cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Interaction of Advanced Glycation End Products With Their Cellular Receptor RAGE: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Accelerated Periodontal Disease in Diabetes

The prevalence and severity of periodontal disease is increased in patients with both insulin-deficient and insulin-resistant forms of diabetes. While a number of underlying factors likely contribute to enhanced periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss in diabetes, a common characteristic of these disorders, regardless of etiology, is the presence of hyperglycemia. A critical consequence of hyperglycemia is non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of proteins and lipids. After a series of reversible reactions which lead to the generation of Schiff bases/Amadori products, a further series of complex molecular rearrangements ensues which results in the formation of the irreversible advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. AGEs accumulate during the process of normal aging in the plasma and tissues, but to an accelerated degree in patients with diabetes. A central means by which AGEs are believed to impart their pathogenic effects is via interaction with specific cellular receptors; the best-characterized of these is receptor for AGE, or RAGE. RAGE, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules, is present in increased levels on target cells in diabetes, such as endothelial cells and monocytes. One consequence of AGE-RAGE interaction is the generation of enhanced cellular oxidant stress, a means by which cell signaling pathways may be activated, thereby resulting in altered cellular phenotype and cellular dysfunction. In this report, we will review our studies to date on AGEs and RAGE and consider the implications of their enhanced interaction in the pathogenesis of accelerated periodontal disease in diabetes.
Symbiosis, competition, and physical disturbance in the growth histories of Pliocene cheilostome bryoliths

Free-living (unattached) subspherical bryozoan masses (bryoliths) in Pliocene tidal channel deposits of the Imperial Formation of southeastern California show complex intra- and interspecific interactions during their accretionary growth. Ranging up to 10 cm in length, the bryoliths are composed almost exclusively of the anascan cheilostome Biflustra commensale. Approximately 50% of the bryoliths are nucleated on cerithiid or muricoid gastropod shells; secondary occupants (presumably pagurid crabs) determined the subspherical growth and associated epibionts of all of these specimens. Evidence for crab occupation includes the thick and relatively symmetrical bryozoan overgrowths that form short tubes extending from the aperture, thinning and pinchout of laminae on the undersides of bryoliths (wear facets), and the distinctive borings (Helicotaphrichnus) of symbiotic worms. In some instances, shells were infested by bryozoans and other encrusters before death of the gastropod, but these overgrowths are thin relative to hermit-associated bryozoan colonies. Episodic hermit abandonment, indicated by extensive erosion of the bryolith and/or its colonization by a more diverse epibiont assemblage including oysters and serpulids, was more frequent among bryoliths nucleated on the largest and most fouled gastropod shells; it was also more frequent among bryoliths in the relatively high-energy tidal channel thalweg than among those associated with oyster thickets on muddy channel margins. Bryoliths nucleated on other shell substrata are similarly thick, but have more irregular stratigraphies including more sedimentary inclusions, more borings, and fewer encrusting epibionts. Pebbles of crystalline basement rock are also encrusted by B. commensale, but only thinly. All of these bryoliths not inhabited by crabs are limited to the channel thalweg. As many as four distinct colonies of B. commensale could coexist on a single bryolith; lines of competitive standoff between colonies are marked by mineralized walls and topographic ridges on the bryolith exterior, and by teepee-like structures in cross-section. These standoffs were preferred sites of infestation by other epibionts and were remarkably stable in position on bryoliths with continuous hermit occupation. Bryoliths that suffered repeated abandonment by hermits, or that depended entirely upon chance reorientation, are characterized by highly unstable standoff positions, reflecting scramble competition under less predictable conditions. These circumstances were most common among large bryoliths and among those in channel thalwegs.
Acoustically forced shape oscillation of hydrocarbon drops levitated in water

Abstract Steady-state, quadrupole shape oscillations were excited in millimeter-diameter hydrocarbon drops by modulating the acoustic radiation pressure on the hydrocarbon-water interface. Rainbow optical interferometry facilitated the detection of micron oscillation amplitudes. Application to emulsification is suggested.
Consideration of the Federal Guidelines for Academic Services for Student-Athletes with Sports-Related Concussion

Abstract Purpose: Federal regulations should be implemented to provide appropriate services for student-athletes who have sustained a concussion, which can result in impaired function in the academ...
Rupture propagation in a model of an earthquake fault.

