cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors

Existence of a specific mediator for the effect of peroxisome proliferators was suggested by the tissue and cell specificity of the pleiotropic effects of these chemicals. In attempting to identify such a molecular target, a cytosolic protein displaying reversible stereospecific binding to nafenopin was detected in rat liver, and a receptor-mediated mechanism for peroxisome proliferation was consequently postulated (Lalwani et al. 1983). A peroxisome proliferator-binding protein was later purified from rat liver cytosol and was identified as a dimer protein with a molecular weight of 140,000–160,000 KDa. This protein was capable of binding to peroxisome proliferators structurally related to clofibrate and was suggested to play an important role in the regulation of peroxisome proliferator-induced pleiotropic response (Lalwani et al. 1987). Further analysis of the isolated protein revealed that it is homologous with the heat shock protein HSP70, but its role in the process of peroxisome proliferation remained unclear at that time (Alvares et al. 1990).
Epistasis and Plant Breeding

This chapter contains sections titled: • Introduction • Gene Action and Statistical Effects • Epistasis and Molecular Interactions • Complex Molecular Interactions Underlie Quantitative Phenotypes (Sometimes) • Biometrical Evidence for Epistasis • Evidence for Epistasis from Plant Evolution Studies • Molecular Marker Investigations of Epistasis • Why Is There More Evidence for Epistasis from QTL Experiments than from Biometrical Studies? • Implications of Epistasis for Plant Breeding • Literature Cited
What Makes Markets Predict Well? Evidence from the Iowa Electronic Markets

We use the data from the Iowa Electronic Markets to study factors associated with the ability of markets to predict future events. These are large-scale, real-money experimental markets with contract payoffs determined by political election outcomes. They provide data about individual trader characteristics and market micro-behavior which is not available from larger exchanges. In this study we find that market characteristics motivated by financial theory and previous experimental research account for most of the variance in predictive accuracy across sixteen markets. Three variables are particularly important: 1) the number of contract types traded, 2) pre-election market volumes and 3) differences in election eve (weighted) market bid and ask queues.
Meiotic prophase in anthers of asynaptic wheat.

The light microscope showed that zygotene and pachytene were completely suppressed in pollen mother cells of an asynaptic mutant of Triticum durum; the chromosomes passed through a normal chromomeral leptotene condition and remained unpaired throughout prophase. The electron microscope confirmed the absence of synaptinemal complexes, as would be expected with no pairing. Prominent opaque axial cores were present in the chromatin from the onset of leptotene up to an indeterminate stage during prophase condensation. At an early time during condensation 150 A particles appeared between chromatin masses. Coincident to the disappearance of axial cores from the chromatin, polycomplexes consisting of linearly associated core fragments arrayed in single layer sheets appeared between chromatin masses. The aligned fragments were invariably spaced about 625 A from centre to centre; this is approximately half the distance between centres of the lateral elements (axial cores) of the synaptinemal complex of pachytene of synaptic sister seedlings. There was no central element between the associated fragments. The significance of these observations is discussed, as is also the essential difference between asynapsis and desynapsia.
Position-sensitive change in the transition metal L-edge fine structures

Studying the structure and composition of solid-state materials on the atomic scale has become nearly routine in transmission electron microscopy with the development of novel electron optics and electron sources. In particular, with spatial resolutions better than 0.1 nm and energy resolution smaller than 100 meV, the stoichiometry, bonding, and coordination can now be examined on similar scales. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) have played a crucial role in identifying charge ordering, valence, and as spin state transitions in transition metal perovskite oxides. In this letter, we investigate the effects of ever-decreasing electron-probe sizes on the measured near-edge fine-structure of the transition metal core-loss edge using EELS. We find that for certain transition metal perovskites, the position of the electron probe with respect to the atomic column is crucial in determining the correct valence state. Several reasons for the observed position-sensitive EELS fine-structure are discussed.
Monotonic cubic spline interpolation

This paper describes the use of cubic splines for interpolating monotonic data sets. Interpolating cubic splines are popular for fitting data because they use low-order polynomials and have C/sup 2/ continuity, a property that permits them to satisfy a desirable smoothness constraint. Unfortunately, that same constraint often violates another desirable property: monotonicity. The goal of this work is to determine the smoothest possible curve that passes through its control points while simultaneously satisfying the monotonicity constraint. We first describe a set of conditions that form the basis of the monotonic cubic spline interpolation algorithm presented. The conditions are simplified and consolidated to yield a fast method for determining monotonicity. This result is applied within an energy minimization framework to yield linear and nonlinear optimization-based methods. We consider various energy measures for the optimization objective functions. Comparisons among the different techniques are given, and superior monotonic cubic spline interpolation results are presented.
Aggregate stability kit for soil quality assessments

