cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TGFβ inhibits GM‐CSF‐induced phosphorylation of ERK and MEK in human myeloid leukaemia cell lines via inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐k)

OBJECTIVES Activation of SMAD-independent p44/42 MAPK (ERK1/2) signalling by TGFbeta has been recently reported in various cell types. However, the mechanisms for the linkage between the SMAD-dependent and -independent pathways are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated whether TGF-beta activates the ERK pathway and how TGFbeta communicates with the MAP kinase signals induced by a mitogen, in human myeloid leukaemia cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS AND RESULTS TGFbeta dramatically suppressed proliferation of MV4-11 and TF-1 cells without detectable phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MEK1/2 for the duration of 48 h, as detected by MTT assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. In contrast, GM-CSF induced rapid and transient phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 and up-regulated cell proliferation. Both GM-CSF-induced ERK1/2 activation and cell proliferation were significantly inhibited by TGFbeta. GM-CSF also induced transient phosphorylation of the p85 subunit of PI3-kinase. Corresponding to this change, phosphorylated p85 was found to bind to the GM-CSF receptor-alpha subunit, as detected by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. PD98059, a selective inhibitor of MEK, blocked GM-CSF-induced phosphorylation of MEK and ERK but not p85. However, TGFbeta and LY294002, a potent inhibitor of PI3-kinase, significantly inhibited phosphorylation of both p85 and ERK1/2. CONCLUSIONS These studies thus indicate that TGFbeta does not activate the ERK pathway but turns off the GM-CSF-induced ERK signal via inhibition of the PI3-kinase-Akt pathway, in these human leukaemia cells.
Novel oxysterols activate the Hedgehog pathway and induce osteogenesis

Localized induction of bone formation is essential during orthopedic procedures that involve skeletal repair, such as surgical treatment of non-union bone fractures and degenerative disk disease. Herein we disclose the synthesis and biological evaluation of novel oxysterol derivatives designed as anabolic bone growth agents. Structure–activity relationship studies of oxysterol 4 have identified analogues such as 18, 21 and 30. These new analogues are characterized by higher potency in an osteoblast differentiation assay and/or by increased metabolic stability in human liver microsomes. Oxysterols 4, 18 and 21 were evaluated in vivo in a rat spinal fusion model.
Interferon-alpha inhibits murine macrophage transforming growth factor-beta mRNA expression.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a multifunctional polypeptide is produced by a wide variety of cells and regulates a broad array of physiological and pathological functions. TGF-β appears to play a central role in pulmonary fibrosis and may contribute to tumor-associated immunosuppression. Alveolar macrophages are a rich source of TGF-β and are intimately involved in lung inflammation. We therefore chose to study TGF-β regulation in murine alveolar macrophages as well as an immortalized peritoneal macrophage cell line (IC-21). Murine macrophages were incubated with cytokines to evaluate their role in regulating TGF-β mRNA expression. We conclude that IFN-α downregulates TGF-β mRNA expression in murine macrophages.
Inhomogeneous superconducting state in quasi-one-dimensional systems

We report on results of theoretical study of nonuniform superconducting states in quasi-one-dimensional systems, with attractive interactions and Zeeman splitting between electron spins. Using bosonization to treat intrachain electron-electron interactions, and a combination of renormalization group and mean-field approximation to tackle interchain couplings, we obtain the phase diagram of the system, and show that the transition between the uniform and nonuniform superconducting phases is a continuous transition of the commensurate-incommensurate type.
Niche differences in phenology and rooting depth promote coexistence with a dominant C4 bunchgrass

Spatial and temporal niche differentiation are potential mechanisms of plant species' coexistence in many communities, including many grasslands. In a 6- year field experiment, a dominant prairie bunchgrass, Schizachyrium scoparium, excluded species sharing sim- ilar phenology and rooting depth, but coexisted with species differing in phenology and rooting depth. We used a series of experimental plots that differed in S. scoparium abundance to measure the effect of S. scopa- rium on abundances of other species and on soil nitrate concentrations across time and depth. Because we found that S. scoparium most strongly reduced soil nitrate levels at mid-season and at shallow depths, we hypoth- esized that at higher S. scoparium abundance, species with mid-season phenology and shallow roots would be excluded and that deep-rooted and early season species would be more likely to persist. As predicted, the proportional number and cover of species exploiting different niches than S. scoparium (early season and deep-rooted species) increased across the S. scoparium abundance gradient. This work provides novel empirical evidence for the factors that contribute to species coex- istence in the field. Our study suggests that spatial and temporal niche differentiation promote species coexis- tence in these grasslands.
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Case Presentation, Complications, and Their Prevention

