cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-10 Prevents Loss of Tone of Rat Skeletal Muscle Arterioles Exposed to Endotoxin

Background. The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) is known to inhibit the development of septic shock in animal models. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of IL-10 on the loss of vascular tone during exposure to endotoxin. Unlike numerous proinflammatory cytokines, the effects of IL-10 at the level of the microvasculature have not been previously studied. Materials and methods. First-order rat cremasteric arterioles (n = 27) were placed in an isolated vessel preparation and allowed to achieve spontaneous tone. An opened segment of thoracic aorta was then placed upstream from the arteriole in the superfusion line. The resistance arteriole of this in-series model, in contrast to the isolated arteriole alone, demonstrates a significant loss of tone when exposed to endotoxin. Following 1 h of equilibration in the presence or absence of IL-10 (20 ng/ml), the aorta and arteriole were then superfused with 2.5 μg/ml endotoxin or physiologic buffer for 60 min and serial arteriolar diameter measurements were recorded. Group 1 was exposed to endotoxin only, Group 2 was a time control, and Group 3 was pretreated with IL-10 prior to endotoxin exposure, while Group 4 was a control pretreated with IL-10 only. Results. After the 60-min equilibration period there were no differences among the four groups in arteriolar tone. At t = 120 min, the percentage of tone in the control group was 43.6 ± 3% (mean ± SEM) and this was not changed by treatment with IL-10 (47.0 ± 7% tone). Endotoxin alone caused arteriolar tone to fall to 31.4 ± 3% (P < 0.05). However, endotoxin applied to arterioles pretreated with IL-10 was without effect (47.5 ± 2%). Conclusions. Resistance arterioles pretreated with IL-10 maintain vascular tone during endotoxin exposure. We conclude that IL-10 pretreatment prevents loss of vascular tone of isolated arterioles exposed to endotoxin.
A small molecule that binds Hedgehog and blocks its signaling in human cells

Small-molecule inhibition of extracellular proteins that activate membrane receptors has proven to be extremely challenging. Diversity-oriented synthesis and small-molecule microarrays enabled the discovery of robotnikinin, a small molecule that binds the extracellular Sonic hedgehog (Shh) protein and blocks Shh signaling in cell lines, human primary keratinocytes and a synthetic model of human skin. Shh pathway activity is rescued by small-molecule agonists of Smoothened, which functions immediately downstream of the Shh receptor Patched.
Novel Detection Schemes for the Trace Analysis of Amino Acids and Peptides Using Capillary Electrophoresis.

The ability of the cellular biochemist to understand events occurring in small subsections of an individual cell depends on available analytical techniques. Two unique capillary electrophoresis (CE) detection schemes for trace level peptide analysis are characterized: an on-line, multichannel, laser-induced fluorescence system and a post-column radionuclide system. The fluorescence system has picomolar concentration detection limits (and zeptomole mass limits of detection) for tagged amino acids and peptides. Preliminary results are presented for a method to enhance the ability to fluorescently tag low concentrations of amino acids and peptides from neuronal subsections. The procedure takes advantage of the high local concentration of peptides within a synaptic vesicle to enhance the derivatization reaction. The other detection method described involves a post-column35S detector to examine methionine or cysteine containing peptides. This system deposits the effluent from the separation capillary onto a membrane treated with a solid scintillator. After drying the membrane, the photon emission is imaged with a solid-state integrating detector. The sensitivity for 35S labeled components is in the attomole range.
Rapid Eradication of a Bulky Melanoma Mass with One Dose of Immunotherapy

Tumor responses to immunotherapy are highly variable in onset and duration. Responses are often delayed and follow what appears to be progression. However, rapid responses also happen and can result in the disappearance of large lesions, leaving holes and cavities in their wake.
The peculiar intimacy of graduate study: A conservative view

Graduate study can be described as an intimate relationship between a supervising professor and a student. The relationship may be expressed as a mentor‐ward involvement in which the faculty member seeks advancement for his student in order to enhance the field and his role in it. While there are some hazards in this kind of relationship, it represents our best hope for the continuation of scholarship.
Addressing the Dual Challenges of Meeting Demand for Minerals and Sustainable Development

In recent decades, excellent progress has been made globally in finding mineral resources, extracting them efficiently and effectively, dramatically reducing environmental degradation, and preventing adverse health and safety impacts on workers and stakeholders. The industry has realized tremendous advances in technology and applied science; has met changing and more stringent environmental performance criteria; has made remarkable reductions in fatality, illness, and lost-time accident rates; and has connected better than ever before with the communities in which mining, milling, and smelting are housed. A new era focused on continuous improvement in tackling key sustainable development parameters has come and is intensifying [1]. In order to maintain the social licenses needed to enlist broad public support for mining businesses, continued progress must be visible to national, provincial, and local governments as well as the people who live in the areas blessed with the mineral resources that the global economy and growing population will demand. [...]
A Spatial Patch Dynamic Modeling Approach to Pattern and Process in an Annual Grassland