Abstract Aggregate stability affects soil strength and, therefore, the soil's ability to transmit liquids and gases, which are important functions for crop production and ecosystem health. Because aggregate stability is an indicator of vital soil functions, it can be used to assess soil quality. For soil quality assessments, there is a need for a quantitative field method for measuring aggregate stability that is simple to perform, low cost, and available for routine assessments by land managers. A method is presented that follows the commonly used or standard single-sieve wet-sieving method for aggregate stability. A combination of manual sieving and drying apparatus is constructed from a trunk-style tackle box. Sieves are constructed from a 60-mesh screen and PVC reducing adapters. The method requires manual sieving, 30 cycles per minute (0.5 cycles/s) for 3 min. Percent water aggregate stabilities from the proposed manual sieving technique were not significantly different from aggregate stabilities obtained from the mechanical wet sieving technique. The proposed low cost method was able to distinguish differences in aggregate stability caused by differences in soil type and land use. This low cost method provides a tool that can be used in conjunction with other measurements to assess relative differences in soil quality.
Impaired prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in schizophrenia.

Abstract Background: Schizophrenics show deficits in sensorimotor gating, as measured by prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle (PPI). The goal of this investigation is to further characterize PPI and habituation deficits in schizophrenia, and to examine whether differing subgroups of schizophrenics would show comparable PPI deficits. Methods: PPI was measured in 24 male schizophrenic subjects (9 acutely decompensated inpatients and 15 stable outpatients) and in 20 age-matched normal control subjects. Schizophrenic subjects were rated for positive and negative symptoms at the time of testing. Results: Schizophrenic subjects showed deficits in prepulse inhibition and habituation as compared to normal subjects. Similar latency facilitation was produced by the prepulse in both groups. Acutely decompensated inpatients and stable outpatients did not differ in percent PPI. PPI did not correlate with severity of positive or negative symptoms. Conclusions: These results suggest that schizophrenic subjects have impaired central inhibitory mechanisms as measured by PPI, and support the hypothesis that periods of relative clinical remission are not accompanied by normalization of sensorimotor gating.
Liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin does not exacerbate endotoxin-induced lung injury.

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that liposome encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH), an experimental oxygen-carrying fluid, exacerbates endotoxin-induced lung injury in the rat. DESIGN Prospective, randomized animal study. SETTING University animal laboratory. METHODS Anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8-13) were infused with LEH (10% of estimated total blood volume) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl). Thirty minutes later, Escherichia coli endotoxin (3.6 mg/kg, i.v.) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was administered, and skeletal muscle oxygen tension as well as lung injury were assessed at 2, 4, and 8 hrs. Oxygen tension was measured using a miniaturized thin film oxygen sensor placed in the rectus abdominis muscle, and lung injury was evaluated by determining lung weights, lung myeloperoxidase activity, lung tissue tumor necrosis factor-alpha level, and protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. RESULTS The intravenous bolus injection of E. coli endotoxin elevated lung water content (33% +/- 5%; p < .01 vs. sham controls), myeloperoxidase activity (56% +/- 6%; p < .01), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production (1320 +/- 154 pg/g lung tissue; p < .05 vs. undetected levels in sham controls), as well as induced protein accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (258% +/- 38%; p < .01) and skeletal muscle hypoxia (52 +/- 8 mm Hg; p < .05). Pretreatment with LEH, which when infused alone did not induce lung injury, had no effect on these responses. CONCLUSION In this specific model of endotoxin-induced lung injury, LEH does not exacerbate microvascular leakage and leukosequestration, the hallmarks of adult respiratory distress syndrome.
An equilibrium between a loop and a triangle containing Mo24+ species and perfluorodicarboxylate linkers

Abstract A new family of supramolecular loops with flexible perfluorodicarboxylate linkers, [cis-Mo2(DAniF)2]2(O2C(CF2)2CO2)2 (1), [cis-Mo2(DAniF)2]2(O2C(CF2)3CO2)2 (2a), and [cis-Mo2(DAniF)2]2(O2C(CF2)4CO2)2 (3) have been prepared and characterized using X-ray structure analyses and NMR spectroscopy (DAniF = N,N′-di-p-anisylformamidinate). NMR spectra of 1 and 3 remain unchanged over long periods of time. However, the spectrum of 2a changes with time showing that there is a process that is consistent with a dynamic equilibrium between the molecular loop (2a) and molecular triangle [cis-Mo2(DAniF)2]3(O2C(CF2)3CO2)3 (2b) in the solution of 2a in CDCl3. A study of the concentration-dependent and temperature-dependent equilibrium using 1H and 19F NMR spectra of this hexafluoroglutarate-containing species suggested the existence of 2b and provided quantitative values for the thermodynamic equilibrium constant K, ΔH0, and ΔS0. Conversion of the molecular loops 2a to the molecular triangles 2b is enthalpically favored, but entropically disfavored with ΔH0 = −41.9 kJ mol−1, and ΔS0 = −82 J mol−1 K−1.
General and smoking cessation related weight concerns in veterans.

