cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular Diseases in the Mature Patient

Abstract Aging results in both anatomic and physiologic changes in the skin's structure and vascular system. These vascular changes result in a wide array of dermatologic findings, ranging from the benign to the highly morbid. Herein, we review the impact of both intrinsic and common extrinsic factors of aging on cutaneous vasculature and highlight the manifestations of microvascular, venous, arterial, lymphatic, and neuropathic alterations in the geriatric population.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 2/3 (mGluR2/3) Activation Suppresses TRPV1 Sensitization in Mouse, But Not Human, Sensory Neurons.

Abstract The use of human tissue to validate putative analgesic targets identified in rodents is a promising strategy for improving the historically poor translational record of preclinical pain research. We recently demonstrated that in mouse and human sensory neurons, agonists for metabotropic glutamate receptors 2 and 3 (mGluR2/3) reduce membrane hyperexcitability produced by the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Previous rodent studies indicate that mGluR2/3 can also reduce peripheral sensitization by suppressing inflammation-induced sensitization of TRPV1. Whether this observation similarly translates to human sensory neurons has not yet been tested. We found that activation of mGluR2/3 with the agonist APDC suppressed PGE2-induced sensitization of TRPV1 in mouse, but not human, sensory neurons. We also evaluated sensory neuron expression of the gene transcripts for mGluR2 (Grm2), mGluR3 (Grm3), and TRPV1 (Trpv1). The majority of Trpv1+ mouse and human sensory neurons expressed Grm2 and/or Grm3, and in both mice and humans, Grm2 was expressed in a greater percentage of sensory neurons than Grm3. Although we demonstrated a functional difference in the modulation of TRPV1 sensitization by mGluR2/3 activation between mouse and human, there were no species differences in the gene transcript colocalization of mGluR2 or mGluR3 with TRPV1 that might explain this functional difference. Taken together with our previous work, these results suggest that mGluR2/3 activation suppresses only some aspects of human sensory neuron sensitization caused by PGE2. These differences have implications for potential healthy human voluntary studies or clinical trials evaluating the analgesic efficacy of mGluR2/3 agonists or positive allosteric modulators.
Drainage and the DES Summary

In our paper, we investigate a statistical property of random functions we named drainage. (Definitions for drainage, random function, etc. will be given shortly.) Our motivation for doing so is twofold. First, it generally assumed that a good cryptographic system will exhibit no simple statistical regularity. For example, the function from key to ciphertext when a block cipher is used to encode a fixed plaintext should appear to be completely random. We were therefore interested in studying the behavior of drainage for a random function, and then comparing it to the measured behavior for a real cryptosystem, the DES. Secondly, drainage is closely related to statistical properties which are important to the performance of the generalized cryptanalytic attack proposed by Hellman [1], discussed below.
Social cognitive predictors of sexual risk behavior change among STD clinic patients

We tested the impact of four social cognitive constructs (multifaceted condom use self-efficacy and hedonic, social, and self-evaluative outcome expectations) on sexual risk behavior change. Each construct was hypothesized to have an independent effect on four indicators of behavior change: consistency of reported condom use, condom use at last intercourse, frequency of unprotected intercourse acts, and stage of condom use behavior change. STD clinic patients (n = 472) were recruited, given baseline interviews, and placed in small-group health education sessions. Three-month follow-up interviews were conducted. Hypotheses were tested with logistic regressions and general linear models. Results showed that baseline self-efficacy and hedonistic expectations regarding condom use predicted sexual behavior and stage of change. In addition, follow-up levels of each of two additional outcome expectation domains, expected partner reaction and self-approval for condom use, were associated with sexual behavior at follow-up, controlling baseline levels of each dependent variable. These latter outcome expectations accounted for the greatest proportion of the variance among the SCT factors. These results support a social cognitive model of condom use behavior change and provide important clues for refining condom promotion interventions.
Pelvic Floor: Three-Dimensional Surgical Anatomy

For many surgeons, the anatomy of the pelvic floor has been the foundation for the advancement of novel techniques in the treatment of incontinence and prolapse of the pelvic organs. From the early descriptions of pelvic floor dysfunction (Ebers Papyrus, 1550 BC) to present-day medical literature, the techniques are founded on the basic understand of three-dimensional pelvic anatomy. This chapter will serve as the basis to understand, treat, and develop new techniques in the ongoing efforts to treat these disease processes. In a historical prospective on female prolapse, Legendre and Bistien (1858) first investigated the tendency of prolapse of the uterus by applying traction. Mengert repeated their initial studies in an attempt to further determine which of the pelvic ligaments provided the primary support to the uterus. By applying 1 kg weight to the uterus, the pelvic ligaments were systematically cut. He reported that when the parametrial and paravaginal tissues were cut and the round ligaments were left intact, the cervix easily prolapsed.
Is Objectual Identity Really Dispensable

