cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and reconstitution of the ryanodine- and caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ release channel complex from muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Studies in our laboratory are directed towards obtaining a better understanding of the process of excitation-contraction coupling in muscle, primarily using purified membrane and protein preparations. In excitable tissues, release of Ca2+ ions can be triggered by a change in surface membrane potential (Ebashi, 1976), or it can occur via a chain of voltage-independent steps that involve agonist-induced formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and its subsequent binding and activation of an intracellular membrane receptor/channel complex, the IP3 receptor (Van Breemen and Saida, 1989). The voltage-dependent mechanism, commonly referred to as excitation -contraction (E-C) coupling, has been most extensively studied in skeletal and cardiac muscle. In striated muscle, rapid release of Ca2+ ions from the intracellular membrane compartment, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), is triggered by a surface membrane action potential that is thought to be communicated to the SR at specialized areas where the SR comes in close contact with tubular infoldings of the surface membrane (T-tubule). Spanning the gap between the two membrane systems are protein bridges (Peachey and Armstrong, 1983) which have been variously termed “feet” (Franzini-Armstrong, 1970), “bridges” (Somlyo, 1979), “pillars” (Eisenberg and Eisenberg, 1982), or “spanning” proteins (Caswell and Brandt, 1989), and are now believed to be identical with the ryanodine receptor or SR Ca2+ release channel complex (Fleischer and Inui, 1989; Lai and Meissner, 1989).
Recognizing Atypical Parkinsonisms: “Red Flags” and Therapeutic Approaches

The overlap of signs and symptoms between Parkinson's disease and the atypical parkinsonian syndromes, such as progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, corticobasal syndrome and dementia with Lewy bodies, can render clinical diagnoses challenging. The continued evolution of diagnostic criteria to reflect the increasingly recognized heterogeneous presentations of these diseases further complicates timely recognition and diagnosis. In this review, we provide a diagnostic approach to the classic atypical parkinsonian syndromes, with an emphasis on the key clinical and pathological features of each and the recognition of “red flags” in the setting of recent advances in diagnosis and treatment.
Methamphetamine-alcohol interactions in murine models of sequential and simultaneous oral drug-taking.

Abstract Background A high degree of co-morbidity exists between methamphetamine (MA) addiction and alcohol use disorders and both sequential and simultaneous MA-alcohol mixing increases risk for co-abuse. As little preclinical work has focused on the biobehavioral interactions between MA and alcohol within the context of drug-taking behavior, we employed simple murine models of voluntary oral drug consumption to examine how prior histories of either MA- or alcohol-taking influence the intake of the other drug. Methods In one study, mice with a 10-day history of binge alcohol-drinking [5,10, 20 and 40% (v/v); 2 h/day] were trained to self-administer oral MA in an operant-conditioning paradigm (10–40 mg/L). In a second study, mice with a 10-day history of limited-access oral MA-drinking (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L; 2 h/day) were presented with alcohol (5–40% v/v; 2 h/day) and then a choice between solutions of 20% alcohol, 10 mg/L MA or their mix. Results Under operant-conditioning procedures, alcohol-drinking mice exhibited less MA reinforcement overall, than water controls. However, when drug availability was not behaviorally-contingent, alcohol-drinking mice consumed more MA and exhibited greater preference for the 10 mg/L MA solution than drug-naive and combination drug-experienced mice. Conversely, prior MA-drinking history increased alcohol intake across a range of alcohol concentrations. Discussion These exploratory studies indicate the feasibility of employing procedurally simple murine models of sequential and simultaneous oral MA-alcohol mixing of relevance to advancing our biobehavioral understanding of MA-alcohol co-abuse.
Application of situational stimuli for examining the effectiveness of financial education: A behavioral finance perspective

Abstract The lack of financial education is often considered the reason for poor financial decision making abilities within the population. Many believe that this could be the consequence of lower rates of financial literacy among Americans. However, as financial education programs continue to become more pervasive, other scholars have argued that financial education may not be very effective in improving peoples’ financial decision making abilities. This study examines the role of situational stimuli on the delivery of financial education on investment related topics. The sample is comprised of college students who were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups for the empirical analyses of this study. Results from the experimental application of the three types of treatments when delivering investment related financial education, are presented. The findings indicate that investment-related financial education improves investment knowledge. Additionally, situational and conditional stimuli related to market uncertainty and volatility, and peer effects do not hinder this information processing and knowledge learning process. Findings shed light on the design and evaluation of national financial education programs for financial educators and policymakers.
MLL1 Promotes IL-7 Responsiveness and Survival during B Cell Differentiation

