cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic architecture of two fitness-related traits in Drosophila melanogaster: ovariole number and thorax length.

In Drosophila melanogaster, ovariole number and thorax length are morphological characters thought to be associated with fitness. Maximum daily egg production in females is positively correlated with ovariole number, while thorax length is correlated with male reproductive success and female fecundity. Though both traits are related to fitness, ovariole number is likely to be under stabilizing selection, while thorax length appears to be under directional selection. Current research has focused on examining the sources of variation for ovariole number in relation to fitness, with a view towards elucidating how segregating variation is maintained in natural populations. Here, we utilize a diallel design to explore the genetic architecture of ovariole number and thorax length in nine isogenic lines derived from a natural population. The full diallel design allows the estimation of general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and also describes variation due to reciprocal effects (RGCA and RSCA). Ovariole number and thorax length differed with respect to their genetic architecture, reflective of the independent selective forces acting on the traits. For ovariole number, GCA accounted for the majority (67.3%) of variation segregating between the lines, with no evidence of reciprocal effects or inbreeding depression; SCA accounted for a small percentage (3.9%) of the variance, suggesting dominance variation; no reciprocal effects were observed. In contrast, for thorax length, the majority of the non-error variance was accounted for by SCA (17.9%), with only one third as much variance (6.2%) due to GCA. Interestingly, RSCA (nuclear–extranuclear interactions) accounted for slightly more variation (7.5%) than GCA in these data. Thus, genetic variation for thorax length is largely in accord with predictions for a fitness trait under directional selection: little additive genetic variation and substantial dominance variation (including a suggestion of inbreeding depression); while the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of variation for ovariole number are more complex.
On a thermonuclear origin for the 1980-81 deep light minimum of the symbiotic nova PU Vul

The puzzling 1980-81 deep light minimum of the symbiotic nova PU Vul is discussed in terms of a sequence of quasi-static evolutionary models of a hot, 0.5 solar mass white dwarf accreting H-rich matter at a rate 1 x 10 exp -8 solar mass/yr. On the basis of the morphological behavior of the models, it is suggested that the deep light minimum of PU Vul could have been the result of two successive, closely spaced, hydrogen shell flashes on an accreting white dwarf whose core thermal structure and accreted H-rich envelope was not in a long-term thermal 'cycle-averaged' steady state with the rate of accretion.
Analysis of Control Flow Events for Timing-based Runtime Anomaly Detection

Embedded system security has become a critical challenge given the increasing prevalence of network-connected systems. While anomaly-based detection methods provide the advantage of detecting zero-day exploits, existing approaches incur significant performance overheads and are susceptible to mimicry attacks. In this paper, we present a formal runtime security model that defines the normal system behavior. The runtime security model is applied to a timing-based, runtime anomaly detection method that utilizes on-chip hardware to non-intrusively monitor both the system execution sequence and execution timing to detect malicious activity. Monitoring all possible execution paths of an embedded application is infeasible due to its complexity. Thus, we analyze the properties of the timing distribution for control flow events within a network-connected pacemaker to evaluate the resulting detection rate for various levels of mimicry attacks, considering constraints on the number of monitored events supported in the on-chip hardware.
Temporal pattern and effect of sex on lipopolysaccharide-induced stress hormone and cytokine response in pigs

The temporal pattern and sex effect of immune and stress hormone responses to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge were assessed using a pig model. Secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 increased in a time-dependent manner following LPS infusion. There was also a time-dependent increase in secretion of the stress-related hormones cortisol, epinephrine (E), and norepinephrine (NE) following LPS, with peak concentrations attained within 30 min. The magnitude of the TNF-alpha and IL-1beta responses were both positively associated (P < 0.05) with the magnitude of cortisol response following LPS, whereas serum IL-1beta and IL-6 were positively correlated with the magnitude of E and NE responses following LPS. Acute-phase protein production was also time-dependently increased following LPS. The concentration of immune cells in circulation was decreased (P < 0.05) at 5.5h post-LPS and negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokine production. By 24h post-LPS, immune cell counts increased (P < 0.05) and were positively associated with both pro-inflammatory cytokine and stress hormone production. The amplitude of pro-inflammatory cytokine response following LPS was affected (P < 0.05) by sex classification; however, the magnitude of elevated cytokine concentrations was not. The magnitude of the NE response, but not of the E and cortisol responses, to LPS was influenced by sex (P < 0.05). Similar to the pro-inflammatory cytokines, the magnitude of exposure to the stress hormones following LPS was not influenced by sex. The production of serum amyloid A (SAA) was influenced by sex, with barrows producing more SAA than gilts at 24h post-LPS (P < 0.05). Collectively, these results demonstrate sex-specific, concomitant temporal changes in innate immune- and stress-related hormones.
Manifestations of pion-nucleon scattering in nuclear pion absorption

