cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo biodistribution of two [18F]-labelled muscarinic cholinergic receptor ligands: 2-[18F]- and 4-[18F]-fluorodexetimide

Abstract Two [ 18 F]-labelled analogues of the potent muscarinic cholinergic receptor (m-AChR) antagonist, dexetimide, were evaluated as potential ligands for imaging m-AChR by positron emission tomography (PET). Intravenous administration of both 2-[ 18 F]- or 4-[ 18 F]- fluorodexetimide resulted in high brain uptake of radioactivity in mice. High binding levels were observed in m-AChR rich areas, such as cortex and striatum, with low levels in the receptor-poor cerebellum. Uptake of radioactivity was saturable and could be blocked by pre-administration of dexetimide or atropine. Drugs with different sites of action were ineffective at blocking receptor binding. The results indicate that both radiotracers are promising candidates for use in PET studies.
Five systems concepts of society

Bunge's three “concepts of society” exemplify three types of systems philosophy. This article criticizes Bunge's analysis as minimally inadequate by expanding his range to five concepts of society which exemplify five kinds of systems philosophy: individualism, emergentism, organicism, structuralism, and holism. Emphasis is given to stages in the development of emergentism, including cybernetics (four stages), systems theory (eight stages), and holonism, and then to opposing structuralism (four examples). Organicism as a type of systems philosophy and concept of society is constructed by incorporating the constructive claims of both emergentism and structuralism and by overcoming oppositions to them systematically.
Beta-amyloid induces local neurite degeneration in cultured hippocampal neurons: evidence for neuritic apoptosis.

Abstract Many apoptotic insults, including β-amyloid, cause neuritic degeneration. The possibility that apoptotic insults act directly on neurites was investigated in experiments using compartmented cultures of hippocampal neurons. Neurites in modified Campenot chambers displayed morphological signs of degeneration, including beading or blebbing, when exposed to β-amyloid. At short time points neurite degeneration was limited to the distal portions of neurites directly exposed to β-amyloid. Furthermore, annexin V binding detected extracellular exposure of phosphatidylserine in portions of neurites directly exposed to apoptotic insults. Pretreatment of the cultures with zVAD-fmk blocked annexin V binding induced by β-amyloid and concanavalin A, suggesting that caspase activity was required. Caspase activation was also visualized in neurites locally exposed to apoptotic insults. Together these results show that apoptotic insults cause local neurite degeneration which displays morphological and biochemical characteristics of apoptosis and suggest that neurite degeneration may use mechanisms common to apoptosis.
Time-dependent changes in inaccessible memory

The present experiment examined whether forgetting of contextual attributes—the loss of discriminability of background stimulus features over time—also occurs when a memory remains inaccessible (amnestic) during the retention interval. To examine this issue, rats received an acute hypothermia treatment that caused reversible anterograde amnesia for a passive-avoidance task and were tested 1 or 7 days later in either the same or a different context. At the short retention interval, the subjects discriminated between the contexts, as evidenced by the finding that reversal of amnesia occurred only in the training context. However, at the 7-day interval, recovery of the avoidance response was induced in either context, reflecting the forgetting of differentiating characteristics. These findings indicate that inaccessible memory remains susceptible to processes of modification and distortion that typically influence intact memories.
Glutamine-, glutamine synthetase-, glutamate dehydrogenase- and pyruvate carboxylase-immunoreactivities in the rat dorsal root ganglion and peripheral nerve

Supporting glial cells of the peripheral nervous system include satellite cells of dorsal root ganglia and Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. In the central nervous system, glial cells contain enzymes related to the tricarboxylic acid and glutamine cycles: pyruvate carboxylase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and glutamine synthetase. The present study used immunohistochemistry in the rat peripheral nervous system to determine the cellular distribution of these enzymes along with glutamine. In dorsal root ganglia and peripheral nerves, glutamine and glutamine related enzymes were enriched in satellite and Schwann cells. In the dorsal root ganglia, immunoreactive satellite cells surrounded neurons of all sizes. In peripheral nerve, immunoreactive Schwann cells were most easily observed surrounding large diameter, myelinated axons. These Schwann cells contained immunoreactivity in their cell bodies, nodes of Ranvier, and the rim of cytoplasm outside the myelin sheath. Myelin sheaths were non-immunoreactive. The peripheral glial tricarboxylic and glutamine cycles may be used to produce glutamine for neuronal cell uptake and conversion to glutamate for synaptic transmission. Alternatively, these cycles may function in peripheral glia similar to central nervous system astrocytes for supporting the energy demands of neurons.
Small computers on campus

