cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling of chemokine signaling pathway

Chemokines are a family of closely related proteins which bind to G-protein coupled receptors that comprise a family of seven transmembrane spanning domains. They are involved mainly in cell chemotaxis and proliferation. Advances in molecular and biochemical techniques have generated vast amount of data on molecular mechanisms of chemokine signaling pathway. However a systemic understanding of chemokine signaling pathway is still missing. Systems biology aims to gain a system-level understanding of living systems. To achieve such an understanding, we need to establish the methodologies and techniques to understand biological systems in their full complexity. In this paper we use Petri nets to model, analyze and simulate the process of chemokine signaling pathway based on available experimental data. Our model will describe the molecular mechanisms of chemokine signaling as explicitly and formally as possible. This will enable us to qualitatively understand the cell signaling behavior at systems-level.In order to model the chemokine signaling pathway we introduced some extensions to the graphical notation of ordinary Petri nets. Than we used the extended Petri net to model, simulate and analyze the chemokine signaling pathway.
Artifact Evaluation: Is It a Real Incentive?

It is well accepted that we learn hard lessons when implementing and re-evaluating systems, yet it is also acknowledged that science faces a crisis in reproducibility. Experimental computer science is far from immune, although it should be easier for CS than other sciences, given the emphasis on experimental artifacts, such as source code, data sets, workflows, parameters, etc. The data management community pioneered methods at ACM SIGMOD 2007 and 2008 to encourage and incentivize authors to improve their software development and experimental practices. Now, after 10 years, the broader CS community has started to adopt Artifact Evaluation (AE) to review artifacts along with papers. In this paper, we examine how AE has incentivized authors, and whether the process is having a measurable impact. Our answer can help guide CS, and more broadly, other computationally-oriented sciences, in encouraging peer-review of software artifacts and developing additional community practices for incentives.
Quantitative Comparison of Atomistic Simulations with Experiment for a Cross-Linked Epoxy: A Specific Volume–Cooling Rate Analysis

Cross-linked epoxy thermosets, like all glass-forming viscoelastic materials, show both a temperature and rate dependence in their thermomechanical properties. However, accounting for rate effects on these properties using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and making quantitative comparison with experimental measurements has proven to be a difficult task due to the extreme mismatch between experimental and computationally accessible cooling rates. For this reason, the effect of cooling rate on material properties in glass-forming systems (including epoxy networks) has been mostly ignored in computational studies, making quantitative comparison with experimental data nebulous. In this work, we investigate a strategy for modeling rate effects in an epoxy network based on an approach that uses theoretically informed simulation and analysis protocols in combination with material specific time–temperature superposition (TTSP) data obtained from experimental measurements. To illustrate and test the strategy, ...
Integration of a clinical pharmacy specialist into a substance use disorder intensive outpatient treatment program to improve prescribing rates of alcohol use disorder pharmacotherapy.

Background: Research has demonstrated that the combination of pharmacotherapy and psychological interventions in alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment is superior to either alone. Despite this, medi...
Corneal fluorescein staining and ocular symptoms but not Schirmer test are useful as indicators of response to treatment in chronic ocular GVHD.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate long-term ocular surface clinical signs and symptoms response to therapy in patients with chronic ocular GVHD. Methods Retrospective review and data modeling. We reviewed the records of post-bone marrow transplantation patients who were newly diagnosed with ocular GVHD and initiated therapy, and analyzed changes in symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]; Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye [SANDE]) and signs (corneal fluorescein staining [CFS]; Schirmer test). We used a LOESS technique to fit a model in function of data variations and obtain a predictive value of the scores progression over time. Results The records of 123 patients who were followed-up for over 2 years (up to 62 months) were reviewed. The median baseline scores recorded were: OSDI 52 units, SANDE 62.2 units, CFS 2.0 Oxford units, and Schirmer 4 mm. After six months of follow up, scores improved for OSDI (−18.6 units, p = 0.007), SANDE (23.7 units, p = 0.01), and CFS (−0.7 Oxford units, p Conclusion In patients with ocular GVHD symptoms and corneal fluorescein staining improved after initiation of treatment, meanwhile Schirmer scores declined progressively. This indicates that appropriate treatment in chronic ocular GVHD can lead to mid- and long-term improvements in symptoms and corneal epitheliopathy; however, sustained reduction in Schirmer test scores suggests chronic tear production impairment.
Clinical Experience with a Fiber Optic Brain Parenchymal Pressure Monitor

Many devices have been developed for the clinical monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP). Each system has its advantages, and each device has its limitations and complications. In 1985, we participated in the development of a system which can accurately measure ICP from several intracranial sites, including the brain parenchyma. Initial laboratory evaluations of the accuracy of this system, along with the results of an initial clinical trial, have now been reported (Ostrup et al. 1987). After this trial, we began using this device routinely and have accumulated over three years of further experience using this system in a variety of clinical situations.
The effect of prolactin on androgen response to human chorionic gonadotropin in normal men.