Abstract This study sought to assess general and cessation related weight concerns in Veterans presenting for QuitSmart™, a tobacco cessation program used extensively in the Veteran Affairs system. Assessed were prevalence rates of cessation related weight concerns, the weight at which concerned Veterans would relapse to smoking, characteristics of weight concerned Veterans, and the impact of weight concerns on cessation at the program's end and at the 1-month follow-up. Sixty-seven Veterans participated. Of those, 63 were eligible for cessation analyses. Results suggested that 26.9% were concerned about post-cessation weight gain, the mean and median weights tolerated before relapse were in the 10–12 lb range, and weight concerned Veterans were more likely younger with more general weight concerns. At both time points, Veterans with general weight concerns were much more likely to quit smoking than those without such concerns. At neither time point, were post-cessation weight concerns significantly associated with quit status, though specific concerns remained in predictive models and trends suggested those with cessation related weight concerns were less likely to quit smoking than those without such concerns. Results suggest a significant prevalence rate of general and cessation related weight concerns in Veterans attempting to quit smoking, greater success in doing so if weight concerns are general in nature, and the need to continue to assess these relationships and develop effective cessation treatments for this population.
Prophylactic use of OKT3 in liver transplantation. A review.

Liver rejection in the era of cyclosporine-based immunosuppression is approximately 60–70%. Approximately 15–25% of liver transplant patients will require hemodialysis following transplantation. These facts argue for a potent, less nephrotoxic immunosuppressive regimen, especially during the period of vulnerability to these events. Prophylactic use of OKT3 has been suggested as a means to decrease the need for hemodialysis while maintaining potent immunosuppression. The goal of this review is to examine potential benefits and pitfalls of this regimen. A lack of documentation of long-term patient and graft survival, the potential susceptibility to infectious complications, development of sensitization, and the cost must be weighed against the decreased need for hemodialysis and the control of early rejection episodes.
Comment on ''Prediction of Fermi-surface pressure dependence in Rb and Cs''

We present experimental evidence for formation via pressure of a multiply connected Fermi surface in Cs, resulting from contact of the Fermi surface with the Brillouin zone, for direct comparison with the predictions of the volume-dependent band calculations of Jan, MacDonald, and Skriver. Agreement is found to be excellent.
Modulation of JB6 mouse epidermal cell transformation response by the prostaglandin F2α receptor

Prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) modulates clonal selection processes in the mouse skin model of carcinogenesis. In this study we investigated whether JB6 mouse epidermal cells expressed a functional PGF(2alpha) receptor (FP) coupled with a cell-transformation response. Treatment of JB6 cells with an FP agonist (fluprostenol) potently (pM-nM) increased anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth. Inositol phospholipid accumulation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activity were increased in cells treated with FP agonists, consistent with established FP-related signal transduction. FP mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the average specific [(3)H]PGF(2alpha) binding was 8.25 +/- 0.95 fmol/mg protein. Erk activity and colony size were increased by cotreatment of JB6 cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fluprostenol to a greater extent than with either treatment alone, whereas the cotreatment effect on colony number appeared to be simply additive. Collectively, our data indicated that JB6 cells expressed a functional FP coupled with transformation-related signal transduction and the regulation of clonal selection processes. Erk activity appears to be a convergence point in the EGF and FP pathways. The data raise the possibility that the FP contributes to clonal selection processes but probably plays a more important role as a response modifier.
Foaming of thermoplastic elastomers with water

We present results on foaming of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) using water as the physical blowing agent. The TPE is a blend of polypropylene and fully crosslinked EPDM rubber made by a dynamic vulcanization process. The influence of the blowing agent content, and the processing conditions on foam density, cell nucleation, and foam structure are discussed. A brief discussion about the similarities and the differences between foaming in homopolymers and in TPEs is also included.
On the Use of Averaging to Estimate the Dibit Response

In the magnetics literature, the dibit response is typically estimated assuming knowledge of the written bit sequence and noiseless readback signal. However, magnetic recording systems suffer from various noise sources, and the readback signals are noisy. One way to obtain an estimate of the noiseless readback signal from noisy measurements is via spatial and temporal averaging. In this paper, transition position jitter and additive noise sources are considered in the readback signal. Using this model, we show that in the asymptotic regime of an infinite number of track locations and re-reads, the estimate formed via averaging has a bias. The effect of spatial and temporal averaging on the variance of the estimate is quantified without assuming an explicit distribution for the transition jitter and additive noise.
Primary and embedded steel imports to the U.S.: implications for the design of border tax adjustments.

Carbon Border Tax Adjustments (BTAs) are a politically popular strategy for avoiding competitive disadvantage problems when a country implements a unilateral climate change policy. A BTA taxes carbon embodied in imported goods in order to protect domestic industry and motivate other countries to implement climate change policy. To estimate the effectiveness of a BTA, is it is necessary to know which products are covered, where they were originally produced and ultimately exported from, and how the covered amount compares to total production in foreign countries. Using a scrap-adjusted, mixed-unit input-output model in conjunction with a multiregional input-output model, this analysis evaluates the effectiveness of BTAs for the case study of U.S. steel imports. Most imported steel by mass is embedded in finished products (60%), and 30% of that steel is produced in a different country than the one from which the final good is exported. Given the magnitudes involved and complexities of global supply chains, ...
“Robins are a part of birds”: The confusion of semantic relations

