cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skin sterols. V. Effect of ultraviolet light on the sterols of rat skin.

Abstract 1. 1. Most of the Δ 7 -cholestenol in normal rat skin was located in the epidermis and nearly all of it was esterified. Sixty-three per cent of the cholesterol in the epidermis was esterified, while that in the dermis was mostly free. 2. 2. On exposure of rats to ultraviolet light, the concentrations of both sterols increased in the dorsal skin, the increases being approximately proportional to the degree of irradiation for the first 28 days of exposure. During recovery, the amounts of both sterols decreased at about the same rate. 3. 3. Irradiation also increased the concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol in skin, but this sterol never accounted for more than 2 % of the total sterols present. 4. 4. The amounts of ultraviolet light employed did not alter the sterol content of the liver, serum, or adrenals. The feeding of 1% of cholesterol likewise failed to alter the sterol content of skin.
Retinal origin of orientation maps in visual cortex.

This paper demonstrates that orientation maps, as found in the cortex of higher mammals, are likely to arise from the spatial layout of retinal ganglion cell receptive fields in the retina. The predictions of this model are borne out in four different species.
Hydroxyl radical production by ascorbate and hydrogen peroxide

Ascorbate (AH-) and certain other biological reductants have long been known to produce the cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (OH) when oxidized by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of copper or iron catalysts. The present study documents the in vitro production of the OH solely from the oxidation of AH- by H2O2, independent of mediation by transition metals. Hydroxyl radical generation resulting from the AH-/H2O2 system was quantitatively documented by the specific radical-mediated hydroxylation of salicylic acid, a reaction that was readily assayed with HPLC coupled with electrochemical detection. Two ascorbate-copper complexes (e.g., AH-/Cu2+-EDTA/H2O2 and AH-/Cu2+-EDTA) and a copper/H2O2 system also generated OH, but less effectively than the AH-/H2O2 system. The ability of AH- and H2O2 to generate cytotoxic OH documents a reaction mechanism that may account for cytotoxic activity in some cellular environments where metal catalysts are lacking.
Coincident lattice sites between cubic β-Zr(Pt) and an isochemical icosahedral phase in rapidly solidified Zr80Pt20 alloys

Abstract Epitaxial growth of a bcc hyperstoichiometric β-Zr(Pt) (Im3m) superstructure on an icosahedral phase has been studied in rapidly solidified Zr80Pt20 alloys. Icosahedral twofold axes coincide with 〈1 1 0〉 , 〈1 1 1〉 , 〈1 1 2〉 and 〈1 1 3〉 axes in β-Zr(Pt). The β-Zr(Pt) has a close crystallographic match and nearly identical stoichiometry to the i phase, but, it is not an approximant. Both the β-Zr(Pt) and the i phase are distorted.
A computed tomography-radiation therapy treatment planning system utilizing a whole body CT scanner.

An external beam radiation therapy treatment planning system has been developed to run on the GE CT/T whole body scanner. The system interactively obtains treatment planning information directly from CT scans, including relative density conversion of user input inhomogeneity regions. The program generates beam isodose tables from input TAR–SAR data using the Cunningham model. Inhomogeneity corrections are applied using the power law TAR method at low energies and the TAR ratio method at high energies. Beam data are generated on the central axis and at off‐axis locations coplanar with each CT scan, and isodose distributions are displayed on any transverse, coronal or sagittal plane. Examples of plans and initial verification results are discussed.
Prolonged treatment with bevacizumab is associated with brain atrophy: a pilot study in patients with high-grade gliomas

Bevacizumab is widely used for treatment of high-grade gliomas and other malignancies. Because bevacizumab has been shown to be associated with neurocognitive decline, this study is designed to investigate whether prolonged treatment with bevacizumab is also associated with brain atrophy. We identified 12 high-grade glioma patients who received bevacizumab for 12 months at the first recurrence and 13 matched controls and blindly compared the volumes of the contralateral hemispheres and contralateral ventricle in these two groups at baseline and after 12 ± 2 months of the baseline scan by two independent analyses. The volumes of the contralateral hemispheres and ventricles did not differ significantly between the two groups at baseline. Whereas, in the control group the volumes of the contralateral hemisphere changed subtly from baseline to follow-up (p = 0.23), in the bevacizumab-treated group the volumes significantly decreased from baseline to follow-up (p = 0.03). There was significant increase in the contralateral ventricle volume from base line to follow-up scans in both the control group (p = 0.01) and in the bevacizumab group (p = 0.005). Both the absolute and the percentage changes of contralateral hemisphere volumes and contralateral ventricular volumes between the two patient groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Results of this study demonstrate prolonged treatment with bevacizumab is associated with atrophy of the contralateral brain hemisphere.
Straight to the Heart: Pulmonary Vein Leiomyosarcoma

h s e o PRESENTATION An asymptomatic nodule on a 58-year-old woman’s left flank was the first sign of serious illness. She had no history of trauma and presented to our clinic for a second opinion after ultrasound of the nodule, conducted at another facility, revealed a 2.7 2.7 2.6 cm mass with hypervascularity. A general surgeon performed a biopsy of the area in question, and after further review of the specimen at our institution, a high-grade epithelioid leiomyosarcoma was identified. During the patient’s evaluation, she reported some exertional dyspnea but no other cardiopulmonary, abdominal, or constitutional symptoms. Her past medical history was unremarkable, and she had never smoked.
Prevention of Mast Cell Activation Disorder-Associated Clinical Sequelae of Excessive Prostaglandin D2 Production