We present analytic and numerical studies of rupture propagation in a one-dimensional model of an earthquake fault. In the case of a fault that is uniformly at its slipping threshold, the propagation speed is determined by a dynamic selection mechanism elsewhere identified as ``marginal stability.'' At any nonzero distance below threshold, however, a solvability principle appears to be applicable. We describe the way in which these two mechanisms turn out to be consistent with each other and comment upon the unusual role of the short-wavelength cutoff.
Useful global-change scenarios: current issues and challenges

Scenarios are increasingly used to inform global-change debates, but their connection to decisions has been weak and indirect. This reflects the greater number and variety of potential users and scenario needs, relative to other decision domains where scenario use is more established. Global-change scenario needs include common elements, e.g., model-generated projections of emissions and climate change, needed by many users but in different ways and with different assumptions. For these common elements, the limited ability to engage diverse global-change users in scenario development requires extreme transparency in communicating underlying reasoning and assumptions, including probability judgments. Other scenario needs are specific to users, requiring a decentralized network of scenario and assessment organizations to disseminate and interpret common elements and add elements requiring local context or expertise. Such an approach will make global-change scenarios more useful for decisions, but not less controversial. Despite predictable attacks, scenario-based reasoning is necessary for responsible global-change decisions because decision-relevant uncertainties cannot be specified scientifically. The purpose of scenarios is not to avoid speculation, but to make the required speculation more disciplined, more anchored in relevant scientific knowledge when available, and more transparent.
The 3′ untranslated region of a soybean cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1) affects transcript stability and protein accumulation in transgenic alfalfa

*† ‡ Summary Higher plants assimilate nitrogen in the form of ammonia through the concerted activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT). The GS enzyme is either located in the cytoplasm (GS 1 )o r in the chloroplast (GS 2). Glutamine synthetase 1 is regulated in different plants at the transcriptional level and there are some reports of regulation at the level of protein stability. Here we present data that clearly establish that GS 1 in plants is also regulated at the level of transcript turnover and at the translational level. Using a Glycine max (soybean) GS 1 transgene, with and without its 3¢ untranslated region (UTR), driven by the constitutive CaMV 35S promoter in Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), we show that the 3¢ UTR plays a major role in both transcript turnover and translation repression in both the leaves and the nodules. Our data suggest that the 3¢ UTR mediated turnover of the transcript is regulated by a nitrogen metabolite or carbon/nitrogen ratios. We also show that the 3¢ UTR of the gene for the soybean GS 1 confers post-transcriptional regulation on a reporter gene. Our dissection of post-transcriptional and translational levels of regulation of GS in plants shows that the situation in plants strongly resembles that in other organisms where GS is regulated at almost all levels. Multistep regulation of GS shows the high priority given by organisms to regulating and ensuring optimal control of nitrogen substrates and preventing overproduction of glutamine and drainage of the glutamate pool.
Apoptosis and autophagy: regulatory connections between two supposedly different processes

Apoptosis and autophagy are genetically-regulated, evolutionarily-conserved processes that regulate cell fate. Both apoptosis and autophagy are important in development and normal physiology and in a wide range of diseases. Recent studies show that despite the marked differences between these two processes, their regulation is intimately connected and the same regulators can sometimes control both apoptosis and autophagy. In this review, I discuss some of these findings, which provide possible molecular mechanisms for crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy and suggest that it may be useful to think of these processes as different facets of the same cell death continuum rather than completely separate processes.
Proton spin-lattice relaxation at low temperatures in quinolinium (TCNQ)2

Abstract Measurements of the proton spin-lattice relaxation rate (T1)-1 in the quasi-one-dimensional organic charge transfer salt quinolinium (TCNQ)2 are reported over the magnetic field (H) range 1.2–10 kOe and the temperature (T) range 0.03–55 K. In the low temperature range (defined by gμBH ⪆ kT) the relaxation shows an activation energy type of behavior; T-11 = B exp [-ϵ(H)/kT], B = (15.0 ± 2.5) sec-1, and the activation energy (ϵ) is given by ϵ = AHδ, with δ = 1.65 ± 0.10 and A = (1.76 ± 0.34) x 10-2 K (kOe)-1.65. The mechanism responsible for this behavior is not yet identified.
The out-of-box home experience: remote from reality

A recent national radio news broadcast in the USA announced that what most American men wanted as a year-end holiday gift was a giant, high-definition television with appropriate accouterments, presumably for watching and recording sports events.
Single fiber absorption measurements for remote detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene

Abstract Single fiber optical measurements have been used to follow changes in the color of an initially clear poly(vinyl chloride) membrane as it reacts with aqueous 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) to form a colored product that absorbs strongly at 500 nm. Attempts to make this measurement via the effect of the colored product on the emission spectrum of a fluorophore incorporated into the PVC membrane were unsuccessful. However, single fiber absorption measurements were successful. Refractive index matching to reduce stray light and a reflector behind the membrane to increase the reflected intensity were essential to keep the stray light levels small relative to the signal of interest. To compensate for drift, the reflected intensity at 500 nm is measured relative to the reflected intensity at 824 nm, a wavelength at which intensity is not affected by color formation in the membrane. The rate at which the ratio of reflected intensity at 824 nm to that at 500 nm increases is a function of TNT concentration. It is estimated that TNT levels as low as 0.10 mg 1 −1 can be determined by this technique.
N-Alkylnicotinium halides: A class of cationic matrix additives for enhancing the sensitivity in negative ion Fast-Atom bombardment mass spectrometry of polyanionic analytes.

