cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FMRP regulates an ethanol-dependent shift in GABA B R function and expression with rapid antidepressant properties.

Alcohol promotes lasting neuroadaptive changes that may provide relief from depressive symptoms, often referred to as the self-medication hypothesis. However, the molecular/synaptic pathways that are shared by alcohol and antidepressants are unknown. In the current study, acute exposure to ethanol produced lasting antidepressant and anxiolytic behaviours. To understand the functional basis of these behaviours, we examined a molecular pathway that is activated by rapid antidepressants. Ethanol, like rapid antidepressants, alters γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR) expression and signalling, to increase dendritic calcium. Furthermore, new GABABRs are synthesized in response to ethanol treatment, requiring fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Ethanol-dependent changes in GABABR expression, dendritic signalling, and antidepressant efficacy are absent in Fmr1-knockout (KO) mice. These findings indicate that FMRP is an important regulator of protein synthesis following alcohol exposure, providing a molecular basis for the antidepressant efficacy of acute ethanol exposure.
Improved fabrication process for obtaining high power density AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

An improved process for fabricating high power density AlGaN/GaN HEMTs is now presented. Previously, a silicon nitride passivation layer has been shown to improve the power performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs by minimizing surface related dispersion effects. Typically, this passivation layer has been deposited during the final stages of the fabrication process, with the device active area exposed to various potentially harmful plasmas and chemical treatments. In the new process, a high quality silicon nitride layer is deposited early in the fabrication process, serving to both protect the AlGaN surface from damage and to minimize dispersion related phenomena. In addition, the silicon nitride layer provides an opportunity for forming well defined field-plated gate structures. 0.6 /spl mu/m /spl times/ 150 /spl mu/m gate devices built with this process have demonstrated state-of-the-art CW output power and power added efficiency of >15.6 W/mm and 44% respectively at 10 GHz, when operated at 60 V drain voltage.
Effects of Workplace Generalized and Sexual Harassment on Abusive Drinking Among First Year Male and Female College Students: Does Prior Drinking Experience Matter?

ABSTRACTBackground: Workplace harassment, a known risk factor for adult drinking, is understudied in college samples, but may help explain observed gender differences in drinking patterns. Objective: We examine effects of sexual and generalized workplace harassment on changes in drinking behavior over the first semesters of college, and the extent to which these effects differ based on prematriculation drinking for men and women students. Method: Data derive from two waves of a longitudinal study of eight Midwestern colleges and universities. Data were collected from 2080 employed students via a Web-based survey assessing sexual and generalized workplace harassment, stressful life events, drinking to intoxication, and binge drinking prior to freshman year (fall 2011) and approximately one year later (summer to fall 2012). At baseline, lifetime drinking status, frequency of alcohol consumption, and demographics were also assessed. Results: Linear-mixed modeling indicated that employed women students who we...
Do sleep problems mediate the link between adverse childhood experiences and delinquency in preadolescent children in foster care

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with multiple mental and physical health problems. Yet, mechanisms by which ACEs confer risk for specific problems are largely unknown. Children in foster care typically have multiple ACEs and high rates of negative sequelae, including delinquent behaviors. Mechanisms explaining this link have not been explored in this population. Impaired sleep has been identified as a potential mechanism by which ACEs lead to delinquency in adolescents, because inadequate sleep may lead to poor executive function and cognitive control – known risk factors for delinquency. Methods Interviews were conducted with 516 maltreated children in foster care, ages 9–11 years, and their caregivers regarding child exposure to ACEs, sleep problems, engagement in delinquent acts, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and current psychotropic medication use. ACEs data were also obtained from child welfare case records. Results After controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, placement type (residential, kin, foster), length of time in placement, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and current psychotropic medication use, sleep partially mediated the association between ACEs and delinquency. Conclusions Although delinquency is likely multiply determined in this population, improving sleep may be one important strategy to reduce delinquency.
Multi-parameter optimization of vented CMUTs for airborne applications

This paper reports vented CMUTs with wide bandwidth and high sensitivity, optimized by multi-parameter optimization method. The dominated parameters, including the radius and thickness of the flexible plate, gap height, and the size and distribution of vented holes have been individually optimized. The impedance measurements well-match the simulation results. Then the multi-parameter optimization method in place of the individual parameter optimization method is used to optimize the design parameters all together. Finally, keeping the approximate bandwidth, the multi-parameter optimization makes the sensitivity improved by 11% at the same percentage of pull-in voltage, and driving voltage is lowered by 49% compared with the individual parameter optimization.
Operative time and length of stay is similar between robotic assisted and laparoscopic colon and rectal resections.

Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being utilized for colorectal surgery. Data are scarce and contradictory when outcomes are compared between robotic and laparoscopic surgery. All patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery were compared from 2011 to 2016. Outcomes between the two groups were statistically analyzed. p 0.05). There was no statistical difference in median length of stay between laparoscopic and robotic colon (both 4 days; p = 0.5) and rectal (6 vs 4.5 days; p = 0.2) resections. Median operative times were also similar between the two approaches for colon (150.5 vs 169.5 min, p = 0.2) and rectal (197.0 vs 231.5 min, p = 0.9) resections. There was also no difference in operative time between the two approaches for right (median = 137 vs 130.5 min; p = 0.9) and left (median = 162.0 vs 170.5 min; p = 0.6) colectomies. Robotic surgery results in similar operative times and length of stay as laparoscopic surgery for patients undergoing colon and rectal resections.
53 Year Old Man with Chronic Itching

A 53-year-old man comes in complaining of a chronic itchy sensation “everywhere on my body.” Scratching is the only thing that makes him feel better. He has been struggling with this symptom for the past year, and it has been progressively worsening. He does not notice a seasonal variation.
Reverse-Time Migration from Rugged Topography to Image Ground-Penetrating Radar Data in Complex Environments

Abstract In ground-penetrating radar (GPR) imaging, it is common for the depth of investigation to be on the same order as the variability in surface topography. In such cases, migration fails when it is carried out from a datum after the application of elevation statics. We introduce a reverse-time migration (RTM) algorithm based on the second-order decoupled form of Maxwell’s equations, which requires computation of only the electric field. The wavefield extrapolation is computed directly from the acquisition surface without the need for datuming. In a synthetic case study, the algorithm significantly improves image accuracy over a processing sequence in which migration is performed after elevation statics. In addition, we acquired a field dataset at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes (CPSD) in Utah, USA. The data were acquired over rugged topography and have the complex internal stratigraphy of multiply eroded, modern, and ancient eolian deposits. The RTM algorithm significantly improves radar depth images in this challenging environment.
Spin Dynamics of Single Er 3+ Ions in a Silicon Nanophotonic Cavity

Magnetic field orientation and strength dependent spin dynamics is studied for the 1.536 $\mu \mathrm{m}$ telecom transitions of single Er3+ ions in Y 2 SiO 5 . Long spin $T_{1}=2$ seconds is measured from ground state Zeeman spin levels. © 2019 The Author(s)
[D-Ala2, D-Leu5] Enkephalin Improves Liver Preservation During Normothermic Ex Vivo Perfusion.

Abstract Background Meeting the metabolic demands of donor livers using normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) preservation technology is challenging. The delta opioid agonist [D-Ala2, D-Leu5] enkephalin (DADLE) has been reported to decrease the metabolic demand in models of ischemia and cold preservation. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of DADLE by investigating its ability to protect against oxidative stress and hepatic injury during normothermic perfusion. Materials and methods Primary rat hepatocytes were used in an in vitro model of oxidative stress to determine the minimum dose of DADLE needed to induce protection and the mechanisms associated with protection. NEVLP was then used to induce injury in rat livers and determine the effectiveness of DADLE in preventing liver injury. Results In hepatocytes, DADLE was protective against oxidative stress and led to a decrease in phosphorylation of JNK and p38. Naltrindole, a δ-opioid receptor antagonist, blocked this effect. DADLE also activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and PI3K/Akt inhibition decreased the protective effects of DADLE treatment. In addition, DADLE treatment during NEVLP resulted in lower perfusate alanine aminotransferase and tissue malondialdehyde and better tissue adenosine triphosphate and glutathione. Furthermore, perfusion with DADLE compared with perfusate alone preserved tissue architecture. Conclusions DADLE confers protection against oxidative stress in hepatocytes and during NEVLP. These data suggest that the mechanism of protection involved the prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction by opioid receptor signaling and subsequent increased expression of prosurvival/antiapoptotic signaling pathways. Altogether, data suggest that opioid receptor agonism may serve as therapeutic target for improved liver protection during NEVLP.
(Re)shaping Representations of Practice Inside Rehearsals of Interactive Read Alouds: The Complex Work of Teacher Educators

ABSTRACTDespite a focus on interactive read alouds (IRAs) in literacy methods courses, many teacher candidates (TCs) need support translating instructional recommendations into practice. Practice-b...
Experimental glomerulonephritis: immunological events and pathogenetic mechanisms.

Publisher Summary The chapter reviews several forms of experimental nephritis, especially from the point of view of understanding the pathogenic mechanisms in terms of immunological events. The chapter is arranged in three sections. The first section deals with nephritide caused by antikidney antibodies—namely, the heterologous antikidney antibodies of nephrotoxic serum nephritis. The second section deals with circulating antigen–antibody complex induced nephritis. The third section deals with nephritis produced by immunization to kidney in which both of the above mechanisms appear to play a role. It is now possible to account qualitatively and sometimes even quantitatively for the glomerular changes in two forms of experimental nephritis—namely, those due to nephrotoxic serum and to circulating antigen-antibody complexes. A third form induced by immunization with renal antigens is cause of controversy and confusion. In some species such as the sheep true autoantibodies against glomerular capillaries are produced and are pathogenic, whereas in other species such as the rat the damage is due to complexes of antibody and nonglomerular antigen.
Isolation of Mother Cultures and Preparation of Spawn for Oyster Mushroom Cultivation