Abstract We have measured the yields of ( π ± , p ) in 3 He, 4 He, 12 C, and 27 Al at T π = 400 and 475 MeV for θ p = 30° with emphasis on the kinematics region of two-nucleon pion absorption π ± NN → Np. These data along with previous ones yield the energy dependence 3, 4 He and 27 Al over the energy range 50–475 MeV. Direct and secondary effects influencing the ( π , p ) yields due to the strong variation in the π + N scattering cross sections over this energy are discussed in terms of the π NN → Np mechanism.
Fetal scalp nucleated red blood cell counts in pregnancies with meconium stained amniotic fluid

CIES WITH MECONIUM STAINED AMNIOTIC FLUID ASAF FERBER, EBRAHIM SHAHIM, ALINA WEISSMANN-BRENNER, MICHAEL DIVON, Lenox Hill Hospital, OB/GYN, New York, NY OBJECTIVE: The clinical significance of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MEC) is still debated. Recent studies suggested that nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts are elevated in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome. Thus, we sought to determine the correlation between intrapartum NRBC counts, pH values and MEC. STUDY DESIGN: Fetal scalp capillary blood specimens were prospectively collected in laboring patients who underwent scalp sampling. Specimens were evaluated for pH and NRBC counts. The presence and quality of meconium in the amniotic fluid were noted. Statistical analysis included Student’s t-test and simple regression. RESULTS: 78 term, singleton pregnancies formed the study population. The mean gestational age was 39.7 ± 1.2 ( ± S.D.) weeks. The mean birth weight was 3493 ± 451 grams. Themean scalp pHwas 7.26 ± 0.05 and themean NRBC per 100 WBC was 8.8 ± 8.3. Simple regression analysis revealed no significant correlation between fetal scalp pH and NRBC values (P = 0.94). 17 patients had MEC. Scalp pH values in patients with and without MEC were 7.25 ± 0.06 and 7.26 ± 0.05, respectively, P = 0.64. However, the NRBC counts in fetuses with MEC were significantly elevated (11.4 ± 10.6 vs. 7.4 ± 6.4, respectively, P = 0.031). Patients were further divided into clear fluid/thin MEC vs. moderate/thick MEC. There were no scalp pH differences between groups (7.24 ± 0.07 vs. 7.26 ± 0.05, respectively, P = 0.27). However, the NRBC counts in the moderate/thick MEC group were significantly different (14.0 ± 13.1 vs. 7.6 ± 6.2, respectively, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Previous studies have established an association between NRBC counts and perinatal outcome. Our results indicate that fetal NRBC counts are elevated in patients withmoderate/thick MEC. No such difference in pH values was noted. We speculate that scalp NRBC counts have the potential to either predict neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome or identify pregnancies that may benefit from immediate treatment.
Reviving the Schoolmaster: Reevaluating Public Opinion in the Wake of Roe v. Wade

Many recent studies of the judiciary and public opinion adopt a model that views court decisions as aggravating division within the public. The authors question the image of Court as polarizer, arg...
Mixed wastes treatment by reverse-burn gasification

Abstract This paper describes the application of reverse-burn gasification (the ChemChar process) for the treatment of mixed wastes, which are wastes containing both hazardous organic matter and radionuclides. The specific wastes studied consisted of ion-exchange resins to which were bound radioactive technetium-99m and non-radioactive surrogates for waste radionuclides. It was shown that with reverse-burn gasification the resins could be dewatered and converted to inert char and innocuous gas products with complete retention of the radionuclides. The residual char can be mixed with Portland cement and water to produce a poorly leachable aggregate in concrete. An approximately 20-fold reduction in volume of the original wet resin can be accomplished with a reverse-burn gasification followed by a forward burn to produce a low-volume, poorly leachable slag.
Structural polymorphism of the β chain of human HLA-DR antigens

Abstract [ 3 H]Phenylalanine-labeled HLA-DR antigens were isolated from four human cultured B lymphoid cell lines RPMI 1788 (DRw4,7), RPMI 4098 (DRw2,6), RPMI 6410 (DRw4,6) and Victor (DRw4,6) by indirect immunoprecipitation with xenoantiserum. The α and β chains were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Following digestion with trypsin the peptides were separated by high pressure liquid chromatography. The four HLA-DR α chain peptide maps were nearly identical. The HLA-DR α chains isolated from the phenotypically distinct cell lines, RPMI 1788 (DRw4,7) and RPMI 4098 (DRw2,6), had strikingly different tryptic peptide profiles whereas the tryptic peptides maps of HLA-DR β chains isolated from the phenotypically identical cell line, RPMI 6410 (DRw4,6) and Victor (DRw4,6), were homologous in 14 out of 19 total peptides, suggesting that the molecular basis for the serologically defined polymorphism of HLA-DR antigens resides in the β chain. The cell line RPMI 4098 was also labeled with [ 3 H]glucosamine and the α and β chains of HLA-DR antigen were isolated. Only one tryptic glucosamine-containing peptide was detected in the α chain tryptic digest while two peptides were detected in the tryptic digest of the β chain, suggesting that the α chain has one carbohydrate moiety and the β chain two carbohydrate moieties.
Patient perceptions of patient‐centred care: empirical test of a theoretical model