Small computers of all types are appearing on campuses, Many of them are programmed for applications that are not available on the larger UNIVAC or IBM computers.This paper discusses these new minicomputers and the ways they affect or may affect the operation of Computer Services at Arizona State University.
testing Sampson and Laub's life course theory: age, race/ethnicity, and drunkenness

This study examines racial/ethnic differences in drunkenness in early to middle adulthood, a period during which the literature suggests that heavy drinking patterns diverge markedly for Whites, African Americans,and Hispanics. Using the 1991 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse,a nationally representative sample of the household population in the United States, differences in past-year times drunk for 18- to 39-year-old Whites, African Americans, and Hispanics are explored. A test of Sampson and Laub's (1990, 1993) life course theory is conducted to examine whether racial/ethnic differences in frequency of drunkenness associated with age remain once adult socialbond measures are held constant. Although group differences in adult social bonds are evidenced, and such bonds are associated with fewer times drunk, the results indicate that the life course theory is unable to explain racial/ethnic differences in drunkenness associated with age. Whites' ''age out'' of drunkenness, while African Americans and...
Detection of miRNA expression in intact cells using activatable sensor oligonucleotides.

Summary We describe a technology for the profiling of miRNA expression in intact cells. The technology is based on sensor oligonucleotides that are cleavable, completely complementary to a target miRNA, and dual-labeled with a fluorescent dye and a quencher. Upon entering the cell, the sensor oligonucleotide binds its specific miRNA target through complementary base-pairing. This triggers assembly of the endogenous RNA Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) around the miRNA-sensor duplex and cleavage of the sensor oligonucleotide, resulting in separation between the dye and quencher, and a fluorescence turn-on. In the presented feasibility studies, we focus on a specific miRNA (miR-10b) implicated in breast cancer metastasis. Using a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line, we illustrate the application of this technology for miRNA detection with nanomolar sensitivity in both a cell-free system and intact cells.
Nα-(1-Deoxy-d-fructos-1-yl)-l-histidine (“d-Fructose-l-histidine”): a Potent Copper Chelator from Tomato Powder

Dried fruits and vegetables are known for their high content of d-fructose-amino acids, or Amadori compounds, which appear at the initial step of the Maillard reaction and may participate in redox reactions mediated by trace metals. In this study, we investigated complexation between Cu(II) and Nα-(1-deoxy-d-fructos-1-yl)-l-histidine (d-fructose-l-histidine, FruHis). The content of FruHis in two types of commercial tomato powders was estimated by GLC-MS, using single ion monitoring of trimethylsilylated FruHis hydroxyoximate, as 40 mg/100 g, whereas the concentration of free histidine in the powder samples was about 53 mg/100 g. The Cu(II)-binding ability of FruHis was studied along with structurally related molecules l-histidine, dipeptide l-carnosine, and Nα-(1-deoxy-d-fructos-1-yl)-l-arginine (FruArg) at 25 °C using pH-potentiometric titrations. Analysis of the titration curves showed that formation of Cu(II)−FruHis complex species occurs at pH values as low as 2 and that the complexes were redox stabl...
Seeking simplicity in search user interfaces

It is rare for a new user interface to break through and become successful, especially in information-intensive tasks like search, coming to consensus or building up knowledge. Most complex interfaces end up going unused. Often the successful solution lies in a previously unexplored part of the interface design space that is simple in a new way that works just right. In this talk I will give examples of such successes in the information-intensive interface design space, and attempt to provide stimulating ideas for future research directions.
Isolation and characterization of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the spectaclecase, Cumberlandia monodonta (Bivalvia: Margaritiferidae)