Background: Patients with systemic mastocytosis have increased numbers of mast cells in the bone marrow and other organs, such as the liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and skin.
A time-of-flight spectrometer for energy-resolved, Auger-electron, multiple-ion coincidence spectrometry

Abstract A time-of-flight mass spectrometer, optimized for energy-resolved, Auger-electron, multiple-ion coincidence spectrometry suitable for the study of core-hole decay in molecules, is presented. The mass spectrometer collects the entire 4π angular distribution of energetic fragment ions up to 20 eV, while maintaining a low potential gradient in the ionization region to allow Auger-electron energy analysis.
Gas-phase copper carbide clusters

Abstract Copper carbide clusters are formed utilizing a gas aggregation source in which C 2 H 2 is passed over a heated crucible containing copper, the abundance of the copper carbide changes depending on the concentration of the reactant in the carrier He gas. Dominant peaks are Cu n C + 2 m ( n = 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15, m = 1, 2) at small C 2 H 2 concentrations and Cu 2 n +1 C + 2 n ( n = 1 – 10) at high concentrations. These peaks reflect the electronic stability of the cluster ions resulting from fragmentation. Magic numbers at n = 5 in Cu 2 n +1 C + 2 n and for other clusters (Cu 7 C + 8 , Cu 9 Cu + 10 , Cu 11 C + 8 , Cu 16 C + 16 , and Cu 20 C + 18 ) arise due to the geometrical stability of compact structures.
THE CULTS OF ISIS AND KORE AT SAMARIA-SEBASTE IN THE HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN PERIODS

The existence of a cult of Kore at Samaria-Sebaste in the Roman period is attested by inscriptions, a statue of the goddess, depictions of her on the city's coins, and the remains of a third century temple building. A Ptolemaic period dedicatory inscription to Sarapis and Isis found in the vicinity of the Kore temple's foundations suggests that a Hellenistic shrine or temple to these Egyptian deities once stood in this area. In this paper, I reexamine the archaeological, numismatic, and epigraphic evidence for these cults at Samaria-Sebaste in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. I conclude that the cult of Isis and Sarapis was established at Samaria in the Hellenistic period.I am grateful to Kenneth G. Holum, Peter Richardson, and Hanan Eshel for their advice and comments on portions of this paper. I assume sole responsibility for its contents. I would like to thank the Palestine Exploration Fund for their permission to reproduce the illustrations in Figures 1–3. It was centered around a shrine or temple located on a terrace north of the acropolis. This structure may have been rebuilt in the Gabinian period (mid-first century B.C.E.). After 30 B.C.E., Herod the Great erected a new temple on this spot, which he dedicated to the goddess Kore, the Greco-Roman equivalent of Isis. The architectural elements associated with the Hellenistic shrine of Isis and Herod's temple of Kore were incorporated in the foundations of a third century C.E. temple of Kore, which was the last in the series of cultic buildings constructed on this spot.
4p 2 Configuration in Neutral Zinc (Zn i)

The Zn i 4s4p3P°–4p2 3P multiplet (2070–2105 A) was remeasured on spectrograms from 10.7-m grating spectrographs. The new wavelengths are used to determine improved values for the 4p2 3P levels. Predicted positions and percentage compositions for the unknown 4p2 1D2 and 1S0 levels are calculated in a pure-configuration approximation. These results are combined with our measurement of the autoionization width for the 3P2 level, to obtain a predicted autoionization probability of 1.3×1015 s−1 for the 1D2 level. The autoionization probability for the 1S0 level is similarly estimated to be <3×1013s−1. Wavelengths are given for five new Zn i transitions (2040–2053 A) from unknown autoionizing levels, probably belonging to the 4p4d configuration.
Recent Advances in the Management of Infections in Liver Transplant Recipients.