Landscapes are hierarchical mosaics of patches that differ in their age, size, shape, content, and other aspects. The Jasper Ridge serpentine grassland exemplifies hierarchical patchiness and pattern—process interactions that are common features of natural ecosystems. Gopher mounds formed each year destroy all the plant individuals underneath and result in conspicuous spatial pattern in the landscape. A snapshot of the system is, therefore, a reflection of the patch mosaic of gopher mounds that are different in age and species composition and abundance. Based on a patch dynamics perspective, we have developed a spatially explicit patch—based modeling approach to studying landscape pattern and process dynamics. The simulation model (PatchMod) has two major components: a spatially explicit, age— and size—structured patch demographic model and a multiple—species plant population dynamic model. We use this simulation model to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of the disturbance patches and of populations of...
Determination of p-Nitrophenol Hydroxylase Activity of Rat Liver Microsomes by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography

Abstract p -Nitrophenol hydroxylation to p -nitrocatechol is a useful metabolic marker for the presence of functional cytochrome P450 2E1 in mammalian cell microsomes, but the assay is limited by the sensitivity of the spectrophotometric method used to monitor p -nitrocatechol formation. In this paper, a reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography method, which is nearly 20 times more sensitive than the spectrophotometric method and more specific for p -nitrocatechol determination, is described. The method involves monitoring the presence of p -nitrocatechol in the trifluoroacetic acid-quenched reaction mixtures at 345 am. The utility of the method was demonstrated with rat liver microsomes, where p -nitrocatechol formation was found to be NADPH dependent, was linear with incubation times (2.5 to 30.0 min) and protein concentrations (0.03-0.48 mg/incubation), and exhibited typical Michaelis-Menton kinetics ( K m = 197 μM, V max = 2.8 nmol/mg protein/min).
A strategy for generating consistent long-term donor-specific tolerance to solid organ allografts.

Abstract Current triple drug immunosuppression while effective, increases the risk of opportunistic infection and lymphoproliferative disorders. An alternative strategy would be the generation of donor-specific tolerance with short-term treatment. The use of donor-specific transfusions (DST) with a single brief course of cyclosporine (CsA) and rapamycin (Rapa) has produced promising results in animal models, but falls short of uniform tolerance. It was hypothesized that a DST/CsA/Rapa protocol administered in the perioperative period and redosed at one month might improve on this success in the ACI to Lewis rat heterotopic cardiac transplant model. Recipients received no treatment (group 1), a 1 ml DST intravenously (i.v.) with CsA 10 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) at D-1 and CsA 2.5 mg/kg DO6D+13 (group 2), DST/CsA as dosed above with intraperitoneally (i.p.) Rapa 1 mg/kg D+36D+7 (group 3), DST/CsA/Rapa as above with all components redosed at one month (group 4), DST/CsA/Rapa with only CsA and Rapa repeated (group 5), and DST/CsA/Rapa with CsA redosed and Rapa continued indefinitely (group 6). Comparison of permanent survival (longer than 200 days) between protocols revealed groups 4–6 were significantly greater than control groups 1–3. Donor specificity was verified in group 6, where three permanent survivors received a second cardiac allograft from a Buffalo rat donor and rejected these grafts almost as quickly as untreated strain pair matched controls 21 ± 1 days vs 30.3 ± 5 days. Animals from group 6 displayed a greatly reduced mixed lymphocyte response to ACI cells but not to third-party cells. The percentage of T cells producing cytokines was reduced and shifted toward Th-2 type cytokines (IL-4). Thus, a repeated cycle of this brief DST/CsA/Rapa treatment appears to generate consistent permanent graft survival (up to 91%) that exceeds previously studied toleance inducation protocols and is donor specific.
REGIONAL BRAIN INDOLEAMINE METABOLISM FOLLOWING CHRONIC PORTACAVAL ANASTOMOSIS IN THE RAT

— Four weeks after portacaval anastomosis in the rat. a profound change in the pattern of the plasma neutral ammo acids occurred. These changes were accompanied by marked regional changes in brain trvptophan. 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) and 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid). Tryptophan was elevated in all the regions studied as was 5-HIAA. 5-Hydroxytryptamine was significantly elevated only in midbrain and medulla pons. A small but significant increase in free trvptophan concentration in plasma was seen in rats following portacaval anastomosis, but this elevation was insufficient in magnitude to account for thc changes in brain trvptophan. Administration of a solution containing equimolar concentrations of the three branched-chain amino acids, leucine. isoleucine and valine. caused a decrease in brain indoles towards normal levels. These results suggest that the altered plasma neutral amino acid pattern which accompanies portacaval anastomosis and its effect on competitive amino acid transport across the blood brain barrier is an important factor contributing to the raised levels of indoles in brain under these circumstances. The relationship of these results to the recently reported use of amino acid infusions in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy is discussed.
Teachers' adoption of technology innovation into pedagogical practices

