cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of hexavalent chromium on the survival and cell cycle distribution of DNA repair-deficient S. cerevisiae.

A broad spectrum of genetic damage results from exposure to hexavalent chromium. These lesions can result in DNA and RNA polymerase arrest, chromosomal aberrations, point mutations and deletions. Because of the complexity of Cr genotoxicity, the repair of Cr(VI)-induced DNA damage is poorly understood. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the sensitivities of DNA repair-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to Cr(VI)-induced growth inhibition and lethality. Wild-type, translesion synthesis (rev3) and excision repair (apn1, ntg1, ntg2, rad1) mutants exhibited similar survival following Cr(VI) treatment (0–50 mM) and underwent at least one population doubling within 2–4 h post-treatment. The simultaneous loss of several excision repair genes (apn1 rad1 ntg1 ntg2) led to slower growth after Cr(VI) exposure (10 mM) manifested as an initial delay in S phase progression. Higher concentrations of Cr(VI) (25 mM) resulted in a prolonged transit through S phase in every strain tested. A G2/M arrest was evident within 1–2 h after Cr(VI) treatment (10 mM) in all strains and cells subsequently divided after this transient delay. In contrast to all other strains, only recombination-deficient (rad52, rad52 rev3) yeast were markedly hypersensitive towards Cr(VI) lethality. RAD52 mutant strains (rad52, rad52 rev3) also exhibited a significant delay (>6 h) in the resumption of replication after Cr(VI) exposure which was related to the immediate and apparently terminal arrest of these yeast in G2/M after Cr(VI) treatment. These results, taken together with the recombinogenic effects of Cr(VI) in yeast containing a functional RAD52 gene, suggest that RAD52-mediated recombination is critical for the normal processing of lethal Cr-induced genetic lesions and exit from G2 arrest. Furthermore, only the combined inactivation of multiple excision repair genes affects cell growth after Cr(VI) treatment.
Using the institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework to analyze the acequias of El Río de las Gallinas, New Mexico

Abstract As population and economic growth increase urban water demands, and traditional irrigation plays a smaller role in direct subsistence in New Mexico, irrigators on small, traditional systems often feel threatened. This paper uses the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework to analyze the irrigation ditches of the Gallinas River, in San Miguel County, and aims to facilitate understanding of the persistent distrust some Gallinas irrigators feel toward city, state, and federal agencies. This distrust, sometimes due to a perception of differing property rights structures that result in what many irrigators feel is unfair treatment by various agencies, and sometimes to a simple lack of understanding, is often perpetuated by recounted stories of malfeasance. Degree of social capital, knowledge of water law, and technology vary greatly. While there are not many problems with outsiders, some of the larger ditches report very poor social capital.
Harnessing alloreactivity to achieve anti-leukemic responses.

One of the hallmarks of a successful cancer is the development of one or more mechanisms to circumvent immune responses. Mechanisms by which acute myeloid leukemia circumvent immune responses that have been identified include loss of human leukocyte antigens, expression of ligands for inhibitory receptors, induction of the accumulation of suppressor cells, producing IDO and elimination of leukemia reactive cells.1 One possible approach to overcome these inhibitory hurdles is to harness alloreactive responses to achieve anti-leukemic responses. Explanations for the potent alloreactive responses have included the ability of the T-cell receptor (TCR) to crossreact with allogeneic major histocompatibility complex molecules presenting endogenous peptides or that alloreactive cells express two different TCR.2, 3 Initial attempts to harness alloreactivity have used allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In this procedure the recipient immune system is knocked down as part of the conditioning regimes, resulting in primarily donor anti-recipient responses following the stem cell transplant. While the donor anti-recipient response can generate graft-versus-leukemia responses, there is a high incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).4 Donor lymphocyte infusions following the development of tolerance have been used to enhance donor anti-tumor responses.5 In contrast, the cellular immunotherapy protocol, in which large numbers of haploidentical cells (1–2 × 108 CD3+ cells/kg) are infused in non-conditioned patients, results in both donor anti-recipient responses as well as recipient anti-donor responses.6 The recipient anti-donor responses are sufficient to eliminate the donor cells within several weeks, thereby preventing GVHD. Anti-leukemic responses were detected despite the elimination of the donor cells. This clinical trial has been reopened and ongoing studies are attempting to define the immune responses responsible for the anti-leukemic responses in this protocol.7 Possibilities to be tested include alloreactive cells crossreacting with leukemic cells, alloreactive responses reactivating memory T cells or the presence of activated CD3+ cells permitting anti-leukemic responses using non-TCR receptors. Preliminary results with the initial patients enrolled in the cellular immunotherapy trial have found increased expression of cytolytic effector molecules in recipient T cells, but little cytolytic activity based on low levels of CD107a expression. Rapid upregulation of PD-1 ligands on leukemic cells after infusion of donor cells was detected in 2/3 patients and could provide one explanation for the lack of response. Analysis of additional clinical trial patients combined with development of in vitro assays will help define how the use of alloreactivity can be improved to generate more potent anti-leukemic responses.
Accidental bromocriptine ingestion in childhood