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (vancomycin-resistant enterococci and Staphylococcus aureus) have emerged as leading pathogens in liver transplant recipients. Liver transplant recipients have also been shown to be uniquely more susceptible to harboring extended-spectrum b-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The frequency of mycelial fungal infections has increased; however, effective prophylaxis and management of these infections remains suboptimal. Emerging reports have highlighted the morbidity due to novel herpesviruses in these patients. Finally, the emergence of ganciclovir resistance in cytomegalovirus has implications relevant for all solid organ transplant recipients.
Impaired regulation of blood flow as a risk for inadequate blood flow to the optic nerve under challenge

Impaired regulation of blood flow as a risk for inadequate blood flow to the optic nerve under challenge
Transcriptional regulation of hematopoietic stem cell development in zebrafish

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established vertebrate model for studying hematopoiesis. The major advantages of this system include robust experimental techniques in both genetics and embryology, which have been utilized to model many aspects of human development and disease. Although much is known about the transcription factors involved in the terminal differentiation of peripheral blood lineages, little is known about the development and maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). This review will focus on the current knowledge of the transcriptional regulation of the HSC in the context of the zebrafish. Future studies using new technologies in the zebrafish model will enhance our understanding of the molecular networks regulating HSC pluripotency and differentiation.
Readin', Writin', Ready for Testin'? Adaptive Assessment in Elective and Standardized-Tested Social Studies Course Contexts

Abstract This is an instrumental case study of 1 novice and 1 experienced secondary social studies teachers' concurrent assessment practices within tightly structured, standardized-tested curricula and flexible elective curricula. It is anchored by 2 questions: (1) How did the teachers' assessment stances and practices manifest across the 2 course contexts? and (2) How did they mediate the influences of high-stakes tests and other curriculum controls in the process of deciding what assessment practices to pursue? Findings suggest that the teachers' assessment experiences in their elective contexts strengthened their critiques of and adaptations to standardized assessment pressures in their tested courses and invigorated their assessment dialogues with students across both. These findings are significant because they illustrate how the productive tensions of teaching across discrepant curricular contexts can be generative for thinking and making decisions about assessing students' learning amid the current...
Safety and efficacy of sonicated albumin microspheres in perfusion and vein graft patency assessments.

This study was designed to identify a concentration of sonicated albumin microspheres that is safe, useful in determining graft patency, and provides an estimate of regional myocardial perfusion. The study included 8 patients between 50 and 72 years of age who were undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. All patients were hemodynamically stable with left ventricular ejection fractions ≥ 0.35. None had congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction with in 4 months prior to the study. All had normal baseline neurologic and renal functions, and none had experienced allergic reactions to blood products or contrast dyes. A standard median sternotomy was performed for exposure of the heart at surgery, and saphenous veins were harvested and used for grafting. Intraoperative epicardial echocardiography (EE), always in the left ventricle short-axis at midpapillary level, was performed before and after grafting to determine regional myocardial wall motion. Sonicated albumin microspheres were prepared and injected into a single vein graft using an 18-gauge needle; 20 3 106, 100 3 106, and 200 3 106 microspheres were injected into the first graft sequentially. All other vein grafts were injected once with the dose that gave optimal contrast enhancement in the initial graft studied. In each patient, a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 injections were performed, and graft perfusion was studied using EE. Graft flow, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements were continuously monitored, with a final EE performed after weaning the patient off cardiopulmonary bypass to assess wall motion. Preliminary results showed that no patient had adverse effects during or after the study and all remained hemodynamically stable. No significant arrhythmias or ECG changes were recorded up to 72 hours postoperatively. Although hyperemia occurred immediately after 13 injections, in all cases it was mild and graft flow returned rapidly to baseline. Graft pressure and wall motion remained unchanged. The best contrast perfusion images, as measured by time—intensity curves, were obtained with injecting 1 ml of the 100 3 106 microspheres/ml solution. We conclude that sonicated albumin microspheres are a safe and effective contrast agent to assess regional myocardial perfusion and vein graft patency using EE.
Mechanics of Transient Platelet Adhesion to von Willebrand Factor under Flow

A primary and critical step in platelet attachment to injured vascular endothelium is the formation of reversible tether bonds between the platelet glycoprotein receptor Ibα and the A1 domain of surface-bound von Willebrand factor (vWF). Due to the platelet's unique ellipsoidal shape, the force mechanics involved in its tether bond formation differs significantly from that of leukocytes and other spherical cells. We have investigated the mechanics of platelet tethering to surface-immobilized vWF-A1 under hydrodynamic shear flow. A computer algorithm was used to analyze digitized images recorded during flow-chamber experiments and track the microscale motions of platelets before, during, and after contact with the surface. An analytical two-dimensional model was developed to calculate the motion of a tethered platelet on a reactive surface in linear shear flow. Through comparison of the theoretical solution with experimental observations, we show that attachment of platelets occurs only in orientations that are predicted to result in compression along the length of the platelet and therefore on the bond being formed. These results suggest that hydrodynamic compressive forces may play an important role in initiating tether bond formation.
The Effect of Varying Percentages of Fluosol-Da Hemodilution on Antipyrine Metabolism in the Rat

