cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small molecule inhibitors targeting the interaction of ricin toxin A subunit with ribosomes

Ricin toxin A subunit (RTA) removes an adenine from the universally conserved sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) on eukaryotic ribosomes, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. No high affinity and selective small molecule therapeutic antidotes have been reported against ricin toxicity. RTA binds to the ribosomal P stalk to access the SRL. The interaction anchors RTA to the P protein C-termini at a well-defined hydrophobic pocket, which is on the opposite face relative to the active site. The RTA ribosome binding site has not been previously targeted by small molecule inhibitors. We used fragment screening with surface plasmon resonance to identify small molecular weight lead compounds that bind RTA and defined their interactions by crystallography. We identified five fragments, which bound RTA with mid-micromolar affinity. Three chemically distinct binding fragments were cocrystallized with RTA, and crystal structures were solved. Two fragments bound at the P stalk binding site, and the third bound to helix D, a motif distinct from the P stalk binding site. All fragments bound RTA remote from the catalytic site and caused little change in catalytic site geometry. Two fragments uniquely bound at the hydrophobic pocket with affinity sufficient to inhibit the catalytic activity on eukaryotic ribosomes in the low micromolar range. The binding mode of these inhibitors mimicked the interaction of the P stalk peptide, establishing that small molecule inhibitors can inhibit RTA binding to the ribosome with the potential for therapeutic intervention.
“The goddess of the room”: Birth as a feminist issue among doulas and mothers

Abstract This article focuses on how feminism informs women's birth choices in the U.S. Through twenty-five interviews with doulas (labor support people) and twenty-five interviews with mothers, I look at how feminism affects these women's views and approaches to birth. I found that birth is a feminist issue to most. Both groups described feminism in terms of “empowerment,” and saw doula support as a good way to regain power lost in the patriarchal system of medicine. Most interviewees took a neoliberal feminist approach to systemic issues, whereby participants championed hiring a private service (doula support) to supplement impersonal maternal health care. At this point, doula support remains restricted to women who can access it and afford it. The findings from this study suggest that feminism leads women to challenge male-centered obstetric medicine and seek out individual solutions (like hiring doulas) to systemic issues of patriarchy in contemporary maternity care.
Burdensome Transitions of Care for Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease and Their Caregivers

Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) experience frequent readmissions; however, studies focused on patients’ and caregivers’ perceptions of their transitional care experiences to identify root causes of burdensome transitions of care are lacking. To explore the transitional care experiences of patients with ESLD and their caregivers in order to identify their supportive care needs. We conducted interviews with 15 patients with ESLD and 14 informal caregivers. We used semi-structured interview guides to explore their experiences since the diagnosis of ESLD including their care transitions. Two raters coded interviews independently (κ = 0.95) using template analysis. Participants reported feeling unprepared to manage their informational, psychosocial, and practical care needs as they transitioned from hospital to home after the diagnosis of ESLD. Delay in the timely receipt of supportive care services addressing these care needs resulted in hospital readmissions, emotional distress, caregiver burnout, reduced work capacity, and financial hardship. Participants shared the following resources that they perceived would improve their quality of care: (1) discharge checklist, (2) online resources, (3) mental health support, (4) caregiver support and training, and (5) financial navigation. Transitional care models that attend to the informational, psychosocial, and practical domains of care are needed to better support patients with ESLD and their caregivers at the time of diagnosis and beyond. Without attending to the multidimensional care needs of newly diagnosed patients with ESLD and their caregivers, they are at risk of burdensome transitions of care, high healthcare utilization, and poor health-related quality of life.
Deep learning with noise-to-noise training for denoising in SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging.

PURPOSE Post-reconstruction filtering is often applied for noise suppression due to limited data counts in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We study a deep learning (DL) approach for denoising in conventional SPECT-MPI acquisitions, and investigate whether it can be more effective for improving the detectability of perfusion defects compared to traditional postfiltering. METHODS Owing to the lack of ground truth in clinical studies, we adopt a noise-to-noise (N2N) training approach for denoising in SPECT-MPI images. We consider a coupled U-Net (CU-Net) structure which is designed to improve learning efficiency through feature map reuse. For network training we employ a bootstrap procedure to generate multiple noise realizations from list-mode clinical acquisitions. In the experiments we demonstrated the proposed approach on a set of 895 clinical studies, where the iterative OSEM algorithm with three-dimensional (3D) Gaussian postfiltering was used to reconstruct the images. We investigated the detection performance of perfusion defects in the reconstructed images using the non-prewhitening matched filter (NPWMF), evaluated the uniformity of left ventricular (LV) wall in terms of image intensity, and quantified the effect of smoothing on the spatial resolution of the reconstructed LV wall by using its full-width at half-maximum (FWHM). RESULTS Compared to OSEM with Gaussian postfiltering, the DL denoised images with CU-Net significantly improved the detection performance of perfusion defects at all contrast levels (65%, 50%, 35%, and 20%). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNRD ) in the NPWMF output was increased on average by 8% over optimal Gaussian smoothing (P < 10-4 , paired t-test), while the inter-subject variability was greatly reduced. The CU-Net also outperformed a 3D nonlocal means (NLM) filter and a convolutional autoencoder (CAE) denoising network in terms of SNRD . In addition, the FWHM of the LV wall in the reconstructed images was varied by less than 1%. Furthermore, CU-Net also improved the detection performance when the images were processed with less post-reconstruction smoothing (a trade-off of increased noise for better LV resolution), with SNRD improved on average by 23%. CONCLUSIONS The proposed DL with N2N training approach can yield additional noise suppression in SPECT-MPI images over conventional postfiltering. For perfusion defect detection, DL with CU-Net could outperform conventional 3D Gaussian filtering with optimal setting as well as NLM and CAE.
Evaluation of serum metabolic parameters as predictors of bovine respiratory disease events in high-risk beef stocker calves