Deux cas sont decrits chez des garcons de 2 ans et 2 ans 1/2 et 18 cas rapportes par le laboratoire pharmaceutique fabriquant la bromocriptine sont brievement resumes en un tableau. Les 2 garcons decrits sont freres d'un nouveau-ne. Les meres a qui l'on prescrit ce produit apres l'accouchement doivent etre averties de ne pas le laisser a la portee de leurs autres jeunes enfants
Crime and segregation

Metropolitan areas in the United States are characterized by both geographic concentration in robbery rates, and racial segregation in residential patterns. We argue that these two phenomena are closely connected. Robberies typically involve incomplete information about the likelihood of victim resistance and offender violence. Geographic concentration in robbery rates can lead to segregation (in excess of levels that would emerge under neighborhood sorting by income) because robbers prey disproportionately on whites, believing them to be more compliant, and whites protect themselves by moving disproportionately to safer neighborhoods. Hence, conditional on income, blacks live in more dangerous neighborhoods than whites.
The diagnosis and management of acute liver failure in dogs and cats.

This article reviews the diagnostic evaluation and critical care management necessary to optimize outcome in cases of potentially reversible, acute liver failure in dogs and cats. A definitive histopathologic diagnosis should always be pursued to allow evaluation of the reversibility of the underlying condition. Treatment of acute liver failure in dogs and cats is largely supportive and requires specific attention to each functional derangement. With the current advances in veterinary critical care, improved medical and technical management of the patient with acute liver should reduce both morbidity and mortality.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetrics.

The use of antimicrobial prophylaxis for the prevention of maternal, fetal, and neonatal infections is well-established in obstetric practice. Prevention of chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, urinary tract infections, endometritis, and other common infections reduces morbidity and mortality rates and health care costs. There are a number of examples of level I evidence that have been used to develop clinical recommendations that have improved outcomes. These can also provide obstetric units with important quality and safety measures. The prevention of early-onset group B Streptococcus (GBS) sepsis in neonates is one such example. The incidence of early-onset GBS sepsis has decreased nearly 80%, from 1.8 per 1000 births to 0.26 per 1000 births by 2008, through the wide-spread introduction of universal screening and intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis. 1 These treatment guidelines have decreased overall neonatal mortality and morbidity rates. These are regularly updated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the face of new evidence or emerging bacterial resistance. Although there is a promising GBS vaccine under development, universal screening will remain the standard for the foreseeable future. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for cesarean delivery is an important preoperative safety and quality measure. Cesarean delivery is associated with significant risks of endometritis, wound infection, and other serious maternal infections. These risks are reduced with proper prophylaxis, both for elective and nonelective indications. 2 This risk reduction ranges from 60-70% in pooled estimates from prospective studies. Recent prospective trials and metaanalyses demonstrate that properly dosed and preoperatively timed antibiotics can improve maternal infectious outcomes significantly. 3,4 Preterm premature rupture of the membranes is associated with significant risks for maternal and fetal infectious morbidity, which includes chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis. Among patients who have ruptured membranes at <34 weeks’ gestation, antibiotic prophylaxis administered for 7 days has been demonstrated to reduce composite neonatal morbidity and to significantly prolong pregnancy latency. 5 Prolonged pregnancy latency is also associated with
Family migration and employment: the importance of migration history and gender.

This article uses event history data to specify a model of employment returns to initial migration, onward migration, and return migration among newly married persons in the US. Husbands are more likely to be full-time employed than wives, and being a parent reduces the employment odds among married women. Employment returns to repeated migration differ by gender, with more husbands full-time employed after onward migration and more wives full-time employed after return migration events. We interpret these empirical findings in the context of family migration theory, segmented labor market theory, and gender-based responsibilities.
Spectral and kinetic investigations of chirally deuterated three-membered ring molecules using Fourier transform vibrational-circular-dichroism spectroscopy

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and kinetic measurements have been carried out for several three-membered ring molecules that are optically active by virtue of isotopic substitution, (S,S)-cyclopropane-1,2-2H2, (2S,3S)-cyclopropane-1- 13C,2H-2,3-2H2, and (S,S)-oxirane-2,3-2H2.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Determination of evaporation from integrated profiles of humidity and temperature over an inhomogeneous surface

