cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energetics of Glycophorin A Dimerization in Mammalian Plasma Membranes

Quantitative measurements of protein interaction strengths are crucial for describing signaling networks and predicting cellular responses to environmental stimuli. Of all interactions between biological macromolecules, interactions between membrane proteins are the least characterized, and their strength is often measured in model detergent and lipid systems that poorly mimic the complex biological membrane. Measurements in models systems, however, are not likely to yield accurate predictions, because interactions in the native cellular environment occur within the context of a crowded system.Here we explore the utility of plasma membrane-derived vesicles as a model crowded environment for quantitative characterization of membrane protein interactions in mammalian membranes. In particular, we study the dimerization energetics of Glycophorin A (GpA), the primary sialoglycoprotein of human erythrocyte membranes, using the “quantitative imaging Foster resonance energy transfer (QI-FRET)” method. We determine the FRET efficiency, and the donor and the acceptor concentrations in single plasma membrane-derived vesicles loaded with GpA. These measurements yield, for the first time, the free energy of GpA dimerization in mammalian membranes. Supported by NSF MCB-0718841.Li E, Placone J, Merzlyakov M, Hristova K (2008) Quantitative measurements of protein interactions in a crowded cellular environment. Anal Chem 80: 5976-5985
Developing the anemone Aiptasia as a tractable model for cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis: the transcriptome of aposymbiotic A. pallida

Coral reefs are hotspots of oceanic biodiversity, forming the foundation of ecosystems that are important both ecologically and for their direct practical impacts on humans. Corals are declining globally due to a number of stressors, including rising sea-surface temperatures and pollution; such stresses can lead to a breakdown of the essential symbiotic relationship between the coral host and its endosymbiotic dinoflagellates, a process known as coral bleaching. Although the environmental stresses causing this breakdown are largely known, the cellular mechanisms of symbiosis establishment, maintenance, and breakdown are still largely obscure. Investigating the symbiosis using an experimentally tractable model organism, such as the small sea anemone Aiptasia, should improve our understanding of exactly how the environmental stressors affect coral survival and growth. We assembled the transcriptome of a clonal population of adult, aposymbiotic (dinoflagellate-free) Aiptasia pallida from ~208 million reads, yielding 58,018 contigs. We demonstrated that many of these contigs represent full-length or near-full-length transcripts that encode proteins similar to those from a diverse array of pathways in other organisms, including various metabolic enzymes, cytoskeletal proteins, and neuropeptide precursors. The contigs were annotated by sequence similarity, assigned GO terms, and scanned for conserved protein domains. We analyzed the frequency and types of single-nucleotide variants and estimated the size of the Aiptasia genome to be ~421 Mb. The contigs and annotations are available through NCBI (Transcription Shotgun Assembly database, accession numbers JV077153-JV134524) and at http://pringlelab.stanford.edu/projects.html . The availability of an extensive transcriptome assembly for A. pallida will facilitate analyses of gene-expression changes, identification of proteins of interest, and other studies in this important emerging model system.
A generalization of multiple choice balls-into-bins

In the multiple choice balls into bins problem, each ball is placed into the least loaded one out of d bins chosen independently and uniformly at random (i.u.r.}). It is known that the maximum load after n balls are placed into n bins is ln ln n/ln d + O(1).In this paper, we consider a variation of the standard multiple choice process. For k
Crk is required for apoptosis in Xenopus egg extracts

Apoptosis is essential for the development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. Recently, a cell-free extract prepared from Xenopus eggs was shown to recapitulate intracellular apoptotic pathways in vitro. While many stimuli have been shown to trigger apoptosis in a variety of cell types, the intracellular signaling pathways involved in apoptosis remain largely unknown. Here we show that addition of a recombinant protein containing the phosphotyrosine binding (SH2) domain from the adaptor protein crk, but not those derived from a panel of other signaling proteins, can prevent apoptosis in the Xenopus egg extract system. Furthermore, immunodepletion of endogenous crk protein from the egg extracts, or addition of anti-crk antisera to these extracts, prevents apoptosis. The ability to undergo apoptosis can be restored to these extracts by addition of recombinant crk protein. These results directly demonstrate that crk participates in apoptotic signaling.
Correlating androgen and estrogen steroid receptor expression with coronary calcification and atherosclerosis in men without known coronary artery disease.