This 6-page publication details the cultivation of oyster mushrooms from mother culture isolation to spawn preparation. This protocol can be used by both homeowners and commercial cultivators. Written by Chih-Ming Hsu, Khalid Hameed, Van T. Cotter, and Hui-Ling Liao and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss663
Sacred play: an ancient contribution to contemporary play theory

This exploratory case study examined pukllay (pook-lee-eye) – directly translated as sacred play – for the purpose of widening Western understandings of play and including non-Western play paradigm...
Clinical and genetic characterization of adult patients presenting with non-syndromic vascular aneurysms and dissections.

Background Genetic disorders affecting the arterial tree in the form of aneurysms and dissections are highly morbid conditions that strike younger persons leading to bleeding, infarction, or even death. Although clinically recognizable syndromes, notably Marfan, Ehlers Danlos, and Loeys-Dietz syndromes encompass the principal diagnosable phenotypes along the genetic vascular disorder spectrum, a substantial subset of patients cannot be adequately classified under a known diagnosis through clinical or molecular diagnostic methods. Here we describe patients presenting with multiple-aneurysms and/or pseudoaneurysm syndromes (MAPS), and clinically characterize this novel phenotype, present data on natural history and prognosis, and propose management guidelines. Methods Thirty-two patients with MAPS were identified from February 2006 to October 2015 through the University of Colorado Adult Medical Genetics Clinic. A subset of patients underwent clinical genetic testing utilizing the Marfan/TAAD/Related disorders panel, and another subset was enrolled for research-based exome-sequencing. Results Thirty-two patients (10 men, 22 women) were classified as MAPS patients with an average age of diagnosis at 39.5 (±13.3) and 35.4 (±12.8) years, respectively. Symptom presentation and progression are presented based on vascular territory, notably of the heart, head, and neck, which could manifest with fatal complications. Secondary arterial events occurred at an average of 6.7±6.0 years after the initial MAPS episode. Genetic analysis revealed 9 gene variants that are likely pathogenic and implicated in MAPS. Conclusions These data more broadly illuminate a phenotype of aneurysms, dissections, and/or pseudoaneurysms that do not classify under a recognizable genetic vascular diagnosis. Our data should provide useful clinical information for providers managing patients with MAPS.
Hypertension and Age-Related Cognitive Impairment: Common Risk Factors and a Role for Precision Aging.

Precision Aging® is a novel concept that we have recently employed to describe how the model of precision medicine can be used to understand and define the multivariate risks that drive age-related cognitive impairment (ARCI). Hypertension and cardiovascular disease are key risk factors for both brain function and cognitive aging. In this review, we will discuss the common mechanisms underlying the risk factors for both hypertension and ARCI and how the convergence of these mechanisms may be amplified in an individual to drive changes in brain health and accelerate cognitive decline. Currently, our cognitive health span does not match our life span. Age-related cognitive impairment and preventing and treating ARCI will require an in-depth understanding of the interrelated risk factors, including individual genetic profiles, that affect brain health and brain aging. Hypertension and cardiovascular disease are important risk factors for ARCI. And, many of the risk factors for developing hypertension, such as diabetes, smoking, stress, viral infection, and age, are shared with the development of ARCI. We must first understand the mechanisms common to the converging risk factors in hypertension and ARCI and then design person-specific therapies to optimize individual brain health. The understanding of the convergence of shared risk factors between hypertension and ARCI is required to develop individualized interventions to optimize brain health across the life span. We will conclude with a discussion of possible steps that may be taken to decrease ARCI and optimize an individual’s cognitive life span.
THE DEAD SPEAK: BIG DATA AND DIGITALLY MEDIATED DEATH

In the following panel, we add to scholarly challenges regarding the binary distinction between life and death by examining new strategies of making productive the data of the dead. Digital media and tactics of big data collection, storage, and processing blur the boundaries of human lifecycles, allowing the individual to exist as a productive part of sociotechnical apparatuses long after their corporeal demise. Specifically, our presentations on digital data and death focus on the topics of subjectivation, consent and privacy, and commodification. Reanimator: Haunted Data, Streaming Media, and Subjectivity examines the process of subjectivation taking into account the haunted data and digital afterlives of streaming media. Here, the living and bounded subject is challenged by compositions of big data, platforms, infrastructures, and algorithms that offer the possibility of a productive sociotechnical economic subject unbounded from the human body. Grief by the Byte: Constructions of Data Consent, Privacy, and Stability in Griefbots interrogates the data practices and ethics related to the creation of chatbots from the data of deceased individuals. While “griefbots” are framed as helpful to those grieving a lost loved one, there remain questions about consent and privacy that accompany these interactions. Finally, What is Dead May Never Die: The Commodification of Death in Social Media studies how user data maintains economic value after death via networks designed to surveil, collect, and commodify the immaterial labor of the dead. These practices enable a possible economic future largely influenced by the data of the dead.
Inter-unit reliability of IMU Step metrics using IMeasureU Blue Trident inertial measurement units for running-based team sport tasks.