B lymphocyte differentiation is an exquisitely regulated homeostatic process resulting in continuous production of appropriately selected B cells. Relatively small changes in gene expression can result in deregulation of this process, leading to acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), immune deficiency, or autoimmunity. Translocation of MLL1 (KMT2A) often results in a pro-B cell ALL, but little is known about its role in normal B cell differentiation. Using a Rag1-cre mouse knock-in to selectively delete Mll1 in developing lymphocytes, we show that B cell, but not T cell, homeostasis depends on MLL1. Mll1-/- B progenitors fail to differentiate efficiently through the pro- to pre-B cell transition, resulting in a persistent reduction in B cell populations. Cells inefficiently transit the pre-BCR checkpoint, despite normal to higher levels of pre-BCR components, and rearranged IgH expression fails to rescue this differentiation block. Instead of IgH-rearrangement defects, we find that Mll1-/- pre-B cells exhibit attenuated RAS/MAPK signaling downstream of the pre-BCR, which results in reduced survival in physiologic levels of IL-7. Genome-wide expression data illustrate that MLL1 is connected to B cell differentiation and IL-7-dependent survival through a complex transcriptional network. Overall, our data demonstrate that wild-type MLL1 is a regulator of pre-BCR signaling and B cell differentiation and further suggest that targeting its function in pro-B cell ALL may be more broadly effective than previously anticipated.
The Dynamics of Two Dimensional Turbulence

The diffusive and spectral character of a decaying quasi two-dimensional turbulent field has been determined experimentally. The spectral slopes found are steeper than those expected from classical theories but comparable to those found in numerical simulation. The geometry of the resulting vorticity fields has been explored using the techniques of fractal geometry. A fractal description has been found to be a useful adjunct to the more conventional measures of turbulent activity.
Processing of Biopsy Specimens for Light and Electron Microscopy

Methods for the processing of biopsy specimens and tissues for light and electron microscopy are quite routine and have been discussed in detail elsewhere.1 , 5 The methods outlined briefly here should be helpful to pathologists and gastroenterologists who have a special interest in the histopathology of gastrointestinal mucosal lesions.
Two-sided unobservable investment, bargaining, and efficiency

Asymmetric information can lead to inefficient outcomes in many bargaining contexts. It is sometimes natural to think of asymmetric information as emerging from imperfect observation of previously taken actions (e.g., obtaining compliments or substitutes for the item being bargained over). How do such strategic investment choices prior to bargaining interact with the strategic problem of bargaining under private information? We focus on bilateral bargaining when players can make unobserved investments in the value of the item prior to their interaction. With two-sided hidden investment, strategic uncertainty induces a post-investment problem analogous to that in Myerson and Satterthwaite (J Econ Theory 29(2):265–281, 1983), and inefficiencies might be expected to arise. But, there are strong incentives to avoid investment levels that do not lead to trade and this must be anticipated by the other trader. This effect is shown to drive a form of unraveling; as a result in every equilibrium to the larger game the good ends up in the hands of the agent with the higher valuation.
College Student Motivation: An Interdisciplinary Approach to an Integrated Learning Systems Model

Based on an interdisciplinary approach and a learning systems perspective couched in a broad motivational framework, an integrated model of student academic achievement motivation is presented. The model shows the classroom environment is influenced by macro-environmental factors, and is specifically determined by the teacher and five structural factors which, in turn, influences students' achievement goal(s) choice, volition, and intrinsic outcomes. Students’ volition--moderated by their individual characteristics, expectancies, and outcomes' valence—leads to outcomes through goal achievements, with outcomes consequently influencing students’ attributional patterns. Discussions indicate utility of the model in understanding, analyzing, managing, and enhancing student motivation in classrooms.
Competition alters predicted forest carbon cycle responses to nitrogen availability and elevated CO 2 : simulations using an explicitly competitive, game-theoretic vegetation demographic model

Abstract. Competition is a major driver of carbon allocation to different plant tissues (e.g., wood, leaves, fine roots), and allocation, in turn, shapes vegetation structure. To improve their modeling of the terrestrial carbon cycle, many Earth system models now incorporate vegetation demographic models (VDMs) that explicitly simulate the processes of individual-based competition for light and soil resources. Here, in order to understand how these competition processes affect predictions of the terrestrial carbon cycle, we simulate forest responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration [ CO2 ] along a nitrogen availability gradient, using a VDM that allows us to compare fixed allocation strategies vs. competitively optimal allocation strategies. Our results show that competitive and fixed strategies predict opposite fractional allocation to fine roots and wood, though they predict similar changes in total net primary production (NPP) along the nitrogen gradient. The competitively optimal allocation strategy predicts decreasing fine root and increasing wood allocation with increasing nitrogen, whereas the fixed strategy predicts the opposite. Although simulated plant biomass at equilibrium increases with nitrogen due to increases in photosynthesis for both allocation strategies, the increase in biomass with nitrogen is much steeper for competitively optimal allocation due to its increased allocation to wood. The qualitatively opposite fractional allocation to fine roots and wood of the two strategies also impacts the effects of elevated [ CO2 ] on plant biomass. Whereas the fixed allocation strategy predicts an increase in plant biomass under elevated [ CO2 ] that is approximately independent of nitrogen availability, competition leads to higher plant biomass response to elevated [ CO2 ] with increasing nitrogen availability. Our results indicate that the VDMs that explicitly include the effects of competition for light and soil resources on allocation may generate significantly different ecosystem-level predictions of carbon storage than those that use fixed strategies.
Anatomical triangles defining routes to anterior communicating artery aneurysms: the junctional and precommunicating triangles and the role of dome projection.