Background: Accumulating data emphasize the gender specificity of key components of the atherosclerotic process and the importance of gonadal steroids on the human vasculature. Steroid receptors, including the androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptors (ERs) α and β are expressed in key vascular tissues, including endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the relative abundance and importance of these receptors in the coronary artery are not well defined, particularly in men. We therefore examined AR, ERα, and ERβ expression as a function of key components of atherosclerosis, namely plaque and calcium area, in male human coronary arteries. Methods: Coronary arteries were obtained at autopsy from 24 men without known coronary artery disease. Coronary calcification was measured by contact microradiography, and atherosclerotic plaque area was quantified histologically. Coronary artery cross-sections were immunostained for AR, ERα, and ERβ and then measured semiquantitatively in each art...
Development of hourly probabilistic utility NOx emission inventories using time series techniques: Part II—multivariate approach

Abstract Historical data regarding hourly variability in coal-fired power plant unit emissions based upon continuous emission monitoring enables estimation of the likely range of possible values in the near future for purposes of air quality modeling. Analyses were conducted for 32 units for a base case in 1995, an alternative 1998 case, and a 2007 future scenario case. Hourly inter-unit uncertainty was assumed to be independent. Univariate stochastic time series models were employed to quantify hourly uncertainty in capacity and emission factors. Ordinary least-squares regression models were used to quantify hourly uncertainty in heat rate. The models were used to develop an hourly probabilistic emission inventory for a 4-day period. There was significant autocorrelation for time lags 1, 2, 23, and 24 for the capacity and emission factor and a 24 h cyclical pattern for the capacity factor. The uncertainty ranges for hourly emissions were found to vary for different hours of the day, with 95% probability ranges of typically ±20–40% of the mean. For the 1995 case, the 95% confidence interval for the daily inventory was 510–633 t/d, representing approximately ±10% uncertainty with respect to the average value of 576 t/d. Inter-annual changes in the mean and variability were assessed by comparison of 1998 data with 1995 data. The daily inventory for the 2007 scenario had an uncertainty range of ±8% of the average value of 175 t/d. The substantial autocorrelation in capacity and emission factor, and the cyclic effect for capacity factor, indicate the importance of accounting for time series effects in estimation of uncertainty in hourly emissions. Additional work is recommended to account for inter-unit dependence, which is addressed in Part 2.
Magnetostriction near the magnetic-field-induced phase transitions of Cr2O3

Abstract An abrupt length-change was observed at the spin-flop transition of Cr 2 O 3 . The thermal expansion coefficient exhibited lambda anomalies at both the paramagnetic-to-antiferromagnetic and paramagnetic-to-spin-flop transitions. The phase diagram in fields up to 175 kOe (including the region near the bicritical point) was determined.
Expanding the definition of long-term follow-up to late adulthood.

In the United States, NICUs with training programs for fellows have follow-up programs for extremely preterm and very preterm infants who are considered at greatest risk of postdischarge neurodevelopmental morbidity. Late preterm (LPT) births (34–36 weeks) were for many years considered low risk, and their vulnerability was underestimated. Over the past few decades there has been a significant increase in the number of LPT births, related in part to induction of labor and cesarean delivery births and to a variety of risk factors.1,2 There has also been a proliferation in the number of studies reporting increased neonatal and postdischarge morbidities within the LPT population. The level of physiologic maturation has been shown to place these infants at increased risk of a spectrum of medical problems, including hypothermia, respiratory disorders, hypoglycemia, jaundice, immunologic problems, increased susceptibility to infection, and feeding problems.3 Vulnerability of the brain is now also recognized. The second half of gestation is a critical period of brain … Address correspondence to Betty R. Vohr, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Women and Infants Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 101 Dudley St, Providence, RI 02905 E-mail: bvohr{at}wihri.org
Abstract A24: Does patient navigation improve time to diagnostic resolution of abnormal mammograms among depressed urban women?

Background: Depression is more common in women, lower socio-economic groups, certain racial/ethnic minorities, and is associated with higher breast cancer mortality. Patient navigation has been shown to improve access to timely cancer care in a patient-centered manner, by identifying and helping to overcome barriers to healthcare. Our objective is to determine if patient navigation improves time to diagnostic resolution after abnormal mammograms for vulnerable women who are depressed. Methods: The Boston University Patient Navigator Research Program provided navigation for all patients who had an abnormal screening mammogram in 3 affiliated community health center (CHC) 2007–2008, with 3 CHCs serving as control sites and receiving usual care. A woman was categorized as “depressed” if depression was recorded in her medical record during the 12 months preceding the screening test abnormality. All women were followed for 12 months to determine if they completed diatnostic evaluation. Demographic characteristics of depressed and non-depressed women were compared through chi-square tests. Differences in the percent of women who did not complete diagnostic evaluation within 12 months for depressed vs. non-depressed women, and for navigated vs. control women, were tested through chi-square and described through odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Among 1299 women with abnormal mammograms, 17% were depressed, 12% had anxiety. Most of the women were non-White: 28% Hispanic, 35% Black, and 11% Vietnamese; English was the primary language in 58%, and less than one third had private health care insurance. Depression was positively associated with white race and Hispanic ethnicity (P Depression is common in women needing diagnostic testing for abnormal cancer screening, and depressed women may particularly benefit from patient navigation. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A24.
Interpreting Quantum Interference Using a Berry’s Phase-like Quantity

