cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bounds on electrostatic interactions

This article deals with two topics: bounds on electrostatic interactions and new approaches to the expansion of electron densities in ab initio calculations on large systems. Schwartz inequalities derived from positive definite self-energy integrals are reviewed and new bounds on electrostatic interactions consisting only of kinetic energy and overlap integrals are derived. Several applications are discussed. In the expansion of electron densities occurring in the treatment of large systems, numerous densities that are relatively small in magnitude are expanded whenever possible in terms of large densities already present in the calculation. Rigorous error bounds are used to judge the acceptability of the expansion. Proceeding in this way allows a simplifying reorganization of the information that must be stored for use in many-electron configuration interaction calculations, thereby enabling the application of this method to larger systems. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002
Transcriptomic Analysis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Identifies a Role for the NLRP3 Inflammasome

ABSTRACT Treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused most frequently by Candida albicans, represents a significant unmet clinical need. C. albicans, as both a commensal and a pathogenic organism, has a complex and poorly understood interaction with the vaginal environment. Understanding the complex nature of this relationship is necessary for the development of desperately needed therapies to treat symptomatic infection. Using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), we characterized the early murine vaginal and fungal transcriptomes of the organism during VVC. Network analysis of host genes that were differentially expressed between infected and naive mice predicted the activation or repression of several signaling pathways that have not been previously associated with VVC, including NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Intravaginal challenge of Nlrp3 −/− mice with C. albicans demonstrated severely reduced levels of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), alarmins, and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (the hallmarks of VVC immunopathogenesis) in vaginal lavage fluid. Intravaginal administration of wild-type (WT) mice with glyburide, a potent inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, reduced PMN infiltration and IL-1β to levels comparable to those observed in Nlrp3 −/− mice. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis of C. albicans genes indicated robust expression of hypha-associated secreted aspartyl proteinases 4, 5, and 6 (SAP4–6), which are known inflammasome activators. Despite colonization similar to that of the WT strain, Δ SAP4–6 triple and Δ SAP5 single mutants induced significantly less PMN influx and IL-1β during intravaginal challenge. Our findings demonstrate a novel role for the inflammasome in the immunopathogenesis of VVC and implicate the hypha-associated SAPs as major C. albicans virulence determinants during vulvovaginal candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Vaginitis, most commonly caused by the fungus Candida albicans, results in significant quality-of-life issues for all women of reproductive age. Recent efforts have suggested that vaginitis results from an immunopathological response governed by host innate immunity, although an explanatory mechanism has remained undefined. Using comprehensive genomic, immunological, and pharmacological approaches, we have elucidated the NLRP3 inflammasome as a crucial molecular mechanism contributing to host immunopathology. We have also demonstrated that C. albicans hypha-associated secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAP4–6 and SAP5, more specifically) contribute to disease immunopathology. Ultimately, this study enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between host and fungus at the vaginal mucosa and provides proof-of-principle evidence for therapeutic targeting of inflammasomes for symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Quantization Games on Networks

We consider a network quantizer design setting where agents must balance fidelity in representing their local source distributions against their ability to successfully communicate with other connected agents. By casting the problem as a network game, we show existence of Nash equilibrium quantizer designs. For any agent, under Nash equilibrium, the word representing a given partition region is the conditional expectation of the mixture of local and social source probability distributions within the region. Further, the network may converge to equilibrium through a distributed version of the Lloyd-Max algorithm. In contrast to traditional results in the evolution of language, we find several vocabularies may coexist in the Nash equilibrium, with each individual having exactly one of these vocabularies. The overlap between vocabularies is high for individuals that communicate frequently and have similar local sources. Finally, we argue error in translation along a chain of communication does not grow if and only if the chain consists of agents with shared vocabulary.
Leonardo Sciascia and The Disappearance of Majorana

Abstract In The Disappearance of Majorana, the Italian novelist Leonardo Sciascia contends that a brilliant young physicist did not commit suicide in 1937, as is widely believed, but instead, sequestered himself into a convent rather than contribute to the development of an atomic bomb. Thus, Sciascia equates Ettore Majorana's ‘refusal of science’ with ‘responsible science’, whose scope, Sciascia suggests, must at times be restricted. By contrast, the author argues that Sciascia's Majorana is a fictional character, not the historical persona who was hardly the conscientious objector Sciascia portrays, but instead a supporter of Fascism. The author also argues, more importantly, that Sciascia's narrative, while plausible, falsifies the historical record in order to spark debate on issues in the ethics of science. However, such debate, if it were to stay within the parameters set forth by Sciascia, would fail to consider the responsibility of non-scientists to monitor how new scientific discoveries and tech...
Seed biology of Physaria ludoviciana (silvery bladderpod; Brassicaceae ), an endangered species in sand prairies of the Midwest