Objective. To describe vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which are relatively new techniques used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures. Design Setting Patients. This article briefly reviews the procedural indications, technical aspects of the procedure, and strategies for complication avoidance. Results. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is the injection of a vertebral body with bone cement, generally polymethylmethacrylate. Kyphoplasty is the placement of balloons (called “tamps”) into the vertebral body with an inflation/deflation sequence to create a cavity prior to the cement injection. These procedures are most often performed in a percutaneous fashion on an outpatient (or short stay) basis. The mechanism of action is unknown, but it is postulated that stabilization of the fracture leads to analgesia. The procedure is indicated for painful vertebral compression fractures due to osteoporosis or malignancy, and painful hemangiomas. The procedure has efficacy in painful vertebral metastasis and traumatic compression fractures. Much evidence favors the use of this procedure for pain associated with these disorders. The overall risks of the procedure are low but serious complications can occur. The serious complications include spinal cord compression, nerve root compression, venous embolism, pulmonary embolism including cardiovascular collapse, and others. With good patient selection and careful technique, these complications are avoidable, making the risk-to-benefit ratio highly favorable. Conclusions. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective and safe techniques used to treat painful spinal fractures.
A Study of Time Variations in the Cosmic-Ray Directional Intensity Distribution

Evidence of time variations in the cosmic-ray directional intensity distribution has been obtained, by a statistical analysis of directional intensity measurements carried out at St. Louis in 1943. The variations, occurring within periods of twelve to twenty-eight hours, seem most pronounced near zenith angles of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}70\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the east-west plane, and are not found in the north-south plane. These observations would appear to be explained by the effect of terrestrial magnetic fluctuations in modifying the allowed cones of certain primary cosmic-ray particles, these particles having energies grouped near 0.2 St\"ormer and 0.6 St\"ormer. If this hypothesis is correct, the east-west positional symmetry of these variations constitutes new evidence, supporting previous evidence of Schremp, that positive and negative particles with the same $\frac{e}{m}$ exist in the primary cosmic radiation. Earlier results of Ribner, Cooper, and Schremp, on the static fine structure pattern of cosmic-ray directional intensity, are also supported by the present data. The time variations in the intensity distribution reported here are variations in the fine structure pattern, but appear to be independent of the static prominences previously reported. The method for rapid exploration of the cosmic-ray directional intensity distribution is described. The multidirectional cosmic-ray telescope used is discussed in some detail.
More time for research: Fund people not projects

John P. A. Ioannidis proposes ways to save scientists from spending all their time writing grants.
Econometric modeling at mixed frequencies

A helpful first step in building an adequate structural model of the present Russian economy is to build a high-frequency system based on monthly statistics for very short run projections of overall economic performance. The period of adequate statistical documentation is very short; so three steps are proposed: (1) a very short run monthly model for projecting major aggregative indicators for periods of 6-months-to-one-year ahead; (2) construction of a more detailed structural model of the whole economy patterned after those that have been prepared for most major economies of the world, as enough components of an adequate database have been collected, with an aim of making quarterly or annual projections; (3) a mathematical linkage of the two systems, so that the high-frequency system provides immediate short-run projections and the medium-term structural system of lower frequency generates projections of three-to-five years ahead that are “as close as possible,” in the sense of a minimized loss function, to the high-frequency projections of major variables.
Abstract 3230: Genome-wide localization of anti-cancer drugs

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA A vast number of small-molecule ligands, including therapeutic drugs under development and in clinical use, elicit their effects by binding specific proteins associated with the genome. An ability to map the direct interactions of a chemical entity with chromatin genome-wide could provide new and important insights into the mechanisms by which such small molecules interfere with tumor cell functions. We have developed a method that couples affinity capture of chemical entities and massively parallel DNA sequencing (Chem-seq) to identify the sites bound by small molecules throughout the human genome. Using Chem-seq, we have uncovered the full repertoire of the genomic sites bound by a BET bromodomain inhibitor, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor and a DNA intercalating drug. Moreover, by combining Chem-seq with ChIP-seq, we have characterized the interactions of drugs with their targets throughout the genome of tumor cells. These methods provide a powerful approach to enhance understanding of therapeutic action and characterize the specificity of drugs that interact with DNA or genome-associated proteins. Citation Format: Lars Anders, Matthew G. Guenther, Jun Qi, Zi Peng Fan, Jason J. Marineau, Peter B. Rahl, Jakob Loven, Alla A. Sigova, William B. Smith, Tong Ihn Lee, James E. Bradner, Richard A. Young. Genome-wide localization of anti-cancer drugs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3230. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3230
Reflections on Psychoanalysis & Non-Normative Desire: An Introduction

In this introduction, the authors present a collection of papers exploring the troubled relationship between psychoanalysis and non-normative desire. Specifically, the four paper contributors offer critical suggestions that allow for affirmative theorizing of non-normative desire. Finally, the authors describe the history of the Sexualities & Gender Identities Committee of Division 39 (Psychoanalysis) of the American Psychological Association and its series of panels from which the current papers were adapted.
Kinetic study of the reaction of OH with CO from 250 to 1040 K