We isolated 29 microsatellite loci from Cumberlandia monodonta, a freshwater mussel species that has experienced population declines throughout its range. Seventeen loci were polymorphic, with 3–13 alleles, observed heterozygosity values of 0.375–1.00, and 38% of alleles found in more than one population. These loci should be useful for describing population genetic diversity, which will facilitate ongoing conservation efforts for C. monodonta.
Buyer perceptions of the purchase process and its effect on customer satisfaction

Abstract Industrial customer satisfaction is usually considered to be based upon the product's performance relative to expectations for those who participated in the purchase. Managers are concerned about customer satisfaction because of its expected effects on future purchases and word-of-mouth. This article presents the results of a study of customer satisfaction with both the product and the process by which it was chosen. Findings indicate that traditional perspectives concerning the effects of product satisfaction should be reconsidered. Implications for marketing managers include matching the selling process to the buying process in order to manage process satisfaction, a factor found to be related to future purchase participation.
Tectonic model for kimberlite emplacement in the Appalachian Plateau of Pennsylvania

The two known kimberlite intrusions in the Appalachian Plateau of Pennsylvania are spatially distributed along the extension of the Rome Trough at cross-structural lineament intersections. It is inferred that the down-to-the-east basement faults associated with the Rome Trough in Pennsylvania were reactivated by tensional forces during the reopening of the Atlantic Ocean during the Jurassic. Cross-structural lineaments defined by gravity, magnetic, structural, and LANDSAT data appear to be expressions of basement fractures. Areas of crustal weakness where these fractures intersect fault zones caused by rifting are likely sites of intrusions. This model of kimberlite intrusion can also be used to explain the location of the known New York kimberlites.
Distinctive polymorphism of chicken B-FI (major histocompatibility complex class I) molecules

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in chickens influences disease resistance, but the mechanism is not understood. In Leghorn lines, the MHC contains 2 closely-linked class I loci, B-FI and B-FIV. Previously, we determined nucleotide sequences of well-expressed class I (B-F) genes from unique MHC haplotypes of broiler chicken lines. More recently, we identified 7 new B-F alpha1alpha2-coding sequences from less well-expressed loci by amplification of genomic DNA from unique broiler haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of chicken MHC class I alpha1alpha2-coding sequences resolved 2 clusters (Groups A and B), which appear to correspond to B-FIV and B-FI loci, respectively. Compared with B-FIV locus, B-FI alleles were less polymorphic overall, but nevertheless demonstrated evidence of diversifying selection. The most striking feature of B-FI alleles is a conserved, locus-specific motif in the alpha helix of the alpha1 domain, a region that is highly variable in B-FIV alleles. This distinctive pattern of allelic polymorphism resembles that of the HLA-C class I locus in the human MHC (HLA). The conservation of the alpha helix of the alpha1 domain relates to HLA-C interaction with members of the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors on natural killer (NK) cells that are specific for recognition of HLA-C molecules and function to regulate activation of NK cells. Whereas HLA-C molecules may be dominant ligands for NK cell regulation, HLA-A and -B molecules are more important in presenting antigen to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We hypothesize that chicken B-FI molecules may be specialized to serve similar functions as HLA-C molecules.
Reduction and long-term immobilization of technetium by Fe(II) associated with clay mineral nontronite

Abstract 99 Tc is formed mostly during nuclear reactions and is released into the environment during weapons testing and inadvertent waste disposal. The long half-life, high environmental mobility (as Tc(VII)O 4 − ) and its possible uptake into the food chain cause 99 Tc to be a significant environmental contaminant. In this study, we evaluated the role of Fe(II) in biologically reduced clay mineral, nontronite (NAu-2), in reducing Tc(VII)O 4 − to poorly soluble Tc(IV) species as a function of pH and Fe(II) concentration. The rate of Tc(VII) reduction by Fe(II) in NAu-2 was higher at neutral pH (pH 7.0) than at acidic and basic pHs when Fe(II) concentration was low ( + -birnessite, it reoxidized previously reduced Tc(IV). Nitrate neither enhanced reduction of Tc(VII) nor promoted reoxidation of Tc(IV). Approximately 11% of Tc(IV) was oxidized by oxygen. The rate and extent of Tc(IV) reoxidation was found to strongly depend on the nature of the oxidants and concentration of Fe(II). When the same oxidants were added to aged Tc reduction products (mainly NAu-2 and TcO 2 •nH 2 O), the extent of Tc(IV) reoxidation decreased significantly relative to fresh Tc(IV) products. Increasing NAu-2 concentration also resulted in the decreased extent of Tc(IV) reoxidation. The results were attributed to the effect of NAu-2 aggregation that effectively retained Tc(IV) in the solid and decreased its vulnerability to reoxidation. Overall, our results implied that bioreduced clay minerals could play an important role in reducing Tc(VII) and in maintaining the long-term stability of reduced Tc(IV).
Formation of an amino-acid-binding pocket through adaptive zippering-up of a large DNA hairpin loop