Abstract Physaria ludoviciana (Nuttal) O'Kane & Al-Shehbaz (silvery bladderpod) is a state endangered species in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, the eastern edge of its range. Our goal was to investigate its seed biology (production, dispersal, seed bank longevity, afterripening, seed longevity after storage using germination and emergence, and seedling establishment). This information will be useful for conservation efforts of this endangered species. Over a ten-year period, various seed biology parameters were measured. Infructescences were counted to estimate seed production with 110–744 seeds per reproductive plant. Soil samples were collected at various distances to estimate dispersal where seeds dispersed less than a meter, and also at various times to estimate longevity in the seed bank where only 4% as many seeds were found in November as in June. After-ripening tests used seeds imbibed every two months after harvest for ten months where germination rates increased when imbibition was delayed a...
Studies on Penicilloyl-Specific igg Antibodies in Man

Properties of penicilloyl-specific IgC antibodies have been studied and presented. The results indicate that these antibodies act to block the adverse effects of skin-sensitizing antibodies of the same specificity. However, the avidity of skin-sensitizing antibodies for antigen appears greater. Knowledge of the type and titer of penicillin antibodies is of clinical usefulness in the patient who requires therapy with penicillin.
Psychological Predictors of Anxiety in Response to the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic

Pandemic illnesses, such as the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) are often highly publicized in the mass media and can be associated with high levels of anxiety and compensatory behavior (e.g., using hand sanitizers). The present research sought to investigate the psychological processes associated with swine-flu related anxiety during the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009–2010. Participants were 315 college students who completed survey measures between September 25th 2009 and February 16th 2010, which encompassed the peak of flu season and a time of intense media attention to this particular outbreak. Data revealed that anxiety in response to the swine flu was common in the sample. Regression analysis indicated that health anxiety, contamination fears and disgust sensitivity were significant predictors of swine flu-related anxiety. Implications for how concerns over pandemic illnesses such as the swine flu can be conceptualized and clinically managed are discussed.
Ethinyl Estradiol: A Clinical Evaluation

The quest for an orally effective estrogen has occupied the attention of chemists for the past decade. This search has been greatly accelerated during the past few years, and remarkable resultshave been obtained, particularly in the production of non-Steroid compounds that possess great estrogenic activity. Of this group, diethylstilbestrol is very potent and does not lose its effectiveness on oral administration. The natural estrogens, when taken orally, are comparatively ineffective. This has been shown to be due to inactivation by the liver (1). Hohlweg and Imhoffen (2) prepared ethinyl estradiol which, although a natural estrogen, is active on oral administration. They report that it is 15 to 20 times as effective as estradiol when taken by mouth. The presence of the ethinyl radical probably protects the estrogenic activity of the compound, either from destruction in the gastrointestinal tract or from inactivation by the liver.
A redetermination of the succinonitrile-water phase diagram

The phase diagram of the water/succinonitrile system often used in modeling binary metallic alloys is determined experimentally using a laser scattering method. Triply distilled and zone-refined succinonitrile is placed in a jacketed water-cooled vessel with a magnetic mixer and a copper-constantan thermocouple, and the melting point is determined under vacuum and under Ar by observing the response of a photodiode placed opposite a laser source as the chamber is cooled and reheated. Then water is added, and the eutectic and monotectic temperatures and the entire phase diagram are determined under Ar. The results are presented in a table and graph and compared to those of Schreinemakers (1897): significant discrepancies are noted and attributed to impurities in the succinonitrile used by Schreinemakers. The importance of accurate phase diagrams for modeling binary alloys is stressed.
Conservative Treatment of Infantile Subglottic Hemangioma With Corticosteroids

• Infantile subglottic hemangioma is a rare, potentially fatal cause of airway obstruction. Diagnosis is made by history, neck roentgenograms, and direct laryngoscopy. A regimen of high-dose intravenous steroids in combination with oxygen and a mist tent is the preferred mode of therapy in cases where tracheostomy is not required. (Arch Otolaryngol1982;108:117-119)
Do sponges help hold coral reefs together

The growth and form of coral reefs is the result of a complex balance between rates of carbonate accretion and carbonate loss. Reef organisms have traditionally been classified, with respect to their role in this balance, as primary frame-builders, frame-cementers, biological eroders or sediment producers1,2. Scleractinian corals are the primary frame-building organisms in most modern reef environments. The growth of many such corals generates large volumes of unoccupied cryptic space. Successful reef construction occurs if this space is infilled with sediment, this sediment is cemented by frame-cementing organisms, and the resulting complex is subsequently lithified3–5. As this lithification process may be slow, frame material is highly susceptible to becoming separated from the reef framework due to the action of physical disturbance (such as wave shock) before permanent consolidation6–10. We present here experimental evidence that demosponges (which may be second only to scleractinian corals in space occupancy on many Caribbean reefs) play an important role as interim binders of unconsolidated frame material, a process which is expected to increase rates of carbonate accretion.
Family Socioeconomic Status and Sleep Patterns of Young Adolescents