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between serum metabolic parameters and the risk of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in high-risk beef stocker calves. Jugular venous blood samples were collected from mixed-breed beef bull, steer, and heifer calves (n=468) at the time of arrival processing at a stocker facility in northeast Georgia. Serum samples were then submitted for determination of serum creatinine, total calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, serum urea nitrogen, glucose, cholesterol, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations, as well as sodium:potassium ratio and NEFA:cholesterol ratio. Calves were monitored for the development of signs consistent with BRD for 45 days following arrival. A multi-variable logistic regression model was created to evaluate the association between serum variables and subsequent risk of BRD. In this analysis, BRD was associated with higher serum potassium, lower serum urea nitrogen, and lower BHBA concentrations at arrival processing. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ability of the model to predict morbidity was 0.645. These data suggest that hydration status, nutrient balance, and degree of rumen development may play a role in the development of BRD in high-risk beef stocker calves.
The Lumbricals Are Not the Workhorse of Digital Extension and Do Not Relax Their Own Antagonist.

That the lumbrical muscles are the workhorse of digital extension and that they can relax their own antagonist have been time-honored principles. However, we believe this dogma is incorrect and an oversimplification. We base our assertion on anatomy, innervation, and the notion that muscle architecture is the most important determinant of muscle function. Wang and colleagues proposed the lumbrical to be a sophisticated tension monitoring device. We elaborate on their well-supported thesis, further proposing that the lumbricals also function as a constant tension spring within the closed loop composed of the digital flexors and the extensor mechanism.
A 10-Year Systematic Review of Photovoice Projects With Youth in the United States.

IntroductionPhotovoice is a method used in community-based participatory research that places cameras in the hands of people and invites them to record their lives, engage in critical dialogue, and...
Lateral access techniques for degenerative conditions of the spine

Abstract Operative approaches for degenerative conditions of the spine include traditional posterior approaches and a newer generation of lateral approaches. These operative corridors have their roots in anterior lumbar fusion and modifications have evolved to include lateral and oblique lumbar interbody fusion. The principal advantages of lateral approaches are that they are minimally invasive, less disruptive, and provide greater access to the disc space, thus allowing for larger cage placement and theoretically greater indirect foraminal decompression with lower rates of subsidence. We describe the anterior, lateral, and oblique lumbar interbody fusion approaches, with particular emphasis on surgical techniques and complications.
B Cell-Activating Factor Antagonism Attenuates the Growth of Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

B cell–activating factor (BAFF), a tumor necrosis factor family of cytokine, was recently identified as a regulator of atherosclerosis; however, its role in aortic aneurysm has not been determined. Here, we examined the effect of selective BAFF antagonism using an anti-BAFF antibody (blocks binding of BAFF to receptors BAFF receptor 3, transmembrane activator and CAML interactor, and B-cell maturation antigen) and mBaffR-mFc (blocks binding of BAFF to BAFF receptor 3) on a murine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). In a prevention strategy, the antagonists were injected before the induction of AAA, and in an intervention strategy, the antagonists were injected after the induction of AAA. Both strategies attenuated the formation of AAA. In the intervention group, BAFF antagonism depleted most of the mature B-cell subsets in spleen and circulation, leading to enhanced resolution of inflammation in AAA as indicated by decreased infiltration of B cells and proinflammatory macrophages and a reduced number of apoptotic cells. In AAA tissues, B cells and macrophages were found in close contact. In vitro, B cells, irrespective of treatment with BAFF, impaired the efferocytosis activity of macrophages, suggesting a direct innate role of B cells on macrophage function. Altogether, BAFF antagonism affects survival of the mature B cells, promotes resolution of inflammation in the aorta, and attenuates the growth of AAA in mice.
Edge Centric Secure Data Sharing with Digital Twins in Smart Ecosystems.

Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing industry currently being integrated into both consumer and industrial environments on a wide scale. While the technology is available and deployment has a low barrier of entry in future applications, proper security frameworks are still at infancy stage and are being developed to fit varied implementations and device architectures. Further, the need for edge centric mechanisms are critical to offer security in real time smart connected applications with minimal or negligible overhead. In this paper, we propose a novel approach of data security by using multiple device shadows (aka digital twins) for a single physical object. These twins are paramount to separate data among different virtual objects based on tags assigned on-the-fly, and are used to limit access to different data points by authorized users/applications only. The novelty of the proposed architecture resides in the attachment of dynamic tags to key-value pairs reported by physical devices in the system. We further examine the advantages of tagging data in a digital twin system, and the performance impacts of the proposed data separation scheme. The proposed solution is deployed at the edge, supporting low latency and real time security mechanisms with minimal overhead, and is light-weight as reflected by captured performance metrics.
Parent ENDS use predicts adolescent and young adult offspring ENDS use above and beyond parent cigarette use.

Abstract Purpose Prior research has showed that parent combustible cigarette use predicts cigarette use among their offspring. This study used prospective longitudinal data from parents and offspring to test whether parent electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use predicted a higher probability of ENDS use among their offspring. Methods Data were drawn from the Seattle Social Development Project – The Intergenerational Project (SSDP-TIP). Analyses included 295 families; 7% of parents were Native American/Alaskan Native, 18% were Asian American, 28% were African American, and 47% were European American. Multilevel modeling (in 2020) of data collected in 2015, 2016, and 2017 tested associations between parent self-reported ENDS use and concurrent self-reported ENDS use among offspring ages 10-25 years (53% female). Parent combustible cigarette use was controlled. Analyses also examined the role of parent and offspring perceptions of the safety of ENDS in predicting offspring ENDS use. Results About 12% of offspring and 8% of parents reported past-month ENDS use. Parent ENDS use predicted a higher probability of child ENDS use (Odds Ratio 5.68, p = .01), even after controlling parent past month cigarette use. Offspring perceptions of ENDS safety contributed independently to their probability of past-month ENDS use, but did not explain the association between parent ENDS use and offspring ENDS use. Parent perceptions of safety were not related to the probability of offspring past-month ENDS use. Conclusions It is important for parents, health providers, and policymakers to focus on preventing ENDS use among offspring of parents who use ENDS.
Rapid Low-Cost Prototyping of Terahertz Metallic Metasurfaces

We present a very simple, rapid and low-cost prototyping technique to fabricate metallic 2D patterns for the terahertz range. We demonstrate arrays of split-ring resonators and wire-grid polarizers.
Strength in numbers: Avian influenza A virus transmission to poultry from a flocking passerine.

The effects of flock size of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was experimentally manipulated to assess the potential of influenza A virus (IAV; H4N6) transmission from a flocking passerine to bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) through shared food and water resources to mimic starling intrusions into free-range and backyard poultry operations. Of the three starling flock sizes tested (n = 30, n = 20, and n = 10), all successfully transmitted the virus to all or most of the quail in each animal room (6/6, 6/6, and 5/6) by the end of the experimental period, as determined by seroconversion and/or viral RNA shedding. Although starlings have been shown to be inconsistent shedders of IAVs and when they do replicate and subsequently shed virus they typically do so at low to moderate levels, this study has provided evidence that relatively small flocks (i.e., 10 or possibly a smaller number) of this species can collectively transmit the virus to a highly susceptible gallinaceous bird species. Future work should assess if starlings can transmit IAVs to additional poultry species commonly found in backyard or free-range settings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Quantum interference control of photocurrents in topological insulator films

Charge currents in thin films of Bi 2 Se 3 are controlled using a two-color scheme that exploits quantum interference of single- and two-photon absorption pathways. Injection and shift currents are observed and linked to surface state excitations.
GPS scintillation channel model for the disturbed low-latitude ionosphere

[1] A Global Positioning System (GPS) scintillation channel model for the disturbed low-latitude ionosphere is developed by combining first-principles physics-based simulated low-latitude ionospheric irregularities together with an electromagnetic wave propagation model. Using this combined model, basic channel parameters, that is, phase variance, decorrelation length, decorrelation time, and coherence bandwidth, are computed and are favorably compared with recent ground-based low-latitude GPS experimental observations.
On Formation and Intensification of Tropical Cyclones Through Latent Heat Release by Cumulus Convection