The aim of this study was to determine the inter-unit reliability of IMU Step biomechanical load monitoring metrics using IMeasureU Blue Trident inertial measurement units in tasks common to runnin...
The Developing Microbiome in Preterm Multiplets vs Singletons- A Prospective Two-center Observational Study

Purpose: The gut microbiome is the totality of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract. Gut microbial development in preterm infants is affected by environmental and genetic factors; however, the extent to which these factors play a role in shaping the preterm infant gut microbiome is poorly understood. Studying the gut microbiome of multiplets (twins and triplets) in relation to their environmental exposures, such as enteral feeding type, can provide insight into genetic versus environmental influences on the gut microbiome. We aimed …
Increase in linear attenuation coefficient by changing crystal structure of materials for radiation shielding and biomedical devices safety

Abstract Linear attenuation coefficient of materials plays an important role in shielding and protection from radiation. It has been observed that higher the density of a material, higher is its linear attenuation coefficient. Thus, to make a material more suitable for shielding from hazards of radiation, one should increase its linear attenuation coefficient through increase in density of the material. The present work reports that density and linear attenuation coefficient of a material can be increased if its crystalline structure is changed from simple cubical structure to body centered cube (BCC) and faced centered cube (FCC). Results show that by changing the crystal structure of a material, its atomic packing factor also increases which is responsible for increase in density and linear attenuation coefficient. Results also show that linear attenuation coefficient increased by 30% when a crystal structure is changed from simple cubical to BCC. An increase of 41% is found when simple cubical structure transforms to FCC structure. This enhances the ability of the material to be used for radiation shielding and cancer prevention.
Editorial Comment on "Utility of ECG-Gated CTA for Detecting and Classifying Coronary Artery Involvement in Patients With Type A Aortic Dissection and Sinus of Valsalva Involvement".

This Editorial Comment discusses the following AJR article: Utility of ECG-Gated CTA for Detecting and Classifying Coronary Artery Involvement in Patients With Type A Aortic Dissection and Sinus of Valsalva Involvement.
An international effort examining nursing student attitudes toward older people

Abstract Variations in culture and heritage can greatly impact an individual's beliefs, practices, and attitudes and may influence healthcare. The purpose of this research was to better understand the attitudes of student nurses toward older adults in the United States and Costa Rica. An exploratory quantitative research design was utilized for this study. Data were collected using the Kogan Old Persons scale from American and Costa Rican pre-licensure nursing students. Results revealed that total scores were very similar between students on the Kogan positive scale and the Kogan negative scale. Half of the individual items revealed significant differences between students of different cultures. Overall, nursing students reported positive attitudes toward older people with individual differences found between nationality and individual items. Understanding cultural variances and commonalities on student nurse attitudes toward older adults is important to the delivery of culturally diverse nursing education and culturally congruent care.
The Elastic Constants of Crystals

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the elastic constants of crystals. The elastic properties of solid matter hold interest for both technology and basic research. In the first field applied elasticity is an important discipline for those fundamental considerations of engineering design which are usually included under the designation “strength of materials.” The treatment of structural materials requires semiempirical methods, because their compositions are complex and prior treatment has a pronounced effect. On the other hand, basic research into elastic properties is usually concerned with work on specimens in the simplest state which can be obtained reproducibly—for example, annealed single crystals. The complete tabulation of elastic constants for such specimens is valuable, not only for itself, but also because the data can be correlated with other physical measurements and thereby provide possible insight into the nature of the atomic forces in solid matter. The research aspect of elastic studies is of primary interest for this chapter. The case of the isotropic medium is important both for the chronological development of the subject of elasticity and also for its applicability to polycrystals and glasses.
Surgical Mission Trips as a Component of Medical Education and Residency Training

Global health care is becoming increasingly important in medical education and resident training. Medical students frequently mention their interest in international health care during their residency interviews and training programs are now beginning to offer exposure to medicine in foreign countries. Numerous medical schools and anesthesia residencies include students and residents in formal international health care missions as part of the structured curriculum. The exact role that each of these holds and should play on mission trips has yet to be determined. In the USA, the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) provides an application form for pre-approval of non-accredited electives. By contrast, the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) in the UK offers a more complete description of the resident’s aims and goals during a rotation in a low-income environment. Perhaps the most progressive program is offered by The Department of Anaesthesia at Oxford University that runs a 5-day program in Kampala, Uganda, entitled “Anaesthesia in Developing Countries” that serves to prepare clinicians for work in environments low in resources. Such programs provide exposure to clinical conditions and patient care, experiences that might not be available at home. It also exposes trainees to cultures and experiences foreign to their own.
Photobiology of Ultraviolet Radiation