Aim Patient perception measures are gaining increasing interest among scholars and practitioners. The aim of this study was to empirically examine a conceptual model of patient-centred care using patient perception survey data. Background Patient-centred care is one of the Institute of Medicine's objectives for improving health care in the 21st century. Patient interviews conducted by the Picker Institute/Commonwealth Fund in the 1980s resulted in a theoretical model and survey questions with dimensions and attributes patients defined as patient-centered. Method The present study used survey data from patients with overnight visits at 142 U.S. hospitals. Results Regression analysis found significant support for the theoretical model. Perceptions of emotional support had the strongest relationship with overall care ratings. Coordination of care, and physical comfort were strongly related as well. Conclusion Understanding how patients experience their care can help improve understanding of what patients believe is patient-centred, and of how care processes relate to important patient outcomes.
Influence of Variations of O2 and CO2 Tension in Inspired Air Upon Hearing

Although tests made on aviators and other observations at high altitudes indicate that O2-lack causes sensory disturbances,1 particularly in vision, no systematic study seems to have been made in which the influence of various O2- and CO2-tensions was investigated in regard to sensory functions. Such a study seems to be of particular interest since the importance of these factors for various reflexes is well known. The present paper is based upon 96 audiometer experiments carried out on 6 thoroughly trained subjects. The administration of various O2-, N2- and CO2-air mixtures, which were inhaled from several large Douglas bags, was preceded and followed by control periods in which the threshold for a certain sound was determined in intervals varying between 1 and 4 minutes. Long control series extending over several hours were also carried out in order to determine the spontaneously occurring variations in threshold. The observation room was nearly sound proof.In 37 experiments the influence of breathing ...
Precipitation of metal-humate complexes

Abstract Concentrations of magnesium found in sea water are capable of precipitating cadimum humate from water solution. Speciation calculations and kinetic considerations indicate that dissociation of the cadmium complexes occurs during the precipitation process. For a sequence of divalent metal cations, lead is the most effective precipitator of humic acid, whereas magnesium is least effective. The order is lead > copper > cadmium > barium > zinc > nickel > calcium > strontium > magnesium.
Palmitoylation Controls the Catalytic Activity and Subcellular Distribution of Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase IIα

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases play essential roles in cell signaling and membrane trafficking. They are divided into type II and III families, which have distinct structural and enzymatic properties and are essentially unrelated in sequence. Mammalian cells express two type II isoforms, phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIα (PI4KIIα) and IIβ (PI4KIIβ). Nearly all of PI4KIIα, and about half of PI4KIIβ, associates integrally with membranes, requiring detergent for solubilization. This tight membrane association is because of palmitoylation of a cysteine-rich motif, CCPCC, located within the catalytic domains of both type II isoforms. Deletion of this motif from PI4KIIα converts the kinase from an integral to a tightly bound peripheral membrane protein and abrogates its catalytic activity (Barylko, B., Gerber, S. H., Binns, D. D., Grichine, N., Khvotchev, M., Sudhof, T. C., and Albanesi, J. P. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 7705-7708). Here we identify the first two cysteines in the CCPCC motif as the principal sites of palmitoylation under basal conditions, and we demonstrate the importance of the central proline for enzymatic activity, although not for membrane binding. We further show that palmitoylation is critical for targeting PI4KIIα to the trans-Golgi network and for enhancement of its association with low buoyant density membrane fractions, commonly termed lipid rafts. Replacement of the four cysteines in CCPCC with a hydrophobic residue, phenylalanine, substantially restores catalytic activity of PI4KIIα in vitro and in cells without restoring integral membrane binding. Although this FFPFF mutant displays a perinuclear distribution, it does not strongly co-localize with wild-type PI4KIIα and associates more weakly with lipid rafts.
High-level expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae enables isolation and spectroscopic characterization of functional human adenosine A2a receptor