Abstract The effect on large scale motions of latent heat release by deep cumulus convection in a conditionally unstable atmosphere is investigated and a method devised to include this effect directly in the equations for large scale flow. This method is then applied to the hurricane formation problem by incorporating it into time-dependent, circular symmetric dynamic hurricane models, either in gradient-wind balance or unbalanced. Numerical integrations of a two-level approximation of the balanced model have been carried out for two different formulations of the problem (including or not including a frictional radial flow), both starting from a hypothetical initial state characterized by a weak barotropic circular vortex with a maximum tangential velocity of 10 m sec−1 at a distance of 141.2 km from the center. The results obtained without frictional radial flow showed slow intensification of the tangential flow, to about 25 m sec−1, and establishment of a strong radial temperature gradient in the upper ...
Social Work with American Indian Youth Using the Orthogonal Model of Cultural Identification

Cultural traditions among American Indians are important strengths that have often been overlooked. This study tested orthogonal cultural-identification theory-the belief that it is possible simultaneously to identify with more than one culture and that identification with any culture has positive implications for health and social issues. Data were collected on the cultural identification and health status of 103 American Indian youth 8 to 12 years of age in the Northeastern United States. The finding that people can and do identify strongly with more than one culture supports the orthogonal model of cultural identification. However, the implications of cultural identification for health were less clear.
Identifying Unmet Mental Health Needs in Children of Formerly Homeless Mothers Living in a Supportive Housing Community Sector of Care

This study reports psychosocial characteristics of a sample of 111 children (K to 2nd grade) and their mothers who were living in urban supportive housings. The aim of this study was to document the various types and degree of risk endemic to this population. First, we describe the psychosocial characteristics of this homeless sample. Second, we compared this homeless sample with a grade-matched, high-risk, school-based sample of children (n = 146) who were identified as showing early symptoms of disruptive behaviors. Third, we compared the parents in both samples on mental health, parenting practices, and service utilization. Results showed that children living in supportive housing were in the at-risk range and had comparable levels of externalizing problems, internalizing problems, school problems and emotional strengths with the school-based risk sample receiving prevention services at a family support community agency. Mothers in supportive housing reported significantly higher psychological distress, less optimal parenting practices and greater service utilization. These findings are among the first to provide empircal support for the need to deliver prevention interventions in community sectors of care.
Turbulent Supersonic Channel Flow: Direct Numerical Simulation and Modeling

In this paper, direct numerical simulation results of turbulent supersonic channel flow are analyzed to address several questions that are relevant to turbulence modeling: the turbulence frequency production mechanism, wall damping effects on turbulence model parameters, and the relevance of compressibility effects. Limited support is found for usually applied models for the turbulence frequency production and wall damping effects. In contrast to that it is shown that turbulence frequency production mechanisms and wall damping effects may be explained very well on the basis of a frequency scaling that characterizes mean flow changes. The influence of compressibility is found to be relevant.
Analysis of Integrity Vulnerabilities and a Non-repudiation Protocol for Cloud Data Storage Platforms

Data storage technologies have been recognized as one of the major dimensions of information management along with the network infrastructure and applications. The prosperity of cloud computing requires the migration from server-attached storage to network-based distributed storage. Along with variant advantages, distributed storage also poses new challenges in creating a secure and reliable data storage and access facility. The data security in cloud is one of the challenges to be addressed before the novel pay-as-you-go business model can be accepted and applied widely. Concerns are raised from both insecure/unreliable service providers and potential malicious users. In this article, we analyze the integrity vulnerability existing in the current cloud storage platforms and show the problem of repudiation. A novel non-repudiation (NR) protocol specifically designed in the context of cloud computing environment is proposed. We have also discussed the robustness of the NR protocol against typical attacks in the network environments.
Ultrastructural development of the medial superior olive (MSO) in the ferret.

When ferrets are born, four weeks before the onset of hearing, few synapses are evident in the medial superior olive (MSO). The synapses present are immature and almost exclusively found in the neuropil. The MSO somata are virtually devoid of synaptic contacts but are contacted by fine glial processes that increasingly ensheathe the somata during the first postnatal week. By P12, somatic synaptogenesis in the MSO is evident. Initially the terminals contain vesicles of irregular shape, size, and distribution. The glial lamellae appear to withdraw as the synaptic contacts form but continue to cover the asynaptic portions of the cell surface. The lamellae frequently extend from an sheathing the soma to encapsulate the immature terminals. During the next two weeks, synaptic density and terminal encapsulation proceed until the somata is surrounded by encapsulated synaptic terminals as in the adult ferret MSO. While most immature terminals contain round vesicles, during the first postnatal week some terminals with nonround vesicles can be distinguished. The first distinction between types of nonround vesicle-containing terminals, i.e., pleiomorphic and ovoid, is in the second postnatal week. This distinction becomes increasingly clear and by the end of the first postnatal month, terminal types can be reliably categorized. These observations indicate that: (1) synapses are present in the MSO neuropil one month prior to the onset of hearing, (2) the major period of synaptogenesis begins approximately two weeks prior to the onset of hearing, and (3) glial lamellae ensheathe MSO somata prior to the onset of somatic synaptogenesis, withdraw as synapses form, and subsequently re-extend to encapsulate newly formed synapses.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of the Container Express as a Helicopter Slung Load

