cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some aspects of the retinal organization of Sympycnus lineatus loew (Diptera, dolichopodidae)

S. lineatus has a compound eye that contains alternating rows of two types of ommatidia which differ by the structural colors of their corneal facets (red and yellow) and also by the orientation of the rhabdomeric microvilli in their superior central cells. However, the orientation of the microvilli in the inferior central cells is the same in all ommatidia. In ommatidia with red facets the main axes of the microvilli in both central cells are parallel and vertical, while in those with yellow facets the axes have an orthogonal arrangement similar to that reported in other Diptera. Alternating rows of two types of facets coupled with the projection pattern of photoreceptor axons onto the lamina implies two types of optical cartridges. These results imply that the corneal interference filters causing the facet colors have neurological representations in the visual centers and therefore can serve a visual function, possibly as the first elements of a color contrast enhancement system. Central cells with vertical microvilli are partially blind to horizontally polarized surface glare and so are particularly apt for prey detection through a water surface or against leaves, grass, or mud.
Socioeconomic factors and consumption theories

Abstract In consumption theories, the question of how to incorporate socio-demographic and other non-budgetary factors in the theoretical structure remains unresolved. To facilitate partial resolution of this issue, this paper presentd a conceptual framework for representing an individual consumption set and its relationship to nonbudgetary factors. This facilitates the restriction of the domain of an individual's utility function with socioeconomic factors. A microeconomic model which incorporates such factors can then be formulated to provide a theoretical foundation for an aggregate consumption function.
Consideration of the relevance of ethological animal models for human repetitive behavioral spectrum disorders

Treatment successes of various stereotyped behaviors in animals and humans has renewed interest in ethologic animal models for the study of psychiatric disorders. This report presents another such behavior occurring in horses to weaving. This anomalous, repetitive, and purposeless behavior draws analogies to human compulsive spectrum behaviors. A "weaver" provided an opportunity to evaluate serotonin, dopamine, and opioid neurotransmitter system contributions by probing each with a selective agent in A-B-A-C-A-D design. The horse was treated in sequential 1-month periods separated by 1-month washouts with a serotonin transport inhibitor (SRI), opiate antagonist (OA), and neuroleptic (DA). Videotape was taken weekly and analyzed by two blind raters. Frequency of head swings, latency to onset, and severity were recorded. The SRI showed > 95% symptom reduction, the DA 40%, and OA 30%. The findings suggest that neurochemical explanations of disturbance based on single drug vs. placebo trials may be oversimplified. Multiple-system probes are needed to dissect complex interactive biological systems. Animal model research can have an important role in such investigations.
Nucleation, growth, and kinetic roughening of metal(100) homoepitaxial thin films

A unified analysis is presented of submonolayer nucleation and growth of two-dimensional islands and the subsequent transition to multilayer growth during metal-on-unreconstructed metal(100) homoepitaxy. First, we review and augment recent developments in submonolayer nucleation theory for general critical size i (above which islands are effectively stable against dissociation). We discuss choices of capture numbers for aggregation of adatoms with islands, and ramifications for island density scaling with deposition flux and substrate temperature. We also characterize a direct transition from critical size i = 1 to a well-defined regime of i = 3 scaling, with increasing temperature, for sufficiently strong adatom-adatom bonding. We note that there exists no well-defined regime of integer i >3. The submonolayer island distribution provides a template for subsequent unstable multilayer growth or mounding (which we contrast with self-affine growth). This mounding is induced by the presence of a step-edge barrier for downward diffusive transport in these systems. We characterize resulting oscillatory height correlation functions and non-Gaussian height and height-difference distributions. We also develop an appropriate kinematic diffraction theory to elucidate the oscillatory decay of Bragg intensities and the evolution from split to nonsplit diffraction profiles. Finally, we analyze experimental data for Fe(100) and Cu(100) homoepitaxy and extract key activation barriers for these systems.
Optimum liquid and solid-phase velocity for minimum shock layer thickness in counter-current chromatography

The shock-layer theory is applied to counter-current liquid chromatography, in the single-component case. This model uses a Langmuir isotherm to account for nonlinear effects, a finite axial dispersion coefficient and a linear driving force (LDF) kinetics to account for the nonideal effects, e.g., the axial dispersion and the mass transfer resistance. The shock-layer velocity and its thickness are explicitly formulated in closed forms. Based on these expressions, the optimum velocities of the solid and liquid phases are derived for minimum shock-layer thickness.
TH‐D‐204B‐01: Theory and Applications in MR Imaging of Compressive Sensing