This paper summarized findings from an empirical study that evaluated the effectiveness of a technology incentive project, MEET, on facilitating the adoption of a web technology CCC Confer among college instructors. Results show that teachers’ technology adoption can be facilitated by providing certain incentives. A number of strategies were essential to the effectiveness of this incentive project: (1) Involving teachers in the decision-making process to make the technology integration project meaningful to them; (2) Helping teachers to develop a well-designed plan with realistic goals and a feasible implementation outline; (3) Building a collegial community from where teachers can learn from peers, obtain support from their social-networks, and work collaboratively; (4) Leading with strong leadership to ensure high morale, sufficient resources and support that are indispensible to the successful implementation of a technology project; and (5) Proving timely support to help teachers remove roadblocks. Restraining factors included insufficient critical appraisal, the absence of collaborative projects, and few face-to-face meetings. Specific implications for technology integration are discussed.
Men Making and Keeping Commitments

This article addresses the clinical encounter of men struggling to make and keep marital commitments. The “Male Code” limits mens' feeling and body awareness, thus leaving them information-deprived when it comes to making important decisions. The culture is viewed as less than supportive of this process. Commitment is described as a multi-faceted concept and men's struggles are explored from developmental, cultural, emotional, familial, and spiritual perspectives. Individual and group, clinical, and educational implications are discussed.
Coupled-Cluster singles, doubles, and triples calculations with hartree–fock and brueckner orbital reference determinants: A comparative study

A series of complete coupled-cluster singles, doubles and triples (CCSDT) calculations have been performed with Hartree-Fock (HF) and Bruechner (B) orbitals. Calculations have been performed with a double-zeta plus polarization basis set on the H{sub 2}O, SiH{sub 2}, NH{sub 2}, BeO, C{sub 2}, CN{sup +}, and BN molecules. Calculations on H{sub 2}O and SiH{sub 2} at equilibrium and stretched geometries show negligible difference between HF- and B-CCSDT energies. This is also true for NH{sub 2}, except when the bonds have been stretched to twice their equilibrium values, at which point there is about a 2.5 milli-Hartree (mE{sub h}) difference. Calculations on the isoelectronic systems BeO, C{sub 2}, CN{sup +}, and Bn were performed at equilibrium geometries. Even though these systems have large T{sub 1} amplitudes, the difference between HF-and B-CCSDT energies is only about 1 mE{sub h}. For the CCSD method and the CCSD(T) method, which includes triple excitations in an approximate, noniterative manner, however, somewhat larger differences are observed between and HF-and B-CC results. Finally, some properties of BN were computed using HF-and B-CC methods. There are quite small differences between the HF- and B-CCSDT results, but significantly larger ones for the more approximate CCSD and CCSD(T) methods. Formore » this difficult system, where the CCSD(T) approximation seems to be inadequate for HF orbitals, the use of Brueckner orbitals improves the agreement of CCSD(T) with CCSD(T) substantially for r{sub e} and w{sub e}, although the difference for {mu} is unaffected.« less
On Hidden Variables and Quantum Mechanical Probabilities

An argument, due originally to J. S. Bell, is somewhat simplified and made more specific. It deals primarily with a quantum mechanical system consisting of the spins of two spin−1/2 particles. It shows that a description of the quantum mechanical measurement of the spin components of these two particles by means of hidden parameters is impossible if we assume that the parameters determining the outcome of the measurement of the spin of each particle are independent of the direction in which we decide to measure the spin of the other particle. The mathematical reason for the impossibility is analyzed.
Stability of tube arrays in crossflow

Abstract A mathematical model for the instability of tube arrays subjected to crossflow is examined. The theoretical model, based on the fluid-force data for a pitch-to-diameter ratio of 1.33, provides additional insight into the instability phenomenon. Tests are also conducted for three sets of tube rows. The effects of mass ratio, tube pitch, damping, detuning and finned tubes are investigated. Theoretical results and experimental data are in good agreement.
On the relationship between the structure of metal–organic frameworks and the adsorption and diffusion of hydrogen

In this work, the adsorptive and diffusive behaviours of molecular hydrogen in 10 different isoreticular metal–organic frameworks (IRMOFs) are studied using molecular-level simulation. Hydrogen adsorption isotherms and heats of adsorption at 77 and 300 K were generated for 10 MOFs at low-pressure conditions (up to 10 bar) using Path Integral Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations. Self-diffusivities and activation energies for diffusion were generated using molecular dynamics simulation. Density distributions showing the location and the shape of the adsorption sites are also provided. Statistical correlations for all of the properties as a function of surface area (SA), accessible volume (AV) and binding energy are provided. Based on this work, we observe that at pressures up to 10 bar at 300 K, the adsorption process is virtually completely governed by entropic considerations, resulting in a strong correlation between the amount of hydrogen adsorbed and the AV of the adsorbent. At 77 K, we observe more...
Identification and Characterization of Sporadic Isolates of Streptococcus iniae Isolated from Humans