Abstract Absolute rate coefficients (k1) for the reaction of OH with CO have been measured in the temperature range of 250–1040 K. The technique of flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence was employed for these measurements. The obtained data are best fit by the expression k1 = exp(−30.03 + 1.22 × 10−3T) cm3 molecules−1s−1.
Clinical Examination in Complement With Computed Tomography Scan: An Effective Method for Identification of Cervical Spine Injury

Objective: The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate a protocol that assesses the efficacy and sensitivity of clinical examination in complement with computed tomographic (CT) scan in screening for cervical spine (c-spine) injury. Methods: During the 26-month period from March 2005 to May 2007, blunt trauma patients older than 13 years were prospectively entered into a study protocol. If patients were awake and alert with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) ≥14, clinical examination of the neck was performed. Clinical examination was performed regardless of distracting injuries. If the patient had no complaints of pain or tenderness, the cervical collar was removed. Patients with complaints of c-spine pain or tenderness and patients with GCS score <14 underwent CT scanning for evaluation of the entire c-spine. Results: One thousand six hundred eighty seven patients were prospectively assessed for blunt c-spine injury. Fourteen hundred thirty-nine patients had GCS score ≥14, 897 (62%) of which had a negative clinical examination of the c-spine and subsequently had cervical collars removed. Two patients (0.2%) whose clinical examination results disclosed nothing abnormal were later found to have a c-spine injury. Five hundred forty-two patients with GCS score ≥14 had a positive c-spine clinical examination, of which 134 (24%) were diagnosed with c-spine injury. One hundred thirty-three (99%) c-spine injuries were identified by CT scan. The c-spine injury missed by CT scan was a radiologic misinterpretation. For patients with c-spine injury with GCS score ≥14, both sensitivities of clinical examination and CT scan were 99%. Two hundred forty-eight patients had GCS score < 14, of which 5 (2.0%) were diagnosed with c-spine injury. CT scan identified all c-spine injuries for patients with GCS score <14. Conclusions: In awake and alert blunt trauma patients, clinical examination is a sensitive screening method for c-spine injury. Clinical examination allows for the majority of blunt trauma patients to have their c-spines cleared safely without radiologic screening. Clinical examination in complement with CT scan is a sensitive and an effective method for identification of c-spine injury in awake and alert patients with symptoms of c-spine injury. CT scan is the sensitive and effective test for screening and diagnosis of c-spine injury in blunt trauma patients with altered mental status.
Nitrate increases in soil water following conversion of chaparral to grass

An Arizona watershed converted from chaparral to grass, released high concentrations of nitrate to stream water. The nitrate originated from the rooting zone of the decomposing shrubs. High nitrate concentrations (44–373 ppm) were found in soil solutions from 1.5-, 3.0-, and 4.6-m depths on the converted watershed as compared with low nitrate concentrations (0.2–6.2 ppm) found in an adjacent undisturbed area. Soil solution nitrate concentrations at the 0.3-m depth were generally low, especially in the untreated area. High nitrate concentrations were balanced mainly by relative decreases in bicarbonate anions in the soil solutions and in the stream water. Multiple stepwise regression analyses showed improvement in the regression of bicarbonate on nitrate when chloride and sulfate anions were entered as variables.
The Occult Novels of Dion Fortune

Dion Fortune and her group, the Fraternity of the Inner Light (now the Society of the Inner Light), wrote and performed rituals, beginning in the 1930s, with the intention of reviving goddess worship and feminist spirituality. Today's goddess-centered practitioners owe much to Fortune's pioneering efforts. Although Fortune disavowed direct political action, she worked spiritually to empower women and lived the life of a liberated woman through her religious activities and beliefs. Dion Fortune is one of the most important occultists of the first half of the twentieth century. She has produced a sizable corpus of non-fiction works on both practical and theoretical occultism and has written novels that are still in publication and have an active readership.
The effect of varying stimulus context on word-finding ability: dyslexia further differentiated from other learning disabilities.

Abstract All learning-disabled children, dyslexic and nondyslexic, were found to be impaired relative to controls on a variety of naming tests: (1) naming pictured objects (visual name), (2) responding with an object name to a definition (auditory definition), (3) completing a sentence with an object name (auditory sentence), or (4) naming palpated objects (tactual). Only on the sentence completion task (auditory sentence), which has been found to be the simplest response mode, were the dyslexic subjects selectively less accurate than the nondyslexic learning disabled, relative to the control group. Although dyslexic subjects tend to circumlocute when naming objects, they did not find it easier, relative to other groups, to give the function rather than the name of objects. Time scores were not in the same direction. The nondyslexic learning-disabled group responded more rapidly than either the dyselxic subjects or controls and made more perceptual errors, findings that may be related to some other factor, possibly the hyperactivity of many of the children in the nondyslexic learning-disabled group. The finding, also, that most of their naming error scores correlate highly with each other as well as with standardized language measures (WISC-R Vocabulary and PPVT), whereas those of the dyslexic and control groups do not, further suggests some underlying pathology to which their language disability is related. Language impairment, then, may be a common factor in all learning disability, dyslexic and nondyslexic, possibly for different reasons.
Zonal winds in the central equatorial pacific and el nino.