Flow over rectangular boxes and cylinders has not been well studied, and yet has numerous practical applications. This bluff-body geometry causes immediate flow separation and periodic vortex shedding in the wake of the object, regardless of Reynolds number. This paper presents the use and verification of a CFD methodology for predicting the forces on a particular rectangular cylinder—a slung load cargo container known as a Container Express (CONEX). It presents a comparison of the numerically obtained forces to wind tunnel data for the CONEX that demonstrates ranges of validity for the simulations. These comparisons give confidence for force and moment results for CONEX and vertical stabilizer simulations. The forces and moments will be used to design a mounting system for the vertical stabilizer.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Effects of serial hormone treatments on egg white protein synthesis. Further evidence of translational regulation.

Abstract The administration of either progesterone or estrogen to withdrawn chicks several hours after a first dose of estrogen affected ovalbumin synthesis differently than its mRNA levels [S. S. Seaver (1981) J. steroid Biochem.14, 949–957]. This suggested that the hormones were regulating the translation of ovalbumin directly. In this paper we report that serial hormone treatments also affect the rates of synthesis of two other egg white proteins, conalbumin and ovomucoid. When progesterone was administered 4 h after estrogen, conalbumin synthesis decreased. When either progesterone or a second dose of estorgen was administered 12 h after the first dose of estrogen, conalbumin synthesis increased. Serial hormone treatments did not always affect all three proteins similarly. At later times, administering progesterone after estrogen decreased ovomucoid synthesis but did not affect conalbumin or ovalbumin synthesis. To determine if the serial hormone treatments affect egg white protein mRNA's in a similar way, changes in ovalbumin and conalbumin mRNA levels were quantified in a rabbit reticulocyte cell-free translation system and were compared to changes in ovalbumin and conalbumin synthesis as measured in chick oviduct tissue minces. When serial hormone treatments were 12 h apart, ovalbumin and conalbumin synthesis was 50–300% higher than that predicted by the changes in ovalbumin or conalbumin mRNA levels. This is further evidence that translation of both conalbumin mRNA and ovalbumin mRNA is directly regulated by steroid hormones.
To end and prevent wars between states: Negotiate, don't litigate

Linda Stamato and Sanford M. Jaffe, of New Brunswick, N.J., discuss recent U.S. Supreme Court original jurisdiction cases that have ended poorly after voluminous litigation. They urge the National Governors Association to step in to help resolve the modern day wars between the states.
Functional dissection of phosphorylation of Disheveled in Drosophila.

Abstract Disheveled/Dsh proteins (Dvl in mammals) are core components of both Wnt/Wg-signaling pathways: canonical β-catenin signaling and Frizzled (Fz)-planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling. Although Dsh is a key cytoplasmic component of both Wnt/Fz-pathways, regulation of its signaling specificity is not well understood. Dsh is phosphorylated, but the functional significance of its phosphorylation remains unclear. We have systematically investigated the phosphorylation of Dsh by combining mass-spectrometry analyses, biochemical studies, and in vivo genetic methods in Drosophila. Our approaches identified multiple phospho-residues of Dsh in vivo. Our data define three novel and unexpected conclusions: (1) strikingly and in contrast to common assumptions, all conserved serines/threonines are non-essential for Dsh function in either pathway; (2) phosphorylation of conserved Tyrosine473 in the DEP domain is critical for PCP-signaling — DshY473F behaves like a PCP-specific allele; and (3) defects associated with the PCP specific dsh1 allele, DshK417M, located within a putative Protein Kinase C consensus site, are likely due to a post-translational modification requirement of Lys417, rather than phosphorylation nearby. In summary, our combined data indicate that while many Ser/Thr and Tyr residues are indeed phosphorylated in vivo, strikingly most of these phosphorylation events are not critical for Dsh function with the exception of DshY473.
Selective inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in activated human monocytes. Regulation of superoxide anion production and low density lipoprotein oxidation