Seven reference strains and seven clinical isolates of Streptococcus iniae, submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Streptococcus Reference Laboratory between 2001 and 2004, were successfully identified by a conventional identification system. The seven randomly submitted clinical isolates were sensitive to β-lactams, macrolides, quinolones, and vancomycin. Two of the seven clinical isolates were resistant to tetracycline. All seven strains grew well and multiplied in a phagocytosis assay. One of the seven randomly submitted strains was more similar to the type strain of S. iniae than to the other six strains. The latter six strains were similar if not identical to representative strains from a cluster of disease in Canada (M. R. Weinstein et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 337:589-594, 1997).
Rate Equation Theory for Island Sizes and Capture Zone Areas in Submonolayer Deposition: Realistic Treatment of Spatial Aspects of Nucleation

Extensive information on the distribution of islands formed during submonolayer deposition is provided by the joint probability distribution (JPD) for island sizes, s, and capture zone areas, A. A key ingredient determining the form of the JPD is the impact of each nucleation event on existing capture zone areas. Combining a realistic characterization of such spatial aspects of nucleation with a factorization ansatz for the JPD, we provide a concise rate equation formulation for the variation with island size of both the capture zone area and the island density.
Discovery of Widespread GTP-Binding Motifs in Genomic DNA and RNA

Biological RNAs that bind small molecules have been implicated in a variety of regulatory and catalytic processes. Inspired by these examples, we used in vitro selection to search a pool of genome-encoded RNA fragments for naturally occurring GTP aptamers. Several aptamer classes were identified, including one (the "G motif") with a G-quadruplex structure. Further analysis revealed that most RNA and DNA G-quadruplexes bind GTP. The G motif is abundant in eukaryotes, and the human genome contains ~75,000 examples with dissociation constants comparable to the GTP concentration of a eukaryotic cell (~300 μM). G-quadruplexes play roles in diverse cellular processes, and our findings raise the possibility that GTP may play a role in the function of these elements. Consistent with this possibility, the sequence requirements of several classes of regulatory G-quadruplexes parallel those of GTP binding.
Tensor operator formulation of Weyl-ordered polynomials.

Weyl-ordered polynomials, which have been used recently to solve quantum-mechanical models, are shown to be equivalent to symplecton polynomials defined previously as components of a tensor operator in SU(2). These polynomials are shown to be expressible in terms of hypergeometric functions of argument {minus}1, providing thereby a direct derivation of their properties.
Quantitation of urinary volatile nitrosamines from exposure to tobacco smoke.

A sensitive and selective method was developed and validated to detect six volatile nitrosamines (N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosomethylethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosopiperidine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine and N-nitrosomorpholine) in human urine. This method uses a liquid –liquid extraction cartridge followed by analysis with gas chromatography– tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS-MS) and quantification based on isotopic dilution. This is the first GC– MS-MS method reported for measuring volatile nitrosamines in human urine. This method reduces the sample volume required in other methods from 5–25 to 2 mL. The limits of detection (2.62, 1.99, 2.73, 0.65, 0.25, 3.66 pg/mL, respectively) were better than existing methods, largely because of improved positive chemical ionization achieved by using ammonia gas and reducing background noise. Using nitrogen as the collision gas allowed the confirmation transition in the low mass region to be monitored. The analysis of human urine using this validated method is accurate (relative bias of 0 –19%) and precise (relative standard deviation of 0.2– 18% over two months of analyses). The validated method was applied to 100 urine samples and the levels of all six volatile nitrosamines were reported for the first time in urine specimens collected from smokers and nonsmokers, with smoking status determined by urinary cotinine measurement. Among 100 smokers and nonsmokers, the levels of three analytes (N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosomethylethylamine and N-nitrosopiperidine) were significantly higher in smokers than nonsmokers (p < 0.05).
Closure to "Simplified Method of Lateral Distribution of Live Load Moment" by Xiaoming Sharon Huo, Edward P. Wasserman, and Pingsheng Zhu

A closure to a discussion of an article with the aforementioned title, published in this journal (Volume 9, No. 4, July/August 2004), is presented. The closure, by Peter Kocsis, was published in the current issue. The authors of the original paper confirm that they believe that Henry's method and the modified Henry's method include the most dominant factors, employ equal distribution concepts and provide reasonable and reliable distribution factors. Although the discusser recommends a program, SECAN4, for analyzing a bridge for any kind of loading, the authors have no experience with this program. They also agree with the discussers' comments on line load distribution for curbs, railings and sidewalks, but emphasize that their research was on the moment distribution under the AASHTO live load or truck load, rather than on line load distribution.
The Impact of Fin Deformation on Condensation Heat Transfer Coefficients in Internally Grooved Tubes

