cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Kisspeptin and RFamide-Related Peptide-3 Neurones in the Circadian-Timed Preovulatory Luteinising Hormone Surge

Many aspects of female reproduction often require intricate timing, ranging from the temporal regulation of reproductive hormone secretion to the precise timing of sexual behaviour. In particular, in rodents and other species, ovulation is triggered by a surge in pituitary luteinising hormone (LH) secretion that is governed by a complex interaction between circadian signals arising in the hypothalamus and ovarian-derived oestradiol signals acting on multiple brain circuitries. These circadian and hormonal pathways converge to stimulate a precisely-timed surge in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release (i.e. positive-feedback), thereby triggering the preovulatory LH surge. Reflecting its control by afferent circadian signals, the preovulatory LH surge occurs at a specific time of day, typically late afternoon in nocturnal rodents. Although the specific mechanisms mediating the hormonal and circadian regulation of GnRH/LH release have remained poorly understood, recent findings now suggest that oestradiol and circadian signals govern specific reproductive neuropeptide circuits in the hypothalamus, including the newly-identified kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide (RFRP)-3 neuronal populations. Neurones producing kisspeptin, the protein product of the Kiss1 gene, and RFRP-3 have been shown to provide excitatory and inhibitory input to GnRH neurones, respectively, and are also influenced by sex steroid and circadian signals. In the present review, we integrate classic and recent findings to form a new working model for the neuroendocrine regulation of the circadian-timed preovulatory LH surge in rodents. This model proposes kisspeptin and RFRP-3 neuronal populations as key nodal points for integrating and transducing circadian and hormonal signals to the reproductive axis, thereby governing the precisely-timed LH surge.
Gender, Race, and the New (Merit‐Based) Employment Relationship

Recent research has focused attention on the ways institutions and work practices have transformed the employment relationship. While there has been growing interest in how key employer practices have changed the organization of work, the gender and racial implications of such practices remain less well understood. Using unique longitudinal personnel data from one large organization, this study takes a comprehensive sequential approach to identify at which stages of a widespread contemporary practice—the use of merit-based reward programs to evaluate and reward workers—gender and racial disparities may exist. The analyses show that there are significant gender and racial differences at the performance evaluation, salary, and career setting stages, even after implementing these merit-based work practices. I conclude by discussing the implications for how and where current organizational practices and work arrangements may affect the careers of women and racial minorities in the contemporary workplace.
Comparison of R2' measurement methods in the normal brain at 3 Tesla.

Purpose R2′, the reversible component of transverse relaxation, is an important susceptibility measurement for studies of brain physiology and pathologies. In existing literature, different R2′ measurement methods are used with assumption of equivalency. This study explores the choice of measurement method in healthy, young subjects at 3T. Methods In this study, a modified gradient-echo sampling of free induction decay and echo (GESFIDE) sequence was used to compare four standard R2′ measurement methods: asymmetric spin echo (ASE), standard GESFIDE, gradient echo sampling of the spin echo (GESSE), and separate R2 and R2* mapping. Results GESSE returned lower R2′ measurements than other methods (P < 0.05). Intersubject mean R2′ in gray matter was found to be 2.7 s−1 using standard GESFIDE and GESSE, versus 3.4–3.8 s−1 using other methods. In white matter, mean R2′ from GESSE was 2.3 s−1 while other methods produced 3.7–4.3 s−1. R2 correction was applied to partially reduce the discrepancies between the methods, but significant differences remained, likely due to violation of the fundamental assumption of a single-compartmental tissue model, and hence monoexponential decay. Conclusion R2′ measurements are influenced significantly by the choice of method. Awareness of this issue is important when designing and interpreting studies that involve R2′ measurements. Magn Reson Med 73:1228–1236, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide inhibit the MEKK1/MEK4/JNK signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated macrophages

The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), two immunomodulatory neuropeptides that affect both innate and acquired immunity, downregulate TNFalpha expression in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages and Raw 264.7 cells. We showed previously that VIP/PACAP change the composition of the CRE-binding complex in the TNFalpha promoter from highc-Jun/(low)CREB, characteristic for LPS-stimulated macrophages, to lowc-Jun/(high)CREB, characteristic for the unstimulated cells. In the present study we examined the effects of VIP/PACAP on the MEKK1/MEK4/JNK transduction pathway, and on the subsequent changes in Jun family members. Our studies indicate that VIP/PACAP inhibit MEKK1 activity, and the subsequent phosphorylation of MEK4, JNK, and c-Jun. Treatment with VIP or PACAP results in a decrease in AP-1 binding, and a marked change in the composition of the AP-1 complexes from c-Jun/c-Fos to JunB/c-Fos. Western blots confirm that VIP stimulates JunB production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Both the inhibition of the MEKK1/MEK4/JNK pathway, leading to the reduction in phosphorylated c-Jun, and the stimulation of JunB, are mediated through the specific VPAC1 receptor and the cAMP/PKA pathway. The VIP/PACAP interference with the stress-induced SAPK/JNK pathway in stimulated macrophages may represent a significant element in the regulation of the inflammatory response by the endogenous neuropeptides.
Applying evolutionary models to the laboratory study of social learning

