. norrisi encrusted by barnacles were less effective in exploiting kelp compared with unfouled snails. Moderately to heavily fouled snails were dislodged from kelp twice as frequently and remained on the benthos much longer than snails without epibionts. Laboratory tests revealed that escape velocities of N. norrisi from asteroid predators were much reduced by shell fouling, and that snails carrying barnacles were most likely to be captured and consumed. Hence octopus increase mortality of kelp snails in two ways. First, octopus can kill N. norrisi encountered on the bottom. Second, kelp snails drilled by octopus, but not killed outright, will become fouled by barnacles. This results in a subsequent risk of mortality from all benthic predators that is at least 8-fold greater than for unfouled kelp snails.
An autoradiographic study of chondrocyte transformation into chondroclasts and osteocytes during bone formation in vitro

Excised mouse pubic bone rudiments were exposed to H3-thymidine. Rudiments preserved immediately after exposure consisted of mesenchyme with a large number of cells showing intense radioactivity. Rudiments incubated on a filter membrane after exposure went through the developmental stages of complete chondrification of the pubic rami followed by periosteal and then endochondral bone formation. Only chondrocytes showed radioactivity in rami consisting of cartilage and periosteal bone that were preserved prior to endochondral ossification. Cell types showing radioactivity in rami preserved during endochondral ossification were chondrocytes, chondroclasts, and osteoblasts and osteocytes of endochondral bone. The results of the study demonstrated that hypertrophic chondrocytes of the calcified cartilage of a developing mammalian long bone not only survive dissolution of their matrix, but transform into chondroclasts and osteoprogenitor cells that give rise to osteoblasts and osteocytes which form endochondral bone in the absence of blood vessels.
Teaching programming concepts to elementary students

Educators and parents alike are seeking innovative ways to introduce young students to computer programming. The hope is to capture children's attention and foster learning at the same time. The goal of this work was to not only introduce elementary students to the fundamentals of computer programming, but also help them explore more complex concepts in an engaging way. Studies have shown that factors that inspire children's continued interest can sometimes vary by gender at this age; this work specifically addresses how to incorporate elements that will appeal to these potential differences in motivation. This study describes the design and implementation of a computer microworld game designed to introduce the core constructs and techniques of computer programming. By instructing a virtual robot to complete obstacle courses, students become familiar with core programming concepts such as: algorithms, repetition, conditional logic, debugging, functions, and optimization. We conducted several interactive sessions with a group of elementary school students in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the game. Our results showed the game effectively familiarized students with both computer language constructs and the essentials of algorithmic thinking. Students were quickly able to learn core-programming concepts and apply these concepts to free form solutions.
Research Billing in an Academic Medical Center

Clinical research is one of the important missions of any academic medical center (AMC). There are many levels of experience and support that can contribute to this mission. It is exciting and gratifying to be able to offer new and cutting-edge therapies to our patients. However, the reality is
Genetic basis of human breast cancer metastasis

Once cancer cells have spread and formed secondary masses, breast cancers are largely incurable even with state-of-the-art medicine. To improve diagnosis and therapy, better markers are needed to distinguish cells which have a high probability for causing clinically relevant, macroscopic metastases. In this review, we summarize the several genes that regulate breast cancer metastasis. Two categories of genes are presented--metastasis activator (ras, MEK1, mta1, proteinases, adhesion molecules, chemoattractants/receptors, autotaxin, PKC, S100A4, RhoC, osteopontin) and metastasis suppressor (Nm23, E-cadherin, TIMPs, KiSS1, Kai1, Maspin, MKK4, BRMS1). While the mechanisms of action for most of these genes are not fully elucidated, some clues are emerging and are presented.
Characteristics of Athletic Training Students That Preceptors Find Desirable.

Context: Athletic training students acquire clinical hours under the direct supervision of athletic training preceptors. Objective: The purpose of this project was to explore what characteristics preceptors desire in their athletic training students. Design and Setting: Online survey instrument. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 286 certified athletic trainers (128 male, 158 female; average years experience 10.58 ± 8.48). Participants were required to be current preceptors and have 1 or more years of preceptor experience. Main Outcome Measure(s): An instrument of 21 questions, including 7 demographics, 13 Likert-scale (1 = not important; 10 = strongly important), and 1 rank order item was developed. Validity of the instrument was established by a review of experts. An analysis of internal consistency revealed an α of .834. Data was analyzed with SPSS (version 20.0; IBM Inc, Chicago, IL). Basic descriptive statistics were calculated, and an analysis of variance was conducted to determine differenc...
Tourneur’s the Revenger’s Tragedy, I.i.12-13

(1982). Tourneur’s the Revenger’s Tragedy, I.i.12-13. The Explicator: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 20-21.
Epidemiology of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in the United States: high rates persist in the post-HIV era.

Background The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States has declined following a logarithmic pattern, with few exceptions. One exception was during the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, which was thought to have caused the deviation. However, since then, alternative explanations have been proposed, including the increased burden of chronic diseases, immigration, and the increase in the use of immune suppressant medications. Methods Epidemiological data of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Bureau of the Census were analyzed regarding TB incidence, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, immigration status, and age for the period 1953-2011. Results Data analysis identified a deviation from the logarithmic decline in TB cases that started in the mid-2000s. This divergence did not appear to be related to HIV status. The overall decline in TB cases since 1953 has been almost exclusively due to a reduction in pulmonary TB (PTB) and not to extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB). Conclusions The HIV/AIDS epidemic likely played a significant role in the 1979-1985 deviation, but not subsequently. Furthermore, EPTB as a proportion of total TB cases has remained high. Further studies to delineate the etiologies of these findings are needed.
Detection of a progesterone-induced secretory protein synthesized by the uteri but not the endometriotic implants of rats with induced endometriosis.

Steroids modulate the secretory activity of the uterus, but little is known of their effect on ectopic endometrium protein synthesis and secretion. We utilized two-dimensional electrophoresis to visualize proteins produced by the uteri and endometriotic implants of both steroid-treated and reproductively cyclic rats with and without surgically induced endometriosis. Of the >300 proteins visualized, only the uterine cultures from progesterone (P)-stimulated, estrogen-suppressed rats contained a distinctive glycoprotein (P-induced uterine protein-1; molecular weight [ M r ] 70,000; isoelectric point [pI] 5.7). This protein was not detected in any of the endometriotic implant cultures. Progesterone-induced uterine protein-1 could play a role in luteal or endometrial physiology and may be valuable in assessing endometrial function. The aberrant secretory behavior of the ectopic endometrium suggests a possible involvement in the reproductive dysfunction associated with endometriosis.
Reviews and Resources:The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health: BOOKS

“The hidden half of nature” refers to the microbial world within us, beneath our feet, and throughout Earth's ecosystems. Readers of this magazine already know the amazing facts about microbial numbers, their ancient origin, their metabolic diversity and many symbioses, and their critical roles in nutrient cycling and human health. But to the public, microbes are enigmatic, menacing (especially as they are discovered in more and more places), and to be eliminated with antibiotics. The news that more cells in our bodies are microbial than human is remarkable but disquieting.