cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Intelligence, Evolution of

The purpose of this article is fourfold: (1) To frame the intellectual context of “adaptive”, “directed”, or “Cairnsian” mutation. This area of research is—and will likely remain—controversial. (2) To review the points to be considered when critically reading in the field; (3) to consider the question of how mechanisms for an “intelligent” generation of diversity could evolve and, in this context; (4) to suggest connections between the fields of genetic algorithms in computer science and those of biological evolution proper (carbon—rather than silicon—based life forms). Keywords: DNA Polymerase; Evolution; Genetics; Genetic Evolution; Genetic Algorithms; Genetic Change; Mutation; Recombination; Recombination, Homologous, Legitimate, Generalized; Stress; Intelligence; Genetic Intelligence; Environment; Random Mutation; Adaptive, Directed, or Cairnsian Mutation; Lethal Environmental Selection; Nonlethal Environmental Selection; Fixation of Genetic Change in an Individual Organism
The Halogen‐Metal Interconversion Reaction with Organolithium Compounds

The reaction of an organic halide with an organometallic compound in which the metal and the halogen atoms exchange laces is known as the halogen-metal interconversion reaction. Numerous studies have established the fact that the halogen-lithium interconversion is a general and widely applicable reaction. Many organic halides do not react satisfactorily with metallic lithium to form RLi compounds or with metallic magnesium to form Grignard reagents. However, the desired organolithium compound often can be obtained by a halogen-metal Interconversion reaction. The halogen-metal interconversion greatly extends the utility of organolithium and Grignard-type reactions. Keywords: halogen-metal interconversion; organolithium compounds; halogen atoms; side reactions; Grignard reactions
Nonlinear Acoustic Methods

The nonlinear acoustic technique (NAT) developed for detecting and characterizing structural and material defects is an emerging field with unique advantages and challenges. NAT exploits nonlinear dynamic behavior produced by contact interfaces and micro- and mesoscopic inhomogeneities associated with structural defects and damages including cracks, disbonds, and delaminations. Nonlinearities across the defects lead to noticeable nonlinear transformations of the interrogating acoustic signals such as harmonic distortions, frequency mixing, modulations, etc. Digital signal processing is used to experimentally capture these transformations unlocking the potential of the NAT to monitor and characterize nonlinear defects and damages in a wide variety of materials and structures. Keywords: nonlinear acoustics; contact nonlinearity; defect detection; damage monitoring; acoustic wave interaction; harmonic distortion; vibroacoustic modulation
Marked length rigidity for one-dimensional spaces

In a compact geodesic metric space of topological dimension one, the minimal length of a loop in a free homotopy class is well-defined, and provides a function l : π1(X) → ℝ+ ∪{∞} (the value ∞ being assigned to loops which are not freely homotopic to any rectifiable loops). This function is the marked length spectrum. We introduce a subset Conv(X), which is the union of all non-constant minimal loops of finite length. We show that if X is a compact, non-contractible, geodesic space of topological dimension one, then X deformation retracts to Conv(X). Moreover, Conv(X) can be characterized as the minimal subset of X to which X deformation retracts. Let X1,X2 be a pair of compact, non-contractible, geodesic metric spaces of topological dimension one, and set Yi = Conv(Xi). We prove that any isomorphism ϕ : π1(X1) → π1(X2) satisfying l2 ∘ ϕ = l1, forces the existence of an isometry Φ : Y1 → Y2 which induces the map ϕ on the level of fundamental groups. Thus, for compact, non-contractible, geodesic spaces of ...
Intra-Audit Firm Office Changes, Audit Pricing and Accrual Quality

I examine the effects of changes in audit quality on changes in accrual quality and audit fees for a sample of companies who have switched audit engagement offices within the same audit firm. This setting allows me to research changes in audit quality while holding firm-specific factors which influence the choice of auditor, accrual quality, and audit fees constant, thus controlling for the effects of endogeneity which have been unaddressed in previous audit quality research. Focusing on office size and industry specialization as my proxies for audit quality, I find that that, for firms in industries with especially complex accounting standards, the act of switching from a non-specialist to an industry specialist audit office is associated with an increase in accrual quality, as well as an increase in audit fees. Contrary to predictions based on prior cross-sectional studies, I do not find changes in office size to be a significant determinant of changes in accrual quality or audit fees.
Single-fiber myosin heavy chain polymorphism during postnatal development: modulation by hypothyroidism.

The primary objective of this study was to follow the developmental time course of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform transitions in single fibers of the rodent plantaris muscle. Hypothyroidism was used in conjunction with single-fiber analyses to better describe a possible linkage between the neonatal and fast type IIB MHC isoforms during development. In contrast to the general concept that developmental MHC isoform transitions give rise to muscle fibers that express only a single MHC isoform, the single-fiber analyses revealed a very high degree of MHC polymorphism throughout postnatal development. In the adult state, MHC polymorphism was so pervasive that the rodent plantaris muscles contained approximately 12-15 different pools of fibers (i.e., fiber types). The degree of polymorphism observed at the single-fiber level made it difficult to determine specific developmental schemes analogous to those observed previously for the rodent soleus muscle. However, hypothyroidism was useful in that it confirmed a possible link between the developmental regulation of the neonatal and fast type IIB MHC isoforms.
Growth and development in preterm infants small for gestational age.