In HVACR equipment, internally enhanced round tube (microfin) designs such as axial, cross-grooved, helical, and herringbone are commonly used to enhance the boiling and condensing performance of evaporators, condensers, and heat pumps. Typically, such tubes are mechanically expanded by a mandrel into a fin pack to create an interference fit between the tube outside surface and the fin collar to minimize the thermal contact resistance between tube and fin. However, during this expansion process, the internal enhancements undergo varying amounts of deformation, which degrades the in-tube thermal performance.Extensive data on condensing heat transfer coefficients in microfin tubes have been reported in the open literature. However, researchers have seldom used expanded tubes to acquire and report such data. Hence, it is always questionable to use such pristine tube data for designing heat exchangers and HVACR systems. Furthermore, the HVACR industry has been experiencing steeply rising copper costs, and this trend is expected to continue in coming years. So, many equipment manufacturers and suppliers are actively converting tubes from copper to aluminum. However, because of appreciable differences between the material properties of aluminum and copper, as well as other manufacturing variables, such as mandrel dimensions, lubricant used, etc., tube expansion typically deforms aluminum fins more than copper fins.Based on an analysis of the surface area changes arising from tube expansion, and an assessment of the best extant in-tube condensation heat transfer correlations, this work proposes a method of estimating the impact of tube expansion on in-tube condensation heat transfer. The analysis leads to certain interesting and useful findings correlating fin geometry and in-tube condensation thermal resistance. This method can then be applied to more realistically design HVACR heat exchangers and systems.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Associations Between Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use: Integrated Wellness

th One hundred fifty-five (95%) patients approached in person and 45 (34%) patients approached by mail consented to participate. Sixty-eight used at least one lifestyle therapy and 58% used at least one CAM therapy. CAM users had 4.7 times the odds of using lifestyle therapies than non-CAM users (P < .0001); the odds of using dietary change and conventional supplements was greater in CAM users than non-CAM users (odds ratio (OR) = 3.55, P < .0001 and OR = 4.80, P < .0001 respectively). Use of the top three CAM therapies was associated with overall lifestyle therapy use (OR = 12.52 and P < .0001, OR = 7.071 and P = .0004, and OR = 2.925 and P = .0089 for juicing, yoga/movement, and touch therapies, respectively). Lifestyle therapies and CAM had similar perceived efficacy (92%-90%, respectively). Conclusions This data reports a strong association between CAM and lifestyle therapies and may identify a population with commitment to general wellness. Use of one therapy may promote use of other therapies and this potential synergistic relationship can be targeted in future interventions. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2014;50:323-329
Space and Habitat Use by a Red Wolf Pack and Their Pups During Pup-Rearing

Abstract During summer 2005, we evaluated space and habitat use by red wolves (Canis rufus) during pup-rearing. Home-range sizes for red wolves (3 ad, 3 juv, and 4 pups) varied from 3.48 km2 to 12.24 km2. Red wolves selected agricultural fields over adjacent forested areas and used less space during pup-rearing than we expected based on prior knowledge of the species. Attending pack members rarely left pups alone, pack members shared pup-rearing duties, and male red wolves appeared to play a significant role in pup-rearing.
Bobbittizing Texaco: Dis-Membering Corporate Capital and Re-Membering the Nation in Ecuador

land mestizo peasant and indigenous leaders throughout the region gathered to discuss petroleum development in the Ecuadorian Amazon (or Oriente as the area is called). Only three months earlier a Philadelphia law firm had filed a class-action lawsuit against Texaco Inc. in the New York federal court on behalf of Amazonian mestizo peasants and Indians.' The meeting focused on the lawsuit. Members of the lowland Indian federation with whom I was working asked me, along with a Quito-based environmentalist, to take part in discussions.2 At one point, a mestizo leader turned to me (the supposed expert on the United States) and asked why Texaco Inc. thought it was not responsible for its Ecuadorian operations. As I attempted to explain the legal relationship between a parent company and its subsidiary, another leader interrupted: "Oh, it [Texaco's subsidiary] is a mienmbrillo that does what the company orders." Laughter immediately filled the room. Miembrillo, although meaning "a small appendage" or "little member" in Spanish, is also slang for penis in Ecuador. Without missing a beat, Sonia (a Quito-based environmental activist, single mother of two, and the only other female in the room) teased: "Yes, but Texaco is more complex than el hombre. La coimpafifa has many miembrillos and at least it pretends that it's not associated with the ones that get it into trouble." The playful sparring had begun. "Well then," the mestizo leader jeered, "let's help it along. We've learned a bit from Lorena, haven't we? We'll just bobbittizar la compafifa." This article explores the unanticipated connections that many Ecuadorians made in early 1994 between a class-action suit against Texaco Inc. and the Lorena Bobbitt affair.: The transnational lawsuit filed on behalf of 30,000
Aluminum Induced Immunoexcitotoxicity in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders

A great deal has been learned about the neurotoxicity of aluminum over the past two decades in terms of its ability to disrupt cellular function. Newer evidence suggests that a more central pathophysiological mechanism may be re- sponsible for much of the toxicity of aluminum and aluminofluoride compounds on the brain. This mechanism involves activation of the brain's innate immune system, primarily the microglia, with a release of neurotoxic concentrations of ex- citotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and immune mediators. A large number of studies suggest that excitotoxicity plays a significant role in the neurotoxic action of a number of metals, including aluminum. Recently, re- searchers have found that while most of the chronic neurodegenerative effects of these metals are secondary to prolonged inflammation, it is the enhancement of excitotoxicity by the immune mediators that is responsible for most of the metal's toxicity. This enhancement occurs via a crosstalk between cytokine receptors and glutamate receptors. The author coined the name immunoexcitotoxicity to describe this process. This paper reviews the evidence linking immunoexcitotoxicity to aluminum's neurotoxic effects.
The Fork in the Road to Juvenile Court Reform

Juvenile justice reform efforts seeking a more criminalized juvenile court and justice system, as well as those aimed at revitalizing the individual treatment mission, have been one-dimensional in their failure to address the multiple justice needs of communities associated with youth crime, and they have been insular in their singular focus on the needs and risks of offenders. In the late 1990s, a growing number of juvenile justice professionals began to embrace a third, more holistic vision for reform based on a normative concern with repairing the harm caused by crime to individuals and relationships and a commitment to victims, communities, and offenders as primary stakeholders in the justice process. This article considers the implications of emerging practice based on a restorative community justice model for systemic reform in the context, content, and structure of juvenile justice and the response to youth crime.
Application of a Model-Based Flight Director Design Technique to a Longitudinal Hover Task

sAn analytical pilot model is used to design flight director laws for longitudinal control of a UH-1H helicopter in hovering flight in the presence of longitudinal turbulence. A simplified design technique is demonstrated which uses only essential feedbacks in synthesizing the director laws. The flight director is evaluated in a fixed-based pilot-in-the-loop simulation, in which root mean square performance and pilot opinion ratings are obtained. Significant improvement in performance and pilot ratings is achieved with the director as compared to the baseline display, in which only status information is presented. Based upon simulation results, the pilot model is refined, and improved director laws are generated and analytically evaluated using the refined model.
The energy-limited capacity of wireless networks

The performance of large-scale wireless ad hoc networks is often limited by the broadcasting nature of the wireless medium and the inherent node energy constraints. While the impact of the former on network capacity extensively studied extensively in the literature, the impact of energy constraints has not received much attention. In this paper, we study the capacity limitations resulting from the energy supplies in wireless nodes. We define the energy-limited capacity of a wireless network as the maximum amount of data the network can deliver before the nodes run out of energy. This energy-limited capacity is an important parameter in networks where operating lifetime is critical, such as ad hoc networks deployed in hazardous environments and sensor networks. We study two types of static networks, networks without any infrastructure support and networks where base stations with unlimited energy are deployed to support data forwarding. We consider two kinds of traffic models motivated by ad hoc networks and sensor networks. We derive upper and lower bounds on the energy-limited capacity of these networks. While throughput has been shown to not scale with node density in static networks by previous studies, our results show that, depending on the energy consumption characteristics of wireless communication, the energy-limited capacity can scale well under both traffic models. In addition, we show that the deployment of base stations can improve the energy-limited capacity of the network, especially for networks with sensor traffic.
The Mechanisms of Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions in Nonaqueous Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

A fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in nonaqueous lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries is essential for the further development of these batteries. In this work, we systematically investigate the mechanisms of the ORR/OER reactions in nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries by using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, using 5,5-dimethyl-pyrroline N-oxide as a spin trap. The study provides direct verification of the formation of the superoxide radical anion (O2(˙-)) as an intermediate in the ORR during the discharge process, while no O2(˙-) was detected in the OER during the charge process. These findings provide insight into, and an understanding of, the fundamental reaction mechanisms involving oxygen and guide the further development of this field.
Cloning and Expression of the Inositol Monophosphatase Gene from Methanococcus jannaschii and Characterization of the Enzyme

Inositol monophosphatase (EC 3.1.3.25) plays a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of di-myo-inositol-1,1′-phosphate, an osmolyte found in hyperthermophilic archaea. Given the sequence homology between the MJ109 gene product of Methanococcus jannaschii and human inositol monophosphatase, the MJ109 gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and examined for inositol monophosphatase activity. The purified MJ109 gene product showed inositol monophosphatase activity with kinetic parameters (Km = 0.091 ± 0.016 mM; Vmax = 9.3 ± 0.45 μmol of Pi min−1 mg of protein−1) comparable to those of mammalian and E. coli enzymes. Its substrate specificity, Mg2+ requirement, Li+ inhibition, subunit association (dimerization), and heat stability were studied and compared to those of other inositol monophosphatases. The lack of inhibition by low concentrations of Li+ and high concentrations of Mg2+ and the high rates of hydrolysis of glucose-1-phosphate and p-nitrophenylphosphate are the most pronounced differences between the archaeal inositol monophosphatase and those from other sources. The possible causes of these kinetic differences are discussed, based on the active site sequence alignment between M. jannaschii and human inositol monophosphatase and the crystal structure of the mammalian enzyme.
Paternally Transmitted Chromosomal Aberrations in Mouse Zygotes Determine Their Embryonic Fate

