cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A review of starter media for cheese making

Abstract In the early days of the dairy industry, raw milk was used to grow starters for cheese making. To improve cheese quality, the raw milk eventually was replaced by selected producer's milk, NDM, and then pretested NDM. The use of pretested NDM eventually gave rise to the starter medium industry, and developments that followed were whey-based media, phage inhibitory media, media controlled externally for pH, and encapsulated time-released neutralizers. Finally, phage inhibitory media controlled internally for pH were developed wherein inert, insoluble neutralizer was solubilized in response to lactic acid produced by the starter bacteria, which allowed neutralization in response to varying rates of acid production by starters. This progress was initially made with starter media for mesophilic cultures, and the technology has now been applied to develop media for thermophiles. Performance examples of commercially available starter media for both mesophilic and thermophilic starters are given and discussed.
The benefits and dangers of electronic specialty consultation in person-centered medicine

The Center for Innovation at the Mayo Clinic has carried out an informative study of electronic consultations (eConsults) of specialists by primary care physicians in their integrated healthcare network, as reported in two papers in this issue [1,2]. The Mayo Clinic provides an excellent setting to evaluate the benefits and dangers of eConsults, because of its dedication to patient-centered care and because its primary care providers and specialists share a common electronic medical record (EMR) within a system of salaried employees.
A NOVEL RETINOID X RECEPTOR-INDEPENDENT THYROID HORMONE RESPONSE ELEMENT IS PRESENT IN THE HUMAN TYPE 1 DEIODINASE GENE

We identified two thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) in the 2.5-kb, 5'-flanking region of the human gene encoding type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase (hdio1), an enzyme which catalyses the activation of thyroxine to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3). Both TREs contribute equally to T3 induction of the homologous promoter in transient expression assays. The proximal TRE (TRE1), which is located at bp -100, has an unusual structure, a direct repeat of the octamer YYRGGTCA hexamer that is spaced by 10 bp. The pyrimidines in the -2 position relative to the core hexamer are both essential to function. In vitro binding studies of TRE1 showed no heterodimer formation with retinoid X receptor (RXR) beta or JEG nuclear extracts (containing RXR alpha) and bacterially expressed chicken T3 receptor alpha 1 (TR alpha) can occupy both half-sites although the 3' half-site is dominant. T3 causes dissociation of TR alpha from the 5' half-site but increases binding to the 3' half-site. Binding of a second TR to TRE1 is minimally cooperative; however, no cooperativity was noted for a functional mutant in which the half-sites are separated by 15 bp, implying that TRs bind as independent monomers. Nonetheless, T3 still causes TR dissociation from the DR+15, indicating that dissociation occurs independently of TR-TR contact and that rebinding of a T3-TR complex to the 3' half-site occurs because of its slightly higher affinity. A distal TRE (TRE2) is found at bp -700 and is a direct repeat of a PuGGTCA hexamer spaced by 4 bp. It has typical TR homodimer and TR-RXR heterodimer binding properties. The TRE1 of hdio1 is the first example of a naturally occurring TRE consisting of two relatively independent octamer sequences which do not require the RXR family of proteins for function.
The Effects of In-Service Training on Teachers' Beliefs and Practices in Children's Play.

Early childhood educators are often aware of the general importance of play in children's development; however, they are often less aware of how play can support both academic and social learning and what their own roles can be in children's play. In this study, we examined the effect that professional development training about play would have on early childhood teachers' beliefs about and practices in supporting play. Educators' beliefs did not change after training: they generally believed that play was relevant to both social and cognitive skill development and that play had many benefits both before and after their training. After training, teachers were more engaged with children during play and these roles were related to children's cognitive and social play categories. In a time of increasing academization of the early childhood years, these findings highlight the importance of providing professional development opportunities about play to early childhood professionals in order to remind and infor...
Somatic Copy Number Abnormalities and Mutations in PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Have Prognostic Significance for Overall Survival in Platinum Treated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Tumors

Background An integrative analysis was conducted to identify genomic alterations at a pathway level that could predict overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.
Beyond a single standard: levels of evidence approach for evaluating marriage and family therapy research and practice

Randomized clinical trial (RCT) research has come to dominate the research landscape of marriage and family therapy (MFT). Despite becoming the ‘gold standard’ for evaluating clinical research and clinical practices, there is a growing debate regarding the reliance on RCTs as the primary basis for evaluating clinical intervention in MFT. Given the natural diversity of clients, settings and clinical problems faced by practitioners and the relational and recursive interactional process of MFT, one of the major challenges for the field of MFT will be to come to grips with the research–practice gap by moving beyond a single methodological standard through adopting a ‘levels of evidence’ approach as a framework that promotes diverse research methods, different methodological criteria (depending on the method), and evaluation based on the accumulated type of evidence needed to answer a specific policy, clinical practice choice, or within a model clinical decision.
Hybrid Origin and Parentage of Dendrochilum acuiferum (Orchidaceae) Inferred in a Phylogenetic Context Using Nuclear and Plastid DNA Sequence Data