OBJECTIVE Anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms are common intracranial aneurysms. Despite advances in endovascular therapy, microsurgical clipping remains an important treatment for aneurysms with broad necks, large size, intraluminal thrombus, complex branches, or previous coiling. Anatomical triangles identify safe corridors for aneurysm access. The authors introduce the A1-A2 junctional triangle and the A1-A1 precommunicating triangle and examine relationships between dome projection, triangular corridors of access, and surgical outcomes. METHODS Preoperative catheter and CT angiograms were evaluated to characterize aneurysm dome projection. Aneurysm projection was categorized into quadrants and octants. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were correlated to aneurysm dome projection and patient outcomes using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS A total of 513 patients with microsurgically treated ACoA aneurysms were identified over a 13-year period, and 400 had adequate imaging and follow-up data for inclusion. Surgical clipping was performed on 271 ruptured and 129 unruptured aneurysms. Good outcomes were observed in 91% of patients with unruptured aneurysms and 86% of those with ruptured aneurysms, with a mortality rate < 1% among patients with unruptured aneurysms. Increasing age (p < 0.01), larger aneurysm size (p = 0.03), and worse preoperative modified Rankin Scale score (p < 0.01) affected outcomes adversely. Aneurysms projecting superiorly and posteriorly required dissection in the junctional triangle, and multivariate analysis demonstrated worse clinical outcomes in these patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Anteriorly and inferiorly projecting aneurysms involve only the precommunicating triangle, are simpler to treat microsurgically, and have more favorable outcomes. Superior and posterior dome projections make ACoA aneurysms more difficult to visualize and require opening the junctional triangle. Added visualization through the junctional triangle is recommended for these aneurysms in order to facilitate dissection of efferent branch arteries, careful clip application, and perforator preservation. Dome projection can be determined preoperatively from images and can help anticipate dissection routes through the junctional triangle.
Femtoscopic Signature of Strong Radial Flow in High-multiplicity pp Collisions

We report on the results of the pion HBT radii for high-multiplicity pp collisions calculated in relativistic hydrodynamics. By comparison with the ALICE data, we make an estimate of he magnitude of the radial flow and initial size of the system.
Replication-Based Outer Bounds: On the Optimality of “Half the Cake” for Rank-Deficient MIMO Interference Networks

In order to gain new insights into multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) interference networks, the optimality of $\sum _{k=1}^{K} M_{k}/2$ (half the cake per user) degrees of freedom is explored for a $K$ -user MIMO interference channel where the cross-channels have arbitrary rank constraints, and the $k$ th transmitter and receiver are equipped with $M_{k}$ antennas each. The result consolidates and significantly generalizes results from prior studies by Krishnamurthy et al., of rank-deficient interference channels where all users have $M$ antennas; and by Tang et al., of full rank interference channels where the $k$ th user pair has $M_{k}$ antennas. The broader outcome of this paper is a novel class of replication-based outer bounds for arbitrary rank-constrained MIMO interference networks where replicas of existing users are added as auxiliary users and the network connectivity is chosen to ensure that any achievable scheme for the original network also works in the new network. The replicated network creates a new perspective of the problem, so that even simple arguments such as user cooperation become quite powerful when applied in the replicated network, giving rise to stronger outer bounds, than when applied directly in the original network. Remarkably, the replication-based bounds are broadly applicable not only to MIMO interference channels with arbitrary rank-constraints, but much more broadly, even beyond Gaussian settings.
CD8+ T-cells negatively regulate inflammation post-myocardial infarction.

We identified new mechanisms implicating CD8+ T-cells as regulators of the post-myocardial infarction (MI) wound healing process. Mice without functional CD8+ T-cells had improved cardiac physiolog...
Editor’s Note: Citizen Science During the Flint, Michigan Federal Water Emergency: Ethical Dilemmas and Lessons Learned

This Editor’s Note is about the article: Roy, S. and Edwards, M., 2019. Citizen Science During the Flint, Michigan Federal Water Emergency: Ethical Dilemmas and Lessons Learned. Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, 4(1), p. 12. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/cstp.154 .
A Review Comparing International Guidelines for the Management of Bullous Pemphigoid, Pemphigoid Gestationis, Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid, and Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita.