In this study a moderate-sized alfalfa field was downwind of a large dry region. Measured vertical profiles of temperature, humidity and wind at upwind and downwind sides of the field were used to calculate the short-term evaporation rate, as well as the contribution of horizontally transported or advected heat energy to the evaporation. The vertical profiles must be measured at least to the height at which air is modified by the new surface. In this case that height was as large as 18 m over a several hundred meter long traverse. Evaporation rates calculated by such an approach were in very close agreement to surface fluxes measured by an eddy correlation system near the surface. The difference between calculated and measured values averaged 9.5%. The reduction in sensible heat content of the air of the control volume was substantial during passage over the field. If all this energy was assumed to have been used in evaporation, then the advection of heat contributed from 35 to 86% of the total evaporation rate. It appears that for an inhomogeneous surface, knowledge of the distortion of some properties of local boundary layers can yield reliable estimates of local evaporation. The approach has little empiricism as it is based on simple conservation laws.
Measurements and parameterization of the bidirectional reflectance factor of BaSO(4) paint.

Comprehensive measurements of the bidirectional reflectance factor of BaSO4 paint vs both viewing and illumination angles are presented as contour plots. Contours resulting from several surfacing techniques are compared to demonstrate that a machined surface on a thick BaSO4 deposit gives the most reproducible diffuse reflectivity. It is also shown that a spray deposit of BaSO4 gives a much less diffuse reflectivity. We also show that the contours of bidirectional reflectance of either machined BaSO4 or smoked MgO may be described by a three-parameter fit, which automatically obeys the Helmholtz reciprocity theorem and is simply related to the efficiency of total reflectance.
Discriminatory Experiences and Depressive Symptoms among African American Women: Do Skin Tone and Mastery Matter?

We apply structural equation modeling techniques to data from the National Survey of American Life to investigate the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms among African American women ages 18–98 years (N = 2,299). In addition, we evaluate whether or not personal mastery accounts for the intensity of African American women’s psychological response to discrimination and whether or not exposure to discrimination varies by skin complexion. Findings reveal that discrimination is a major threat to African American women’s mental health. They are vulnerable to discrimination, in part, because discrimination undermines their beliefs in mastery making them less psychologically resilient. Experiences of discrimination do not differ by complexion. We conclude that complexion does not matter, but mastery does.
Iron-deficiency anemia in childhood inflammatory bowel disease: treatment with intravenous iron-dextran.

A prospective protocol for iron replacement was used in six children with severe inflammatory bowel disease who had iron-deficiency anemia. All were given a single total-dose infusion of iron-dextran after a taper of the parenteral nutrition solution. Each had hematologic and biochemical correction of their iron-deficiency anemia. As outlined, intravenous iron-dextran appears to be a safe, efficacious, and practical method of iron repletion in children with inflammatory bowel disease who require prolonged parenteral nutrition and bowel rest.
Electronic structure contributions to electron transfer in blue Cu and Cu(A).

centers are summarized and their relation to intra- and inter-protein electron transfer (ET) kinetics are described. Specific contributions of the electronic structures of these two broad classes of Cu ET proteins to H AB, λ, and Δ E° are discussed. Also, the role of the protein structure in determining key geometric features which define the electronic structures of the metal sites in these proteins is considered.
GERD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: cause or effect

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic fibrosing disease of the lung and is the most common of the interstitial pneumonias. The pathophysiology of IPF involves recurrent epithelial cell injury, abnormal wound repair response and aberrant fibroblast proliferation. Recent studies have provided information regarding the potential function of gastroesphageal reflux (GER) and microaspiration as a possible etiology of this recurrent epithelial injury and fibrosis formation. Although acid aspiration has been linked to IPF, the mechanism involved and the relationship of abnormal GER to the cause or progression of IPF have not been adequately addressed. This association is of great interest to the scientific and clinical communities, with ongoing active investigations. Herein, we review current understanding about the relationship between GER and IPF, and investigate the evidence supporting this relationship.
Teacher Identity and Agency in School Worlds: Beyond the All‐Good/All‐Bad Discourse on Accountability‐Explicit Curriculum Policies

AbstractDrawing on case studies of three elementary school teachers in a diverse urban school setting in Texas, the author explores the varied ways teachers actively read accountability‐related curriculum policies and then respond to these policies. Rooted in classroom observations and extensive teacher interviews, the author examines issues of teacher identity and identity formation as a base from which to explore teacher agency vis‐a‐vis accountability‐explicit curriculum policies. His analysis suggests that (1) individual teachers actively read and respond to locally conceived accountability‐explicit curriculum policies in varied, perhaps even unique, ways; (2) teacher identities are powerful means through which to understand these varied experiences with and responses to accountability‐explicit curriculum policies; and (3) current understandings of teacher agency vis‐a‐vis accountability‐explicit curriculum policies as merely a capacity to resist—as does much of the literature that is critical of acco...
Origin of Low Detection Limit and High Selectivity of Roche Accu‐Chek Test Strips that Enables Measurement of Tear Glucose Levels

