cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Inclusion Properties of Hydrophobic Organic Compounds by a Modified β-Cyclodextrin Intercalated within a Layered Double Hydroxide

A study was conducted to evaluate the inclusion properties of various nonionic hydrophobic organic compounds by a novel intercalate derived from magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide (Mg/Al LDH) and carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin with a degree of substitution of 3 [CMCD(3)]. The isotherm sorption results at 25 °C showed that the CMCD(3)-Mg/Al LDH intercalate could retain all the organic compounds (trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, benzene, toluene, p-, o-, m-xylene, ethylbenzene, 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, naphthalene) studied and its sorption affinity for organic compounds was positively related to their hydrophobicities. The host-guest interaction was attributed to a partition process of the organic compounds into cyclodextrin cavities as well as intermolecular pores. A stereoselective interaction might also be involved due to the intercalation of CMCD(3) within Mg/Al LDH interlayers.
Valleytronics in 2D semiconductors

Abstract In crystalline systems, the electronic band structure determines the relationship between the crystal momentum and energy of an electron. In intrinsic semiconductors, the Fermi energy lies between two bands, where typically the highest valence band below the Fermi energy and lowest conduction band above the Fermi energy determine the electronic and optical physics. These extrema are referred to as crystal momentum space “valleys,” which are stable points in the band structure that electrons or holes can occupy. So that in addition to charge and spin, electrons in a crystalline solid also have a valley degree of freedom that determines the electron's position in crystal momentum space. The field of valleytronics seeks to use the electron's valley degree of freedom to encode and process information, analogous to charge in electronics or spin in spintronics. In this chapter, I will review the recent progress in 2D semiconductor valleytronics.
That Wasn’t a Complement—Too Much C3 in Demyelinating Disease

Summary Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by demyelination in the central nervous system. In this issue of Immunity, Werneberg et al. report a striking loss of synapses driven by excessive microglial pruning early in demyelinating disease, which can be rescued by inhibiting the complement component C3.
Methods of Analysis of Sperm Antigens Related to Fertility

Progress in the identification of novel sperm antigens related to fertility, particularly, immune infertility, has been made in recent years employing advanced proteomic analyses, mass spectrometry microsequencing, and recombinant DNA technology. This chapter summarizes several approaches employed to identify and characterize previously unidentified sperm antigens and their encoding genes that are relevant to fertility and/or infertility, focusing on strategies that have the potential to yield candidate protein targets for immunocontraceptive or drug development programs, including novel sperm proteins that may fall in the cancer-testis antigen category. Methods aimed to enrich, isolate, and identify the relevant antigens include vectorial labeling, probing with antisperm antibodies (ASA) or monoclonal antibodies, phage display, subcellular fractionation, differential extraction, treatment of sperm to isolate and identify glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, identification of glycoproteins by lectin blotting and fluorescent dye staining, cDNA library screening, and PCR amplification. Several techniques employ 2-D gel electrophoresis to first separate and visualize immunoreactive protein spots followed by mass spectrometry to sequence and identify the protein to obtain sequence information which can then be used to clone the corresponding gene. The recombinant proteins can be expressed in a variety of expression vectors and host systems, specific immunoreagents may be developed to the novel proteins and subsequent functional characterizations can lead to definition of the sub-cellular localization, definition of biological roles in various sperm functions, fertility, and validation of contraceptive potential.
The effect of the demyelinating agent cuprizone on binge-like eating of sweetened palatable food in female and male C57BL/6 substrains