Testicular androgen responses to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were compared in normal males before and after suppression of prolactin (PRL) secretion with bromocriptine. Baseline follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and PRL levels were suppressed by bromocriptine, 2.5 mg daily (P 0.05), the DHT response was significantly increased in the suppressed cycle (P < 0.05), suggesting a physiologic 5 alpha-reductase blockage by PRL in men.
The Internet and Obesity Treatment

Internet resources can be beneficial additions for health care professionals and patients and have the potential to reduce health care costs. For professionals, the Internet can be a source of information and can be used as supplements for patients to augment the benefits provided during office visits. This can be of benefit in both the integrated weight-loss clinic and the smaller practice that has a limited support system.
Adaptation to constant light requires Fic-mediated AMPylation of BiP to protect against reversible photoreceptor degeneration

In response to environmental, developmental, and pathological stressors, cells engage homeostatic pathways to maintain their function. Among these pathways, the Unfolded Protein Response protects cells from the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER. Depending on ER stress levels, the ER-resident Fic protein catalyzes AMPylation or de-AMPylation of BiP, the major ER chaperone and regulator of the Unfolded Protein Response. This work elucidates the importance of the reversible AMPylation of BiP in maintaining the Drosophila visual system in response to stress. After 72 hr of constant light, photoreceptors of fic-null and AMPylation-resistant BiPT366A mutants, but not wild-type flies, display loss of synaptic function, disintegration of rhabdomeres, and excessive activation of ER stress reporters. Strikingly, this phenotype is reversible: photoreceptors regain their structure and function within 72 hr once returned to a standard light:dark cycle. These findings show that Fic-mediated AMPylation of BiP is required for neurons to adapt to transient stress demands.
Late postnatal changes in rat somatosensory cortex. Temporal and spatial relationships of GABA-T and AChE histochemical reactivity.

Temporal and spatial developmental relationships between AChE and GABA-T reactivity in the sensory-motor cortex of rat were evaluated histochemically. Special attention was given to the barrels in layer IV of SmI that stain intensely for both enzymes. In the first and second postnatal weeks very low levels of diffuse GABA-T reactivity are seen in cortex, although cells and neuropil in the neostriatum are already clearly positive neonatally. There is little change until 16–18 days postnatal (dpn), when a steady increase in overall cortical reactivity for GABA-T has begun. In layer IV of SmI cortex, relatively intense foci of GABA-T staining begin to appear then, that overlap the barrel centers. GABA-T reactive non-pyramidal neurons at the periphery of these stained foci have distinctly stained processes that may enter the barrel centers. The intensity of GABA-T staining increases until 28 dpn when adult levels were reached. In contrast, AChE staining in cortex begins to appear at 2–3 dpn with prominent barrel staining seen by 6 dpn. When adult AChE reactivity levels are being achieved throughout all regions of neocortex, between 16–19 dpn, the barrel centers progressively lose demonstrable AChE-staining of their fiber plexus. Hence, the onset of GABA-T staining in the barrels during the third week postnatally coincides with the initiation of the progressive reduction in intensity of AChE staining in the same cortical zones. These observations on GABA-T correlate well with biochemical information on the time course of the maturation of the cortical GABAergic system. We should, therefore, consider the possibility that GABA-T staining may reflect the development of the GABAergic system in neocortex cerebri. The temporal linkage between AChE and GABA-T staining, raises the question of a possible developmental interaction between the non-cholinergic AChE-rich thalamic inputs to somatosensory cortex and the maturation of other more tardily developing components of the barrels in SmI. If the temporal relationship is only coincidental then the data still suggest that an intricate series of sequentially timed events characterize the ontogenesis of neocortical circuitry with relatively major developmental events occurring late in the postnatal period.
Thermal Denaturation of Biomolecules at Normal Body Temperature

According to the laws of chemical kinetics, all organisms must suffer some degree of thermal injury even at normal body temperature. The important question is whether the slow thermal denaturation of proteins and nucleic acids at 37°C is trivial or whether it may account for a significant loss of essential biological information during the life of a cell or an organism and may thus be a factor in determining its lifespan.
Language Proficiency, Parenting Styles, and Socioemotional Adjustment of Young Dual Language Learners:

Dual language learners (DLLs) make up 32% of all children in the U.S. Past research showed that proficiency in a heritage language (HL) was associated with better psychological adjustment in school-aged children and adolescents, but the associations of HL and English (EL) proficiency to preschool-aged DLLs' socioemotional adjustment remain understudied. This study included a sample of low-income Mexican and Chinese immigrant families with preschool-aged DLLs (N = 90). Children's HL and EL proficiencies were assessed using language tests. Parents rated their own cultural orientations, parenting styles, and children's socioemotional adjustment. Children's expressed anger/frustration and sadness were observed from an emotion-evoking task. Path analyses were conducted to test: 1) the unique relations of children's HL and EL proficiency and parents' American and heritage cultural orientations to parenting styles, and 2) the relations of parenting styles to children's adjustment. Results showed that children's expressive HL proficiency and parents' American and heritage cultural orientations were positively associated with authoritative parenting, which in turn, was associated with children's lower externalizing problems and higher prosocial behaviors. Children's expressive EL was negatively associated with parents' use of authoritarian parenting, and both expressive and receptive HL were negatively associated with children's expressed sadness. These results indicate that children's HL development and parents' host and heritage cultural orientations are associated with socioemotional benefits for young DLLs growing up in low-income immigrant families.
Signatures of coupling between spin waves and Dirac fermions in YbMnBi 2