Abstract Background: In vitro selection has identified DNA aptamers that target cofactors, amino acids, peptides and proteins. Structure determination of such ligand-DNA aptamer complexes should elucidate the details of adaptive DNA structural transitions, binding-pocket architectures and ligand recognition. We have determined the solution structure of the complex of a DNA aptamer containing a guanine-rich 18-residue hairpin loop that binds l-argininamide with ∼ 100μM affinity. Results: The DNA aptamer generates its l-argininamide-binding pocket by adaptive zippering up the 18-residue loop through formation of Watson-Crick pairs, mismatch pairs and base triples, while maximizing stacking interactions. Three of the four base triples involve minor-groove recognition through sheared G·A mismatch formation. The unique fold is also achieved through positioning of an adenine residue deep within the minor groove and through nestling of a smaller loop within the larger loop on complex formation. The accessibility to the unique l-argininamide-binding pocket is restricted by a base pair that bridges across one side of the major-groove-binding site. The guanidinium group of the bound l-argininamide aligns through intermolecular hydrogen-bond formation with the base edges of nonadjacent guanine and cytosine residues while being sandwiched between the planes of nonadjacent guanine residues. Conclusions: The available structures of l-arginine/l-argininamide bound to their DNA and RNA targets define the common principles and patterns associated with molecular recognition, as well as the diversity of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding alignments associated with the distinct binding pockets.
When religion becomes deviance: introducing religion in deviance and social problems courses

Sociologists have maintained an interest in fringe religion at least since the well-known research by John Lofland and Rodney Stark (1965) on the early years of the Unification church in this country. Fringe religions, often referred to as new religious movements (NRMs) or "cults," are a fascinating and theoretically insightful form of deviant behavior. The connection between religion and deviance has not been lost on sociologists, and there is an important literature that considers religion as deviant behavior (e.g., Brornley and Shupe 1993; Dawson 1996; Miller 1995; Neitz and Goldman 1995). For the most part, however, those who have studied deviant religions have identified themselves as sociologists of religion rather than as deviance theorists, and their books and articles have primarily been written for and read by sociologists of religion. As a result, sociologists discuss religion as deviance in sociology of religion courses but not in deviance courses or social problems courses. A review of the content of deviance journals and courses, in fact, revealed no religion articles in the journal Deviant Behavior from 1979 to 1994 (Bader, Becker, and Desmond 1996). Only one deviance textbook, furthermore, includes a chapter on the topic (Ward, Carter, and Perrin 1994). The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate just how logically and neatly the study of NRMs fits theoretical frameworks in the sociology of deviance and social problems, as well as to point deviance scholars and teachers to religion literature relevant to their courses. While some have suggested that religion should be discussed in deviance courses (e.g., Bader et al. 1996), and others have suggested that deviance courses should focus on deviant groups, including NRMs (Smith 1996), most teachers and scholars have paid little attention to how religion should be presented in a deviance course. This paper attempts to do just that.
Interaction of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP94 with peptide substrates is adenine nucleotide-independent

Abstract GRP94, the endoplasmic reticulum paralog of hsp90, has recently been identified as a peptide and adenine nucleotide-binding protein. To determine if adenine nucleotides directly contribute to the regulation of GRP94 peptide binding activity, an in vitro peptide binding assay was developed. Using purified GRP94, we observed specific, saturable, temperature-sensitive binding of the peptide VSV8, a known in vivo ligand. ATP was without effect on VSV8 binding to GRP94, whether present during or subsequent to peptide binding. To evaluate the interaction of GRP94 with adenine nucleotides, the ATP binding and hydrolysis activities were directly assayed. Only negligible binding of ATP to GRP94 was observed. In addition, analysis of the GRP94 adenine nucleotide content indicated that GRP94 did not copurify with bound adenine nucleotides. GRP94 preparations exhibited low ATPase and apparent autophosphorylation activities. Further purification, combined with inhibitor studies, indicated that both activities were the result of trace contamination (<0.1%) with casein kinase II. On the basis of these data, we propose that the peptide binding activity of GRP94 is adenine nucleotide-independent and that ATP binding and hydrolysis are not inherent properties of GRP94.
Modeling of density fluctuations in supersonic turbulent boundary layer