Kai Wehmeier’s Wittgensteinian Predicate Logic (W-logic) is a formulation of first-order logic under the exclusive interpretation of the quantifiers. W-logic has a distinguished relation constant for co-reference but no sign for objectual identity. Wehmeier denies that objectual identity exists on the grounds that it cannot be a genuine binary relation. Fortunately W-logic is equi-expressive with standard first-order logic with identity and it appears that objectual identity is dispensable across the broader logical enterprise. This paper challenges the latter claim as objectual identity seems to be needed in the exclusive interpretation of quantified modal logic, specifically, for implementing certain kinds of de re quantification.
Long-term Outcomes of Endodontic Treatment Performed with Resilon/Epiphany

Abstract Introduction Resilon (Resilon Research LLC, Madison, CT) with Epiphany Sealer (Pentron Clinical Technologies, Wallingford, CT) was introduced into the market in 2004 as a new method of root canal obturation. This material as well as the traditionally used gutta-percha with AH Plus sealer (Dentsply Maillefer, Tulsa, OK) were in use over a 9-year span in the University of North Carolina endodontic clinics. Although Resilon was initially thought to create a “monoblock” seal between the material and the canal, in vitro studies later suggested this concept not to be true. The long-term outcome of Resilon using a validated radiographic index and a systematic approach has not been reported. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to radiographically evaluate the outcome of Resilon/Epiphany-treated root canals compared with traditional gutta-percha/AH Plus. Methods One hundred twenty-five teeth were radiographically evaluated using the periapical index; 80 were treated with Resilon and 45 with gutta-percha. Age, sex, tooth position, and number of months to follow-up were documented, and a multivariate analysis with odds ratio was performed. Results Resilon-treated teeth were 5.3 times more likely to have a periapical index of 3 to 5 at follow-up compared with gutta-percha (P = .009). Teeth presenting with preoperative lesions, regardless of the material used, were also more likely to present with a lesion at follow-up (P = .04). Conclusions Teeth obturated with Resilon were more likely to present with a lesion at follow-up compared with gutta-percha obturated teeth after controlling for the presence of a preoperative lesion and the length to follow-up.
Developing a Model of Video Game Play: Motivations, Satisfactions, and Continuance Intentions:

Background. As video game usage continues to rise, it is important to understand why people choose and continue playing a game.Purpose. This research presents a theoretical framework to explore the...
Warm Rain Rates from AMSR-E 89-GHz Brightness Temperatures Trained Using CloudSat Rain-Rate Observations

AbstractCollocated CloudSat rain rates and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) 89-GHz brightness temperature Tb retrievals allow for the development of an algorithm to estimate ...
Cardiologic Reperfusion Treatment for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Summary Reperfusion treatment has become standard during acute myocardial infarction over the last several years. Previous studies have shown that an acute occlusion of the coronary artery due to thrombus formation can be recanalized by thrombolytic agents. Currently, intravenous thrombolytic therapy is widely used. Streptokinase, tPA and, on some occasions, urokinase, have been used for this purpose. tPA has been shown to be particularly effective in achieving reperfusion in approximately 75 per cent of patients. One of the major hazards to using thrombolytic therapy is serious intracranial or internal bleeding complications. Although such complications are relatively infrequent, patients must be carefully screened to exclude those with contraindications when thrombolytic therapy is considered. The alternative method to achieve reperfusion is PTCA. PTCA has been shown to be an effective method of establishing reperfusion during acute myocardial infarction and decreasing residual stenosis. In patients who fail to respond to thrombolytic therapy or those with contraindications to such therapy, PTCA should be considered as the alternative method to achieve reperfusion. Many studies have demonstrated significant salvage of myocardium by reperfusion therapy and recovery of left ventricular function in the infarct segment. In addition, recent randomized studies have clearly demonstrated beneficial effects on prognosis following thrombolytic therapy. In-hospital mortality as well as long-term mortality were remarkably reduced with intravenous thrombolytic therapy. Reperfusion by either thrombolytic therapy or PTCA should be considered during acute myocardial infarction to salvage the left ventricle and improve prognosis.
Impacts of Dem Source, Resolution and Area Threshold Values on SWAT Generated Stream Network and Streamflow in Two Distinct Nepalese Catchments