This study examined associations among socioeconomic status (SES), SES-related variables, and sleep in young middle school adolescents. Participants included 155 seventh-graders attending two urban New England middle schools. Aspects of the SES environment included parent demographic variables (e.g., income and education), neighborhood environment, and family home environment. Students completed 1 week of actigraphy to estimate sleep patterns. Results demonstrated that the timing and consistency of school-night sleep were associated with demographic and behavioral aspects of SES, whereas weekend sleep schedules were associated with demographic, behavioral, and neighborhood aspects of SES. Finally, regularity in school-night and weekend sleep schedules were associated with demographic and neighborhood aspects of SES.
Analysis of pharmacokinetic data using parametric models. II. Point estimates of an individual's parameters

This is the second in a series of tutorial articles discussing the analysis of pharmacokinetic data using parametric models. In this article the basic issue is how to estimate the parameters of such models. Primary emphasis is placed on point estimates of the parameters of the structural (pharmacokinetic) model. All the estimation methods discussed are least squares (LS) methods: ordinary least squares, weighted least squares, iteratively reweighted least squares, and extended least squares. The choice of LS method depends on the variance model. Some discussion is also provided of computer methods used to find the LS estimates, identifiability, and robust LS-based estimation methods.
The C-terminal domain of thrombospondin-1 induces vascular smooth muscle cell chemotaxis

Abstract Objective: Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), an acute-phase reactant implicated in vascular disease, is a 420-kd multifunctional glycoprotein chemotactic for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). TSP-1 has six domains of repeating homologous amino acid sequences: N-terminal, procollagen homology, type 1 repeat, type 2 repeat, type 3 repeat/RGD (T3), and C-terminal (COOH). The purpose of this experiment was to determine which domains of TSP-1 induce VSMC chemotaxis. Methods: A modified Boyden Chamber chemotaxis assay was used to assess VSMC migration. Serum-free medium, TSP-1, or each of the fusion proteins (10 and 20 μg/mL) synthesized for the different domains were placed in the bottom wells. Quiescent bovine aortic VSMCs (50,000) were placed in the top wells. After 4 hours at 37°C, migrated VSMCs were recorded as cells per five fields (400×) and analyzed with the paired t test. To verify the fusion protein data, we performed chemotaxis assays with antibodies to each of the domains (25 μg/mL) combined with TSP-1 (20 μg/mL) in the bottom wells and VSMCs in the top wells. Results: The COOH domain significantly stimulated VSMC chemotaxis ( P = P Conclusions: These results implicate the COOH domain as the portion of the TSP-1 molecule primarily responsible for VSMC chemotaxis. This experiment suggests that future strategies in the prevention of VSMC migration, an initial step in the development of vascular lesions, may involve selective inhibition of the COOH domain of TSP-1. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:595-600.)
Null alleles of the fourth component of complement and HLA haplotypes in familial systemic lupus erythematosus.

Eight families (121 individuals) with two or more members affected with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were analyzed for histocompatibility antigens (HLA-A, B, C, DR, MT, and MB) and complement antigens (C4A, C4B, and BF). These data were correlated with serological markers (antinuclear antibodies, single- and double-stranded anti-DNA, anti-SM, anti-nRNP, anti-Ro [SS-A], anti-La [SS-B], and biological false-positive tests for syphilis and clinical features. Fifteen members had SLE, and 19 had other immune diseases (subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, hypothyroidism, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, primary, Sjogren's syndrome, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis). Twenty-three healthy relatives (seroreactors) had significant titers of circulating antibodies, as did 2 of 17 spouses. There was an increased frequency of null C4 alleles in those individuals with SLE (60%) and healthy relatives (50%) as compared with spouses (24%). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between SLE and female sex (P=.006), whereas there was no significant association revealed between female sex and other immune diseases. Patients with SLE also had a higher frequency of either C4A or C4B null alleles (P=.01) than those with immune diseases. The C4A homozygous null phenotype was more common in SLE patients than in seroreactors (P=.02). There was a higher frequency of HLA-DR2 and DR3 in individuals with SLE than in those with immune disease (P=.08), seroreactors (P=.02) and normal relatives (P =.002). One totally C4-deficient patient with SLE was identified. These families demonstrate an important association between SLE and the C4 null allele and the HLA-DR2 and DR3. These risk factors, however, cannot account for the development of disease in all individuals.
An integrator for low absorbance samples in atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract An analog integrator for samples giving low absorbance in atomic absorption spectroscopy is described. Its performance is demonstrated by the use of aqueous solutions of cesium (0.5 μg ml -1 .
Sol Gel Derived Aluminum Nitride Thin Films Via the Nitridation of Alumina