Binge eating is a heritable symptom of eating disorders with an unknown genetic etiology. Rodent models for binge-like eating (BLE) of palatable food permit the study of genetic and biological mechanisms. We previously genetically mapped a coding mutation in Cyfip2 associated with increased BLE of sweetened palatable food in the C57BL/6NJ versus C57BL/6J substrain. The increase in BLE in C57BL/6NJ mice was associated with a decrease in transcription of genes enriched for myelination in the striatum. Here, we tested the hypothesis that decreasing myelin levels with the demyelinating agent cuprizone would enhance BLE. Mice were treated with a 0.3% cuprizone home cage diet for two weeks. Cuprizone induced similar weight loss in both substrains and sexes that recovered within 48 h after removal of cuprizone. Following a three-week recovery period, mice were trained for BLE in an intermittent, limited access procedure. Surprisingly, cuprizone significantly reduced BLE in male but not female C57BL/6NJ mice while having no effect in C57BL/6J mice. Cuprizone also reduced myelin basic protein (MBP) at seven weeks post-cuprizone removal while having no effect on myelin-associated glycoprotein at this time point. C57BL/6NJ mice also showed less MBP than C57BL/6J mice. There were no statistical interactions of Treatment with Sex on MBP levels, indicating that differences in MBP reduction are unlikely to account for sex differences in BLE. To summarize, cuprizone induced an unexpected, significant reduction in BLE in C57BL/6NJ males, which could indicate genotype-dependent sex differences in the biological mechanisms of BLE.
An Evolving Therapeutic Rationale for Targeting the α 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abnormalities of cholinergic nuclei, cholinergic projections, and cholinergic receptors, as well as abnormalities of growth factors involved in the maturation and maintenance of cholinergic neurons, have been described in postmortem brains of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Further, microdeletions of the 15q13.3 locus that encompasses CHRNA7, the gene coding the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), are associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. The heterozygous 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome suggests that diminished or impaired transduction of the acetylcholine (ACh) signal by the α7 nAChR can be a pathogenic mechanism of ASD. The α7 nAChR has a role in regulating the firing and function of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing GABAergic projections, which synchronize the oscillatory output of assemblies of pyramidal neurons onto which they project. Synchronous oscillatory output is an electrophysiological substrate for higher executive functions, such as working memory, and functional connectivity between discrete anatomic areas of the brain. The α7 nAChR regulates PV expression and works cooperatively with the co-expressed NMDA receptor in subpopulations of GABAergic interneurons in mouse models of ASD. An evolving literature supports therapeutic exploration of selectively targeted cholinergic interventions for the treatment of ASD, especially compounds that target the α7 nAChR subtype. Importantly, development and availability of high-affinity, brain-penetrable, α7 nAChR-selective agonists, partial agonists, allosteric agonists, and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) should facilitate "proof-of-principle/concept" clinical trials. nAChRs are pentameric allosteric proteins that function as ligand-gated ion channel receptors constructed from five constituent polypeptide subunits, all of which share a common structural motif. Importantly, in addition to α7 nAChR-gated Ca2+ conductance causing membrane depolarization, there are emerging data consistent with possible metabotropic functions of this ionotropic receptor. The ability of α7-selective type II PAMs to "destabilize" the desensitized state and promote ion channel opening may afford them therapeutic advantages over orthosteric agonists. The current chapter reviews historic and recent literature supporting selective therapeutic targeting of the α7 nAChR in persons affected with ASD.
DeepVix: Explaining Long Short-Term Memory Network With High Dimensional Time Series Data

Machine learning automates the process of analytical model building by means of the computing power of machines. Visual analytics couples interactive visual representations and underlying analysis, putting the human at the center of the analytics and decisionmaking process. This paper aims to combine the strengths of both data science fields into a unified system, called DeepVix, which focuses on the visual explainability of the multivariate time-series predictions using neural networks. Within our DeepVix system, a visual presentation of the neural network explains the intermediate steps, as well as the temporal weights of various gates of the entire learning process. The relationships between input variables and the target variable can also be inferred automatically from the trained model. Interactive operations allow users to explore the neural network, to gain understandings of the model and essential features with layers and nodes, and finally to customize the neural network configurations to fit their needs. We demonstrate our approach with Recurrent Deep Learning on various real-world time series datasets, including the multivariate measurements of a medium-size High-Performance Computing Center, the S&P500 stock data over the past 39 years, and the US employment data retrieved from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Use of overnight pulse oximetry and a type 3 sleep study to titrate hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy.

This is a case series of 3 patients with moderate-severe OSA who were PAP-intolerant and underwent implantation of the hypoglossal nerve stimulator. All patients recorded baseline overnight pulse o...
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (HEV/EV) Technologies for Off-Road Applications

Hybrid and electric vehicle (HEV/EV) technology is reasonably mature at this time, with a few million vehicles around in the world, and there is a significant amount of literature in the public domain on this subject. However, there is not enough literature on the application of this technology for off-road vehicles, including construction equipment, other industrial utility vehicles, and nonautomotive applications, such as a locomotive, ships, or airborne vehicles. With this in mind, the author presents here the topic and its current status. In addition, the author discusses the issue related to the decision-making process before the above technology is introduced for any HEV/EV application so that one is assured that the technology will bring benefit if applied for a particular purpose.
Metabolic requirements of pulmonary fibrosis: role of fibroblast metabolism

Fibrosis is a pathologic condition characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and chronic scaring that can affect every organ system. Organ fibrosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, contributing to as many as 45% of all deaths in the developed world. In the lung, many chronic lung diseases may lead to fibrosis, the most devastating being idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which affects approximately 3 million people worldwide and has a median survival of 3.8 years. Currently approved therapies for IPF do not significantly extend lifespan, and thus, there is pressing need for novel therapeutic strategies to treat IPF and other fibrotic diseases. At the heart of pulmonary fibrosis are myofibroblasts, contractile cells with characteristics of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, which are the primary cell type responsible for matrix deposition in fibrotic diseases. Much work has centered around targeting the extracellular growth factors and intracellular signaling regulators of myofibroblast differentiation. Recently, metabolic changes associated with myofibroblast differentiation have come to the fore as targetable mechanisms required for myofibroblast function. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic changes associated with myofibroblast differentiation, as well as the mechanisms by which these changes promote myofibroblast function. We will then discuss the potential for this new knowledge to lead to the development of novel therapies for IPF and other fibrotic diseases.
Author Correction: Call for Proposals Articles for a Special Issue of Public Organization Review (POR) on Global Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