Multidimensional scaling, applied to similarity ratings of parts, was used to demonstrate that parts are not organized in memory in terms of similarity. Parts differ, in this way, from category members. Similarity is one element of the class inclusion relation, but not of the part-whole relation. Failure to attend to the properties of relations is one source of relation confusion. Relation confusion appears to be pervasive in relation comprehension and this raises doubts about the use of semantic relations as theoretical primitives in theories of semantic memory.
Coupling of the Dolichol-P-P-Oligosaccharide Pathway to Translation by Perturbation-sensitive Regulation of the Initiating Enzyme, GlcNAc-1-P Transferase

In mammalian cells, inhibition of translation interferes with synthesis of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide (LLO) Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-P-P-dolichol as measured with radioactive sugar precursors. Conflicting hypotheses have been proposed, and the fundamental basis for this regulation has remained elusive. Here, fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) was used to measure LLO concentrations directly in cells treated with translation blockers. Further, LLO biosynthetic enzymes were assayed in vitro with endogenous acceptor substrates using either cells gently permeabilized with streptolysin-O (SLO) or microsomes from homogenized cells. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells treated with translation blockers, FACE did not detect changes in concentrations of Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-P-P-dolichol or early LLO intermediates. These results do not support earlier proposals for feedback repression of LLO initiation by accumulated Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-P-P-dolichol, or inhibition of a GDP-mannose dependent transferase. With microsomes from cells treated with translation blockers, there was no interference with LLO initiation by GlcNAc-1-P transferase (GPT), mannose-P-dolichol synthase, glucose-P-dolichol synthase, or LLO synthesis in vitro, as reported previously. Surprisingly, inhibition of all of these was detected with the SLO in vitro system. Additional experiments with the SLO system showed that the three transferases shared a limited pool of dolichol-P that was trapped as Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-P-P-dolichol by translation arrest. Overexpression of GPT was unable to reverse the effects of translation arrest on LLO initiation, and experiments with FACE and the SLO system showed that overexpressed GPT was not functional in vivo, although it was highly active in microsomal assays. Thus, the combined use of the SLO in vitro system and FACE showed that LLO biosynthesis depends upon a limited primary pool of dolichol-P. Physical perturbation associated with microsome preparation appears to make available a secondary pool of dolichol-P, masking inhibition by translation arrest, as well as activating a nonfunctional fraction of GPT. The implications of these results for the organization of the LLO pathway are discussed.
Experiences of Living Alone: Widows' and Widowers' Perspectives

This paper compares how older widows and widowers experience living alone. The data come from two in-depth interview studies of widows aged over 50 and widowers aged over 57 respectively. Living alone presents differing challenges for both men and women, as does the symbolic meaning of overcoming those challenges. Widows need to overcome their fear of living alone and to master household work that their husbands had previously undertaken. They learn to enjoy living alone and derive a sense of competence from learning new, traditionally masculine, tasks. Widowers characterize their houses as cold places and use terms such as ‘cavern’ and ‘cave’ to describe how they feel. They have a great need to be out of their houses for much of the day to avoid ‘sitting and dwelling’, and they minimize their skills at traditionally feminine household chores such as cooking and cleaning.
Oxidation of iron films at 25 K and the reactive oxidation of iron in solid oxygen.

The oxidation of iron films at \ensuremath{\sim}25 K and the reactive formation of iron oxides in a solid oxygen matrix is investigated using synchrotron-radiation-based photoemission. For ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ on Fe, the oxygen molecules dissociate and go into a chemisorbed state. At intermediate oxygen coverages, a disordered divalent FeO-like phase grows at the expense of the chemisorbed state. Further exposures of oxygen lead to the condensation of molecular oxygen on top of the oxide. Initial Fe depositions into a solid molecular oxygen film produce a trivalent ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-like phase. At higher iron coverages divalent FeO-like and metallic iron phases form because the supply of ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ for the oxide-forming reaction decreases.
A Psychodynamic Approach: Some Thoughts on the Dynamics and Therapy of Self-Mutilating Borderline Patients

My experience with borderline patients spans 23 years and five continents, and includes some 500 borderlines I have treated, supervised, followed up, known in an administrative capacity on an inpatient unit, or seen in consultation. The habitual self–mutilators I have seen have been predominantly females between the ages of 15 and 40. In the majority, constitutional and environmental factors have interacted in such a way as not to lend support to an either/or interpretation regarding etiology. Where only one causative factor seems to be operative, it has more often been the environmental. In the latter instance, the family environment has generally been far worse than “unfavorable”: abuse, physical or sexual (or both), has been the order of the day–often in ways that merit characterization as “grotesque” or “inhuman” (Grunebaum & Klerman. 1967). The timing of the self–mutilative acts coincides with the paramenstrual (i.e. just before or just during) part of the cycle in many instances, but there appear to...
Solubility of triethylene glycol in supercritical CO2