The growth pattern and neurologic and developmental performance of 21 preterm infants small for gestational age and 20 preterm infants appropriate for gestational age (birth weight
Suspended Matter in Surface Waters of the Atlantic Continental Margin from Cape Cod to the Florida Keys

Appreciable Amounts Of suspended matter (> 1.0 milligram per liter) in surface waters are restricted to within a few kilometers of the Atlantic coast. Particles that escape estuaries or are discharged by rivers into the shelf region tend to travel longshoreward rather than seaward. Suspended matter farther offshore, chiefly amorphous organic particles, totals 0.1 milligram per liter or less. Soot, fly ash, processed cellulose, and other pollutants are widespread.
High-contrast coherent population trapping resonances using four-wave mixing in 87 Rb

We demonstrate very high-contrast coherent population trapping1 (CPT) resonances by using four-wave mixing in 87Rb atoms. In the experiment, we take advantage of the spectral overlap between F=2-->F' and F=3-->F' optical resonances on the D1 line of 87Rb and 85Rb atoms, respectively, to eliminate the DC-light background from the CPT resonance signal. We observe a CPT resonance with a contrast in the range of 90%, compared with a few percent achieved by alternative methods.
Hydrogel barrier/repair creams and contact dermatitis.

Abstract Background: Barrier creams are important to protect the skin in occupations with chemical exposure. The value of hydrogels in barrier creams has never been studied. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current technology in barrier cream formulation and explore the utility of hygrogels in skin protection. Methods: A total of 80 men, women, and children between the ages of newborn to 80 years >were studied with the following dermatologic conditions: household hand dermatitis (21), occupational hand dermatitis (18), latex glove irritant contact dermatitis (9), diaper dermatitis (5), cutaneous wounds (17), and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) (10). In this study, the investigators used a split body approach, in a double-blind randomized fashion, where one body site was treated with a traditional petrolatum-based cream while the other body site was treated with a hydrogel-based barrier/repair cream. Both subject and investigator assessments were recorded by questionnaire. Results: The hydrogel barrier/repair cream showed better skin improvement than the petrolatum-based cream in both subject assessment (62%, P = .0048) and investigator assessment (75%, P = .0000003). Conclusion: Hydrogel barrier/repair creams might represent a new, effective approach to skin protection.
Opposite Effects of Dihydrosphingosine 1-Phosphate and Sphingosine 1-Phosphate on Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad Signaling Are Mediated through the PTEN/PPM1A-dependent Pathway

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an important regulator of physiological connective tissue biosynthesis and plays a central role in pathological tissue fibrosis. Previous studies have established that a biologically active lipid mediator, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), mimics some of the profibrotic functions of TGF-β through cross-activation of Smad signaling. Here we report that another product of sphingosine kinase, dihydrosphingosine 1-phosphate (dhS1P), has an opposite role in the regulation of TGF-β signaling. In contrast to S1P, dhS1P inhibits TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and up-regulation of collagen synthesis. The effects of dhS1P require a lipid phosphatase, PTEN, a key modulator of cell growth and survival. dhS1P stimulates phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of PTEN and its subsequent translocation into the nucleus. We demonstrate a novel function of nuclear PTEN as a co-factor of the Smad2/3 phosphatase, PPM1A. Complex formation of PTEN with PPM1A does not require the lipid phosphatase activity but depends on phosphorylation of the serine/threonine residues located in the C-terminal domain of PTEN. Upon complex formation with PTEN, PPM1A is protected from degradation induced by the TGF-β signaling. Consequently, overexpression of PTEN abrogates TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation. This study establishes a novel role for nuclear PTEN in the stabilization of PPM1A. PTEN-mediated cross-talk between the sphingolipid and TGF-β signaling pathways may play an important role in physiological and pathological TGF-β signaling.
Optimized Expression and Purification of Myristoylated Human Neuronal Calcium Sensor 1 in E. coli

We have developed a protocol to produce large quantities of high purity myristoylated and non-myristoylated neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS-1) protein. NCS-1 is a member of the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) family and plays an important role in modulating G-protein signaling and exocytosis pathways in cells. Many of these functions are calcium-dependent and require NCS-1 to be modified with an N-terminal myristoyl moiety. In our system, a C-terminally 6x His-tagged variant of NCS-1 was co-expressed with yeast N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) in ZYP-5052 auto-induction media supplemented with sodium myristate (100-200 microM). With optimized growth conditions and a high capacity metal affinity purification scheme, >50mg of homogenous myristoylated NCS-1 is obtained from 1L of culture in a single step. The properties of the C-terminally tagged NCS-1 variants are indistinguishable from those reported for untagged NCS-1. Using this system, we have also isolated and characterized mutant NCS-1 proteins that have attenuated (NCS-1 E120Q) and abrogated (NCS-1 DeltaEF) ability to bind calcium. The large quantities of NCS-1 proteins isolated from small culture volumes of auto-inducible media will provide the necessary reagents for further biochemical and structural characterization. The affinity tag at the C-terminus of the protein provides a suitable reagent for easily identifying binding partners of the various NCS-1 constructs. Additionally, this method could be used to produce other recombinant proteins of the NCS family, and may be extended to express and isolate myristoylated variants of other proteins.
The path to development of the Hózhó Resilience Model for nursing research and practice