Since enzymes respond to specific substrates, and since radiation produces many different types of alterations in the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid CDNA), it is not surprising that enzymatic pathways for the repair of damaged DNA are numerous and complex. Most of these enzymatic pathways repair DNA accurately, but some are inaccurate and therefore produce mutations. The production and repair of DNA damage, and its role in mutagenesis are discussed.
Soaring on the Wings of Pride: Martin Luther King Jr. and the “New” South Africa

This essay treats the meaning and significance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and message for South Africans over the last decade and in the future. Attempts are made to relate King to questions concerning South Africa's Government of National Unity, to underscore his significance for the mounting crusade for gender equality, to explore his meaning for South Africa during the administrations of Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, and to explain how his ideas can influence South Africa's continuing transformation in the twenty-first century.
Regionalismo: a zona crepuscular da literatura

This article intent to partially review the history of literature, focusing on regionalism, here understood as a literary category, in Rio Grande do Sul. The analysis is from the Brazilian romantic period to the Brazilian realism and it presents a discussion, in a historic and cultural panorama, about some changes in cultural perspective, as well as their implications in the Brazilian literature and its canon that occur in Brazil and specifically in Rio Grande do Sul, in the course of history and how these changes have affected literature as a cultural process.
A Method for Estimating the Transient Response of Nonrational Flexible Systems with Feedback using Rational Open-Loop Approximations

This paper is concerned with the problem of estimating the transient response of feedback systems using approximated (rational) plants. Specifically, the plants of interest are the class of nonrational flexible mechanical systems. Explicit formulae are developed which provide computationally simple estimates for single-input/single-output feedback configuration. These estimates complement frequency domain robust control theories in that the control design can encompass both time and frequency domain specifications for such systems.
Electrochemical reduction of 6- and 7-hydroxypteridine: Involvement of adsorption processes in the electrochemistry of 6-hydroxypteridine

Summary Electrochemical reduction of 6-hydroxypteridine over the pH range 7–12 at mercury and pyrolytic graphite electrodes involves a 2 e − /2H + reaction to 7,8-dihydro-6-hydroxypteridine. A.c. and d.c. polarography indicate that 7,8-dihydro-6,7-dihydroxypteridine (the monohydrated form of 6-hydroxypteridine which predominates below pH 7) and 7,8-dihydro-6-hydroxypteridine are strongly adsorbed at the mercury electrode, and under proper conditions of pH and concentration, apparently form hydrogen-bonded polymeric films which cover the electrode surface. Over the pH range 0–12, 7-hydroxypteridine is reduced at mercury and pyrolytic graphite in a 2 e − /2H + reaction to 5,6-dihydro-7-hydroxypteridine. Apparently, 7-hydroxypteridine and its reduction product are not strongly adsorbed.
The rôle of carbocations in cationic polymerization (polycondensation) of π‐, σ‐, and n‐donor monomers

The role of carbocations in cationic polymerizations is discussed, differentiating σ- (i.e. alkene and arene), π- (i.e. alkane) and n-donor (i.e. ether, sulfide, nitrogen compound) monomers as the reactive nucleophiles. The mechanism of the initiation step in alkene polymerization is evaluated considering both protic (i.e. coinitiator containing) and aprotic systems. The aluminum bromide catalyzed polymerization of isobutylene, as an example, can involve besides the conjugate protic acid, bromoalanation intermediates in aprotic media, which, however, themselves rapidly can undergo elimination, forming HBr in the originally acid free system. The involvement of dialkylhalonium ions in alkyl halide solvent systems is also of substantial interest and may explain increasing deactivation in the order RI>RBr>RCl. Oxidative polycondensation of π-donor arenes (such as benzene) and σ-donor alkanes (such as methane) is discussed in the context of the general carbocation concept, involving trivalent carbenium ion intermediates in the former and pentacoordinated carbonium ions in the latter case, as the reactive alkylating agents responsible for the ionic propagation reactions. n-Donor monomers, such as ethers, sulfides or miscellaneous nitrogen compounds, undergo polymerization via nucleophilic displacement reactions on the polarized carbocationic sites of intermediate alkylated or protonated onium ions. Die Funktion von Carbokationen bei der kationischen Polymerisation wird diskutiert, wobei unterschieden wird zwischen π- (d.h. Alkenen und Arenen), σ- (d.h. Alkanen) und n-Donator-Monomeren (d.h. Athern, Sulfiden und Stickstoff-Verbindungen) als die reaktiven Nucleophile. Der Mechanismus der Initiierungsstufe bei der Alken-Polymerisation wird gepruft im Hinblick auf protische (d.h. einen Coinitiator enthaltende) und aprotische Systeme. So kann z. B. die durch Aluminiumbromid katalysierte Polymerisation von Isobutylen neben den konjugierten Protonsauren Zwischenprodukte der Bromalanat-Bildung im aprotischen Medium mit enthalten, die jedoch eine Eliminierung erleiden konnen unter Bildung von HBr im ursprunglich saurefreien System. Das Auftreten von Dialkylhalonium-Ionen in Halogenalkan-Losungsmittelsystemen ist ebenfalls von wesentlichem Interesse und mag die in der Reihenfolge RJ>RBr>RCl zunehmende Desaktivierung erklaren. Die oxidative Polykondensation von π-Donator-Arenen (wie Benzol) und σ-Donator-Alkanen (wie Methan) wird im Kontext des generellen Carbokation-Konzepts diskutiert unter Einbeziehung der trivalenten Carbeniumionen-Zwischenprodukte im ersten Fall und der pentakoordinierten Carboniumionen im letzteren Fall, da die reaktiven Alkylie-rungs-Agenzien fur die ionischen Wachstumsreaktionen verantwortlich sind. n-Donator-Monomere wie Ather, Sulfide oder verschiedenartige Stickstoffverbindungen unterliegen der Polymerisation via nucleophilen Substitutionsreaktionen an carbokationischen Stellen intermediarer alkylierter oder protonierter Onium-Ionen.
Nanopore Analysis of Nucleic Acids: Single-Molecule Studies of Molecular Dynamics, Structure, and Base Sequence