The addition of some surfactants to the fast-atom bombardment (FAB) matrix previously has been demonstrated to enhance analyte signals in fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry. In particular, cationic surfactants appear to enhance the negative ion FAB detectability of analytes that exist as anionic species in the matrix solution. It has been proposed that the charged surfactant concentrates the oppositely charged analyte near the surface, which results in larger signals for the analyte. Cationic surfactants that contain a fixed positive charge and an additional basic site were prepared with different hydrophobic moieties and were evaluated for their effectiveness as FAB matrix additives. The compound N-octylnico-tinium bromide (ONBr) is shown to improve greatly the analyte-related signals in negative ion fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry for a variety of polyanionic analytes, relative to other surfactants (e.g., cetylpyridinium salts). This surfactant not only enhances detectability, but also simplifies the pseudomolecular ion region of the resulting spectra by reducing or eliminating metal cation adduct peaks. The simple mechanism of enhancement via surface activity is evaluated, and alternative mechanisms are considered. It is clearly shown that ONBr, as a FAB matrix additive, will allow mass spectrometry to be used for the analysis of anionic compounds that normally exhibit very low responses.
Strain-hardening torsion of solid bars as a minimization problem

Abstract A numerical method for solving the problem of torsion of a solid, linear hardening bar is presented. The method is based upon a statically admissible rate principle of plasticity and reduces to the minimization of a quadratic objective when appropriate finite elements are introduced. The method is completely general in that it can handle any shape solid bar. Results are presented for a circle, square, equilateral triangle and cruciform. Good agreement is found with other available results.
“A Fear Like I've Never Felt”: Experiences of Parents Whose Adult Children Deployed to Combat Zones

Despite the increase of research with military families, less is known about the experiences of those parents who have adult children deployed overseas for military operations. This article presents parents’ experiences of having adult children deployed to combat zones. Qualitative data were gathered through an Internet-based survey during 2010. Analyses revealed important themes within the parents’ portrayals expressing strong reactions of fear, worry and concern for their children's safety and well being throughout their experiences. Parents also described frustrations communicating with their deployed children. Support from formal and informal sources was important to their coping, as was assistance from religious and military organizations. Finally, parents reported varied impacts of the adult children's deployment on the parents’ marriages. Implications for future military family research and family life education are provided.
Boundary integral equations for 2D elasticity and its application in discrete dislocation simulation in finite body: 2. Numerical implementation

In the previous paper by Yu and Diab (2013), several sets of boundary integral equations are derived for general anisotropic materials and corresponding equations for materials with different classes of symmetry are deduced. The work presented herein implements two sets of boundary element schemes to numerically solve the stress field. The integration on the element that has the singular point of the kernel is bounded and can be evaluated analytically. Four benchmark elastic problems are solved numerically to show the advantage of the two schemes over the conventional boundary element formulation in eliminating the boundary layer effect. The one with the weaker singularity has better convergence and gives more accurate results. The presented formulation also provides a direct approach to solve for stress field in a finite solid body in the presence of dislocations. Combined with discrete dislocations dynamics, boundary value problems with dislocations in finite bodies can be solved. Two examples, bending of a single crystal beam and pure shearing of a polycrystalline solid, are simulated by discrete dislocation dynamics using the scheme that has the weaker singularity. The comparisons with the published results using the well-established superposition technique validate the proposed formulation and show its quick convergence.
Vasopressin and conditioned flavor aversion in aged rats.

Abstract The effect of lysine vasopressin on the performance of young-adult and old rats subjected to a conditioned flavor aversion procedure was studied. Young rats maintained an aversion to a 0.1% saccharin solution significantly longer than did older rats. Treatment with lysine vasopressin (1 μg/kg) during the recovery period prolonged the aversion in both age groups. A single injection of lysine vasopressin prior to the aversion procedure significantly reduced the age difference in extinction. These observations support the hypothesis that age-dependent changes in endogenous vasopressin synthesis or secretion underlie some of the behavioral deficits observed in old animals.
Nonfluoroscopic three-dimensional mapping for arrhythmia ablation: tool or toy?