Antipyrine disposition and metabolism in conscious, unrestrained Sprague-Dawley rats after 25% or 50% Fluosol hemodilution is reported. 25% hemodilution depressed antipyrine metabolism for 24 hours by primarily inhibiting cytochrome P-450. However, 50% hemodilution produced significant increases in the cytochrome P-450 activity after 48 hours. 25% hemodilution significantly reduced the antipyrine V d at 0.5 and 72 hours. After 50% hemodilution, the V d alternated between values greater and less than control throughout the 72hour study.
LDLs Impair Vasomotor Function of the Coronary Microcirculation Role of Superoxide Anions

Abstract —Oxidized LDLs (Ox-LDLs) inhibit endothelium-dependent dilation of isolated conduit arteries in a manner comparable to the impairment demonstrated in atherosclerotic vessels. However, it is not known whether the microvessels, which do not develop atherosclerotic lesions, are susceptible to Ox-LDL. Since endothelial release of NO plays an important role in vasodilation and since its dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis has been shown to extend into the coronary microcirculation, we hypothesized that Ox-LDLs impair endothelium-dependent vasodilation of coronary arterioles by reducing the synthesis and/or release of NO. To test this hypothesis, porcine subepicardial vessels (50 to 100 μm) were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized to 60 cm H 2 O without flow for in vitro study. Isolated vessels developed basal tone and dilated in a dose-dependent manner to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators serotonin, ATP, and ionomycin. These vasodilatory responses were inhibited by the NO synthase inhibitor N G -monomethyl-l-arginine and were subsequently reversed by extraluminal administration of the NO precursor l-arginine (3 mmol/L), suggesting the involvement of NO in these vasomotor responses. Intraluminal incubation of the vessels with native LDL (N-LDL) or Ox-LDL (1 mg protein/mL) significantly attenuated dilations to serotonin, ATP, and ionomycin. Ox-LDL produced more severe inhibition than did N-LDL, and the inhibitory effect was comparable to that of N G -monomethyl-l-arginine. The inhibitory effects of N-LDL and Ox-LDL were reversed by exogenous l-arginine (3 mmol/L) and were prevented by sodium dihydroxybenzene disulfonate (Tiron), a cell-permeable superoxide scavenger. In contrast, administration of the cell-impermeable superoxide scavenger superoxide dismutase prevented the inhibitory effect of N-LDL but not of Ox-LDL. In addition, the inhibitory effects of LDL were not restored by d-arginine or by removal of intraluminal LDL. Neither N-LDL nor Ox-LDL altered endothelium-independent vasodilation to sodium nitroprusside. These results indicate that coronary arterioles are susceptible to LDLs that specifically impair endothelium-dependent vasodilation by reducing NO synthesis. It is suggested that the initiation of superoxide anion production and the subsequent l-arginine deficiency may be responsible for the detrimental effect of LDL.
Supporting awareness in creative group work by exposing design rationale

When creativity is taken as a long-term, complex, and collaborative activity, support for awareness is required for group members to monitor the development of ideas, track how these ideas became narrowed, and understand how alternatives are being implemented and integrated by colleagues. In this chapter, we investigate the effects of exposing design rationale to convey awareness, specifically activity awareness, in group creativity. Through evaluating a prototype, we investigate status updates that convey design rationale, and to what consequences, in small groups in fully distributed collaboration. We found that status updates are used for a variety of purposes and that participants’ comments on their collaborators’ status updates provided feedback. Overall, results suggest that participants’ awareness about their collaborators’ future plans increased over time. Majority of participants found the status updates useful, particularly those with higher metacognitive knowledge. Based on our results, two design strategies for activity awareness are proposed.
Multisession, Dual-Task Psychological Refractory Period Practice Benefits Older and Younger Adults Equally

The authors tested 18 younger adults and 18 older adults on four sessions in a psychological refractory period (PRP) paradigm, to see whether older adults can benefit as much from dual-task practice as younger adults. Task 1 involved tone discrimination and Task 2 involved simultaneous letter-matching. The stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) between the tasks was either 50, 150, 300, or 900 ms. Although older adults showed a larger PRP effect than younger adults, there were no group differences in the practice/training benefit. These results differ from Maquestiaux, Hartley, and Bertsch (2004, Psychology and Aging, 19, 649-667, Experiment 1), who found that age differences in PRP effects became progressively larger with increased practice. These findings, along with the simultaneous-presentation, dual-task work of Kramer, Larish, and Strayer (1995, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 1, 50-76) and Bherer et al. (2005, Psychology and Aging, 20, 695-709; 2006, Acta Psychologica, 123, 261-278), suggest that older adults can benefit as much as younger adults from dual-task training.
High-resolution ultrasound-modulated optical tomography in biological tissues.