Cultural evolution is driven, in part, by the strategies that individuals employ to acquire behavior from others. These strategies themselves are partly products of natural selection, making the study of social learning an inherently Darwinian project. Formal models of the evolution of social learning suggest that reliance on social learning should increase with task difficulty and decrease with the probability of environmental change. These models also make predictions about how individuals integrate information from multiple peers. We present the results of microsociety experiments designed to evaluate these predictions. The first experiment measures baseline individual learning strategy in a two-armed bandit environment with variation in task difficulty and temporal fluctuation in the payoffs of the options. Our second experiment addresses how people in the same environment use minimal social information from a single peer. Our third experiment expands on the second by allowing access to the behavior of several other individuals, permitting frequency-dependent strategies like conformity. In each of these experiments, we vary task difficulty and environmental fluctuation. We present several candidate strategies and compute the expected payoffs to each in our experimental environment. We then fit to the data the different models of the use of social information and identify the best-fitting
Preservation of the Rectus Femoris Origin During Periacetabular Osteotomy Does Not Compromise Acetabular Reorientation

Background The early recovery period after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) can be limited by pain and activity restrictions. Modifications of the Bernese PAO, including sparing the rectus tendon and discontinuing routine arthrotomy, may accelerate early postoperative recovery compared with the standard approach.
The surgical treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a unique disease in solid tumor oncology due to its ability to secrete calcitonin (iCT), a highly sensitive and specific serum marker of persistent or recurrent disease even at a microscopic level. The relatively long duration of survival experienced by most patients with MTC combined with the visible nature of surgical complications, when they occur, has caused most surgeons to take a conservative approach to the operative management and follow-up of patients with MTC. In contrast, the patient, family physician, and endocrinologist watch the iCT slowly rise, indicative of persistent and usually progressive invasive cancer. Amidst this clinical dilemma, we developed a standardized diagnostic and operative strategy to maximize local-regional tumor control and facilitate patient management.
Modified intranuclear organization of regulatory factors in human acute leukemias: Reversal after treatment

Acute leukemias arise secondary to chromosomal aberrations that cause dysfunctions in gene regulation and regulatory factors. Significant differences in morphology between acute leukemic and nonleukemic hematopoietic cells are readily observed. How morphologic changes of the nuclei of acute leukemic cells relate to the underlying functional alterations of gene expression is minimally understood. Spatial modifications in the representation and/or organization of regulatory factors may be functionally linked to perturbations of gene expression in acute leukemic cells. Using in situ immunofluorescence microscopy, we addressed the interrelationships of modifications in nuclear morphology with the intranuclear distribution of leukemia-related regulatory factors (including ALL-1, PML, and AF-9) in cells from patients with acute leukemia. We compared the localization of leukemia-associated proteins with various factors involved in gene transcription and RNA processing (e.g., RNA polymerase II and SC-35). Our findings suggest that there are leukemia-associated aberrations in mechanisms that direct regulatory factors to sites within the nucleus. This misplacement of key cognate factors may contribute to perturbations in gene expression characteristic of leukemias.
Influence Methods and Innovators: Technocrats and Champions:

Research on innovation has focused on the relationship between technology and the social implications of its implementation. Further research is needed to flesh out the theoretical underpinnings of innovation theory. This paper examines the relationships between technological innovation and methods of influence. Subjects (N = 238) completed copies of the Acceptance of Technological Innovation and the Survey of Influence Behaviors. Preliminary results suggest that innovators use whatever influence means they feel are necessary including rewarding, punishing, or manipulative behaviors. Conclusions focus on the implications of these specific findings to the broader fields of innovation and influence methods in organizational contexts.
Optimization of Launch Vehicle Ascent Trajectories with Path Constraints and Coast Arcs

This paper describes improvements made to a hybrid analytic/numerical algorithm for optimization of launch vehicle trajectories. Modifications are described which improve the accuracy of the solution. In addition, the algorithm has been extended to include path constraints for normal force and angle of attack, and the terminal constraints have been generalized to allow optimal attachment to a target orbit defined by inclination, apogee radius and perigee radius. Singularities that occur for circular orbits and for equatorial orbits are identified. Finally, necessary conditions are derived and applied for the introduction of coasting arcs that are typically required for a great variety of missions.
Semiparametric additive isotonic regression