Arrhythmia Ahlation with Nonfluoroscopic 3D Mapping. Introduction: Conventional mapping and ablation rely on fluoroscopy, which can result in imprecise positioning of the ablation catheter and long fluoroscopic exposure times. We evaluated a nonfluoroscopic three-dimensional mapping system, termed CARTO, and compared the results of ablation using this technique with those of conventional mapping. Methods and Results: We compared the results of 88 arrhythmia ablations (79 patients) using CARTO with 100 ablations (94 patients) using the conventional technique. The ablations were separated into four groups: (1) AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT); (2) atrial tachycardia/flutter; (3) ventricular tacbycardia (VT); and (4) bypass tract tachycardia. We compared the success rate, complications, and fluoroscopy and procedure times. Tbe ablation outcomes were excellent and comparable in all four types of the arrhythmias between the two techniques. Major complications included one cardiac tamponade in each group and one second-degree AV block in the conventional group. Fluoroscopy time was shorter using the CARTO technique: 10 ± 7 versus 27 ± 15 minutes for AVNRT (P < 0.01), 18 ± 17 versus 44 ± 23 minutes for atrial tachycardia and flutter (P < 0.01), 15 ± 12 versus 34 ± 31 minutes for VT (P < 0.05), and 21 ± 14 versus 53 ± 32 minutes for bypass tract tachycardia (P < 0.01). Procedure times were similar except for the bypass tract patients, wbich was shorter in the CARTO group, 4 ± 1.3 versus 5.5 ± 2.5 hours (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The electroanatomic three-dimensional mapping technique reduced fluoroscopy time and resulted in excellent outcome without increasing the procedure time.
Evolutionary mismatch of mating preferences and male colour patterns in guppies

Abstract Female mating preferences and the male colour pattern characteristics upon which preferences are based vary both within and between guppy,Poecilia reticulatapopulations from Trinidad. A general trend is for the degree of preference for orange coloration to match the degree of expression of orange coloration in each population, resulting in a positive correlation between the means of the two traits across populations. This study documented an exception to this trend. The mating preferences of female guppies from Trinidad's Yarra and Paria Rivers were compared using standard behavioural assays. Because Yarra males show less orange coloration in their colour patterns than do Paria males, results of previous studies led to a prediction in the present study of a corresponding difference in mating preferences between Yarra and Paria females. Both Yarra and Paria females, however, showed a strong preference for more orange individuals when responding to courtship by Paria males. The expression of preference in Yarra females therefore does not match the expression of orange coloration as predicted. Several hypotheses are suggested that may account for this apparent mismatch.
A PEPTIDE UNCOUPLING CRMP-2 FROM THE PRESYNAPTIC Ca 2+ CHANNEL COMPLEX DEMONSTRATES EFFICACY IN ANIMAL MODELS OF MIGRAINE AND AIDS THERAPY-INDUCED NEUROPATHY

Biological, genetic, and clinical data provide compelling proof for N-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV2.2) as therapeutic targets for chronic pain. While decreasing channel function is ultimately anti-nociceptive, directly targeting the channel can lead to multiple adverse effects. Targeting regulators of channel activity may facilitate improved analgesic properties associated with channel block and afford a broader therapeutic window. Towards this end, we recently identified a short peptide, designated CBD3, derived from collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2) that suppressed inflammatory and neuropathic hypersensitivity by inhibiting CRMP-2 binding to CaV2.2 [Brittain et al., Nature Medicine 17:822–829 (2011)]. Rodents administered CBD3 intraperitoneally, fused to the HIV TAT protein cell penetrating domain, exhibited antinociception lasting ∼4 hours highlighting potential instability, limited oral bioavailability, and/or rapid elimination of peptide. This report focuses on improving upon the parental CBD3 peptide. Using SPOTScan analysis of synthetic versions of the parental CBD3 peptide, we identified peptides harboring single amino acid mutations that bound with greater affinity to CaV2.2. One such peptide, harboring a phenylalanine instead of glycine (G14F), was tested in rodent models of migraine and neuropathic pain. In vivo laser Doppler blood flowmetry measure of capsaicin-induced meningeal vascular responses related to headache pain was almost completely suppressed by dural application of the G14F peptide. The G14F mutant peptide, administered intraperitoneally, also exhibited greater antinociception in Stavudine (2′-3′-didehydro-2′-3′-dideoxythymidine (d4T)/Zerit®) model of AIDS therapy-induced peripheral neuropathy compared to the parent CBD3 peptide. These results demonstrate the patent translational value of small biologic drugs targeting CaV2.2 for management of clinical pain.
The role of parents in early motor intervention

In this article we discuss the results of a motor intervention study that we conducted with young children with Down syndrome and other disabilities (Mahoney, Robinson & Fewell, 2001). Results from this study indicated that neither of the two major treatment models that are commonly used with young children with motor impairments was effective at enhancing children's rate of motor development or quality of movement. These findings add to an increasing body of literature indicating that early motor intervention procedures are not adequately meeting the goals envisioned for this endeavour. We argue that there are at least two interrelated reasons why this may be occurring. The first is that parents, who are the people with the greatest opportunities to promote children's motor learning, are not being asked to become active participants in their children's motor intervention. The second is that contemporary models of motor intervention have been focusing on motor learning activities that are incompatible with contemporary theories and research on early motor learning.
Sensitivity improvement in isotropic mixing (TOCSY) experiments