This talk will introduce the concept of compressed sensing (CS). We will begin with some intuitive justification for CS. Compressed sensing will then be discussed from a more rigourous perspective and theoretical results will be presented. The application of the CS theory to magnetic resonance imaging will then be discussed. Finally we shall discuss the split Bregman method ‐ a fast numerical scheme for reconstructingimages from compressed sensing data. Learning Objective: 1. Understand the basic theory of compressed sensing and the advantages it offers. 2. Understand how compressed sensing can be applied to MRI 3. Understand the computational challenges of compressed sensing and the split Bregman method for reconstructingimages from compressed data.
The chemical, physical and structural properties of estuarine ice in Great Bay, New Hampshire

Abstract The purpose of this study was to provide general information on the chemical, physical and structural properties of estuarine ice and show how it compares with sea ice found at higher latitudes in order to determine whether the ice in Great Bay can be used as an analog in the study of arctic sea ice. Ice cores and water samples were collected during the 1983–1984 winter season at Adams Point in Great Bay, New Hampshire. Concentrations of chloride, nitrogen (as nitrate and nitrite), bromide, phosphate, sulfate and silicate were determined for samples chosen on the basis of identifiable stratigraphic layers (i.e. bubble size and shape, sediment layers, etc.). Similarities between ice formation in Great Bay and those in the arctic regions include the nature of the freezing process and the ice types produced. In addition, the distribution and concentration of chemical constituents were found to be similar to those observed in arctic sea ice. Factors affecting the chemistry of the ice in Great Bay include rainfall during the freezing season, the presence of sediment layers in the ice cores, the nature of incorporation of brine into the crystal structure of the ice and the drainage of brine.
The correlates of child physical abuse and neglect by adolescent mothers

Theoretical and empirical knowledge about the link between adolescent motherhood and child maltreatment is in an early stage of development. Research has produced contradictory findings as to a relationship between the two and has not focused on identifying correlates. To fill gaps in the knowledge base and generate hypotheses for future tests, this secondary analysis of data on a subset of 119 mothers who gave birth prior to their 18th birthday focused on identifying characteristics that discriminate among low-income adolescent mothers with maltreated children and comparable mothers whose children were not known to be maltreated. Bivariate analyses of 18 characteristics from several theoretically justified domains revealed that 11 were associated with neglect and four with abuse. Step-sise discriminant analysis identified six correlates of neglect that correctly classified 85% of the mothers and four for abuse that correctly classified 79% of the mothers. Discussion focuses on implications for future research and hypothesis generation.
γγ coincidence spectrometer for instrumental neutron-activation analysis

Abstract Neutron-activation analysis (NAA) is an important technique for the accurate and precise determination of trace and ultra-trace elemental compositions. The application of γ γ coincidence counting to NAA in order to enhance specificity was first explored over 40 years ago but has not evolved into a regularly used technique. A γ γ coincidence spectrometer has been constructed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, using two HPGe γ -ray detectors and an all-digital data-acquisition system, for the purpose of exploring coincidence NAA and its value in characterizing reference materials. This paper describes the initial evaluation of the quantitative precision of coincidence counting versus singles spectrometry, based upon a sample of neutron-irradiated bovine liver material.
Effect of heparin on reactions at aminated polymer—blood interfaces

Abstract Of two aminated polymers, tridodecyl-methyl ammonium chloride (TDMAC) and a polymer of 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (GMAC), the following properties were studied before and after the films were exposed to heparin. Film pressure on water, using a recording film balance; changes in optical thickness of films on oxidized silicon slices during exposure to plasma and antisera, using a recording ellipsometer; effects of films on coagulation, and on blood platelet adhesion. We found that onto GMAC films, normal, intact plasma deposits 100–150 A of material that maintains its specific reactivity to antifibrinogen serum. Platelets adhered to GMAC-coated glass even in absence of fibrinogen or free calcium ions. Exposure of GMAC films to heparin caused an increase of about 15 A and abolished the films' ability to attract either proteins or platelets; proteins adsorbed onto GMAC films were suddenly released after addition of heparin. Glass coated with GMAC, whether exposed to heparin or not, did not activate clotting and did not adsorb measurable amounts of Clotting Factor XII. Film pressure of GMAC on water was increased by heparin. TDMAC films were less attractive to proteins and platelets and were affected much less by adsorbed heparin.
Nucleotide sequence and transcriptional analysis of the celD β-glucanase gene from Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1