This article describes how the Dine (Navajo) Hozho wellness philosophy, along with nursing research and theory, informed the development of a theoretical nursing model, the Hozho Resilience Model that can be used to generate patient-centered nursing knowledge through connections among our theories, research, and practice. The Hozho Resilience Model is a model that can be used to understand American Indian worldviews in relation to health, and may also be used to guide future research and nursing practice with the American Indian population.
C-Reactive protein and inflammatory response associated to neurocognitive decline following cardiac surgery.

Background It has been recognized that neurocognitive decline (NCD) often occurs as a complication in cardiac surgery. The early inflammatory response and C-reactive protein (CRP) was examined in relation to NCD and to a marker of axonal central nervous system (CNS) injury after cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods A cohort of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve procedures using cardiopulmonary bypass were administered a neurocognitive battery preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 hours and day 4. CRP, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 10 were quantified from serum. Increase of serum tau protein after surgery was used as a marker of axonal CNS damage. Results The rate of NCD was found to be 40.5% in this group. Surprisingly, known predictors of NCD did not differ significantly between patients with/without NCD. Patients with NCD had an early increase of CRP of a significantly higher magnitude than those without NCD (38.01 ± 11.4 vs 16.49 ± 3.5 mg/L, P = .042), interleukin 1s (2.35 ± 0.3 vs 1.20 ± 0.2 pg/mL, P = .002), and interleukin 10 (29.77 ± 4.7 vs 12.94 ± 2.2 pg/mL, P Conclusion Perioperative increases in CRP and inflammatory cytokines are associated with NCD in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass. Thus, it appears that inflammation plays a key role in NCD pathophysiology, likely via axonal CNS injury, and could become a target for prevention.
A2VNb6Cl18 (A=Rb, In, Tl): synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a new series of quaternary niobium chloride cluster compounds

Abstract A new series of quaternary niobium chloride cluster compounds corresponding to the general formula, A2VNb6Cl18 (A=Rb, Tl or In), has been prepared in sealed quartz tubes from a mixture containing NbCl5, Nb, VCl3 and RbCl, or In or Tl metal by solid state reactions at 750°C. The structure of Tl2VNb6Cl18 was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction: Crystal data: rhombohedral, R 3 (No. 148), a=9.1122(17), c=25.178(7) A, V=1810.5(7) A3 and Z=3. The full-matrix least-squares refinement against F2 converged to R1=0.0515, wR2=0.1104 (all data). The structure consists of discrete octahedral cluster units, [Nb6Cli12Cla6]4− linked by V2+ and A+ cations, located in a 6-coordinated octahedral and 12-coordinated anticubeoctahedral chloride environment, respectively. The intra-cluster bond lengths indicate 16 valence electrons per cluster. Magnetic susceptibility studies show paramagnetic behavior with a magnetic moment of 3.37 μB per formula unit. Electrical resistivity measurements indicate a semiconducting behavior.
Experimental and computational studies of a formed thrombus within a backward-facing step geometry

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This condition affects roughly 5.7 million Americans, with approximately 670,000 new cases and 300,000 deaths each year [1]. Heart failure, resulting from heart disease, is primarily treated with the implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) [2]. Along with VADs, arterial stents (primarily for treatment of atherosclerosis) and prosthetic heart valves (for defects in or other failures of the native heart valves) are other devices that are regularly used by clinicians to treat conditions within the circulatory system. While complications relating to cardiovascular devices have seen a decrease over the years, thrombosis and thromboembolization still remain obstacles. These phenomena are dependent upon the blood/material interface, surface topography, and fluid mechanics within the device [3].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A Testbed for Attitude Control Using Cold Gas Thrusters

A portable testbed is designed and built to demonstrate attitude control using cold gas thrusters. The main components are a high-pressure Nitrogen tank, solenoid valves, nozzles and a data acquisition and control interface. The device is small enough to be operated on a desktop, facilitating classroom demonstrations. The device can be commanded from a laptop computer having the necessary interfacing software. A rotary encoder provides angular position information for use in model generation and calibration or in feedback control evaluations. Only bang-bang, pulse-width modulation and similar control strategies are possible to be implemented in this system due to the on/off nature of thruster operation. The paper describes the design and construction of the platform, the procedures followed to estimate key dynamic parameters and includes a sample run using a time-fuel optimal control law based on a nominal double integrator plant.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Pathogenesis and therapy of interstitial nephritis.