Abstract The volatility of triethylene glycol in carbon dioxide at sub- and supercritical carbon dioxide pressures was determined as the second of a series of such studies conducted on liquid desiccant/inhibitors for carbon dioxide-rich fluids. Three isotherms at 40, 50 and 60°C were studied at pressures ranging from 2.76 to 11.03 MPa. A steady-state elution technique developed earlier in our laboratory was employed to carry out the calibrations and the measurements to TEG concentrations as low as 0.7 × 10 −6 ±0.05 × 10 −6 mole fraction using a flame ionization detector. During the measurements, the carbon dioxide densities varied from 0.05092 to 0.5978 g cm −3 . The increase in CO 2 density largely accounted for the increase in the enhancement of triethylene glycol by carbon dioxide to a value as high as 1190 at the highest density reached so far (40°C and 9.653 MPa). The vapor phase concentrations are correlated in terms of the CO 2 -rich fluid density in accordance with the formulations of Dewan (1985). The liquid phase concentrations were interpolated/extrapolated by applying the Krichevsky-Kasarnovsky correlation to Takahashi's solubility data (1984).
NMR characterization of substrate binding in the phthalate dioxygenase system.

The paramagnetic enhancements in the NMR relaxation rates for the fluorine in fluorophthalates have been used to determine the position of the phthalate with respect to the mononuclear metal ion in native and metal-substituted derivatives of phthalate dioxygenase (PDO). These studies show directly that the substrate interacts with the mononuclear metal of PDO and provide the first structural characterization of this interaction. With a molecular mass of 200 kDa, PDO is one of the largest proteins studied to date by paramagnetic NMR. Two paramagnetically broadened (19)F lines were observed for monofluorophthalates bound to CoPDO. This demonstrates that fluorophthalate binds to PDO with a handedness, i.e., with the fluorine label facing to the "right" or to the "left", relative to the hyperfine tensor of the Co(II). The relative affinities of the two orientations are slightly different, with a 2-fold and 5-fold excess of the preferred orientation for 4-fluorophthalate and 3-fluorophthalate, respectively. The longitudinal relaxation rate (T(1)) and transverse relaxation rate (T(2)) data give mutually consistent fluorine to cobalt distances. These results are consistent with approximate bilateral symmetry, with the Co to 3-fluorophthalate distances ( approximately 5.5 A) approximately 25% longer than the Co to 4-fluorophthalate distances ( approximately 4. 5 A). A detailed geometric model is derived from these data. This structural characterization of the mononuclear site provides a framework to develop hypotheses for the mechanism of oxygenation by the Fe(II)-containing aromatic dioxygenases.
EZwakeup: a sleep environment design for sleep quality improvement

Sleep quality affects people's work performance, mood, safety, and quality of life. Poor sleep quality reduces short-term memory, cognitive abilities, and motor skills for all age groups. We introduce EZwakeup, a system that extracts sleep quality indicators with an eTextile-based sensing system and applies feedback-guided external stimuli to smoothly wake people up from deep sleep. It does not require people to wear any external devices and can be directly deployed unobtrusively in home environment. In experiments, participants reported that they felt well rested and energetic for the rest of the day when they were awakened by the guided stimuli. This result suggests that EZwakeup might be a viable option for improving personal sleep quality and have potential in treating common sleep disorders.
The effect of demand side management on reliability of automated distribution systems

Demand side management (DSM) provides power systems with the opportunity to supply electricity to the customers more efficiently and reliably. In a smart grid incorporating automated control and distributed energy systems, an effective DSM can alleviate the peak load and shift part of the demand to off-peak hours. This paper evaluates the impact of DSM on reliability of automated power distribution systems. Unlike the previous research studies, we perform load flow analysis and state enumeration to include actual restrictions of distribution systems such as voltage limits of buses and power flow limits of branches. The effects of demand curve and loading of the system components are also considered. The results of this paper are presented through different case studies and sensitivity analyses.
Automated high throughput human CYP isoform activity assay using SPE-LC/MS method: application in CYP inhibition evaluation

1. A high throughput screening (HTS) method for the evaluation of the seven major human hepatic CYP isoform activities was developed on a 96-well format, with automation. The method utilized pooled human liver microsomes and seven probe substrates, generic conditions for incubation, reaction termination and metabolite extraction with solid phase extraction (SPE) plates. Metabolites from the seven reactions were pooled and quantified using a generic liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) method. 2. The HTS method was validated based on Km values obtained, which were in agreement with literature data. 3. The isoform inhibition profiles of ketoconazole, quinidine, sulfaphenazole, tranylcypromine, alpha-naphthoflavone, and 4-methylpyrazole against CYPs 3A4, 2D6, 2C9, 2A6 (and 2C19), 1A2 and 2E1, respectively, were obtained by this HTS method. Graphically obtained IC50 values are in agreement with literature reported values. 4. The HTS method represents a significant efficiency and select...
Potential for intrinsic and enhanced crude oil biodegradation in Louisiana’s freshwater marshes

