cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modification of the thermoluminescence properties of Ca2+ depleted Photosystem II membranes by the 23 kDa extrinsic polypeptide and by oligocarboxylic acids

Photosystem II membranes were isolated from chloroplasts of pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) and rendered deficient in Ca(2+), an inorganic cofactor of photosynthetic water oxidation. The thermoluminescence properties of such membranes were found to depend on the Ca(2+)-depleting method used. This feature was analyzed with respect to the thermoluminescence emission that accompanied the recombination reaction between the reduced acceptor QA (-) and the oxidant of the S2 state. It was determined that the differences observed among various preparations of Ca(2+)-depleted membranes were attributable to the presence or absence of the extrinsic 23 kDa polypeptide on the membranes. The binding of this polypeptide to Ca(2+)-depleted membranes devoid of the 17 and 23 kDa extrinsic polypeptides caused the thermoluminescence to be emitted at a higher temperature due to a further stabilization of an already abnormally stable S2 state. Addition of the chelators EDTA or EGTA and of citrate brought about a similar response. The conditions required for the upshift of the emission temperature of thermoluminescence strongly resembled those identified by Boussac et al. (FEBS Lett. 277 (1990) 69-74) as responsible for modifying the EPR multiline signal from the S2 state of Ca(2+)-depleted PS II membranes. Consistent with the authors' interpretation of the reason for this modification, we conclude that the elevated emission temperature of the thermoluminescence emission reflects an abnormal ligand environment of the Mn-center in PS II that may be created by a direct ligation of the added agents to Mn. Evidence is also presented that the return to a normal S2 after an addition of Ca(2+) occurs via yet another condition of S2 which, in terms of its thermoluminescence properties, resembles that of Ca(2+)-depleted membranes before addition of modifying agents, but is not identical to it.
Mechanical Ottoman: Engaging and Taking Leave

This video introduces a robotic footstool--the mechanical ottoman--which explores how non-humanlike robots can coordinate joint action. It approaches seated people and offers to support their feet, then attempts to take leave during the interaction.
Looking Backward, Thinking Forward Occupational Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorders

As autism spectrum disorders become more prevalent and comprise a growing percentage of occupational therapists' caseloads, it is important to examine trends in the literature. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a historical analysis to illuminate changes and gaps in the occupational therapy literature related to autism spectrum disorders to inform the direction of research and practice. A total of 115 articles published in five occupational therapy journals in the United States from 1980 to 2013 were reviewed. Publications were coded by article type, with intervention studies coded in detail. Results indicated a consistent increase in number of publications as years progressed. Analysis by decade highlighted a shift from a biomedical focus to an occupation focus. Suggestions for future research include building a stronger evidence base, developing occupation-based assessments and interventions, and addressing needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families across the life span.
Investigating a Physical Basis for Spectroscopic Estimates of Leaf Nitrogen Concentration

Abstract The reflectance spectra of dried and ground plant foliage are examined for changes directly due to increasing nitrogen concentration. A broadening of the 2.1-μm absorption feature is observed as nitrogen concentration increases. The broadening is shown to arise from two absorptions at 2.054 μm and 2.172 μm. The wavelength positions of these absorptions coincide with the absorption characteristics of the nitrogen-containing amide bonds in proteins. The observed presence of these absorption features in the reflectance spectra of dried foliage is suggested to form a physical basis for high correlations established by stepwise multiple linear regression techniques between the reflectance of dry plant samples and their nitrogen concentration. The consistent change in the 2.1-μm absorption feature as nitrogen increases and the offset position of protein absorptions compared to those of other plant components together indicate that a generally applicable algorithm may be developed for spectroscopic estimates of nitrogen concentration from the reflectance spectra of dried plant foliage samples.
Matched-field inversion in the East China Sea with Tabu Search

Tabu is a global optimization approach which generates and exploits lists of already visited points to efficiently traverse search spaces. A Tabu-based technique has been recently developed for source localization and geoacoustic inversion in ocean environments; the method has been tested on synthetic and real data and is further validated in this work through a successful application to broadband data from the 2001 ASIAEX experiment both for source localization and geoacoustic inversion. The success of the method is found to be intimately tied to the exploitation of the sensitivity of the measured acoustic field to the unknown parameters. Eigenvalue decomposition of the covariance matrix of the objective function gradient determines how the search should be diversified for fast identification of the global maximum.
Calculation of phase-correction constants using the DISPA phase-angle estimation technique

In both FT NMR and FT ICR spectroscopy, it is frequently desirable to calculate the absorption-mode spectrum from the real and imaginary components of an observed complex spectrum. In many situations, however, phase errors are present in the complex spectrum, and this simple correspondence does not hold. It thus becomes necessary to determine the phase of the observed spectral peaks and to apply a phase-correction operation to the complex spectrum
An evaluation of sialation of the nucleoporin p62.