We show that quantum interference can be interpreted in terms of a phase invariant quantity, not unlike the Berry’s phase. Under this interpretation, closed loops in time become fundamental quantum entities, and all quantum states become periodic. Decoherence is then seen to occur naturally as a consequence. This formalism, although counterintuitive, provides another useful way of assigning meaning to quantum probabilities and quasi-probabilities.
Volatile Compounds Produced in L‐Cysteine/D‐Glucose Model System by Sunlight Irradiation

Samples of the browning model system consisting of L-cysteine and D-glucose were exposed to sunlight or held in the dark for 1 to 28 days to determine the effect of sunlight on the volatile compounds formed. Nitrogen- and sulfur-containing compounds predominated. 2-Acetylthiazole was one of the major compounds of the sample exposed to sunlight but was not found in the samples kept in darkness. Other compounds including thiazoles and thiophenes were produced in greater quantities in the samples exposed to light.
Control and Identification of Vortex Wakes

In this paper, control and identification methods for vortex wakes are investigated. The particular problem studied concerns the stabilization of vortices behind a flat plate, using backside suction as an actuator. The flow dynamics are modeled with a discrete vortex method. Feedback control results for a linear PI controller are presented as well as identification results for a class of input/output models that can be used to design more sophisticated controllers.
Anti-Skid Braking of a Tractor-Semitrailer Truck

ABSTRACT This paper describes a study of anti-skid braking and the effects of such braking on the handling behavior and braking performance of a tractor-semitrailer truck. The truck, represented by a digital computer model having fourteen degrees of freedom, is taken to be in a cornering maneuver that involves braking and driver steering. Conventional braking or one of three types of anti-skid braking is used in the maneuver. The results show that the effects of anti-skid braking on the handling behavior and braking performance of the truck are beneficial. The results also show that the behavior of the wheels and the handling behavior and braking performance of the truck depend on the type of anti-skid braking used.
Decentralised dynamic high-gain scaling-based output-feedback control of large-scale non-linear interconnected systems with delays

A general class of non-linear large-scale interconnected systems is considered, wherein each subsystem is comprised of a nominal part in a general strict-feedback-like structure and a set of appended dynamics. Parametric and functional uncertainties and time delays are allowed throughout the overall system structure including the nominal strict-feedback-like parts and appended dynamics of each subsystem as well as the non-linear subsystem interconnections. The controller design is based on the dual dynamic high-gain scaling technique and provides a robust adaptive delay-independent globally stabilising decentralised output-feedback controller. The disturbance attenuation properties of the proposed output-feedback decentralised controller to an exogenous disturbance input are also analysed and specific conditions under which properties such as Input-to-Output-practical-Stability and asymptotic stabilisation are attained are also discussed.
Ionic components of dorsal and ventral currents in vitellogenic follicles of the cockroach, Blattella germanica

Abstract Stable currents generated by the vitellogenic Blattella follicle were measured by means of a two dimensional vibrating probe. Dorsal outward and ventral inward currents changed differently in response to experimental manipulations: change in dorsal currents correlated with [K + ] 0 and change in ventral currents correlated with [Cl − ] 0 . Dorsal currents were also affected by the potassium channel blocker TEA and by the Na-K-ATPase inhibitor ouabain. Thus potassium ions likely contribute to the dorsal outward current and chloride ions moving out contribute to the ventral inward current. Both potassium and chloride ions may reenter through widely distributed non-specific regions of the follicle, with as much as 50% of the potassium entering by way of a ouabain-sensitive pump. Sodium ions probably do not contribute to the dorsal outward current since sodium- and chloride-free medium led to anomalous changes in ventral currents. Responses of follicles of a size at which the asymmetric current pattern first appears were qualitatively similar to those of mid-vitellogenic follicles.
Interpreting Burrows's Delta: Geometric and Probabilistic Foundations

While Burrows's intuitive and elegant ‘Delta’ measure for authorship attribution has proven to be extremely useful for authorship attribution, a theoretical understanding of its operation has remained somewhat obscure. In this article, I address this issue by introducing a geometric interpretation of Delta, which further allows us to interpret Delta as a probabilistic ranking principle. This interpretation gives us a better understanding of the method's fundamental assumptions and potential limitations, as well as leading to several well-founded variations and extensions.
A New Low Loss Rotman Lens Design for Multibeam Phased Arrays

The design methodology and analysis of a new low loss Rotman lens beam-forming network is presented. With the introduction of dielectric contours of varying permittivity within the lens, enhanced focusing is achieved. The varying permittivity is realized through a synthesized dielectric technique, where a periodic lattice of holes is formed within the dielectric substrate. In comparison to a conventional Rotman lens of similar shape and size, this new enhanced focused Rotman lens shows an insertion loss improvement of 1.2 to 2.0 dB. Also, the decrease in gain at the extreme scan angles is reduced from 1.5 dB to 0.7 dB.
The heliospheric magnetic field and the solar wind during the solar cycle