We present inelastic neutron scattering measurements of magnetic excitations in ${\mathrm{YbMnBi}}_{2}$, which reveal features consistent with a direct coupling of magnetic excitations to Dirac fermions. In contrast with the large broadening of magnetic spectra observed in antiferromagnetic metals such as the iron pnictides, here the spin waves exhibit a small but resolvable intrinsic width, consistent with our theoretical analysis. The subtle manifestation of spin-fermion coupling is a consequence of the Dirac nature of the conduction electrons, including the vanishing density of states near the Dirac points. Accounting for the Dirac fermion dispersion specific to ${\mathrm{YbMnBi}}_{2}$ leads to particular signatures, such as the nearly wave-vector-independent damping observed in the experiment.
Trends in Opioid Use Disorder Among Older Adults: Analyzing Medicare Data, 2013-2018.

Introduction Opioid use disorder has grown rapidly over the years and is a public health crisis in the U.S. Although opioid use disorder is widely studied, relatively little is known about it among older adults. The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of opioid use disorder among older Medicare beneficiaries over time and across several sociodemographic dimensions. Methods Data from the 2013–2018 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Master Beneficiary Summary Files were analyzed in 2020 to examine the trends in opioid use disorder prevalence among Fee-for-Service Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years. Utilizing the overarching opioid use disorder flag, trends in opioid use disorder prevalence were examined for the following sociodemographic dimensions: age, sex, race/ethnicity, and dual eligibility status (i.e., enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid owing to low income). Chi-square tests were used to compare opioid use disorder prevalence across groups. Results Since 2013, estimated rates of opioid use disorder among older adults have increased by >3-fold overall in the U.S. Estimated opioid use disorder is more prevalent among the young–old (i.e., ages 65–69 years) beneficiaries than among other older adults, and dually eligible beneficiaries have consistently shared a heavier burden of opioid use disorder than Medicare-only beneficiaries. Regarding race/ethnicity, Blacks and American Indians/Alaskan Natives are more vulnerable to opioid use disorder than other groups. Conclusions The descriptive trends between 2013 and 2018 indicate that estimated opioid use disorder prevalence has increased greatly over the study period in all sociodemographic subgroups of older adults, highlighting an urgent challenge for public health professionals and gerontologists.
Density, diversity, and design: Three measures of the built environment and the spatial patterns of crime in street segments

Abstract Purpose The current study simultaneously examines the effects of three different characteristics of the built environment based on the theoretical conceptualizations of density, diversity, and design (3D). Methods By using data of 211,155 street segments in the Southern California metropolitan region across 130 cities, we estimated a set of negative binomial regression models including the 3D measures of the built environment, while accounting for the effects of social structural characteristics of place. Furthermore, the current study examines the potential moderating effects of each 3D feature on crime. Results We found that higher levels of business density are consistently associated with higher levels of crime. The diversity measure is associated with moderately higher levels of crime, whereas the design measure consistently exhibited a negative relationship with crime. Furthermore, we found that the diversity and design measures moderated the business density relationship with crime. Conclusion The results of the current study suggest that it is necessary to examine the different types of physical environment simultaneously to understand the effects of physical environment and the spatial patterns of crime.
Sample size calculations for clinical trials targeting tauopathies: a new potential disease target

Disease-modifying therapies are being developed to target tau pathology, and should, therefore, be tested in primary tauopathies. We propose that progressive apraxia of speech should be considered one such target group. In this study, we investigate potential neuroimaging and clinical outcome measures for progressive apraxia of speech and determine sample size estimates for clinical trials. We prospectively recruited 24 patients with progressive apraxia of speech who underwent two serial MRI with an interval of approximately 2 years. Detailed speech and language assessments included the Apraxia of Speech Rating Scale and Motor Speech Disorders severity scale. Rates of ventricular expansion and rates of whole brain, striatal and midbrain atrophy were calculated. Atrophy rates across 38 cortical regions were also calculated and the regions that best differentiated patients from controls were selected. Sample size estimates required to power placebo-controlled treatment trials were calculated. The smallest sample size estimates were obtained with rates of atrophy of the precentral gyrus and supplementary motor area, with both measures requiring less than 50 subjects per arm to detect a 25 % treatment effect with 80 % power. These measures outperformed the other regional and global MRI measures and the clinical scales. Regional rates of cortical atrophy, therefore, provide the best outcome measures in progressive apraxia of speech. The small sample size estimates demonstrate feasibility for including progressive apraxia of speech in future clinical treatment trials targeting tau.
Fourier Transform Dielectric Spectroscopy