This study explores the relationship of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) resolution and flow accumulation threshold value to watershed characteristics and streamflow in two Nepalese catchments, Kaligandaki and Bagmati basin. DEMs from three different sources: ASTER Global DEM v2, SRTM v4.1, and Contour of Nepal, with resolutions of 30 m, 90 m, and 250 m were used. Automatic watershed delineation in SWAT was used to derive the stream network, and basin and flow characteristics at different DEM scenarios. It is found that DEM source and resolution influence basin characteristics and stream network morphology. The assumption that SWAT model performance improves with an increase in DEM resolution did not hold true. All the models were equally efficient in predicting the runoff. The model performance for both basins was similar regardless of the origin of the DEM. NSE and R2 varied in the range 0.726–0.781 and 0.772–0.81, respectively, for Kaligandaki basin. Similarly, for Bagmati basin, NSE and R2 varied in the range 0.772–0.837 and 0.779–0.839, respectively. The drainage density and simulated flow got better when the threshold area was decreased. However, the model ceased to improve any further after the optimum value of the threshold area. Our results indicate that DEM of higher resolution (30 m or finer) needs to be used to model the catchment in SWAT accurately and appropriate threshold area needs to be used for best model performance based on the temporal sensitivity of the runoff.
The Published Archaeobotanical Data from the Indus Civilisation, South Asia, c.3200–1500BC

The collection of this dataset of published archaeobotanical data from the Indus Civilisation (c.3200–1500BC) was carried out by the author as part of her doctoral work, and has continued up to October 2017. The dataset represents a systematic collation of all primary published macrobotanical data, regardless of their designation as ‘crop’, ‘fully domesticated’ or ‘wild/weedy’ species. The dataset comprises 63 sites and 339 ‘taxa’ (including less confidently identified elements such as ‘charred seed’). Data is presented as presence/absence due to different sampling, quantification and data presentation practices. Funding statement: This paper developed out of research conducted while the author was a PhD student working as part of the Land, Water and Settlement project, which has been investigating human–environment relations in northwest India. It presents material gathered for a literature review that formed part of the author’s PhD dissertation, and expanded upon during her first post-doctoral position as Trevelyan research fellow at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge. The PhD research was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), United Kingdom (Grant No. 1080510), and this paper has been written up while she has been a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World, Brown University, and published while she is a post doctoral fellow at the Department of Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania. The Land, Water and Settlement project ran from 2007 to 2014 and was primarily funded by a Standard Award from the UK India Education Research Initiative United Kingdom (UKIERI) under the title ‘From the collapse of Harappan urbanism to the rise of the great Early Historic cities: Investigating the cultural and geographical transformation of northwest India between 2000 and 300 BC’. Smaller grants were also awarded by the British Academy’s Stein Arnold Fund, United Kingdom, the Isaac Newton Trust, the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, United Kingdom, and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), United Kingdom.
The pharmacology of selective estrogen receptor modulators: past and present

Abstract For many years, significant research was being conducted on the effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) on bone. Raloxifene successfully completed clinical trials and is currently prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Other promising candidate molecules were going through clinical trials. However, in the past 10 years, since the publication of the third edition of this book, very little new information has been presented on the effects of SERMs on bone. Pharmaceutical companies have moved away from developing new antiresorptive drugs for osteoporosis, although some research is continuing on the potential usefulness of SERMs in the treatment of other conditions. Because the third edition contribution on this topic contains useful and still very valid information, much of this chapter represents a slightly edited version of that content.
A relational turbulence theory perspective on women’s grief following miscarriage:

This study used relational turbulence theory to examine (a) how the relational impact of miscarriage corresponded with bereaved mothers’ grief responses and (b) the association between a partner’s ...
Enhancing the permittivity of dielectric elastomers with liquid metal

Electrical permittivity has a central role in the performance of a wide range of dielectric elastomer technologies, from electrostatically-controlled actuators to capacitive sensors and energy harvesting transducers. One approach to improving the permittivity of elastomers is to create an “artificial dielectric” by adding metal filler. However, the addition of rigid filler can reduce the mechanical compliance and elasticity of the host elastomer and result in decreased electromechanical coupling. To avoid this trade-off, I introduce an alternative approach in which the rigid filler is replaced with a dispersion of droplets of liquid-phase metal alloy. Using eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) as the liquid metal, I show that it is possible to engineer artificial dielectrics that preserve the mechanical properties of the host elastomer. Moreover, significant degradation of the elastomer’s electrical breakdown strength can be avoided through control of the droplet size and polydispersity. After a discussion of the underlying principles for permittivity enhancement, I present approaches to theoretical methoding based on effective medium approximations and homogenization theories that are in reasonable agreement with the experimental measurements. To demonstrate the practical use of these EGaIn-elastomer composites in dielectric applications, I briefly review three use cases. The first is a capacitive sensor with EGaIn electrodes that measures stretch as a function of change in capacitance. The second is a flexural dielectric elastomer actuator that shows a 80% improvement in blocking force compared to elastomers without EGaIn filler. In the third example, I present a dielectric energy harvesting system that generates significantly more electrostatic energy when EGaIn filler is added to the dielectric.
At What Point Do Wages Make Ends Meet? Investigating the Relationship Between Wages and Material Hardship in New York City:

Several states and local areas have increased the minimum wage in recent years, and we anticipate that many policymakers and advocates will be interested in evaluating the impacts that these increa...
The Faces of Islamophobia

The cases in this chapter describe instances of Islamophobia, some unintentional, that have occurred worldwide since 9/11, focusing on the U.S., Iraq, and Afghanistan. Islamophobia has taken a variety of forms, including discriminatory actions against Muslims living in the U.S., cultural insensitivity by U.S. soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq, and globally, anti-Muslim hate crimes ranging from interpersonal violence to mosque burnings. The mass media often makes matters worse through selective and biased reporting that further sways the American public against Muslims. The range of cases provides insight into what Islamophobia looks like in practice, how it occurs, and how the individual incidents add up to a larger cultural epidemic that threatens the U.S.’s ability to win the war of narratives against Islamic extremists. Given that the War on Terror is a war of narratives, widespread harassment and discrimination toward Muslims in the friendly and neutral majority can only hurt the U.S.’s position, enflaming further conflict between the Western and Muslim worlds. As a whole, the cases point to the potential of Islamophobia to drastically hinder U.S. counterterrorism efforts.
The Psychology of Shame: A Resilience Seminar for Medical Students

Introduction Shame is a powerful emotion that can cause emotional distress, impaired empathy, social isolation, and unprofessional behavior in medical learners. However, interventions to help learn...
Identification and prediction of developmental enhancers in sea urchin embryos

Abstract Background The transcription of developmental regulatory genes is often controlled by multiple cis-regulatory elements. The identification and functional characterization of distal regulatory elements remains challenging, even in tractable model organisms like sea urchins. Results We evaluate the use of chromatin accessibility, transcription and RNA Polymerase II for their ability to predict enhancer activity of genomic regions in sea urchin embryos. ATAC-seq, PRO-seq, and Pol II ChIP-seq from early and late blastula embryos are manually contrasted with experimental cis-regulatory analyses available in sea urchin embryos, with particular attention to common developmental regulatory elements known to have enhancer and silencer functions differentially deployed among embryonic territories. Using the three functional genomic data types, machine learning models are trained and tested to classify and quantitatively predict the enhancer activity of several hundred genomic regions previously validated with reporter constructs in vivo. Conclusions Overall, chromatin accessibility and transcription have substantial power for predicting enhancer activity. For promoter-overlapping cis-regulatory elements in particular, the distribution of Pol II is the best predictor of enhancer activity in blastula embryos. Furthermore, ATAC- and PRO-seq predictive value is stage dependent for the promoter-overlapping subset. This suggests that the sequence of regulatory mechanisms leading to transcriptional activation have distinct relevance at different levels of the developmental gene regulatory hierarchy deployed during embryogenesis.
Fire Following Earthquake—The Potential in Istanbul

Fire following earthquake is a little recognized risk in seismic regions with significant wood building inventories. Methods exist for quantifying this risk, and examples are provided in this chapter for San Francisco, Istanbul and Montreal. There are many opportunities for reducing this risk, and examples are provided regarding reducing fire station vulnerability and improving emergency firefighting water supply. Once accomplished however, vigilance is required to maintain these mitigation measures.
A Double Bind of Relational Care: Nurses’ Narratives of Caregiving at Work and at Home

Gender scholars emphasize that care work can be rewarding and quite taxing. Research suggests that neoliberal cuts to health care result in short staffing, higher patient loads, and increased work hours for nurses. Yet few studies ask nurses themselves about their work environments, including their lived experiences of relational care labor. Three themes emerge from in-depth interviews of 26 mothers in nursing jobs: lack of control over work hours, insufficient time for relational care on the job, and work stress complicating caregiving at home. In this sample, fewer than one-third of RN/LPNs have full control over their work schedules. While all respondents highly value their relational care work with patients, all but three report chronic understaffing in their jobs, which constrains relational care labor with patients. Understaffing, combined with long shifts and required overtime, creates job stress that also impinges on nurses’ relational care labor with their children. Thus, most nurses in this sample—particularly single mothers—experience a double bind of relational care. The paper concludes with the implications of these findings for the gender, care work, and work-family conflict literatures.
International Relations, Material and Military Power, and United States Immigration Policy: American Strategies to Utilize Foreigners for Geopolitical Strength, 1607 to 2012