We present a novel implementation of high-resolution ultrasound-modulated optical tomography that, based on optical contrast, can image several millimeters deep into soft biological tissues. A long-cavity confocal Fabry–Perot interferometer, which provides a large etendue and a short response time, was used to detect the ultrasound-modulated coherent light that traversed the scattering biological tissue. Using 15-MHz ultrasound, we imaged with high-contrast light-absorbing structures placed > 3 mm below the surface of chicken breast tissue. The resolution along the axial and the lateral directions with respect to the ultrasound propagation direction was better than 70 and 120 µm, respectively. The resolution can be scaled down further by use of higher ultrasound frequencies. This technology is complementary to other imaging technologies, such as confocal microscopy and optical-coherence tomography, and has the potential for broad biomedical applications.
Does hunting activity for game species have indirect effects on resource selection by the endangered Florida panther

Hunting activities can affect game species in several ways; however, indirect effects of hunting on non-game species have received less attention than direct effects on game species, even though such potential effects could be crucial in some situations. There is ongoing concern that the critically endangered Florida panther Puma concolor coryi may be influenced by hunting activity, in terms of changes in panther resource selection and distribution. Nonetheless, understanding the potential effects of hunting activity on the resource selection of this wide-ranging species has proven difficult, because of the relatively fine-scale nature of variation in hunting activity and potentially confounding variables regarding intra-annual variation in hunting activity and hydrology. Here, we leverage hierarchical Bayesian models (conditional mixed logit models) and new data sources to assess the effects of hunting activity at a daily temporal scale via the use of off-road recreation vehicles (ORVs) on variation in resource selection and distribution of panthers, and we contrast these potential effects to variation in standing ground water, an alternative factor hypothesized to drive variation in panther resource selection. Across a 14-year dataset spanning 110 radio-telemetered panthers and over 30 000 panther locations, we found that heightened ORV use by hunters has a small, but statistically significant effect on panther resource selection, but no effect on panther distribution near trails. In contrast, intra-annual variation in standing ground water generally had stronger and consistent effects on resource selection and on distribution of panthers near recreational trails. Our results provide slightly different conclusions than earlier results on this topic, which are likely driven by our use of more data on panthers, information on hydrology, more quantitative information on hunter activity in this region, and the scale of our analysis.
Laser-induced voltages in unbiased YBCO-dependence on crystalline anisotropy

The photogenerated voltage in YBCO films without any current bias was studied by characterizing the grain orientations of the film samples and correlating them to the signal. Contradictory results to earlier reports were observed. It was found that crystal anisotropy was important in producing the photoinduced voltage. The photovoltaic response is ultimately related to the anisotropy of the lattice and can be used to study the crystal structure of these perovskites. The physics of this effect is quite different from the normal photoresponse under current bias. The latter is generally much stronger, and both thermal and nonthermal responses have been demonstrated.
A self-transmissible, narrow-host-range endogenous plasmid of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1: physical structure, incompatibility determinants, origin of replication, and transfer functions.

Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 naturally harbors five cryptic endogenous plasmids (C. S. Fornari, M. Watkins, and S. Kaplan, Plasmid 11:39-47, 1984). The smallest plasmid (pRS241e), with a molecular size of 42 kb, was observed to be a self-transmissible plasmid which can transfer only to certain strains of R. sphaeroides. Transfer frequencies can be as high as 10(-2) to 10(-3) per donor under optimal mating conditions in liquid media in the absence of oxygen. pRS241e, designated the S factor, was also shown to possess a narrow host range, failing either to replicate or to be maintained in Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and Rhizobium meliloti. It was further revealed that one of the remaining four endogenous plasmids, pRS241d, was also transmissible at a frequency similar to that of the S. factor. As a cointegrate with pSUP203, S was maintained in E. coli, providing sufficient DNA from which a physical map of S could be constructed. Progressive subcloning of S-factor DNA, in conjunction with assays of plasmid transfer, led to the localization and identification of oriV (IncA), IncB, and the putative oriT locus. The DNA sequence of the 427 bp containing oriTs revealed topological similarity to other described oriT sequences, consisting of an A-T-rich DNA region, several direct and inverted repeats, and putative integration host factor (IHF)-binding sites, and was shown to be functional in promoting plasmid transfer. Images
Analysis of cooperative HARQ with opportunistic routing

In this paper, we do performance analysis of the cooperative HARQ protocol in a wireless adhoc multihop network employing spatial ALOHA. We model the nodes in such a network by a homogeneous 2-D Poisson point process. We study the tradeoff between the transport capacity submetrics inherent in the network when using cooperative HARQ protocol and opportunistic routing by optimizing the transport capacity w.r.t the network design parameters, coding rate and medium access probability. Using approximations, we obtain an analytic expression for the expected progress of opportunistic routing. By way of numerical results, we show that the network design parameters obtained by optimizing the analytic expression of transport capacity closely follows that of Monte Carlo based exact transport capacity optimization.
Induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced β-cell apoptosis and accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins by human islet amyloid polypeptide

The islet in type 2 diabetes is characterized by an ∼60% β-cell deficit, increased β-cell apoptosis, and islet amyloid derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Human IAPP (hIAPP) but not rode...
Oscillations in radiation-driven outflows