Easterly trade winds from near-equatorial islands in the central Pacific weakened before each El Nino between 1950 and 1978, except for the 1963 El Nino. The weakening of the easterlies and their later collapse did not occur uniformly over several months, but rather through a series of strong westerly wind bursts lasting 1 to 3 weeks. The bursts may force equatorial Kelvin waves in the ocean that can both initiate and sustain the sea surface warming characteristics of El Nino events.
Business groups and foreign direct investments by developing country firms: An empirical test in India

Abstract Drawing on recent theoretical explanations, we develop hypotheses on the relationship between business group affiliation and FDI by developing country firms. We hypothesize a positive relationship between business group affiliation and FDI overall, as well as between business group affiliation and FDI into advanced countries and into developing countries. In addition, we argue that the impact of business group affiliation on FDI varies in strength among business groups based on their size and diversification. We also empirically test the hypotheses in a sample of firms from one large and important developing country, India.
Electromechanical response of P(VDF-CTFE) and its blends with P(VDF-TrFE)

In an effort to develop very inexpensive electroactive polymers, P(VDF-CTFE) and its blends with P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer are studied and reported. A high electrostrictive strain of 5% was observed in the treated P(VDF-CTFE) and its blends with blend ratio 10/90 wt% [P(VDF-TrFE)/P(VDF-CTFE)]. Combined with Young’s modulus, dielectric constant, and the piezoelectric constant, the electromechanical coupling factor and energy density of this blend system are evaluated and compared with irradiated P(VDF-TrFE) and terpolymer P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE).
rationalization and nostalgia: cultural dynamics of new middle‐class Japan

In the postwar decades, a cultural construction of Japan as a “New Middle Class” society has gained a broad orienting force in the society. New typifications of work, family, and society have provided frames of reference for the redefinition and reorganization of everyday routines. This paper illustrates how the people of one region have come to terms with such typifications in the midst of state programs for the rationalization of its agriculture and national media efforts to sentimentalize its regional culture. Rationalization and nostalgia are shown to reveal fundamental ambivalences in and about the lifeways of contemporary japan.
Transmastoid labyrinthectomy in older patients

Transmastoid labyrinthectomy is an effective procedure for the control of episodic vertigo due to unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction. However, its application in older patients has been limited, primarily because of concerns that older patients may not compensate well postoperatively. Poor vestibular compensation results in constant disequilibrium, motion intolerance, and visual symptomatology. The purpose of this report is to review our results with transmastoid labyrinthectomy in patients over the age of 65. Complete records were available for 22 patients operated on between July 1984 and June 1994. Patient's records were reviewed for age, preoperative duration of symptoms, coexistent medical conditions, vertigo control, and postoperative disequilibrium. Advanced age need not be a contraindication to transmastoid labyrinthectomy.
A first principles investigation of isotactic polypropylene

Bulk isotactic polypropylene in the α form was studied using density functional theory-based computations. The computed physical structure of this system is in excellent agreement with available experimental data. The electronic band structure, ionization potential, and electron affinity were also determined. The impact of various types of chemical imperfections (including double bond, hydroxyl, and carbonyl defects) on the electronic structure of bulk isotactic polypropylene was considered. The carbonyl defect was found to cause the most significant impact, resulting in the deepest electron and hole traps.
The Apolipoprotein-AI Mimetic Peptide L4F at a Modest Dose Does Not Attenuate Weight Gain, Inflammation, or Atherosclerosis in LDLR-Null Mice

Objective High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are inversely related to cardiovascular disease risk and associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I; major HDL protein) mimetics have been reported to reduce atherosclerosis and decrease adiposity. This study investigated the effect of L4F mimetic peptide and apoA-I overexpression on weight gain, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis in an LDL receptor deficient (Ldlr-/-) model fed a high fat high sucrose with cholesterol (HFHSC) diet. Methods Studies in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes tested whether L4F could inhibit palmitate-induced adipocyte inflammation. In vivo studies used male Ldlr-/- mice fed a HFHSC diet for 12 weeks and were injected daily with L4F (100 µg/mouse) subcutaneously during the last 8 weeks. Wild-type and apoA-I overexpressing Ldlr-/- mice were fed HFHSC diet for 16 weeks. Results Neither L4F administration nor apoA-I overexpression affected weight gain, total plasma cholesterol or triglycerides in our studies. While pre-treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with either L4F or HDL abolished palmitate-induced cytokine expression in vitro, L4F treatment did not affect circulating or adipose tissue inflammatory markers in vivo. Neither L4F administration nor apoA-I overexpression affected glucose tolerance. ApoA-I overexpression significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size, yet L4F treatment did not affect atherosclerosis. Conclusion Our results suggest that neither L4F (100 µg/day/mouse) nor apoA-I overexpression affects adiposity or insulin resistance in this model. We also were unable to confirm a reduction in atherosclerosis with L4F in our particular model. Further studies on the effect of apoA-I mimetics on atherosclerosis and insulin resistance in a variety of dietary contexts are warranted.
Smut, novelty, indecency: reworking a history of the early-twentieth-century American ‘stag film’