An otherwise healthy, 27-year-old white female went to her local physician complaining of 2 weeks of fever, malaise, and poor appetite. She was taking no medication and had no history of substance abuse. Physical examination revealed pallor and a temperature of 101°F orally; the blood pressure was 110/70 mm Hg. Her eye grounds were normal, no lymphadenopathy was present, the chest was clear to auscultation and percussion, and she had no extra heart sounds. An abdominal examination was within normal limits, pelvic examination revealed no adnexal masses or tenderness, and a general neurologic examination was within normal limits. Urinalysis revealed a pH of 5.5, with +1 protein, a trace of blood, and no glucose. Microscopic examination revealed 10 to 12 white blood cells/high-powered field, 10 to 15 red blood cells/high-powered field, occasional epithelial cells, and 2 white blood cell casts; a stain for eosinophils was negative. Routine screening tests revealed a hemoglobin of 11.4 g/dl; the white blood cell count was 11,500 mm3, with 85% polymorphonuclear leukocytes, 5% bands, 1% eosinophils, and 9% monocytes. Sodium was 134 mEq/liter; potassium, 4.8 mEq/liter; bicarbonate, 25 mEq/liter; and chloride, 103 mEq/liter. The BUN was 34 mg/dl, and the creatinine was 2.1 mg/dl. Glucose was 114 mg/dl. A 24-hour urine collection revealed 1 g of creatinine, 800 mg of protein, and a creatinine clearance of 33 mI/mm. A plain chest film was normal, and serologic studies were unrevealing. The patient was admitted to the hospital, where a renal biopsy was performed subsequent to a diagnostic ultrasound examination, blood cultures, and a urine culture, The cultures were negative and the renal sonogram demonstrated two kidneys approximately 13.5 cm in length
Exercise-induced asthma: diagnosis and treatment for the recreational or elite athlete.

ABSTRACTExercise-induced asthma: diagnosis and treatment for the recreational or elite athlete. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 31, No. 1(Suppl.), pp. S33-S38, 1999. Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is found in 10-50% of recreational and elite athletes, depending on the population studied. The diagnosis
Factors related to adolescents' seeking help from social workers in mental health settings

Abstract This secondary data analysis of 1288 adolescents investigated how their use of social work services for mental health was affected by (a) the disorder involved, (b) their personal beliefs, (c) their families' finances, (d) their proximity to services, (e) social-structural factors, and (f) their demographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression of the data showed that adolescents were likely to seek help from social workers for an anxiety, mood, or attention-deficit/disruptive behavior disorder or when they were involved with the justice system or perceived a personal need for professional help. The findings also show that adolescents were likely to turn to other professionals for (a) an attention-deficit/disruptive behavior disorder or when (b) they perceived no stigma in mental health services, (c) they were white, older, and/or male, or (d) the family was small, with well-educated parents. Implications for the social work profession are discussed.
Comparing focused ultrasound and uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids-rationale and design of the Fibroid Interventions: reducing symptoms today and tomorrow (FIRSTT) trial.

Objective To present the rationale, design, and methodology of the Fibroid Interventions: Reducing Symptoms Today and Tomorrow (FIRSTT) study. Design Randomized clinical trial. Setting Two academic medical centers. Patient(s) Premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Intervention(s) Participants are randomized to two U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved minimally invasive treatments for uterine leiomyomas: uterine artery embolization and magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound. Main Outcome Measure(s) The primary endpoint is defined as the need for an additional intervention for fibroid symptoms following treatment. Secondary outcomes consist of group differences in symptom alleviation, recovery trajectory, health-related quality of life, impairment of ovarian reserve, treatment complications, and the economic impact of these issues. Result(s) The trial is currently in the phase of active recruitment. Conclusion(s) This randomized clinical trial will provide important evidence-based information for patients and health care providers regarding optimal minimally invasive treatment approach for women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Clinical Trial Registration NCT00995878.
Synthesis of Transient and Stable C-Amino Phosphorus Ylides and Their Fragmentation into Transient and Stable Carbenes

Only basic phosphines, such as tris(dimethylamino)phosphine, allow for the synthesis of a stable acyclic β-amino phosphonium salt 1c, which upon deprotonation with butyllithium affords the corresponding stable C-amino phosphorus ylide 2c. In contrast, cyclic β-amino phosphonium salts 5a and 5b are stable despite the presence of weakly basic triarylphosphine fragments. They are prepared by intramolecular insertion of the carbene center of (amino)(phosphonio)carbenes into the CH bond of a phosphorus substituent. Deprotonation of 5a leads to the corresponding cyclic C-amino phosphorus ylide 6a, which has been fully characterized including an X-ray diffraction study. Deprotonation of 5b affords enamine 8, probably via fragmentation of ylide 6b into transient carbene 7b and a subsequent 1,2-hydrogen shift. Transient cyclic C-amino phosphorus ylides 6c and 6d have been prepared by intramolecular addition of a carbanion generated by deprotonation of a phosphorus substituent. Three-membered heterocycle 6c rearran...
Varieties of musical nationalism in Soviet Uzbekistan

Abstract This paper investigates how post-colonial studies may help us grasp the transformation of musical life in Central Asia. Drawing on the emphasis of post-colonial scholars on the variety of nationalisms, I examine the developments of musical life in Uzbekistan in the early Soviet period, and describe two kinds of musical nationalism—each symbolized by a musical object. While the kind of musical nationalism that gained strength in the early 1920s was directed to building ‘Uzbek classical music’ that of the 1930s was focused on creating an ‘Uzbek opera’. Judging from some recently published accounts, I observe that while Uzbek musical nationalism of the 1920s had notable resemblances with Indian musical nationalism under British colonialism, that of the 1930s significantly differed from the two.
Bacterial lipopolysaccharide depresses spontaneous, evoked, and ionophore-induced transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction

The neurotoxicity of RNA-free lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from Salmonella Typhimurium (SR-11) was tested at the frog neuromuscular junction using intracellular recording techniques. Spontaneous miniature endplate potential (MEPP) frequency was reduced to 45% of control after 60 minutes in the presence of 10 and 50 μg LPS/ml Ringer's solution. Elevation of extracellular [Ca] to 10 mM converted the MEPP frequency response to a biphasic pattern of early acceleration followed by late depression. Evoked endplate potentials (EPPs) were reduced in quantal content until phasic release of transmitter was abolished, while MEPP amplitude and endplate resting potential remained constant. Effects of the potent cation ionophore X537A on MEPP frequency were blocked by 45 minutes of pre-exposure to LPS. Because of its extremely lipophilic character, LPS apparently alters the physical structure of the presynaptic terminal membrane, eventually reducing resting and phasic Ca influx, and isolating the presynaptic terminal from ionophore action.
Water–Rock interactions in the basement beneath Long Valley Caldera: an oxygen isotope study of the Long Valley Exploratory Well drill cores

Abstract The Long Valley Exploratory Well, at the center of the Resurgent Dome of Long Valley caldera, penetrated pre-caldera basement rocks at a depth of 2101.72–2313.0 m, beneath the caldera-forming Bishop Tuff and post-caldera Early Rhyolite. The basement rocks contain prominent quartzites, with ubiquitous milky white quartz veins (with minor calcite and pyrite) and fractures of varied orientation and geometry. The other members of the basement sequence are very fine-grained quartz-rich graphitic pelites with calcite veins, spotted hornfels, and shallow intrusive rocks. Previous studies established the presence of a post-caldera, paleohydrothermal system (500–100 ka) to a depth of 2000 m that affected the Bishop Tuff and a recent (40 ka to present) hydrothermal system at shallow depth (
Comparative Distribution and Retention of Crystalloid and Colloid Fraction of Arsphenamine and Neoarsphenamine

ConclusionThe separated colloid fraction of either arsphenamine or neoarsphenamine is retained long in the body in comparison with the crystalloid fraction which is rapidly eliminated.
Acquisition and extinction of variable interval schedule behavior by rats under Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol ☆

Abstract Twenty eight rats were given 10 acquisition sessions under a variable interval 30 sec schedule of water reinforcement for lever-press responding. This training was followed by one extinction session in which no responses were reinforced. The rats were divided into 4 groups and were administered either 0, 0.5, 2.0 or 8.0 mg Δ9-THC per kg of body weight throughout both variable interval schedule acquisition and extinction. The presence of Δ9-THC during acquisition suppressed variable interval response rates and decreased the number of reinforcements obtained in a dose-related manner. Likewise, a dose dependent decrease in extinction responding was obtained as compared to nondrug control extinction responding.
Is visual information integrated across successive fixations in reading

College students read a passage presented in AlTeRnAtInG cAsE on a CRT while their eye movements were monitored. During certain saccades, the case of every letter was changed (a became A, B became b). This change was not perceived and had no effect on eye movements. Apparently visual features of the type which specify the difference between upper- and lowercase letters are not integrated across fixations during reading.
Performance Prediction of Students in Teacher Education.

This article reports a study using the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF) and grade point average as predictors of performance in a performance-based teacher education course. While the results of the study established statistical significance for the use of the developed regression model, practical significance is limited. These results are consistent with other research and lead to suggestions for using a different technique in predicting performance of candidates.
Effects of wedge degradation on the magnitude of the Ponzo illusion

This research represents an attempt to test empirically three different theoretical explanations for the classic Ponzo illusion: perspective theory, lateral inhibition theory, and assimilation-contrast theory. Under conditions of tachistoscopic presentation (250 msec), 24 male and 24 female undergraduate students were shown the full-wedge Ponzo figure and two degradations, each with either apical or distal line position. Differences in magnitude and direction of illusion among the figures revealed equivocal findings. In accounting for the Ponzo illusion, the results question the adequacy of each theoretical formulation. The weight of the evidence, however, shows greater support for the assimilation-contrast notion.
Alpha-, beta- and kappa-caseins inhibit the proliferation of the myeloid cell lines 32D cl3 and WEHI-3 and exhibit different differentiation properties.