Tear glucose measurements have been suggested as a potential alternative to blood glucose monitoring for diabetic patients. While previous work has reported a correlation between blood and tear glucose levels in humans, this link has not been thoroughly established and additional clinical studies are needed. We recently reported that Roche’s electrochemical Accu-Chek blood glucose test strips exhibit far superior analytical performance over other commercial brands, with the low detection limit and high selectivity required for quantitating tear glucose levels. Herein, we evaluate the origin of the high sensitivity and selectivity of the Roche test strips and show that the use of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) as an active enzyme reagent in combination with a nitrosoaniline derivative as an electron transfer mediator are primarily responsible for the low limit of quantification (LOQ) (ca. 9 µM) and enhanced selectivity achieved with these strips.
Jump–diffusion Markov processes on orthogonal groups for object pose estimation

In the problem of recognizing targets from their observed images, the estimation of target orientations, as elements of the rotation group SO(3), plays an important role. For k-objects the unknown parameter is an element of SO(3) k . Since k may be unknown a priori, the parameter space is extended to X = � ∞=0 SO(3) k . In this representation, both the target orientations and their numbers have to be estimated simultaneously. We present a Bayesian approach that builds
Algebraic Turbulence-Chemistry Interaction Model

The results of a series of Perfectly Stirred Reactor (PSR) and Partially Stirred Reactor (PaSR) simulations are compared to each other over a wide range of operating conditions. It is found that the PaSR results can be simulated by a PSR solution with just an adjusted chemical reaction rate. A simple expression has been developed that gives the required change in reaction rate for a PSR solution to simulate the PaSR results. This expression is the basis of a simple turbulence-chemistry interaction model. The interaction model that has been developed is intended for use with simple one-step global reaction mechanisms and for steady-state flow simulations. Due to the simplicity of the model there is very little additional computational cost in adding it to existing CFD codes.
Verbal Play as an Interactional Discourse Resource in Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease.

Background: Verbal play, the creative and playful use of language to make puns, rhyme words, and tease, is a pervasive and enjoyable component of social communication and serves important interpersonal functions. The current study examines the use of verbal play in the communicative interactions of individuals with Alzheimer's disease as part of a broader programme of research on language-and-memory-in-use. We thank M. Cartier, M. Hauser, K. Leners, L. Savicki, and L. Steinmetz in the Communication and Memory Laboratory for assistance in data coding, and Rupa Gupta and Margaret Miller for helpful comments on a previous version this manuscript. Funding from NIDCD grant 1F32DC008825, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and NINDS P50 NS19632. Aims: To document the frequency of verbal play in the communicative interactions of individuals with very mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their familiar communication partners and to characterise the interactional forms, resources, and functions of playful episodes. Method...
A microsimulation model of the health care system: the role of the hospital sector

A microeconometric model of the health care system of the United States was estimated by applying econometric techniques to extensive data. The model treats the microanalytic behavior of individuals and institutions comprising the health care system, and is structured in terms of five submodels pertaining to consumers, hospital and physician services, physician and nonphysician manpower. In each submodel there is an economic market on which demands and supplies from the individuals and institutions interact and on which the allocation of resources is determined. A detailed treatment of participant attributes facilitates study of the distributional impacts of alternative policies. This paper presents an overview of the complete system, and summarizes the relationships used for the hospital sector.
A Neural Network Technique for Feature Extraction to Improve Object Recognition

This paper reports on an object recognition system that combines a neural network global approach with assistance from local features. The Relevant Feature Technique uses a global classifier to determine a characteristic class and uses the local relevant features of that class to improve the recognition of the visual object. Predominantly local features are difficult to utilize in a neural network environment because they are local, and may not be considered significant to the globally sensitive neural network. In the technique shown here, locally relevant features are used to influence and constrain global recognition process.
Histone Deacetylase 7 Maintains Vascular Integrity by Repressing Matrix Metalloproteinase 10

Development and homeostasis of the cardiovascular system require intimate interactions between endothelial and smooth muscle cells, which form a seamless circulatory network. We show that histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) is specifically expressed in the vascular endothelium during early embryogenesis, where it maintains vascular integrity by repressing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 10, a secreted endoproteinase that degrades the extracellular matrix. Disruption of the HDAC7 gene in mice results in embryonic lethality due to a failure in endothelial cell-cell adhesion and consequent dilatation and rupture of blood vessels. HDAC7 represses MMP10 gene transcription by associating with myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2), a direct activator of MMP10 transcription and essential regulator of blood vessel development. These findings reveal an unexpected and specific role for HDAC7 in the maintenance of vascular integrity and have important implications for understanding the processes of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling during cardiovascular development and disease.
A Universal Zone in the Ribosomal Exit Tunnel for Helix Formation in Kv1.3