ABSTRA C T In this paper we investigate the dynamical behaviour of radiation-driven winds, specifically winds that arise when Compton scattering transfers momentum from the radiation field to the gas flow. Such winds occur during strong X-ray bursts from slowly accreting neutron stars, and also may be driven from the inner regions of a black hole or neutron star accretion disc when the mass transfer rate is very high. By linearizing the radiation hydrodynamic equations around steady spherical outflow, we evaluate the time-dependent response of these winds to perturbations introduced at their inner boundaries. We find that although radiation-driven winds are generally stable, they act as mechanical filters that should produce quasi-periodic oscillations or peaked noise in their radiation output when perturbations force them stochastically. This behaviour may underlie the photospheric oscillations observed in some strong Type I X-ray bursts.
Clinical research strategies for fructose metabolism

Fructose and simple sugars are a substantial part of the western diet, and their influence on human health remains controversial. Clinical studies in fructose nutrition have proven very difficult to conduct and interpret. NIH and USDA sponsored a workshop on 13-14 November 2012, "Research Strategies for Fructose Metabolism," to identify important scientific questions and parameters to be considered while designing clinical studies. Research is needed to ascertain whether there is an obesogenic role for fructose-containing sugars via effects on eating behavior and energy balance and whether there is a dose threshold beyond which these sugars promote progression toward diabetes and liver and cardiovascular disease, especially in susceptible populations. Studies tend to fall into 2 categories, and design criteria for each are described. Mechanistic studies are meant to validate observations made in animals or to elucidate the pathways of fructose metabolism in humans. These highly controlled studies often compare the pure monosaccharides glucose and fructose. Other studies are focused on clinically significant disease outcomes or health behaviors attributable to amounts of fructose-containing sugars typically found in the American diet. These are designed to test hypotheses generated from short-term mechanistic or epidemiologic studies and provide data for health policy. Discussion brought out the opinion that, although many mechanistic questions concerning the metabolism of monosaccharide sugars in humans remain to be addressed experimentally in small highly controlled studies, health outcomes research meant to inform health policy should use large, long-term studies using combinations of sugars found in the typical American diet rather than pure fructose or glucose.
Vibrational energy relaxation (VER) of a CD stretching mode in cytochrome c

We first review how to determine the rate of vibrational energy relaxation (VER) using perturbation theory. We then apply those theoretical results to the problem of VER of a CD stretching mode in the protein cytochrome c. We model cytochrome c in vacuum as a normal mode system with the lowest-order anharmonic coupling elements. We find that, for the “lifetime” width parameter = 3 ∼ 30 cm 1 , the VER time is 0.2 ∼ 0.3 ps, which agrees rather well with the previous classical calculation using the quantum correction factor method, and is consistent with spectroscopic experiments by Romesberg’s group. We decompose the VER rate into separate contributions from two modes, and find that the most significant contribution, which depends on the “lifetime” width parameter, comes from those modes most resonant with the CD vibrational mode.
The role of invariant natural killer T cells in microbial immunity

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) are unique lymphocytes with characteristic features, such as expression of an invariant T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) α-chain, recognition of glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules, and ability to rapidly produce large amounts of cytokines, including interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) upon TCR stimulation. Many studies have demonstrated that iNKT cells participate in immune response against diverse microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoan parasites, and viruses. Generally, these cells play protective roles in host defense against infections. However, in some contexts they play pathogenic roles, by inducing or augmenting inflammation. Recent reports show that iNKT cells recognize glycolipid antigens from pathogenic bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, and they contribute to host defense against infection. iNKT cell responses to these microbial glycolipid antigens are highly conserved between rodents and humans, suggesting that iNKT cells are evolutionally conserved because their invariant TCR is useful in detecting certain pathogens. Furthermore, glycolipid-mediated iNKT cell activation during immunization has adjuvant activity, enhancing humoral and cell-mediated responses. Therefore, iNKT cell activation is an attractive target for developing new vaccines for infectious diseases.
Theory of Conjugated Polymers and Molecular Crystals

The electronic, spectral and conducting properties of molecular crystals, such as anthracene, naphthalene, and benzene have been studied by modern methods and theories for almost 40 years[1]. In spite of this attention, there are still interesting effects being discovered. The study of the same properties of conjugated polymers, such as polyacetylene and polypyrrole, is only about 10 years old. These systems are surprising and wonderful in many regards, not the least of which is the strong interdisciplinary nature of the scholarship devoted to them.
Localization of Deep Ocean Convection by a Mesoscale Eddy

Abstract Observations of open-ocean deep convection indicate that it is a highly localized phenomenon, occurring over areas of tens of kilometers in diameter. The cause of this localization has been ascribed to “preconditioning”—the local weakening of the stable density stratification associated with upwardly domed isopycnal surfaces in a surface-intensified cyclonic circulation. However, most numerical and laboratory studies of localized convection have prescribed the localization artificially, by confining the surface buoyancy loss to a circular disk. In contrast, in the numerical simulations described here, deep convection forced by horizontally uniform buoyancy loss is localized within a region of initially weaker stratification than its surroundings. The preconditioned region is associated with a cold-core cyclonic eddy in geostrophic and cyclostrophic balance. As in previous studies of disk-shaped cooling, the localized convection region undergoes baroclinic instability at late times, causing the br...
Religious Mass Suicide before Jonestown: The Russian Old Believers