Autoimmune blistering disease management can be challenging as treatment modalities vary greatly and no single standard of care exists. We consolidated the recommendations of international management guidelines in order to provide optimal management suggestions to physicians. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE for published blistering disease management guidelines and consensus statements was conducted in November 2019. Search terms included “guideline or guidelines” or “consensus” and “pemphigoid” or “autoimmune blistering disease” or “epidermolysis bullosa acquisita”. We included guidelines from established dermatologic societies and expert consensus groups. We excluded literature reviews, guidelines established by an association without dermatologists, or those specific to a single treatment. Guidelines in all languages were considered. Eleven guidelines from dermatologic associations and consensus groups meeting our inclusion criteria were selected. Several differences between recommendations, most notably when to introduce adjuvants for refractory disease, were found in bullous pemphigoid. In mucous membrane pemphigoid, treatment was directed to the sites involved and managed with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants/biologics. There was no universal consensus on the first-line treatment for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, but a combination of immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neutrophil therapy was utilized. Comparison of the management guidelines revealed underrepresentation of guidelines from developing nations and key differences between the management styles among dermatologists from Europe and Asia. We attribute these discrepancies to the time elapsed between guidelines, regional differences, and demands of the local healthcare systems.
Baseline Drinking Patterns in Non-Treatment Seeking Problem Drinkers.

Aims Natural processes of change have been documented in treatment-seekers who begin to reduce their drinking in anticipation of treatment. The study examined whether non-treatment-seeking problem drinkers would engage in drinking reduction in anticipation of participating in a research study. Methods Non-treatment-seeking problem drinkers (n = 935) were culled from five behavioral pharmacology studies. Participants reported on their alcohol use during the past 30 days using the Timeline Followback. Cluster analysis identified distinct groups/clusters based on drinking patterns over the 30-day pre-visit period. The identified clusters were compared on demographic and clinical measures. Results Three distinct clusters were identified (a) heavy-decreasing drinking group (n = 255, 27.27%); (b) a moderate-stable drinking group (n = 353, 37.75%) and (c) low-stable drinking group (n = 327, 34.97%). The three clusters differed significantly on a host of measures including pre-visit drinking (age at first drink, drinking days, drinks per week, drinks per drinking day), alcohol use severity, alcohol craving, readiness for change, depression and anxiety levels. These differences were alcohol dose-dependent such that the heavier drinking group reported the highest levels on all constructs, followed by the moderate group, and the low drinking group last. Conclusions Baseline drinking patterns of non-treatment-seekers were generally stable and pre-visit reductions were only observed among the heavy drinking group. This generally stable pattern stands in contrast to previous reports for treatment-seeking samples. Nevertheless, the heavier drinking group, which is most similar to treatment-seekers, displayed pre-study drinking reduction. Overall, naturalistic processes of change may pose less of a threat to randomization and testing in this population.
Menopause as a Manifestation of Aging

Abstract This chapter explores the intersection of somatic aging with the effects of hormone-mediated ovarian aging. Menopause, which begins the year after the final menstrual period, marks the loss of ovarian function in female patients. In many aspects of health, from the cardiometabolic system to bone mineral density, this loss of estrogen amplifies the aging process. This chapter provides an overview of the menopause transition and the effects of estrogen deprivation on cardiovascular, metabolic, bone, cognition, and mood. The most recent trials studying the effects of hormone replacement therapy are included. We also provide an overview of hormonal, nonhormonal, and nonpharmacologic therapies for the treatment of menopause-related symptoms.
Urinary selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors across critical windows of pregnancy establishment: a prospective cohort study of fecundability and pregnancy loss

Objective To prospectively investigate the association of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure through critical windows of pregnancy establishment with fecundability and pregnancy loss. Design Prospective cohort study using longitudinal urine measurements of common SSRIs while women are actively trying to conceive. Setting Four clinical sites. Patient(s) A total of 1,228 women without uncontrolled depression/anxiety, attempting natural conception while participating in a randomized trial of preconception-initiated low-dose aspirin. Interventions(s) Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s) Urinary SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram/citalopram) were measured while trying to conceive and, for women who became pregnant, at weeks 0, 4, and 8 of pregnancy. Fecundability odds ratios and incidence of pregnancy loss and live birth were estimated. Result(s) A total of 172 women (14%) were exposed to SSRIs while trying to conceive. SSRI exposure was associated with 24% reduced fecundability, and accordingly, a nonsignificant 9% lower live birth incidence, with significantly lower live birth in fluoxetine-exposed women. SSRI exposure was not associated with subsequent pregnancy loss, whether exposure was before conception or at 0, 4, or 8 weeks of gestation, although estimates varied by specific SSRI drug. Conclusion(s) Women using SSRIs may have more difficulty becoming pregnant, and although SSRI exposure overall was not associated with pregnancy loss, fluoxetine deserves caution and future study. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT00467363
A case of pembrolizumab induced distal renal tubular acidosis

Immunotherapy has become a mainstay therapeutic in a variety of malignancies. Checkpoint inhibitors are used to enhance the endogenous immune response to target malignancy. The primary targets of c...
Development of an Endovascular Model of Pelvic Hemorrhage Using Volumetric Computed Tomography Validation.