Abstract A simple modification of the two-dimensional TOCSY experiment which leads to a √2 improvement in sensitivity is described. This improvement is achieved by retaining the magnetization transfer pathways from both of the orthogonal, in-phase magnetization components which are present during the isotropic mixing period. In addition, a simple baseline correction procedure which can greatly improve the quality of NMR spectra is described.
Multicomponent Heterocyclic Chemistry for Undergraduate Organic Laboratory: Biginelli Reaction with Multiple Unknowns

Multicomponent reactions and heterocyclic chemistry are important concepts of organic synthesis, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. A one-pot, multicomponent Biginelli condensation reaction to synthesize dihydropyrimidine derivatives from multiple unknowns is investigated as a discovery-based experiment in a second semester, second-year undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory course. Three 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, two aryl aldehydes, and urea are utilized to provide six different unknown dihydropyrimidine derivatives with average yields ranging from 63–79%. Students identify their products using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT, and IR spectroscopic data. The experiment provides an opportunity to discuss multicomponent reactions, carbonyl condensations with amines, enol chemistry, and interpretation of spectra, while being completed in a 3-h laboratory period.
Analytic models for rollback and recovery strategies in data base systems

Rollback and recovery (RR) is a method of enchancing the reliability of file or data base systems. At certain points in time, called checkpoints, a copy of the data or files is made on tape (or other storage devices). A chronological record is kept of all transactions which modify the data stored by the system; this record is called the audit trail. When an error is detected, the copy of the files or data made at the most recent checkpoint is loaded, and all transactions on the audit trail since this check point are reprocessed in chronological sequence, thus recovering from the error. This paper presents models and techniques which aid in determining optimal times for checkpoints.
Bounds for the bias of the empirical CTE

Abstract The Conditional Tail Expectation (CTE) is gaining an increasing level of attention as a measure of risk. It is known that nonparametric unbiased estimators of the CTE do not exist, and that CTE n α , the empirical α -level CTE (the average of the n ( 1 − α ) largest order statistics in a random sample of size n ), is negatively biased. In this article, we show that increasing convex order among distributions is preserved by E ( CTE n α ) . From this result it is possible to identify the specific distributions, within some large classes of distributions, that maximize the bias of CTE n α . This in turn leads to best possible bounds on the bias under various sets of conditions on the sampling distribution F . In particular, we show that when the α -level quantile is an isolated point in the support of a non-degenerate distribution (for example, a lattice distribution) then the bias is either of the order 1 / n or vanishes exponentially fast. This is intriguing as the bias of CTE n α vanishes at the in-between rate of 1 / n when F possesses a positive derivative at the α th quantile.
Characterization of the Local Lipschitz Constant

A characterization, using polynomials introduced by A. V. Kolushov, is given for the local Lipschitz constant for the best approximation operator in Chebyshev approximation from a Haar set. The characterization is then used to study the existence of uniform local Lipschitz constants.
A strategy for analysis of thermal decomposition of polymeric materials

Some analytical methods developed in flammability research are reviewed. Computerized analytical systems are used to separate, identify, and quantify components of complex mixtures of low-boiling volatiles, high-boiling volatiles, and solid residues resulting from pyrolysis, oxidative degradation, and flaming combustion processes. To demonstrate the procedure for determining a material's response to a thermal flux administered under dynamic conditions, the treatment of data is reported for samples of an aromatic polyamide fabric which were degraded under isothermal conditions of 550 C following a dynamic heating rate of 100 C/min from ambient to final temperature.
Buckling of stiffened plates with bulb flat flanges

Abstract The subject of this research is the buckling behavior of a rectangular plate, with a bulb flat stiffener attached to one side of the plate. The stiffener cross section has a thin web and a bulb flat flange that extends to one side of the web. The stiffened plate structure is subjected to axial compression that increases to the buckling load. Results of the investigation include planar property formulas for the asymmetric flange geometry, an analytic expression for the Saint-Venant torsional constant of the flange cross section, and an analytic expression for the buckling stress corresponding to a tripping mode of the structure. The torsional constant for the bulb flat stiffener is 15–23% higher than understood previously. The analytic expression for the buckling stress of a bulb flat stiffened plate differs by less than 4% from finite element and experimental results.
Writing the report of the psychological assessment of a child

Abstract The written report of the psychological assessment of a child endures over time to influence the child's life and presents the assessing psychologist on paper. Thus, great care must be taken to write a report which helps the reader understand and take appropriate action on behalf of the child, and presents the writer as a competent professional. To achieve this, the writer must understand the purpose of the assessment, write succinctly and clearly at a level appropriate to the reader, follow standard English useage, organize the material in a readable format, and use concrete examples throughout the report.
The surface chemistry of propylene, 1-iodopropane, and 1,3-diiodopropane on MoAl alloy thin films formed on dehydroxylated alumina.