What is the relationship between immigration and United States material and military interests? What policies and laws have American leaders devised to use immigrants for geopolitical strength? These questions are important because they shed light on historical and mechanistic facets of U.S. immigration policy and law, an important transnational or nontraditional security issue, and a pressing contemporary policy area for U.S. leaders. This article answers them by using International Relations (IR)/ Security Studies concepts and literature, primary sources such as private letters and legal statutes, and secondary works by historians, political demographers, and legal and migration scholars to detail connections between immigration and the material and military strength of a state. It identifies three primary ways America has at times enacted laws and policies to use immigrants for geopolitical strength since the seventeenth century, which are: (1) recruiting foreigners as laborers or soldiers for military assistance during conflict, and more generally, (2) boosting population, and (3) enhancing the skill set of the members of the polity for national strength during war and peace. The article concludes with research and policy implications of its findings, including an appeal for leaders to use more immigrants in the military and remain mindful of human rights when forming policy.
VET teachers continuing professional development—the responsibility of the school leader

Continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers in vocational education and training (VET) in Norway has largely been either the responsibility of each individual teacher or a by-product of ...
A Flavorful Composite Higgs Model : Connecting the B anomalies with the hierarchy problem

We present a model which connects the neutral current B anomalies with composite Higgs models. The model is based on the minimal fundamental composite Higgs model with $SU(4)/Sp(4)$ coset. The strong dynamics spontaneously break the symmetry and introduce five Nambu-Goldstone bosons. Four of them become the Standard Model Higgs doublet and the last one, corresponding to the broken local $U(1)'$ symmetry, is eaten by the gauge boson. This leads to an additional TeV-scale $Z'$ boson, which can explain the recent B anomalies. The experimental constraints and allowed parameter space are discussed in detail.
Incidentally discovered dural arteriovenous fistula during middle meningeal artery embolization for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma.

Background The incidence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is increasing with population age and anticoagulant use. Embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) is an emerging, less invasive alternative to open surgery in treating this condition. Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a rare condition whose association with CSDH is not well understood. We present three cases with incidentally discovered DAVFs during MMA embolization for the treatment of CSDH that necessitated adjustments to initial treatment strategy. Case Descriptions We retrospectively reviewed all MMA embolizations performed for the treatment of CSDH beginning in 9/2019 to 11/2020. Imaging and hospital course of three cases of incidentally discovered DAVF, including patient demographics, clinical presentation, methods of treatment, imaging and outcome were assessed. Thirty MMA embolizations were performed as primary or adjunct treatment of CSDH. DAVF was discovered angiographically in 3 (10%) cases. All patients reported a history of prior closed head injury, although the timing of injury and subdural blood product age did not correlate in 2 of the 3 cases. All subjects experienced complete symptomatic and radiographic resolution of the subdural hematoma and DAVF following intervention. Conclusion As MMA embolization for CSDH becomes more frequent, so may the incidental diagnosis of DAVF. Awareness of this potential association is critical to diagnosing DAVF with angiography and altering treatment strategies as needed.
Utilizing Disruption As An Opportunity: A Comparative Case Study On The Impact Of Covid-19 On Community Engagement Partnership Formation

This article will focus on the implications and creative possibility catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and reinvigorated racial justice movement on infrastructure that seeks to build transformational community-engaged teaching and research partnerships. Pulling from existing literature around critical service-learning and the wisdom of scholars from the Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) community, it will discuss the ways in which these lasting changes will propel both our institution’s structures for responsible community engagement forward, as well as inform the field’s focus on antiracist community engagement.
A 1Gbps–10 Gbps multi-standard auto-calibrated all digital phase interpolator in 14nm CMOS

A 1Gbps–10 Gbps all digital phase interpolator(PI) that auto-calibrates itself for process and voltage variation is designed. The phase interpolator can tune itself to any desired target frequency and is a unified solution for memory subsystems and high speed serial links. A novel solution to track temperature drift is also introduced. The proposed Phase Interpolator is immune to process retargeting which reduces design time and effort and is easily portable across process technologies. The PI is designed in Intel's latest digital process technology and gives a Differential Nonlinearity of 0.22 LSB at 10 Gbps PCIE frequencies while consuming only 2mW power.
Rhodopsin and the retinal G-protein distinguish among G-protein beta gamma subunit forms.