Crystalline aluminum nitride thin films (~ 1200 A) were prepared via nitridation of amorphous aluminum oxide and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, oxygen resonance, Auger depth-profile analysis and ellipsometry. Precursor chemistry, heating rate, nitridation temperature and nitridation time were varied to explore the competition between densification, crystallization and nitridation. Oxygen content in the films decreased with increasing nitriding temperature or nitriding time. Heating rate was determined to have minimal effect on the oxygen content for the parameters evaluated. A modified Kissinger analysis of DTA data for the crystallization of α-Al2O3 yielded an effective activation energy of ~104 kcal/mol.
Evaluation of the InFocus TVT-6000 LCTV

Liquid crystal televisions have become increasingly popular as low-cost spatial light modulators. While the early devices suffered from poor resolution and low contrast, recent models compare favorably to the more traditional (and expensive) modulators. One of the most recent LCTVs is found in the InFocus TVT-6000 television projector. The panels in this projector have 480 X 440 pixels with a 1.32' diagonal clear aperture. A wavefront splitting interferometer has been constructed and analyzed for measuring the complex characteristics of these modulators, including phase and amplitude coupling. The results of this evaluation will be presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Differential activities in adhesion and neurite growth of fibronectin type III repeats in the PTP-δ extracellular domain

Abstract The full-length extracellular domain (ECD) of protein tyrosine phosphatase δ (PTP-δ) functions as a ligand to promote cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth; this ECD contains three immunoglobulin (Ig) repeats and eight fibronectin type III (FN III) repeats. However, it is not known which regions of the ECD regulate its ligand functions. Therefore, we constructed and expressed a fusion protein of the PTP-δ ECD lacking FN III repeats 4–8, and tested this protein for neuronal adhesion and neurite-promoting ability. Compared to the full-length isoform, the truncated ECD was poorer at promoting adhesion, but a more potent promoter of neurite growth. The results suggest that distal FN III repeats of PTP-δ are important in adhesive functions, but dispensable for neurite outgrowth promotion. As the predominant isoform of PTP-δ during neural development (type D) also lacks distal FN III repeats, the functional properties we observe may be relevant to periods of axon extension, suggesting that splice variants of receptor PTPs play distinct roles in neural development.
The subjective mode of comparison: Metalinguistic comparatives in Greek and Korean

In this paper, we present a striking parallel between Greek and Korean in the formation and interpretation of metalinguistic comparatives. The initial observation is that both languages show an empirical contrast between ordinary and metalinguistic comparatives realized in two places: (a) in the form of a designated metalinguistic comparative MORE, and (b) in the form of THAN employed. We propose (building on earlier ideas in Giannakidou and Stavrou 2009; Giannakidou and Yoon 2009) that the metalinguistic comparative is subjective and attitudinal, i.e. it introduces the point of view of an individual towards a sentence—and argue that the individual expresses invariably an attitude of preference: she prefers one sentence (the sentence itself, or the proposition it expresses) in a given context over another. The preference may come out as completely negative in certain cases, and this is manifested as yet another MORE lexicalization in Korean (charari), which selects nuni-THAN, which itself carries a negative expressive index (in the sense of Potts 2007b), we will claim. Expressive negativity is not equivalent to negation in syntax, as nuni alone cannot license NPIs that need negation. If our analysis is correct, it has one important implication that goes beyond just the metalinguistic comparatives in the individual languages we are considering. It allows the generalization that metalinguistic functions in language are indeed part of the grammar. In particular, they are reflexes of grammaticalization of perspective and subjective mode, on a par with predicates of personal taste discussed by Lasersohn (2005, 2008, 2009), mood choice, and similar phenomena. In comparatives, subjective mode is manifested as an attitude of preference, with possible addition of expressive meaning.
The coloring and maximum independent set problems on planar perfect graphs

Efficient decomposition algorithms for the weighted maximum independent set, minimum coloring, and minimum clique cover problems on planar perfect graphs are presented. These planar graphs can also be characterized by the absence of induced odd cycles of length greater than 3 (odd holes). The algorithm in this paper is based on decomposing these graphs into essentially two special classes of inseparable component graphs whose optimization problems are easy to solve, finding the solutions for these components and combining them to form a solution for the original graph. These two classes are (i) planar comparability graphs and (ii) planar line graphs of those planar bipartite graphs whose maximum degrees are no greater than three. The same techniques can be applied to other classes of perfect graphs, provided that efficient algorithms are available for their inseparable component graphs.
Adherence: a matter of self‐efficacy and power