This paper is primarily concerned with the techniques usually described as time domain spectroscopy (TDS) or time domain reflectometry (TDR). These have been most commonly applied to studies of time or frequency dependent behavior of dielectrics with negligible ohmic or d. c. conductance, but can be used for substances with appreciable conductance and indeed for studies of any electrical properties which can be characterized by an effective admittance or impedance.
Snacking influences adipokine concentration independent of body composition and inflammation in overweight humans (1039.2)

Adipose tissue is a major energy reserve of the human body. It is also a source of the primary adpidocytokines leptin and adiponectin. The expression of adiponectin, specifically high-molecular weight adiponectin (HMW-A), and leptin have been demonstrated to decrease and increase, respectively, in relation to an increase in subcutaneous fat. Furthermore, HMW-A and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been demonstrated to have a reciprocal relationship. Effects of eight weeks of twice daily snacking (100 kcals each) of either a whole food (dried plums) or refined food (low-fat muffins) on adipokines, body composition and hs-CRP were assessed. HMW-A decreased from baseline to eight weeks (p<.05) during the muffin intervention, demonstrating a non-significant, two-fold greater decrease than during the dried plum trial. No difference was seen in body weight, body composition, leptin or hs-CRP. This suggests that the addition of energy through snacking to usual dietary intake, regardless of nutrie...
Creating customized game experiences by leveraging human creative effort: a planning approach

The task of entertaining people has, until very recently, been the exclusive domain of humans. However, recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) suggest that intelligent systems may be used to create dynamic and engaging real-time entertainment experiences. In this paper we consider a novel technique called Experience Adaptation. Experience Adaptation is an offline process that leverages human creative ability by taking human-authored specifications of desired user experiences and autonomously "re-writing" them based on unique requirements of individual users. In this chapter, we illustrate Experience Adaptation in the context of computer-based role-playing games in which player experience is highly dependent on an unfolding plotline. Our approach uses a plan refinement technique based on partial-order planning to (a) optimize the global structure of the plotline according to input from a player model, (b) maintain plotline coherence, and (c) facilitate authorial intent by preserving as much of the original plotline as possible.
Building Fortress India: Should a Federal Law Be Created to Address Privacy Concerns in the United States-Indian Business Process Outsourcing Relationship

In the past few years, there has been a substantial surge in the use of Indian vendors by U.S. businesses for the performance of business processes. These types of engagements, referred to as business process outsourcing, routinely involve the transfer of sensitive personal data between U.S. and Indian arms. Thus, these types of transfers have raised concerns over the security of such data. The United States currently regulates these data transfers by industry sector. This policy contrasts sharply with other jurisdictions such as Canada, Japan, and the European Union where more broadly deaned regulations set principles for the protection of data generally. This Note will examine whether the United States should enact broader based legislation in order to regulate the growing trend of business process outsourcing to India and protect sensitive data that gives rise to personal privacy concerns. A line of neatly dressed workers ales into the Golden Millennium, a shimmering glass-and-steel building in central Bangalore. One by one, they swipe ID cards through a reader, then empty their pockets and bags and stuff cell phones, PDAs, and even pens and notebooks into lockers as a dour security guard watches. Staffers ending their shifts, meanwhile, are busy shredding notes of conversations with customers. At the reception desk, visitors sign a daunting four-page form promising not to divulge anything they see inside—and even then are only allowed to peer into the workspace through thick windows.1 * Bryan Bertram is an Executive Editor for the Boston College International & Comparative Law Review. 1 Pete Engardio, Fortress India?: Call Centers and Credit-Card Processors Are Tightening Security to Ease U.S. and European Fears of Identity Theft, Bus. Wk., Aug. 30, 2004, at 28, 28. 246 Boston College International & Comparative Law Review [Vol. 29:245
Cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) amplifier experiments at 17 GHz

CARMs are attractive sources for applications such as electron cyclotron resonance heating of fusion plasmas and driving high-gradient RF linear accelerators. For applications such as accelerator drivers, amplifiers or locked-oscillators are required. A 17 GHz cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) amplifier experiment is presently underway at the MIT Plasma Fusion Center. This experiment uses an electron beam generated by the 500 kV injector on the SRL/MIT SNO-MAD II induction accelerator. The present gun geometry produces a beam at 400 kV in a 50 ns pulse. The amplifier is designed to operate in the TE 11 mode. To date, only second and third harmonic relativistic gyro-TWT modes have been seen. The power levels of these modes are ∼ 1 MW. We characterize these modes and discuss steps which we are taking in order to operate in the TE 11 CARM mode. A high power, 17 GHz CARM amplifier has numerous applications. An RF injection electron gun is currently being designed at MIT that has RF input requirements quite comparable to the CARM amplifier's predicted rf output (see elsewhere in these proceedings). A potential high degree of phase stability may allow the CARM amplifier to serve as a driver for future high gradient linear e+ e− colliders.
IUE OBSERVATIONS OF HIGHLY IONIZED GAS TOWARD DISTANT STARS IN THE MILKY WAY