As many film historians have noted, there are serious problems in understanding what have been labelled ‘stag films ‘during the first half of the twentieth century. While scholars have been able to use a more-or-less agreed upon definition of ‘stag films’ within the scope of histories of pornography, a crucial level of nuance is lost by grouping films from the early 1900s to 1970 under one common moniker. This article works to deconstruct traditional understandings and definitions of a ‘stag film’ by focusing on the want adverts and public announcements of American periodicals such as The Billboard between 1907 and 1930. By doing so, the article explores and complicates traditional histories of ‘stag’, finding new evidence that suggests the ‘stag film’ before 1930 was not a cohesive genre.
The expression of a functional, secreted human lysyl hydroxylase in a baculovirus system.

This study reports the expression of functional human lysyl hydroxylase (LH), a post-translational modifying enzyme that catalyzes the hydroxylation of the lysine residues essential for cross-linking in collagen biosynthesis. We have developed a novel baculovirus system for the expression of LH, a protein that exists normally within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, using a powerful baculovirus signal sequence for secretion. The supernatant from Sf9 cells infected with the viral recombinant showed significant LH activity that increased linearly with supernatant concentration, whereas there was no detectable LH activity in the cell pellet. Silver staining of the fractions purified from the active supernatant by concanavalin. A Sepharose chromatography and separated by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated an 85-kDa protein (the expected size of the LH subunit) that was most prominent in those fractions with the highest LH activity. N-terminal amino acid sequencing verified that the N-terminal primary structure of this 85-kDa protein was identical to human LH. Moreover, the activity of the expressed protein was shown to be dependent on the presence of Fe ++ , ascorbate and α-ketoglutarate, three essential cofactors for LH activity. We have therefore successfully developed a novel expression system that produces functional human LH and enables this normally nonsecretory enzyme to be secreted, facilitating its separation from the intracellular proteins of insect cells. Future applications should allow characterization of the LH active site by crystallographic studies and site-directed mutagenesis for structure-function comparison.
Immobilized enzymes at the surface of rat heart muscle mitochondria

Of the three pairs of complementary replicas mentioned in the previous paper (1985, J. Ultrastruct. Res. 91, 38-50) one pair consisted of fracture faces exposing the cytoplasmic surface of the outer surface membrane while the complementary face exposed the cytosol at the membrane surface. The latter face was particulate with randomly distributed particles in the size range of 100 to 200 A. These particles could be shown to be located in the cytosol at the membrane surface. They qualify as particles that are loosely bound to this surface, and it is proposed that at least part of these particles consist of glycolytic enzymes.
Characterization of cholinesterase of muscularis muscle of Bufo marinus

Abstract 1. We have characterized the cholinesterase (ChE) of muscularis muscle of Bufo marinus by selectively using specific inhibitors of acetylcholinestrase and pseudocholinesterase and observing sus- ceptibility to inhibition when substrate is present in excess. 2. The ChE activity in this preparation due to acetylcholinestrase (AChE) and pseudocholinesterase (BuChE) was 90 and 10%, respectively. 3. The optimum temperature and pH for the ChE were 38°C and 7.4, respectively and the excess substrate inhibition was noted above a pS of 2.6. 4. The f m for acetylthiocholine (ASCh) was 0.76 × 10 −4 M.
Evidence for a metal-thiolate intermediate in alkyl group transfer from epoxypropane to coenzyme M and cooperative metal ion binding in epoxyalkane:CoM transferase.

Epoxyalkane:coenzyme M transferase (EaCoMT) catalyzes the nucleophilic addition of coenzyme M (CoM, 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid) to epoxypropane forming 2-hydroxypropyl-CoM. The biochemical properties of EaCoMT suggest that the enzyme belongs to the family of alkyltransferase enzymes for which Zn plays a role in activating an organic thiol substrate for nucleophilic attack on an alkyl-donating substrate. The enzyme has a hexameric (α6) structure with one zinc atom per subunit. In the present work M2+ binding and the role of Zn2+ in EaCoMT have been established through a combination of biochemical, calorimetric, and spectroscopic techniques. A variety of metal ions, including Zn2+, Co2+, Cd2+, and Ni2+, were capable of activating a Zn-deficient “apo” form of EaCoMT, affording enzymes with various levels of activity. Titration of Co2+ into apo-EaCoMT resulted in UV−visible spectroscopic changes consistent with the formation of a tetrahedral Co2+ binding site, with coordination of bound Co2+ to two thiolat...
Culinary Diplomacy: Breaking Bread to Win Hearts and Minds