This paper examines the relationship between self-efficacy and social power (expert and referent) and how the application of this relationship, leads to client adherence and compliance. Referent power is defined, including methods that health care professionals may use to develop and apply referent power. Expert power is defined and addressed in the context of referent power, self-esteem and self-efficacy as a means of promoting adherence. Self-efficacy as a concept is defined and explored in the context of social power. The relationships between self-efficacy and social power (expert and referent) are shown as important determinants of adherence and compliance. The theory of the application of referent and expert power in relationship with self-efficacy has been compared with an effective programme, yielding high compliance, at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, showing the theory's relevance and applicability in determining compliance. Explored are the reasons for non-compliance in the elderly population and how the theory model can remedy these detriments for compliance. The empowerment of elderly patients through the application of this theory to medication compliance is examined. The determination of adherence and compliance is shown by the application of the relationship between self-efficacy and both expert and referent power.
Local circadian clock gates cell cycle progression of transient amplifying cells during regenerative hair cycling

Regenerative cycling of hair follicles offers an unique opportunity to explore the role of circadian clock in physiological tissue regeneration. We focused on the role of circadian clock in actively proliferating transient amplifying cells, as opposed to quiescent stem cells. We identified two key sites of peripheral circadian clock activity specific to regenerating anagen hair follicles, namely epithelial matrix and mesenchymal dermal papilla. We showed that peripheral circadian clock in epithelial matrix cells generates prominent daily mitotic rhythm. As a consequence of this mitotic rhythmicity, hairs grow faster in the morning than in the evening. Because cells are the most susceptible to DNA damage during mitosis, this cycle leads to a remarkable time-of-day–dependent sensitivity of growing hair follicles to genotoxic stress. Same doses of γ-radiation caused dramatic hair loss in wild-type mice when administered in the morning, during mitotic peak, compared with the evening, when hair loss is minimal. This diurnal radioprotective effect becomes lost in circadian mutants, consistent with asynchronous mitoses in their hair follicles. Clock coordinates cell cycle progression with genotoxic stress responses by synchronizing Cdc2/Cyclin B-mediated G2/M checkpoint. Our results uncover diurnal mitotic gating as the essential protective mechanism in highly proliferative hair follicles and offer strategies for minimizing or maximizing cytotoxicity of radiation therapies.
The Impact of Corporate Practices on Health: Implications for Health Policy

Although corporate practices play a substantial role in shaping health and health behavior, public health researchers have rarely systematically studied these practices as a social determinant of health. We consider case studies of three products - trans fat, a food additive and a preservative; Vioxx, a pain killer; and sports utility vehicles - to illustrate the role of corporate policies and practices in the production of health and disease and the implications for health policy. In recent years, public health advocates, researchers, and lawyers have used strategies to reduce the adverse health impact of corporate practices. Systematic analysis of these experiences yields insights that can guide the development of health policies that increase opportunities for primary prevention by discouraging harmful corporate practices.
Structural determinants of constitutive androstane receptor required for its glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein-1-mediated nuclear accumulation

Nuclear translocation of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a primary mechanism for the induction of cytochrome P450 genes by phenobarbital (PB). We have shown that exogenous expression of the p160 coactivator glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein-1 (GRIP1) in hepatocytes in vivo can mediate PB-independent nuclear accumulation of murine CAR (mCAR). To understand the mechanism of this PB-independent nuclear accumulation, we have examined the mCAR structural determinants of its GRIP1-mediated nuclear localization. Mutations of the xenobiotic response sequence (XRS), which had been shown to block PB-dependent nuclear translocation of human CAR in mouse hepatocytes in vivo, also blocked GRIP1-mediated nuclear accumulation of mCAR in mouse hepatocytes in vivo and further blocked nuclear localization in cultured HepG2 cells. A leucine 326 XRS mutant retained partial transcriptional activity, but mutations of three leucines in the XRS eliminated transcriptional activity in HepG2 cells, suggesting that the translocation function of the XRS overlaps with transcriptional functions. Mutation of the activation function 2 motif, by deletion of the C-terminal 8 amino acids, also reduced nuclear localization by both PB treatment and GRIP1 expression in hepatocytes in vivo, suggesting that either interaction with GRIP1 through this motif or active CAR was required for the nuclear localization. The localization of a DNA-binding domain mutant was essentially unchanged by coexpression of GRIP1, although without GRIP1 coexpression, this mutant expressed exhibited a more nuclear localization compared with wild type. The results are most consistent with a model in which GRIP1 interaction and activation of mCAR in the nucleus result in retention and accumulation of mCAR in the nucleus in untreated animals. The model requires that mCAR is constantly shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm even in untreated animals in which mCAR is predominantly cytoplasmic.
Quantitation of proton NMR spectra of the human brain using tissue water as an internal concentration reference