Crystal structures of Kv channels have given us a reasonably complete view of the structure of a mature Kv channel. However, details of its structure acquisition are missing. We now report on the biogenesis of secondary structure of the transmembrane segments and intervening linkers of Kv1.3. Using a combination of accessibility assays, both cysteine pegylation (Tu et al., 2007; Lu and Deutsch, 2005) and N-linked glycosylation (Mingarro et al., 2000), we derive the following principles of folding for nascent sequences within their native contexts. First, native helical transmembrane sequences initially form helices only within the distal 20A of the ribosomal tunnel near the exit port. We refer to this region as the α-zone. Helix formation in transmembrane segments thus occurs vectorially from N- to C-terminus as each segment moves sequentially into the α-zone. Second, linker sequences also form compact structures inside the α-zone even in the absence of helix formation of their C-terminal flanking transmembrane segments. Third, helical structures, whether transmembrane or linker segments, formed in the tunnel retain their helicity in the translocon. These principles emerge from a diversity of native transmembrane and linker sequences that comprise Kv1.3 and may therefore be applicable to protein biogenesis in general.[Supported by NIH grant GM 52302].References: Tu et al., Biochemistry 46: 8075, 2007; Lu and Deutsch, Biochemistry 44: 8230, 2005; Mingarro et al., BMC Cell Biol. 1: 3, 2000.
Effect of Milling on Slip Casting of Partially Stabilized Zirconia

Specimens of partially stabilized zirconia were slip cast from aqueous suspensions and sintered at 1500C for 3 h. The relative density of the cast specimens and the firing shrinkage of the sintered specimens depend on the milling time for the suspension. Vickers hardness and K /SUB 1C/ values of 11.46 + or - 0.07 GN/mS and 6.10 + or - 0.04 MN.mTS, respectively, were obtained for all sintered specimens. The dispersion of the suspension is important in increasing the relative density of the cast specimens.
The effect of cholesterol feeding on protein synthesis in different regions of the rabbit arterial wall.

Abstract The site of increased collagen synthetic activity in aortas from rabbits fed a 2% cholesterol diet was investigated. After 70 days control and experimental animals were killed and the intima-media was carefully separated from the adventitia. Collagen and non-collagen protein synthetic rates were estimated following in vitro incorporation of [14C]proline. All of the cholesterol fed rabbits had lesions in the intima-media layer with little or no involvement of the adventitia. The intima-media demonstrated a greater increase in collagen and non-collagen protein synthetic activity than that observed in the media-adventitia. Since the greatest accumulation of cholesterol and cholesterol-esters occurred in the intima-media, the data suggests that the observed alteration in collagen and non-collagen protein synthesis represents a localized response to cholesterol deposition, rather than a generalized response occurring throughout the arterial wall.
Error estimates for the approximate identification of a constant coefficient from boundary flux data

A priori error estimates are derived for the simplest finite difference and finite element approximations to an inverse problem in which it is desired to identify an unknown constant coefficient in a differential equation whose general form is known.
The effect of temperature on the growth of carbon nanotubes on copper foil using a nickel thin film as catalyst

Growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on bulk copper foil substrates has been achieved by sputtering a nickel thin film on Cu substrates followed by thermal chemical vapor deposition. The characteristics of the nanotubes are strongly dependent on the Ni film thickness and reaction temperature. Specifically, a correlation between the thin film nickel catalyst thickness and the CNT diameter was found. Two hydrocarbon sources investigated were methane and acetylene to determine the best conditions for growth of CNTs on copper. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this simple method of directly integrating CNTs with highly conductive substrates for use in applications where a conductive CNT network is desirable.
Physical and Genetic Associations of the Irc20 Ubiquitin Ligase with Cdc48 and SUMO

A considerable percentage of the genome is dedicated to the ubiquitin-proteasome system, with the yeast genome predicted to encode approximately 100 ubiquitin ligases (or E3s), and the human genome predicted to encode more than 600 E3s. The most abundant class of E3s consists of RING finger-containing proteins. Although many insights have been obtained regarding the structure and catalytic mechanism of the E3s, much remains to be learned about the function of the individual E3s. Here we characterize IRC20, which encodes a dual RING- and Snf/Swi family ATPase domain-containing protein in yeast that has been implicated in DNA repair. We found that overexpression of IRC20 causes two transcription-associated phenotypes and demonstrate that the Irc20 RING domain possesses ubiquitin E3 activity in vitro. Two mass spectrometry approaches were undertaken to identify Irc20-associated proteins. Wild-type Irc20 associated with Cdc48, a AAA-ATPase that serves as an intermediary in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. A second approach using a RING mutant derivative of Irc20 detected increased association of the Irc20 mutant with SUMO. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the roles of Irc20 in transcription and DNA repair.
Antimuscarinic effects of chloroquine in rat pancreatic acini