Abstract In this paper, molecular phylogenetic analyses were used to investigate a putative hybrid origin for Dendrochilum acuiferum, a species endemic to Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Phylogenetic analyses of the plastid (pt) accD-psaI intergenic spacer region and a unique shared 117 bp indel indicate that D. grandiflorum and D. acuiferum are closely related. Direct sequencing of PCR products from the ITS 1 and 2 of the nuclear ribosomal repeat region revealed single site nucleotide polymorphisms in D. acuiferum that were additive between two hypothesized parents in addition to other sampled species. Dendrochilum acuiferum within-individual cloned ITS allelic sequence variants were analyzed in a phylogenetic context to determine the relative support for a hybrid (biphyletic) origin versus a nonhybrid (monophyletic) origin of the alleles. Because there was a significantly higher level of support for a hybrid origin of the alleles (P < 0.05), we subsequently compared likelihood scores for multiple paren...
Antiplatelet effect of dimethyl sulfoxide, barbiturates, and methyl prednisolone.

Abstract : Despite advances in instrumentation, suture materials, and operative techniques, thrombus formation at the anastomotic site in small vessels remains a major factor that compromises surgical results. Adjunctive pharmacological attempts to reduce thrombus formation intraoperatively have been studied, but the effectiveness of these agents remains to be established in microsurgery. The present study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the antiplatelet properties of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), pentobarbital, and methyl prednisolone in altering the thrombotic response inflicted by surgical trauma.
Synthesis and release of cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophospliate by aquatic macrophytes

Tissues from the aquatic macrophyte species Scirpus subterminalis, Najas flexilis, Ceratophyllum demcrsum, Potamogeton zosteriformis, and Nuphar advena contain cAMP in quantities similar to those reported in algae. Scirpus, Najas, and Ceratophyllum released cAMP into the extracellular media in quantities which varied interspecifically and intraspecifically in differing media. Macrophytic release of cAMP may be an important source of dissolved cAMP in lakewater.
Noise and information in interferometric cross correlators

We consider optical interferometric cross correlators based on broadband light sources. We derive the signal-to-noise ratio from basic principles and supply experimental evidence that corroborates the theoretical analysis. Noise sources are discussed, and the signal-to-noise ratio of our experimental system is measured.
Research on the Simulation of Airflow Field in Cyclone Separator Based on ANSYS

In this paper, we use ANSYS to simulate the cyclone separator, analysis the velocity of the internal airflow field, pressure distribution and temperature distribution. The result shows that the mainstream of a cyclone separator is double rotating flow, and in the outer downstream areas, with the increase of the radius, the airflow rate decreases accordingly; In the inside upstream region, flow velocity at the center is larger, while flow around is smaller relatively; Besides, the total pressure in the inport section of the cyclone is highest, and the pressure inside of the exhaust pipe is lowest. The mainstream of the airflow field is double-rotating in the cyclone flow; The distribution of airflow temperature is related to the flow field distribution.
Comparative reconstruction in Romance syntax

Abstract Although not always openly acknowledging that they do so, scholars in Romance linguistics have, ever since Diez' time, practised comparative reconstruction in phonology and morphology. 1 Thus, one reconstructs, for example, a nine-vowel system for Proto-Romance, or a set of verbal forms, e.g. in the present tense for ‘to wish’, . Neither in Romance nor in other fields has this type of reconstruction been practised on the syntactic level, especially in the last hundred or so years. In the earlier years of Indo-European comparative reconstruction, scholars were not so timid, and it is well known that August Schleicher reconstructed an entire fable in his version of Proto-Indo-European. 2 Cf. H. Pedersen, Linguistic Science in the Nineteenth Century (Cambridge, Mass., 1931), pp.268-269. Unfortunately, soon after Schleicher's time, it became evident that his reconstruction of I-E phonology was not satisfactory; from this, it was concluded, rather illogically, that the reconstruction of texts must be ...
Self-absorption of high-energy Gamma-rays in Cygnus X-3

Absorption of high-energy gamma-rays from Cyg X-3 in its own photon field by the reaction gamma + gamma yields e(+) + e(-) is considered. It is found that gamma rays with an energy around 10 to the 12th eV are attenuated, and the observed flux has to be corrected. Gamma rays with energy greater than 10 to the 15th eV which are observed are not affected by the photon field.
Predictors of long-term cardiac survival in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Abstract The predictors of 5-year cardiac survival in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) were analyzed in a series of 637 consecutive patients. The average age was 59 ± 11 years in 472 men and 165 women. Diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction and unstable angina were present in 119 (19%), 261 (41%) and 305 (47%) patients, respectively. Angiographically, 460 patients had 2-vessel and 177 patients had 3-vessel CAD. The left ventricular contraction score was ≥ 12 in 55 patients. Angiographic success ( In conclusion, left ventricular function was the most important determinant of cardiac survival in patients with multivessel CAD undergoing PTCA, independent of the clinical success of the procedure. Advanced age and diabetes mellitus were associated with additional risk in the overall group, but not in the successfully treated group. In patients with multivessel CAD, 5-year survival after PTCA is excellent in the absence of these adverse prognostic factors.
Urinary Incontinence Following Prostatectomy in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis

Summary— An unusual incidence of urinary incontinence was observed in patients with myasthenia gravis who required transurethral resection of the prostate for relief of obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy. This urinary incontinence was not observed in patients who had open prostatectomies (suprapubic and retropubic). The urinary incontinence did not appear to be related to the control of the underlying muscular disorder. It is suggested that the external sphincter in patients with myasthenia gravis may be more vulnerable to thermal changes that occur when a blended current is used during transurethral resection. If prostatectomy is required in a patient with myasthenia gravis, open surgery should be the procedure of choice. If a TURP is used, then a high frequency current is advised with prudent resection in the area of the prostatic apex.
Magnetic circular dichroism of DCPIP-oxidised Desulfovibrio vulgaris hydrogenase

Abstract Ni-free hydrogenases commonly exhibit a gav > 2 EPR spectrum in their most oxidised level. This spectrum has been linked with the active site and generally attributed to an oxidised HIPIP-type, [4Fe-4S]3+ cluster. We report the low temperature magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectrum of 2,6-dichlorophenolindo-phenol (DCPIP)-oxidised Desulfovibrio vulgaris hydrogenase (DvH2ase), which exhibits an axial gav > 2 EPR spectrum. Paramagnetic MCD is observed, which however is shown to arise from an EPR-silent, para-magnetic species with S > 1 2 . No evidence of paramagnetic MCD arising from the gav > 2 EPR-detectable species is obtained. We conclude that: (1) DCPIP-oxidised DvH2ase does not contain either a [4Fe-4S]3+ or an oxidised 3Fe cluster; (ii) an EPR-silent species with MCD characteristics somewhat similar to those of the oxidised ‘P’ clusters of the dye-oxidized iron-molybdenum protein of nitrogenase is present in DCPIP-oxidised DvH2ase; (iii) the MCD and EPR of the gav > 2 species exhibit characteristics in common with those of the gav > 2 species produced by Fe(CN)63− oxidation of the [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster of the 7Fe ferredoxin I of Azotobacter vinelandii [(7Fe)FdI). We suggest that the gav > 2 EPR signal of this and other hydrogenases arises from a species chemically analogous to that observed in (7Fe)FdI.
Topological mirror superconductivity.

We demonstrate the existence of topological superconductors (SCs) protected by mirror and time-reversal symmetries. $D$-dimensional ($D=1$, 2, 3) crystalline SCs are characterized by ${2}^{D\ensuremath{-}1}$ independent integer topological invariants, which take the form of mirror Berry phases. These invariants determine the distribution of Majorana modes on a mirror symmetric boundary. The parity of total mirror Berry phase is the ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ index of a class $DIII$ SC, implying that a $DIII$ topological SC with a mirror line must also be a topological mirror SC but not vice versa and that a $DIII$ SC with a mirror plane is always time-reversal trivial but can be mirror topological. We introduce representative models and suggest experimental signatures in feasible systems. Advances in quantum computing, the case for nodal SCs, the case for class $D$, and topological SCs protected by rotational symmetries are pointed out.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress triggers an acute proteasome‐dependent degradation of ATF6

ATF6, a 670 amino acid endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane glycoprotein with the electrophoretic mobility of a 90 kDa protein, is a key transcriptional activator of the unfolded protein response (UPR) that allows mammalian cells to maintain cellular homeostasis when the cells are subjected to a variety of environmental and physiological stress. Previous studies have established that ATF6 is a short-lived protein, the activation of which involves relocation from the ER to the Golgi where it is cleaved by the S1P/S2P protease system to generate a nuclear form that acts as a transcriptional activator for ER-stress inducible target genes such as Grp78/BiP. We report here that in addition to this process, ER-stress mediated by thapsigargin triggers an acute proteasomal degradation of the pre-existing pool of p90ATF6 independent of S1P/S2P cleavage. We showed that ATF6 is a direct target of proteasome-ubiquitin pathway, and this process can be suppressed by proteasome inhibitors, ALLN and MG115. We further observed that in non-stressed cells, p90ATF6 can be stabilized by MG115 but not ALLN and that treatment of cells with MG115 results in Grp78 induction in the absence of ER stress. These studies suggest that ER-stress induced acute, transit degradation of p90ATF6 could represent a novel cellular defense mechanism to prevent premature cell death resulting from p90ATF6 activation. Further, inhibition of proteasome activity can result in chaperone protein gene induction through stabilization of p90ATF6 as well as accumulation of malfolded proteins.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Dehydroepiandrosterone Levels Are Correlated with Brain Dehydroepiandrosterone Levels, Elevated in Alzheimer’s Disease, and Related to Neuropathological Disease Stage