The use of cerebral water as an internal intensity standard for the quantitation of spatially localized proton spectra of the human brain is investigated. The method is validated on standard samples of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and lactate, and possible sources of error are discussed. Using the STEAM pulse sequence, concentrations of choline, creatine and NAA in frontal lobe white matter are found to be 1.9 +/- 0.5, 10.6 +/- 1.3 and 16.6 +/- 2.3 mumol/g wet wt, respectively, in 10 normal volunteers. In the thalamus, the concentrations are 2.0 +/- 0.4, 11.6 +/- 2.0 and 17.2 +/- 1.3 mumol/g wet wt, respectively. Choline and creatine concentrations are in good agreement with conventional biochemical values: NAA concentrations are found to be three-fold higher, suggesting overlap of the NAA signal with other compounds. Quantitation relative to tissue water is a convenient and rapid means of quantitating proton spectra of the human brain.
Immortalization and characterization of proximal tubule cells derived from kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats

Immortalization and characterization of proximal tubule cells derived from kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats. Epithelial cell lines from the proximal tubule of SHR and WKY rats were generated by microdissection, cell growth on 3T3 cell feeder layers, and transduction of the SV40 large T-antigen gene. The cell lines that formed confluent, electrically-resistive monolayers (basal conductance 1 to 20 mS/cm 2 ) were selected for further study. Of these, cell lines generated from one rat did not show evidence of T-antigen expression or integration, and apparently immortalized spontaneously. Cell lines from three other rats expressed high levels of T-antigen, and showed evidence of integration of one or more copies of T-antigen. All cell lines formed polarized monolayers with apical microvilli, tight junctional complexes, and convolutions of the basolateral plasma membrane. Most cell lines grew in the absence of extracellular glucose indicating a capacity for gluconeogenesis. Sodium succinate cotransport and P 2 -purinergic receptor mediated signaling were demonstrated in all lines tested. The cell lines also showed that Na/H exchanger activity is regulated by angiotensin II. The results indicate that these cell lines express a proximal tubular phenotype, and are morphologically and functionally similar to primary cultures. These rat cell lines represent a new, potentially useful cell model for elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of genetic differences in proximal tubule Na + reabsorption.
A slipped replication intermediate model is stabilized by the syn orientation of N-2-aminofluorene- and N-2-(acetyl)aminofluorene-modified guanine at a mutational hotspot.

The Escherichia coli NarI restriction enzyme recognition site 5'G1G2C3G4C5C63' is a mutational hotspot for -2 deletions in E. coli plasmid pBR322, resulting in the sequence 5'GGCC3' when G4 is modified by the aromatic amine N-2-(acetyl)aminofluorene (AAF) [Burnouf, D., Koehl, P., and Fuchs, R. P. P. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86, 4147-4151] even though each G shows similar reactivity [Fuchs, R. P. P. (1984) J. Mol. Biol. 177, 173-180]. Modification at G4 by the related aromatic amine 2-aminofluorene (AF), which lacks the acetyl group of AAF, can also cause -2 deletions, but at a lower frequency [Bichara, M., and Fuchs, R. P. P. (1985) J. Mol. Biol. 183, 341-351]. A specific mechanism has been proposed to explain the double-base frameshifts in the NarI sequence in which the GC deletion results from a slipped mutagenic intermediate formed during replication [Schaaper, B. M., Koffel-Schwartz, N., and Fuchs, R. P. P. (1990) Carcinogenesis 11, 1087-1095]. We address the following key questions in this study. Why does AAF modification dramatically increase the mutagenicity at the NarI G4 position, and why does AAF enhance the mutagenicity more than AF? We studied two intermediates which model replication at one arm of a fork, using a fragment of DNA modified by AF or AAF at G4 in the NarI sequence: Intermediate I can be converted into intermediate II by misalignment. Elongation of intermediate I leads to error-free translesion synthesis, while elongation of intermediate II leads to a -2 frameshift mutation. Minimized potential energy calculations were carried out using the molecular mechanics program DUPLEX to investigate the conformations of the AF and AAF adducts at G4 in these two intermediates. We find that the slipped mutagenic intermediate is quite stable relative to its normally extended counterpart in the presence of AF and AAF in an abnormal syn orientation of the damaged base. An enhanced probability of elongation from a stable slipped structure rather than a properly aligned one would favor increased -2 frameshift mutations. Furthermore, AAF-modified DNA has a greater tendency to adopt the syn orientation than AF because of its greater bulk, which could explain its greater propensity to cause -2 deletions in the NarI sequence.
Acute and chronic hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction: a central role for endothelin-1?