This study determined the intrinsic rates of biodegradation of Louisiana “sweet” crude oil (LSCO) in aPanicum hemitomon freshwater marsh using kinetic microcosm studies and verified the results in a large intact core study. In addition, the potential to enhance biodegradation using inorganic nutrient additions was determined. These freshwater marsh soils have high intrinsic rates of degradation (2.0%/day) for the measured alkane fraction (C11–C66) and even higher rates (6.8%/day) for the measured polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fraction (naphthalene, methylated naphthalenes, phenanthrene, and methylated phenanthrenes). However, there were compound-specific effects with intrinsic rates of degradation highest for the smaller alkanes (C 15) were much lower (0.7–1.2%/day). Results from the intact core study indicate that these rates are similar to those experiencedin situ, with the exception of the PAH fraction, whose rate constants will be substantially lower than those determined in the kinetic study. Nitrogen (ammonium) was primarily the limiting nutrient and increased degradation rate constants (2–3 fold). Few differences were seen between different classes of alkanes after fertilization. Critical nitrogen loading rates (amount needed to produce significant degradation increases) were similar for both the microcosm and core study (2.2–8.8 mg NH4 +-N/g oil), while maximum rates of degradation were observed at higher loading rates (22–44 mg NH4 +-N/g oil). While crude oil degradation can be enhanced by fertilization, the benefits need to be weighed against the presence of high intrinsic biodegradation rates in these systems.
The Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus E3 ubiquitin ligase K5 acts as a novel oncogene, altering cellular metabolism and signaling: implications for tumorigenesis

While it is clear that Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV or HHV-8) is the causative agent of a number of malignancies including multicentric Castleman’s disease, primary effusion lymphoma, and Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), the molecular mechanisms of tumor induction by this virus are still unclear. In part, KS lesion presentation is thought to be driven primarily through paracrine mechanisms and is mainly observed in immunocompromised patients. Monocyte subsets, including dendritic cells and macrophages, are crucial to immune system functionality and are also skewed in KS patients. The goals of this study were to investigate a potential role for the E3 ubiquitin ligase K5 of KSHV, which plays a role in viral immune evasion, in altering monocyte functionality, thereby contributing to KSHV-driven tumorigenesis. A series of wild-type (WT) and mutant K5-expressing stable cell lines were generated in THP-1 monocytic cell line and examined. Surprisingly, these cells demonstrated a serum-dependent increased growth rate and a propensity to acidify the growth medium as compared to vector-THP-1 cells. Biochemical examination indicated that K5 induced aerobic glycolysis and other hallmarks of the “Warburg Effect,” including increased lactate production and glucose uptake. Observed increases in Akt and total cellular tyrosine phosphorylation, combined with the serum-dependence, suggested a role for receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). A human-RTK array demonstrated increased activation of the Flt-3, Axl, PDGFR-s, and Flt-4 receptors in K5-expressing versus vector cell lines. Subsequent testing demonstrated increased sensitivity of K5-expressing THP-1 cells to growth arrest and apoptosis by sunitinib and increased ligand-dependent signaling. Dynamin inhibitor studies showed that K5 can target these RTKs from the surface to increase intracellular signaling. Additional molecular details will be presented. Overall, our studies demonstrate that the KSHV K5 protein is acting as a novel oncogene – the first viral protein of its kind – to drive monocyte subset expansion and alter cellular metabolism, contributing to a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Intriguingly, the metabolic changes observed are caused by a single KSHV protein and thus serve as a useful model to study different aspects of KS pathology and its overall regulation of cellular metabolism. These studies also provide additional rationale for the currently ongoing clinical trials of sunitinib, Gleevec, and rapamycin for the treatment of KSHV-driven neoplasias. Finally, the ability of this viral E3 ubiquitin ligase to drive metabolic changes provides the tantalizing suggestion that a cellular ligase may be acting in a similar, either physiologic or oncogenic, manner.
Unilateral lesions of the hamster suprachiasmatic nuclei: evidence for redundant control of circadian rhythms

Several properties of vertebrate circadian rhythms can be attributed to the behavior of an underlying pacemaker system which is composed of two separate but mutually interacting circadian oscillators. As originally formulated, the model for such a pacemaker system proposed that two oscillators or populations of oscillators have different properties, specifically in their responses to light (Pittendrigh 1974; Pittendrigh and Daan 1976b). We have tested the proposition that the right and left suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the golden hamster contribute in different ways to the regulation of circadian rhythmicity by measuring the wheel-running activity rhythms of hamsters with lesions to either the right or left SCN. Although effects of unilateral or other partial SCN lesions on pacemaker properties were observed, these effects were not different in hamsters receiving right- or left-side lesions. More specifically: (1) free-running period (τ) in constant light was shorter in lesioned hamsters irrespective of the side lesioned (Fig. 3a), and the total amount of SCN destruction was found to correlate with τ (Fig. 4). (2) Phase-angle difference (Ψ) of some lesioned hamsters (both right- and left-side) during entrainment to L∶D, 14∶10 was significantly more positive than that of controls (Fig. 3b). (3) The rate of phase-shift following a shift of the light/dark cycle was not different in hamsters with right- or left-side lesions (Fig. 3c). And (4) the simultaneous expression of different circadian periods, similar to ‘splitting’, was observed in hamsters with unilateral lesions (Fig. 5). It is concluded that the right and left SCN are similar in their contributions to the control of circadian rhythmicity and that there is as yet no evidence for the permanent loss of multioscillator properties resulting from the destruction of only one of the two SCN.
Pelagic community respiration on the continental shelf off Georgia, USA