Introduction T guidance system for advanced high-speed missiles is a complex missile function. When considering optical system for operation at supersonic or hypersonic conditions, the mean and turbulence density profiles (i.e., the aero-optical effects) must be quantified for the designer. The mean density profiles will cause a shift of the focused spot image relative to the receiver, and the density fluctuations cause the focused image to become blurred. The mean density profiles can be determined from the the solution of the mean conservation equations couples with the equation of state. A method for determining the density fluctuation profile in a compressible, turbulent boundary layer is the subject of this Note. Previous aero-optical studies have dealt primarily with atmospheric effects on airborne coherent radiation systems. Other applications are reviewed in Ref. 2. This work considered subsonic to transonic compressible boundary-layer effects. Local density fluctuations were determined from thermal anemometry measurements. The flow was assumed adiabatic, and pressure fluctuations were neglected. The previous modeling' does not determine the local density fluctuations in supersonic boundary layers.
A study of the fluorometric method for phenylalanine in serum samples.

Abstract Modifications were made in the fluorometric technique for the determination of phenylalanine in serum. The reproducibility, stability, and sensitivity of the method were increased through (1) improvements in the acid and alkaline buffers, (2) the determination of the optimum concentrations of the dipeptide and ninhydrin, (3) decreasing the concentration of the trichloroacetic acid solution, (4) removal of impurities from the chemical reagents by the use of Millipore filters, and (5) the introduction of a second heating step after addition of the alkaline buffer.
The role of competitions in advancing intelligent systems: a practitioner's perspective

In recent years, the number of competitions in the robotic domain has increased tremendously. This growth is spurred by the appealing nature of robots, the flexibility that they afford in competition themes due to the practically unlimited applications, and by the recognition that competitions can yield advances in a technological domain that is immature. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has supported a variety of competitions to help stimulate innovation in certain critical technologies and capabilities needed in robotics. In this paper we present some general views of competitions and discuss the experiences NIST has had with robotics competitions as catalysts for advancing the state of intelligent systems. This paper is a lead-in to others in a special session organized at the 2010 Performance Metrics for Intelligent Systems (PerMIS) workshop that describe in more detail how competitions are used to advance intelligent systems.
The roles of transmembrane domain helix-III during rhodopsin photoactivation

Background Rhodopsin, the prototypic member of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), undergoes isomerization of 11-cis-retinal to all-trans-retinal upon photoactivation. Although the basic mechanism by which rhodopsin is activated is well understood, the roles of whole transmembrane (TM) helix-III during rhodopsin photoactivation in detail are not completely clear. Principal Findings We herein use single-cysteine mutagenesis technique to investigate conformational changes in TM helices of rhodopsin upon photoactivation. Specifically, we study changes in accessibility and reactivity of cysteine residues introduced into the TM helix-III of rhodopsin. Twenty-eight single-cysteine mutants of rhodopsin (P107C-R135C) were prepared after substitution of all natural cysteine residues (C140/C167/C185/C222/C264/C316) by alanine. The cysteine mutants were expressed in COS-1 cells and rhodopsin was purified after regeneration with 11-cis-retinal. Cysteine accessibility in these mutants was monitored by reaction with 4, 4′-dithiodipyridine (4-PDS) in the dark and after illumination. Most of the mutants except for T108C, G109C, E113C, I133C, and R135C showed no reaction in the dark. Wide variation in reactivity was observed among cysteines at different positions in the sequence 108–135 after photoactivation. In particular, cysteines at position 115, 119, 121, 129, 131, 132, and 135, facing 11-cis-retinal, reacted with 4-PDS faster than neighboring amino acids. The different reaction rates of mutants with 4-PDS after photoactivation suggest that the amino acids in different positions in helix-III are exposed to aqueous environment to varying degrees. Significance Accessibility data indicate that an aqueous/hydrophobic boundary in helix-III is near G109 and I133. The lack of reactivity in the dark and the accessibility of cysteine after photoactivation indicate an increase of water/4-PDS accessibility for certain cysteine-mutants at Helix-III during formation of Meta II. We conclude that photoactivation resulted in water-accessible at the chromophore-facing residues of Helix-III.
Interaction Effects in Multiple Regression