Chloroquine inhibited carbachol-induced amylase release in a dose-dependent fashion in rat pancreatic acini; cholecystokinin- and bombesin-induced secretory responses were almost unchanged by the antimalarial drug. The inhibition of carbachol-induced amylase release by chloroquine was competitive in nature with a K/sub i/ of 11.7 ..mu..M. Chloroquine also inhibited (/sup 3/H)N-methylscopolamine binding to acinar muscarinic receptors. The IC/sub 50/ for chloroquine inhibition of (/sup 3/H)N-methylscopolamine binding was lower than that for carbachol or the other antimalarial drugs, quinine and quinidine. These results demonstrate that chloroquine is a muscarinic receptor antagonist in the exocrine pancreas.
What can development teach us about menopause

Development and aging are often mirror image processes and this may be equally true in the effects of estradiol, a potent endogenous steroid regulating brain development as well as a therapeutic used to relieve the negative components of perimenopause. Both the developing and perimenopausal brain are characterized by a sensitive period of hormone responsiveness, and in both cases, the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate, as well as synaptogenesis and cell proliferation are major hormone targets. This review compares and contrasts the effects of estradiol on the developing and aging brain and highlights new avenues of exploration and therapeutic development.
Advances in the management of malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesotheliomas are very aggressive tumors that originate from mesothelial cells, which form the serosal lining of the pleura, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities. Finding effective chemotherapeutic treatment for malignant mesothelioma is a challenge. There is no standard treatment because this tumor is relatively resistant to therapy. A resurgence of interest has been expressed in novel therapies and conventional treatments used in different ways. Several treatment modalities have been studied, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy can be administered systemically or directly into the pleura. This review presents the results of the most recent trials and highlights the most promising advances in the battle against this aggressive disease.
Fantasy proneness and hypnotizability: another look

It has long been theorized that individuals who spend a great deal of time engaged in fantasy and report profound imaginative involvements are highly hypnotizable (see Wilson and Barber, 1981, 1983a). To test this hypothesized link, we administered the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings (ICMI), the Short Imaginal Processes Inventory (SIPI), a measure of daydreaming frequency and the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) to 506 undergraduate students in Study 1. In Study 2, a separate sample of 534 college students completed the ICMI and the HGSHS:A. Across the studies, we obtained a small positive correlation between our measures of fantasy proneness and hypnotizability. Results showed that highly hypnotizable individuals, compared with those who are less hypnotizable, do not spend a great deal of their waking lives engaged in fantasy or daydreaming. Copyright © 2008 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adapting the reconfigurable spacecube processing system for multiple mission applications

This paper highlights the methodology and effectiveness of adapting the reconfigurable SpaceCube system to solve complex application requirements for a variety of space flight missions. SpaceCube is a reconfigurable, modular, compact, multi-processing platform for space flight applications demanding extreme processing power. The SpaceCube system is suitable for most mission applications, particularly those that are computationally and data intensive such as instrument science data processing. We will show how the SpaceCube hybrid processing architecture is used to meet data processing performance requirements that traditional flight processors cannot meet.
Sterol distribution in the genus Heterocapsa (Pyrrhophyta)

The sterol composition of seven strains of marine peridinioid dinoflagellates comprising the four known species of Heterocapsa Stein was examined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the utility of these compounds in systematics. Cholest-5-en-3β-ol (cholesterol), 24-methyl-cholest-5-en-3β-ol (24-methylcholesterol), 4α,24(S)-dimethyl-5α-cholestan-3β-ol (4,24-dimethylcholestanol), 4α,23,24(R)-trimethyl-5α-cholest-22-en-3β-ol (dinosterol), 4α,23ξ,24ξ-trimethyl-5α-cholestan-3β-ol (dihydrodinosterol), and an unknown sterol were detected. Sterol composition does not vary significantly from species to species within the genus Heterocapsa and thus cannot be used for species differentiation. Sterols may, however, have value in defining the properties of dinoflagellate taxa above the family level. Over the course of the growth curve for Heterocapsa niei (Loeblich) Morrill & Loeblich 4,24-dimethylcholestanol and dinosterol covaried, suggesting that 4,24-dimethylcholestanol is converted into dinosterol by a previously proposed bioalkylation scheme.
THE LIMITS OF EXPLOITATION: A PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH

As is well known, the biological limit to the exploitation rate of a fish stock is determined by the maximum per capita reproductive rate and the age selectivity of the fishery. Customarily, the selectivity is treated as fixed when the biological limit to harvesting is estimated. From a precautionary perspective, one should control selectivity. A simple model is used to demonstrate the safety benefits of prohibiting the harvesting of juvenile fish. The model leads to a natural rescaling of the maximum per capita recruitment rate, and it is shown that if this quantity is >1, then a spawn-at-least-once policy will prevent a collapse of the stock if fishing mortality targets are exceeded. (A spawn-at-least-once policy requires that fish become vulnerable to commercial gear only after having spawned once.)
THE APPLICATION OF SYNCHROTRON-BASED SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES TO THE STUDY OF CHROMATE CONVERSION COATINGS