The heliospheric magnetic field and the solar wind are behaving differently in the current solar minimum, compared to the previous minimum. The radial component of the heliospheric magnetic field, and thus the average value of the component of the solar magnetic field that opens into the heliosphere, the so-called open magnetic flux of the Sun, is lower than it was in the previous solar minimum; in fact, lower than in any previous solar minimum for which there are good spacecraft observations. The mass flux, the ram pressure, and the coronal electron temperature as measured by solar wind charge states are also lower in the current minimum compared to the previous one. This situation provides an opportunity to test some of the concepts for the behavior of the heliospheric magnetic field and the solar wind that have been developed; to improve these theories, and to construct a theory for the solar wind that accounts for the observed behavior throughout the solar cycle, including the current unusual solar minimum.
Conformal, Amine-Functionalized Thin Films by Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition (iCVD) for Hydrolytically Stable Microfluidic Devices

Poly(4-aminostyrene) (PAS) thin films were synthesized via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) with tert-butyl peroxide as the initiator, representing the first time that a library of iCVD functional groups has been extended to amine moieties. The retention of the pendent amine chemical functionality was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveals that the iCVD PAS coatings are conformal over nonplanar structures. Fluorescence microscopy and photoluminescence of quantum dot functionalized surfaces confirm that the reactive amine functional group density at the surface of iCVD PAS is ∼1 order of magnitude greater than for films grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The higher amine density of the iCVD films enables the formation of a robust nanoadhesive with complementary epoxy functional groups. Prototype microfluidic structures were fabricated using the low-temperature (50 °...
Effects of the torque model on the control of a VR spherical motor

This paper presents the effects of the torque model on the control of a variable reluctance spherical motor (VRSM) that offers several attractive features by combining multi-DOF motions in a single joint. A general form of the torque model for a VRSM is derived using the principle of energy conversion. The torque models for two specific design configurations developed at Georgia Tech are compared. The first has been based on an existing design characterized by a torque model in quadratic form. For feedback control of the spherical motor, the quadratic form of the torque model requires the use of nonlinear optimization schemes for computing the stator coil current inputs. The second design incorporating high coercive permanent magnets has a linear torque-current relationship and thus allows a closed form solution for both forward and inverse torque models. The effects of the torque model on a PD-controlled VRSM prototype has been studied both numerically and experimentally. Experimental results agree well with the computation derived analytically.
MODELING INFECTIOUS OUTBREAKS IN NON-HOMOGENEOUS POPULATIONS

Emerging diseases, novel strains of reemerging diseases, and bioterrorism threats necessitate the development of computational models that can supply health care providers with tools to facilitate analysis and simulation of the progression of infectious diseases in a population. Most computational models assume homogeneous mixing within populations. However, a more realistic approach to the simulation of infectious disease outbreaks includes the stratification of populations in which the interactions between individuals are affinity-based. To examine the effects of heterogeneous populations on the outbreak dynamics, we developed a hybrid model that includes clustered individuals which represent differentiated populations. This facilitates the study of the effects of distinct behavioral properties on the dynamics of an infectious disease epidemic. Our results indicate that non-uniform interactions and affinity-driven behavior can drastically change the outbreak dynamics in the population.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of human salivary α-amylase

Nonglycosylated α-amylase, a major component of human parotid saliva, has been crystallized by the vapor diffusion technique using 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol as the precipitant in the presence of CaCl2 at pH 9.0. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group P212121 with unit cell dimensions of a = 53.3, b = 75.8, and c = 138.1 A. The asymmetric unit contains one amylase molecule. The solvent content is 54%. The crystals are stable to X-rays and diffract up to 2.8 A and appear to be suitable for X-ray diffraction studies.
Image Coding Via a Nearest Neighbors Image Model

A two-dimensional interpolative model for coding of images is presented. It is shown that this model leads to three different coding algorithms, each algorithm defining a specific transmitter-receiver architecture. Simulation examples on a 255 × 255 image are given. Computational aspects and possible extensions are discussed.
From Neural Responses to Population Behavior Neural Focus Group Predicts Population-Level Media Effects