An Author Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11115-021-00507-7
A Pre-Trade Algorithmic Trading Model Under Given Volume Measures and Generic Price Dynamics

We make several improvements to the mean-variance framework for optimal pre-trade algorithmic execution, by working with volume measures and generic price dynamics. Volume measures are the continuum analogies for discrete volume profiles commonly implemented in the execution industry. Execution then becomes an absolutely continuous measure over such a measure space, and its Radon-Nikodym derivative is commonly known as the Participation of Volume (PoV) function. The four impact cost components are all consistently built upon the PoV function. Some novel efforts are made for these linear impact models by having market signals more properly expressed. For the opportunistic cost, we are able to go beyond the conventional Brownian-type motions. By working directly with the auto-covariances of the price dynamics, we remove the Markovian restriction associated with Brownians and thus allow potential memory effects in the price dynamics. In combination, the final execution model becomes a constrained quadratic programming problem in infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces. Important linear constraints such as participation capping are all permissible. Uniqueness and existence of optimal solutions are established via the theory of positive compact operators in Hilbert spaces. Several typical numerical examples explain both the behavior and versatility of the model.
The Steel Crisis: The Economics and Politics of a Declining Industry

This book analyzes the causes underlying the decline of the United States steel industry and the impact of that decline on our institutions of procedural democracy. It locates steel's economic demise in the logic of an economy organized for profit maximization and demonstrates how the industry's economic policies helped open the U.S. market to foreign imports while simultaneously forcing steel officials to turn to the government for assistance.
Beta-amyloid deposition in chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. It is defined pathologically by the abnormal accumulation of tau in a unique pattern that is distinct from other tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although trauma has been suggested to increase amyloid β peptide (Aβ) levels, the extent of Aβ deposition in CTE has not been thoroughly characterized. We studied a heterogeneous cohort of deceased athletes and military veterans with neuropathologically diagnosed CTE (n = 114, mean age at death = 60) to test the hypothesis that Aβ deposition is altered in CTE and associated with more severe pathology and worse clinical outcomes. We found that Aβ deposition, either as diffuse or neuritic plaques, was present in 52 % of CTE subjects. Moreover, Aβ deposition in CTE occurred at an accelerated rate and with altered dynamics in CTE compared to a normal aging population (OR = 3.8, p < 0.001). We also found a clear pathological and clinical dichotomy between those CTE cases with Aβ plaques and those without. Aβ deposition was significantly associated with the presence of the APOE e4 allele (p = 0.035), older age at symptom onset (p < 0.001), and older age at death (p < 0.001). In addition, when controlling for age, neuritic plaques were significantly associated with increased CTE tauopathy stage (β = 2.43, p = 0.018), co-morbid Lewy body disease (OR = 5.01, p = 0.009), and dementia (OR = 4.45, p = 0.012). A subset of subjects met the diagnostic criteria for both CTE and AD, and in these subjects both Aβ plaques and total levels of Aβ1-40 were increased at the depths of the cortical sulcus compared to the gyral crests. Overall, these findings suggest that Aβ deposition is altered and accelerated in a cohort of CTE subjects compared to normal aging and that Aβ is associated with both pathological and clinical progression of CTE independent of age.
The physician's role in patient safety: What's in it for me?

At Baylor University Medical Center, we have a very active patient safety program. Physicians can benefit from several of the safety, quality, and risk management initiatives—primarily by improving patient outcomes and reducing hassles and wasted time. In this article, I review some issues related to patient safety, medical errors, and features of high-reliability organizations and explain how physicians' efforts in teamwork and communication can improve safety. I also review key National Patient Safety Goals. My objective is to engage physicians in the safety program and help them better understand Baylor's culture and some legal opportunities and barriers that affect us in patient safety.
Widening socioeconomic disparities in cervical cancer mortality among women in 26 states, 1993-2007.