Our previous studies have shown that monocyte activation and release of O-2 are required for monocyte-mediated low density lipoprotein (LDL) lipid oxidation. We have also found that intracellular Ca2+ levels and protein kinase C activity are requisite participants in this potentially pathogenic process. In these studies, we further investigated the mechanisms involved in the oxidation of LDL lipids by activated human monocytes, particularly the potential contributions of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) signaling pathway. The most well-studied cPLA2, has a molecular mass of 85 kDa and has been reported to be regulated by both Ca2+ and phosphorylation. We found that cPLA2 protein levels and cPLA2 enzymatic activity were induced upon activation of human monocytes by opsonized zymosan. Pharmacologic inhibition of cPLA2 activity by AACOCF3, which has been reported to be a specific inhibitor of cPLA2 as compared with sPLA2, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of cPLA2 enzymatic activity and LDL lipid oxidation by activated human monocytes, whereas sPLA2 activity was not affected. To corroborate these findings, we used specific antisense oligonucleotides to inhibit cPLA2. We observed that treatment with antisense oligonucleotides caused suppression of both cPLA2 protein expression and enzymatic activity as well as monocyte-mediated LDL lipid oxidation. Furthermore, antisense oligonucleotide treatment caused a substantial inhibition of O-2 production by activated human monocytes. In parallel experimental groups, cPLA2 sense oligonucleotides did not affect cPLA2 protein expression, cPLA2 enzymatic activity, O-2 production, or monocyte-mediated LDL lipid oxidation. These studies support the proposal that cPLA2 activity is required for activated monocytes to oxidize LDL lipids.
Latent discrimination learning under a regular schedule of partial reinforcement

In this investigation, which employed rats in a runway, discriminative responding consisted of faster running on the reinforced than on the nonreinforced trials of either the 4NR or R4N schedule, both schedules containing fixed, repeated sequences of nonreinforced and reinforced trials. Under the 4NR schedule, four nonreinforced trials preceded a reinforced trial each day, and under the R4N schedule, a reinforced trial was followed by four nonreinforced trials each day. The major finding obtained was that under the 4NR schedule, discriminative responding was improved very substantially by a shift to extinction. Rats maintained on the 4NR schedule did not show improved discriminative responding, nor did discriminative responding improve in extinction following training under either the R4N schedule or a schedule of consistent reinforcement. Latent discrimination learning was defined as discriminative responding which fails to reflect adequately the amount of discrimination learning accomplished. The present findings demonstrate latent discrimination learning for regular schedules of partial reinforcement, something already demonstrated for brightness differential conditioning and possibly DRL schedules, as well.
An Atlas of Hα and R Images and Radial Profiles of 63 Bright Virgo Cluster Spiral Galaxies

Narrowband Hα and broadband R images and radial profiles are presented for 63 bright spiral galaxies in the Virgo Cluster. The sample is complete for Sb-Scd galaxies with B ≤ 12 and inclination ≤75°. Isophotal radii, disk scale lengths, concentration parameters, and integrated fluxes are derived for the sample galaxies.
Spin conservation in ionizing collisions between He(23S1) metastable atoms

Abstract By a direct observation of the electron density in a flowing afterglow, the spin dependence of the process He(2 3 S 1 ) + He(1 1 S 1 ) → He(1 1 S 0 ) + He + + e has been demonstrated. When the metastable He atoms are optically oriented, the process violates spin conservation, and a decrease of 5% in the electron density is observed.
Gaussian predictive process models for large spatial data sets

With scientific data available at geocoded locations, investigators are increasingly turning to spatial process models for carrying out statistical inference. Over the last decade, hierarchical models implemented through Markov chain Monte Carlo methods have become especially popular for spatial modelling, given their flexibility and power to fit models that would be infeasible with classical methods as well as their avoidance of possibly inappropriate asymptotics. However, fitting hierarchical spatial models often involves expensive matrix decompositions whose computational complexity increases in cubic order with the number of spatial locations, rendering such models infeasible for large spatial data sets. This computational burden is exacerbated in multivariate settings with several spatially dependent response variables. It is also aggravated when data are collected at frequent time points and spatiotemporal process models are used. With regard to this challenge, our contribution is to work with what we call predictive process models for spatial and spatiotemporal data. Every spatial (or spatiotemporal) process induces a predictive process model (in fact, arbitrarily many of them). The latter models project process realizations of the former to a lower dimensional subspace, thereby reducing the computational burden. Hence, we achieve the flexibility to accommodate non-stationary, non-Gaussian, possibly multivariate, possibly spatiotemporal processes in the context of large data sets. We discuss attractive theoretical properties of these predictive processes. We also provide a computational template encompassing these diverse settings. Finally, we illustrate the approach with simulated and real data sets.
Phytohemagglutinin binds to the 20-kDa molecule of the T3 complex.

Current findings have suggested that the T3 molecular complex is an essential antigenic signal transducer during T cell activation. Lectins, such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA), activate T cells nonspecifically. Concesivably, lectins may mediate their stimulatory action by affecting the T3 complex. In the present investigation we have studied the involvement of the T3 molecular complex in the PHA-mediated activation of T cells. We selectively modulated the surface expression of T3 molecules by anti-T3 antibody and subsequently tested the ability of the modulated cells to respond to PHA. Reduction of T3 expression by 70% resulted in 80% inhibition of the PHA response. This effect was specific for T3 since modulation of other T cell surface molecules (T4, T8) did not affect the PHA-induced mitogenesis. To determine if PHA could interact directly with the T3 complex, immunoblotting (Western blot) analyses of anti-T3 immunoprecipitates were performed. A 20-kDa member of the T3 complex reacted not only with the anti-T3 antibody, but also with PHA itself. These results provide the first evidence for direct binding of PHA to one of the molecules of the T3 complex. The combined data suggest that a major pathway of PHA-induced T cell activation involves the T3 complex. Possible activation mechanisms are discussed.
Do HMOs Reduce Preventable Hospitalizations for Medicare Beneficiaries