Objective: It is currently unknown whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurosteroid levels are related to brain neurosteroid levels in humans. CSF and brain dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels are elevated in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but it is unclear whether CSF DHEA levels are correlated with brain DHEA levels within the same subject cohort. We therefore determined DHEA and pregnenolone levels in AD patients (n = 25) and cognitively intact control subjects (n = 16) in both CSF and temporal cortex. Design: DHEA and pregnenolone levels were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry preceded by HPLC. Frozen CSF and temporal cortex specimens were provided by the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Duke University Medical Center. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test statistic and Spearman correlational analyses. Results: CSF DHEA levels are positively correlated with temporal cortex DHEA levels (r = 0.59, P < 0.0001) and neuropathological disease stage (Braak and Braak) (r = 0....
Solidification behaviour of laser welded type 21Cr–6Ni–9Mn stainless steel

AbstractThe solidification mode and microstructures were characterised for various processing parameters for laser welding 21Cr–6Ni–9Mn stainless steel. Two heats with varying nitrogen content showed both primary ferrite and primary austenite solidification. Weld ferrite content varied from 1 to 11 vol.-%, and decreased as travel speed increased. Base metal nitrogen content affected both solidification mode and weld ferrite content. Nitrogen loss from the weld pool was found to range from 10 to 45%, and decreased with increasing travel speed. Solidification mode was dependent on both chemical composition and processing parameters. The solidification mode shifted from primary ferrite to primary austenite as travel speed increased due to increased undercooling. Solidification mode varied within welds with constant nitrogen content, and the change in solidification mode was attributed to changes in undercooling along the weld cross-section. It is proposed that the variation of solidification mode with underc...
Analysis of the computed-tomography imaging spectrometer by singular-value decomposition

A linear spatially variant imaging system, such as the computed-tomography imaging spectrometer (CTIS), is naturally described by means of a system matrix that represents the mapping from object space (three dimensional, in this case) to image space (two-dimensional). Such a matrix can be analyzed to reveal a set of vectors {u} that span the object space. In addition, a spectrum of singular values is obtained that defines the contribution of each vector u to the image space. We present the results of such an analysis for two simulated CTIS systems, each with a different number of dispersed images, and an experimental CTIS. The structure of the vectors is consistent with expectations due to the central-slice theorem.
Barriers to clean development mechanism renewable energy projects in Mexico

Mexico is not reaching its full potential to capture benefits from clean development mechanism (CDM) projects because of its limited market for independent power producers (IPPs) and the barriers imposed on these entities by the state-run electric utility that controls most of the country's generation and transmission. This state-run entity has pursued CDM revenues only in isolated cases where international financial assistance was given because it is bound by law to pursue the least-cost generation option for its customers. Recent changes in Mexican legislation that provide incentives for renewable energy development could open the marketplace for these types of projects.
Three Poems from the Alps

In his typology of ethnographic genres, John Gatewood (1984) catalogs nine prose forms used to convey the reality of the lives of others. Yet, of all rhetorical modes, poetry may be the most immediate and moving. Indeed, if we accept the dictionary definition of poetry as "a composition designed to convey a vivid and imaginative sense of experience, characterized by the use of metaphor and other condensed forms of language," then we may discover that those whom we study are often speaking, if not always writing, poetry. If this is so, then by neglecting the poetic voice, our ethnographies may be—as Gatewood suggests—"in danger of omitting great portions of the human experience" (1984:8). Reciprocally, the inclusion within our ethnographies of poetry—both that composed by those whom we have studied ("ethnopoetry") and that which we ourselves have written ("anthropological poetry")—may serve as "meditations on our common humanity" (Fratto 1982:18).
Evaluation of luciferase and GFP-expressing Nipah viruses for rapid quantitative antiviral screening.

Nipah virus (NiV) outbreaks have occurred in Malaysia, India, and Bangladesh, and the virus continues to cause annual outbreaks of fatal human encephalitis in Bangladesh due to spillover from its bat host reservoir. Due to its high pathogenicity, its potential use for bio/agro-terrorism, and to the current lack of approved therapeutics, NiV is designated as an overlap select agent requiring biosafety level-4 containment. Although the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and soluble protein subunit vaccines have shown great promise, the paucity of effective antiviral drugs against NiV merits further exploration of compound libraries using rapid quantitative antiviral assays. As a proof-of-concept study, we evaluated the use of fluorescent and luminescent reporter NiVs for antiviral screening. We constructed and rescued NiVs expressing either Renilla luciferase or green fluorescent protein, and characterized their reporter signal kinetics in different cell types as well as in the presence of several inhibitors. The 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) derived for inhibitors against both reporter viruses are within range of EC50s derived from virus yield-based dose-response assays against wild-type NiV (within 1Log10), thus demonstrating that both reporter NiVs can serve as robust antiviral screening tools. Utilizing these live NiV-based reporter assays requires modest instrumentation, and circumvents the time and labor-intensive steps associated with cytopathic effect or viral antigen-based assays. These reporter NiVs will not only facilitate antiviral screening, but also the study of host cell components that influence the virus life cycle.
Formation of and Coalescence from the Inclusion Complex of a Biodegradable Block Copolymer and α-Cyclodextrin: A Novel Means To Modify the Phase Structure of Biodegradable Block Copolymers