The adsorption of C3 hydrocarbons propylene, 1-iodopropane, and 1,3-diiodopropane is studied in ultrahigh vacuum on a molybdenum−aluminum alloy formed by molybdenum hexacarbonyl reaction with a planar alumina film grown on a Mo(100) substrate. Carbon−iodine bond scission occurs below ∼200 K to deposit iodine, and form propyl species from 1-iodopropane and a C3 metallacycle from 1,3-diiodopropane. Propyl species either undergo β-hydride elimination to yield propylene or hydrogenate to form propane. Propylene adsorbs as both π- and di-σ-bonded species, and the di-σ form hydrogenates to yield propane, where the addition of the first hydrogen to form propyl species is slower than the second hydrogenation step to yield propane. Propylene also thermally decomposes on the surface to desorb hydrogen and deposit carbon where the methylyne group is the most, and the methyl group the least reactive. The metallacyclic intermediate reacts to give an allylic intermediate, which forms propylene, but also decomposes by C...
Critical conflict resolution theory and practice

This article brings together a variety of ideas from critical theorists and practitioners in order to present a coherent critical approach for the field of conflict resolution. The historical roots of critical theory are briefly presented, along with critical practices that conflict resolution practitioners and theorists have developed. This leads to a discussion of critical strategies that are employed by conflict resolution practitioners who have aligned their practice and values with critical ideology. The potential place of critical theory and practice in the field of conflict resolution is stressed, highlighting new forms of practice and new roles for practitioners. As Alinsky wrote, “Conflict is the essential core of a free and open society” (1971, p. 12).
Inflammation-induced dysfunction of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 at the blood-brain barrier: protection by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine.

Abstract Impairment in two blood–brain barrier (BBB) efflux transporters, p-glycoprotein (Pgp) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) are thought to contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by resulting in the brain accumulation of their substrate amyloid beta peptide (Aβ). The initial cause of impaired efflux, however, is unknown. We have shown that induction of systemic inflammation by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide impairs the efflux of Aβ from the brain, suggesting that systemic inflammation could be one such initiator. In this study, we determined whether pre-administration of the antioxidant N -aceytlcysteine (Nac) has a protective effect against LPS-induced Aβ transporter dysfunction. Our findings were that Nac protected against LPS-induced Aβ transport dysfunction at the BBB through an LRP-1-dependent and Pgp-independent mechanism. This was associated with Nac exerting antioxidant effects in the periphery but not the brain, despite an increased rate of entry of Nac into the brain following LPS. We also found that Nac pre-administration resulted in lower blood levels of the cytokines and chemokines interferon-γ, interleukin-10, CCL2, CCL4, and CCL5, but only lowered CCL4 in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Finally, we observed that hippocampal cytokine responses to LPS were decreased compared to cortex. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which antioxidants prevent Aβ accumulation in the brain caused by inflammation, and therefore protect against AD.
Extended shelf-life of unrefrigerated prerigor cooked meat.

Abstract Five experiments were conducted to evaluate the microbial quality of unrefrigerated cooked prerigor beef after the application of oxygen-permeable packaging. Specific objectives were to combine the beneficial effects of aerobic packaging, meat surface acidification and prerigor rapid cooking rates on meat storage stability at ambient temperature. In the experiments, the triceps brachii muscle was dissected from one side 45 min after exanguination of the animal, and samples of 2 × 3 × 5 cm were prepared. Bags made of a strong barrier, plastic film, and a highly oxygen permeable oriented polypropylene, were used. The cooking of the packaged samples covered a number of treatments ranging from cooking in a 70°C water bath to an internal sample temperature of 65°C to cooking in 100°C water for 40 min. Reheating and multiple heat treatments were also included. The pH values of the cooked samples were determined and aerobic plate counts (log 10 /g) were determined for the cooked samples at various intervals during two weeks of storage at 22°C or at 3°C for the control samples. The results indicate that heat treatment alone did not improve shelf stability at 22°C. However, dipping the samples in 80°C solutions of 0·7% citric acid or 1·25% lactic acid for 1 min and draining for 1 min followed by packaging using oxygen permeable bags and cooking in 100°C water for 40 min consistently resulted in shelf stable products at all 22°C storage intervals. The lactic acid treatment was superior to the citric acid treatment because it completely decontaminated the samples and delayed spoilage, especially at 3°C.
Electric pulse assisted rapid consolidation of ultrafine grained alumina matrix composites