Many nuclear and cytosolic proteins are modified by single residues of O-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. These include many proteins found in nuclear pore complexes required for transport of macromolecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The best characterized pore glycoprotein, p62, mediates its function as one component of a protein complex essential for nuclear transport. Although p62 sugar residues are not essential for nuclear transport, they appear to oppose protein phosphorylation occurring at sites predicted to destabilize protein-protein interactions of the p62 complex. Recently, a p62-like protein isolated from mouse neuroblastoma cells was reported to be modified by both GlcNAc and sialic acid. As there is little precedent for nucleoplasmic sialation, the finding that a characterized nuclear pore protein is sialated is significant because it may regulate pore function. To assess the biological importance of p62 sialation, GlcNAc and sialic acid-specific lectins were used to examine the state of p62 glycosylation in cells commonly used to study nuclear transport: frog eggs and normal rat kidney and HeLa fibroblasts. In addition, four mouse neuroblastoma cell lines derived from the same tumor were examined. The glycosylation of p62 in these cells appears to involve only single O-linked GlcNAc moieties; no significant sialation was detected.
Optimal temperature policies for series-parallel fouling with concentration independent catalyst decay

Abstract Optimal temperature policies are obtained for the series-parallel reactions A → R → S occurring in a batch reactor subjected to concentration independent catalyst decay. The objective is to maximize the formation of the desired intermediate product R. The required temperature policy is obtained as the solution of a set of Euler-Lagrange equations subjected to the transversality and Legendre-Clebsch conditions. It is observed that the optimal policy can allow either rising or falling temperatures with possible minima and maxima in the optimal curves. The behavior of the optimal policy curves is a strong function of the various kinetic parameters. It is noted that the series and parallel network considered in this paper is a lumped representation of the fluid catalytic cracking reactions.
Structure and glass transition thermodynamics of liquid zinc chloride from far-infrared, raman, and probe ion electronic and vibrational spectra

With a view to elucidating the structure of liquid ZnCl2 and deciding the extent of the analogy to SiO2 and BeF2 (liquid and vitreous) provided by ZnCl2 (liquid and vitreous), a variety of measurements on ZnCl2 have been performed. Density and expansivity measurements and probe ion electronic spectra are used to demonstrate the existence of an open tetrahedrally coordinated structure. Details supplied by x‐ray patterns, Raman spectra, and particularly, by far‐infrared spectral studies, are then used to establish a close similarity between the glass quasilattice and the network lattice of the α‐ZnCl2 crystal polymorph. Finally a new technique, impurity ion (CN−) vibrational spectroscopy, is introduced to show that the defects characteristic of the glass structure involve small numbers of singly and doubly broken anion bridges, no evidence for intermediate states being found. On the basis of these observations a split‐level cell model in which cells have discrete energies depending on the presence or absence of such Zn–Cl bonds, is constructed. The model proves capable of accounting for the volume data and for the characteristic changes in equilibrium thermodynamic properties which, it is known, must occur near (usually somewhat below) the glass transition temperature. The thermodynamic relations obtained for the simplest case are the same as those from the Macedo–Capps–Litovitz quasichemical two‐state model. The liquid is best regarded as a weakened version of this network in which the progressive disruption of the anion bridges is associated with a greatly reduced structural relaxation time for the quasilattice.
Homelessness among families, children, and adolescents: an ecological-developmental perspective.

This paper reviews and evaluates the literatures on children in families that are homeless and on adolescents who are homeless on their own. After presenting several emerging theoretical approaches, we propose a broad ecological–developmental perspective that recognizes that, although persons in these groups often lack resources and experience negative events that can amplify the risk for poor outcomes, they also have resources and adaptive potential. The perspective also recognizes that homelessness may have different meanings and outcomes at different points in development and that we need to consider interactions between individual development and multiple levels of social organization in order to foster new solutions to homelessness. On the basis of this perspective, we discuss directions for treatment and preventive interventions as well as social policy.
Power dissipation in clocking wires for clocked molecular quantum-dot cellular automata

In the molecular quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) paradigm clocking wires are used to produce an electric field which is perpendicular to the device plane of surface-bound molecules and is sinusoidally modulated in space and time. This clocking field guides the data flow through the molecular QCA array. Power is dissipated in clocking wires due to the non-zero resistance of the conductors. We analyze quantitatively the amount of power dissipated in the clocking wires and find that in the relevant parameter range it is fairly small. Dissipation in the molecular devices themselves will likely dominate the energy budget.
Loops and unoriented strings