Summary The concept of ‘culinary diplomacy’ is defined as the use of food and cuisine as an instrument to create cross-cultural understanding in the hopes of improving interactions and cooperation. Its origins are rooted in ancient history, while a modernized version emerged alongside French diplomatic tradition in the early nineteenth century, beginning with the iconic French chef Antonin Careme. The theory underlying the concept is multifaceted, with foundations in the schools of public and cultural diplomacy, non-verbal communication, nation-branding, and in the conflict resolution theory of the contact hypothesis. Culinary diplomacy campaigns worldwide have been undertaken, from the national governmental promotions of multiple South-East Asian countries, to the White House’s outreach to promote healthy eating, to grassroots efforts by cooks to reduce violent conflict. The summit of culinary diplomacy is the Club des Chefs des Chefs, a group of the chefs of heads of state, whose goal it is to unite people with a good meal. There is work to be done in the field, but there are big potential gains, up to and including world peace.
Correspondence between Stevens' terminal brightness function and the discriminability law.

Stevens9 terminal brightness function, an adaptation curve derived from power law data, closely agrees with Troland9s just-noticeable-difference (jnd) summation for brightness. The power law itself describes sensation magnitude before adaptation to a test stimulus, whereas the Fechnerian discriminability law describes sensation magnitude after adaptation. This suggests their synthesis in a more general psychophysical equation.
Interview with Bruce G. Link, Ph.D.

Bruce G. Link's research broadly addresses the study of how and under what conditions economic inequalities become translated into health disparities. Under this bearing, Dr. Link has examined ment...
Testing evolving software

Abstract Regression testing, which attempts to validate modified software and ensure that no new errors are introduced into previously tested code, is used extensively during maintenance of evolving software. Despite efforts to reduce its cost, regression testing remains one of the most expensive activities performed during a software system's lifetime. Because regression testing is important and expensive, many researchers have focused on ways to make it more efficient and effective. Research on regression testing spans a wide variety of topics, including test environments and automation, capture-playback mechanisms, regression-test selection, coverage identification, test suite maintenance, regression testability, and regression-testing process. This paper discusses the state of the art in several important aspects of regression testing, and presents some promising areas for future research.
Hydrogen permeation through non-metallic solids

Abstract Hydrogen permeation rates through high-density sintered aluminum oxide and KT-silicon carbide tubes have been measured as a part of an ongoing program to obtain hydrogen transport parameters in non-metallic solids of interest to fusion reactors. The temperature and pressure ranges were 1200°C – 1450°C and 2–50 kPa respectively. The permeability of Al2O3 appears to be consistent with independent measurements of solubility and diffusivity, indicating no accelerated diffusion due to microstructural defects. The KT-SiC tube gave hydrogen permeability values somewhat higher than those of Al2O3, although both of these materials were found to have about two to three orders of magnitude lower hydrogen permeability than the least permeable of the refractory metals. If suitable fabrication techniques can be developed, both Al2O3 and SiC can be useful as coatings on metals to limit hydrogen permeation.
Role of serotonergic neurotransmission in the hypnotic response to dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenoceptor agonist

The role of serotonergic pathways in the hypnotic response to dexmedetomidine was examined in neurochemical and behavioral studies. Following acute administration of dexmedetomidine, loss of righting reflex and changes in serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and norepinephrine turnover in different brain regions (locus coeruleus and hippocampus) were assessed. In separate experiments, the effect of dexmedetomidine on 5-HT turnover was measured in rats rendered tolerant to the hypnotic effects of dexmedetomidine. These neurochemical data were complemented by a study of dexmedetomidine-induced hypnotic response in the presence of a 5-HT2 receptor agonist and antagonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) and ritanserin, respectively. Dexmedetomidine (1-500 micrograms.kg-1) dose dependently reduced 5-HT and norepinephrine turnover in both the locus coeruleus and hippocampus. The decrease in 5-HT turnover more closely correlated with the dose-response curve for loss of righting reflex, a behavioral measure of hypnosis, than did the norepinephrine turnover. In previous studies with chronic administration of dexmedetomidine (3 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 for 7 days), the norepinephrine turnover effect of acute dexmedetomidine (30 micrograms.kg-1) persisted while the hypnotic effect was blunted. Following the same regimen, the drug's ability to diminish 5-HT turnover was also blunted. This biochemical evidence for the role of 5-HT in sleep was supported by the behavioral evidence that dexmedetomidine (100 micrograms.kg-1 i.p. or 7 micrograms.0.2 microliter-1 locus coeruleus)-induced hypnosis was dose dependently blocked by DOI (0.08-0.32 mg.kg-1 i.p.). The selectivity of this effect was demonstrated by the finding that ritanserin (0.16 mg.kg-1 i.p.) pretreatment blocked the effects of DOI (0.16 mg.kg-1 i.p.) on dexmedetomidine (100 micrograms.kg-1 i.p. or 7 micrograms.0.2 microliter-1 locus coeruleus)-induced loss of righting reflex. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the hypnotic effect of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine, is not mediated solely by changes in noradrenergic neurtransmission, but instead is strongly associated with a decrease in serotonergic neurotransmission and correspondingly diminished by stimulation of 5-HT2 receptors.
Independent and joint associations of physical activity and fitness on stroke in men.