The G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a class of membrane proteins that trigger cellular responses to external stimuli, and are believed to be targets for nearly half of all pharmaceutical drugs on the market. However, little is known regarding their folding and cellular interactions, as well as what factors are crucial for their activity. Further structural characterization of GPCRs has largely been complicated by problems with expression, purification, and preservation of activity in vitro. Previously, we have demonstrated high-level expression (approximately 4mg/L of culture) of functional human adenosine A(2)a receptor fused to a green fluorescent protein (A(2)aR-GFP) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this work, we re-engineered A(2)aR with a purification tag, developed an adequate purification scheme, and performed biophysical characterization on purified receptors. Milligram amounts per liter of culture of A(2)aR and A(2)aR-GFP were functionally expressed in S. cerevisiae, with a C-terminal deca-histidine tag. Lysis procedures were developed for optimal membrane protein solubilization and recovery through monitoring fluorescence of A(2)aR-GFP-His(10). One-step purification of the protein was achieved through immobilized metal affinity chromatography. After initial solubilization in n-dodecyl-beta-d-maltoside (DDM), a combination of added cholesterol hemisuccinate (CHS) in 3-(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammoniopropane sulfonate (CHAPS) was required to stabilize the functional state of the protein. Isolated A(2)aR under these conditions was found to be largely alpha-helical, and properly incorporated into a mixed-micelle environment. The A(2)a-His(10) receptor was purified in quantities of 6+/-2mg/L of culture, with ligand-binding yields of 1mg/L, although all protein bound to xanthine affinity resin. This represents the highest purified total and functional yields for A(2)aR yet achieved from any heterologous expression system.
α-Tocopheryl hemisuccinate administration increases rat liver subcellular α-tocopherol levels and protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract Rats were administered a series of tocopherol analogs 18 h prior to a hepatotoxic dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Of the compounds tested, only d-α-tocopheryl hemisuccinate (TS) provided significant protection against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. No protection was observed with either d-α-tocopherol (α-T) or a tocopherol succinate ether derivative, d-α-tocopheryloxybutyric acid (TSE). None of the tocopherol analogs significantly inhibited CYP2E1 activity as measured by oxidation of p-nitrophenol. Liver homogenates and subcellular fractions (cytosol, nuclei, plasma membranes, mitochondria and microsomes) were collected 18 h after tocopherol analog administration in the absence of CCl4. Homogenate and subcellular α-T levels were not significantly increased following TSE administration but were increased 2–3 fold following TS and α-T administration. Total tocopherol levels (α-T+TS+TSE) in liver homogenates and subcellular fractions were highest in rats supplemented with TS. In these animals, TS was detected in all subcellular fractions and total tocopherol levels were increased from 6–23 fold over those seen in controls and 2–9 fold over α-T treated rats. In vitro studies in which liver homogenates and subcellular fractions were peroxidized with ascorbate and ADP/Fe suggest that increasing levels of α-T but not TS correlates with increased protection against lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that the ability of TS to protect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity relates to its enhanced hepatic accumulation and subsequent hydrolysis to α-T.
Work in progress: How do first-year engineering students develop as self-directed learners?

Although self-direction is among the most critical skills required of today's engineering graduates, the complex processes through which individuals develop the attitudes, beliefs, and skills of lifelong, self-directed learners remains unclear. In this ongoing mixed-methods investigation, we draw on existing motivation and self-regulated learning theories to examine how undergraduate students at two institutions develop as self-directed learners during their first two years of their engineering programs. Preliminary findings indicate that both groups of first-year students make progress as self-directed learners, even after their first semester of college. However, the data indicate marked differences in specific areas of self-directed learner growth at the two institutions. Compared to those at the large public university, students at the small private college report stronger learning goal orientations, help-seeking behaviors, and metacognitive strategy use. We discuss how the learning opportunities and environments may contribute to these differences in learner development.
U50,488H-induced pressor effect in the ovine foetus is mediated by sympathetic activation and vasopressin.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism behind the increase in blood pressure observed after intravenous administration of U50,488H (trans-3,4-dichloro-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide), a selective Kappa-opioid receptor agonist, to the ovine foetus. Intravenous administration of U50,488H (1.0 mg/kg) to the foetus resulted in an immediate increase in foetal blood pressure which lasted 15 min. Pretreatment with phentolamine (1.0 mg/kg i.v.) completely blocked the immediate (1-4 min) pressor effect of U50,488H, but not the subsequent increase in blood pressure after 5 min. In contrast, pretreatment with the vasopressin antagonist ([beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethylene-propionyl)-O-Me2-Tyr,Arg8]vasopressin, 0.06 mg/kg) did not affect the immediate pressor effect of U50,488H, but completely blocked the latter increase in blood pressure after 4 min. These data suggest that the immediate increase in blood pressure caused by U50,488H was mediated by sympathetic activation which was then further sustained by a release of vasopressin.
BRMS1 Suppresses Lung Cancer Metastases through an E3 Ligase Function on Histone Acetyltransferase p300

The mechanisms through which the metastasis suppressor gene BRMS1 functions are poorly understood. Herein, we report the identification of a previously undescribed E3 ligase function of BRMS1 on the histone acetyltransferase p300. BRMS1 induces polyubiquitination of p300, resulting in its proteasome-mediated degradation. We identify BRMS1 as the first eukaryote structural mimic of the bacterial IpaH E3 ligase family and establish that the evolutionarily conserved CXD motif located in BRMS1 is responsible for its E3 ligase function. Mutation of this E3 ligase motif not only abolishes BRMS1-induced p300 polyubiquitination and degradation, but importantly, dramatically reduces the metastasis suppressor function of BRMS1 in both in vitro and in vivo models of lung cancer metastasis. Cancer Res; 73(4); 1308–17. ©2013 AACR.
Making a Case for Single Case Research

The N of 1 research design is currently being used in behavioral science, pharmacology, experimental physiology, and medicine. The purposes of this editorial are to: 1) briefly compare N of 1 single case design to traditional group designs, focusing on advantages and disadvantages; 2) describe the most common N of 1 options; 3) discuss potential sources of error and bias from N of 1 designs; 4) discuss statistical issues of using N of 1; and 5) focus on how N of 1 research might be utilitzed in the physical therapy setting. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1996;24(1):1–3. doi:10.2519/jospt.1996.24.1.1
Procysteine Increases Alcohol-depleted Glutathione Stores in Rat Plantaris Following a Period of Abstinence