Abstract We derive and analyze Schwinger-Dyson equations for Dyson's Coulomb gas at arbitrary temperature. This system interpolates between theories of oriented and unoriented strings. The Schwinger-Dyson equations can be formulated as Virasoro constraints constructed from a boson with a temperature-dependent background charge. We describe a geometric interpretation of these equations, calculate correlation functions perturbatively in 1/ N and discuss a high-low temperature duality exhibited by the Coulomb gas. We also interpret the double scaling continuum limit of the loop equations.
Atypical regulation of hepatic adenylyl cyclase and adrenergic receptors during a critical developmental period : Agonists evoke supersensitivity accompanied by failure of receptor down-regulation

Ordinarily, beta-adrenergic receptors and responses linked to the receptors increase with development but in the liver, beta-receptors are higher in the fetus and neonate than in adulthood. We examined how hepatic beta-receptor signaling mediated through adenylyl cyclase is regulated in rats of different ages. In each case, animals were pretreated with isoproterenol for 4 d, and on the 5th d, hepatic membrane preparations were examined for adenylyl cyclase activity and receptor binding capabilities. Uniquely in 6-d-old animals, the cyclase response to isoproterenol was enhanced by chronic pretreatment, caused by heterologous sensitization mediated through effects on total catalytic activity (increased response to forskolin-Mn2+) and on G-protein coupling (enhanced effect of fluoride and increased GTP dependence of basal activity). Isoproterenol pretreatment failed to cause beta-receptor down-regulation in 6-d-old animals, but by 15 d of age, down-regulation was detected along with slight desensitization of the cyclase response. However, at 25 d, neither effect was present. In adulthood, repeated isoproterenol administration failed to cause cyclase desensitization but did reduce beta-receptor numbers; the loss of receptors was still unusual in that beta-receptor down-regulation could be achieved with either isoproterenol or with methoxamine, an alpha-receptor agonist. The results indicate that, early in development, hepatic beta-receptor-mediated responses are enhanced, not desensitized, after chronic stimulation. These effects would foster responsiveness of hepatic gluconeogenesis in the face of the massive adrenergic stimulation associated with the transition from fetal to neonatal life. In adulthood, when receptor numbers are far lower than in the neonate, the inability to desensitize the signaling cascade despite receptor down-regulation would serve to maintain the response to catecholamines.
Genetically based kin recognition systems

Abstract Genetically based recognition systems are considered in which alleles are expressed as identifiable labels (odors, morphological structures, etc.). It is assumed that each individual can perceive the number of labels that it shares with any other individual and that it can utilize this information to make a decision on the degree to which it is related to that individual. The concept of a kingram is introduced as a graphical technique that can be used to obtain the minimum error decision rule and corresponding maximum efficiency for a particular recognition system. The efficiency of genetically based recognition systems for individuals to discriminate vetween sisters and half sisters in haplodiploid (e.g. Hymenoptera) and regular diploid organisms is compared for the case of k loci ( k = 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 14, 20) and an unlimited number of alleles at each locus. It is shown that haplodiploid systems can be four to five times more efficient than regular diploid systems. The analysis is extended to the case in which there are a limited number of alleles at each locus (two to twenty) and the question is addressed of whether it is better to distribute fewer alleles at more loci or vice versa.
Inkling: An Executable Paper System for Reviewing Scientific Applications

This paper details Inkling, a generalized executable paper system for generating hypermedia. Whereas a traditional paper has static content derived from the data, i.e. tables, charts, graphs, and animations, the executable paper dynamically generates these using an underlying code and editable input parameters specified in the paper itself. By use of a language which may be seamlessly incorporated into the paper text and made transparent to the reader or reviewer, the system allows for ease of both use and validation. Novel in our system is (1)generality, in that it provides a generic coupling between the paper-generating infrastructure and the backend science code, (2) a minimalist text-based human-readable input format which abstracts algorithms from the reader and reviewer, (3) out-of-order dependency-based execution, which allows the author to chain outputs to inputs, and (4) a scheme for building a database of author-contributed codes which may be easily shared, reused and referenced.
Traditional Healing Practices Among American Muslims: Perceptions of Community Leaders in Southeast Michigan

Despite growing numbers of American Muslims, little empirical work exists on their use of traditional healing practices. We explored the types of traditional healing practices used by American Muslims in southeast Michigan. Twelve semi-structured interviews with American Muslim community leaders identified through a community-academic steering committee were conducted. Using a framework coding structure, a multidisciplinary investigative team identified themes describing traditional healing practices. Traditional healing practices can be categorized into three domains: Islamic religious text based practices, Islamic worship practices, and folk healing practices. Each domain may further contain therapies such as spiritual healing, medicinal herbs, mind body therapy, and dietary prescriptions. Traditional healing practices are utilized in three capacities of care: primary, secondary, and integrative. Our findings demonstrate that American Muslims actively utilize traditional healing practices. Healthcare practitioners caring for this population should be aware of the potential influence of these practices on health behaviors.
Shearography versus Holography in Nondestructive Evaluation

The demands for greater product quality and product reliability has created a need for better techniques of nondestructive evaluation. Each of the available techniques including ultrasonic, acoustical emissions, radiography, thermography, magnetic particles, eddy current, dye penetrant, and optical methods such as holography and shearography has its unique advantages and disadvantages. The selection of one technique depends on the particular objective of the evaluation. When selecting a technique, it is important to have a sound knowledge of the capabilities as well as limitations of each technique. This paper will give a thorough review of two major optical methods of nondestructive testing: holography and shearography.
Glutamate dehydrogenase in nuclear and mitochondrial fractions of rat liver.