The South Atlantic Bight (SAB) has been a focus for the study of continental shelf ecosystem respiration during the past two decades. However, two questions concerning respiration in this area have yet to be answered. First, why do previous estimates of respiration in the SAB exceed measured carbon fixation rates by almost an order of magnitude? Second, considering that bacteria are responsible for most of the pelagic community respiration in the SAB, why is respiration almost uniform from the coastline to the shelf break, while bacterial production estimates decrease offshore? This study addresses these critical questions by presenting new pelagic community respiration data that were collected across the entire width of the continental shelf off Georgia, USA from June 2003 to May 2006. The respiration was calculated as in vitro changes of dissolved oxygen and dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations during deck incubations. The measured respiration rates ranged from 0.3(±0.1) to 21.2(±1.4) mmol m−3 day−1. They followed a clear seasonal pattern, being lowest over the entire shelf in winter and reaching maxima in summer. Summertime respiration rates were highest on the inner shelf and decreased with distance offshore. Consistent with this trend, bacterial abundance measurements taken during the sampling month of July 2005 followed a pattern of seaward decline. The SAB organic carbon fluxes calculated from the respiration data are close to the estimates for primary production, which resolves a long-standing mystery regarding perceived carbon imbalance in the SAB.
Effect of wheat gluten diet on the electroencephalograms of dogs.

SummaryA method of obtaining electroencephalograms in dogs has been described. When rations which contained casein were fed no abnormalities were observed. After wheat gluten was substituted for casein epileptiform seizures and concomitant abnormalities in the E.E.G. developed which were comparable to those seen in cases of human epilepsy.
Ethical conflicts in caring for patients with cochlear implants.

Abstract Although the use of cochlear implants as a treatment designed to help deaf individuals hear has a relatively brief history, the use of this therapy has given rise to a number of ethical conflicts. This article identifies ethical conflicts in cochlear implantation therapy and shows how ethical principles that are commonly accepted in health care ethics may guide decision making in resolving these issues. Furthermore, clinicians are often confronted with particular cases in which ethical conflicts arise. A useful paradigm for the clinical context, the 4-box method, is offered as a means of organizing the facts of a "case" so that the important facts are considered, and a principled approach to decision making can be used in working toward a resolution.
Neopatriarchy, Islam and female labour force participation: A reconsideration

This article reconsiders the cross‐national determinants of female labour force participation in Islamic settings. It explores a neopatriarchal perspective using in dicators of the role of the government and the political role of women. The study shows that government plays a significant role in determining female employment. Islamic ideology as a cultural variable also contributes significantly to the model. Thus, the results indicate that Islamic ideology per se is not the only factor determining female labour force participation; the political atmosphere and economic development also contribute. In main stream sociology, Muslim countries have usually been classified as outliers on gender relations and demographic factors. These countries generally have lower‐than‐average levels of female labour force participation (FLFP) and higher‐than‐average levels of fertility and mortality relative to non‐Muslim nations at the same level of economic development (Weeks, 1988). For example, in 1995, female employmen...
A DYNAMIC MATCH-LINE WEDGE

Abstract Purpose: To implement match-line wedges at the abutting edges of x-ray fields using dynamic collimation. Methods and Materials: Experiments were made using a computer-controlled linear accelerator equipped with developmental software that allows for collimator jaw motion while the beam is on. The jaws defining the abutting field edges were programmed to move from 1.5 cm inside to 1.5 cm outside the prescribed field during irradiation. Films were taken in plastic phantoms to assess the resulting edge gradient and to evaluate the sensitivity of this technique to setup errors. Results: The measured edge gradient for a single field was 30% per cm. Parallel-opposed lateral fields produced a gradient of 28% per cm along their midline. A simulated central nervous system irradiation with cranial and spinal fields kept dose variations in the field-match region to less than 10% with setup errors of 3 mm. Conclusion: The use of collimator motion during irradiation is an effective and simple means of reducing the dose variation in a field-match region due to setup errors and system tolerances. Treatment time is not increased and labor savings can be achieved when compared to feathering techniques commonly used.
Max Weber: Preuße, Denker, Muttersohn. Eine Biographie

Dirk Kaesler has a well-established reputation as a leading authority on classical German sociology and as an expert on Max Weber. His first book on Weber, which was published in the 1970s, has gon...
Extensive conversion of hepatic biliary epithelial cells to hepatocytes after near total loss of hepatocytes in zebrafish.