The nucleotide sequence of the celD gene, which encodes endoglucanase and xylanase activity, from Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1 was determined. The DNA sequence of celD contains an open reading frame of 1215 nucleotides that encodes a polypeptide of 405 amino acids with a molecular mass of 44,631 Da. The primary amino acid sequence of CelD was screened against the GenBank data base for similar polypeptide sequences and the analysis indicated that CelD has common features with endoglucanases from the family E cellulases. Both hydrophobic cluster and BESTFIT (Genetics Computer Group (University of Wisconsin) package) analyses confirmed this relationship. Pairwise alignments using BESTFIT revealed that CelD was most closely related to endE4 from Thermomonospora fusca over a 160 amino acid window. The histidine, aspartate, and glutamate residues identified as being essential for catalytic activity in family E cellulases are conserved in CelD. A Shine-Dalgarno-like sequence was present 5 base pairs (bp) upstream of the translation start site. Primer extension analysis indicated that different transcription initiation sites are used to initiate transcription of celD in Escherichia coli and R. flavefaciens. In the case of R. flavefaciens the transcription initiation site is at a T residue (nucleotide 273) 16 bp upstream from the translational start site. A region resembling a sigma 70-like-10 promoter sequence is present upstream from the transcription initiation site but there is no apparent-35 region. In contrast, transcription in E. coli is initiated at a C residue 258 bp upstream from the translational start site and a sequence resembling a omega 70-like-10 region is present 5 bp upstream of this residue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Abstract 982: Malate dehydrogenase 2 confers resistance to docetaxel chemotherapy in prostate cancer through JNK pathway

Resistance to chemotherapy represents a significant obstacle in cancer therapeutics. Novel mechanistic understandings in cancer cell chemotherapeutic sensitivity and resistance can optimize treatment and improve patient outcome. Molecular alterations in the metabolic pathways are associated with cancer development; however, the role of these alterations in chemotherapy efficacy is largely unknown. In this study, we identified a novel role for mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2) in mediating prostate cancer resistance to docetaxel-chemotherapy. We performed gene expression microarray analyses on frozen needle biopsies from prostate cancer patients before they underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We observed that genes in the metabolic pathways are significantly altered in the cancer epithelium versus the matched- tumor adjacent benign epithelium. In addition, some of the metabolic gene expression alterations are associated with the long-term treatment outcome. Patients with MDH2 overexpression in cancer cells had a significantly lower relapse-free survival (RFS) based on the Kaplan-Meier analysis. To investigate the underlying mechanism responsible for this clinical observation, we found that MDH2 expression was elevated in prostate cancer cell lines compared to benign prostate epithelial cells. Then we established stable MDH2 knock-down prostate cancer lines and evaluated cell proliferation and cell viability within the context of chemotherapy. We found that MDH2 knockdown significantly enhanced the docetaxel sensitivity in prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP, C42B and PC3. Metabolic and redox measurement showed that MDH2 knockdown significantly reduced cellular ATP levels and increased the ADP/ATP and NAD+/NADH level. In addition, MDH2 knockdown significantly increased reactive oxygen specifies (ROS) while maintaining the oxygen consumption rate. These metabolic alterations were associated with the sustained activation of JNK signaling cascade after docetaxel treatment and the inactivation of apoptosis inhibitor BCL2. Taken together, these data suggest a novel function for MDH2 in prostate cancer development and chemotherapy, in which the cancer associated metabolic and redox alteration confers resistance to chemotherapy by regulating pathways of signal transduction and cell death. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 982. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-982
The mechanism of the stereoregular polymerization of 2-vinylimidazole and 2-vinylbenzimidazole

Conformational energy calculations on poly(2-vinylimidazole) (PVI) and poly (2-vinylbenzimidazole) (FBI) indicated that the syndiotactic polymer would exhibit systematic intramolecular hydrogen bonding between side groups along the chain, while the isotactic polymers could not. This fact, together with our previous wor.k using solvent effects to produce highly syndiotactic poly(methacrylic acid) during radical polymerization, indicated that similar techniques could be applied in the radical polymerization, of 2-vinylimidazole and 2-vinylbenzimidazole. These mpnomers were polymerized over a wide temperature range using cobalt 60 gamma radiation as the initiator. The conditional probabilities obtained from NMR spectra of these polymers could be fit by second order Markov statistics (FBI) and extended second order Markov statistics (PVI). The difference reflects the effect of the bulkier benzimidazole side group. The nature of the conditional probabilities needed to fit the data for PVI suggest that the stereoregularity depended on the number of consecutive terminal r placements at the end of the growing radical. A marked solvent effect was observed was attributed to the hydrogen bonding strength of the solvent and its ability to disrupt the r directing polymer hydrogen bonding.
Calcitonin-gene-related peptide stimulates stromal cell osteogenic differentiation and inhibits RANKL induced NF-κB activation, osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption☆