Abstract Two glutamate dehydrogenases appear to be present in rat liver, one associated with nuclei, and the other with mitochondria. The two enzymes differ in regard to activation by inorganic phosphate, in the effects of pH on activity, in apparent Km values for some of the substrates and in the shape of curve obtained by a plot of NAD concentration versus activity.
Evaluation of Evaporative Light-Scattering Detector for Combinatorial Library Quantitation by Reversed Phase HPLC

A quantitation study using reversed phase HPLC with UV and evaporative light-scattering detector (ELSD) was conducted on 90 library standards selected from 15 small molecule combinatorial libraries (six standards from each library). This study assessed the quantitation errors using a single calibration curve for rapid purity analysis of combinatorial libraries. The average quantitation error of six standards from one library at 200 microM by UV was 13. 4%, 20.6%, and 60.3%, at 214, 220, and 254 nm, respectively. By ELSD, the average quantitation error of these six standards at 200 micro was only 7.7%. Applying this ELSD calibration curve to 84 standards from 14 structurally diverse libraries, an average quantitation error of 16.4% was obtained. The average quantitation error of all 90 standards from 15 libraries using 15 calibration curves was 18.5%.
Beyond Employment and Income: The Association Between Young Adults’ Finances and Marital Timing

This study tested an extension of the theory of marital timing (Oppenheimer, Am J Sociol 94:563–591, 1988) by assessing whether visible and less visible financial assets and debt mediated the relationship between employment and the likelihood of marriage. We conducted these prospective, longitudinal analyses using a sample of 1,522 never-married young adults from the National Survey of Families and Households. For participants who were not cohabiting at Wave 1, financial issues such as car values predicted marriage but did not mediate the relationship between work hours, occupational prestige, and the likelihood of marriage. For cohabiting participants, employment factors were the strongest predictor of marriage.
Narcissists' negative perception of their counterpart’s competence and benevolence and their own reduced trust in a negotiation context.

Despite its important role in interpersonal interactions, narcissism has rarely been examined in the context of negotiations in which individuals cooperate and compete with their counterpart. As negotiations occur frequently in daily life, empirical findings of the role of narcissism in negotiation settings can enhance the understanding of the functions of narcissism in common situations in which self- and other-interests are in conflict. By analyzing 35 negotiation dyads’ within-dyad differences using multilevel analysis, I found that negotiators’ narcissism was negatively related to their perception of their counterpart’s competence but was not significantly related to their individual economic gain (objective negotiation performance), suggesting narcissists’ inflated agentic self or deflated perception of their counterpart’s competence. Additionally, narcissism was negatively related to trust, due to narcissists’ negative perception of their counterpart’s benevolence rather than their counterpart’s competence. These findings contribute to the literatures on narcissism and trust.
Growth of needle-shaped crystals in the presence of convection.

The motion of the freezing front between a needle-shaped crystal and a supercooled liquid is analyzed for situations where there is forced convection aligned with the crystal axis. It is shown that in the absence of capillary effects the shape of the crystal-melt interface is a paraboloid of revolution, similar to that found in situations where diffusion is the sole heat-transfer mechanism. A relation between the supercooling, the product of tip velocity and tip radius, and the strength of the flow is derived which reduces to the well-known Ivantsov theory in the absence of convection.
Spectrochemical Analysis of Aluminum Alloys Using Nitrogen Gas Shielding and Point-to-Plane Spark Excitation:

Improvements in the spectrochemical analysis of aluminum with point-to-plane, high-voltage spark excitation are obtained by using nitrogen shielding of the discharge zone. The improvements, relative to excitation in air, include: increased spectral line intensity; decrease in the concentration equivalent of background; reduction of the influence of sample composition on background; reduction of the influence of the graphite counter electrode structure on spectral intensity; increased precision; and minimized interelement effects as judged by a reduction in the number of analytical curves required for analysis. Variables investigated in establishing the method are discussed and control parameters for consistency of operation are described. A bibliography on the development of gaseous shielding for spark discharges is included.
A distant upstream enhancer at the maize domestication gene tb1 has pleiotropic effects on plant and inflorescent architecture