BACKGROUND: Despite substantial declines in cervical cancer mortality because of widespread screening, socioeconomic status (SES) disparities persist. The authors examined trends in cervical cancer mortality rates and the risk of late-stage diagnoses by SES. METHODS: Using data from the National Vital Statistics System, trends in age-standardized mortality rates among women ages 25 to 64 years (1993-2007) by education level (≤12 years, 13-15 years, and ≥16 years) and race/ethnicity for non-Hispanic white (NHW) women and non-Hispanic black (NHB) women in 26 states were assessed using log-linear regression. Rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess disparities between those with ≤12 years versus ≥16 years of education during 1993 to 1995 and 2005 to 2007. Avertable deaths were calculated by applying mortality rates from the most educated women to others in 48 states. Trends in the risk of late-stage diagnosis by race/ethnicity and insurance status were evaluated in the National Cancer Data Base. RESULTS: Declines in mortality were steepest for those with the highest education levels (3.2% per year among NHW women and 6.8% per year among NHB women). Consequently, the education disparity widened between the periods 1993 to 1995 and 2005 to 2007 from 3.1 (95% CI, 2.4-3.9) to 4.4 (95% CI, 3.5-5.6) for NHW women and from 3.8 (95% CI, 2.0-7.0) to 5.6 (95% CI, 3.1-10.0) for NHB women. The risk of late-stage diagnosis increased for uninsured versus privately insured women over time. During 2007, 74% of cervical cancer deaths in the United States may have been averted by eliminating SES disparities. CONCLUSIONS: SES disparities in cervical cancer mortality and the risk of late-stage diagnosis increased over time. Most deaths in 2007 may have been averted by eliminating SES disparities. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Besov-Morrey spaces: Function space theory and applications to non-linear PDE

This paper is devoted to the analysis of function spaces modeled on Besov spaces and their applications to non-linear partial differential equations, with emphasis on the incompressible, isotropic Navier-Stokes system and semilinear heat equations. Specifically, we consider the class, introduced by Hideo Kozono and Masao Yamazaki, of Besov spaces based on Morrey spaces, which we call Besov-Morrey or BM spaces. We obtain equivalent representations in terms of the Weierstrass semigroup and wavelets, and various embeddings in classical spaces. We then establish pseudo-differential and para-differential estimates. Our results cover non-regular and exotic symbols. Although the heat semigroup is not strongly continuous on Morrey spaces, we show that its action defines an equivalent norm. In particular, homogeneous BM spaces belong to a larger class constructed by Grzegorz Karch to analyze scaling in parabolic equations. We compare Karch's results with those of Kozono and Yamazaki and generalize them by obtaining short-time existence and uniqueness of solutions for arbitrary data with subcritical regularity. We exploit pseudo-differential calculus to extend the analysis to compact, smooth, boundaryless, Riemannian manifolds. BM spaces are defined by means of partitions of unity and coordinate patches, and intrinsically in terms of functions of the Laplace operator.
A Study of Muon Neutrino Disappearance in the MINOS Detectors and the NuMI Beam

There is now substantial evidence that the proper description of neutrino involves two representations related by the 3 x 3 PMNS matrix characterized by either distinct mass or flavor. The parameters of this mixing matrix, three angles and a phase, as well as the mass differences between the three mass eigenstates must be determined experimentally. The Main Injector Neutrino Oscillation Search experiment is designed to study the flavor composition of a beam of muon neutrinos as it travels between the Near Detector at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory at 1 km from the target, and the Far Detector in the Soudan iron mine in Minnesota at 735 km from the target. From the comparison of reconstructed neutrino energy spectra at the near and far location, precise measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters from muon neutrino disappearance and electron neutrino appearance are expected. It is very important to know the neutrino flux coming from the source in order to achieve the main goal of the MINOS experiment: precise measurements of the atmospheric mass splitting |{Delta}m{sub 23}{sup 2}|, sin{sup 2} {theta}{sub 23}. The goal of my thesis is to accurately predict the neutrino flux for the MINOS experiment and measure the neutrino mixing anglemore » and atmospheric mass splitting.« less
LENGTH MUTATIONS IN HUMAN MITOCHONDRIAL DNA

By high-resolution, restriction mapping of mitochondrial DNAs purified from 112 human individuals, we have identified 14 length variants caused by small additions and deletions (from about 6 to 14 base pairs in length). Three of the 14 length differences are due to mutations at two locations within the D loop, whereas the remaining 11 occur at seven sites that are probably within other noncoding sequences and at junctions between coding sequences. In five of the nine regions of length polymorphism, there is a sequence of five cytosines in a row, this sequence being comparatively rare in coding DNA. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that, in most of the polymorphic regions, a given length mutation has arisen several times independently in different human lineages. The average rate at which length mutations have been arising and surviving in the human species is estimated to be many times higher for noncoding mtDNA than for noncoding nuclear DNA. The mystery of why vertebrate mtDNA is more prone than nuclear DNA to evolve by point mutation is now compounded by the discovery of a similar bias toward rapid evolution by length mutation.
Solvent Perturbation and Ultraviolet Optical Rotatory Dispersion Studies of Paramyosin