This study assesses the association of HMO enrollment with preventable hospitalizations among the elderly in four states. Using 2001 hospital discharge abstracts for elderly Medicare enrollees (age 65 and above) residing in four states (New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California), from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP-SID) database of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, we use a multivariate cross-sectional design with patient-level data for each state. Holding other factors such as demographics and illness severity constant, we find that in three out of four states, Medicare HMO patients had lower odds of a preventable admission versus marker admission than Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) patients. Moreover, in the two states with longest tenure and greatest Medicare HMO penetration, California and Florida, the reduction in preventable admissions among Medicare HMO patients was mainly concentrated among more ill patients. These findings add to the evidence that managed care outperforms traditional care among the elderly, rather than simply skimming off the healthiest populations.
Color-plus-depth level-of-detail in 3D tele-immersive video: a psychophysical approach

This paper presents a psychophysical study that measures the perceptual thresholds of a new factor called Color-plus-Depth Level-of-Detail peculiar to polygon-based 3D tele-immersive video. The results demonstrate the existence of Just Noticeable Degradation and Just Unacceptable Degradation thresholds on the factor. In light of the results, we describe the design and implementation of a real-time perception-based quality adaptor for 3D tele-immersive video. Our experimental results show that the adaptation scheme can reduce resource usage while considerably enhancing the overall perceived visual quality.
Purification and Characterization of the Mammaglobin/Lipophilin B Complex, a Promising Diagnostic Marker for Breast Cancer†

Mammaglobin, a promising diagnostic marker for breast cancer, forms a covalent complex with lipophilin B. mRNA levels for each component of the complex were determined for a number of breast tumors and normal tissues, and correlation of message expression was highly significant between mammaglobin and lipophilin B (p < 0.0001). The complex was purified by both standard biochemical techniques and immunoaffinity chromatography. N-Terminal sequencing revealed that mammaglobin and lipophilin B are processed as predicted by cleavage of their signal sequence after amino acids 19 and 21, respectively. Three molecular massesrepresenting the fully glycosylated form, the complex without one of the carbohydrate chains, and the deglycosylated proteinsare detected by ProteinChip array SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry after partial enzymatic deglycosylation. This is consistent with the two predicted N-linked glycosylation sites in the primary sequence of mammaglobin and each site having an attached sugar of ∼3500 Da. Reduci...
Preparing Education Doctoral Students for Epistemological Diversity

One of the most confusing developments in educational research over the past quarter-century has been the proliferation of epistemologies-beliefs about what counts as knowledge in the field of education, what is evidence of a claim, and what counts as a warrant for that evidence. Although the discussion of various epistemological perspectives in educational research often is highly abstract, and viewed as the prerogative of philosophers at some distance from the real world of educational research practice, the consequences of this diversity are quite real. Beliefs about what counts as knowledge are a central determinant about what a field knows about its subject matter. The variability in such beliefs can lead to small and large gaps in what various members of the educational research community hold to be true about educational phenomena. These discontinuities are partly at the root of the widespread perception that the community of educational researchers has failed to amass a cumulative body of knowledge about how schools and schooling work (National Research Council, 1999; Ravitch, 1998; Viadero, 1999). Few claims about educational research are as damning, or as damaging to the enterprise. Experienced researchers and novices alike find it hard to keep up with the cacophony of diverse epistemologies. Behind the welter of names-positivism, naturalism, postpositivism, empiricism, relativism, feminist standpoint epistemology, foundationalism, postmodernism, each with an array of subspecies-lie important questions: Is there a single, absolute truth about educational phenomena, or are there multiple truths? (Or is the concept of truth itself so problematic as to be of no value in understanding the world?) Can we count on our senses, or on reason, to distinguish that which is true about the world from that which is false? Are there methods that can lead us close to understanding, or are there inherent indeterminacies in all methods? Is knowledge of the world discovered, or constructed? Can knowledge of the world be evaluated independent of the social and historical contexts in which it exists, or is it always contingent upon, or relative to, particular circumstances?
Geomagnetic Polarity Stratigraphy of Type Tesuque Formation, Santa Fe Group, in Espanola Valley, New Mexico: ABSTRACT