Multiple regression is widely used for the analysis of nonexperimental data by investigators in social work and social welfare. Most published studies test additive models in which the effects of each independent variable on the dependent variable are assumed to be constant across all levels of additional independent variables. Tests are seldom made for the presence of interacting or modifier effects. This article discusses the concept of interaction, the use of product terms to test for its presence, the problems of multicollinearity and nonlinear interaction effects and the proper use of subgroup analysis.
Isomeric meta-bridging of electron deficient aromatics. The reaction of trinitroanisole with 1,3-dicarbomethoxyacetone: An x-ray structural analysis of the product.

Abstract The reaction of 1,3-dicarbomethoxyacetone with trinitroanisole in the presence of triethylamine yields two isomeric bridged anions. The structural features of these products have been studied by both pmr and single crystal x-ray analysis, and the mechanisms by which they are formed are discussed.
Intravascular ultrasound predictors of target lesion revascularization after stenting of protected left main coronary artery stenoses.

We evaluated the predictors of late clinical outcomes after stenting of protected left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenoses. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided stenting of protected LMCA stenoses was performed in 87 consecutive patients between January 1994 and December 1996. Results were evaluated using conventional (clinical, angiographic, and IVUS) methodology. Late (12 month) clinical follow-up information was obtained in all patients. Initial procedural success was achieved in 86 patients (99%). There was 1 in-hospital death (in the 1 patient with a procedural failure). There were no other in-hospital complications, including Q-wave myocardial infarction, emergency bypass surgery, or repeat coronary angioplasty. The overall target lesion revascularization (TLR) rate was 13%. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictor of TLR was the postintervention lumen area by IVUS. A final lumen area ≥7.0 mm2 was obtained in 74 patients (86%); the TLR rate for these patients was 7%. This was compared with patients with a final lumen area <7.0 mm2 in whom the TLR rate was 50% (p = 0.0011). Stenting of protected LMCA stenoses is safe and effective with acceptable long-term clinical outcomes. The most important factor determining long-term success was the postintervention lumen area by IVUS.
What Research Tells Us About the Impact and Challenges of Smaller Learning Communities

In the United States, considerable financial and human resources have been devoted to breaking some large high schools into smaller learning communities (SLCs). This article reviews research that compares SLCs to comprehensive high schools on a variety of measures. Extant research neither supports nor refutes the promise of SLCs to improve academic achievement; however, research does suggest that SLCs can improve attendance, graduation rates, and students’ experience of high schools as supportive environments. The article also uses empirical research to identify three challenges SLCs must overcome if they are to improve academic achievement: focusing on instructional improvement, ensuring equity and rigor, and transcending school history.
Liver cirrhosis in Fontan patients does not affect 1-year post-heart transplant mortality or markers of liver function.