Previously we observed that capsaicin treatment in rats inhibited sensory neuropeptide signaling, with a concurrent reduction in trabecular bone formation and bone volume, and an increase in osteoclast numbers and bone resorption. Calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide richly distributed in sensory neurons innervating the skeleton and we postulated that CGRP signaling regulates bone integrity. In this study we examined CGRP effects on stromal and bone cell differentiation and activity in vitro. CGRP receptors were detected by immunocytochemical staining and real time PCR assays in mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). CGRP effects on BMSC proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were studied using BrdU incorporation, PCR products, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization assays. CGRP effects on BMM osteoclastic differentiation and activity were determined by quantifying tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive (TRAP(+)) multinucleated cells, pit erosion area, mRNA levels of TRAP and cathepsin K, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) nuclear localization. BMSCs, osteoblasts, BMMs, and osteoclasts all expressed CGRP receptors. CGRP (10(-10)-10(-8) M) stimulated BMSC proliferation, up-regulated the expression of osteoblastic genes, and increased ALP activity and mineralization in the BMSCs. In BMM cultures CGRP (10(-8) M) inhibited receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) activation of NF-kappaB. CGRP also down-regulated osteoclastic genes like TRAP and cathepsin K, decreased the numbers of TRAP(+) cells, and inhibited bone resorption activity in RANKL stimulated BMMs. These results suggest that CGRP signaling maintains bone mass both by directly stimulating stromal cell osteoblastic differentiation and by inhibiting RANKL induced NF-kappaB activation, osteoclastogenesis, and bone resorption.
Design and tests of a physical watershed model

Abstract Theoretical considerations are discussed, and design criteria and fabrication of a physical hydrologic model including a storm-simulating device are described. Data from several preliminary experimental tests indicate that the use of physical models of actual watersheds merits further investigation.
Practical implications for student affairs professionals' work in facilitating students' inner development

This chapter discusses ways student affairs practitioners can aid students on the journey to asking and answering life's big questions. The suggestions are based on a study that compares student affairs practitioners' sense of life purpose and spiritual well-being relative to their engagement in practices associated with students' inner development.
Mycobacterial persistence: adaptation to a changing environment

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a bacterial pathogen that can persist within an infected individual for extended periods of time without causing overt, clinical disease, in a state normally referred to as latent or chronic tuberculosis. Although the replicative state of the bacterium during this period is a matter of some conjecture, recent developments have indicated that the bacterium requires the regulated expression of a set of genes and metabolic pathways to maintain a persistent infection in an immunocompetent host. The characterization of these gene products and their role in bacterial metabolism and physiology is starting to provide insights into the mechanisms that M. tuberculosis has evolved to adopt its highly successful mode of pathogenicity.
In situ X-ray diffraction study of dehydrogenation of MgH2 with Ti-based additives

Abstract Synchrotron based in situ x-ray diffraction measurements and an analysis of the dehydrogenation of MgH2 and MgH2 with Ti-based additives, including TiH2 and TiMn2, are presented. γ-MgH2 to β-MgH2 phase transformation in ball milled MgH2 samples was observed prior to the dehydrogenation reaction. During the dehydrogenation of MgH2 there were no significant phase transformations observed of the additives. These Ti-based additives functioned as catalysts during the dehydrogenation process resulting in lower temperature of dehydrogenation.
Immune Response Versus Susceptibility to Marek’s Disease

Abstract It was hypothesized that the generation of activated T cells through an efficient and rapid immune response during the early pathogenesis of Marek’s disease virus (MDV) infection provides a large pool of target cells for transformation. Therefore, the correlation between genetic susceptibility to Marek’s disease (MD) and in vitro mitogenic responses of lymphocytes as a measure of cell-mediated immune competence and efficiency was tested. In one series of trials, spleen cells from strains of chickens with differing levels of susceptibility to MD tumors were stimulated with graded doses of Concanavalin A (Con A) or phytohemagglutin (PHA). In a second series of trials, peripheral blood lymphocytes from individual chickens within genetic strains were tested at the same time chickens were challenged with MDV to determine susceptibility. Responsiveness was determined using one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) tests as well as mitogen stimulation. Data from the tests comparing chicken strains supported the hypothesis in some but not all cases. The S13 chickens, which are more susceptible than P2a chickens to MD, were significantly more responsive, and highly resistant N2a chickens were significantly less responsive to Con A. In contrast, five other resistant strains were either more responsive (UCD-058, OS13) or equally responsive (UCD-140, OS5, C) to Con A when compared with P2a chickens. The PHA responses were even less predictive of MD susceptibility. No general correlation was observed between responsiveness to either mitogen or MLR tests and subsequent tumor development in trials comparing individuals within strains.
Assessing anxiety in men with prostate cancer: further data on the reliability and validity of the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC).