AbstractIntroduction: Recent studies have demonstrated that physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are independent predictors of stroke in men. The combined associations of these 2 factors are not well established. Objective: To investigate the independent and joint associations of PA and CRF with fatal, nonfatal, and total stroke in a group of men. Methods: The current analyses included 45 689 men aged 18 to 100 years who completed baseline sessions between 1970 and 2001. All participants had no known myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer. Physical activity was measured by questionnaire, and CRF was assessed from a maximal treadmill exercise test. The National Death Index for fatal stroke and mail-back surveys for nonfatal stroke were used to ascertain cases. Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of stroke outcomes. Results: There were 619 cases over 800 582 person-years of observation. Significant inverse associations were observed between CRF and fatal, nonfatal,...
Effective action for the Yukawa 2 quantum field theory

Using a rigorous version of the renormalization group we construct the effective action for theY2 model. The construction starts with integrating out the bosonic field which eliminates the large fields problem. Studying the soobtained purely fermionic theory proceeds by a series of convergent perturbation expansions. We show that the continuum limit of the effective action exists and its perturbation expansion is Borel summable.
Accuracy of Administratively-Assigned Ancestry for Diverse Populations in an Electronic Medical Record-Linked Biobank

Recently, the development of biobanks linked to electronic medical records has presented new opportunities for genetic and epidemiological research. Studies based on these resources, however, present unique challenges, including the accurate assignment of individual-level population ancestry. In this work we examine the accuracy of administratively-assigned race in diverse populations by comparing assigned races to genetically-defined ancestry estimates. Using 220 ancestry informative markers, we generated principal components for patients in our dataset, which were used to cluster patients into groups based on genetic ancestry. Consistent with other studies, we find a strong overall agreement (Kappa = 0.872) between genetic ancestry and assigned race, with higher rates of agreement for African-descent and European-descent assignments, and reduced agreement for Hispanic, East Asian-descent, and South Asian-descent assignments. These results suggest caution when selecting study samples of non-African and non-European backgrounds when administratively-assigned race from biobanks is used.
Rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuric renal failure in trauma and surgical patients: a review

The Old Testament contains the oldest written description of rhabdomyolysis. As the Israelites wandered the desert, they encountered a quail migration and gathered birds to dry and store. Consuming large numbers of quail the people were stricken with “. . . a very great plague . . .” (Numbers 11:33). Ouzounellis postulates that quail consumption produces rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuric renal failure. The mechanism is apparently analogous to the sensitivity of certain individuals with glucose-6phosphatase deficiency who develop hemolysis after fava bean ingestion. Studies of rhabdomyolysis were published in the German literature in the late 1800s. In 1911 MeyerBetz described a clinical syndrome consisting of dark brown urine, muscle pain, and weakness. Bywaters and Beall reported on the clinical association between crush injury, dark urine, shock, and renal failure in casualties who were crushed beneath fallen masonry for extended periods during the bombing of London during World War II (Fig. 1). Myoglobin present in the urine of these patients was responsible for the dark urinary pigmentation. Recently, casualties with rhabdomyolysis have been generated in large numbers by catastrophes such as mine collapse, train accidents, and seismic events. In the United States rhabdomyolysis is commonly diagnosed in intoxicated patients subjected to prolonged muscle compression as they lay motionless and in patients with seizure disorders. Less frequently, surgeons treat patients who develop rhabdomyolysis after crush or other traumatic injury to skeletal muscle. Renal failure is a well-documented sequellae of rhabdomyolysis. In recent reports, the risk of acute renal failure after rhabdomyolysis ranges from 4% to 33%. Rhabdomyolysis is responsible for 5–7% of all cases of acute renal failure in the United States.
Open and closed universes, initial singularities, and inflation.