A well-defined biodegradable block copolymer (PCL-b-PLLA, Mn = 1.72 × 104, Mw/Mn = 1.37) of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) was synthesized by a two-step ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone and l-lactide. Furthermore, we found that α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) molecules may simultaneously thread onto both PLLA and PCL blocks of PCL-b-PLLA to form an inclusion complex (IC). Washing the copolymer−α-CD IC with hot water removed the α-CD, and the copolymer chains were coalesced. Very interestingly, the coalesced copolymer sample shows a great suppression in microphase separation, compared with the as-synthesized copolymer. In contrast to the significant decrease in crystallinity of ca. 50% and up to 79% for PCL and PLLA blocks, respectively, the melting points (Tm's) and the cold crystallization temperatures (Tcc's) of both PCL and PLLA blocks of the coalesced sample increased in DSC measurements. These results may imply that only small amounts of more extended crystals, with less cha...
Hepatitis B Virus Core Promoter Mutations Contribute to Hepatocarcinogenesis by Deregulating SKP2 and Its Target, p21

Background & Aims Clinical studies have associated hepatitis B virus core promoter (CP) mutations with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The CP region overlaps with the HBV X ( HBx ) gene, which has been implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. The cyclin kinase inhibitor p21 WAF1/CIP1 is an important regulator of cell cycle progression and proliferation. We determined whether HBx mutants that result from mutations in the CP deregulate p21 and these processes. Methods We constructed a series of HBx mutants with changes in the CP region that correspond to A1762T/G1764A (TA), T1753A, T1768A, or a combination of these (combo) and expressed them, along with wild-type HBx under control of its endogenous promoter, in primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) and HepG2 cells. We then analyzed the effects of CP mutations on expression and degradation of p21 and the effects on cell cycle progression and proliferation. Results The combo mutant decreased levels of p21 and increased cyclin E expression in PHHs and HepG2 cells. The combo mutant, but not HBx with single or double CP mutations, accelerated p21 degradation in HepG2 cells. The combo mutant increased expression of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) in PHHs and Huh7 cells. Silencing of SKP2 abrogated the effects of CP mutations on p21 expression. The kinetics of p21 expression correlated with changes in cell cycle distribution. The combo mutant accelerated cell cycle progression; p21 overexpression restored G 1 arrest. Conclusions HBx mutants with changes that correspond to a combination of CP mutations up-regulate SKP2, which then down-regulates p21 via ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. CP mutations might increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma via this pathway.
Potential of butyric acid for control of soil-borne fungal pathogens and nematodes affecting strawberries *

Abstract The effects of butyric acid were evaluated on fungal and nematode endo-parasites of strawberries under controlled laboratory conditions. Verticillium dahliae , Rhizoctonia fragariae , R. solani , Phytophthora fragariae , and a Pythium sp. were killed after a 2-d incubation in butryic acid-treated sand (0.88 and 8.8 mg g −1 ). No fungal growth occurred in the presence of vapors from 0.1 and 1 M butyric acid solutions. Gall formation on tomato roots by Meloidogyne hapla , and M. incognita was reduced by 73–100% relative to controls when egg masses were incubated in butyric acid solution (0.1, 1 M) or treated sand (0.88 and 8.8 mg g −1 ). Drenching strawberry plants infested with Pratylenchus penetrans with butyric acid (0.1 and 1 M) reduced nematode densities by 98–100%. These results suggest that butyric acid warrants further evaluation as an alternative to synthetic soil fumigants for control of nematodes and fungal pathogens in strawberry.
Listening to the Land: Nature’s Meme Bank and Grazing Systems

Listening to the Land: Nature’s Meme Bank and Grazing Systems DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v31i6_box
Phenotypic profile of SWR/J and A/J mice compared to control strains: possible mechanisms underlying resistance to obesity on a high-fat diet.