Identifying which men with prostate cancer might benefit from mental health treatment has proven to be a challenging task. The authors developed the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX–PC) in order to facilitate the identification of prostate cancer-related anxiety. A revised version of this scale was tested in a more clinically varied population. Ambulatory men with prostate cancer (N = 367) completed a baseline assessment packet that included the MAX–PC and other psychosocial questionnaires. The MAX–PC showed high internal consistency and concurrent and discriminant validity. Factor analysis identified three distinct factors for the MAX–PC that corresponded to the intended subscales (General Prostate Cancer Anxiety, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) Anxiety, and Fear of Recurrence). PSA levels were not correlated with anxiety overall; however, anxiety was significantly higher among patients whose PSA levels were changing (i.e., rising, falling, and unstable), versus those with stable PSA levels. Also, in a multivariate analysis, the change in PSA levels was a significant predictor of MAX–PC scores, but not Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. These results indicate that the MAX–PC is a valid and reliable measure of anxiety that assesses aspects of anxiety unique to men with prostate cancer, and it may provide a more sensitive measure of anxiety than the HADS for this population.
Drugs and Anesthesia: Pharmacology for Anesthesiologists

Abstract This second edition of a text published in 1982 is an excellent source of information for practicing anesthesiologists and those who are in training. Accordingly, the contents are limited to information on inhalation and intravenous anesthetics, local anesthetics, narcotics, muscle relaxants, and other drugs related to anesthesia practice.
Prevalence and distribution of abdominal aortic calcium by gender and age group in a community-based cohort (from the Framingham Heart Study).

Abdominal aortic calcium (AAC) is associated with incident cardiovascular disease. However, the age- and gender-related distribution of AAC in a community-dwelling population free of standard cardiovascular disease risk factors has not been described. A total of 3,285 participants (aged 50.2 ± 9.9 years) in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Third Generation cohorts underwent abdominal multidetector computed tomography from 1998 to 2005. The presence and amount of AAC was quantified (Agatston score) by an experienced reader using standardized criteria. A healthy referent subsample (n = 1,656, 803 men) free of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and smoking was identified, and participants were stratified by gender and age ( 65 years old, nearly 90% of the referent participants had >0 AAC. Across the entire study sample, AAC prevalence and burden similarly increased with greater age. Defining the 90th percentile of the referent group AAC as "high," the prevalence of high AAC was 19% for each gender in the overall study sample. The AAC also increased across categories of 10-year coronary heart disease risk, as calculated using the Framingham Risk Score, in the entire study sample. We found AAC to be widely prevalent, with the burden of AAC associated with 10-year coronary risk, in a white, free-living adult cohort.
Genome-wide identification, expression and chromosomal location of the genes encoding chitinolytic enzymes in Zea mays

Chitinolytic enzymes are important pathogenesis and stress related proteins. We identified 27 putative genes encoding endochitinases in the maize genome via in silico techniques and four exochitinases. Only seven of the endochitinases and segments of the exochitinases were heretofore known. The endochitinases included members of family 19 chitinases (classes I–IV of PR3, II of PR4) and members of family 18 chitinases (class III of PR8). Some similar enzymes were detected on adjacent regions of the same chromosome, and seem to result from duplication events. Most of the genes expressed were identified from EST libraries from plants exposed to biotic or abiotic stresses but also from libraries from tissues not exposed to stresses. We isolated proteins from seedlings of maize in the presence or absence of the symbiotic root colonizing fungus Trichoderma harzianum strain T22, and analyzed the activity of chitinolytic enzymes using an in-gel activity assay. The activity bands were identified by LC/MS/MS using the database from our in silico study. The identities of the enzymes changed depending on whether or not T22 was present. One activity band of about 95 kDa appeared to be a heterodimer between an exochitinase and any of several different endochitinases. The identity of the endochitinase component appeared to be dependent upon treatment.
β‐Globin gene haplotype in Hb SC disease

We asked the question, is the haplotype found with the sickle hemoglobin gene associated with different hematological characteristics in patients who were combined heterozygotes for sickle hemoglobin and hemoglobin C (Hb SC disease)? In 73 adults with Hb SC disease, a Benin haplotype chromosome was present in 56%, and Bantu (or Central African Republic; CAR), Senegal, and atypical haplotype chromosomes were found in 25%, 6%, and 12%, respectively. No significant difference were found in hematological characteristics or fetal hemoglobin levels of patients with Benin/C, CAR/C, Senegal/C, and atypical/C haplotypes. There were 71% C I, 18% C II, and 11% other beta(c) haplotypes. Fetal hemoglobin levels are lower in Hb SC disease than in sickle-cell anemia. Perhaps because haplotype has no discernible effect on fetal hemoglobin level in Hb SC disease, it does not modulate its hematological features.
Temperature-Sensitive Splicing in the Floral Homeotic Mutant apetala3-1

The floral homeotic gene APETALA3 (AP3) is required for stamen and petal development in Arabidopsis. The previously described ap3-1 allele is temperature sensitive and carries a missense mutation near a 5′ splice site. The missense mutation lies within a domain of the AP3 protein that is thought to be important for protein–protein interactions, which suggests that temperature sensitivity of ap3-1 could reflect an unstable interaction with cofactors. Here, we show instead that the ap3-1 mutation causes a temperature-dependent splicing defect and that temperature sensitivity is not a property of the protein products of ap3-1 but of RNA processing, possibly because of unstable base pairing between the transcript and small nuclear RNAs. The unexpected defect of the ap3-1 mutant offers unique opportunities for genetic and molecular studies of splice site recognition in plants.
Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements of free radicals in the intact beating heart: a technique for detection and characterization of free radicals in whole biological tissues