Nucleic acids are linear polynucleotides in which each base is covalently linked to a pentose sugar and a phosphate group carrying a negative charge. If a pore having roughly the crosssectional diameter of a single-stranded nucleic acid is embedded in a thin membrane and a voltage of 100 mV or more is applied, individual nucleic acids in solution can be captured by the electrical field in the pore and translocated through by single-molecule electrophoresis. The dimensions of the pore cannot accommodate anything larger than a single strand, so each base in the molecule passes through the pore in strict linear sequence. The nucleic acid strand occupies a large fraction of the pore's volume during translocation and therefore produces a transient blockade of the ionic current created by the applied voltage. If it could be demonstrated that each nucleotide in the polymer produced a characteristic modulation of the ionic current during its passage through the nanopore, the sequence of current modulations would reflect the sequence of bases in the polymer. According to this basic concept, nanopores are analogous to a Coulter counter that detects nanoscopic molecules rather than microscopic [1,2]. However, the advantage of nanopores is that individual macromolecules can be characterized because different chemical and physical properties affect their passage through the pore. Because macromolecules can be captured in the pore as well as translocated, the nanopore can be used to detect individual functional complexes that form between a nucleic acid and an enzyme. No other technique has this capability.
3D numerical modeling for ultra-sensitive noninvasive size-dependent nanoparticle detection technique using subwavelength silicon microcavities

Three-dimensional finite-element-method simulations are used to investigate a system consisting of a subwavelength silicon microdisk cavity for the detection of different viruses of the same type. This is done by observing the effects that a spherical nanoparticle had on the frequency resonances of WGMs of the silicon microdisk. Results show that the observed spectral shift vary for the TM15 mode with an attached nanoparticle of radiuses between 100-300 nm. This frequency shift size-dependence makes it possible the for mature and immature HIV-1 viruses to be identified by the resonant frequency change in the transmission spectrum.
Latent membrane protein of Epstein-Barr virus induces cellular phenotypes independently of expression of Bcl-2.

Abstract The stable expression of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein (LMP) in certain EBV-negative Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines correlates with an increased expression of the oncogene Bcl-2 (S. Henderson, M. Rowe, C. Gregory, D. Croom-Carter, F. Wang, R. Longnecker, E. Kieff, and A. Rickinson, Cell 65:1107-1115, 1991). This finding is consistent with a model in which Bcl-2 contributes to the immortalization of B cells mediated by EBV. We therefore asked whether the expression of Bcl-2 protein correlates with the induction of three cellular phenotypes induced by or associated with LMP. The expression of Bcl-2 in primary B cells infected with the B95-8 strain of EBV varied between 1 and 1.8 times that in uninfected cells when 50% of the cells were infected, expressed LMP, and incorporated 20-fold more [3H]thymidine than did uninfected cells. This finding indicates that induced proliferation of these primary cells is not sufficient to induce Bcl-2. We found that BALB/c 3T3 cells and their derivatives transformed by LMP do not express Bcl-2 detectably. The expression of LMP at high levels in lymphoid cells is cytotoxic and correlates with an increased expression of Bcl-2 following stable selection for the introduced LMP gene; 2 days after transfection, control vector- and LMP-transfected populations, however, express equal levels of Bcl-2 protein. We also analyzed transient expression of LMP in an EBV-negative Burkitt's lymphoma cell line. Infection of BJAB cells with the B95-8 strain of EBV results in an increase in Bcl-2 expression with a time course similar to that of LMP expression, and LMP alone transiently induces an increase in Bcl-2 expression in these cells. We interpret these observations to indicate that increased expression of Bcl-2 is unlikely to contribute to the ability of EBV to immortalize primary B cells and that both the transformation of rodent cells and the cytotoxicity mediated by LMP are independent of Bcl-2.
A Review of “Seeking Salaam: Ethiopians, Eriterans, and Somalis in the Pacific Northwest”

Sandra M. Chait's focus on the construction of immigrant histories from the Horn of Africa highlights complex intracommunal and intercommunal relationships and provides invaluable insights into the...
XCMS: processing mass spectrometry data for metabolite profiling using nonlinear peak alignment, matching, and identification.