Can neural responses of a small group of individuals predict the behavior of large-scale populations? In this investigation, brain activations were recorded while smokers viewed three different television campaigns promoting the National Cancer Institute's telephone hotline to help smokers quit (1-800-QUIT-NOW). The smokers also provided self-report predictions of the campaigns' relative effectiveness. Population measures of the success of each campaign were computed by comparing call volume to 1-800-QUIT-NOW in the month before and the month after the launch of each campaign. This approach allowed us to directly compare the predictive value of self-reports with neural predictors of message effectiveness. Neural activity in a medial prefrontal region of interest, previously associated with individual behavior change, predicted the population response, whereas self-report judgments did not. This finding suggests a novel way of connecting neural signals to population responses that has not been previously demonstrated and provides information that may be difficult to obtain otherwise.
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1a is a Tsc1-regulated survival factor in newborn neurons in tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 resulting in hyperactivity of the mammalian target of rapamycin and disabling brain lesions. These lesions contain misplaced neurons enriched in hypoxia-inducible factor 1a (HIF1a). However, the relationship between TSC1/2 and HIF1a and the function of HIF1a in TSC neurons remain unexplored. Here, we examine the degree of HIF1a activity and its function in newborn Tsc1null neurons in a mouse model of TSC. Using single cell electroporation in the neurogenic subventricular zone (SVZ) of neonatal mice, we deleted Tsc1 and generated olfactory lesions containing misplaced Tsc1null neurons as previously reported. These newborn neurons displayed elevated HIF1a-mediated transcriptional activity when compared with Tsc1 heterozygote neurons and a marked resistance to cell death induced by a HIF1a antagonist. Electroporation of Hif1a targeting short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or dominant negative HIF1a constructs resulted in 80–90% loss of Tsc1null newborn neurons although sparing SVZ stem cells. Consistent with this later finding, induction of Hif1a shRNA expression during synaptic integration thus bypassing neuron production also resulted in newborn neuron death. Collectively, these results suggest that HIF1a acts as a molecular determinant of newborn neuron survival and that its TSC1-dependent up-regulation gave Tsc1null neurons a survival advantage, despite their misplacement in a novel microenvironment.
Complex adnexal masses: detection and characterization with MR imaging--multivariate analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the detection and characterization of complex adnexal masses, with particular reference to the findings predictive of malignancy, role of gadolinium-enhanced contrast material, and observer variability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative MR imaging of the pelvis was performed in 128 consecutive patients with clinically or ultrasonographically detected complex adnexal masses. Histopathologic examination demonstrated 187 masses, 96 of which were malignant. MR imaging studies were prospectively and independently reviewed by two radiologists, one of whom reevaluated the studies after a 6-month interval. The predictive value of MR imaging findings was determined with multivariate logistic regression analysis. The value of gadolinium enhancement was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Inter- and intraobserver variabilities were assessed by using weighted κ statistics. RESULTS: Gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging depict...
Assessing residents in surgical ethics: we do it a lot; we only know a little.

Background PGY-1 year of surgical residency brings together many persons of disparate experiences and educational backgrounds, including their exposure to ethics. We hypothesized that surgical PGY-1s would have a similar exposure to ethical scenarios but lack the confidence in practice and understanding of ethical principles compared with more senior residents. Materials and Methods Surgical residents were invited to resident-initiated surgical ethics workshops utilizing a standardized text. Here a survey and multiple choice tests were administered to participants. The survey determined prior exposure to ethics curricula, the frequency of exposure to various ethics topics, and their comfort with these scenarios. A multiple choice test then quantified the knowledge base of participating residents. The results were collected and compared between surgical PGY-1s and more senior residents. Results Eighteen PGY-1s and 12 senior residents completed this curriculum. Resident exposure to ethical concepts was common. Resident confidence in these topics was ranked moderate or higher for both groups. Despite frequent clinical exposure and strong confidence in their skills of addressing these topics, performance on the test was poor, with an average score of 59% for PGY-1s and 47% for more senior residents ( P = 0.03). Conclusions Despite clinical exposure to and confidence in their management of ethical topics, their knowledge base was poor and worse for more senior residents. Given the overall interest in a formal ethics curriculum and the knowledge deficit demonstrated, educational intervention and professional ethics support should be provided for surgical residents even with the current educational time constraints.
A probabalistic vector model for identification of intervocalic stop consonants

A probabilistic vector model was developed to identify phonemically equivalent intervocalic stop consonants independently of the succeeding vowel's identity or the differences among talkers. Acoustic features of stop perception and production were studied as random processes whose probability density functions provided models for describing either the voicing mode or place-of-articulation of a stop. Each acoustic feature present in a stop's production contributed a vector whose magnitude and direction were determined from these acoustically based feature models. Combining these vectors resulted in the stop's identification. The voicing mode model performed as well as trained listeners (greater than 99% correct recognition) while the place-of-articulation model performed 15% below the level of trained listeners.
Keynote address II: Smarter planlet/cities

Study of networks that arise in a variety of domains is a fast growing area that combines ideas from various disciplines such as graph theory, game theory, sociology, optimization, data mining, etc. In this talk I will present several examples where such networks arise and talk about canonical problems that researchers focus on in the area of social network analysis, which the study of networks among people, and their interactions on such networks.
Photodynamic therapy and tumor imaging of hypericin-treated squamous cell carcinoma