Although quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping has been successful in describing the genetic architecture of complex traits, the molecular basis of quantitative variation is less well understood, especially in plants such as maize that have large genome sizes. Regulatory changes at the teosinte branched1 (tb1) gene have been proposed to underlie QTLs of large effect for morphological differences that distinguish maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) from its wild ancestors, the teosintes (Z. mays ssp. parviglumis and mexicana). We used a fine mapping approach to show that intergenic sequences approximately 58-69 kb 5' to the tb1 cDNA confer pleiotropic effects on Z. mays morphology. Moreover, using an allele-specific expression assay, we found that sequences >41 kb upstream of tb1 act in cis to alter tb1 transcription. Our findings show that the large stretches of noncoding DNA that comprise the majority of many plant genomes can be a source of variation affecting gene expression and quantitative phenotypes.
The Impact Of Instructor Attire On Student Perceptions Of Faculty Credibility And Their Own Resultant Behavior

Prior studies suggest that faculty members who are credible are more effective in the classroom in that they are evaluated more highly and their students achieve greater learning. This paper explores how the instructor’s attire impacts his or her perceived credibility, and how the students’ corresponding perception of instructor credibility impacts the students’ self-described behavior. Questionnaires depicting instructors of both genders each wearing three different outfits, including casual, business casual and professional attire, are used to assess business student opinions regarding the academician’s credibility and the students’ resultant effort and learning. The results indicate that faculty members can take comfort in that their level of preparation, knowledge and ability to prepare students for a career do impact their credibility in the eyes of the students, no matter their choice of attire. Instructor credibility, in turn, was found to have a significant positive relationship with all ten student effort and behavior variables that were examined. In particular, credibility had the most impact on the student’s preparation for each class, attentiveness, appreciation for instructor effort, and respect for the instructor. Positive significant relationships were also found between credibility and student evaluations of both the class and the instructor.
Pregnant Women With Negative Alcohol Screens Do Drink Less: A Prospective Study

The authors examined the antepartum alcohol consumption of 100 women with negative alcohol screens as they initiated prenatal care. Subjects completed a comprehensive assessment of their alcohol use at 15.7 ± 4.9 weeks gestation and again 2 months after delivery, with 96% follow-up. The majority (87%) were abstinent in the 90-day period before study enrollment, while pregnant. Moreover, 92% drank no alcohol in the interval between study enrollment and delivery. These results are compared with the antepartum alcohol consumption of 250 women with positive alcohol screens. Routine prenatal screening can efficiently identify those at risk for alcohol consumption in the antepartum.
Efficacy of the hydrogeomorphic model (HGM): A case study from western Tennessee

Abstract Hydrogeomorphic models (HGM) for wetland classification and functional assessment have been developed for several regions in the United States. However, validation of models is lacking, even though models are already in use and the general idea is that each is a working model, developing over time with new ideas and information. We examined the HGM developed for western Tennessee using novel data collected from six stream systems, two channelized, two channelized and leveed, and two unchannelized. The western Tennessee HGM has the ability to differentiate altered and unaltered rivers based mainly on changes to hydrologic floodplain functions, although functional capacity index values were validated from independent measures. Effects of channelization were confounded in western Tennessee by other disturbances, channel recovery processes, and variability due to levee construction. Levees render the greatest change to floodplains as they disconnect the channel and floodplain system, decreasing water tables and possible exchanges. One of the main factors controlling productivity along channels without levees was sedimentation. We recommend that estimated rates of sedimentation be incorporated into an updated version of the HGM. Variability of human alterations and natural floodplain heterogeneity suggest landscape factors (e.g., beta diversity, degree of ponding) and use of gradient indices may result in greater resolution for determining functional capacity of low gradient, riverine systems.
Breed-specific ancestry studies and genome-wide association analysis highlight an association between the MYH9 gene and heat tolerance in Alaskan sprint racing sled dogs

Alaskan sled dogs are a genetically distinct population shaped by generations of selective interbreeding with purebred dogs to create a group of high-performance athletes. As a result of selective breeding strategies, sled dogs present a unique opportunity to employ admixture-mapping techniques to investigate how breed composition and trait selection impact genomic structure. We used admixture mapping to investigate genetic ancestry across the genomes of two classes of sled dogs, sprint and long-distance racers, and combined that with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify regions that correlate with performance-enhancing traits. The sled dog genome is enhanced by differential contributions from four non-admixed breeds (Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, German Shorthaired Pointer, and Borzoi). A principal components analysis (PCA) of 115,000 genome-wide SNPs clearly resolved the sprint and distance populations as distinct genetic groups, with longer blocks of linkage disequilibrium (LD) observed in the distance versus sprint dogs (7.5–10 and 2.5–3.75 kb, respectively). Furthermore, we identified eight regions with the genomic signal from either a selective sweep or an association analysis, corroborated by an excess of ancestry when comparing sprint and distance dogs. A comparison of elite and poor-performing sled dogs identified a single region significantly associated with heat tolerance. Within the region we identified seven SNPs within the myosin heavy chain 9 gene (MYH9) that were significantly associated with heat tolerance in sprint dogs, two of which correspond to conserved promoter and enhancer regions in the human ortholog.
Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs), GIS, and Remote Sensing: The West Virginia University Example