We consider the efficient estimation in the semiparametric additive isotonic regression model where each additive nonparametric component is assumed to be a monotone function. We show that the least-square estimator of the finite-dimensional regression coefficient is root-n consistent and asymptotically normal. Moreover, the isotonic estimator of each additive functional component is proved to have the oracle property, which means the additive component can be estimated with the highest asymptotic accuracy as if the other components were known. A fast algorithm is developed by iterating between a cyclic pool adjacent violators procedure and solving a standard ordinary least squares problem. Simulations are used to illustrate the performance of the proposed procedure and verify the oracle property.
Further ab initio studies on the reactivity of nitrosoketene

Abstract The cycloadditions of nitrosoketene with formaldehyde, acetone and 2-propenal were calculated using ab initio molecular orbital theory (MP2/6-31G ∗ ). The reactions proceed by the [3+2] pathway via a concerted, planar and pseudopericyclic transition state with a significantly lower barrier rather than by the alternative [4+2]. The transition state asynchronicity can be used to explain the substituent effects on the cycloaddition of ketones with nitrosoketene.
Online teaching communities within sociology: a counter trend to the marketization of higher education

As higher education embraces the ideologies of the market, educators are being asked to teach evermore students with fewer resources. Running counter to the trend of marketization, a decentralized group of educators are taking advantage of Web 2.0 technologies (including Facebook, Twitter, and blogging platforms such as Wordpress, etc.) to collaborate online to share teaching resources, support one another, and improve pedagogy. Open Educational Resources (OERs) are online collections of pedagogical content/media that are freely distributed. In addition to resources, communities of educators are coming together to support one another and provide informal mentoring in what we call Online Teaching Community Networks (OTCNs). We review how OERs and OTCNs are forming within the discipline of sociology to illustrate the potential both have to improve pedagogy and support teachers.
Effect of Chrysaora quinquecirrha (sea nettle) toxin on rat nerve and muscle.

Abstract The effect of sea nettle ( Chrysaora quinquecirrha ) nematocyst toxin on rat nerve and muscle was studied. The toxin was found to decrease the action potential of peripheral nerve and skeletal muscle. The contractility of rat ileum was also diminished by the nematocyst toxin.
Sexual Motivation in Women as a Function of Age

ABSTRACT Introduction Women's motivations to engage in sex are likely influenced by their past sexual experiences, the type of relationship in which they are involved in, and numerous lifestyle factors such as career and family demands. The influences of these factors undoubtedly change as women age. Aim This study aimed to examine potential differences in sexual motivation between three distinct age groups of premenopausal women. Methods Women aged 18–22 years (N = 137), 23–30 years (N = 103), and 31–45 years (N = 87) completed an online survey that assessed the proportion with which they had engaged in sexual intercourse for each of 140 distinct reasons. Main Outcome Measures The YSEX? Questionnaire by Meston and Buss [1] was used to measure sexual motivation. The items of this questionnaire were composed of four primary sexual motivation factors (physical, goal attainment, emotional, insecurity), and 13 subfactors. Results Women aged 31–45 years reported a higher proportion of engaging in sex compared with one or both of the younger age groups of women for nine of the 13 YSEX? subfactors: stress reduction, physical desirability, experience seeking, resources, social status, revenge, expression, self‐esteem boost, and mate guarding. At an item level, the top 25 reasons for having sex were virtually identical across age groups. Conclusion Women aged 31–45 have more motives for engaging in sex than do women aged 18–30, but the primary reasons for engaging in sex do not differ within this age range. Women aged 18–45 have sex primarily for pleasure, and love and commitment. The implications for diagnosis and treatment of women with sexual dysfunctions were discussed. Meston CM, Hamilton LD, and Harte CB. Sexual motivation in women as a function of age.
Pragmatic functions in aphasia.

Abstract Pragmatic functions were investigated in the expressive speech of two fluent and four motor aphasics under the conditions of elicited conversation, picture stimulation, and unelicited conversation. The pragmatic behaviors of pragmatic, mathetic, and informative functions were present in the residual speech of subjects regardless of type or severity of aphasia. In this study “pragmatic” was defined as language to satisfy one's own needs, to control and interact; “mathetic” as language to ask for names, to explore the environment, and verbal recall; and “informative” as language that relates experiences not shared by the listener. A clustering of these pragmatic functions for the more severely impaired subjects was evidenced when severity rating was compared to pragmatic analysis. Clinical implications for language elicitation methods are discussed. Additional evidence is presented for supporting performance deficits in aphasia in regard to pragmatic behaviors.
Effect of larval grazing by Lycoriella mali (Diptera:Sciaridae) on species abundance of coprophilous fungi

Evidence is presented that grazing larvae of a sciarid fly, Lycoriella mali , substantially decreases the number of coexisting coprophilous fungal species in rabbit dung. There was a significant linear relationship between number of eggs placed on faecal samples and number of fungal species that produced sporocarps. The potential importance of arthropods in structuring fungal communities is discussed.
Competing Approaches to the Study of American Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations

The development of theory in the study of American federalism and intergovernmental relations has long been marked by divergent approaches. This article reviews the literature produced by five "schools" within the field: (1) dual federalism, (2) cooperative federalism, (3) pragmatic federalism, (4) noncentralized federalism, and (5) nation-centered federalism. As different as these approaches are, scholarly work in thisfield has made only sparing use of two other potentially useful approaches: distributive justice and public choice theory. This article suggests how these alternate approaches might contribute to reinvigorating a field that appears to be otherwise at an intellectual impasse.
Optical rotatory properties of some abnormal serum globulins

Abstract The optical rotatory dispersion of nine individual globulins, chiefly myeloma globulins and macroglobulins, was studied by the method of photoelectric spectropolarimetry. The specific rotation of the globulins, when in the native state, was weakly or moderately negative, and the dispersion constants were found in the range of 196–218 mμ. The levorotation increased strongly (became more negative) on denaturation, and the dispersion constants of the denatured globulins were found in the normal range of 217–223 mμ.
Direct measurement of platelet secretion in whole blood

Abstract Platelet secretion is usually measured using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or washed platelets resuspended in buffered saline. We report here measurements of the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from platelets in citrated whole blood in response to thrombin and collagen. The amount of ATP released correlates with the platelet content of the whole blood and is partially dependent on prostaglandin synthesis when release is induced by collagen. Further, the release of ATP does not occur in blood from a patient with storage-pool deficient platelets.
Down-regulation of expression of rat pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α gene by self-complementary adeno-associated virus-mediated small interfering RNA delivery

Mutations in the E1 α subunit gene (PDHA1) of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) are common causes of congenital lactic acidosis. An animal model of E1α deficiency could provide insight into the pathological consequences of mutations and serve to test potential therapies. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were designed to cleave the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the E1 α subunit and were tested in vitro to assess the feasibility of producing a gene knockdown in rats. HEK 293 cells were co-transfected with a rat PDHA1 expression vector and eight naked siRNAs that specifically targeted rat E1 α mRNA. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses showed that four siRNAs reduced rat PDHA1 RNA levels up to 85% by 24 hours and up to 65% by 56 hours, compared to negative and positive controls. Since oligonucleotide-mediated siRNA delivery provided only transient suppression, we next selected two siRNA candidates and generated self-complementary, double-stranded adeno-associated virus (scAAV) vectors (serotypes 2 and 5) expressing a rat short hairpin siRNA expression cassette (scAAVsi-PDHA1). Rat lung fibroblast (RLF) cultures were infected with scAAVsi-PDHA1 vectors. The RLF PDHA1 mRNA level was reduced 53–80% 72 hours after infection and 54–70% 10 days after infection in RLF cultures. The expression of E1 α and the specific activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase were also decreased at 10 days after infection in RLF cultures. Thus, scAAV siRNA-mediated knockdown of PDHA1 gene expression provides a strategy that may be applied to create a useful animal model of PDC deficiency.
How I use fibrinogen replacement therapy in acquired bleeding

Fibrinogen is a critical protein for hemostasis and clot formation. However, transfusion guidelines have variable recommendations for maintaining fibrinogen levels in bleeding patients. An increasing number of studies support the practice of fibrinogen replacement therapy for acquired coagulopathies, and additional studies are underway. Fibrinogen therapy can be administered with cryoprecipitate or fibrinogen concentrates, and clinical practice varies according to their availability and licensing status. Fibrinogen concentrate therapy has been studied in animal models and clinical trials and supports the critical role of fibrinogen repletion in bleeding patients. Point-of-care testing will have an important role in guiding fibrinogen replacement for hemostatic therapy in clinical settings such as cardiovascular surgery, postpartum hemorrhage, and trauma. Fibrinogen therapy is an important component of a multimodal strategy for the treatment of coagulopathic bleeding.
Are growth factors the answer

Growth factors are potentially major players in therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease (PD) because of their potential to not merely provide symptomatic relief but also be disease modifying agents. Many extensively utilized therapies such as the prodrug levodopa, while unquestionably effective, are intended for symptomatic benefit. Such therapies do little to stifle the progressive nature of these diseases thereby placing temporal restrictions on their effectiveness. Growth factors, by virtue of their distinct neuroprotective properties, have the cumulative effect of curbing disease progression and allaying existing symptoms. The purpose of this review is to discuss some of the growth factors commonly used in animal models of PD and those already used in clinical trials.
Sulfotransferase and Glycosyltransferase Analyses Using a 96-Well Filtration Plate