Background Conventional cancer therapy including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy often are physically debilitating and largely ineffective in previously treated patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A natural photochemical, hypericin, could be a less invasive method for laser photodynamic therapy (PDT) of these recurrent head and neck malignancies. Hypericin has powerful photo-oxidizing ability, tumor localization properties, and fluorescent imaging capabilities as well as minimal dark toxicity. The current study defined hypericin PDT in vitro with human SCC cells before the cells were grown as tumor transplants in nude mice and tested as a model for hypericin induced tumor fluorescence and PDT via laser fiberoptics.
Rapid and Slow Nitric Oxide Responses During Conducted Vasodilation in the In Vivo Intestine and Brain Cortex Microvasculatures

Conduction of arteriolar vasodilation is initiated by activation of nitric oxide (NO) mechanisms, but dependent on conduction of hyperpolarization. Most studies have used brief (<1 second) activation of the initial vasodilation to evaluate the fast conduction processes. However, most arteriolar mechanisms involving NO production persist for minutes. In this study, fast and slower components of arteriolar conduction in the in vivo rat brain and small intestine were compared using three-minute stimulation of NO-dependent vasodilation and measurement of [NO] at the distal sites. Within 10-15 seconds, both vasculatures had a rapidly conducted vasodilation and dilation at distance had a fast but small [NO] component. A slower but larger distal vasodilation occurred after 60-90 seconds in the intestine, but not the brain, and was associated with a substantial increase in [NO]. This slowly developed dilation appeared to be caused by flow mediated responses of larger arterioles as smaller arterioles dilated to lower downstream resistance. These results indicate while the intestinal and cerebral arterioles have a fast conducted vasodilation system, the intestinal arterioles also have a slower but larger dilation of major arterioles that is NO related and dependent on the conduction of vasodilation between small arterioles.
A New Species of Arapaima (Osteoglossomorpha: Osteoglossidae) from the Solimões River, Amazonas State, Brazil

A new species of Arapaima has been discovered from the central Amazon of Brazil. This new taxon is readily distinguished from all other Arapaima by the following three characters: 1) dorsalmost lateralis sensory cavity on preopercle extremely slender (vs. broadly oval or nearly rectangular in other nominal taxa); 2) ventrolateral margin of head where third infraorbital meets anterior limb of preopercle strongly angled such that ventral surface of head is almost flat (vs. ventrolateral margin of head relatively rounded); and 3) anterior third of dorsal-fin base covered with an enlarged, thickened sheath that hides anterior dorsal-fin rays when adpressed (vs. no thickened sheath on anterior base of dorsal fin and anterior dorsal-fin rays visible when adpressed). Distinguished from all other Arapaima except A. agassizii by having extremely long fourth infraorbital. Distinguished from A. arapaima and all other examined non-type specimens by notably slender body (the holotypes of A. gigas, A. mapae, and A. aga...
Coronary artery fenestration prior to stenting in spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection is associated with high rates of complications and suboptimal long-term outcomes. Coronary artery fenestration with cutting balloon angioplasty prior to stenting can prevent the expansion of intramural hematoma and optimize PCI outcomes in this patient population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Life on the Line: The Therapeutic Potentials of Computer-Mediated Conversation

In what ways are computer networking practices comparable to face-to-face therapy? With the exponential increase in computer-mediated communication and the increasing numbers of people joining topically based computer networks, the potential for grass-roots therapeutic (or antitherapeutic) interchange is greatly augmented. Here we report the results of research into exchanges on an electronic bulletin board devoted to the topic of suicide. Over an 11-month period participants offered each other valuable resources in terms of validation of experience, sympathy, acceptance, and encouragement. They also asked provocative questions and furnished broad-ranging advice. Hostile entries were rare. However, there were few communiques that parallel the change-inducing practices more frequent within many therapeutic settings. In effect, on-line dialogues seemed more sustaining than transforming. Further limits and potentials of on-line communication are explored.
Conservation and Unscripted Development in Northern Tanzania

Efforts to reduce persistent poverty and redress conflict between local communities and parks and protected areas PAs in the developing world have taken many forms including community based conservation (CBC) and integrated conservation and development projects (ICDPs). Generally these formalized efforts have had mixed results with failures providing additional fodder for claims that conservation has impoverished local lives. Complicating these concerns are recent studies which have found poverty reduction near parks and PAs – though causal mechanisms remain unclear. One under- examined hypothesis is that, in the absence of organized, integrated management plans, conservation/community landscapes can attract or recruit external support for an array of ad hoc, unplanned local development activities (i.e., unscripted development). This study uses a comparative, mixed methods research design to examine “unscripted development” near Tarangire National Park (TNP) in northern Tanzania where widespread CBC and ICDPs have not utilized. It asks the questions: (1) What development projects have taken place since the formation of the park? (2) How have these projects been supported? and (3) Has the development of these projects influenced household-level outcomes? Findings show that, compared to control communities, communities near TNP have developed more extensive education and water infrastructure by procuring financial support from more types and greater numbers of external organizations. Correspondingly, household survey results show that education measures for men, women, and children are each higher in the communities near TNP compared to the control communities. These findings build on recent studies of poverty reduction near PAs by providing an example of how social benefits may accrue near parks and how ad hoc, unplanned, unscripted approaches to conservation and development may, in fact, offer tractable management strategies in uncertain times.
The Mn 55 (p,n)Fe 55 Neutron Spectrum