Abstract Free radicals have been hypothesized to be important mediators of disease in a variety of organs and tissues. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy can be applied to directly measure free radicals; however, it has not been possible to measure important biological radicals in situ because conventional spectrometer designs are not suitable for the performance of measurements on whole organs or tissues. We report the development of an EPR spectrometer designed for optimum performance in measuring free radicals in intact biological organs or tissues. This spectrometer consists of a 1- to 2-GHz microwave bridge with the source locked to the resonant frequency of a recessed gap loop-gap resonator. With this spectrometer, radical concentrations as low as 0.4 microM can be measured. Isolated beating hearts were studied in which simultaneous real time measurements of free radicals and cardiac contractile function were performed. This in vivo EPR technique was applied to study the kinetics of free radical uptake and metabolism in normally perfused and globally ischemic hearts. In addition, we show that this technique can be used to noninvasively measure tissue oxygen consumption. Thus, it is demonstrated that EPR spectroscopy can be applied to directly measure in vivo free radical metabolism and tissue oxygen consumption. This technique offers great promise in the study of in vivo free radical generation and the effects of this radical generation on whole biological tissues.
Written versus Oral Administration of a Social-Emotional Self-Report Test for Children: Does Method of Execution Make a Difference?.

This study examined administration method (standard written administration vs. oral administration by an examiner) as a variable in influencing children's self-report test scores. Subjects included 139 students in grades 3–6, randomly assigned to one or the other administration condition. Subjects completed the Internalizing Disorders Evaluation Scale for Children (IDESC) according to the assigned administration method. Internal consistency estimates of each group were essentially similar. Mean IDESC scores of the two groups did not differ significantly from either a statistical or practical standpoint, based on t-test and effect size calculations. Results suggest that method of administration did not affect test performance. Implications for child assessment and future research are discussed.
Implementation of environmental policy in the Katowice administrative region: a cause for concern?

While Poland has established some of the most ambitious environmental standards in the world and significant environmental improvements have been noted in the literature, there remains a substantial gap between regulation and implementation. This paper first examines in detail one environmental hot spot in Poland — Katowice Province — to provide evidence that despite significant reductions in air emissions by large firms, pollution levels remain high and of concern. The underlying social, political and economic complexities of the region are then examined to provide a foundation for analysis of the reasons for persistence of the problems. The paper then turns to a case study of three interrelated environmental policies — the Ecological Fund, Fees and Fines ‐to learn more about how environmental policy is implemented in the region. Data include reports, documents, statistical analyses, analyses and in‐depth interviews. Findings indicate some inherent barriers to implementation and suggest some potential so...
Compositional mining of multirelational biological datasets

High-throughput biological screens are yielding ever-growing streams of information about multiple aspects of cellular activity. As more and more categories of datasets come online, there is a corresponding multitude of ways in which inferences can be chained across them, motivating the need for compositional data mining algorithms. In this article, we argue that such compositional data mining can be effectively realized by functionally cascading redescription mining and biclustering algorithms as primitives. Both these primitives mirror shifts of vocabulary that can be composed in arbitrary ways to create rich chains of inferences. Given a relational database and its schema, we show how the schema can be automatically compiled into a compositional data mining program, and how different domains in the schema can be related through logical sequences of biclustering and redescription invocations. This feature allows us to rapidly prototype new data mining applications, yielding greater understanding of scientific datasets. We describe two applications of compositional data mining: (i) matching terms across categories of the Gene Ontology and (ii) understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying stress response in human cells.
Catalytic properties of several supported Pd(II) complexes for Suzuki coupling reactions

Abstract Pd(II) complexes with N-ligands were synthesized and tested for Suzuki coupling reaction. These complexes were also heterogenized on silica. The resulting site-isolated catalysts showed a high catalytic activity. The most stable complex was supported N-(propyl)ethylenediamine, which did not display any notable leaching. The effects of reaction conditions and the nature of the boronic acid derivative on the conversion of the starting compounds were studied.
SAP implementation at Metalica : an organizational drama in two acts

This play attempts to reconstruct the social reality of key players at Metalica during the first couple of years of SAP implementation. Rather than adopting one perspective about the SAP project, we provide the views of different participants using their own words, arguments and ideas as much as possible. The play is constructed from summaries of systematic interviews which were changed only to suit scholarly objectives and a dramatic presentation. At the request of the company involved, the names and locations in this case have been disguised. Act 1 describes the company's vision concerning the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, a crisis which emerged during the initial phase of implementation and the actions taken to remedy the shortfalls. Act 2 describes the project management, the dynamics between the implementation team members and the organizational implications of an ERP system implementation. The actual performance of the play and a subsequent discussion among the participants enable students to re-create and experience the thrills, frustrations, dilemmas and concerns originally expressed by the people who inspired this account of SAP implementation. Using theatre in an academic environment opens new avenues for critical observation, integrative sense making and experiential learning.
Inhibition of PHA and NalO4 mitogenesis by the adenosine deaminase inhibitors erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA) and 2-deoxycoformycin (2-dCF)