Abstract Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) scientists and educators in general are utilizing global web sources for information of the latest developments in the use of satellite and GIS approaches, as well as to understand more fully environmental and natural resources processes in various geographic settings. West Virginia University (WVU) has embarked on a pioneering approach (as only the second university worldwide) to archive graduate theses and dissertations in electronic format with worldwide web access. This study illustrates the type of remote sensing and GIS research available through WVU's worldwide web ETD archive, and its potential uses by educators at a variety of levels of the education system for understanding remote sensing and GIS methodologies, as well as environmental and natural resource processes. Keywords: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, West Virginia University, Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD).
Anti-angiogenic effects of resveratrol mediated by decreased VEGF and increased TSP1 expression in melanoma-endothelial cell co-culture

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has been reported to be an anti-tumor and chemopreventive agent. Recent data show that it may also exert anti-angiogenic effects. We hypothesized that the anti-angiogenic activity of resveratrol may be caused by modulation of tumor cell release of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) into the extracellular matrix, leading to vascular endothelial cell (VEC) apoptosis. We therefore evaluated the effects of resveratrol on melanoma cell lines co-cultured with vascular endothelial cells in monolayer and in three dimensional spheroids. We found that resveratrol stimulated isolated VEC proliferation, while it caused growth inhibition of VECs grown with melanoma cells in three-dimensional co-culture. This effect was associated with increased melanoma cell expression of tumor suppressor protein 53 and matrix protein TSP1, as well as decreased hypoxia-driven expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and inhibition of VEGF production.
Structural and geotechnical impacts of surface rupture on highway structures during recent earthquakes in Turkey

Abstract The most significant damage on highway bridges during the recent earthquakes in Turkey (Kocaeli and Duzce earthquakes) and Taiwan (Chi–Chi earthquake) was the result of fault ruptures traversing transportation infrastructure. This phenomenon and its consequences accentuate the need to examine surface rupture hazards and to identify those areas at risk. This understanding can help to develop remedial measures for both structural and geotechnical engineering. For that purpose, damage to highway bridges during the recent events was reviewed. The total collapse of the highway overpass in Arifiye, during the Kocaeli earthquake, was investigated. The major problems under consideration (in Arifiye) were: (i) dislodging of the bridge spans, and consequently, the total separation of the reinforced concrete girders from the piers; and (ii) the stability of a mechanically stabilized earth wall (MSEW) system under extreme loading conditions. The results of the structural and geotechnical investigations presented herein can be taken in consideration to improve transportation infrastructure against surface rupture hazards.
Critical success factors for the sustainability of Kaizen event human resource outcomes: An empirical study

Kaizen events have been widely reported to produce positive change in business results and human resource outcomes. However, sustaining or improving upon the results of a Kaizen event over time can be difficult for many organizations and has received limited empirical research attention to date. This paper identifies the factors that most strongly influence the sustainability of work area employee attitudes and commitment to Kaizen events based on a field study of 65 events in eight manufacturing organizations. The findings also present guidelines for organizations and areas for future research.
Mineral transformations associated with the microbial reduction of magnetite

Although dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria DIRB are capable of reducing a number of metals in oxides and soluble forms, the factors controlling the raterextent of magnetite reduction and the nature of the mineral products resulting from magnetite reduction are not well understood. This study was carried out to investigate mechanisms and biogeochemical processes occurring during magnetite reduction by the DIRB, Shewanella putrefaciens strains CN32 and MR-1. Reduction experiments were performed with biogenic and synthetic magnetite in well-defined solutions. Biogenic magnetite was . generated via microbial reduction of hydrous ferric oxide HFO . Biogenic magnetite in solutions buffered with either
Sustained nicotine exposure differentially affects α3β2 and α4β2 neuronal nicotinic receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