Background & Aims Biliary epithelial cells (BECs) are considered to be a source of regenerating hepatocytes when hepatocyte proliferation is compromised. However, there is still controversy about the extent to which BECs can contribute to the regenerating hepatocyte population, and thereby to liver recovery. To investigate this issue, we established a zebrafish model of liver regeneration in which the extent of hepatocyte ablation can be controlled. Methods Hepatocytes were depleted by administration of metronidazole to Tg(fabp10a:CFP-NTR) animals. We traced the origin of regenerating hepatocytes using short-term lineage-tracing experiments, as well as the inducible Cre/loxP system; specifically, we utilized both a BEC tracer line Tg(Tp1:CreER T2 ) and a hepatocyte tracer line Tg(fabp10a:CreER T2 ) . We also examined BEC and hepatocyte proliferation and liver marker gene expression during liver regeneration. Results BECs gave rise to most of the regenerating hepatocytes in larval and adult zebrafish after severe hepatocyte depletion. After hepatocyte loss, BECs proliferated as they dedifferentiated into hepatoblast-like cells; they subsequently differentiated into highly proliferative hepatocytes that restored the liver mass. This process was impaired in zebrafish wnt2bb mutants; in these animals, hepatocytes regenerated but their proliferation was greatly reduced. Conclusions BECs contribute to regenerating hepatocytes after substantial hepatocyte depletion in zebrafish, thereby leading to recovery from severe liver damage.
Total body fat mass based on the 4.4 MeV carbon peak in the in vivo prompt-gamma spectrum of the human body using241Am, Be neutrons

The feasibility of measuring total body carbon (TBC) based on prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) of the human body was examined. Preliminary analyzes for 33 healthy pre-menopausal women indicated a range of TBC values (7.1±4.4 kg) which translated to 17.1±6.5 kg body fat (27.9%±7.9% of body weight). An advantage of the PGAA measurement is that fat mass can be obtained simultaneous with that of total body protein mass, both indices serving as useful body composition markers of the nutritional status.
Evaluation of Three Strains of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Fed Diets Containing Three Concentrations of Protein and Digestible Energy1

A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted using three strains of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, USDA102, USDA103, and Mississippi normal (MN), and three concentrations of dietary protein. Three practical diets were formulated to contain 25, 35, or 45% crude protein with digestible energy/protein ratio of 10.0, 8.1, or 6.8 Kcal/g, respectively. Juvenile channel catfish (mean initial weight: 15.1 g/fish) were fed the experimental diets twice daily to approximate satiation for 8 wk. Regardless of dietary protein concentration, the USDA 103 strain consumed more feed, gained more weight, and converted feed more efficiently than other two strains. The MN strain consumed less feed and gained less weight than the other strains. Regardless of the strain of channel catfish, differences in weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were observed among fish fed diets containing various levels of protein with the 35% protein diet being the best. Neither dietary protein concentration nor strain had significant effect on fillet protein level. Data pooled by fish strain showed that fish of MN strain had lower fillet fat and higher moisture than fish of other two strains. Data pooled by dietary protein showed that fish fed the 45% protein diet had a lower level of fillet fat than fish fed the 35% protein diet, but this did not appear to be a strain effect, rather it was a result of decreased feed consumption. Results from this study clearly demonstrate that per formance of the USDA103 strain of channel catfish was superior to other strains tested. The growth characteristics of the USDA103 strain of channel catfish make the strain a promising candidate for commercialization. However, data are needed on performance of the strain from fingerling to marketable size under conditions similar to those used for the commercial culture of channel catfish prior to their release to the catfish industry.
Prolonged Suppression of Postincisional Pain by a Slow-release Formulation of Lidocaine

Background Postoperative pain can occur despite nerve blocks during the surgical period. Here we tested Xybrex (Orthocon, Inc., Irvington, NY), a slow-release formulation of lidocaine that blocks rat sciatic nerve for 1-2 days, for its ability to suppress postincisional pain. Methods A plantar paw incision was made in rats, either along the midline (Brennan model) or at the lateral edge, 30 min after different treatment groups received either lidocaine (0.2 ml, 2%) or Xybrex implant at the ipsilateral sciatic nerve or Xybrex at the contralateral sciatic nerve. Behavioral testing by von Frey filaments occurred at 2 and 6 h postoperatively and for the next 10 postoperative days. The fractional response (paw withdrawal responses per 10 pokes) was scored at each time. Results Mechanosensitivity from the Brennan paw incision was reduced throughout the postoperative period by ipsilateral Xybrex, although lidocaine injection almost had no effect. Contralateral Xybrex had a weaker but still significant antihyperalgesic effect, converging to that from ipsilateral Xybrex at postoperative day 2. Xybrex at the nuchal midline reduced allodynia for only postoperative days 1-3, whereas hyperalgesia was reduced continuously after postoperative day 2. Hyperalgesia from the lateral incision was also reduced by ipsilateral Xybrex but not by contralateral Xybrex. Conclusions Implants of slow-release lidocaine formulations are most effective against postincisional pain when placed at the ipsilateral nerve innervating the area of incision. Contralateral nerve implants are somewhat less effective, probably acting by releasing lidocaine into the systemic circulation. There appears to be a differential role of central sensitization between postincisional allodynia and hyperalgesia.