PurposeUncontrolled pelvic hemorrhage from trauma is associated with mortality rates above 30%. The ability of an intervention to reduce blood loss from pelvic trauma is paramount to its success. T...
Terahertz anisotropic response of additively manufactured one-dimensional photonic crystals

A polymer-based, one-dimensional photonic crystal exhibiting anisotropic responses was demonstrated in the terahertz frequency range. The photonic crystal was composed of alternating compact and low-density polymethacrylate layers. The low-density layers consisted of sub-wavelength sized columns, which were slanted 45° with respect to the substrate surface normal to achieve form-birefringence. Normal incidence polarized terahertz transmission measurements were carried out for characterization of the fabricated photonic crystals in the range from 82 to 125 GHz. The experimental data revealed a 2 GHz shift in the center frequency of the photonic bandgap as a function of in-plane orientation, well demonstrating the anisotropic behavior of the fabricated crystal. The transmission data were analyzed using stratified optical layer model calculations. A good agreement was found between the relevant model parameters and the corresponding design parameters.
Lung transplantation: how we do it

Lung transplantation is considered the gold standard for patients with chronic end-stage pulmonary disease. However, due to the complexity of management and relatively lower median survival as compared to other solid organs, many programs across the world have been slow to adopt the same. In our institution, we started lung transplantation in September 1990. And since then, we performed close to 900 lung transplantations. Here, we describe in detail the operative steps adopted in our institution for a successful lung transplantation. There have been very few variations over the years. We believe that having a standardized technique is one of the important features for success of a lung transplant program.
Deregulation of NF-κB and its upstream kinases in cancer

The transcription factor NF-κB is known for its function in regulating immune and inflammatory responses. However, recent evidence suggests that NF-κB also plays a pivotal role in controlling cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell migration. Deregulated activation of NF-κB has been observed in various cancers. Over the past few years, significant progress has been made to elucidate the mechanisms of NF-κB activation in both normal and cancer cells. Notably, a large number of protein kinases have been shown to stimulate NF-κB activity under different conditions, and some of these kinases are aberrantly activated in cancer cells. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge of NF-κB activation, with a focus on the NF-κB-activating kinases and their roles in cancer formation.
MEASUREMENT INVARIANCE AND THE ROLE OF BODY CONSCIOUSNESS IN DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS

The purposes of this article are threefold: (a) to test measurement invariance of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS), a central tool for testing objectification theory, across men and women, given that measurement invariance is a prerequisite for gender comparisons; (b) to examine the mediating role of body shame in the link between body surveillance and depressive symptoms for both men and women; and (c) to investigate whether body surveillance and subsequent body shame could explain, at least in part, gender differences in depressive symptoms. Two studies were conducted with two college samples (N = 360 and 278). Results indicate that factor loadings of OBCS differed for the gender groups, revealing that body surveillance and body shame items for women and body control beliefs for men are more closely aligned with their intended latent factors. Our analyses also supported the proposed two mediation models: body shame mediated the relation between body surveillance and depressive symptoms fo...
First-principles electronic structure study of the quantum size effects in (111) films of δ -plutonium

First principles linear combinations of Gaussian-type orbitals-fitting function (LCGTO-FF) electronic structure calculations are used to study thickness dependencies in the surface energies and work functions of ultrathin (111) films of fcc $\ensuremath{\delta}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Pu}$, up to five layers thick. The calculations are carried out at both the scalar- and fully-relativistic (with and without spin-orbit coupling) levels of approximation. The surface energy is shown to be rapidly convergent, while the work function exhibits a strong quantum size effect for all thicknesses considered. The surface energy and work function of the semi-infinite solid are predicted to be $1.12\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}∕{\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ and $2.85\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$, respectively, for the fully-relativistic case. These results are in substantial disagreement with results from previous electronic structure calculations. The present predictions are in fair agreement with the most recent experimental data for polycrystalline $\ensuremath{\delta}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Pu}$, namely $0.91\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}∕{\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ and $3.1--3.3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$, for the surface energy and work function, respectively.
Interactions between spinach ferredoxin and other electron carriers: The involvement of a ferredoxin:Cytochrome c complex in the ferredoxin-linked cytochrome c reductase activity of ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase

Abstract The trinitrophenylation of a single amino group of spinach ferredoxin abolishes its ability to inhibit the diaphorase activity of the flavoprotein, ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.7.1); in contrast, the ability of ferredoxin to participate in the ferredoxin-linked cytochrome c reductase activity catalyzed by the flavoprotein is unaffected. Comparison with previously published results [Davis, D. J., and San Pietro, A. (1977) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 74 , 33–40]indicates that the site of interaction between ferredoxin and the flavoprotein resulting in inhibition if diaphorase activity is responsible for the spectrally observable 1:1 complex between the two proteins and is identical to the site of ferredoxin involvement in NADP photoreduction. The role of ferredoxin in the ferredoxin-linked cytochrome c reductase activity of the flavoprotein has been reexamined under conditions were the entire electron-accepting system (rather than just the ferredoxin component) is rate limiting. The data support a mechanism by which ferredoxin can bind either to the flavoprotein or to cytochrome c , and the ferredoxin:cytochrome c complex serves as the true substrate for reduction by the flavoprotein. Furthermore, Chromatographic evidence is presented for the formation of complexes between ferredoxin and cytochrome c .
X-Ray and Neutron Diffuse Scattering Measurements

Diffuse scattering from crystalline solid solutions is used to measure local compositional order among the atoms, dynamic displacements (phonons), and mean species-dependent static displacements. In locally ordered alloys, fluctuations of composition and interatomic distances break the long-range symmetry of the crystal within local regions and contribute to the total energy of the alloy. Local ordering can be a precursor to a lower temperature equilibrium structure that may be unattainable because of slow atomic diffusion. In addition to local atomic correlations, neutron diffuse scattering methods can be used to study the local short-range correlations of the magnetic moments. Interstitial defects, as opposed to the substitutional disorder defects described above, also disrupt the long-range periodicity of a crystalline material and give rise to diffusely scattered x rays, neutrons, and electrons. This article will concentrate on the use of diffuse x-ray and neutron scattering from single crystals to measure local chemical correlations and chemically specific static displacements. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of resonant (anomalous) x-ray techniques to extract information on atomic size from binary solid solutions with short-range order. Here the alloys have a well-defined average lattice but have local fluctuations in composition and displacements from the average lattice. In stoichiometric crystals with long-range periodicity, sharp superlattice Bragg reflections appear. If the compositional order is correlated only over short distances, the superlattice reflections are so broadened that measurements throughout a symmetry related volume in reciprocal space are required to determine its distribution. In addition, the displacement of the atom pairs (e.g., the A-A, A-B, and B-B pairs in a binary alloy) from the sites of the average lattice because of different atom sizes also contributes to the distribution of this diffuse scattering. By separating this diffuse intensity into its component parts—that associated with the chemical preference for A-A, A-B, and B-B pairs for the various near-neighbor shells and that associated with the static and dynamic displacements of the atoms from the sites of the average lattice—we are able to recover pair correlation probabilities for the three kinds of pairs in a binary alloy. The interpretation of diffuse scattering associated with dynamic displacements of atoms from their average crystal sites are discussed only briefly in this article. Keywords: diffuse scattering; x-ray diffuse scattering; neutron diffuse scattering; competitie methods; EXAFS; principles; crystalline solid solutions; chemical roder; bond distances; practical aspects; inelastic scattering resonant scattering; calibration; data analysis; initial interpretation; static displacements; method automation; sample preparation; problems; diffuse intensity; neutron magnetic scattering
Separation-Individuation and psychological adjustment in late adolescence

This study examined associations between several late adolescent separation-individuation issues (as assessed with the Separation-Individuation Test of Adolescence, SITA) and psychological adjustment (as assessed with the basic scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, MMPI and MMPI-2). Participants were 428 undergraduate college students (265 completed the MMPI and 163 completed the MMPI-2). For each SITA scale, participants were classified as “high scorers” or “low scorers” if they scored in the upper or lower thirds of the scale distributions, respectively. Findings revealed both quantitative and qualitative differences across the separation-individuation dimensions with respect to associations with the MMPI/MMPI-2. Overall, the separation anxiety, engulfment anxiety, and dependency denial scales were more highly associated with maladjustment than were the other SITA scales. The adjustment outcomes of various approaches to managing closeness and distance in interpersonal relationships during late adolescence are discussed.
Abnormal right ventricular size and ventricular septal motion after atrial septal defect closure: Etiology and functional significance

Postoperative echocardiogram often demonstrate persistent right ventricular dilatation and paradoxic ventricular septal motion after repair of an atrial septal defect. To determine the prevalence, causes and significance of these echocardiographic abnormalities, 31 patients were studied with catheterization and echocardiography before and after repair of an atrial septal defect. Before operation, every patient manifested right ventricular dilatation, and all but one had abnormal septal motion. After operation, right ventricular dilatation was noted in 24 (77%) and abnormal septal motion in 21 (68%) patients despite the absence of residual left to right shunting in 30 (97%). These echocardiographic abnormalities could be correlated with age at operation and length of postoperative follow-up study but did not correlate with the degree of preoperative right ventricular enlargement or with shunt size or right ventricular pressure before or after operation. There was no associated functional deficit as demonstrated by the normal maximal oxygen consumption in all 13 patients who underwent treadmill exercise testing 5 to 38 months after operation; these patients included 9 with persistent right ventricular enlargement and abnormal septal motion.
A critical analysis of racial difference with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosing, clinical outcomes and adverse effects in pediatric kidney transplant patients.