Abstract To understand mechanisms underlying a resistance to obesity, two obesity-resistant inbred mouse strains, SWR/J and A/J, were compared to 3 inbred “control” strains, C3H/HeJ, BALB/cByJ and C57L/J. These 5 strains, studied at 5 weeks of age when similar in body weight, were maintained for 3 weeks on a 3-diet feeding paradigm, with separate jars of carbohydrate, protein and fat, or for 1 week on a single high-fat or low-fat diet. The control strains each chose a balanced diet, with 50% carbohydrate and 15–25% fat, and they had a similar, normal range of scores for measures of body weight, adiposity, endocrine parameters and metabolic enzyme activity. Compared to these control strains, the obesity-resistant SWR/J and A/J strains consumed more total calories and selected a diet with significantly more fat (35–45%) and less carbohydrate (35%). Despite overeating, they weighed less and had significantly reduced adiposity. They also had lower levels of insulin and exhibited increased capacity of skeletal muscle to metabolize fat, as indicated by measures β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity or its ratio to citrate synthase. Measurements of hypothalamic peptides via radioimmunoassay or real-time quantitative PCR revealed markedly enhanced galanin (GAL) in the paraventricular nucleus and reduced neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in the arcuate nucleus of obesity-resistant mice. These patterns in SWR/J and A/J strains, seen on a low-fat as well as high-fat diet, may reflect mechanisms involving excess GAL and reduced NPY that contribute early, respectively, to the over-consumption of a high-fat diet and a resistance to the obesity-promoting effects of this diet.
Learning from past mistakes? : recent reforms in Italian industrial relations

Since the early 1990s, major reform efforts aimed at reducing industrial conflict, rationalising public sector labour relations, restructuring collective bargaining arrangements, and re-establishing tripartite ‘con-certation’ have transformed Italian industrial relations. This article argues that because these new reforms have been accompanied by significant shifts in both Italy's political system and the unions’ own organisation, they stand a better chance of succeeding than previous reform projects.
The Pharmacokinetics of Antibiotics Used to Treat Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis

Summary Antibiotics continue to be used frequently to treat CAPD-associated peritonitis. Selection of appropriate antibiotic doses and routes of administration has been based largely upon clinical experience. Early pharmacokinetic studies utilized patients being treated with IPD. The relevance of these studies to CAPD remains unknown. Little information exists on the effects of peritonitis on peritoneal drug transport. Until the effects of peritonitis during CAPD are better understood, pharmacokinetic data will be of limited value in designing specific treatment recommendations for this common complication of peritoneal dialysis.
Our Society and the Scientist-Citizen*

Good afternoon. My name is Steve Warren, and I am honored, as the 58th president of the American Society of Human Genetics, to address you today. At least two of my predecessors, Arno Motulsky and Ron Worton, began their address by stating that a presidential address to the Society is a difficult task. I am sure this feeling was shared by most other past presidents and, most certainly, by the current one. As this date approached, I found myself doing what many of my predecessors had done, namely reviewing the prior presidential addresses.
Synaptic atrophy in the senescent hippocampus

Quantitative analyses of electron micrographs have shown a decrease in the number of synapses in the dentate gyrus of the senescent Fischer-344 rat. The loss of synapses, involving both dendritic spines and shafts and axon terminals of more than one population of presynaptic neurons, did not depend upon the antecedent loss of postsynaptic neurons or their dendrites. These findings suggest that the age-related loss of synapses in the dentate gyrus may depend upon an inability of presynaptic elements to maintain the structural integrity of synapses in senescence. It is proposed that a change in the glycoprotein component of presynaptic plasma membranes resulting from a deficiency in axonal transport mechanisms in the septo-hippocampal pathway may underly this presynaptic malfunction. The resulting partial deafferentation of neurons in the dentate gyrus in senescence appears to be associated with a secondary atrophy of dendrites, which results in a loss of postsynaptic membranes before a loss of postsynaptic neurons can be documented.
Die Beeinflussung des Membranpotentials der Gelatinemembran durch Formaldehyd

Es wurde an Hand von Membranpotentialmessungen untersucht, welchen Einflus der Gerbeffekt des Formaldehyds auf die Selektivitat der Gelatinemembran sowie des Froschperikards ausubt. Den Versuchen lag die Theorie von Meyer und Teorell zugrunde. Die unbehandelte Gelatinemembran zeigte, der Theorie entsprechend, am I.P. keine Selektivitat. Der Beweglichkeitsquotient von An- und Kationen innerhalb der Gelatinemembran entsprach dem der freien Losung, was auf das Fehlen einer Siebwirkung schliesen last. Durch Einwirkung von Formaldehyd wurde bei der sauren Gelatine die Anionen- in die Kationenselektivitat umgewandelt. Dieser Effekt zeigte sich an der mit HCl angesetzten Gelatine starker als an der mit H2O angesetzten, wahrend eine der Formaldehydkonzentration parallel gehende Wirkung nicht festgestellt werden konnte. In Losungen vom ph 3,2 wurde die durch den Formalineinflus kationenpermeable Membran wieder anionenpermeabel. An der alkalischen Gelatinemembran konnte das Verfahren nicht mit Erfolg angewandt werden. Bei allen Formalinversuchen konnte an der Veranderung des Beweglichkeitsquotienten ein mit der Dauer der Einwirkung zunehmender Siebeffekt erkannt werden. Das Froschperikard war kationenpermeabel und anderte nach Formaldehydeinwirkung seine Selektivitat nicht, jedoch wurde in einem Falle ein bestehender Siebeffekt durch die Gerbung aufgehoben.
The corrosion behavior of FeCrNiZr alloys in coal gasification environments at high temperatures