Abstract The densification of alumina is influenced by the electrical pulse and the starting crystal structure of alumina powder. The application of electric pulsing enhanced the densification and the level of enhancement depended on the pulsing sequence. A pure alumina specimen with >98% theoretical density was obtained in less than 10 min at 1573 K. The average grain size was ∼0.7 μm. Similar sintering parameters were used to synthesize alumina based nanocomposites with >99% theoretical density in 5–10 min sintering times. The electric pulse and pressure assisted sintering is a very effective way to synthesize nanocomposites in a short sintering time at lower temperatures.
Approach to modeling the spray-forming process with artificial neural networks

In this study artificial neural networks were used to model the spray forming process. Networks were developed and trained using process parameter and product quality data collected from a series of five spray forming runs. Process parameters of time into run, melt temperature, and gas to metal ratio were used as inputs and the networks were trained to predict the corresponding values of exhaust gas temperature, preform surface roughness, and porosity in the product. These networks were then tested with actual and hypothetical data. The results of the study showed that the networks can determine relationships between process parameters and the end product quality. It was also shown that the networks can be used to predict the effect on product quality from changes in process parameters. Additional work is in progress to create a larger data set for training over a broader region of the operating envelope. The result of this ongoing work will provide greater reliability in network prediction.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Voting and paying for public goods: An application of the theory of the core

Abstract Let any coalition with a majority of all voters have the power to choose the quantities of public goods. Under Rule I a majority coalition bears a cost of its decision that is proportional to its size. Under Rule II it must bear the whole cost of its decision. Thus, Rule I imposes costs on minorities although they have no power to choose the quantities of public goods while Rule II allows goods to have some attributes of semiprivate goods. It is shown that a nonempty core under Rule I implies a nonempty core under Rule II, but not conversely. Necessary and sufficient conditions in terms of the properties of the von Neumann-Morgenstern characteristic function are given.
Determining the atomic hydrogen surface coverage on iron and nickel electrodes under water treatment conditions

Reductive methods for removing, detoxifying, or inactivating contaminants in water often involve reactions with atomic hydrogen produced from water reduction. Knowledge of how the solution pH value and electrode potential affect the concentration of atomic hydrogen on the reactive surface will be useful for evaluating possible reaction mechanisms and in optimizing treatment schemes. Presently, there are no simple methods for determining the atomic hydrogen surface coverage on the base metals that are typically used as cathodes or sacrificial reactants in water treatment operations. This research develops and evaluates an iterative, coulometric method for determining the fractional atomic hydrogen surface coverage (θH) on iron and nickel electrodes under water treatment conditions. The method is applicable at pH values and potentials where proton discharge is the rate-limiting step for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and is valid under conditions where the metals are covered by oxide layers that lower the apparent electron transfer coefficients by up to 40% as compared to oxide-free conditions at low pH values. The method is also able to determine the exchange current density and the rate constants for the Volmer discharge and Tafel recombination steps of the HER.
Vasopressin affects the behavior of rats in a positively-rewarded discrimination task.

Abstract The effects of subcutaneous injections of vasopressin were investigated in a study utilizing 72 male Long-Evans rats trained in an appetitive black-white discrimination T-maze task. Animals which were reinforced for choosing the black goal arm demonstrated prolonged extinction if they received vasopressin prior to daily extinction sessions. This effect was not observed in animals reinforced for choosing the white goal arm. Prolonged extinction was not found in animals which received vasopresson only during acquisition or in control animals which received saline. Speed and activity scores did not differentiate the groups. These results demonstrate that vasopressin can affect the behavior of rats on a positively-reinforced task.
Purification and toxicity of aflatoxin G1.

SummaryA method for quantitative analysis of crude aflatoxin mixtures is described, using thin layer chromatography and absorption spectrometry. Highly purified aflatoxin G l has been prepared by thin layer chromatography and is a blue fluorescent compound, not, as previously reported, green fluorescent. The toxicity of the purified compound does not differ from that of the less pure compound containing a yellow impurity. Both aflatoxins Bl and Gl are fairly stable in aqueous solution in the dark, but undergo rapid decomposition in light (40% in 1 day; almost 100% after 9 days).
Microscopic analysis of Neurospora ropy mutants defective in nuclear distribution.

Movement and distribution of nuclei in fungi has been shown to be dependent on microtubules and the microtubule-associated motor cytoplasmic dynein. Neurospora crassa mutants known as ropy are defective in nuclear distribution. We have shown that three of the ro genes, ro-1, ro-3, and ro-4, encode subunits of either cytoplasmic dynein or the dynein activator complex, dynactin. Three other ro genes, ro-7, ro-10, and ro-11, are required for the integrity or localization of cytoplasmic dynein or dynactin. In this report, we describe a microscopic analysis of N. crassa ro mutants. Our results reveal that defects in germination of conidia, placement of septa, and mitochondrial morphology are typical of ro mutants. Two classes of cytoplasmic microtubules are identified in wild-type and ro mutants. One class of microtubules has no obvious association with nuclei while the other class of microtubules connects spindle pole bodies of adjacent nuclei. The possible role of internuclear microtubule tracts in the movement and distribution of nuclei is discussed.
Comparison of proteoglycan expression in rat and human cervix using lectin histochemistry