Abstract We have recently shown that sodium caseinate (CasNa) was able to inhibit the proliferation of the myeloid cell line 32D cl3 in a non-toxic way, and that it also induced the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Casein is the main protein present in milk and is composed of alpha ( α ), beta ( β ) and kappa ( κ ) subunits. This work was undertaken to evaluate if any one casein is responsible for the proliferation and differentiation properties found for CasNa on myeloid cells. Taking into consideration that 32D cl3 cells are considered to be non-malignant and dependent on IL-3 for proliferation, we also included for this study a leukemic cell line, WEHI-3, that does not depend on any external growth factor for its proliferation in order to evaluate if the growth inhibitory effect of caseins is also present for malignant cells. Our results showed that all caseins were inhibitory for the proliferation of either 32D cl3 and WEHI-3 and that only the 32D cl3 cells were induced to differentiate into the monocyte-macrophage lineage. In order to evaluate if CasNa was able to inhibit the proliferation of other myeloid cells we used J774 and P388 and found that they were also inhibited. We also determined that the different caseins exhibit different differentiation properties, with α -casein being the only one able to induce the secretion of M-CSF. We consider this work to open a new field of research, where casein, or its components, can be studied for their possible role in hematopoiesis and on the inhibition of malignant cell proliferation for therapeutic use.
Effects of riboflavin on the phototransformation of benzo[a]pyrene

Abstract Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a natural dye-sensitizer habitually present in natural waters. Effects of riboflavin as photosensitizer on the transformation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (10 μM) in the aqueous-organic solvent (water/acetonitrile/methanol 50/40/10) were investigated in this study. The photolysis half life of BaP in solution containing 50 μM riboflavin was 5 min, compared to 98 min in the absence of riboflavin. The rate of phototransformation of BaP increased as the concentration of riboflavin was raised from 10 μM to 100 μM under both natural sunlight and UVA irradiation. The half life of BaP in the presence of 50 μM riboflavin was 10.6 min and 43.1 min when exposed to visible range of natural sunlight and UVA irradiation respectively. Riboflavin decomposes under natural sunlight. Lumichrome, a principal photoproduct of riboflavin, was shown to photosensitize BaP under natural sunlight after photolysis of riboflavin. Our study indicated that other photoproducts from riboflavin, such as lumiflavin, were also involved in the phototransformation of BaP under sunlight when riboflavin diminished. The major photoproducts in the photolysis of BaP were identified as 1,6-benzo[a]pyrene-dione, 3,6-benzo[a]pyrene-dione, 6,12-benzo[a]pyrene-dione by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All these products were detected in the samples which were irradiated under different light sources and in the presence or absence of riboflavin. The possible phototransformation mechanism was discussed.
Comparison of rainbow trout and mammalian cytochrome P450 enzymes: Evidence for structural similarity between trout P450 LMC5 and human P450111A4

Summary Studies were undertaken to determine the immunochemical relationship between constitutive trout cytochrome P450s and mammalian cytochrome P450111A enzymes. Polyclonal antibodies (IgG) generated against trout P450 LMC5 reacted strongly with P450IIIA4 in dexamethasone-induced rat liver microsomes and with P450111A4 in human liver microsomes in immunoblots. In contrast, rabbit anti-P450 LMC1 IgG did not recognize these proteins in rat and human liver microsomes. Reciprocal immunoblots using anti-rat P450IIIA1 showed that this antibody does not recognize trout P450 LMC1 or LMC5. However, anti-human P450111A4 IgG was found to cross react strongly with P450 LMC1 and LMC5. Progesterone 6 β -hydroxylase activity of trout liver microsomes, a reaction catalyzed by P450 LMC5, was markedly inhibited by antiP450111A4 and by gestodene, a mechanism-based inactivator of P450111A4. These results provide evidence for a close structural similarity between trout P450 LMC5 and human P450IIIA4.
Maternal ratings of child health and child obesity, variations by mother's race/ethnicity and nativity.

We examined whether indicators of child health, focusing on obesity, are associated with maternal ratings of child health (MRCH) and its variation by mother’s ethnicity/nativity, focusing on Hispanics. The early childhood longitudinal study, kindergarten cohort kindergarten-eighth grade waves (n = 48,814) and nested general linear mixed modeling are used to examine excellent MRCH. The only indicator of child health that varies by mother’s ethnicity/nativity for MRCH is child obesity. Child obesity did not influence MRCH for foreign-born Hispanic mothers, especially among less acculturated mothers, though significant differences among immigrants by acculturation were not found. However, among native-born white, black, and Hispanic mothers child obesity was associated with a lower likelihood of excellent MRCH even after controls for socioeconomic characteristics, family characteristics, and other indicators of child health are included. MRCH reflect not only child’s actual health, but also the mother’s perception of what contributes to poor child health. Our findings suggest that less acculturated foreign-born Hispanic mothers are less likely to associate child obesity with poor child health. Cultural orientations that prefer heavier children or are unlikely to associate child obesity with poor child health may contribute to the higher levels of obesity found among their children.
5-amino-2-benzimidazolethiol as an analytical reagent—I: Spectrophotometric determination of palladium

Abstract The orange coloured complex formed by palladiumII with 5-amino-2-benzimidazolethiol in the pH range 2–4 forms the basis of a very sensitive colorimetric method for the determination of trace amounts of the metal. The complex shows maximum absorption at 390 m sm , where the reagent has negligible absorption, and it obeys Beer's law from 1 to 8 ppm of palladiumII, the optimum range being 2–7 ppm where the percentage relative error per 1% absolute photometric error is 2.95. The sensitivity of the reaction is 0.008 μg cm 2 . Most of the common cations and anions are without effect on the complex. The interferences of some of the platinum metals are avoided by developing the complex in the cold and using EDTA (disodium salt) as a masking agent. A composition study by the molar ratio method shows that at pH 3.42 the solution contains both 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, the dissociation constant of the latter being 1.32 × 10−11. However, above pH 5.5 incipient precipitation of the orange-red palladium complex occurs, and the precipitation is quantitative above pH 10. The analysis of this precipitate shows a ratio of 1:2 between the metal and the reagent.
CD36-dependent fatty acid uptake regulates expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors.