Abstract The location of the tyrosyl residues (there are no tryptophyl residues) in paramyosin was studied by solvent perturbation difference spectroscopy, with 20% polyhydroxy perturbants of increasing size from ethylene glycol to sucrose. Of the tyrosyl residues, 35% are not perturbed by any of the solvents, and an additional 10 to 15% apparently lie in crevices which are inaccessible to perturbants with diameters greater than 5 A (i.e. glycerol and larger molecules). These latter groups may be involved in the intermolecular aggregation phenomenon. Increasing concentrations of guanidine-HCl increase the magnitude of the denaturation blue shift in four steps. The first two of these steps coincide with the first two steps in the helix-coil transition and account for the exposure of about 68% of the 38 tyrosyl groups to the solvent. The remaining 12 tyrosyls are exposed in two steps during the breakdown of the final third of the helix and are considered to be the same 12 groups inaccessible to all perturbants. The ultraviolet optical rotatory properties of native α-helical paramyosin from 315 to 190 mµ were studied in detail. Statistical analyses of the Moffitt equation showed that it adequately describes the dispersion data in the 315 to 240 mµ region, if λ0 is taken as 220 mµ, until the molecule becomes less than 30% helical. Beyond that point the one-term Drude equation is sufficient. The Moffitt parameters are shown to be colinear with [m']232 for the whole helix-coil transition. By comparison with optical rotatory dispersion parameters for random polypeptides, paramyosin retains approximately 10% order in 7 m guanidine. Since this order cannot be destroyed by heating to 50° or by 8 m guanidine-HCl and the molecule refolds completely upon removal of the guanidine, hydrophobic interactions appear responsible for this order.
Effects of Net Transmucosal Volume Flux on Lymph Flow in the Canine Colon: Structural-Functional Relationship

The effects of net transmucosal fluid flux on lymph flow, lymphatic protein flux, and lymph oncotic pressure were analyzed in an isolated autoperfused canine colon preparation. Active fluid absorption and secretion were induced by intraluminal instillation of Tyrode's solution alone and Tyrode's solution containing 40 mM theophylline, respectively. In contrast to previous observations in the small bowel, colonic lymph flow, lymph protein flux, or lymph oncotic pressure was not affected by net transmucosal volume flux (absorptive or secretory). Ultrastructural analyses of the lymphatic and capillary microcirculations of the mucosal regions of the colon and ileum indicate that, relative to the small intestine, the colonic mucosa is characterized by (a) lymphatic vessels that are smaller in caliber and do not extend beyond the bottom third of the mucosa and (b) blood capillaries that are situated half as far from the base of the epithelial cells. These results indicate that (a) the inability of net transmucosal fluid movement to alter colonic lymph flow can be attributed to the paucity of lymphatic drainage in the colonic mucosa and (b) blood capillaries are the sole conduits by which absorbed volume is removed from the colonic interstitium, a task facilitated by the close proximity of the fenestrated capillaries to the absorptive epithelium.
Iron Supplements: Scientific Issues Concerning Efficacy and Implications for Research and Programs

Iron supplementation remains an important strategy for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia and can produce substantial improvements in the functional performance of iron deficient individuals and populations. Many potential benefits of iron supplementation require further exploration, including its effect on vitamin A and iodine metabolism. There is strong evidence that vitamin A and riboflavin deficiencies affect iron utilization from supplements and are important on a global scale, but little evidence that folate and vitamin B-12 deficiencies play a major causal role in the global burden of anemia. The efficacy of multiple micronutrient supplements for the prevention and treatment of anemia must be further evaluated. Because weekly supplementation with iron is effective at improving iron status, this option should be thoroughly explored and evaluated in the context of programs for the prevention and the treatment of iron deficiency and anemia. More conformation is warranted concerning the number of tablets that must be consumed in different situations, and the efficacy of supplying other micronutrients weekly with iron. Weekly supplementation programs may improve the logistical and economic constraints that currently limit the provision of supplements to the many target population groups for whom they are recommended, but usually fail to reach. Further work is required to clarify the purpose, delivery and outcomes of iron supplementation programs.
Value of using different vegetative indices to quantify agricultural crop characteristics at different growth stages under varying management practices.

The paper investigates the value of using distinct vegetation indices to quantify and characterize agricultural crop characteristics at different growth stages. Research was conducted on four crops (corn, soybean, wheat, and canola) over eight years grown under different tillage practices and nitrogen management practices that varied rate and timing. Six different vegetation indices were found most useful, depending on crop phenology and management practices: (a) simple ratio for biomass, (b) NDVI for intercepted PAR, (c) SAVI for early stages of LAI, (d) EVI for later stages of LAI, (e) CIgreen for leaf chlorophyll, (f) NPCI for chlorophyll during later stages, and (g) PSRI to quantify plant senescence. There were differences among varieties of corn and soybean for the vegetation indices during the growing season and these differences were a function of growth stage and vegetative index. These results clearly imply the need to use multiple vegetation indices to best capture agricultural crop characteristics.
Supplements and age-related eye conditions the beaver dam eye study.