The beta gamma subunits of G-proteins are composed of closely related beta 35 and beta 36 subunits tightly associated with diverse 6-10 kDa gamma subunits. We have developed a reconstitution assay using rhodopsin-catalyzed guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding to resolved alpha subunit of the retinal G-protein transducin (Gt alpha) to quantitate the activity of beta gamma proteins. Rhodopsin facilitates the exchange of GTP gamma S for GDP bound to Gt alpha beta gamma with a 60-fold higher apparent affinity than for Gt alpha alone. At limiting rhodopsin, G-protein-derived beta gamma subunits catalytically enhance the rate of GTP gamma S binding to resolved Gt alpha. The isolated beta gamma subunit of retinal G-protein (beta 1, gamma 1 genes) facilitates rhodopsin-catalyzed GTP gamma S exchange on Gt alpha in a concentration-dependent manner (K0.5 = 254 +/- 21 nM). Purified human placental beta 35 gamma, composed of beta 2 gene product and gamma-placenta protein (Evans, T., Fawzi, A., Fraser, E.D., Brown, L.M., and Northup, J.K. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 176-181), substitutes for Gt beta gamma reconstitution of rhodopsin with Gt alpha. However, human placental beta 35 gamma facilitates rhodopsin-catalyzed GTP gamma S exchange on Gt alpha with a higher apparent affinity than Gt beta gamma (K0.5 = 76 +/- 54 nM). As an alternative assay for these interactions, we have examined pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of the Gt alpha subunit which is markedly enhanced in rate by beta gamma subunits. Quantitative analyses of rates of pertussis modification reveal no differences in apparent affinity between Gt beta gamma and human placental beta 35 gamma (K0.5 values of 49 +/- 29 and 70 +/- 24 nM, respectively). Thus, the Gt alpha subunit alone does not distinguish among the beta gamma subunit forms. These results clearly show a high degree of functional homology among the beta 35 and beta 36 subunits of G-proteins for interaction with Gt alpha and rhodopsin, and establish a simple functional assay for the beta gamma subunits of G-proteins. Our data also suggest a specificity of recognition of beta gamma subunit forms which is dependent both on Gt alpha and rhodopsin. These results may indicate that the recently uncovered diversity in the expression of beta gamma subunit forms may complement the diversity of G alpha subunits in providing for specific receptor recognition of G-proteins.
Purification and Characterization of Glutamate Decarboxylase from Mouse Brain

Abstract Glutamate decarboxylase catalyzes the formation of γ-aminobutyric acid, an important inhibitory transmitter in invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems. Approximately 700-fold purification of the enzyme from mouse brain has been achieved by a combination of ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel filtration, calcium phosphate gel, and DEAE-Sephadex chromatography. The most highly purified preparation appeared to be monodisperse on high speed sedimentation equilibrium analysis and was found to have a partial specific volume, v, of 0.732 and a molecular weight of 85,000 ± 2,000. A single major protein band coincident with the enzyme activity was found with polyacrylamide gel. In addition, a faint band also was present. In tests with 20 naturally occurring amino acids and α-ketoglutarate the enzyme showed α-decarboxylation only with glutamate to a great extent; but it also catalyzed α-decarboxylation of aspartate to a slight extent. A sharp pH optimum at pH 7.0 has been observed. Km values of 0.7 mm and 0.05 µm were found for glutamate and pyridoxal phosphate, respectively. The enzyme was dissociated into two physically indistinguishable subunits with a molecular weight of 44,000 ± 2,000 in 6 m guanidine HCl containing 0.1 m β-mercaptoethanol.
Studies on the Mechanism of Fatty Acid Synthesis XXV. ON THE MECHANISM OF β-KETOACYL ACYL CARRIER PROTEIN REDUCTASE FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract Although highly purified preparations of β-ketoacyl acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase are obtained from extracts of Escherichia coli, purification is hampered by the enzyme's instability in dilute solution. An investigation of this phenomenon revealed that concentrations of TPNH and TPN+ below 1 mm and those of multivalent anions between 0.2 m and 1 m could protect the active form of the enzyme by binding to the protein and thereby stabilizing its active form. Enzyme inactivation occurred in two stages, the first being reversible by TPNH, TPN+, and multivalent anions, and the second being irreversible by these agents. In these studies potassium phosphate acted as an inhibitor of TPNH oxidation, while potassium chloride failed to alter the reaction rate, indicating that TPNH, TPN+, and phosphate may be bound to the same site (possibly the catalytic site) of the enzyme. From a comparative kinetic study with a number of model substrates, it was concluded that the substrate, acetoacetyl-ACP was bound to β-ketoacyl-ACP reductase through its protein moiety, the pantoyl residue of the 4'-phosphopantetheine prosthetic group, and the β-ketoester group. ACP was a competitive inhibitor of the reduction of acetoacetyl-ACP, acetoacetyl pantetheine and acetoacetyl-N-acetyl-cysteamine, emphasizing the importance of the ACP-protein-enzyme interaction for substrate binding and demonstrating the inaccessibility of the catalytic site for model substrates once the ACP-protein is bound to the enzyme. Since the enzyme reduced ethyl thiolacetoacetate and ethyl acetoacetate, we concluded that the cysteaminyl residue and the thioester linkage of the acetoacetyl substrate were not absolutely necessary for the substrate-enzyme binding. However, the absence of the cysteaminyl residue in the substrate significantly decreased the Vmax values. The fact that acetoacetyl-ACP in its enolate form would apparently not bind to the enzyme suggests that the keto form of the substrate is directly reduced in this reaction.
In Vivo Optical Imaging of Brain Function