Metabolite profiling in biomarker discovery, enzyme substrate assignment, drug activity/specificity determination, and basic metabolic research requires new data preprocessing approaches to correlate specific metabolites to their biological origin. Here we introduce an LC/MS-based data analysis approach, XCMS, which incorporates novel nonlinear retention time alignment, matched filtration, peak detection, and peak matching. Without using internal standards, the method dynamically identifies hundreds of endogenous metabolites for use as standards, calculating a nonlinear retention time correction profile for each sample. Following retention time correction, the relative metabolite ion intensities are directly compared to identify changes in specific endogenous metabolites, such as potential biomarkers. The software is demonstrated using data sets from a previously reported enzyme knockout study and a large-scale study of plasma samples. XCMS is freely available under an open-source license at http://metlin...
Identification of two subtypes in the rat type I angiotensin II receptor

A rat adrenal cDNA library was screened by colony hybridization using a rat cDNA fragment of type I angiotensin II receptor (AT1A) previously isolated from the kidney. Two cDNA clones were identified, designated as AT1B, to have a nucleotide sequence highly homologous to and yet distinct from AT1A. The amino acid sequence of AT1B consists of 359 amino acid residues and has 96% identity with AT1A. No conspicuous difference in the ligand binding characteristics was observed between AT1A and AT1B. The mRNA for AT1B was expressed in many tissues as is the case with AT1A, and most abundantly expressed in the adrenal glands in the Sprague-Dawley rats. The existence of two subtypes in the rat type I angiotensin II receptor might explain the diverse actions of angiotensin II in various tissues.
Posttranslational limitations to methanol oxidase activity in the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha as determined from single growth rate perturbations

Single shifts in growth rate were imposed upon continuous cultures of the methylotrophic yeast Hansensula polymorpha growing under carbon limitation on 4 g/L methanol and 1 g/L glucose. Concentrations of system level parameters (glucose, methanol, and cell biomass) and intracellular components (methanol oxidase and hex-okinase specific activity, methanol oxidase specific mRNA content, and the ratio of flavin adenine dinucleotide bound to methanol oxidase) suggest that the reduction in methanol oxidase specific activity upon a shift to a higher growth rate is limited, not at the transcription level, but rather posttranslationally during peroxisome assembly. Subsequent [35S] methionine pulse-chase techniques and immunoprecipitation of methanol oxidase monomers and octamers indicate, upon a dilution rate shift from 0.2 to 0.35 h−1, that monomeric methanol oxidase fails to polymerize, terminating peroxisome formation. Those peroxisomes formed at the lower growth rate slowly disintegrate at the higher growth rate, releasing bound flavin adenine dinucleotide.
Surgical resection of recurrent endometrial carcinoma.

Abstract Objective Chances of survival after the diagnosis of recurrent endometrial cancer are poor. Although total pelvic exenteration has been described as a treatment for a select subset of patients with recurrent endometrial cancer, the use of other surgical procedures in this setting has not been well described. The objective of this study was to review our experience with non-exenterative surgery for recurrent endometrial cancer. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent non-exenterative surgery for recurrent endometrial cancer between 1/91 and 1/03. Survival was determined from the time of surgery for recurrence to last follow-up. Survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods. Differences in survival were analyzed using the log-rank test. The Fisher's exact test was used to compare optimal versus suboptimal cytoreduction against possible predictive factors. Results Twenty-seven patients were identified. Fifteen patients (56%) had disease limited to the retroperitoneum, 10 patients (37%) had intraperitoneal disease, and 2 patients (7%) had both intra- and retroperitoneal disease. Cytoreduction to ≤2 cm of residual disease was achieved in 18 patients (67%), while 9 patients (33%) had cytoreduction to residual disease >2 cm. There were no major perioperative complications or mortalities. The median hospital stay was 7 days (range, 1–18 days). Additional therapies included intraoperative radiation therapy in 9 patients (33%), radiation therapy in 12 patients (44%), and chemotherapy in 10 patients (37%). The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 24 months (range, 5–84 months). The median progression-free survival was 14 months (95% CI, 6–23), and the median disease-specific survival was 35 months (95% CI, 24–not reached). Size of residual disease was the only significant predictor for both progression-free and disease-specific survival. Patients with residual disease ≤2 cm had a median disease-specific survival of 43 months (95% CI, 35–not reached) compared with 10 months (95% CI, 7–29) for those with >2 cm residual ( P = 0.01). Conclusions Surgical resection for recurrent endometrial cancer may provide an opportunity for long-term survival in a select patient population. The only factor associated with improved long-term outcome was the size of residual disease remaining at the end of surgical resection.
Sun following system adjustment at the UTFSM