USING LECTIN HISTOCHEMISTRY HUILING JI, MICHAEL HOUSE, VIT LONG, PAUL MCMILLAN, EDWARD CHIEN, Brown University, Women & Infant Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island, Tufts University, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island OBJECTIVE: Proteoglycans are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. One of its major functions is to regulate collagen organization. In this way proteoglycans regulate tensile strength. Proteoglycans are proteins conjugated to one or more glycosaminoglycans (GAG). The different GAGs are formed by a variable number of repeating disaccharide subunits. Lectins are proteins that recognize specific sugar residues. The purpose of this study is to characterize GAG expression and compare the distribution between rat and human cervices. STUDY DESIGN: Non-pregnant human and pregnant rat cervices were examined by lectin histochemistry. Thirty lectins were interrogated due to their specificity for galactose/galactosamine, beta-N actetyl glucosamine, sialic acid, mannose or fucose. Negative controls were used to determine positive or negative staining. RESULTS: Lectins that recognize residues present in Chondroiton sulfate (CS), Dermatan sulfate (DS), Heparin sulfate (HS), Hyaluronan (HA), and Keratan sulfate (KS) were detected in human and rat cervix (See Table). Lectin staining varied between different cervical regions. CONCLUSION: Lectin histochemistry can be used to screen for qualitative changes in proteoglycan expression. The pattern expression suggests that glycosylation patterns are conserved between rat and human GAGs. Most glycosaminoglycans are presented in both human and rat cervices.
Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Critical Review of Enzalutamide:

Enzalutamide, previously known as MDV300, is an oral, second-generation androgen receptor (AR) signaling inhibitor or antagonist that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012 for the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) postdocetaxel. Preclinical studies have demonstrated impressive affinity to the AR compared to the first-generation AR inhibitors. The landmark Phase III AFFIRM trial demonstrated improved overall survival benefit compared to placebo in addition to improvement in all tested parameters. Enzalutamide is currently being studied in several trials prechemotherapy and in earlier settings of prostate cancer. This review will discuss the mechanism of action of enzalutamide, its pharmacokinetics, the preclinical and clinical trials that led to its approval, the ongoing clinical trials, its safety and efficacy, as well as patterns of resistance, and discusses its place in therapy within the context of several recently approved agents for mCRPC.
Shear and rotation moiré patterns obtained by spatial filtering of diffraction patterns

AbstractTwo superposed gratings can produce many other moire patterns in addition to the pattern commonly observed. They correspond to different forms of the indicial equation employed in parametric descriptions of moire phenomena. An analysis of the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of two superposed gratings by the methods of Fourier optics shows that the different moire patterns can be separately observed by spatial-filtering techniques. Examples of additive and subtractive moire patterns obtained individually over the whole field of two superposed gratings are presented. This method is combined with a previously developed method for obtaining partial derivatives from deformed gratings as a direct moire pattern (rather than as moire of moire) to determine experimentally the whole field of cartesian shears and rigid rotations. The method is applied to a circular ring subjected to diametral compression.
Role of inositol phospholipid signaling in natural killer cell biology

Natural killer (NK) cells are important for host defense against malignancy and infection. At a cellular level NK cells are activated when signals from activating receptors exceed signaling from inhibitory receptors. At a molecular level NK cells undergo an education process to both prevent autoimmunity and acquire lytic capacity. Mouse models have shown important roles for inositol phospholipid signaling in lymphocytes. NK cells from mice with deletion in different members of the inositol phospholipid signaling pathway exhibit defects in development, NK cell repertoire expression and effector function. Here we review the current state of knowledge concerning the function of inositol phospholipid signaling components in NK cell biology.
What on earth happened to the Central Radio Propagation Laboratory (CRPL)

The formation and evolution of what was known, for the 20 year period starting shortly after World War 2, as the Central Radio Propagation Laboratory (CRPL) of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) is traced. NBS formed the Inter-Service Radio Propagation Laboratory (IRPL) in the summer of 1942 to provide the armed services with radio communication research services. IRPL was replaced, in May 1946, by the CRPL. In 1965, the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA) was formed by merging the Weather Bureau, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, and the CRPL. In ESSA, CRPL, now named the Institute for Telecommunication Services and Aeronomy (ITSA), joined three sister institutes from the Weather Bureau and the Coast and Geodetic Survey, namely the Institutes for Atmospheric Science, for Oceanography, and for Earth Sciences, forming the ESSA Institutes for Environmental Research. Following this move, the telecommunication and environmentally oriented components of ITSA began to move apart. Activities pursued by these two components and their further evolution in the ensuing decades are summarized. >