Voltage-Sensitive and Calcium-Sensitive Dye Imaging on Activity: Examples from the Olfactory Bulb. Visualizing Adult Cortical Plasticity Using Intrinsic Signal Optical Imaging. Analysis Methods for Optical Imaging. Optical Imaging of Neural Activity in Sleep-Walking States. In Vivo Observations of Rapid Scattered Light Changes Associated with Electrical Events. Principles, Design, and Construction of a Two Photon Laser Scanning Microscope for In Vitro and In Vivo Brain Imaging. Intraoperative Optical Imaging. Non-Invasive Imaging of Cerebral Activation with Diffuse Optical Tomography. Fast Optical Signals: Principles, Methods, and Experimental Results.
Using variable reluctance sensors for differential odometer applications

Applying a variable reluctance sensor to a differential odometer application requires special considerations. Due to widespread use in anti-lock brake systems and the need for cost effective designs, variable reluctance sensors have advantages over more expensive active sensors. Unfortunately, both mechanical and electrical parameters can adversely affect the output of a variable reluctance sensor. The output signal varies with the rate of change of the flux, mechanical spacing and magnetic source variation. At low vehicle speeds the output signal, which is a function of the rate of change of the flux, tends to approach zero and signal-to-noise ratios become significant. Since changes in vehicle direction typically occur at lower speeds, differential odometers require good low speed performance. In addition to speed, differential odometers rely on two sensors, therefore sensor variation must also be compensated for. Consequently, using variable reluctance sensors to perform differential odometer calculations requires signal processing, special circuitry and pulse train processing to extract an acceptable level of information. This paper introduces a signal conditioning circuit that operates over a wide frequency and amplitude range. The output of the circuit can be connected to the input of a microprocessor. Passive components can be adjusted to work with different applications.
Attitudes and Beliefs About the Acceptability and Justness of Peer Victimization of Lesbian and Gay University Students

We evaluated the acceptability and justness of anti-lesbian and gay victimization among 473 undergraduates. Participants were assigned to one of four vignette conditions that described an individual being verbally victimized in a typical college setting. Each vignette varied by victim gender (male; female) and sexual orientation (lesbian/gay; heterosexual). Participants completed background questionnaires and a measure that assessed the acceptability of the actions described in the vignettes. Overall, victimization was rated as unacceptable regardless of the sexual orientation and gender of the victim. However, participants rated the victimization of lesbian and gay students as more harmful and unjust than victimization of heterosexual students. Although the acceptability of anti-lesbian and gay victimization was low, 3%-12% of participants rated anti-lesbian and gay victimization as slightly or completely acceptable and just. Given that victimization is associated with long-term negative outcomes, college administrators should consider interventions aimed at decreasing the acceptability of victimization among students.
Intragenic Deletions and Salivary Band Relationships in Drosophila

In the absence of assumptions pertaining to the organization and function of chromomeric DNA, the cytogenetic analysis of intragenic deletions that start at Notch and spread to the right or left of the locus suggests that the recombinational gene is bilaterally associated with salivary band 3C7. Either there are two genes resolved as a single cistron, or one must seek an alternative interpretation that allows some modicum of independent in the relationship between gene and band. Although we momentarily lean toward the hypothesis that gene and salivary band are separate entities on a binemic chromosome, alternative views can be devised, and the data must remain open to reinterpretation.—The recessive visible allele faswb behaves as a point mutant at the left end of the map and seems to be a deletion in the interval 3C6 to 7; we suspect some part of the band is missing. We have used the aberration in faswb as a cytological marker, isolated intragenic recombinants, and subjected them to examination. The analysis indicates that the chromosomal interchanges occurred to the right of 3C7.
Synthesis of a quinone-functionalized macrocyclic ligand and the intense fluorescence of its zinc complex

The redox-active quinone-functionalized macrocyclic ligand 1,4,14,17-tetrahydroxyhemiporphyrazine, H2hp(OH)4, has been synthesized and its zinc complex, [Zn{hp(OH)4}(py)], found to exhibit intense fluorescence.
IS SEX WORTH DYING FOR? Sentimental-Homicidal-Suicidal Violence in Theological Discourse of Sexuality