Combined high-dispersion IUE spectra of interstellar Si IV, C, IV, and N V absorption along distnat lines toward early type stars in the Galactic disk and low halo are discussed. The highly ionized species have complex profiles and exhibit stronger absorption toward distant low latitude stars than toward high latitude stars. Absorption along low latitude directions is often broadened substantially (up to 100 km S6-1 in some cases) by Galactic rotation. Along these sight lines the Si IV, C IV, and N V profiles are more similar in shape to each other than to those of A1 III, which is a tracer of photoionized interstellar gas. The observed column density ratios of the high ions, <N(C IV)/N(Si IV)≥3.6±1.3 and <N(N IV)/N(N V)≥4.6±2.7, are similar in widely different regions within the Galaxy. The similarities in the high ion profile shape along individual sight lines and integrated column density ratios along differing sight lines suggest a common origin for these species in collisionally ionized gas associated with a global process such as a Galactic fountain.
A Web site in cognitive science.

A Web site (http://web2-pc.uncc.edu/cogsci) has been established to support an interdisciplinary course in cognitive science. The modules include introductory reading material, interactive exercises/virtual laboratory, and pointers to existing material on the Web. Our approach to using the Web in support of instruction differs from distance learning initiatives because it is centered on an instructor and classroom experiences. The Web-based modules are used to supplement classroom lectures and provide an interdisciplinary perspective.
Cross-sections for formation of parent and fragment ions by electron impact from C2N2

Abstract Cross-sections for formation of parent and fragment ions by electron impact from cyanogen are reported between the ionization energy and 35 eV. Appearance energies show reasonably good agreement with those obtained in previous studies. The appearance energy for the process C 2 N 2 + e − → (C 2 N) + + N · + 2e − leads to a value for the heat of formation of C 2 N · of 154 kcal mol −1 , somewhat higher than that currently accepted.
Chipping away at memory

Inverse power-law behavior is known to be characteristic of adaptation, learning, and memory. Herein, we propose a phenomenological model of forgetting based on renewal theory that introduces a new psychophysical concept, chipping; discrete events that chip away at chunks of memory and thereby produce forgetting. The neural mechanism producing these chips is the 1/f-noise that is generically produced in complex neuronal networks.
Raman scattering from the vibrational modes in Zn1-xMnxTe.

We report the observation of Raman scattering associated with the vibrational modes in the diluted magnetic semiconductor ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te. The low-frequency two-phonon density-of-states features in ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te, similar to those of ZnTe, exhibit composition-dependent Raman shifts. Low-frequency disorder-induced one-phonon density-of-states features are also present in the Raman spectra for x\ensuremath{\ge}0.10. The optical phonons of ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te exhibit a variation with x that is intermediate between the two-mode and one-mode situations. The optical modes of ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te are compared with those of ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te, the prototype of wide-band-gap diluted magnetic semiconductors. A random-element isodisplacement model is used to describe the behavior of the optical phonons of both alloy systems.
Acyl-CoA synthase and acyltransferase activity in developing skeletal muscle membranes

Abstract Enzymes participating in the activation and esterification of fatty acids for complex lipid biosynthesis were characterized in neonatal and adult rabbit skeletal muscle membranes. The activity of acyl-CoA synthase was 1.4–1.6-fold greater in neonatal vs. adult sarcoplasmic reticulum for the fatty acid substrates linoleic (2.6 vs. 1.61 nmol 18:2-CoA/min per nig), stearic (0.94 vs. 0.66 nmol 18:0-CoA/min per mg) and palmitic (2.43 vs. 1.51 nmol 16:0-CoA/min per mg) acids. Enzyme activity was identical between neonate and adult for coenzyme A, ATP and linoleic acid concentration dependence. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase activity was 6-fold greater in neonatal than adult sarcoplasmic reticulum for both linoleoyl-CoA (1.4 vs. 0.22 nmol 18:2/min per mg) and stearoyl-CoA (1.1 vs. 0.13 nmol 18:0/min per mg) donor substrates, whereas lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase activity was similar. Enriched fractions of sarcolemmal membranes possessed the highest activity for lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase activity, being 2–4-fold greater than sarcoplasmic reticulum. In contrast to sarcoplasmic reticulum, lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase activity was 2–3-fold greater in neonatal compared to adult sarcolemma for lineoleic (18.9 vs. 8.5 nmol 18:2/min per mg) and the stearic (2.8 vs. 0.68 nmol 18:0/min per mg) acid incorporation. The greater capacity of neonatal membranes for acylation by the de novo pathway is in accord with the requirements for neonatal muscle to effect high rates of triacylglycerol and phospholipid synthesis essential for oxidative metabolism and membrane synthesis during postnatal development and growth.
A Proposal for Categorization and Nomenclature for Web Search Tools