Abstract Structural FeCrNi alloys may be rapidly degraded in mixed gaseous environments at elevated temperatures unless protective oxide scales can be formed and maintained. In an investigation of the corrosion behavior of model alloys based on Fe-25% Cr-20% Ni, and Fe-12% Cr-12% Ni in environments containing oxygen and sulfur at 650 and 875°C, it was shown that alloy composition plays an important role in preventing rapid degradation. The Cr content affects the ability of an alloy to form a protective scale, but small additions of Zr (1–6% by weight) promote protective oxide scale formation and enhance scale stability.
Reevaluation of multiparameter relative dating techniques and their application to the glacial sequence along the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada, California

Four valleys, recently studied by other workers, were examined along the eastern Sierra Nevada to refine relative-dating techniques. A variety of weathering parameters and soil properties fail to delineate more than two major post-Sherwin Pleistocene glaciations. We correlate these two glaciations with the Tahoe and Tioga Glaciations. Type Mono Basin Till, usually considered to be pre-Tahoe, exhibits the following weathering similarities with Tahoe Till, if both are under sagebrush: (1) grusification of subsurface granitic boulders; (2) degree of pitting, mineral relief, and rind development on surface granitic boulders; and (3) very slight clay increase in the B horizon. Type Casa Diablo Till also has weathering characteristics similar to Tahoe Till, except a slightly more developed Bt horizon is present. Hence, dates on basalt of 0.126 ± 0.025 and 0.062 ± 0.013 my Casa Diablo Till also has weathering characteristics similar to Tahoe Till, except a slightly more developed Bt horizon is present. Hence, dates on basalt of 0.126 ± 0.025 and 0.062 ± 0.013 my (Bailey et al. 1976), which bracket type Casa Diablo, may provide age control on the Tahoe glaciation. In addition, we are unable to demonstrate that the Tenaya is a separate glaciation. In three of the four valleys studied our weathering data for Tenaya Till are equivalent with those for Tioga Till, but with those for Tahoe Till in the fourth valley. We were not satisfied with our ability to differentiate the Casa Diablo, Mono Basin, and Tenaya as separate glaciations even though data were collected in the type areas for two of these deposits. Reasons for suggesting a change back to a two-fold Tahoe-Tioga glacial sequence, rather than the present five-fold sequence, are that we have measured a greater number of parameters than has been done previously, soils were submitted to detailed laboratory analyses, and surface weathering features were studied under consistent present vegetation cover to avoid possible problems induced by ancient forest fires. Nevertheless our relative-dating scheme does not rule out the possibility of a more detailed glacial sequence.
The Active Site of the Ribosome Is Composed of Two Layers of Conserved Nucleotides with Distinct Roles in Peptide Bond Formation and Peptide Release

Peptide bond formation and peptide release are catalyzed in the active site of the large subunit of the ribosome where universally conserved nucleotides surround the CCA ends of the peptidyl- and aminoacyl-tRNA substrates. Here, we describe the use of an affinity-tagging system for the purification of mutant ribosomes and analysis of four universally conserved nucleotides in the innermost layer of the active site: A2451, U2506, U2585, and A2602. While pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of the peptidyl transferase activity of the mutant ribosomes reveals substantially reduced rates of peptide bond formation using the minimal substrate puromycin, their rates of peptide bond formation are unaffected when the substrates are intact aminoacyl-tRNAs. These mutant ribosomes do, however, display substantial defects in peptide release. These results reveal a view of the catalytic center in which an inner shell of conserved nucleotides is pivotal for peptide release, while an outer shell is responsible for promoting peptide bond formation.
Integration of Intention and Outcome Information by Students and Circuit Court Judges: Design Economy and Individual Differences1

In two experiments the subjects, who included State Circuit Court Judges, assigned a quantitative judgment of blame to hypothetical offenders as a function of level of intention and seriousness of outcome. In accordance with the findings of numerous other investigators using the Intent x Damage paradigm, averaged subjects appeared to follow an adding rule for the integration of intention and outcome damage information. Furthermore, and in keeping with a key methodological purpose of the research, equivalent averaged results were observed whether student subjects made just one judgment of a single Level of Intention x Level of Outcome Damage treatment combination (independent groups design) or multiple judgments of all possible such factorial treatment combinations (repeated measures design). However, statistical analysis of individual students' and individual judges' repeated measures showed that about half of them adopted an adding rule whereas the judgments of others conformed to an intention-only rule. Some implications of the findings are: (a) in critical respects students' results are quite generalizable since there were no striking student versus judge differences; (b) averaged outcomes conceal important interpretable individual differences in information processing that are highly commensurate for students and judges; and (c) there is thus a defensible and pragmatically desirable economy in the adoption of repeated measures designs for the study of individual persons in such less accessible categories as the Judiciary.
Discretization of free surface flows and other moving boundary problems