Jensen CJ, Shrivastava S, Taber DJ, Weimert NA, Shatat IF, Orak J, Chavin KD, Baliga PK. A critical analysis of racial difference with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosing, clinical outcomes and adverse effects in pediatric kidney transplant patients. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 534–540. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: There is paucity in the data examining the differences in mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dosing and outcomes among pediatric kidney transplant recipients (PKTX) between races. The aims of this study were as follows (i) to assess whether higher doses of MMF are being utilized in African American (AA) PKTX (ii) to determine whether there is a correlation between MMF dose and outcomes between races, and (iii) to assess the adverse effects of MMF between races. This study analyzed 109 PKTX who received MMF between 7/99 and 5/08. Demographics were similar between groups. Fewer AAs received kidneys from living donors (18% vs. 44%), spent more time on dialysis (1.0 vs. 0.5 yr), and had more human leukocyte antigen mismatches (4 vs. 3). MMF doses among AA patients were higher throughout the study, with statistical differences at week 4, month 3, and month 18. AA patients had significantly higher acute rejection rates and trended toward poorer graft survival; infections, adverse events from MMF and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease tended to be lower in the AA patients. AA PKTX received higher MMF doses within the first three yr post-transplant compared to their non-AA counterparts, yet demonstrate significantly more acute rejection episodes. Importantly, MMF caused fewer adverse events in AA patients, despite these patients receiving higher doses.
The Life you Can Save : acting now to End World Poverty

Ethics is about the basic choices we make and speaks to the challenges of what it means to live an ethical life. It is often defined as a good, a right, or a duty, and is considered in terms of the effects it has on the greatest number of people. Therefore, when one speaks about the moral obligation to eliminate global poverty, it is self-evident that the question of how we should approach this issue would arise.
The American Colonial Vineyard: An Economic Interpretation

This dissertation is essentially three distinct writings: the first a statement of hypotheses and findings; the second a bibliography, wherein the content of each source is annotated by an original numeric code system; and the third, an index to the bibliography-the index being entirely computer-produced according to a modified Keyword-in-Context (KWIC) data processing technique. The dissertation is a reexamination of the role of the commodity trade motive in the colonization of America. The text demonstrates that attempts to promote or to retard the development of a colonial American wine industry played a significant role in the Spanish, French, British, and Dutch colonial policies of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries. Further, it establishes the primacy of economic motives in the viticultural schemes of American colonization-a hypothesis in opposition to accepted climatic, socio-political theories. The text, too, develops a concept which I term commodity mercantilism. This concept stresses the ready availability of commodities-of naval stores, raw materials, and even luxury items such as wine-and the maintenance of a favorable commodity balance as criteria of successful mercantile policy. The following synopsis of early colonial ventures to establish vineyards for wine production in the Americas is a ready demonstration of this commodity-mercantilism concept. (1) The Spanish attempted viticulture in the West Indies prior to 1516 and in New Spain in 1524. The latter attempt was so successful that in 1595 the planting or renewal of vineyards was strictly forbidden in both the West Indies and in New Spain in order to protect the Spanish wine trade. (2) The French, at about the same time, contemplated establishing vineyards in Florida and in New France. A century later, viticulture in New France and in Louisiana was to be outlawed-the French, like the Spanish, fearing the competition of colonial wines. (3) English probings to develop viticulture in America were motivated by these French and Spanish restraints on wine production and by three other factors. The first of these was a 1567 French statute which ordered that two thirds of French lands be earmarked for grain, that land suitable for prairie not be given over to vines, and that the excess planting of vines be forbidden-all these measures directed at achieving
Interstate Redistribution of Population, 1850–1940

Since this country attained approximately its present continental boundaries nearly a century ago, vast shifts have occurred in the geographical pattern of its population. Immigration from abroad contributed many millions to the overall increase of more than 100,000,000 during the period 1850–1940; domestic migration carried settlement westward; and natural increase of the populations of different areas at differing ratios contributed a substantial but unmeasured element to geographical redistribution.
Sacrifice of Serpents: The Festival of Indrayani in Kathmandu