SUMMARY Ambiguities in Web search tool (more commonly known as “search engine”) terminology are problematic when conducting precise, replicable research or when teaching others to use search tools. Standardized terminology would enable Web searchers to be aware of subtle differences between Web search tools and the implications of these for searching. A categorization and nomenclature for standardized classifications of different aspects of Web search tools is proposed, and advantages and disadvantages of using tools in each category are discussed.
Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inhibition in vitro by liposome-encapsulated nisin and ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid

Encapsulation technologies that effectively reduce antimicrobial interaction with food components or protect antimicrobial compounds from food processing measures have the potential to improve the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods. Recent application of liposomes for the preservation of cheese has spurred research into their utility in other food matrices. To ascertain the feasibility of encapsulated antimicrobial for the control of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 growth in a model system, nisin (5.0 and 10.0 µg/mL) and the chelator ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid were entrapped in phospholipid liposomes. While phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes did not produce significant inhibition of target pathogens, PC/phosphatidylglycerol 8/2 and 6/4 (mol%) produced significant inhibition of pathogens. Near-complete inhibition of E. coli O157:H7 with liposomal antimicrobials at concentrations below those reported necessary for unencapsulated antimicrobial and chelator suggests that liposomes may represent a powerful technology for the encapsulation of antimicrobials and the control of foodborne pathogens. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The activity of many antimicrobials is abolished in many food products for a variety of reasons. Interference and cross-reactions of the antimicrobial and various food constituents, such as protein and fat, are difficult to overcome and often require large amounts of antimicrobial in order to gain significant reductions in the pathogen load in a product. Loss of solubility of some antimicrobials based on pH or ionic strength will negatively affect the antimicrobial potential of a compound like nisin. Liposome encapsulation technologies, such as that reported here, may allow for the maintenance of antimicrobial activity by protecting the antimicrobial against cross-reactions with food components. Additionally, the liposome core represents a microenvironment which can be manipulated by the manufacturer in order to preserve optimal antimicrobial solubility and stability conditions until the time of release.
Studies of heteroaromatic systems by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 4-pyrimidones and 4-pyrimidthiones

Proton magnetic resonance spectral parameters of 4-pyrimidone, 1- and 3-alkyl-4-pyrimidones as well as some of their thione analogs are presented and are compared to those of 4-substituted pyrimidines. It was found that the ortho, meta and para coupling constants in each series were constant for 4-substituted pyrimidines, the 1-alkyl- and the 3-alkyl-4-pyrimidones. A particularly large meta (J2, 6) coupling constant was an outstanding feature found in 1-methyl-, 1-ethyl- and 1-benzyl-4-pyrimidones and also in 1-methyl-4-pyrimidthione but was virtually zero for the corresponding 3-alkyl-4-pyrimidones. These findings are interpreted in terms of the aromatic character of these 4-pyrimidones and thiones. During the synthetic aspects of this work, an interesting carbon-sulfur cleavage was discovered when it was observed that 2-benzylmercapto-4-pyrimidones were readily hydrolyzed by hot concentrated hydrochloric acid to the corresponding 2-thiouracils.
Independent and Interactive Associations of Prenatal Mood and Substance Use With Infant Birth Outcomes

The main objective of this work is to examine low prenatal mood, alcohol and tobacco use and rates of preterm (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) births among women in Minnesota between 2002 and 2006. We examined the Minnesota version of the national, cross-sectional survey of postpartum women, the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (MN PRAMS). Of the 11,891 women sampled in 2002–2006, 7,457 had complete data for analysis; the weighted response rates averaged 76%. The major variables of interest were: LBW, PTB, maternal mood during pregnancy, prenatal alcohol use, prenatal tobacco use and interaction terms created from the mood and substance use variables. Women with low mood who used tobacco during pregnancy were twice as likely to have a LBW infant as women who did not smoke and reported high mood (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.35, 3.33, P = 0.001). Among women who abstained from alcohol during pregnancy, those with low mood were at an increased risk for PTB (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.54–2.45, P < 0.0001) compared to women with high mood. Low maternal mood was associated with increased risks for PTB, and LBW births among MN PRAMS respondents. Substance use and low prenatal mood co-occur and the combined effect on PTB and LBW birth outcomes warrants further investigation.
Identification and cellular localization of growth hormone receptor gene expression in the human ovary.

While in vivo and in vitro studies in rodents, pigs and women suggest that growth hormone (GH) can stimulate ovarian steroidogenesis, it is not known if this effect is mediated by a direct action on the ovary. The absence of GH receptor (GHR) messenger RNA would mitigate against a direct ovarian effect. We used the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization to examine whether the GHR mRNA was present in homogenates of seven human ovaries or in tissue sections of ten ovaries. GHR gene expression was detected in PCR products after Southern blot hybridization using an oligoprobe directed to the intracellular domain sharing no homology to the prolactin receptor. In situ hybridization using the same digoxigenin-labeled oligoprobe localized the GHR mRNA in the granulosa cells of dominant and antral follicles, corpus luteum, corpora albicans and the endothelium of blood vessels. GHR mRNA was not detected in preantral follicles, theca interna, theca externa, oocytes, or stroma. The ...
the fluorescence of phosphors in the rare gases