Abstract Previously, we identified and characterized a sulfotransferase responsible for the 4-O-sulfation of Asnlinked oligosaccharides terminating with the sequence GalNAcβ1,4GlcNAcβ1,2Manα (GGnM). Here we present a rapid and sensitive method to assay for this sulfotransferase which is significantly more convenient than existing procedures. The acceptor substrate in this assay is human transferrin (Tfn) which has been enzymatically modified such that its N-linked oligosaccharides bear the terminal sequence GGnM. GGnM-Tfn is biotinylated, and a fluid-phase transferase reaction is done which utilizes [35S]3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate ([35S]PAPS) as the sulfate donor. The reaction product [35S]SGGnM-Tfn-biotin is separated from unreacted [35S]PAPS and radiolabeled endogenous acceptors by capture onto avidin immobilized onto a PVD F-based 96-well filtration plate. Sulfate incorporation in this assay is linear with respect both to the donor and to the acceptor substrates and is also dependent upon enzyme input and time. With this assay, we can detect as little as 0.1 pmol of sulfate transfer. In addition, by using asialo-Tfn-biotin as an acceptor and [3H]CMP-sialic acid as a donor substrate, we demonstrate that this assay can be modified for use with the α2,6-sialyltransferase.
Inheritance and usefulness of AFLP markers in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), blue catfish (I. furcatus), and their F1, F2, and backcross hybrids.

Eight primer combinations were used to investigate the application of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers in catfish for genetic analysis. Intraspecific polymorphism was low among channel catfish or blue catfish strains. Interspecific AFLP polymorphism was high between the channel catfish and blue catfish. Each primer combination generated from 70 to more than 200 bands, of which 38.6–75.7% were polymorphic between channel catfish and blue catfish. On average, more than 20 polymorphic bands per primer combination were produced as quality markers suitable for genetic analysis. All AFLP markers were transmitted into channel catfish × blue catfish F1 hybrids, except rare markers that were heterozygous in the parents and therefore were segregating in F1 hybrids. The two reciprocal channel catfish × blue catfish F1 hybrids (channel catfish female × blue catfish male; blue catfish female × channel catfish male) produced identical AFLP profiles. The AFLP markers were inherited and segregated in expected Mendelian ratios. At two loci, E8-b9 and E8-b2, markers were found at significantly lower frequencies than expected with F2 and backcross hybrids which had been selected for increased growth rates. The reproducibility of AFLP was excellent. These characteristics of the catfish AFLP markers make them highly useful for genetic analysis of catfish, especially for construction of genetic linkage and quantitative trait loci maps, and for marker-assisted selection.
Rates of Torsades de Pointes Associated with Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Gatifloxacin, and Moxifloxacin

Study Objective. To compare the rates of torsades de pointes associated with ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin administration. Design. Retrospective database analysis. Intervention. Evaluation of reported rates of torsades de pointes in patients who received these quinolones between January 1, 1996, and May 2, 2001. Measurements and Main Results. In the United States, 25 cases of torsades de pointes associated with these quinolones (ciprofloxacin 2, ofloxacin 2, levofloxacin 13, gatifloxacin 8, moxifloxacin 0) were identified. Ciprofloxacin was associated with a significantly lower rate of torsades de pointes (0.3 cases/10 million prescriptions, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0–1.1) than levofloxacin (5.4/10 million, 95% CI 2.9–9.3, p 0.5). Conclusion. Levofloxacin should be administered with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation. Gatifloxacin should be avoided in the same patient population, and the recommended dosage of 400 mg/day should not be exceeded.
Asymptotic optimality in sequential interval estimation

The problem of setting a fixed width confidence interval for the mean of a normal distribution with unknown variance is considered. Several procedures are reviewed. An asymptotic lower bound for the expected sample size of any sequential sampling plan with the specified confidence coefficient is obtained as the width of the interval decreases to 0.
Hedging a bet against extinction: the use of shears in ex-situ conservation

Current trends in botanic garden design may limit the application of ex-situ conservation practices. The author suggests a rethinking of garden architecture and suggests a potential new model.
Eliminating false phase interactions to reduce optimization phase order search space

Compiler optimization phase ordering is a long-standing problem, and is of particular relevance to the performance-oriented and cost constrained domain of embedded systems applications. Optimization phases are known to interact with each other, enabling and disabling opportunities for successive phases. Therefore, varying the order of applying these phases often generates distinct output codes, with different speed, code-size and power consumption characteristics. Most current approaches to address this issue focus on developing innovative methods to selectively evaluate the vast phase order search space to produce a good (but, potentially suboptimal) representation for each program.In contrast, the goal of this work is to study and identify common causes of optimization phase interactions across all phases, and then devise techniques to eliminate them, if and when possible. We observe that several phase interactions are caused by false register dependence during many optimization phases. We further find that depending on the implementation of optimization phases, even an increased availability of registers may not be able to significantly reduce such false register dependences. We explore the potential of cleanup phases, such as register remapping and copy propagation, at reducing false dependences. We show that innovative implementation and application of these phases to reduce false register dependences not only reduces the size of the phase order search space substantially, but can also improve the quality of code generated by optimizing compilers.
Design of synthetic polymeric structures for cell transplantation and tissue engineering.