A thin (20-kev) target of manganese on a tantalum backing was bombarded by monoenergetic protons of 2.97, 3.42, and 3.77 Mev from the Rockefeller electrostatic generator. Nuclear emulsion plates (Eastman NTB, 200 microns thickness) were mounted 15 cm from the target at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} with respect to the incident proton beam. The resulting neutron spectra, obtained from the analysis of 2400 proton recoil tracks, show well-defined groups which correspond to excited states in ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{55}$ at 0.42, 0.94, 1.36, and 2.08 Mev. The group corresponding to the level at 1.36 Mev has an unusually large width indicating that this level is complex. The $Q$-value for the ground-state reaction was measured to be -1.05\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 Mev, giving the threshold for neutron production as 1.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 Mev. Levels in ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{55}$ at 0.935 and 1.41 Mev have been found by Deutsch and Hedgran from a study of the decay scheme of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{55}$. These levels correspond closely to two of the levels reported here.
Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Disease

The treatment of polycystic ovarian disease is directed towards the following features which are present alone or in variable combinations in most patients with this syndrome: 1. Anovulation 2. Hirsutism 3. Dysfunctional bleeding
Neuromorphic Computing Enabled by Spin-Transfer Torque Devices

Neuromorphic computing offers immense possibilities in the development of self-learning, fault-tolerant, adaptive cognitive systems. However, the computing models are in complete contrast to the present sequential von-Neumann model of computation. Even custom analog/digital CMOS implementations of neural networks have been unable to achieve the ultra-low power and compact computing abilities of the human brain. In this tutorial, we review some of the neuromorphic computing models and demonstrate the manner in which spin-transfer torque effects in emerging spintronic devices can offer a direct mapping to such underlying neural computations.
Videos in clinical medicine. Gastrostomy-tube exchange.

This video demonstrates the technique for the removal and replacement of a balloon gastrostomy tube. The indications, contraindications, and potential complications are also reviewed.
Veiling and Unveiling: An Artistic Exploration of Self-Other Processes

The purpose of this study was to engage in a collaborative, artistic inquiry to examine the self–other processes of transference and counter transference. Over the course of 10 weeks, the two researcher-participants co-constructed several self-portraits using sheets of acetate transparencies positioned in-between them. They gathered and analyzed data using collaborative paintings, photography, journal entries, letter writing, dialogue, and an art installation. Findings were synthesized and represented in the form of an audiovisual compilation.
What is Mathematics

(1979). What is Mathematics? The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 86, No. 7, pp. 551-557.
Transnational Class Actions in the Shadow of Preclusion: Appendix Only

The American class action is a procedural tool that advances substantive law values such as deterrence, compensation, and fairness. Opt-out class actions in particular achieve these goals by aggregating claims not only of active participants but also passive plaintiffs. Full faith and credit then extends the preclusive effect of class judgments to other U.S. courts. But there is no international full faith and credit obligation, and many foreign courts will not treat U.S. class judgments as binding on passive plaintiffs. Therefore, some plaintiffs may be able to wait until the U.S. class action is resolved before either joining the U.S. suit (and reaping its rewards) or relitigating the case abroad. Transnational class actions thus give some plaintiffs “litigation options.”The few courts and scholars that have recognized this phenomenon have proposed methods to identify litigation option holders and exclude them from opt out treatment. Some U.S. judges, for example, have refused to certify classes that include citizens of foreign countries that may not recognize U.S. class judgments. This Article shows that this conventional wisdom is misdirected: citizenship is the wrong measure, courts are poorly positioned to identify relitigation risks, and the social costs of excluding option holders may well outweigh the benefits. Instead, courts should certify classes of foreign and domestic plaintiffs in service of policy goals such as deterrence and intraclass fairness regardless of foreign preclusion law. At the same time, this Article suggests innovative approaches to achieve some preclusion previously unremarked upon in transnational cases. Prior approaches are insufficient, in part, because they rely on courts without acknowledging the informational asymmetries between courts and parties or the limited tools available for judicial resolution. This Article explains how private incentives and private information may fill the gap in interjurisdictional preclusion law. Parties should be encouraged to negotiate private preclusion agreements in cases in which preclusion matters. In addition, courts can coordinate informally to curb costly relitigation.In summary, this Article uses values derived from lawmaking choices and a practical assessment of the litigation environment to respond to litigation options in transnational class actions not by excluding option holders but instead by permitting aggregation and seeking alternatives to preclusion law. This Article applies these lessons to transnational class actions filed in a single jurisdiction (e.g., a U.S. court), as well as to dueling class actions filed in two countries simultaneously and to U.S. recognition of foreign aggregate judgments whatever their form.The paper "Transnational Class Actions in the Shadow of Preclusion" to which these Appendices apply is available at the following URL: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2386329
Illusory Abiding: The Cultural Construction of the Chan Monk Zhongfeng Mingben, by Natasha Heller