CD36 is an important regulator of lipid metabolism in vivo due to its role in the facilitated uptake of long-chain FAs (fatty acids). CD36-deficient mice display reduced TAG (triacylglycerol) in muscle, but elevated hepatic TAG. Also, insulin sensitivity is enhanced peripherally, while it appears impaired in the liver [Goudriaan, Dahlmans, Teusink, Ouwens, Febbraio, Maassen, Romijn, Havekes, and Voshol (2003) J. Lipid. Res. 44 , 2270–2277; and Hajri, Han, Bonen and Abumrad (2002) J. Clin. Invest. 109 , 1381–1389]. Tissues such as muscle, which normally express high levels of CD36, shift to high glucose utilization in CD36 deficiency [Hajri, Han, Bonen and Abumrad (2002) J. Clin. Invest. 109 , 1381–1389], so we hypothesized that this shift must involve adaptive changes in the PPAR (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor) transcription factors which regulate FA metabolism. To test this, we examined mRNA levels for the three PPAR isoforms in tissues of WT (wild-type) and CD36-deficient mice following the administration of saline, glucose or olive oil by intragastric gavage. Compared with WT mice, CD36-null mice had 5–10-fold increased PPAR mRNA in adipose tissue in the basal state, and did not exhibit diet-induced changes. Correlations between adipose PPAR mRNA abundance and plasma lipids were observed in WT mice, but not in CD36-null mice. The opposite was true for hepatic PPAR mRNA levels, which correlated with plasma FA, TAG and/or glucose only in CD36-null mice. No significant differences were observed in PPAR mRNA levels in the intestine, where CD36 does not impact on FA uptake. The data suggest that CD36 and the PPARs are components of the FA-sensing machinery to respond to changes in FA flux in a tissue-specific manner.
Evaluating dental faculty performance: perceptions of departmental chairpersons.

In this study 388 departmental chairpersons in 61 United States and Canadian Dental Schools ranked, in decreasing order of importance, 12 performance criteria and then ranked the same 12 criteria a...
Human Activity Recognition Using Local Shape Descriptors

We propose a method for human activity recognition in videos, based on shape analysis. We define local shape descriptors for interest points on the detected contour of the human action and build an action descriptor using a Bag of Features method. We also use the temporal relation among matching interest points across successive video frames. Further, an SVM is trained on these action descriptors to classify the activity in the scene. The method is invariant to the length of the video sequence, and hence it is suitable in online activity recognition. We have demonstrated the results on an action database consisting of nine actions like walk, jump, bend, etc., by twenty people, in indoor and outdoor scenarios. The proposed method achieves an accuracy of 87%, and is comparable to other state-of-the-art methods.
The distribution of fetal death in control mice and its implications on statistical tests for dominant lethal effects.

Abstract In dominant lethal testing fetal death is generally assumed to follow either a Poisson or binomial distribution. However, both of these models were found to be inappropriate when three large sets of mouse control data and other data sets from the literature were examined. The validity of statistical test procedures based on these inappropriate models was then studied in detail. It was found that chi-square tests (which assume an underlying binomial distribution) may seriously exaggerate the level of significance and hence should not be used. In contrast, the inappropriateness of the underlying Poisson or binomial model appeared to have little effect on the validity of pairwise comparisons by analysis of variance procedures. Unlike chi-square, these procedures regard the pregnant female rather than the individual implant as the experimental unit. However, a statistical analysis of dominant lethal data generally involves more than a series of pairwise comparisons, and it is unclear how an invalid underlying model may affect statistical test procedures in this more complex situation. Moreover, it is difficult to justify the use of statistical models that are demonstrably invalid when a reasonable alternative exists. Thus, until a satisfactory parametric model can be found and appropriate test procedures derived, we prefer to analyze dominant lethal data by non-parametric (distribution-free) methods. Proportion of dead implants per female appears to be a more meaningful measure of fetal death than number of dead implants per female for several reasons which include (1) analyses based on proportions take the total number of implants per female into account and (2) analyses based on proportions make more reasonable assumptions concerning pre-implantation losses and are more powerful when such losses occur. Despite our concern with the appropriateness of the underlying model, in practice we have found few instances in which non-parametric and analysis of variance procedures have led to markedly different conclusions.
NMDA receptors are the basis for persistent network activity in neocortex slices.

During behavioral quiescence the neocortex generates spontaneous slow oscillations that consist of Up and Down states. Up states are short epochs of persistent activity, but their underlying source...
Effect of vibrational and rotational relaxation mechanisms in pulsed H2 + F2 lasers.