Sacrifice of Serpents: The Festival of Indrayani in Kathmandu. 1997. 108 minutes, color. video by Dirk Nijland. Balgopal Shresiha. and Bert Van Den Hoek. Institute of Cultural and Social Studies, Film Library, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands.
Crop yield and soil condition under ridge and chisel-plow tillage in the northern Corn Belt, USA

Abstract Ridge tillage is a special conservation tillage method, but the long-term effect of this tillage system on crop yield and soil quality in a corn ( Zea mays L.) and soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation is largely unknown in the northern Corn Belt of the USA. Our objectives were to compare crop performance and soil condition at three nitrogen-fertilizer levels under ridge tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT). The experiment was started in 1990 at Brookings, SD, on a Barnes clay loam (US soil taxonomy: fine-loamy, mixed Udic Haploboroll; FAO classification: Chernozem). CT included moldboard or chisel plowing, seedbed preparation with tandem disk and field cultivator, and row cultivation. Raised beds under RT were maintained using only row cultivation. Corn grain yield was significantly ( p ≤0.10) greater on CT than on RT. Average (11 years and three fertilizer-N rates) corn yield was 6267 kg ha −1 with RT and 6500 kg ha −1 with CT. Soybean grain yield was not significantly ( p ≤0.10) different between RT and CT. Average (11 years and three fertilizer-N rates) soybean yield was 1997 kg ha −1 with RT and 2058 kg ha −1 with CT. In 9 of 11 years there was a significant soybean-yield response to N-starter fertilizer. There was no significant accumulation of NO 3 -N in the top 3 m of soil at the end of 9 years in either tillage treatment (111 kg NO 3 -N ha −1 under RT and 121 kg NO 3 -N ha −1 under CT). Soil pH in the top 15 cm was unaffected by tillage (average pH was 6.62). In 1999, soil organic C in the top 0.2 m was significantly greater under CT (56 Mg ha −1 ) than under RT (52 Mg ha −1 ). Bulk density in the top 0.2 m was significantly greater under RT (1.52 g cm −3 ) than under CT (1.44 g cm −3 ). Tillage did not have a great effect on grain yield or soil properties. RT can protect soil from erosion because crop residues remain relatively undisturbed on the soil surface in contrast to chisel plow. In this respect, we expect RT to be more sustainable over the long term than chisel plow tillage.
Role for mitogen-activated protein kinase p38α in lung epithelial branching morphogenesis

In the early stages of lung development, the endoderm undergoes extensive and stereotypic branching morphogenesis. During this process, a simple epithelial bud develops into a complex tree-like system of tubes specialized for the transport and exchange of gas with blood. The endodermal cells in the distal tips of the developing lung express a special set of genes, have a higher proliferation rate than proximal part, undergo shape change and initiate branching morphogenesis. In this study, we found that of the four p38 genes, only p38 alpha mRNA is localized specifically to the distal endoderm suggesting a role in the regulation of budding morphogenesis. Chemical inhibitors specific for the p38 alpha and p38 beta isoforms suppress budding of embryonic mouse lung explants and isolated endoderm in vitro. Specific knockdown of p38 alpha in cultured lung endoderm using shRNA also inhibited budding morphogenesis, consistent with the chemical inhibition of the p38 signaling pathway. Disruption of p38 alpha did not affect proliferation or expression of the distal cell markers, Sox9 and Erm. However, the amount of E-cadherin protein increased significantly and ectopic expression of E-cadherin also impaired budding of endoderm in vitro. These results suggest that p38 alpha modulates epithelial cell-cell interactions and possibly cell rearrangement during branching morphogenesis. This study provides the first evidence that p38 alpha is involved in the morphogenesis of an epithelial organ.
Perhexiline: lessons for heart failure therapeutics.

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, mechanical work produced by the left ventricle to support the systemic circulation decreases over time despite relatively constant myocardial oxygen consumption. The resulting decrease in the ratio of mechanical work to oxygen consumed, or mechanical
New Directions in Drug Development: Mixtures, Analogues, and Modeling

Success in modern medical research is acheived when basic and clinical information about a given disorder converges, either intentionally or fortuitously, with the availability of technology or other means to design and apply interventions for the disorder in question. A prime example is the discovery of insulin and its replacement in patients with IDDM in 1923. Seven decades later, the focus of diabetes management is on improvement in metabolic control to forestall the chronic complications of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients with the disease. Metabolic control is being addressed through the development of insulin analogues using sophisticated techniques to understand the chemistry of insulin and to modify it using rDNA technology. The objective of these efforts is to simulate normal insulin secretion with subcutaneously injected agonists. Quality-of-life needs are being addressed with delivery devices, insulin mixtures, and insulin analogues. Although none of these improvements parallel the discovery of insulin, they do provide an optimistic outlook for patients with diabetes mellitus.