Over the last several decades the study of Chinese Buddhism as it developed during the later imperial period has progressed steadily, although the coverage has been somewhat uneven. Some periods ha...
Dissemination of CBT for Insomnia

Dissemination of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is essential because this effective non-pharmacological intervention for insomnia is currently underutilized. In this chapter, we review past and recent dissemination efforts aimed at (1) increasing the ranks of qualified treatment providers and (2) increasing availability of direct-to-consumer CBTI treatment products. Specifically, we describe a model for training licensed mental health clinicians to competency in delivering CBTI that is currently underway in the VA Healthcare system and results from the evaluation of this dissemination effort. We also discuss existing direct-to-consumer treatment programs that use a variety of formats and modalities, and the emerging use of technologies to deliver and enhance CBTI. While significant progress has been made in disseminating CBTI, we highlight the need for future dissemination work, including the importance of developing cost-effective models that blend therapist-delivered treatment with direct-to-consumer modalities, and the need to create treatment guidelines, particularly as they apply to low therapist involvement and blended models of delivery.
Experiences Associated with Pediatric Dysphagia: A Mother’s Perspective

Background : Pediatric dysphagia arises from various etiologies but often coincides with complex health issues. Tasks associated with the management of pediatric dysphagia are often unfamiliar and arduous, leaving a heavy burden on the primary caregiver. Little is known regarding how these experiences affect caregivers and family systems. Aims : This study was conducted to examine dysphagia and its vast implications from a caregiver’s perspective in order to reveal a perceived role in management. Methods & Procedures : A qualitative case study design was chosen. Consistent with this tradition of inquiry, naturalistic data were collected through ethnographic interviewing procedures, collection of artifacts for analysis, and multiple lamination sessions obtained through electronic mail messages. These data were analyzed inductively, in which authors independently reviewed data several times and coded the data line by line with a category of idea or action that represented the raw data. As data collection and analysis continued in a cyclical fashion, several initial categories clumped into more abstract overarching themes related to the participant’s experience with dysphagia. Outcomes & Results : Data interpretation suggests that encounters associated with caring for multiple children with dysphagia are multifaceted and that consequences of dysphagia extend far beyond the individual with dysphagia and into the entire family system. Conclusion : This paper argues for further consideration of social and affective factors in pediatric dysphagia management and the inspection of dysphagia from a dynamic lens that accounts for all layers of the disorder.
Expression of Cav1.3 calcium channel in the human and mouse colon: posttranscriptional inhibition by IFNγ

It has been hypothesized that apically expressed L-type Ca2+ channel Cav1.3 (encoded by CACNA1D gene) contributes toward an alternative TRPV6-independent route of intestinal epithelial Ca2+ absorption, especially during digestion when high luminal concentration of Ca2+ and other nutrients limit TRPV6 contribution. We and others have implicated altered expression and activity of key mediators of intestinal and renal Ca2+ (re)absorption as contributors to negative systemic Ca2+ balance and bone loss in intestinal inflammation. Here, we investigated the effects of experimental colitis and related inflammatory mediators on colonic Cav1.3 expression. We confirmed Cav1.3 expression within the segments of the mouse and human gastrointestinal tract. Consistent with available microarray data (GEO database) from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, mouse colonic expression of Cav1.3 was significantly reduced in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis. In vitro, IFNγ most potently reduced Cav1.3 expression. We reproduced these findings in vivo with wild-type and Stat1-/- mice injected with IFNγ. The observed effect in Stat1-/- suggested a noncanonical transcriptional repression or a posttranscriptional mechanism. In support of the latter, we observed no effect on the cloned Cav1.3 gene promoter activity and accelerated Cav1.3 mRNA decay rate in IFNγ-treated HCT116 cells. While the relative contribution of Cav1.3 to intestinal Ca2+ absorption and its value as a therapeutic target remain to be established, we postulate that Cav1.3 downregulation in IBD may contribute to the negative systemic Ca2+ balance, to increased bone resorption, and to reduced bone mineral density in IBD patients.