Abstract Two approaches for cell transplantation and new tissue constructions are discussed. In one case, a novel synthetic polyphosphazene has been synthesized that can be gelled by simply adding ions to it at room temperature under aqueous conditions. This polymer has been shown to be compatible for several different cell types. Microcapsular membranes based on the complex of this polymer with poly( l -lysine) allow the inward diffusion of nutrients to nourish the encapsulated cells, but are impermeable to antibodies. In a second approach, biodegradable polyesters have been designed as scaffolds for liver cells and cartilage cells to aid in organ regeneration. Design of the polymer scaffold including the characterization of the surface chemistries for cell attachment, as well as in-vitro and in-vivo data on cell behavior are presented.
Making the Connection: Interweaving Multicultural Creative Arts through the Power of Group Counseling Interventions.

Creativity and the creative arts are important to the portrayal of human experiences through a myriad of forms, including visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and written expression. While these forms of...
Treatment of Autoimmune Uveitis

The number of effective drugs for the treatment of autoimmune uveitis has greatly increased over the past 40 years. Many patients previously condemned to blindness can now be successfully treated with new immunosuppressive agents. New targets of the immune system, such as cell adhesion molecules, may offer novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of inflammatory disease. However, since the catholicon for uveitis is not yet available, the search for new antiinflammatory therapy continues.
Significant differences in global genomic DNA methylation by gender and race/ethnicity in peripheral blood

Reduced levels of global DNA methylation are associated with genomic instability and are independent predictors of cancer risk. Little is known about the environmental determinants of global DNA methylation in peripheral blood. We examined the association between demographic and lifestyle factors and levels of global leukocyte DNA methylation in 161 cancer-free subjects enrolled in the North Texas Healthy Heart Study aged 45–75 years in 2008. We used in-person interviews for demographics and lifestyle factors, a self-administrated Block food frequency questionnaire for diet, and bioelectrical impedance analysis and CT-scan for body composition. We measured genomic DNA methylation using bisulfite conversion of DNA and pyrosequencing for LINE-1. Body composition measures including body mass index, waist circumference, areas of subcutaneous fat and visceral fat, percent of fat mass and fat-free mass were not associated with global genomic DNA methylation after controlling the effect of age, gender and race/ethnicity. Instead, female gender was significantly associated with a reduced level of global methylation (β = −2.77, 95% CI: −4.33, −1.22). Compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks (β = −2.02, 95% CI: −3.55, −0.50) had significantly lower levels of global methylation. No association was found with age, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and dietary intake of nutrients in one-carbon metabolism. Global leukocyte DNA methylation differs by gender and race/ethnicity, suggesting these variables need to be taken into consideration in studies of global DNA methylation as an epigenetic marker for cancer.
Evolving under myrmecophily: a cladistic revision of the symphilic beetle tribe Sceptobiini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)

. A phylogenetic analysis is carried out using Falagriini as the sister taxon of the tribe Sceptobiini. The trees resulting from a series of matrix manipulations and analyses are highly congruent. Two clades are produced: Dinardilla includes two species, and Sceptobius includes three species. Symbiochara Fenyes and Apteronina Wasmann are synonymized with Sceptobius Sharp, and Apteronina wasmanni Mann is synonymized with Sceptobius dispar Sharp. All sceptobiine species are obligate inquilines of either Liometopum apiculatum Mayr or L.occidentale Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). Preliminary behavioural observations indicate that the subdivision into two clades is reflected in the types of interactions with host ants. Dinardilla beetles actively interact with the host, while Sceptobius beetles are more peripheral within the nest. These ecological and behavioural differences are believed to be produced by an interaction between ecological specialization, chance historical events, and geographic isolation during the speciation of the host ants.
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY OF NAPHTHALENE AGGREGATION AND CLUSTER FORMATION IN ARGON MATRICES

Fourier-transform mid-infrared absorption spectra of mixed argon/naphthalene matrices at 5 K are shown with ratios of argon-to-naphthalene that vary from 1000 to 0. These spectra show the changes as naphthalene clustering and aggregation occurs, with moderate spectral shifts affecting the C-H vibrational modes and relatively small or no shifts to the C-C and C-C-C vibrational modes. The possible contribution of homogeneous naphthalene clusters to the interstellar unidentified infrared bands is discussed. The contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) clusters to the 7.7 micron emission plateau and the blue shading of the 12.7 micron emission band are identified as promising candidates for future research. In addition, since PAH clusters are model components of Jupiter and Titan's atmospheres, the information presented here may also be applicable to the spectroscopy of these objects.
Characterization of the major iron-regulated protein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neissereria meningitidis