Aims: To assess the effectiveness of procysteine (PRO) supplementation provided during a period of abstinence (ABS) on alcohol-induced skeletal muscle atrophy and oxidant stress. Methods: Age- and gender-matched Sprague–Dawley rats were fed the Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet containing either alcohol or an isocaloric substitution (control diet) for 12 week. Next, subgroups of alcohol-fed rats were fed the control diet for 2 week (ABS) supplemented with either PRO (0.35%, w/v) or vehicle. Plantaris morphology was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Total, reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH) levels and total antioxidant potential were determined by commercially available assay kits. Antibody arrays were used to determine cytokine levels. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine gene expressions of two E3 ubiquitin ligases, atrogin-1 and muscle ring finger protein-1 (MuRF-1). Results: Plantaris muscles from alcohol-fed rats displayed extensive atrophy, as well as decreased GSH levels, a trend for decreased total antioxidant potential and elevated atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 mRNA levels. GSH levels and total antioxidant potential continued to decrease during 2 weeks of ABS from alcohol, which were normalized in abstinent rats provided PRO. Gene levels of both E3 ligases returned to baseline during ABS. In parallel, plantaris cross-sectional area increased in both groups during ABS. Conclusions: PRO supplementation during ABS significantly attenuated alcohol-induced redox stress compared with untreated abstinent rats. Thus, our data may suggest that GSH restoration therapy may provide therapeutic benefits to the overall antioxidant state of skeletal muscle when prescribed in conjunction with an established detoxification program for recovering alcoholics.
Low-Impedance Tungsten Microelectrode for Recording from Sensory Ganglia

A low-impedance (0-3-3.0 M? at 1.0 kHz) reliable tungsten microelectrode has been developed. The electrode is easily reproducible, and single electrodes have been successfully used in repeated recordings from sensory ganglia.
Mechanism for enhanced oxygen reduction kinetics at the (La,Sr)CoO3−δ/(La,Sr)2CoO4+δ hetero-interface

The recently reported fast oxygen reduction kinetics at the interface of (La,Sr)CoO3−δ (LSC113) and (La,Sr)2CoO4+δ (LSC214) phases opened up new questions for the potential role of dissimilar interfaces in advanced cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Using first-principles based calculations in the framework of density functional theory, we quantitatively probed the possible mechanisms that govern the oxygen reduction activity enhancement at this hetero-interface as a model system. Our findings show that both the strongly anisotropic oxygen incorporation kinetics on the LSC214 and the lattice strain in the vicinity of the interface are important contributors to such enhancement. The LSC214(100) surface exposed to the ambient at the LSC113/LSC214 interface facilitates oxygen incorporation because the oxygen molecules very favorably adsorb onto it compared to the LSC214(001) and LSC113(001) surfaces, providing a large source term for oxygen incorporation. Lattice strain field present near the hetero-interface accelerates oxygen incorporation kinetics especially on the LSC113(001) surface. At 500 °C, 4 × 102 times faster oxygen incorporation kinetics are predicted in the vicinity of the LSC113/LSC214 hetero-interface with 50% Sr-doped LSC214 compared to that on the single phase LSC113(001) surface. Contributions from both the anisotropy and the local strain effects are of comparable magnitude. The insights obtained in this work suggest that hetero-structures, which have a large area of (100) surfaces and smaller thickness in the [001] direction of the Ruddlesden–Popper phases, and larger tensile strain near the interface would be promising for high-performance cathodes.
Use of a thermal inactivation technique to obtain binding constants for the Escherichia coli valyl-tRNA synthetase.

Abstract Amino acid substrates and closely related structural analogs of these substrates protect the valyl-tRNA synthetase against thermal inactivation. Conditions have been found where the rate of thermal inactivation of the enzyme, both in the presence and absence of the substrates and analogs, follows a first-order course enabling a rate constant of inactivation (k) to be determined. The value of k is shown to be dependent upon the concentration of the protecting compound as described by an equation which is based on the assumption that the complex formed between the enzyme and the protecting compound is essentially the same as an enzyme-substrate or an enzyme-inhibitor complex. Protection constants (π) for the enzyme-protector complexes have been determined and have been equated with the dissociation constants of these enzyme-protector complexes. The protection constants have been compared with the Km and Ki values for the substrates and competitive inhibitors, respectively, determined by the ATP:32PPi exchange reaction. The π values are greatly influenced by the presence of magnesium and ATP, and the results are consistent with the supposition that the addition of Mg2+· ATP to the enzyme precedes the addition of the amino acid substrate during the course of valine activation.
Mice expressing the A53T mutant form of human alpha‐synuclein exhibit hyperactivity and reduced anxiety‐like behavior