Objective To investigate the association of use of vitamin, mineral, and nonvitamin nonmineral supplements with common age-related eye diseases. Design Population-based prospective study with incidence data. Participants Subjects were participants in the Beaver Dam Eye Study who contributed data in 1988 to 1990 (n = 4926), 1993 to 1995 (n = 3722), 1998 to 2000 (n = 2962), and 2003 to 2005 (n = 2375). Methods Use of all medications and supplements were collected from study participants at each of 4 examinations. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and fundus and lens photography were done at each visit. Visual field data are available only from baseline. Photographs of the lenses, retina, and discs were graded using standard protocols by trained graders. Main Outcome Measures Incidence of age-related cataracts, macular degeneration (AMD), and high IOP for one set of analyses and incidence of supplement use for the second set of analyses. Results There was little evidence of any significant associations between supplement use and incident ocular outcomes except for a small protective effect for cortical cataracts by vitamins A and D, zinc, and multivitamins and increased odds of late AMD. Late AMD was associated with incident use of vitamins A, C, and E and zinc. Conclusions Age-related macular degeneration seems to precede use of vitamins A, C, and E and zinc. This may reflect advice by family, friends, and health care providers about the benefits of Age-Related Eye Disease Study–like supplements.
Absence of Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis in Severe Methanol Poisoning: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Methanol poisoning in humans is characterized by a latent period with subsequent development of anion gap metabolic acidosis and blindness. We describe a patient with potentially lethal methanol ingestion as evidenced by an admission serum methanol level of 403 mg/dL and sustained serum methanol levels >50 mg/dL for more than 18 hours after ingestion, despite hemodialysis therapy. That anion gap metabolic acidosis or visual impairment did not develop in this patient was attributed to documented prior ethanol ingestion (admission serum ethanol level of 158 mg/dL) and continued ethanol administration during hospitalization (sustained serum ethanol levels > 100 mg/dL). This case demonstrates the ability of ethanol to inhibit the metabolism of methanol to formic acid in humans. This inhibition was achieved without induction of lactic acidosis. Thus this case documents the efficacy of ethanol therapy in patients with methanol pOisoning.
Construct Validity of the Relationship Profile Test: Correlates of Overdependence, Detachment, and Healthy Dependency in Low Income Urban Women Seeking Medical Services

Studies have documented the construct validity of Bornstein and Languirand's (2003) Relationship Profile Test (RPT) in college students, psychotherapy patients, and nursing home residents, but no studies have examined the utility of RPT Destructive Overdependence (DO), Dysfunctional Detachment (DD), and Healthy Dependency (HD) scores in community samples. To fill this gap, we assessed links between RPT scores and theoretically related variables in low income urban women seeking medical services (N = 110), obtaining predicted links between RPT scores and scores on measures of childhood abuse and neglect, adult attachment style, conflict-resolution tactics involving a domestic partner, Axis I symptomatology, and overall quality of life. Comparison of RPT means in this sample with those in Bornstein et al.'s (2003) college student sample yielded differences that were generally in line with expectations. These results support the construct validity of RPT scores in urban women and suggest that the RPT may be a useful index of DO, DD, and HD in this heretofore unexamined population.
Income distribution, government transfers, and the problem of unequal influence

Abstract Several papers in the literature have posited that inequality hinders growth by leading to high distorting taxes and transfers. We retest whether inequality and transfers are positively linked, using several alternative definitions and data sets including new income data assembled by the World Bank. We correct an error in a result of Persson and Tabellini [Persson, T., Tabellini, G., 1994. Is inequality harmful for growth? American Economic Review, 84, 600–621]; we show that the relationship across mixed country samples is, if anything, negative; and we confirm Perotti's [Perotti, R., 1996. Growth, income distribution, and democracy: what the data say, Journal of Economic Growth, 1, 149–187.] finding that this relationship weakens or disappears when population structure (proportion over 65) is controlled for. We also introduce two alternative theories of the distribution-transfers link that allow political influence to be a function of income.
Sophorolipid biosynthesis by Candida bombicola from industrial fatty acid residues.

Yeast Candida bombicola is known to produce sophorolipids from a variety of saccharic and lipidic feed-stocks. In the current study, the influence of fatty acid carbon chain length, unsaturation, source of low-cost industrial lipid feed-stocks, and nickel content in lipid feed-stocks on sophorolipid production by C. bombicola were investigated. Saturated and monounsaturated C18 fatty acid gave the highest levels of sophorolipid production while fatty acids with more than one site of unsaturation gave much lower yields. Sophorolipid production was reduced when shorter (≤C16) and longer (≥C20) fatty acids were fed. The possibility of exploiting low-cost industrial wastes or by-products for sophorolipid production by batch or fed-batch processes was investigated. Tallow fatty acid residue was the best lipid feed-stock for sophorolipid production (120 g/L, fed-batch cultures), while coconut fatty acid residue resulted in the lowest production (40 g/L, fed-batch cultures). Co-feeding coconut fatty acid residue with other feed-stocks improved its substrate value in batch cultures. C. bombicola was tolerant to nickel contamination of up to 112.5 mg/L during sophorolipid production. Nickel contaminated stearic fatty acid residue was transformed to value added sophorolipid product while nickel was sequestered primarily in biomass for safe removal and recovery. Sophorolipid product obtained from nickel contaminated lipid wastes had low nickel levels (<5 mg/L) that could allow its use in low-end consumer products and household applications.
The variation of stoichiometry of BiPbSrCaCuO superconductors during the annealing process and its implication for superconductivity