The major iron-regulated protein (MIRP) was purified, from both Neisseria gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis by selective extraction with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide followed by ion- exchange and moleculair-seive chromatography. Solutions of the purified proteins had a characteristic pink color. The overall amino acid composition of these proteins was similar, although differences were noted in the number of serine, threonine, and lysine residues. Nevertheless, the N-terminal amino acid sequence was identical through 47 residues for both the meningococcal and gonococcal MIRP. Plasma emission spectrophotometry revealed that the meningococcal 37K protein contained ca. 1 mole Fe/mole protein.
Time-interval measurement of stuttering: establishing and modifying judgment accuracy.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether accuracy training for interval judgments of stuttering might generalize to increased accuracy and/or interjudge agreement for intervals other than...
CMS-based simulations in the writing classroom: Evoking genre through game play

Abstract The incarnation of many Internet-based courses is informed by traditional notions of classroom instruction in which course/content management systems (CMSs) like WebCT™ and Blackboard™ are used to reproduce actions undertaken in brick-and-mortar classrooms. In this article, I argue that the way in which the CMS is configured and deployed can provide students with the sense that they are immersed in a social activity other than taking a college course. Elaborating on a simulation-building methodology developed by Clark Aldrich, I show how we have created a CMS that helps communication instructors evoke and immerse students in discourse-demanding situations. This sense of immersion is especially important for communication-intensive courses in which students seek to practice disciplinary and workplace genres whose social motive may not be readily reproducible within the confines of the (computer) classroom.
A note on the effect of bulk flow on mass transfer accompanied by a homogeneous chemical reaction

Abstract The effect of bulk flow on mass transfer accompanied by homogeneous chemical reaction is discussed in terms of the film model. It is shown that at large concentration levels of the reacting species bulk flow due to diffusion may enhance the overall mass transfer rate, but this enhancement is less than that in the corresponding situation in the absence of chemical reaction.
GroEL as a molecular scaffold for structural analysis of the anthrax toxin pore

The protective antigen (PA) moiety of anthrax toxin exists as a stable prepore, converting into the pore form under low pH to translocate the enzymatic components across the host cell membrane. The PA pore rapidly aggregates in solution, and it is now shown that the chaperone GroEL can stabilize the PA pore, allowing single-particle EM analysis. This method could be useful for other membrane protein complexes.
Effects of chronic β-glycerophosphate administration on growth rate and serum, liver and bile lipid composition in the rat — A toxicity study☆

The possible toxic effects of a high dose of orally administered disodium beta-glycerophosphate to the rat for a period of 33 weeks has been investigated. The studies revealed taht beta-glycerophosphate administration had no effect on either survival rat, body weight, hematological and liver function tests or on serum and liver lipids concentrations. All organ weights were similar in the control and experimental rats excepts for the kidneys which were significantly heavier in the beta-glycerophosphate-fed rats. The biliary phospholipids concentrations was significantly increased in the treated group as observed previously during short-term treatments. Histological examination of liver and kidneys did not reveal any pathological findings. These results suggest that long-term administration of beta-glycerophosphate did not induce any toxic manifestations. The observed hyperplasia of the kidneys was attributed to the effect of the sodium content of beta-glycerophosphate.
A Common-Garden Study of Resource-Island Effects on a Native and an Exotic, Annual Grass After Fire

Plant-soil variation related to perennial-plant resource islands (coppices) interspersed with relatively bare interspaces is a major source of heterogeneity in desert rangelands. Our objective was to determine how native and exotic grasses vary on coppice mounds and interspaces (microsites) in unburned and burned sites and underlying factors that contribute to the variation in sagebrush-steppe rangelands of the Idaho National Lab, where interspaces typically have abiotic crusts. We asked how the exotic cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) and native bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata [Pursh] A. Love) were distributed among the microsites and measured their abundances in three replicate wildfires and nearby unburned areas. We conducted a common-garden study in which soil cores from each burned microsite type were planted with seed of either species to determine microsite effects on establishment and growth of native and exotic grasses. We assessed soil physical properties in the common-garden study to determine the intrinsic properties of each microsite surface and the retention of microsite soil differences following transfer of soils to the garden, to plant growth, and to wetting/drying cycles. In the field study, only bluebunch wheatgrass density was greater on coppice mounds than interspaces, in both unburned and burned areas. In the common-garden experiment, there were microsite differences in soil physical properties, particularly in crust hardness and its relationship to moisture, but soil properties were unaffected by plant growth. Also in the experiment, both species had equal densities yet greater dry mass production on coppice-mound soils compared to interspace soils, suggesting microsite differences in growth but not establishment (likely related to crust weakening resulting from watering). Coppice-interspace patterning and specifically native-herb recovery on coppices is likely important for postfire resistance of this rangeland to cheatgrass.
Balance, literacy acceleration, and responsive teaching in a summer school literacy program for elementary school struggling readers