The spectral distribution for the excitation of phosphors is so erratic that it seems at present impossible to predict the location of strong excitation bands. Out of many phosphors examined in rare gas discharges, none was found to exceed in brightness the calcium tungstate and zinc silicate already in commercial use. The light output of the latter, however, was considerably improved by the elimination of the free silica usually present, which evidently has an appreciable absorption to radiation in the Schumann region. On the reasonable assumption that the resonance radiation is the source of excitation, the efficiency of fluorescence emitted by the zinc orthosilicate phosphor in the neon discharge denotes a quantum conversion near unity, just as in the low pressure mercury discharge.
Isolation of metabolically distinct synaptosomes on Percoll gradients

Synaptosomes were prepared from whole rat brain by six different methods based on gradients of sucrose, Ficoll or Percoll. In these, the synthesis and calcium-specific release of amino acids were assessed by two different procedures. Preparations based on sucrose showed the least calcium-specific release, followed by Ficoll-derived synaptosomes. As previously described, Percoll gave two separate populations of synaptosomes, both very active in terms of release of aspartate, glutamate, and GABA. The data involving release and synthesis were not identical, but did agree in the following: in low-density synaptosomes, haloperidol blocked both the release and synthesis of glutamate, but was without effect in the heavier populatin. 2-chloroadenosine and 2-oxoglutarate affected both release and synthesis only in the high-density population. Dopamine blocked aspartate release and synthesis only in the high-density population. These results suggest that haloperidol interferes with glutamate release and synthesis via a mechanism which may not involve adenosine, serotonin, or dopamine.
Lesions of the accessory olfactory bulb decrease lordotic responsiveness and reduce mating-induced c-fos expression in the accessory olfactory system.

Abstract The effect of bilateral lesion of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) on the mating-induced enhancement of sexual receptivity was investigated in ovariectomized (OVX0 female rats. Lesions of the AOB significantly reduced the lordosis-to-mount (L/M) ratio in mating tests conducted 20 to 50 days after the lesion but L/M ratios at earlier (10 days) and later (51–90 days) time periods were not affected. The decrease in L/M was accompanied by a reduction in the nu,ber of c- fos immunopositive cells in the medial amygdala (mAMYG) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) measured after 3 h of repetitive mating. In the mAMYG, the reduction in c- fos immunoreactivity was correlated to the L/M ratio as well as to the number of intromissions received during the mating tests. The results suggest that information processed from the AOB to the mAMYG and the BNST is important for facilitation of lordosis behavior, and that the mAMYG may integrate information from the AOB with ascending input activated during copulatory behavior to regulate receptivity.
A finite-element representation of stable crack-growth

Abstract In this paper, finite-element methods have been extended for the description of growth phenomena at a crack tip in plane stress. The necessary introduction of hereditary properties of the elastic-plastic stiffnesses has been carried out as well as the inclusion of routines for relaxation of cohesive crack-tip forces. Simple macroscopic models of the fracture process are discussed and the crack-tip opening angle is chosen for determination of a fracture criterion in the finite-element model. Under the somewhat arbitrary assumption of a constant crack opening-angle as a fracture criterion, results are obtained that make clear the possibility of simulating stable crack-growth with this method, particularly in connection with fracture toughness tests in the non-linear range. The further extension of the model for the achievement of quantitative results is also discussed.
Strategies for Formulation and Evaluation of Emulsions and Suspensions: Some thermodynamic Considerations

AbstractThe difficulties in the development of reasonably stable emulsions and suspensions and the problems associated with the evaluation of such products are, for the most part, related to their non-equilibrium state. A conceptual understanding of the thermodynamics of these dispersions, particularly their surface and/or interfacial free energy, will facilitate successful formulation of such disperse systems. A strategy that fails to utilize surface behavior to stabilize thermodynamically unstable formulations is unlikely to be productive whereas a strategy based on an appreciation of the surface properties of the system is much more likely to succeed. Stability testing of liquid disperse systems is one of the most difficult problems faced by pharmaceutical and cosmetic chemists. The scientist is often asked to predict the shelf-life of a product or choose between experimental formulations based on estimates of how well they will hold up with time. While there are no standardized tests available to dete...
Glycation mediated crosslinking between α-crystallin and MP26 in intact lens membranes