Abstract High precision chemical analysis of BiPbSrCaCuO superconductors revealed that only the lead and oxygen content change during the annealing process. The loss of lead increases with temperature and sintering time due to sublimation of PbO. In contrast to YBaCuO superconductors it was found that the BiPbSrCaCuO ceramics exhibit an increase of TC values with decreasing oxygen content. This effect is discussed in respect to structure-bonding aspects. Apparently, increasing oxygen content results from the occupation of anion vacancies by oxygen and the parallel formation of Bi5+ or Pb4+, respectively.
Speech and Cognitive-Linguistic Function in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract Purpose: Parkinson's disease is among the most common of the motor-based progressive neurologic disorders. This article provides a review of the motor, cognitive, sensory-perceptual, and l...
The impact of dependence on dealer satisfaction: A comparison of reseller-supplier relationships

Abstract This study extends previous buyer-seller relationship research by examining the level of mutual dependence and power-dependence imbalances across buyer (reseller) supply sources. Using critical support services and the intensity of coercive influence attempts, results suggest that the level of mutual dependence and power-dependence imbalances make a difference in reseller satisfaction, but that the impact hinges upon whether the supplier is the primary, secondary, or tertiary supplier in terms of annual purchases by the reseller. The Executive Summary offers direction for managers.
The Limits of Science and Trans-Science

AbstractMany different limits to science have been identified, the most common being those between science and religion, or more generally between fact and value; between science and art; as well as the sociological limits imposed on science because it is becoming too large and unwieldy to be encompassed by a single mind. Here another realm is explored, lying beyond science: we call trans-science those questions which epistemologically are matters of fact, yet are beyond the proficiency of science. Trans-scientific questions consist of very rare occurrences and 'catastrophes' in the Thomian sense. It has been pointed out that unanswerable, trans-scientific questions are usually asked of science by policy makers. Consequently the scientist must concede that his proficiency is limited by this trans-scientific limit to science.
Note on scoring perseveration on the Wisconsin card sorting test

Abstract Considerable confusion exists regarding the scoring rules of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The purpose of this brief communication is to provide a supplement to the rules for scoring perseveration found in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test manual (Heaton, 1981). These rules are to be used in conjunction with the manual, and are intended to clarify the existing rules, without modifying them or adding new rules.
Protein kinase C distribution and translocation in rat myocardium: Methodological considerations.

Abstract Introduction: Protein kinase C (PKC) is an important modifier of several cardiovascular phenomena, including cardioprotection, apoptosis, and hypertrophy. Although pharmacological activation of PKC is often assessed by translocation, the effects of isolation procedures on left ventricular (LV) PKC distribution have not been systematically examined. Accordingly, we sought to determine whether homogenization methods (Polytron, glass–glass tissue grinder), detergent selection and concentration, or centrifugation protocols affect PKC (α, ɛ) distribution or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced translocation. Methods: Hearts of male F344 or Wistar rats were Langendorff perfused with either 100 nM PMA or vehicle, and LV cytosolic and particulate PKC (α, ɛ) distributions were assessed by differential centrifugation and Western blotting. Results: Following 100 000 × g centrifugation of the homogenate, resuspension of the pellet (P 1 ) in 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) increased electrophoretic mobility of PKC (α, ɛ) such that PKCɛ comigrated with a nonspecific band. Resuspension of P 1 in Triton X-100 (TX) did not affect mobility but decreased P 1 PKC (α, ɛ) levels in a TX-concentration-dependent manner; however, this decrease was found to be due to differential protein solubilization. Decreased levels of PKC (α, ɛ) were also noted in soluble and P 2 (supernatant of 100 000 × g centrifugation of P 1 ) fractions due to increased Polytron burst and total homogenization times. Interestingly, the P 2 fraction also revealed Polytron-dependent decreases (47% vs. glass–glass tissue grinder; p g centrifugation and an increased PMA-dependent translocation of PKC (α, ɛ; 2.4-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively, vs. P 1 ; p Discussion: Taken together, these results suggest that PKC isolation procedures should be carefully considered when designing or comparing LV PKC studies due to the potential effects isolation may have on PKC distribution and translocation.
Simulated hibernation of sea turtles in the laboratory: I. Feeding, breathing frequency, blood pH, and blood gases