Abstract The “Evaluacion Solar” Laboratory of the Technical University Federico Santa Maria (UTFSM) in Valparaiso exists since 1957. Some types of sun following systems using instruments for different types of solar measurements were created during the mentioned period in this Laboratory. A solar tracking unit INTRA was recently installed in the UTFSM. It is considered a modern measuring and registering system for actual measuring of radiation in digital form, easier to store and to process. The action of the sun tracker is autonomous, which makes it a flexible tool to support direct radiation measurements. A special device was designed and constructed to support the measuring instruments. Three Eppley pyrheliometers were mounted on the unit and connected with an automatic registering system. An additional UV measuring sensor will be mounted soon. The realized measurements were compared with the results obtained manually from a K&Z pyrheliometer. The difference between both types of pyrheliometers is very small, which is a good precondition for using the INTRA sun tracker for precise measurements in the future.
Product Operator Analysis of the Influence of Chemical Exchange on Relaxation Rates

Measurements of chemical-exchange processes by NMR are widely used to obtain valuable information about molecular dynamics and structure. Here, a computational method is introduced to assess the influence of chemical exchange on spin relaxation rates. The method is based on the inclusion of a random exchange process in product operator calculations on a microscopic level. This product operator approach can be applied to estimate exchange contributions when using sophisticated pulse sequences that cannot be easily described analytically. The method applies to the full range of exchange times measurable by NMR and can incorporate interference effects between exchange and other processes such as scalar coupling. To demonstrate its utility, simulated relaxation data were compared with theoretical predictions of spin-locking and Carr-Purcell spin-echo sequences with hard and adiabatic pulses, using different time scales for a two-site chemical-exchange process. Finally, simulations were used to examine a system in which a second random process is superimposed on a simple two-site exchange process. The method was found to provide a simple and robust tool to analyze pulse sequences and equations commonly used to study exchange-induced relaxation.
High-energy behavior of fermion-fermion scattering in a supersymmetric field theory

The high-energy behavior of the fermion-fermion and fermion-antifermion scattering amplitudes of a class of field theories, containing a spin-\textonehalf{} fermion field, a scalar field, and a pseudoscalar field, are investigated. These theories consist of a supersymmetric model, the Yukawa model, and the linear $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model. In the leading-logarithm approximation, ladders with fermions running along the sides in the $t$ channel and mesons as rungs dominate in each order of two classes of diagrams. The sums of the dominant series give rise to fixed Regge cuts for all the three theories; the amplitude of the supersymmetric theory possesses a definite signature, while those of the other two lack it. A comparison of the result of the supersymmetric theory with the results of an asymptotically free theory and the spontaneously broken non-Abelian gauge theory is made.
A shortage of long-term care workers: Effects on clients with dementia

Although advocates promote caregiving services to families in need, the formal care system is directly dependent upon the availability of workers willing to provide this type of care. If there is a worker shortage, are clients with cognitive impairment more adversely affected than other clients? This article reports the findings from a study conducted in one state during a worker shortage. A worker bias was found against servicing Alzheimer clients in their homes that was not evident in day care facilities or nursing homes with Alzheimer units. Policy is sues are raised and recommendations made concerning worker's wages and benefits, work life, job design, and the structure of the long term care industry.
Physical activity and stress resilience: Considering those at-risk for developing mental health problems

Abstract Introduction Physical activity (PA) has been shown to benefit mental health. While research on non-human animal species indicates that PA may confer protective effects on mental health by increasing resilience to stress via regulation of the stress response, the human literature offers inconsistent evidence regarding this idea. To help reconcile these inconsistencies, the present study of human adults tested the hypothesis that PA's protective effects, as indexed by self-perceived resilience, vary according to individual differences in trait anxiety, which has been linked to a dysregulated stress response and risk for developing mental health problems. Specifically, we predicted that individuals reporting high trait anxiety (and thus presumably more stress response dysregulation) would show a stronger association between PA and self-perceived resilience, than would peers with lower reported trait anxiety. Methods Undergraduate students (n = 222) completed online self-report measures regarding their PA level, trait anxiety, and self-perceived resilience. Results Hierarchical linear regression analyses yielded evidence of a significant interaction between trait anxiety level and PA, such that PA and self-perceived resilience were significantly and positively associated among individuals with high trait anxiety, but not among individuals with low and moderate trait anxiety. Discussion In conclusion, individuals with high trait anxiety, which may be a risk factor for developing clinically significant mental health problems, may preferentially show psychological, as well as physiological, benefits from PA.
Regulator of Ras Depalmitoylation and Retrograde Trafficking: A New Hat for FKBP

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Ahearn et al. (2011) identified FKBP12 as a novel regulator of Ras signaling through its modulation of depalmitoylation of H-Ras and its recycling from plasma membrane to the Golgi.