Abstract Two adenosine deaminase inhibitors, erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA) and 2-deoxycoformycin (2-dCF), significantly inhibit the normal mitogenic response of dog peripheral blood mononuclear cells to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and sodium periodate (NaIO 4 ) oxidation. The addition of excess PHA does not reverse the inhibitory effects of EHNA on the normal PHA response. However, it was further observed that if EHNA (10 −3 , 10 −4 M ) or 2-dCF (10 −3 M ) were added to fresh cultures of murine P388 leukemia cells or Novikoff rat hepatoma cells, cellular proliferation, in general, was markedly inhibited. We then pretreated dog cells with 2-dCF and observed that even a brief exposure of cells to this compound was sufficient to inhibit the increased [ 3 H]thymidine uptake of these cells in response to PHA or NaIO 4 treatment. In contrast, similar pretreatment of Novikoff or P388 cells did not alter the normal logarithmic growth phase. Therefore, we conclude that EHNA and 2-dCF may have an overall inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation when continuously present in cultures of dog mononuclear cells, P388 mouse leukemia cells, and Novikoff rat hepatoma cells. However, unlike continuous cell lines which grow normally after pretreatment with 2-dCF, it appears that there is a specific requirement for normal ADA function early in the initiation of DNA synthesis in dog cells which are responding to the nonimmunologic mitogenic stimulation of PHA and NaIO 4 .
Influence of pulp and paper mill wastewater on Chrysomela scripta (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) performance and Populus plant traits

The effect of wastewater irrigation on resistance of poplar trees to the cottonwood leaf beetle, Chrysomela scripta F., was investigated. Five Populus clones were tested in a greenhouse for their effects on the survival, fresh pupal weight, and development time (from egg to adult) of the cottonwood leaf beetle when they were irrigated with either wastewater or freshwater. Foliar concentrations of nitrogen, mineral elements (P, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K), phenolic glycosides, and leaf toughness also were measured to understand the potential mechanisms of resistance to the cottonwood leaf beetle. C. scripta performance was negatively affected by irrigation with wastewater; both survival and pupal weight were reduced. Performance also varied among clones and was the worst on Populus fremontii Watson variety wislenzensii , a native species. Leaf toughness and foliar N level were not affected by the irrigation treatment and were not correlated with larval growth and survival. Among minerals, foliar concentrations of sodium increased with wastewater irrigation, and were related negatively to pupal weights. Foliar magnesium also was influenced by the irrigation treatment but it was not correlated with C. scripta performance. Manganese varied with clone, but not with the type of water used for irrigation, and was correlated negatively with survival and related positively to development time. Differences in phenolic glycosides were observed between treatments and among clones, but there were no detectable relationships between phenolic glycosides and C. scripta performance.
2010 Practice Analysis: Professional competencies and work categories in public relations today

Abstract Without question, the profession of public relations has changed greatly over the years, but the practice of that profession has remained unchanged in the last half century. The 2010 Practice Analysis conducted by the Universal Accreditation Board as a follow-up to its 2000 study examines professional competencies and work categories in current public relations practice. Results indicate that knowledge, skills, and abilities (i.e., professional competencies) for public relations practice in 2010 centered on general business skills, media relations, and theoretical knowledge. The strategic planning process of research, planning, implementation, and evaluation, as well as public relations ethics and legal issues, were connected to both general business skills and media relations. Four groupings of work categories in 2010 were public relations management, issues management, corporate communications, and media relations; each of these work category groupings reflected clear areas of extant public relations scholarship, suggesting that the theory and practice of public relations may be closer to each other than is commonly decried.
Hemispheric asymmetries in interpreting forms vs colors in ambiguous patterns

Prior to receiving briefly lateralized presentations of ambiguous visual patterns (Rorschach inkblots), 28 normal right-handed males heard two words, each describing a different interpretation of the pattern, e.g., one word might describe an interpretation based on attending to shapes or forms (form choices) and the other might describe an interpretation based on attending to chromatic color (e.g., color choices). Color choices were more frequent than form choices on left-hemisphere (LH) presentations of the patterns, and form choices were more frequent than color choices on right-hemisphere (RH) presentations. These results were interpreted as consistent with the theory that the LH's favored mental representation is semantic (i.e., frequent choices of concepts associated with names of colors in the patterns) and the RH's favored representation is imaginal (i.e., frequent choices of concepts associated with difficult-to-label forms in the patterns).
SU-D-301-01: Performance Limits of Large Area Poly-Si X-Ray Imagers Employing In-Pixel Amplification