A comprehensive model of the H2 + F2 pulsed chemical laser is used to investigate mechanisms important to laser performance. The model employs vibrational-to-rotational energy transfer and rotational nonequilibrium in an attempt to explain experimental observations of rotational lasing and P-branch lasing from high J states. The effect of partitioning energy between vibrational–translational (V–T) and vibrational–rotational (V–R) in the V–R, T mechanism was considered. Increased V–T produced smaller predicted pulse duration and laser power. The major effect of V–R is to populate rotational levels above J = 12; hence, it did not produce major changes in predicted P-branch lasing spectra. Increasing the dependence of rotational relaxation rate coefficients on rotational quantum numbers was effective in sustaining larger nonequilibrium populations at high J levels, but the effect was not as pronounced as an overall decrease in the rotational relaxation rate. The prediction of excessive energy in the hot bands of HF appears to be the result of insufficient vibrational deactivation from these levels. Both increasing the endothermic cold pumping reactions and the vibrational dependence of V–R rates were effective in decreasing hot-band lasing. Vibrational scaling of the V–R rate coefficients larger than V2.3 may be required to properly describe vibrational deactivation. Although the model compares favorably with experimental studies for the lower three P-branch bands, excessive P-branch lasing is predicted for high rotational levels in the hot bands. Insufficient experimental data on the pulsed H2 + F2 chemical laser exist to reconcile theory with experiment.
Human Factors And Automobile Instrument Panel Display Design

This paper concerns how to make automotive displays easy to use. Five questions are examined from the perspective of the general human factors and automotive-specific literatures. They are: Which kinds of displays are best for which tasks? How big should letters and numbers be? How should displays be arranged? How should gauges be marked? How well do drivers understand messages? In addition, examples of good and bad automotive displays are provided along with recommendations for improving the design process.
Technique for Developing Design Tools from the Analysis Methods of Computational Aerodynamics

An initial attempt at a technique to generate, simply and rapidly, mixed direct-inverse codes from their direct counterparts is presented. A surface alteration procedure, keyed to flow type for the mixed case, is "wrapped around" an existing direct code. The difference between calculated and target pressures determines surface modifications. The direct code is used as a "black box." The technique features retention of the strength of the direct analysis and easy interchangeability of the analysis code. The technique is demonstrated in two cases, a nonlinear supersonic wing code and a transonic airfoil code.
Family history influence on drug abuse severity and treatment outcome

Influence of parental alcohol/substance abuse on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) outcome was examined in 164 DSM-III-R opioid dependent adults with no other current DSM Axis I disorder. Family history positive patients had more DSM-III-R opioid dependence symptoms and were more likely to be classified as severely dependent. However, when placed on identical daily doses of methadone (50 mg), they had lower rates of illicit opioid use but higher rates of cocaine use than family history negative patients. Both effects remained significant after adjusting for gender and race. These results suggest that common genetic factors may underlie both susceptibility to heroin dependence and response to therapeutic methadone treatment.
Travel‐time anomalies in the mantle under the North Atlantic

Summary. Lateral heterogeneity exists in the Earth's mantle, and may result in seismic velocity anomalies up to several per cent. If convection cells and plumes extend down to the core, then these features may be associated with local inhomogeneities observed in the lower mantle. Published data for direct and core-reflected P-wave residuals are used to delineate velocity anomalies in the middle—lower mantle under the North Atlantic. Differential (PcP — P) residuals indicate travel-time anomalies near the core—mantle transition, and may be due to core topography or lateral variations in velocity. It is assumed that the anomalies occur near the midpoints of the ray paths. The main source of error in the data set may arise from phases which have been identified incorrectly. Hence trend-surfaces are fitted to the residual data to show only the large-scale trends in anomaly values, with wavelengths of the order of 1000 km. The Azores and Colorado hot spots occur in a region covered by the data. A possible interpretation of the trend maps is that an anomalous zone extends from a relatively fast region at the core boundary at 35° N, 50° W up to these hot spots, at about 30 degrees from the vertical. This may agree with the suggestion of Anderson that plumes are chemical rather than thermal in origin. If inclined plumes do exist, the deviation from the ideal vertical plume or convection cell boundary may imply that lateral shear or other distortion effects exist in the mantle.
Human chronic gonadotropin concentrations in very early pregnancy and subsequent preeclampsia

Evaluation of: Asvold BO, Vatten LJ, Tanbo TG, Eskild A. Concentrations of human chorionic gonadotrophin in very early pregnancy and subsequent pre-eclampsia: a cohort study. Hum. Reprod. 29(6), 1153–1160 (2014). A total of 2405 consecutive singleton pregnancies were followed to determine if early HCG levels were associated with the development of preeclampsia. All pregnancies were conceived by in vitro fertilization, which allowed very accurate gestational age dating. HCG levels were obtained on day 12, and grouped into 4 categories (<50, 50–99, 100–149, ≥ 150). HCG levels less than 50 were associated with an odds ratio of 2.3 (95% CI: 1.2–4.7) for preeclampsia and and odds ratio of 4.2 (95% CI: 1.4–12.2) for severe preeclampsia. Early HCG levels may serve as a marker for the detection of preeclampsia.