The developmental consequences of chromosomal aberrations in embryos include spontaneous abortions, morphological defects, inborn abnormalities, and genetic/chromosomal diseases. Six germ-cell mutagens with different modes of action and spermatogenic stage sensitivities were used to investigate the relationship between the types of cytogenetic damage in zygotes with their subsequent risk of postimplantation death and of birth as a translocation carrier. Independent of the mutagen used, over 98% of paternally transmitted aberrations were chromosome type, rather than chromatid type, indicating that they were formed during the period between exposure of male germ cells and initiation of the first S phase after fertilization. There were consistent one-to-one agreements between the proportions of a) zygotes with unstable aberrations and the frequencies of dead embryos after implantation (slope 5 0.87, confidence interval [CI]: 0.74, 1.16) and b) zygotes with reciprocal translocations and the frequency of translocation carriers at birth (slope 5 0.74, CI: 0.48, 2.11). These findings suggest that chromosomal aberrations in zygotes are highly predictive of subsequent abnormal embryonic development and that development appears to proceed to implantation regardless of the presence of chromosomal abnormalities. Our findings support the hypothesis that, for paternally transmitted chromosomal aberrations, the fate of the embryo is already set by the end of G1 of the first cell cycle of development. developmental biology, embryo, fertilization, sperm, toxicology
Social Facilitation as a Factor in Reaction to Humor

(1959). Social Facilitation as a Factor in Reaction to Humor. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 295-303.
Machine-Generated Multimedia Content

In this paper we describe an automated system, and its attendant set of techniques and tools, that is able to generate novel multimedia experiences. Using existing online sources, external textual and multimedia repositories, and user preferences, the system builds a customized audio/visual experience for the user. We discuss one application in detail: News at Seven, an automatically generated, personalized news show. Beginning with a set of user preferences, the system is able to find relevant text, process that text, and supplement it with images, video, and blogger responses. The final output of the system is an online Flash presentation that uses animated avatars with generated speech and is modeled after traditional nightly news broadcast. We see this work as the beginning of an overall approach to machine-generated content.
Leading in the age of paradox: optimizing behavioral style, job fit and cultural cohesion

Organizations benefit from workforce diversity and also benefit from cultural cohesion. Individuals benefit from job/person fit. However, not only do individuals with diverse behavioral styles often have differing values and interests, they also tend to prefer different types of job assignments and work cultures. Thus, the simultaneous optimization of behavioral style diversity, job/person fit and cultural cohesion would seem to be impossible. This article explores this leadership dilemma and suggests that the skill of quantum thinking can be used to create quantum organizations where seemingly opposite conditions co‐exist. Contemporary organizational development practices such as Future Search, Appreciative Inquiry and Dialogue provide concrete methodologies for embracing paradox and, thus, creating quantum organizations.
Estimating the population size and colony boundary of subterranean termites by using the density functions of directionally averaged capture probability.

Abstract Marked termites were released in a linear-connected foraging arena, and the spatial heterogeneity of their capture probabilities was averaged for both directions at distance r from release point to obtain a symmetrical distribution, from which the density function of directionally averaged capture probability P(x) was derived. We hypothesized that as marked termites move into the population and given sufficient time, the directionally averaged capture probability may reach an equilibrium Pe over the distance r and thus satisfy the equal mixing assumption of the mark–recapture protocol. The equilibrium capture probability Pe was used to estimate the population size N. The hypothesis was tested in a 50-m extended foraging arena to simulate the distance factor of field colonies of subterranean termites. Over the 42-d test period, the density functions of directionally averaged capture probability P(x) exhibited four phases: exponential decline phase, linear decline phase, equilibrium phase, and post...
The phagosome-lysosome membrane system and its regulation in Paramecium.

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the way the ciliate's phagosomal membranes are modified in synchrony with the changing role the phagosome–lysosome membranes play and explains how the modifications are brought about. It describes the structures, membranes, and the functions of the various digestive processes in the phagosome–lysosome system. The membranes of the phagosome–lysosome system of the free-living protozoan Paramecium exhibit a greater capacity for change than that illustrated by the endosome system of mammalian cells. These membranes are highly plastic in nature, being capable of fusions with an array of vesicles, as well as membrane remodeling into long tubules that undergo fission. They are also capable of very specific cross-bridging to cytoskeletal elements, along which they move in a directed fashion. The phagosome–lysosome membranes perform a range of critical functions for the cell. These membranes harbor the mechanism for the acidification of the phagosome. The phagosomal and/or phagolysosomal membranes have to protect the cell from the hydrolases, acid pH, toxic chemicals, and microorganisms within the phagosomes and phagolysosomes that would be lethal to the cell if released into the cytosol.
North American Cities at Risk: Household Responses to Environmental Hazards