Genetic mutations associated with alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) are implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is primarily a movement disorder, but patients are known to experience anxiety and other mood disorders. In this study, we examined the effect of the hA53T mutation during development by analyzing the protein expression of norepinephrine (NET), serotonin (SERT), and dopamine (DAT) transporters in addition to assessing locomotor and anxiety-like behavior. We observed significant decreases in DAT expression at 8 months in transgenic animals compared with normal and younger mice. We used the elevated plus maze, open-field test, and rotarod apparatus to evaluate wild-type and hA53T hemizygous mice at 2, 8, and 12 months of age. Our results showed that 12-month-old transgenic mice spend more time in the open arms and display a greater number of open entries of the elevated plus maze compared with wild-type controls and younger mice. Open-field test results showed that 12-month-old mice travel a greater distance overall and travel more in the inner zone than either wild-type or younger mice. Rotarod testing showed that 8- and 12-month-old transgenic mice perform better than either wild-type controls or younger mice. Overall, 8-12-month-old transgenic mice showed a trend toward reduced anxiety-like behavior and increased hyperactivity. These results indicate a possible role of the A53T alpha-Syn mutation in anxiety-like and hyperactive behaviors in a PD mouse model, suggesting that these behaviors might be comorbid with this disease.
Missing IUD and utilization of fluoroscopy for management: a case report

Abstract Introduction A missing intrauterine device (IUD) poses challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Extrauterine placement of IUDs may cause difficulty in localization. We report a case where use of fluoroscopy just prior to laparoscopic intervention to remove the missing IUD was beneficial. Case This case report involves a 35-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a missing thread 2 years after insertion of a levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena). Initial diagnostic workup consisting of abdominal X-ray, an ultrasound and diagnostic laparoscopy failed to localize the IUD. We performed an office pelvic ultrasound which confirmed that an IUD was present but could not specifically localize the IUD in the pelvic or abdominal cavity. Hence, we utilized fluoroscopy just prior to laparoscopy to localize and remove the missing device and allow its removal. Conclusion Various imaging modalities aid in detecting a missing IUD, but proper selection of fluoroscopy helped to localize extrauterine placement of an IUD device. We suggest that utilization of this imaging method just prior to laparoscopy may be of value in selected cases.
Structure-mutagenicity relationships of chalcones and their oxides in the Salmonella assay

Abstract 31 p -monosubstituted chalcones ( E -1, 3-diphenylpropene-1-one) and the corresponding oxides ( E -1-benzoyl-2-phenyloxirane) were tested for mutagenic activity on two strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100) with and without rat liver microsomal and cytosolic enzymes. Highest mutagenicity (3.0 revertants/nmole in either strain) was seen with the 4-nitrochalcone, especially after S9 activation. Epoxidation, in general, increased the mutagenic activity of the respective chalcone. Benzoyl (4′) substituted chalcones and their oxides with an electron-withdrawing substituent (e.g., nitro, fluoro) usually had higher activity than their phenyl (4) substituted counterparts, whereas the converse was the case with electron-donating substituents (e.g., acetamido, methoxy). Further multiple factorial analysis revealed that increasing hydrophilicity as indicated by the Hansch π parameter, and resonance electronic contributions were more important than other factors including steric terms in explaining the mutagenicity of these compounds. Mutagenic effects of some chalcone oxides, particularly the 4-methoxy derivative, were markedly decreased by S9 treatment. The consequence of the weak-to-moderate mutagenicity of these compounds to dietary intake of hydroxylated and methoxylated chalcones is discussed.
A school satellite tracking station as an aid to the teaching of physics

The major space programmes permit both active and passive participation by schools. They provide numerous illustrations for traditional science courses and a basis for examination questions. Active participation involves observation of satellites by visual, photographic and radio methods. Radio signals exhibit the Faraday and Doppler effects on a grand scale. Systematic observations of signals from Cosmos satellites have led to many deductions about the purpose and behaviour of the 8 day reconnaissance satellites and to the disclosure of the location of an unannounced launch site.
Selection for body weight at 8 weeks of age. 7. Blood glutathione.

Abstract S 11 generation cockerels from lines selected for high and low body weight at 8 weeks of age were compared for blood reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Two trials were conducted, and GSH was determined at 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 28 and 56 days of age. Body weights and hematocrits were also obtained at each of these ages. At all ages, the HW chicks were significantly heavier than the LW chicks. Differences between lines for hematocrits were not significant prior to 28 days of age, when tha values became significantly greater for the HW line than for the LW line. Blood GSH, expressed as mg/100 ml of whole blood and as mg/100 ml of erythrocytes, was significantly greater in the HW than in the LW line. It was concluded that in these lines greater blood GSH levels are correlated with heavier body weights and that the difference between the lines was greatest at younger ages.
Contributions of radiative gluons and vector mesons to the F 2 structure function

We calculate unpolarized quark distribution functions and F 2 structure functions for the proton and the neutron. The calculation is preformed in the light-cone frame. For the bare nucleon three different distributions-namely, spin-0 diquark, spin-0 plus spin-1 diquark, and no diquark models-have been used. Using perturbative QCD an initial gluon distribution is generated inside the core nucleon. The physical nucleon is assumed to be a superposition of the bare nucleon plus virtual light-cone Fock states of baryon octets and baryon decuplets along with the corresponding pseudoscalar mesons and vector mesons. The initial distributions are evolved. The F 2 structure functions are calculated from the evolved distributions and it is shown that they are in reasonable agreement with the NMC and ZEUS results along with a CTEQ6M fit. Also, it is shown that the meson cloud is a major contributing factor to the sea quark asymmetry and one needs both pseudoscalar mesons and vector mesons to account fully for Gottfried sum rule violation.
Irreversible island growth in the presence of anisotropic surface diffusion with long jumps

Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations are used to investigate the dynamics of island growth during submonolayer epitaxy in the presence of anisotropic surface diffusion, and the influence of a recently hypothesized crowdion diffusion mechanism. An existing rate equation mean-field analysis of island growth is extended to include anisotropic diffusion. The mean-field analysis is found to be at odds with results from KMC simulations indicating that the details of the surface diffusion mechanism influence the nucleation rate. It is found that anisotropy in adatom hopping reduces the density of stable islands. It is also found that although the shape of the island size distribution is sensitive to island relaxation processes, it is not discernibly affected by hopping anisotropy with ratios ${D}_{xx}∕{D}_{yy}$ up to 16.
Ethics, Professional Expectations, and Graduate Education: Advancing Research in Kinesiology

The university is a social institution and as such has a social responsibility to advance knowledge through research that is ultimately meaningful and beneficial to society. As we seek to advance research and graduate education in kinesiology, we must accept ethical standards and professional expectations not only as an institutional value but as an individual value. It is important that we understand current ethical dilemmas, examine underlying factors that might contribute to scientific misconduct and professional misbehavior, and develop professional preparation programs that promote academic and scholarly integrity. Through graduate education in kinesiology, we can provide training in the responsible conduct of research and ethical pursuits so that our graduates can become ethically responsible leaders and scholars.
Connected graphs with prescribed median and periphery

Abstract The eccentricity e(v) of a vertex v in a connected graph G is the distance between v and a vertex furthest from v in G. The center C(G) of G is the subgraph induced by those vertices of G having minimum eccentricity; the periphery P(G) is the subgraph induced by those vertices of G having maximum eccentricity. The distance d(v) of a vertex v in G is the sum of the distances from v to the vertices of G. The median M(G) of G is the subgraph induced by those vertices having minimum distance. For graphs F and G and a positive integer m, necessary and sufficient conditions are given for F and G to be the median and periphery, respectively, of some connected graph such that the distance between the median and periphery is m. Necessary and sufficient conditions are also given for two graphs to be the median and periphery and to intersect in any common induced subgraph.
Synthesis and magnetic characterization of (Tl0.5Pb0.5)Sr2Ca2Cu3O9 and Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 bulk superconductors

Abstract Nearly single-phase bulk superconducting (Tl 0.5 Pb 0.5 )Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 9−δ (hereafter referred to as Tl, Pb-1223) samples were prepared readily from calcium- and copper-rich starting compositions of (Tl 0.6 Pb 0.5 )Sr 2 Ca 2+ z Cu 3+ z O y ( z = 0.4−0.5). The starting compounds were heated in a crimped gold tube at 850°C for 2 h in air with one intermediate grinding, and quenched in liquid nitrogen. The T c was found to be 108 K (measured as the diamagnetic onset temperature) for the “as-synthesized” samples. The crystal symmetry was found to be tetragonal with lattice parameters a = 3.807 (2) A, and c = 15.24 (1) A, similar to the literature values. Magnetic characterization were conducted by using a DC-SQUID magnetometer. From the magnetization measurements, the intragrain critical-current density, J c , was calculated to be 6 × 10 5 A/cm 2 at 77 K and a field of 0.05 T. Flux pinning characteristics were investigated for Tl,Pb-1223 samples and the results are compared with that of Tl 2 Ba 2 CaCu 2 O 8 (Tl-2212). The irreversibility fields and bulk flux-creep activation energies for Tl,Pb-1223 samples are found to be higher than for Tl-2212 at all investigated temperatures. The flux-line densities and the activation energy per flux are reported for the first time and reveal an increased defect density (serving as pinning centers) for Tl,Pb-1223 samples as compared to that for Tl-2212 samples at 35 K. These features are attributed to the three-dimensional behavior of Tl,Pb-1223 samples when compared to the two-dimensional (highly anisotropic) behavior of Tl-2212 samples.
Sex Segregation in the Workplace

This chapter reviews research on the segregation of women and men in the workplace. After examining ways to measure segregation, I summarize trends in sex segregation in the United States and cross-nationally. Occupational segregation has declined since 1970, but most workers remain in sex segregated jobs. I then evaluate the empirical support for explanations for segregation. Demand-side explanations include employers' preferences, the demand for workers, economic pressures, discrimination, and personnel practices. Supply-side explanations include the size of the labor supply, the neoclassical human-capital explanation, gender-role socialization, workers' values, and the opportunity structure. I conclude that a variety of social and economic forces operate both to perpetuate and to reduce segregation. However, workplace segregation is an important mechanism in sex stratification, and a stratification perspective stresses the importance of demand-side factors. I call for research on sex segregation that e...
Echocardiographic Guidance During Placement of the Buttoned Double-Disk Device for Atrial Septal Defect Closure