In the pulmonary circulation, a decrease in oxygen tension results in the development of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), although the exact mechanism by which HPV occurs remains unclear. Evidence gathered from many laboratories suggests that while pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) can sense and respond to changes in oxygen tension, full expression of HPV requires modulating influences from the endothelium. In this review, we propose a model of HPV, based on recent studies from our laboratory, in which endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoactive peptide released from the endothelium, plays a central role and discuss how this model may be involved in the long-term adaptation to hypoxia.
A stochastic-dynamic model for the spatial structure of forecast error statistics

The present investigation is concerned with the presentation of a simplified model of the spatial structure of forecast error statistics, a comparison of the model with actual numerical weather prediction results, and the extent to which simplifying assumptions made in the model are justified. A stochastic-dynamic model is derived for the spatial structure of the global atmospheric mass-field forecast error. The model states that the relative potential vorticity of the forecast error is random. The covariance function of the model's solutions is found to be governed by a simple deterministic equation. The agreement between the stochastic model and actual mass-field forecast errors fields for 12-36 h periods validates the assumptions on which the model is derived. Within this period, the difference between the potential voriticity fields of the atmosphere and of the numerical forecasts used in the comparison is well represented by white noise.
Butterfly under a pin: Exploring the voices and stories told of faculty who adopt ICT's for teaching and learning practices

The purpose of this preliminary study was to qualitatively explore the lived experiences of faculty who adopt ICT in a higher education setting for teaching and learning purposes. Respondents represented a wide range of academic positions. The analysis of data identified organizational support, adequate and quality resources, faculty development, and administration, leadership, and change as emerging themes affecting the faculty ability to adopt information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning purposes. Evidence from this study offers insight into how higher education administrators may support their faculty to implement appropriate ICT tools and strategies to improve teaching and learning practices.
Intramural myocardial shortening in hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy with normal pump function.

BACKGROUNDIn hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), intrinsic myocardial systolic function may be normal or depressed. Magnetic resonance tagging can depict intramural myocardial shortening in vivo.METHODS AND RESULTSTagged left ventricular magnetic resonance images were obtained in 30 hypertensive subjects with LVH (mean LV mass index, 142 +/- 41 g/m) and normal ejection fraction (mean, 64 +/- 9%) using spatial modulation of magnetization. In 26 subjects, circumferential myocardial shortening (%S) was compared with results obtained in 10 normal subjects at endocardium, midwall, and epicardium on up to 4 short-axis slices each. Similarly, in 10 subjects, midwall long-axis shortening at basal, midventricular, and apical sites was compared with results obtained in 12 normal volunteers. Circumferential %S was reduced in hypertensive subjects. Mean shortening was 29 +/- 6% at the endocardium in hypertensive subjects versus 44 +/- 6% in normal subjects (P = .0001); 20 +/- 6% at the midwall versus 30 ...
Trust in Renaissance Electoral Politics

Medieval Italian political culture was founded on a general mistrust of the candidates for public office. Officials attempted to counteract what they perceived as a natural tendency toward corruption by instituting complex voting strategies designed to make chance the deciding factor in elections. This point has important ramifications for recent theories concerning the origins of social capital and civic society.
Multiobjective optimization strategies for linear gradient chromatography

The increase in the scale of preparative chromatographic processes for biopharmaceutical applications now necessitates the development of effective optimization strategies for large-scale processes in a manufacturing setting. The current state of the art for optimization of preparative chromatography has been limited to single objective functions. Further, there is a lack of understanding of when to use a particular objective, and how to combine and/or prioritize mutually competing objectives to achieve a true optimal solution. In this paper, these limitations are addressed by using a physical programming– based multiobjective optimization (MO) strategy. A set of Pareto solutions are first generated for model protein separations for both bi-objective (production rate and yield) and tri-objective (production rate, yield, and product pool concentration) scenarios. These Pareto frontiers are used to visualize the Pareto optimal surface for different components with various purity constraints and provide a qualitative framework to evaluate the optimal solutions. A physical programming– based multiobjective framework is then used for the quantitative evaluation of the optimal solutions for tertiary protein mixtures. This enables the interpretation of results for different sets of hierarchy and priority values assigned to the objective functions and constraints for the chromatographic processes. This novel multiobjective optimization approach computes the tradeoffs between the conflicting design objectives and helps in choosing an operating condition from infinite feasible optimal solutions. The combined quantitative and visualization framework presented in this paper sets the stage for the development of true optimal solutions for complex nonlinear preparative separations. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 511–525, 2005
Relationships among maladaptive cognitive content, dysfunctional cognitive processes, and borderline personality features.

Previous research has demonstrated that maladaptive cognitive content, including dysfunctional attitudes and negative automatic thoughts, is associated with emotional distress. Similarly, dysfunctional cognitive processes, including thought suppression and rumination, have been shown to intensify psychological difficulties. Although maladaptive cognitive content and dysfunctional processes have been linked to borderline personality disorder (BPD), most research has been conducted with Axis I disorders. This study examined the incremental validity of dysfunctional cognitive content and processes in predicting BPD symptom severity, controlling for trait negative affect, in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 85), including many with high levels of BPD features. Although nearly all variables were significantly correlated with BPD features, final regression models suggest that rumination and thought suppression are stronger independent predictors of BPD features than automatic thoughts, dysfunctional attitudes, and trait negative affect. These results suggest the importance of targeting thought suppression and rumination in BPD. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe condition characterized by intense negative affect, unstable interpersonal relationships, and impulsive behavior. High levels of trait neuroticism are associated with BPD (Lynam & Widiger, 2001). Neuroticism is typically defined as a biologically based tendency to experience frequent and strong negative emotions in response to various sources of stress (Clark, 2005). Although there is considerable overlap between dimensions of normal personality and personality disorders, additional variance in these disorders remains unexplained. In BPD, high levels of neuroticism are believed to interact with the effects of an invalidating or traumatic childhood environment (Linehan, 1993) to create emotional instability, problematic relationships, and
The spectra of non-elliptic operators