Captive immature green (Chelonia mydas) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempi) sea turtles were examined to determine if a hibernation-like state could be induced under controlled conditions. Both species demonstrated that they are able to acclimate to cold temperatures behaviorally. However, the two species appeared to respond differently to decreasing temperature. Whereas the green turtles tolerated the onset of cold water temperatures by reducing swimming activity, the ridleys became very agitated and active as they were exposed to temperatures below 20 degrees C. Nevertheless, both species displayed semi-dormant behavior at temperatures below 15 degrees C, coming to the surface to breathe periodically at intervals of up to three hours. At low temperatures, venous blood pO2 and pCO2 decreased, whereas venous blood pH increased. Feeding also decreased as either species was exposed to cold temperature: greens (at 15 degrees C) and ridleys (at 20 degrees C) decreased food consumption to 50% of control levels, and ceased feeding below 15 degrees C. Thus, these species tolerated temperature drops and the associated hypophagia. They did not exhibit cold-stunning behavior, as has been observed in wild sea turtles exposed to rapid temperature drops, or prolonged periods of hibernation-like dormancy, as has been proposed for wild sea turtles during cold winter months.
Protease-Activated Receptor 1 and 4 Signal Inhibition Reduces Preterm Neonatal Hemorrhagic Brain Injury

Background and Purpose—This study examines the role of thrombin’s protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1, PAR-4 in mediating cyclooxygenase-2 and mammalian target of rapamycin after germinal matrix hemorrhage. Methods—Germinal matrix hemorrhage was induced by intraparenchymal infusion of bacterial collagenase into the right ganglionic eminence of P7 rat pups. Animals were treated with PAR-1, PAR-4, cyclooxygenase-2, or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors by 1 hour, and ≤5 days. Results—We found increased thrombin activity 6 to 24 hours after germinal matrix hemorrhage, and PAR-1, PAR-4, inhibition normalized cyclooxygenase-2, and mammalian target of rapamycin by 72 hours. Early treatment with NS398 or rapamycin substantially improved long-term outcomes in juvenile animals. Conclusions—Suppressing early PAR signal transduction, and postnatal NS398 or rapamycin treatment, may help reduce germinal matrix hemorrhage severity in susceptible preterm infants.
Morphological and biochemical assessment of DNA damage and apoptosis in Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease, and effect of postmortem tissue archival on TUNEL ☆

We have previously shown that Alzheimer disease (AD) brain exhibits terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) for DNA damage and morphological evidence for apoptosis. Down syndrome (DS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that exhibits significant neuropathological parallels with AD. In accordance with these parallels and the need to clarify the mechanism of cell death in DS and AD, we investigated two principal issues in the present study. First, we investigated the hypothesis that TUNEL labeling for DNA damage and morphological evidence for apoptosis is also present in the DS brain. All DS cases employed had a neuropathological diagnosis of AD. Analysis of these cases showed that DS brain exhibits a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-labeled nuclei relative to controls matched for age, Postmortem Delay, and Archival Length, and that a subset of TUNEL-positive nuclei exhibits apoptotic morphologies. We also report that Archival Length in 10% formalin can significantly affect TUNEL labeling in postmortem human brain, and therefore, that Archival Length must be controlled for as a variable in this type of study. Second, we investigated whether biochemical evidence for the mechanism of cell death in DS and AD could be detected. To address this question we employed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) as a sensitive method to evaluate DNA integrity. Although apoptotic oligonucleosomal laddering has not previously been observed in AD, PFGE of DNA from control, DS and AD brain in the present study revealed evidence of high molecular weight DNA fragmentation indicative of apoptosis. This represents biochemical support for an apoptotic mechanism of cell death in DS and AD.
LIBERTARIANISM AND THE STATE

Although Robert Nozick has argued that libertarianism is compatible with the justice of a minimal state—even if does not arise from mutual consent—few have been persuaded. I will outline a different way of establishing that a non-consensual libertarian state can be just. I will show that a state can—with a few important qualifications—justly enforce the rights of citizens, extract payments to cover the costs of such enforcement, redistribute resources to the poor, and invest in infrastructure to overcome market failures.
Malignant Melanoma of the Gallbladder: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Melanoma metastatic to the gallbladder is rare. When present, it is often part of a widespread complex of metastases. Primary gallbladder melanomas are also extremely rare and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from metastatic lesions. The optimal treatment for malignant melanoma of the gallbladder remains unclear, and prognosis is generally poor. We present here two cases of patients with metastatic lesions to the gallbladder. One patient presented with symptomatic cholelithiasis and was found incidentally to have a metastasis. Another patient had known a metastasis, but underwent curative resection of the only site of disease. We review the published literature for gallbladder melanoma, both primary and metastatic to determine the role of surgery in this disease.
Exploring interculturally competent teaching in social sciences classrooms

This paper explores a grounded research-based framework for intercultural competence and discusses the implications of interculturally competent teaching in the classroom and beyond. Given the impo...