A system of elliptic partial differential equations and boundary conditions has been developed for generating boundary-fitted element discretizations of two-dimensional free and moving boundary problems. Terms in the differential equations are scaled for dimensional homogeneity and adjustable weighting of orthogonality, smoothness, and concentration of the coordinate mesh they govern. Grid points become finite element nodes mapped isoparametrically or subparametrically from a simple or patched computational domain. Concentration terms contain control functions and parameters that influence node spacing along each coordinate independently; overall control is by patchwise parameters and functions. Successful selection of these to follow deforming flow regions is straightforward and is illustrated by analysis of steady and transient slide coating flows.
Biological relevance of data variability.

Fellow immunologists, have you ever thrown the baby out with the bath water? To put this query in a scientific context, have you ever discarded data because of the unanticipated variability of the immune response being assayed in an experiment involving immunizing inbred rodents? ‘‘Sloppy technique’’ you mutter to the cowed graduate student who performed the experiment. ‘‘Pipetting error, LPS contamination, or some other lack of attention to detail,’’ you chide. ‘‘After all,’’ you rationalize, ‘‘you are using an inbred strain so such variability must reflect a lack of attention to detail.’’ So your student does the experiment again (and again) but still, the individual data points are seemingly all over the map. Did you throw up your hands in disgust and scrap the experiment (must be something in the animal room)? Or maybe you analyzed the data after discarding what you know in your heart must (should) be outliers and, therefore, irrelevant to the main point you are hoping to make. Utrecht group led by card-carrying immunologists (Sajti et al., 2004a,b). They ll make you think about reanalyzing those data sets you tossed since they may well be telling you something of biological relevance. For starters, the reality is that although you re been using inbred animals of the same sex and age purchased from the same supplier, all such animals are not the same. They don t all have the same experiences. When they were pups, for example, some were reared in small and some in large litters and some were reared by ‘‘good’’ mothers and some by less adequate mothers. They didn t all suckle on the same teat at the same time. They weren t all moved simultaneously by their mother to precisely the same place in the cage. At weaning, some were moved by an animal caretaker to a new cage, others were left behind.
The professional rights of engineers

A great deal of the literature in the field of “engineering ethics” concerns itself with the duties and professional responsibilities which engineers owe to clients, colleagues, employers, and society, or with case histories of their failures to adequately satisfy these duties and responsibilities. From the point of view of the engineering profession this is, of course, understandable given the importance which it places on practicing according to the standards laid down in its codes of ethics (in various versions). It is reasonable too, from the wider perspective of the public interest. Professional authority, if abused, can adversely affect the interests of society and this may undermine public confidence in a profession and its practitioners. Thus, it is important that professionals acknowledge their duties and proper that much of the discussion of the ethics of engineers focus on professional responsibilities.
The effect of microstructure and chemistry on the tensile strength of Nb/sapphire interfaces with and without interlayers of Sb and Cr

Abstract Tensile strengths of interfaces between sputter-deposited Nb coatings and (0001) surfaces of sapphire, with and without 1–40 A thick interlayers of Sb and Cr are measured by a modified laser spallation experiment. The average tensile strength of 1.22 GPa for the Nb/sapphire interface can be continuously increased to 2.3 GPa by controlling the thickness of the Cr interlayer, whereas by using Sb interlayers, the strength can be controllably decreased to 0.1 GPa. Although annealing the Nb/Cr/sapphire samples at 600°C for 24 h resulted in no change in the tensile strength, heating at 1200°C for 10 min increased the strength to 2.65 GPa, due primarily to the formation of the interfacial reaction compound Cr2Nb. Similarly, annealing the Nb/Sb/sapphire samples at 400°C for 24 h marginally increased the strength to 0.3 GPa. The locus of failure upon spallation, as determined via AES and XPS analysis, was between the sapphire and the adjoining metallic layer in all the samples. Together with companion studies where the interface atomic structure and chemistry were obtained for the above interfaces using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, a strength—structure—chemistry relation is obtained for the Nb/sapphire interface, with and without interlayers of Sb and Cr.
Punitive childhood experiences reported by young adults over a 10-year period

Using a standardized questionnaire, descriptions of disciplinary childhood experiences were obtained from 11,660 university undergraduates over a 10-year period. Results indicated that there were no systematic changes in reports of physical discipline experienced by young adults over the decade sampled, suggesting the prevalence of physical abuse among predominately middle-income families is not evidencing any significant change. Additionally, regardless of whether their early childhood antedated or succeeded the growth in public attention to physical abuse, most young adults who reported severely punitive or injurious disciplinary events failed to categorize those experiences as abusive. The implications of the results are discussed in the context of efforts to raise public awareness of abuse and efforts to reduce possible transgenerational patterns of maltreatment.