Sampling of the several type sections of the Tesuque Formation, lower Santa Fe Group, exposed near Espanola, New Mexico, has yielded a composite magnetic-polarity stratigraphy in which the 760-ft (230 m), fine-grained, tuffaceous middle (Skull Ridge) Member is characterized by a long, uninterrupted interval of reversed polarity; approximately 900 ft (275 m) of the coarser grained upper (Pojoaque) member is characterized by rocks predominantly of normal polarity. Laboratory results from AF demagnetization in fields up to 200 oe, and from the acquisition and removal of IRM (often of multiple specimens cut from single samples), indicate that the magnetic signals in these rocks, probably borne by detrital magnetite, are a record of the geomagnetic field at or near the time of deposition. The stratigraphic utility of the results is confirmed by replication in geographically separate, lithostratigraphically equivalent sections in different fault blocks. Within the context of the medial to late Miocene time span long acknowledged for this part of the Santa Fe Group, this composite polarity stratigraphy appears to correlate best with the standard Tertiary polarity time scale as follows: fossiliferous Nambe Member: early Epoch 16; Skull Ridge Member: late Epoch 16 and early Epoch 15; Pojoaque Member: mid-Epoch 15 and younger. These results indicate an age for at least the Pojoaque Member significantly younger (by about 3 to 4 m.y.) than fission-track ages recently reported for ash beds in the type Pojoaque section. End_of_Article - Last_Page 555------------
Laser-Enhanced sputter or vapor deposition of thin metallic films on ceramic substrates

Laser-assisted sputter deposition has been used to deposit thin metallic films onto ceramic substrates. This process allows the building of a film of arbitrary thickness by sequential deposition of 5- to 150-nm-thick layers alternating with laser melting. Highly adherent films of copper on sapphire and on quartz were obtained. Pulsed-laser treatment also enhances the adhesion of nickel films to sapphire substrates. This critical step in the process is the laser irradiation following each of the initial depositions. In these early stages, an interfacial reaction between film and substrate takes place during laser irradiations. An interfacial compound forms whose nature has been studied by transmission electron microscopy. The morphological features of the film, as well as the amount of film removed during these first irradiations, were analyzed as a function of laser energy density by scanning electron microscopy and by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results were correlated with computer simulations of the thermal response of the two-media system to laser heating. The role of the interfacial thermal conductivity during laser processing is analyzed. The state of the substrate,e.g., annealed or as-polished, influences the morphology of the irradiated film. This effect is related to an enhancement of interfacial thermal conductivity.
Aircraft load planning and the computer description and review

Abstract Concerns related to the efficient use of available transport space along with greater accessibility to computer based approaches are two major factors which have contributed to a growing interest in the problem of aircraft load planning during the last several years. This interest is shared by both civilian and particularly military organization to the point where the U.S. Air Force regards the development and use of computer technology for load planning equipment and personnel to be a major priority effort. This paper focuses on the aircraft load planning problem faced by the military and is developed with the following objectives: (1) To described the problem faced by military and provide insights as to how it is ‘olved” using manual procedures; (2) to review work relevant to the development of computer assisted approaches. The notion of computer assisted aircraft load planning is also extended to include microcomputer and interactive graphics technology. Results obtained through the use of existing approaches as well as comments on future directions are also provided.
Full three-dimensional imaging via ground penetrating radar: assessment in controlled conditions and on field for archaeological prospecting

This paper deals with an advanced microwave tomographic approach capable of providing full 3D images of buried targets from scattered field data gathered by means of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems. The approach is based on an approximated model of the scattering phenomenon and it is capable of accounting for the vectorial nature of the interactions occurring between electromagnetic waves and probed materials. Moreover, the Truncated Singular Value Decomposition inversion scheme is exploited to solve the involved linear inverse scattering problem in a stable and accurate way. The advantages offered by the full 3D inversion algorithm with respect to a commonly adopted strategy, which produces 3D images by interpolating 2D reconstructions, are assessed against GPR data gathered in laboratory controlled conditions. Moreover, to provide an example of the full 3D imaging capabilities in on field conditions, we report on a GPR measurement campaign carried out at Grotte dell’Angelo, Pertosa, (SA), Southern Italy, one of the most famous sites of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano geopark.
The Pioneer Encounters with Jupiter

The Pioneer 10 and 11 science complement included 12 instruments on the spacecrafts, as well as several investigations which used the spacecraft radio beam for passive experiments. This paper will describe the results of the plasma, magnetic field, charged particle, ultraviolet, infrared, imaging, micrometeor-oid and radio investigations.
Collective excitations and the crossover from Cooper pairs to composite bosons in the attractive Hubbard model.

Motivated by the short coherence length of the high-temperature superconductors, we study in the negative-{ital U} Hubbard model the crossover from Cooper pairs for {ital U}{much lt}{ital t} to composite bosons for {ital U}{much gt}{ital t}. We compute the collective-mode spectrum using a generalized random-phase-approximation analysis within the equations-of-motion formalism. We find a smooth evolution of the Anderson mode for weak coupling into the Bogoliubov sound mode for hard-core bosons.