We discuss the spectrum of the minimal operator corresponding to a constant coefficient partial differential operator onL p (E n ). We then study effects on the spectrum by various perturbations.
A single 8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine lesion in a TATA box prevents binding of the TATA binding protein and strongly reduces transcription in vivo.

Abstract 8,5′-Cyclo-2′-deoxypurine (cPu) lesions result from the action of the hydroxyl radical on DNA. These lesions represent a unique class of oxidative DNA lesions in that they are repaired by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway but not by base excision repair (BER) or direct repair. Previous work has shown that cyclopurines can block mammalian DNA and RNA polymerases. Thus, these lesions are of interest because of their potential role in the neurodegeneration as well as internal cancers observed in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) who lack the capacity to carry out NER. In the present work, we found that the S-isomer of 8,5′-cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine (cA) can prevent binding of the TATA binding protein (TBP) to the TATA box from the CMV promoter. To assess the functional importance of this effect in living cells, we transfected constructs containing a single cA in the CMV TATA box into XP cells to determine the effect of the lesion on gene expression in vivo. Using this approach, we found that the lesion reduced gene expression by approximately 75%. This effect was comparable to the effect of an inactivating mutation of the TATA box in the same promoter. These findings identify an additional biological effect of cyclopurine lesions in mammalian cells, which is the ability to interfere with transcription by preventing transcription factor binding to cognate recognition sequences. In addition, the approach we used in this study represents a novel method for assessing the effects of DNA lesions in non-transcribed sequences on gene expression in living cells.
Initial source evaluation of archaeological obsidian from the Kuril Islands of the Russian Far East using portable XRF

Obsidian artifacts recently have been recovered from 18 archaeological sites on eight islands across the Kuril Island archipelago in the North Pacific Ocean, suggesting a wide-ranging distribution of obsidian throughout the island chain over the last 2,500 years. Although there are no geologic sources of obsidian in the Kurils that are known to have been used prehistorically, sources exist in Hokkaido, Japan, and Kamchatka, Russia, the southern and northern geographic regions respectively from which obsidian may have entered the Kuril Islands. This paper reports on the initial sourcing attempt of Kuril Islands obsidian through the analysis of 131 obsidian artifacts. Data from this research were generated through the application of portable XRF technology, and are used to address research questions concerning prehis- toric mobility, exchange, and social networking in the Kuril Islands.
Epidemiology of menthol cigarette use in the United States.

Background: Approximately one-fourth of all cigarettes sold in the United States have the descriptor “menthol” on the cigarette pack. It is important to determine what socio-demographic factors are associated with smoking menthol cigarettes if indeed these types of cigarettes are related to smoking initiation, higher exposure to smoke constituents, nicotine dependence, or reduced smoking cessation. Methods: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducted a review of the scientific literature on this topic which we completed by adding more recently published articles via PubMed. We also conducted further data analyses using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the National Youth Tobacco Survey, the Monitoring the Future Survey, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to provide up-to-date information on this topic. Results: Menthol cigarettes are disproportionately smoked by adolescents, blacks/African Americans, adult females, those living in the Northeast of the United States and those with family incomes lower than $50,000. Based on self-reports of menthol cigarette use, menthol cigarette use among smokers have increased from 2004 to 2008. However, no increase was observed during these years for predominantly menthol brands like Newport™, Kool,™ and Salem™, however, this lack of significant trend may be due, at least in part, due to smaller numbers of smokers of specific brands or sub-brands, which provide estimates which are less precise. Conclusion: Menthol cigarettes are disproportionately smoked by groups of U.S. cigarette smokers. It is likely that other disparities in menthol cigarette use exist that we have not covered or have not been studied yet.
Scattering interactions between a cylinder and a strip

The monostatic scattering from an infinitely long, perfectly conducting cylinder and strip has been analyzed using the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD) including higher-order terms. This topic is of great interest in the study of target detection and identification in foliage. The importance of the different interactions between the tree and the target is investigated. Theoretical results are verified in the principal plane by comparison with a method of moments solution and experimental measurements. The resulting solution for the scattered fields is accurate and fast to compute. ISAR images are presented to illustrate the multiple interactions. >