Over a period of several decades in late seventeenth and early eighteenth century Russia, tens of thousands of "Old Believers" committed suicide, generally by self-immolation. Most of the suicides were not individual acts but transpired in the context of catastrophic collective events at hermitages or monasteries. In several instances the number of persons who perished at a burned-out settlement far exceeded the number of deaths at Jonestown. Convergences with the People's Temple holocaust include: a general climate of apocalyptic excitation; a sectarian mani-chean outlook which perceived absolute evil triumphant in the world, and in which "political" themes became more prominent over time; and a conviction of imminent armed assault by hostile forces. Both the Old Believers and the People's Temple experienced difficulties in resolving the tension between the impulse to violently confront a demonic state and the desire to develop a communal refuge where they could live according to their faith. Marked divergences include the degree of actual persecution, and the post-holocaust survival and growth of the Old Believers.
Nutritional Plant Sprays: Effect on Fall Armyworm Feeding Preferences

In the laboratory, inorganic compounds containing plant nutrients used as foliar sprays on Coastal bermudagrass, Antigua corn, and sorghum adversely affected the preferential feeding of larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith).
Development of a novel hybrid unified viscoplastic constitutive model

Hastelloy X and stainless steel 304 are alloys widely used in industrial gas turbines components, petrochemical industry and energy generation applications; In the Pressure Vessel and Piping (PVP) industries they are used in nuclear and chemical reactors, pipes and valves applications. Hastelloy X and stainless steel 304 are favored for these types of applications where elevated temperatures are preferred for better systems’ efficiencies; they are favored due to its high strength and corrosion resistance at high temperature levels. A common characteristic of these alloys, is its rate-dependent mechanical behavior which difficult the prediction of the material response for design and simulation purposes. Therefore, a precise unified viscoplastic model capable to describe Hastelloy X and stainless steel 304 behaviors under a variety of loading conditions at high temperatures is needed to allow a better and less conservative design of components. Numerous classical unified viscoplastic models have been proposed in literature, to predict the inelastic behavior of metals under extreme environments. Based on Miller and Walker classical unified constitutive models a novel hybrid unified viscoplastic constitutive model is introduced in the present work, to describe the inelastic behavior caused by creep and fatigue effects at high temperature. The presented hybrid model consists of the combination of the best aspects of Miller and Walker model constitutive equations, with the addition of a damage rate equation which provides a description of the damage evolution and rupture prediction capabilities for Hastelloy X and stainless steel 304. A detailed explanation on the meaning of each material constant is provided, along with its impact on the hybrid model behavior. Material constants were calculated using the recently developed Material Constant Heuristic Optimizer (MACHO) software, to ensure the use of the optimal material constants values. This software uses the simulated annealing algorithm to determine the optimal material constants in a global surface, by comparing numerical simulations to an extensive database of experimental data. To validate the capabilities of the proposed hybrid model, numerical simulation results are compared to a broad range of experimental data at different stress levels and strain amplitudes; besides the consideration of two alloys in the present work, would demonstrate the model’s capabilities and flexibility to model multiple alloys behavior. Finally a quantitative analysis is provided to determine the percentage error and coefficient of determination between the experimental data and numerical simulation results to estimate the efficiency of the proposed hybrid model.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A Variable-Medium Culture Chamber for Fungi

Kobayasi, Y. 1939. Fungi Austro-Japoniae et Micronesiae III. Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 53: 158-162. Lundqvist, N. 1972. Nordic Sordariaceae s. lat. Symb. Bot. Upsal. 20(1): 1-374. Seaver, F. J. 1951. The North American cup-fungi (inoperculates). Publ. by the author, New York. 428 p. Velenovsky, J. 1934. Monographia Discomycetum Bohemiae. Vols. I and II. Publ. by the author, Prague. 436 p. 1947. Novitates Mycologicae Novissimae. Opera Bot. Cech. 4: 1-158.
An Internet otolaryngology referral center: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to review our early experience with the UPenn Otolaryngology Referral Center Website, ENTConsult.org. METHODS ENTConsult.org is an interactive website that allows a referring physician to select a University of Pennsylvania Health System otolaryngologist and share clinical information, including uploaded pictures, radiographs, and other images via the Internet. Traditional methods of long-distance consultation involve mailing clinical information, which often is slow and unwieldy, thus discouraging consultation. ENTConsult.org seeks to take advantage of Internet functionality to facilitate efficient and timely consultation regardless of any of the participants' locations. RESULTS In this report we reviewed our initial experience with ENTConsult.org, including an overview of the website functionality and a detailed review of critical logistical considerations. CONCLUSION The UPenn Otolaryngology Referral Center Website ENTConsult.org offers considerable promise as an avenue for long-distance referral and consultation.
The Development of Alternative Storage Sink Sites in Sweet Potato Ipomoea batatas

Role des parametres anatomiques, physiologiques et du milieu sur la tuberisation d'I. batatas
A pilot randomized trial of technology-assisted goal setting to improve physical activity among primary care patients with prediabetes.