To determine whether prolonged exposure to nicotine differentially affects alpha 3 beta 2 versus alpha 4 beta 2 nicotinic receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes, oocytes were coinjected with subunit cRNAs, and peak responses to agonist, evoked by 0.7 or 7 microM nicotine for alpha 4 beta 2 and alpha 3 beta 2 receptors, respectively, were determined before and following incubation for up to 48 h with nanomolar concentrations of nicotine. Agonist responses of alpha 4 beta 2 receptors decreased in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values in the 10 nM range following incubation for 24 h and in the 1 nM range following incubation for 48 h. In contrast, responses of alpha 3 beta 2 receptors following incubation for 24-48 h with 1,000 nM nicotine decreased by only 50-60%, and total ablation of responses could not be achieved. Attenuation of responses occurred within the first 5 min of nicotine exposure and was a first-order process for both subtypes; half-lives for inactivation were 4.09 and 2.36 min for alpha 4 beta 2 and alpha 3 beta 2 receptors, respectively. Recovery was also first-order for both subtypes; half-lives for recovery were 21 and 7.5 h for alpha 4 beta 2 and alpha 3 beta 2 receptors, respectively. Thus, the responsiveness of both receptors decreased following sustained exposure to nicotine, but alpha 4 beta 2 receptors recovered much slower. Results may explain the differential effect of sustained nicotine exposure on nicotinic receptor-mediated neurotransmitter release.
THE BACTERICIDAL ACTION OF HUMAN SERUM ON HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI : II. FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE PHENOMENON IN VITRO

Although sera derived from patients at the time of acute, active infection were found to be capable of destroying hemolytic streptococci under aerobic conditions, the organisms retained viability when the tests were performed in the environment of anaerobiosis afforded by a vaseline seal or an anaerobic jar. Within the limitations of the experimental procedures which were employed, the aerobic or anaerobic effect was found to be a reversible reaction. Heating sera at 60°C. for 1 hour inactivated the streptococcidal element in most instances, but not in every case; heating at 56°C. for 1 hour impaired the killing power of half of the specimens which were tested. Sera retained the capacity to destroy hemolytic streptococci when kept in the ice box for 3 weeks; a slight diminution in killing power was noted after 4 weeks. By the methods which were employed, the streptococcidal property of sera could not be correlated with either true antibacterial agglutination or with pseudo-agglutination. The significance of the findings as a basis for analyzing the mechanism of the streptococcidal phenomenon is discussed.
Gender differences in cardiac remodeling secondary to chronic volume overload.

Background: Gender differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, both clinical and experimental, led us to evaluate the influence of gender on ventricular remodeling induced by chronic volume overload. Methods and Results: Chronic volume overload was induced in male and female rats via infrarenal aortocaval fistula. Ventricular function was assessed 8 weeks after fistula surgery in surviving rats. Left ventricular, right ventricular, and lung weights were measured. Mortality in female rats was 10-fold less than in male rats after 8 weeks of volume overload. Both sexes had significant increases in left ventricular weights relative to controls (77% increase for female v 114% for male rats; P <.05). Corresponding increases were also observed in right ventricular weight (134% for female v 161% for male rats; P <.05). However, lung weight was significantly increased only in males. In contrast to males, female rats had no indications of congestive heart failure. Male rats had marked dilatation and increased compliance, whereas female rats had no significant change in left ventricular dilatation or compliance. Conclusions: There are clear gender-specific differences in ventricular function, structural remodeling, and mortality induced by chronic volume overload in this model of heart failure.
Muscle-type Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Delta Subunit Determines Sensitivity to Noncompetitive Inhibitors, While Gamma Subunit Regulates Divalent Permeability

Abstract Heterologous expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) RNAs in Xenopus oocytes was used to examine the structural basis for pharmacological and physiological differences between muscle-type and neuronal nAChRs. Neuronal nAChRs have a higher permeability to calcium than muscle-type nAChRs and display inward rectification, while muscle-type nAChRs have a linear current–voltage relation. In addition, neuronal nAChRs are more sensitive to inhibition by a class of compounds known as “ganglionic blockers”. It has been shown previously that neuronal-muscle hybrid receptors show increased sensitivity to the use-dependent inhibitor of neuronal nAChRs, BTMPS, based on the presence of a neuronal beta subunit. In this study, we report that omission of gamma subunit RNA has a similar effect. αβδ receptors exhibit prolonged inhibition by BTMPS, show a significant permeability to divalent ions, display inward rectification and are more sensitive to mecamylamine. However, while pharmacological effects are associated with the presence of an additional delta subunit, the physiological changes described seem to be associated with the presence or absence of a gamma subunit. These results suggest that, for nAChRs, as is also the case for non-NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptors, the crucial functional property of limiting calcium permeability can be served by a single subunit.
Regional aerosol properties: Comparisons of boundary layer measurements from ACE 1, ACE 2, Aerosols99, INDOEX, ACE Asia, TARFOX, and NEAQS