This chapter updates Lindell and Perry’s (Environ Behav 32(4):590–630, 2000) review by summarizing the results of ten more recent North American studies on earthquake hazard adjustment and adding 16 studies on flood, hurricane, tornado, and volcano hazard adjustment. This research indicates that risk perceptions are consistently related to the adoption of hazard adjustments, but people’s perceptions of stakeholders and hazard adjustments are also relevant and deserve greater attention. There is considerable evidence that hazard experience increases hazard adjustment adoption, but hazard proximity and hazard intrusiveness also appear to play significant roles and should be a topic of additional research. Finally, demographic variables continue to be unreliable predictors of hazard adjustment adoption but should receive continuing attention to assess their effects on risk perceptions, stakeholder perceptions and hazard adjustment perceptions, as well as hazard experience, hazard proximity, and hazard intrusiveness.
Separate Silos: Marginalizing Men in Feminist Theory and Forgetting Females in Masculinities Studies

In society, the impulse toward sex segregation remains strong. Social separation of the sexes persists, from childhood on. Pink and blue tracking in the nursery gives way to sex segregated public schooling. In 2006 the Department of Education released new regulations expanding the opportunities for single-sex classes, schools, and extracurricular activities. These regulations fueled an explosive increase in single-sex public schools and classes. The popular media endorse separatist themes - from heralding the “boy crisis” in education to proclaiming that single-sex schools are “better for girls.” The separatism continues in labor market. Even though women comprise 47 percent of the labor force, occupational segregation by sex persists, with women accounting for 79 percent of social workers and 89 percent of healthcare support occupations, while 77 percent of protective service workers and 92 percent of construction managers are men. In sum, almost 70 percent of all workers are in occupations that are strongly dominated by one sex or the other.This segregation in society has its parallels in legal doctrine and legal theory. The central premise of this essay is that masculinities studies and feminist legal theory occupy separate academic silos. The branches of inquiry, although drawing on selected excerpts from each other and with some cross-fertilization in recent years, have remained largely segregated - in their methodologies, scholarship, conferences, and subjects. The first part of the essay traces how those silos were built; the second part addresses whether they should be dismantled and, if so, in what ways.
Complex Patterns of Vertical Integration in the Forest Products Industry: Systematic and Bankruptcy Risks

Empirical studies have found an association between vertical integration and low risk. However, other work has suggested that a complex pattern of vertical integration reduces ability to adapt to e...
Interferometry Techniques on Fusion Plasmas

Optical interferometry techniques allow phase changes in a medium to be accurately determined. Since plasmas introduce a phase modification proportional to electron density, interferometry has been used routinely to determine the time development of electron density profiles in magnetic confinement fusion plasmas. The present paper describes the basic principles of interferometry of plasmas and establishes criteria regarding wavelength selection, vibrational phase noise, phase averaging etc. In addition, recent advances at UCLA in interferometry of fusion plasmas will be described. For example, high spatial sampling has allowed the detailed study of MHD phenomena such as sawteeth and Mimov oscillations, and 2-D imaging interferometry has permitted tomographic reconstruction of electron density contours. Difficulties associated with interferometry on future fusion devices, such as CIT, will also be discussed together with possible solutions.
Health care reform: implications for professions related to infectious diseases.

I will discuss health care reform, a topic of considerable interest, and how it may affect members of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and others in infectious diseases-related professions. We are approaching a benchmark in the practice of American medicine. Health care reform is coming. Anyone who doesn't believe that is suffering from what my old mentor and colleague, Holly Smith, calls mural dyslexia?inability to see the handwriting on the wall. At least 5(^ of my time during the past 6 months has been consumed by attempts to transform our county hospital and our academic medical center, the two commodities at the bottom of the managed care food chain, into health maintenance organizations (HMOs), whose very existence will depend on capped funds paid to manage healthy lives. Managed competition will dictate that teaching institutions be financially competitive with the "doc in the box" across the street. Physicians will be penalized if their patients get sick and rewarded if they remain well. Each consultation will cost money, and heaven forbid that a patient develops AIDS or another chronic disease. Expensive drugs will not be tolerated, and the choice of which drug to use may make or break HMOs and clinical practices and preferred provider organizations. While this scenario might seem a bit exaggerated, it is the rational extension of the health care reform process. This means that health care providers must arm themselves with facts, and an understanding of the alternative proposals and be prepared to testify before Congress and to lobby legislators for their positions. Each must realize that the outcome will affect the survival of the infectious diseases discipline. What are the anticipated changes? How will the Clinton plan affect the study, prevention, identification, and treatment of infectious diseases? And, how will the IDSA respond to the changes?