In theological discourse of sexuality, queer theory has often been regarded as an extension of the project of gay and lesbian liberation, when it actually challenges an organizing value of the entire discourse, because it challenges any ascription of ultimate value to “sex,” an imaginative formation of power relations. Rather than appeal to God to authorize the privileged status of sex, queer commentary suggests that theological writers should refuse assertions of the absolute importance of any particular formation of human imagination as a basis of relation between self and God. The goal is to recognize the violence—symbolized and real—that enforces the worth of certain imaginations of intelligibly sexed personal identity and stunts the formation of alternative imaginations of intelligible personal identity. Critical account of this violence as sentimental-homicidal-suicidal opens space to confess a theological discourse of personal identities that is entirely beyond sex.
A 4-Week Toxicity Study of Methionine in Male Rats

To examine 4-week toxicity of l-methionine (methionine), 5-week-old Fisher strain male rats were fed on diets containing 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.9, 2.7 (w/w) of added methionine. Although no deaths were recorded, the highest dose of methionine (2.7% [w/w] of diet) reduced food intake and significantly suppressed growth rate. Growth suppression was characterized by an increase in hemolysis, splenic, and hepatic accumulation of hemosiderin, hemolytic anemia, and promotion of hematopoiesis. Other changes observed in the highest methionine intake group were a decrease in white blood cell count, thymus atrophy, and histological abnormalities in the adrenal gland and testis. Small, but significant, growth suppression, accompanied by some minor changes in plasma biochemical parameters, was also seen in rats fed on a test diet containing 0.9% (w/w) of additional methionine. Thus, no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) and lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of diet-added methionine were determined at 0.3% and 0.9% (w/w), corresponding to 236 and 705 mg/kg/d body weight, respectively. Since the basal diet contained protein-bound methionine at 0.5% (w/w), NOAEL and LOAEL of total dietary methionine were estimated at 0.8% and 1.4% (w/w) of diet.
Relation of the repeatable battery for assessment of neuropsychological status to measures of daily functioning in dementia

In the present study were examined relations of scores on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (Randolph, 1998) with measures of daily functioning in a sample with dementia. Participants (N=66) with various forms of dementia were seen at a dementia diagnostic clinic. All participants were administered the battery as part of a larger battery of neuropsychological measures. The participants' functional status was assessed by their primary caregivers, who completed the Physical Self-maintenance Scale and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (Lawton & Brody, 1969) as part of a social work interview. Analysis indicated that the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, particularly the Attention, Visuospatial/Constructional, and Immediate Memory indices, strongly correlated with measures of daily functioning. These results were supported by multiple regression analyses showing the RBANS Attention and Immediate Memory indices as significant predictors of functional abilities. One may conclude the RBANS should be favorably considered in understanding the functional problems of probable dementing patients.
International environmental and occupational health: From individual scientists to networked science Hubs

For the past 16 years, the International Training and Research in Environmental and Occupational Health program (ITREOH) has supported projects that link U.S. academic scientists with scientists from low- and middle-income countries in diverse research and research training activities. Twenty-two projects of varied duration have conducted training to enhance the research capabilities of scientists at 75 institutions in 43 countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, and have built productive research relationships between these scientists and their U.S. partners. ITREOH investigators and their trainees have produced publications that have advanced basic sciences, developed methods, informed policy outcomes, and built institutional capacity. Today, the changing nature of the health sciences calls for a more strategic approach. Data-rich team science requires greater capacity for information technology and knowledge synthesis at the local institution. More robust systems for ethical review and administrative support are necessary to advance population-based research. Sustainability of institutional research capability depends on linkages to multiple national and international partners. In this context, the Fogarty International Center, the National Institute of Environmental Sciences and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, have reengineered the ITREOH program to support and catalyze a multi-national network of regional hubs for Global Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (GEOHealth). We anticipate that these networked science hubs will build upon previous investments by the ITREOH program and will serve to advance locally and internationally important health science, train and attract first-class scientists, and provide critical evidence to guide policy discussions.
Renaturation of bacteriophage φX174 DNA-RNA hybrid: RNA length effect and nucleation rate constant

Abstract A one to one RNA-DNA hybrid was synthesized using bacteriophage φX174 DNA as a template for the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase system. The renaturation rate for the hybrid was found to vary as the square root of the molecular weight of the RNA. The RNA molecular weights were determined using a standardized dimethylsulfoxide, cesium sulfate equilibrium density gradient. The optimum nucleation rate constant for the renaturation of the hybrid in 0.4 m -sodium chloride was found to be 1.3 × 105, as compared with to 1.7 × 105 for DNA renaturation.
Message in a bottle Telling stories in a digital world

Abstract In the 21st century, we have started to tell stories using computer-based tools. As with traditional storytelling, digital storytelling focuses on a specific topic, has characters, a setting and a plot, and contains a particular point of view. But, by incorporating images, audio narration, video clips and/or music alongside traditional text, we obtain a more dynamic story, which captivates learners and enhances their creativity as well as their English language skills. In this paper I shall present the experiences and outcomes I have reached with my first year students majoring in Journalism, after a semester dedicated to digital stories.