Purpose: Active matrix flat‐panel imagers (AMFPIs) — based on amorphous silicon thin‐film transistors(TFTs) — have been developed for a wide variety of x‐ray imaging applications at diagnostic energies. However, under conditions of low exposure or small pixel sizes, the additive electronic noise associated with readout of the pixel signal of these imagers leads to relatively low levels of signal‐to‐noise ratio — resulting in significant loss of detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and image quality. An increasingly promising approach for overcoming such limitations involves the incorporation of in‐pixel amplification circuits, referred to as active pixel (AP) architectures, based on low‐temperature polycrystallinesilicon (poly‐ Si) TFTs. Methods: Theoretical performance limits for additive noise and DQE for large area imagers employing various AP designs have been explored. The methodology involves SPICE simulations of pixel circuits in an array environment employing realistic inputs for signal, as well as noise derived from individual poly‐Si TFT test devices. Pixel circuit noise performance derived from these simulations, along with other imaging parameters, are input to cascaded systems models for calculations of the corresponding DQE performance. Results: For large area imagers employing architectures comprising one‐ and two‐stage in‐pixel amplification, the calculations suggest that the effect of additive noise can be significantly diminished, leading to substantial improvement in DQE compared to that of conventional AMFPIs, especially at the low exposures associated with fluoroscopy. Such improved performance is largely maintained even for more sophisticated pixel designs incorporating additional features such as higher frame rate and selectable amplification gain. Conclusions: Active pixel imagers based on poly‐Si TFTs offer a potential alternative to conventional AMFPIs for overcoming the decline of DQE at low exposures in fluoroscopy. The combination of detailed circuit simulations and cascaded systems modeling provides a powerful tool for guiding the development of future generations of ever more sophisticated imagers. Work Supported by NIH grant R01‐EB000558
Isomerization of L-glyceraldehyde to dihydroxyacetone during glyceride synthesis by rat liver microsomes.

L-glyceraldehyde is converted to phosphatidic acid by the action of rat liver microsomal enzymes and glycerol kinase in the presence of fatty acid, ATP, CoASH and NADH. L-glycerol 3-phosphate is not an intermediate in this synthesis since microsomes in the presence of NADH neither reduce L-glyceraldehyde nor, in the additional presence of glycerol kinase and ATP, convert it to L-glycerol 3-phosphate. However dihydroxyacetone is produced when L-glyceraldehyde is incubated with microsomes. This was shown enzymatically by the subsequent conversion to dihydroxyacetone phosphate which was confirmed by the oxidation of NADH in the presence of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Isomerization of L-glyceraldehyde and the synthesis of dihydroxyacetone phosphate may be one of several possible mechanisms in the conversion of the triose to either glucose or glycerideglycerol which has been reported to occur in tissue.
The Martian Dust Storm of Sol 1742

After nearly five earth years on Mars, the Mutch Memorial Station (Viking Lander 1) finally witnessed a local dust storm that eroded trenches, conical piles, and other disturbed surfaces in the sample field and near the Lander. The event, called the Dust Storm of Sol 1742, occurred late in the third winter of Lander observations between Sols 1728 and 1757. Analyses of tiny new wind tails and movement of materials indicate that the eroding winds were variable but northeasterly than those that had previously shaped the surface. Pebbly residues and movement of 4-5 mm clods suggest drag velocities or friction speeds of the winds were about 2.2-4.0 m/s. Wind speeds at the height of the meteorology boom (1.6 m) were probably about 40-50 m/s. Much of the observed erosion could have occurred in a few to several tens of seconds, but somewhat longer times are suggested by analogy with the erosion of terrestrial soils. Most of the erosion occurred where preexisting equilibrium conditions of surface configurations and surface material properties had been altered by the Lander during landing and during surface-sampler activities, but thin layers of bright fine-grained dust were also removed and redistributed. Surfaces where preexisting equilibrium conditions were unaltered appeared to be uneroded.
Assessing the cost effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in the US.

About 50,000 people are infected with HIV in the US each year and this number has remained virtually the same for the past decade. Yet, in the last few years, evidence from several multinational randomized clinical trials has shown that the provision of antiretroviral drug to uninfected persons (i.e. pre-exposure prophylaxis) reduces the incidence of HIV by about 50 %. However, evidence from cost-effectiveness studies conducted in the US yield widely varying estimates of the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, and this variation reflects the substantial uncertainty surrounding the determinants of HIV transmission (e.g. adherence rates to prophylactic medications, the average number of sexual partners, the number and types of sexual acts, the viral load of infected partners, and the proportion of contacts where condoms are used), as well as different approaches to translating a reduction in HIV cases into an estimate of the increase in the number of QALYs.