[1] Means and variability of aerosol chemical composition and optical properties are compared for the first and second Aerosol Characterization Experiments (ACE 1 and ACE 2), a cruise across the Atlantic (Aerosols99), the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX), the Asian Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE Asia), the Tropospheric Aerosol Radiative Forcing Observational Experiment (TARFOX), and the New England Air Quality Study (NEAQS). These experiments were focused either on the remote marine atmosphere (ACE 1) or areas downwind of continental aerosol source regions including western Europe, North America, Africa, India, and Asia. Presented here are size-segregated concentrations of aerosol mass, sea salt, non-sea-salt (nss) SO4=, NH4+, NO3−, dust, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and nss K+, as well as mass ratios that are commonly used to identify aerosol sources and to assess aerosol processing (Cl− to Na+, OC to nss SO4=, EC to total carbon (TC), EC to nss SO4=, nss K+ to EC, Fe to Al, and Si to Al). Optical properties that are compared include size-segregated scattering, backscattering, and absorption coefficients, and single-scattering albedo at 550 nm. Size-segregated mass scattering and mass absorption efficiencies for the total aerosol and mass extinction efficiencies for the dominant chemical components also are compared. In addition, we present the contribution to light extinction by the dominant chemical components for each region. All data are based on shipboard measurements performed at a relative humidity of 55 ± 5%. Scattering coefficients and single-scattering albedos also are reported at ambient relative humidity (RH) using published values of f(RH). Finally, aerosol optical depths from each region are compared. Identical sampling protocols were used in all experiments in order to eliminate sampling biases and to make the data directly comparable. Major findings include (1) nss SO4= makes up only 16 to 46% of the submicron aerosol mass, which means there is a large and variable fraction of the aerosol that is not sulfate, (2) particulate organic matter (POM) makes up 1 to 51% of the submicron mass, with highest POM mass fractions observed downwind of the NE United States, (3) highest submicron mass fractions of EC and lowest single-scattering albedos were observed in biomass-burning plumes from Africa and downwind of the Indian subcontinent, (4) NO3− was found predominantly in the supermicron size range due to the interaction of gas phase oxidized nitrogen species with sea salt aerosol, and (5) mass extinction efficiencies for the individual chemical components were consistent between regions. All data presented are available as auxiliary material.
Neuropsychological Training in APA-Accredited Counseling Psychology Programs

The availability of neuropsychological training in American Psychological Association-accredited counseling psychology programs was examined. A survey response rate of 53% (33/62) was obtained from program training directors. Only 42% (14/33) reported the availability of a neuropsychology course at their universities. Results indicated that counseling psychology students are interested in neuropsychological theory and assessment but may have difficulty finding training within their academic programs and institutions. Training directors reported that neuropsychology training is relevant to the work of counseling psychologists, but other responses suggested concern that the identity of counseling psychology is inconsistent with neuropsychology.
Reversible dementia and gait disturbance after prolonged use of valproic acid

Valproic acid (VPA) has been reported to cause cognitive decline and parkinsonism that are reversed with cessation of medication. Common imaging findings among these reports demonstrate reversible cortical pseudoatrophy and enlargement of the lateral ventricles. This case exemplifies these adverse effects of VPA which can cause reversible neurological symptoms even in long-term treated patients and can present as dementia syndromes such as normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Retrotransposition of marked SVA elements by human L1s in cultured cells

Human retrotransposons generate structural variation and genomic diversity through ongoing retrotransposition and non-allelic homologous recombination. Cell culture retrotransposition assays have provided great insight into the genomic impact of retrotransposons, in particular, LINE-1(L1) and Alu elements; however, no such assay exists for the youngest active human retrotransposon, SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA). Here we report the development of an SVA cell culture retrotransposition assay. We marked several SVAs with either neomycin or EGFP retrotransposition indicator cassettes. Engineered SVAs retrotranspose using L1 proteins supplemented in trans in multiple cell lines, including U2OS osteosarcoma cells where SVA retrotransposition is equal to that of an engineered L1. Engineered SVAs retrotranspose at 1-54 times the frequency of a marked pseudogene in HeLa HA cells. Furthermore, our data suggest a variable requirement for L1 ORF1p for SVA retrotransposition. Recovered engineered SVA insertions display all the hallmarks of LINE-1 retrotransposition and some contain 5' and 3' transductions, which are common for genomic SVAs. Of particular interest is the fact that four out of five insertions recovered from one SVA are full-length, with the 5' end of these insertions beginning within 5 nt of the CMV promoter transcriptional start site. This assay demonstrates that SVA elements are indeed mobilized in trans by L1. Previously intractable questions regarding SVA biology can now be addressed.
Exploiting data preparation to enhance mining and knowledge discovery

One of the major obstacles to using organizational data for mining and knowledge discovery is that, in most cases, it is not amenable for mining in its natural form. Using a data set from a large tertiary-care hospital, we provide strong empirical evidence that data enhancement by the introduction of new attributes, along with judicious aggregation of existing attributes, results in higher-quality knowledge discovery. Interestingly, we also found that there is a differential impact of data set enhancements on the performance of different data mining algorithms. We define and use several measures, including entropy, rule complexity and resonance, to evaluate the quality and usefulness of the knowledge discovered.