This work utilized synchrotron spectroscopic techniques such as extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy (SIRMS) to understand the chemistry, formation, structure and aging of protective chromate conversion coatings (CCC). We shall discuss issues related CCC formed on aluminum–copper alloys. SIRMS combined with argon ion sputtering demonstrated spatial and depth chemical variations of the CCC formed on AA2024-T3. XANES indicated that in the first stages of CCC formation the thickness depends on the Cu content of the substrate and that thinner CCC appears to contain less Cr6+ for protection. Micro-XANES shows that even monolayer coverage of chromate can protect the alloy surface. EXAFS and XANES measurements were used to monitor the structural changes of the CCC with time. It was observed that a slight decrease in the Cr(VI)Cr(III) ratio occurred during the first 24 h following coating. The structure of the CCC is in close agreement with a Cr mixed oxide. EXAFS data appeared to indicate an increase in ordering in the CCC structure with time.
A Strategy for Diversity Training Focusing on Empathy in the Workplace

The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a diversity training exercise using perspective taking to increase positive attitudes toward non-English-speaking individuals. Ninety-six participants were given a pretest (survey) followed by the training and a posttest. Participants were randomly assigned as a “manager” or an “employee.” The managers were provided with a recipe and instructions in English, and the managers’ employees provided with the recipe and instruction in an abstract, non-English language. The results of a repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of perspective-taking training on attitudes toward non-English speakers, such that attitudes were more positive posttraining than pretraining. The effect of the training on the attitudes toward non-English-speaking individuals was moderated by the status role (i.e., manager or employee). In addition, participants’ empathy mediated the relationship between the perspective-taking training and attitudes, such that perspecti...
Prevalence of the extinction burst and its attenuation during treatment.

Although extinction has been an effective treatment for a variety of behavior disorders, its use may be associated with several adverse side effects, the most common being an initial increase in the frequency of the target response, called an “extinction burst.” We attempted to determine the prevalence of the extinction burst in applied research and its possible attenuation with other operant procedures. An analysis of 113 sets of extinction data indicated that bursting may not be as common as previously assumed (it occurred in 24% of the cases) and may be less likely when extinction is implemented with alternative procedures rather than as the sole intervention (bursting was evident in 12% of the former cases and 36% of the latter).
Extended supersymmetry and super-BF gauge theories☆

The absence of fermion kinetic terms in supersymmetric-BF gauge theories is established. We do this by means of explicit off-shell (superspace) constructions in three dimensions. As part of our study we give the superspace constraints for D = 3, N = 4 super Yang-Mills along with the D = 3, N = 4 superconformal algebra. The puzzle we are interested in solving is the fact that the topological cousins, known as super-BF gauge theories, of certain supersymmetric-BF have kinetic terms for the twisted fermions. We show that the map which takes the latter to the former includes a Hodge decomposition of the twisted fermions. In conjunction with this result, we argue that it is natural to modify the naive path integral measure of supersymmetric-BF theories to include the Ray-Singer analytic torsion.
A Nongraphical Method to Determine the Optimum Disassembly Plan in Remanufacturing

Optimizing a disassembly process involves maximizing the number of disassembled valuable parts (cores) and minimizing the number of disassembly operations. Usually, some disassembly operations are in common among two or more cores, or sometimes removing a core requires prior removal of other cores (known as precedence relations); these correlations complicate the allocation of the disassembly cost to the cores. To overcome this complexity, the current optimization methods (decision trees) determine the optimum sequence of disassembly operations rather than the optimum set of cores to be disassembled. These methods become difficult to implement when the number of cores increases. In this paper, we developed a mechanized nongraphical approach to determine the optimum set of cores to be disassembled and their required disassembly operations based on the functionality statuses of the cores. This approach introduces a new characterization of the disassembly process and its precedence relations, and can be implemented conveniently using computer codes even when the product consists of many cores. The application of the method is explained with an example. Using this example, it was shown that the optimum disassembly can increase the net profit significantly compared with the complete disassembly.
Elevated plasma endothelial microparticles in preeclampsia

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess endothelial dysfunction in women with preeclampsia by measuring endothelial microparticles. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted on 20 women with preeclampsia and 20 healthy pregnant women as control subjects. Endothelial microparticles were measured by flow cytometry with anti-CD31 and anti-CD42. CD31 + /CD42 + platelet microparticles were also quantified. RESULTS: Plasma endothelial microparticles levels were elevated significantly in women with preeclampsia as compared with control subjects (mean±SD and median [range]: 14,723±7,724 counts/μL and 12,378 counts/μL [1,442-33,772 counts/μL] vs 8406±2832 counts/μL and 9016 counts/μL [3,381-12,806 counts/μL]; P P =.208). No significant correlation was found between plasma endothelial microparticles and mean arterial pressure in cases or control subjects. CONCLUSION: The elevation of endothelial microparticles in women with preeclampsia supports the endothelial injury theory in preeclampsia.
Father knows best