Abstract With advancing age, progressive crosslinking occurs between lens crystallin proteins and other lenticular components. This crosslinking may be involved in the development of senile cataracts. Experiments were conducted to determine whether non-enzymatic glycation could be involved in the crosslinking between lens α-crystallin and MP26, an abundant lens fiber cell membrane intrinsic protein. In vitro crosslinking of α-crystallin and MP26 of bovine lens membranes was observed in presence of two degradation products of ascorbic acid (ASA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and threose. Alkali-washed bovine lens membranes, isolated after glycation with DHA and threose, contained both α-crystallin and MP26, as determined by immunoblot and double immunocytochemical labeling studies. In contrast, membranes incubated without these glycating compounds contained only MP26. SDS-PAGE analysis of [125I]α-crystallin incubated with lens membranes in the presence of threose showed a higher amount of radioactivity in high molecular weight aggregates than in the aggregates produced when α-crystallin and threose were incubated without membranes. A slot-blot immunoassay of alkali-washed human lens membranes showed a higher amount of covalently bound α-crystallin in aged, cataractous or diabetic lens membranes than was present in lens membranes from young normal donors. Based on the in vitro results, we hypothesize that non-enzymatic glycation is one of the in vivo mechanisms in the crosslinking of α-crystallin to lens membrane proteins, such as MP26. This crosslinking may contribute significantly to the development of age-related and diabetic cataracts.
Abuse potential of carbohydrates for overweight carbohydrate cravers

The long-rejected construct of food addiction is undergoing re-examination. To evaluate whether a novel carbohydrate food shows abuse potential for rigorously defined carbohydrate cravers, as evidenced by selective self-administration and mood enhancement during double-blind discrimination testing. Discrete trials choice testing was performed with 61 overweight (BMI m = 27.64, SD = 2.59) women (ages 18–45; 19.70% African American) whose diet records showed >4 weekly afternoon/evening emotional-eating episodes confined to snacks with carbohydrate to protein ratio of >6:1. After being induced into a sad mood, participants were exposed, double-blind and in counterbalanced order, to taste-matched carbohydrate and protein beverages. They were asked to choose and self-administer the drink that made them feel better. Women overwhelmingly chose the carbohydrate beverage, even though blinded. Mixed-effects regression modeling, controlling for beverage order, revealed greater liking and greater reduction in dysphoria after administration of the carbohydrate beverage compared to the protein beverage but no differential effect on vigor. For women who crave them, carbohydrates appear to display abuse potential, plausibly contributing to overconsumption and overweight.
Discovery and SAR study of a sulfonamide hydroxamic acid inhibitor for the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain

Through the use of chemical synthesis and high throughput screening, we discovered a sulfonamide hydroxamic acid inhibitor for the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain. A structure activity relationship study of the parent inhibitor resulted in the synthesis of a new inhibitor with an IC50 of 0.95 ± 0.60 μM for the BoNT/A LC.
Theory of Surface Spin Waves in the Heisenberg Ferromagnet

The eigenvalue matrix for a number of semi-infinite cubic system of spins coupled by nearest neighbors is derived for the Heisenberg ferromagnet. The mathematical formulation used allows solutions for an arbitrary variation in the surface exchange constants. Surface spin-wave modes for the simple cubic structure are calculated for the {100} and {110} surfaces. By allowing the exchange parameters to deviate from the bulk values, the full richness of the surface spin-wave spectra is displayed. Surface spin-wave modes are found to exist above and below the bulk spectrum. The dispersion curves can be truncated, i.e., they exist only over a limited region of ${\mathrm{k}}_{11}$ space, where ${\mathrm{k}}_{11}$ is the two-dimensional propagation vector parallel to the crystal surface. The eigenvectors of the surface spin-wave modes are also discussed.
Functionally graded electrospun scaffolds with tunable mechanical properties for vascular tissue regeneration.

Electrospun tubular scaffolds (4 mm inner diameter) based on bio-artificial blends of polyglyconate (Maxon®) and proteins such as gelatin and elastin having a spatially designed multilayer structure were prepared for use as vascular tissue scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of scaffolds showed a random nanofibrous morphology with fiber diameter in the range of 200–400 nm for protein-blended Maxon, which mimics the nanoscale dimensions of collagen (50–500 nm). The scaffolds have a well interconnected pore structure and porosity up to 82%, with protein blending and multi-layering in contrast to electrospun Maxon® scaffolds (67%). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry results confirmed the blended composition and crystallinity of fibers. Uniaxial tensile testing revealed a strength of 14.46 ± 0.42 MPa and a modulus of 15.44 ± 2.53 MPa with a failure strain of 322.5 ± 10% for a pure Maxon® scaffold. The blending of polyglyconate with biopolymers decreased the tensile properties in general, with an exception of the tensile modulus (48.38 ± 2 MPa) of gelatin/Maxon mesh, which was higher than that of the pure Maxon® scaffold. Trilayered tubular scaffolds of gelatin/elastin, gelatin/elastin/Maxon and gelatin/Maxon (GE-GEM-GM) that mimic the complex trilayer matrix structure of natural artery have been prepared by sequential electrospinning. Tensile testing under dry conditions revealed a tensile strength of 2.71 ± 0.2 MPa and a modulus of 20.4 ± 3 MPa with a failure strain of 140 ± 10%. However, GE-GEM-GM scaffolds tested under wet conditions after soaking in a phosphate buffered saline medium at 37 °C for 24 h exhibited mechanical properties (2.5 MPa tensile strength and 9 MPa tensile modulus) comparable to those of native femoral artery.