The usefulness of two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography during buttoned double-disk device closure of an atrial septal defect was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients at the time of interventional catheterization. Transesophageal echocardiography was used in 11 patients (ages 5 to 62 years, weights 20 to 91 kg). Because of the size of the available transesophageal echo probe, transthoracic echocardiography was used in the remaining 9 patients (ages 4 to 5.5 years, weights 14 to 21 kg). In the transesophageal echo group, 1 patient was found to have no atrial septal defect despite a previous diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography, 3 patients had atrial septal defects too large for closure despite attempts in 2, and 7 patients had transesophageal echo guided device placement. All of these 7 patients had small residual shunts by color Doppler, 2 had unusual arm positions, and 2 had surgical removal of the device due to embolization to the pulmonary artery in 1 and failure to obtain close approximation of the occluder and counteroccluder in 1. In the transthoracic echo group, 2 patients had atrial septal defects too large for closure, 1 patient had no femoral venous access, and 6 patients had transthoracic echo guided device placement. All of these 6 patients had small residual shunts by color Doppler and 3 of the 6 had unusual arm positions. For atrial septal defect sizing, transesophageal echo measurements correlated with catheter balloon size more closely than did transthoracic echo measurements (P = 0.97 us 0.86). Echocardiography was particularly useful for sizing the defect in two orthogonal views (n = 18), sizing total atrial septal length to determine maximum usable device size (n = 15), imaging septal rims (n = 19), determining effectiveness of balloon occlusion for sizing (n = 16), placement of occluder and counteroccluder (n = 15), detecting residual shunts (n = 15), and detecting unusual arm positions with or without new-onset valve regurgitation (n = 5). Thus, echocardiographic imaging is an essential component of atrial septal defect closure during cardiac catheterization. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 10, November 1993) Doppler ultrasound, two-dimensional echocardiography, atrial septal defect, cardiac catheterization, transesop hageal echocard iography
Estrogen affects performance of ovariectomized rats in a two-choice water-escape working memory task

To determine if estrogen would protect treated rats from deficits in performance on a working memory task across time, 18 female 6-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to a criterion on a water-escape spatial delayed matching-to-sample problem. Following training, rats were ovariectomized, and nine were maintained on estrogen (polyestradiol-phosphate, 0.5 mg every 3 weeks) and nine on its vehicle for 200 days. After recovery from surgery, the rats were tested for performance every 6 weeks under three conditions: 5 min retention interval (RI); 30 min RI; and 30 min RI with an emotional experience during the RI. Analysis of correct choices revealed that estrogen-treated rats made more correct choices (p < .05) than controls on the 5 min undisturbed interval; estrogen tended to impair performance on the emotionally distracting interval. Estrogen apparently protected working memory on the undisturbed trials and might be pertinent to the maintenance of memory in female mammals.
Incremental Stress and Earthquakes

SUMMARY We use the Harvard catalogue of seismic moment tensor solutions to investigate the statistical properties of incremental static stress caused by earthquakes. Using Okada’s (1992) program for a point dislocation in a half-space, we compute normal and shear stress on nodal planes for each earthquake in the catalogue, as well as stress invariants in the focal zone of each event. These accumulated stress values are calculated at the location of any future reference earthquake (pre-stress) and then compared with the stress level measured at the same point after the event (post-stress). Comparison of the statistical distributions for pre- and post-stress indicates that the normal stress level has little influence on an earthquake occurrence. On the other hand, the shear stress in the focal zone of an event is significantly higher before an earthquake than after that earthquake (the stress caused by the reference earthquake is not taken into account in this comparison). Earthquakes are more likely to be induced by incremental shear stress if the stress and the moment tensor of an ensuing event are consistent, i.e. the incremental stress has the same sign as the seismic moment tensor of the reference earthquake. Similar results are obtained if we compare the first and second pre- and post-stress invariants: earthquake triggering is not influenced by the average normal stress (first invariant); contrary to that, the average shear stress (second deviatoric invariant) is significantly larger before an earthquake than after it. The distribution of hypocentres from the PDE catalogue confirms the above conclusions: the incremental stress caused by events in the Harvard list and measured at hypocentre locations of PDE events, is higher for the pre-stress shear component, but shows no significant difference for compressional/dilatational stresses. These findings, if interpreted in a typical framework of the Coulomb failure criterion, would suggest that the effective friction coefficient p is close to zero. Since this effect is observed in various seismotectonic regions for shallow and intermediate earthquakes (with a depth of as much as 300 km), the conventional explanation for the low value of p-high pore pressure-is less plausible. We conjecture that these results can be explained by the fractal pattern of earthquake fault geometry which is due to the fault selforganization in conditions of high lithostatic and tectonic shear stress.
Linking Sustainability and Financial Valuation: Six Necessary Conditions

This article argues that corporate sustainability will not become a reality until an analytical framework is developed that relates a firm’s sustainability performance to its financial value. For this to happen, formal disclosure standards and metrics for sustainable practices will have to be developed and widely followed. The article identifies six necessary conditions for sustainability reporting to become as familiar as financial reporting, which is a goal of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The GRI has emerged as the dominant sustainability disclosure standard-setting organization. The movement by corporations toward sustainability reporting, driven partly by socially responsible investors, is creating the opportunity for innovations in the valuation framework used by financial analysts.