Following fertilization, activation of a complex developmental program requires the differential expression of key genes. In most metazoa, the prevailing view is that early differential gene expression occurs primarily through post-transcriptional regulation of maternally deposited products in the oocyte. Two novel studies published from the Rajewsky laboratory in this issue of The EMBO Journal add significantly to the emerging notion that this process may be more complex than previously appreciated.
On energy efficiency of reconfigurable systems with run-time partial reconfiguration

In this paper we study whether partial reconfiguration can be used to reduce FPGA energy consumption. In an ideal scenario, we will have a hardware accelerator to assist with certain parts of program execution. When the accelerator is not active, we use partial reconfiguration to unload it to reduce both static and dynamic power. However, the reconfiguration process may introduce a high energy overhead, thus it is unclear whether this approach is feasible. To approach this problem, we identify the conditions under which partial reconfiguration can be used to reduce energy consumption, and we propose solutions to minimize the configuration energy overhead. The results of our study show that by using partial reconfiguration to reduce the power consumption of the accelerator when it is inactive, we can accelerate program execution and at the same time halve the overall energy consumption.
The scales and equilibration of midocean eddies : Freely evolving flow

Quasigeostrophic turbulence theory and numerical simulation are used to study the mechanisms determining the scale, structure, and equilibration of mesoscale ocean eddies. The present work concentrates on using freely decaying geostrophic turbulence to understand and explain the vertical and horizontal flow of energy through a stratified, horizontally homogeneous geostrophic fluid. It is found that the stratification profile, in particular the presence of a pycnocline, has significant, qualitative effects on the efficiency and spectral pathways of energy flow. Specifically, with uniform stratification, energy in high baroclinic modes transfers directly, quickly (within a few eddy turnaround times), and almost completely to the barotropic mode. By contrast, in the presence of oceanlike stratification, kinetic energy in high baroclinic modes transfers intermediately to the first baroclinic mode, whence it transfers inefficiently (and incompletely) to the barotropic mode. The efficiency of transfer to the barotropic mode is reduced as the pycnocline is made increasingly thin. The b effect, on the other hand, improves the efficiency of barotropization, but for oceanically realistic parameters this effect is relatively unimportant compared to the effects of nonuniform stratification. Finally, the nature of turbulent cascade dynamics is such as to lead to a concentration of first baroclinic mode kinetic energy near the first radius of deformation, which, in the case of a nonuniform and oceanically realistic stratification, has a significant projection at the surface. This may in part explain recent observations of surface eddy scales by TOPEX/Poseidon satellite altimetry, which indicate a correlation of surface-height variance with the scale of the first deformation radius.
Opportunity map: identifying causes of failure - a deployed data mining system

In this paper, we report a deployed data mining application system for Motorola. Originally, its intended use was for identifying causes of cellular phone failures, but it has been found to be useful for many other engineering data sets as well. For this report, the case study is a dataset containing cellular phone call records. This data set is like any dataset used in classification applications, i.e., with a set of attributes which can be continuous or discrete, and a discrete class attribute. In our application, the classes are normally ended calls, calls which failed to setup, and calls which failed while in progress. However, the task is not to predict any failure, but to identify possible causes that resulted in failures. Then, engineering efforts may focus on improvements that can be made to the phones. In the course of the project, various classification techniques, e.g., decision trees, naive Bayesian classification and SVM were tried. However, the results were unsatisfactory. After several demonstrations and interaction with domain experts, we finally designed and implemented an effective approach to perform the task. The final system is based on class association rules, general impressions and visualization. The system has been deployed and is in regular use at Motorola. In this paper, we first describe our experiences with some existing classification systems and discuss why they are not suitable for the task. We then present our techniques. As an illustration, we show several visualization screens in the case study, which reveal some important knowledge. Due to confidentiality, we will not give specifics but only present a general discussion about the results.
A self-assembled nanotube for the direct aldol reaction in water

Nanotubes formed by the aqueous assembly of a proline-lysine dipeptide (1) were used to create the hydrophobic microenvironments required to catalyze the aldol reaction in water. The self-assembly process occurred most efficiently in the presence of the substrates, producing an array of homogeneous nanotubes under the reaction conditions. The nanotubes formed by dipeptide 1 served as an efficient catalyst for the aldol reaction that functioned at low loading levels and provided good to excellent conversions. The catalytic activity of 1 was minimal under conditions that dissociated the nanotube into soluble monomers.