The existence of initial singularities in expanding universes is proved without assuming the timelike convergence condition. The assumptions made in the proof are ones likely to hold both in open universes and in many closed ones. (It is further argued that at least some of the expanding closed universes that do not obey a key assumption of the theorem will have initial singularities on other grounds.) The result is significant for two reasons: (a) previous closed-universe singularity theorems have assumed the timelike convergence condition, and (b) the timelike convergence condition is known to be violated in inflationary spaceitmes. An immediate consequence of this theorem is that a recent result on initial singularities in open, future-eternal, inflating spacetimes may not be extended to include many closed universes. Also, as a fringe benefit, the time reverse of the theorem may be applied to gravitational collapse.
Combining discrepancy models with hierarchical Bayesian inference for parameter estimation of very ill posed thermal problems

Parameter estimation assumes that the model is an accurate representation of the system being studied and that any deviations are caused by measurement noise. For real experimental data this is often not the case. Clearly, the model will constructed to the highest fidelity by the analyst but when it is deficient, the remedy is not always obvious. One approach is to include a discrepancy function which one hopes will resolve any differences. The paper describes the use of such a function for a very ill posed problem using Bayesian inference effected by Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling.
Scaling-up health insurance through community- based health insurance schemes in rural sub- Saharan African communities

Context: The knotty and monumental problem of health inequality and the high burden of diseases in sub-Saharan Africa bothers on the poor state of health of many of its citizens particularly in rural communities. These issues are further exacerbated by the harrowing conditions of health care delivery and the poor financing of health services in many of these communities. Against these backdrops, health policy makers in the region are not just concerned with improving peoples’ health but with protecting them against the financial costs of illness. What is important is the need to support more robust strategies for healthcare financing in these communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: This review assesses the evidence of the extent to which community-based health insurance (CBHI) is a more viable option for health care financing amongst other health insurance schemes in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Patterns of health insurance in sub-Saharan Africa: Theoretically, the basis for health insurance is that it allows for risk pooling and therefore ensures that resources follow sick individuals to seek health care when needed. As it were, there are different models such as social, private and CBHI schemes which could come to bear in different settings in the region. However, not all insurance schemes will come to bear in rural settings in the region. Community based health insurance: CBHI is now recognized as a community-initiative that is community friendly and has a wide reach in the informal sector especially if well designed. Experience from Rwanda, parts of Nigeria and other settings in the region indicate high acceptability but the challenge is that these schemes are still very new in the region. Recommendations and conclusion: Governments and international development partners in the region should collect - ively develop CBHI as it will help in strengthening health systems and efforts geared towards achieving the millennium development goals. This is because it is inextricably linked to the health care needs of the poor.
Is American Teacher Education Fully Up to the Common Core Requirements

AbstractThis narrative considers how well equipped today's teacher education students and faculty are to meet the demands of the new Common Core State Standards. Data from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council's national evaluation of teacher education programs gives a mixed picture that, while mostly encouraging, also reveals that some future teachers, current teacher education faculty, and cooperating teachers have misguided and worrisome views of their subject matter and pedagogy.
B95: A new respirator for health care personnel

Background Respiratory protection relies heavily on user compliance to be effective, but compliance among health care personnel is less than ideal. Methods In 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs formed the Project Better Respiratory Equipment using Advanced Technologies for Healthcare Employees (BREATHE) Working Group, composed of a variety of federal stakeholders, to discuss strategies for improving respirator compliance, including the need for more comfortable respirators. Results The Working Group developed 28 desirable performance characteristics that can be grouped into 4 key themes: (1) respirators should perform their intended function safely and effectively; (2) respirators should support, not interfere, with occupational activities; (3) respirators should be comfortable and tolerable for the duration of wear; and (4) respiratory protective programs should comply with federal/state standards and guidelines and local policies. As a necessary next step, the Working Group identified the need for a new class of respirators, to be called "B95," which would better address the unique needs of health care personnel. Conclusion This article summarizes the outputs of the Project BREATHE Working Group and provides a national strategy to develop clinically validated respirator test methods, to promulgate B95 respirator standards, and to invent novel design features, which together will lead to commercialized B95 respirators.
A single-pool model for intracellular calcium oscillations and waves in the Xenopus laevis oocyte

We construct a minimal model of cytosolic free Ca2+ oscillations based on Ca2+ release via the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor/Ca2+ channel (IP3R) of a single intracellular Ca2+ pool. The model relies on experimental evidence that the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) modulates the IP3R in a biphasic manner, with Ca2+ release inhibited by low and high [Ca2+]c and facilitated by intermediate [Ca2+]c, and that channel inactivation occurs on a slower time scale than activation. The model produces [Ca2+]c oscillations at constant [IP3] and reproduces a number of crucial experiments. The two-dimensional spatial model with IP3 dynamics, cytosolic diffusion of IP3 (Dp = 300 microns 2 s-1), and cytosolic diffusion of Ca2+ (Dc = 20 microns 2 s-1) produces circular, planar, and spiral waves of Ca2+ with speeds of 7-15 microns.s-1, which annihilate upon collision. Increasing extracellular [Ca2+] influx increases wave speed and baseline [Ca2+]c. A [Ca2+]c-dependent Ca2+ diffusion coefficient does not alter the qualitative behavior of the model. An important model prediction is that channel inactivation must occur on a slower time scale than activation in order for waves to propagate. The model serves to capture the essential macroscopic mechanisms that are involved in the production of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations and traveling waves in the Xenopus laevis oocyte.