Lifestyle behavior changes can prevent progression of prediabetes to diabetes but providers often are not able to effectively counsel about preventive lifestyle changes. We developed and pilot tested the Avoiding Diabetes Thru Action Plan Targeting (ADAPT) program to enhance primary care providers' counseling about behavior change for patients with prediabetes. Primary care providers in two urban academic practices and their patients with prediabetes were recruited to participate in the ADAPT study, an unblinded randomized pragmatic trial to test the effectiveness of the ADAPT program, including a streamlined electronic medical record-based goal setting tool. Providers were randomized to intervention or control arms; eligible patients whose providers were in the intervention arm received the ADAPT program. Physical activity (the primary outcome) was measured using pedometers, and data were gathered about patients' diet, weight and glycemic control. A total of 54 patients were randomized and analyzed as part of the 6-month ADAPT study (2010–2012, New York, NY). Those in the intervention group showed an increase total daily steps compared to those in the control group (+ 1418 vs − 598, p = 0.007) at 6 months. There was also a trend towards weight loss in the intervention compared to the control group (− 1.0 lbs. vs. 3.0 lbs., p = 0.11), although no change in glycemic control. The ADAPT study is among the first to use standard electronic medical record tools to embed goal setting into realistic primary care workflows and to demonstrate a significant improvement in prediabetes patients' physical activity.
Relative Quantitation of DNA Methyltransferase mRNA by Real-Time RT-PCR Assay

DNA methylation is one mechanism of epigenetic gene regulation and influences gene expression by recruiting methylcytosine-binding proteins and/or inducing changes in chromatin structure. In mammals, DNA methylation is mediated by at least four DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) enzymes, including Dnmt1, Dnmt2, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b. To understand fully how DNA methylation is involved in gene regulation, knowledge of Dnmt mRNA transcript levels is required, both as a surrogate measure of Dnmt protein levels and also to facilitate an understanding of the regulation of expression of the corresponding genes. Measurement of transcript levels has traditionally been achieved by Northern blot analysis and more recently either by the ribonuclease protection assay or by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. In the past few years, a form of PCR has been developed that measures the accumulation of PCR product in real time. In conjunction with RT, real-time RT-PCR has become a widely accepted tool for measuring mRNA transcript levels and is now probably the method of choice. This technique is both sensitive and specific and allows for the rapid assessment of Dnmt mRNA transcript levels as well transcripts for other genes that may be involved in DNA methylation.
Human genetic adaptation to high altitudes: Current status and future prospects

The question of whether human populations have adapted genetically to high altitude has been of interest since studies began there in the early 1900s. Initially there was debate as to whether genetic adaptation to high altitude has taken place based, in part, on disciplinary orientation and the sources of evidence being considered. Studies centered on short-term responses, termed acclimatization, and the developmental changes occurring across lifetimes. A paradigm shift occurred with the advent of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technologies and statistical methods for detecting evidence of natural selection, resulting in an exponential rise in the number of publications reporting genetic adaptation. Reviewed here are the various kinds of evidence by which adaptation to high altitude has been assessed and which have led to widespread acceptance of the idea that genetic adaptation to high altitude has occurred. While methodological and other challenges remain for determining the specific gene or genes involved and the physiological mechanisms by which they are exerting their effects, considerable progress has been realized as shown by recent studies in Tibetans, Andeans and Ethiopians. Further advances are anticipated with the advent of new statistical methods, whole-genome sequencing and other molecular techniques for finer-scale genetic mapping, and greater intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration to identify the functional consequences of the genes or gene regions implicated and the time scales involved.
Mineralization dynamics of metakaolin-based alkali-activated cements

Abstract This paper investigates the early-age dynamics of mineral formation in metakaolin-based alkali-activated cements. The effects of silica availability and alkali content on mineral formation were investigated via X-ray diffraction and solid-state 29 Si magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 2, 7, 14, and 28 days. Silica availability was controlled by using either liquid- (immediate) or solid-based (gradual) sodium silicate supplements. Mineral (zeolitic) and amorphous microstructural characteristics were correlated with observed changes in bulk physical properties, namely shrinkage, density, and porosity. Results demonstrate that, while alkali content controls the mineralization in immediately available silica systems, alkali content controls the silica availability in gradually available silica systems. Immediate silica availability generally leads to a more favorable mineral formation as demonstrated by correlated improvements in bulk physical properties.