Abstract The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of a balanced, accelerated, and responsive literacy program on the reading growth of elementary school struggling readers. The participants in this study were 10 second‐grade children identified as underachieving in reading who were enrolled in an elementary school summer program. This study was conducted as a formative experiment, an emerging research design in which quantitative and qualitative data are collected and analyzed in relation to an established pedagogical goal. An analysis of the data revealed that students grew in their word identification abilities, fluency, strategic comprehension abilities, perceptions of themselves as readers, attitudes toward reading, and instructional reading levels. The importance of educators implementing self‐constructed balanced literacy programs was discussed. The accelerated progress of students was detailed, and the importance of implementing responsive reading programs was considered. Implication...
Development of an Expanded Measure of Physical Functioning for Older Persons in Epidemiologic Research.

We scaled a measure of physical functioning to a population-based normative sample by extending self-reported basic and instrumental activities of daily living with items from the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Survey. We used item response theory to place items administered to a sample of older elective surgery patients on a common metric linked to the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) normative sample using published data. The summary measure for physical functioning was internally consistent (Cronbach’s α = .83), reliable across a broad range of functioning, and was moderately correlated with walking speed (r = .52) and energy expenditure (r = .40). Demonstrating predictive criterion validity, less impaired scores were associated with lower risk of discharge to a rehabilitation facility (odds ratio = .38, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.22, 0.66]) and shorter hospital stays (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.87, 95% CI [0.79, 0.97]). Our approach may facilitate d...
Learning the Deep Features for Eye Detection in Uncontrolled Conditions

Although eye detection has been studied for a long time in academic and industrial communities, it is still a changeling problem if facial images are with varying head poses, facial expressions, illuminations and resolution changes etc., which tend to happen in uncontrolled conditions. In this work, we propose to learn deep features that could capture the appearance variations of eyes for eye detection on those changeling facial images. Specifically, we exploit the idea of deep feature learning method, and construct eye detector based on the learned features. Experimental results on benchmark databases with different head poses, expressions, illuminations or resolutions show the effectiveness of the eye detector based on the learned features compare to state-of-the-art works.
Regional variation in mercury and stable isotopes of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico, USA.

The presence of total mercury (Hg) in fish tissue and the potential associated health risks has become a global concern in marine ecosystems. Few studies have examined basin-scale variation in Hg accumulation in marine ecosystems, and determining if Hg concentrations in fish tissue vary across marine ecosystems is a key monitoring question. The present study evaluated Hg concentrations in red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) tissue across three regions of the northern Gulf of Mexico (Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas, USA) and between two habitat types (oil and gas platforms and nonplatforms) within each region. Nitrogen (d 15 N), carbon (d 13 C), and sulfur (d 34 S) stable isotopes were used to investigate ecological differences that may affect Hg concentrations among regions and between habitats. Mercury concentrations in red snapper tissue were positively correlated with fish total length. Regional differences in Hg concentrations were significant, with fish collected from Alabama having the highest concentrations and fish collected from Louisiana having the lowest. No significant difference existed in Hg concentrations between habitats, suggesting that association with platforms may not be a significant factor contributing to red snapper Hg concentrations. While d 15 N did not differ significantly among the three regions, Texas red snapper were more enriched in d 34 S and depleted in d 13 C compared with Alabama and Louisiana red snapper. Although the majority of red snapper collected in the present study had Hg concentrations below safe consumption guidelines, regional differences suggest that spatially explicit monitoring programs may be important for basin-wide assessments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:434-441. # 2012 SETAC
Pan-cancer transcriptome analysis reveals long noncoding RNAs with conserved function

A growing number of gene-centric studies have highlighted the emerging significance of lncRNAs in cancer. However, these studies primarily focus on a single cancer type. Therefore, we conducted a pan-cancer analysis of lncRNAs comparing tumor and matched normal expression levels using RNA-Seq data from ∼ 3,000 patients in 8 solid tumor types. While the majority of differentially expressed lncRNAs display tissue-specific expression we discovered 229 lncRNAs with outlier or differential expression across multiple cancers, which we refer to as 'onco-lncRNAs'. Due to their consistent altered expression, we hypothesize that these onco-lncRNAs may have conserved oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions across cancers. To address this, we associated the onco-lncRNAs in biological processes based on their co-expressed protein coding genes. To validate our predictions, we experimentally confirmed cell growth dependence of 2 novel oncogenic lncRNAs, onco-lncRNA-3 and onco-lncRNA-12, and a previously identified lnc...