Purpose Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are increasingly recognized findings with long-term follow-up of patients undergoing the Fontan procedure. The impact of liver cirrhosis on the use of heart transplant (HT) therapy and post-HT outcomes is unknown. Methods and Materials We performed a single center retrospective review of Fontan patients evaluated for HT from 2004-2012, with routine use of hepatic CT imaging. Liver findings on CT were classified as normal, non-cirrhotic liver changes (mild to severe reticular pattern of enhancement ranging from peripheral to >50% involvement), or cirrhosis (irregular and nodular liver contour +/− segmental atrophy or caudate hypertrophy). The primary outcome was 1 year all-cause mortality and the secondary outcome differences in serial post-HT markers of liver function. Results CT imaging in 32 Fontan patients evaluated for HT revealed 20 (63%) with some evidence of liver disease, of which 13 (41%) had cirrhosis. Alternative therapies other than HT were pursued in 13 patients; including 2 patients not listed because of precancerous hepatic nodules (1) and irreversible hepatopulmonary syndrome (1). Analysis was performed on the 19 who underwent HT, including 5 with non-cirrhotic liver changes and 7 with cirrhosis. Characteristics at HT listing between normal or non-cirrhotic (NC, n=12) and cirrhosis (C, n=7) groups were similar, except C patients were older at listing (median 17.6 vs. 9.8 years, p=0.003) and more remote from Fontan (median 184 vs. 43 months, p figure 1 ] There was one late death at 15 months in the C group due to rejection. Liver biopsies were performed prior to listing in 7 patients who underwent HT and all showed architectural changes with bridging fibrosis on biopsy, including extensive (2) and diffuse (2). Conclusions Our study revealed a majority of Fontan patients had abnormal liver findings by CT imaging at HT evaluation, with frank cirrhosis in 41%. One year mortality and markers of liver function were similar in C and NC patients post-HT. Liver cirrhosis identified by CT imaging may not be an absolute contraindication to HT alone in this population. Further prospective research is needed to determine effects of liver cirrhosis on long-term outcomes.
RNA tumor virus DNA polymerase: Activity with exogenous primers

Abstract Studies were carried out in vitro to measure the primer preferences of the DNA polymerase activity released from detergent treated virions of Prague strain of Rous sarcoma virus and of avian myeloblastosis virus. Enzymes from these viruses will synthesize DNA in the presence of exogenous DNA primers. These primers could be “activated” by degradation with DNAase I but not by micrococcal nuclease or by sonic fragmentation, findings suggest a specificity of the viral polymerases for 3′ hydroxyl groups in the primer. Maximally activated DNA was found to be 6 S. The DNA product could not be separated from partially activated 15-S DNA primer by sedimentation velocity gradient even under alkaline conditions suggesting a covalent bond between primer and product. A value of V for DNA synthesis was extrapolated from Lineweaver-Burke plots of the rate of synthesis of DNA in the presence of increasing concentrations of maximally activated DNA primer. Values for V thus obtained were then compared with those for a variety of RNA and DNA primers as well as synthetic RNA · DNA hybrids. There appeared to be a preference for partially double stranded nucleic acids containing an excess of 3′ hydroxyl groups. Single stranded RNA and DNA primers were distinctly less active and native double stranded DNA was least active in stimulating DNA synthesis by the polymerases of RNA tumor viruses.
Influence of partial hepatectomy on the renal response to isotonic saline loads in conscious rats.

1. Isotonic saline loads equivalent to 10, 5, and 2.5% of body wt were administered intravenously to partially hepatectomized (PH) and to shamoperated (C), conscious male rats. Urine flow and excretion rates for sodium, potassium, and endogenous creatinine were determined before, during, and for five 30-min periods after the saline infusion. 2. The renal response to isotonic saline loads of 10 and 5% of body wt was not significantly altered by partial hepatectomy. 3. During loading to 2.5% of body wt and for all periods thereafter, sodium exeretion was significantly lower for the PH than for the C group while urine flow and potassium excretion were depressed for a shorter duration. Glomerular filtration rate and filtered sodium load were practically identical for the two groups while the tubular rejection fraction for sodium was significantly depressed in the PH group. Changes in hematocrit and plasma protein concentration, additional surgical trauma, blood loss in the excised portion of the liver, and excess aldosterone were ruled out as possible factors contributing to the depressed sodium excretion. 4. These experiments indicate that the degre of extracellular fluid volume expansion is an important factor in demonstrating an effect of partial hepatactomy on sodium excretion and suggest possible involvement of the liver in the enhanced natriuresis accompanying volume expansion.
Pheno2GRN: a workflow for phenotype to gene network study and reverse engineering comparison

While efforts have been made to both retrieve genes associated with a phenotype, and model gene regulatory networks (GRNs), no such progress has been made regarding the creation of GRNs from phenotype keywords and reverse engineered large-scale gene expression datasets, such as microarray data. In this work, we describe a Java web application called Pheno2GRN (available at http://jacksons.usd.edu/Pheno2GRN), which allows users to select a phenotype keyword and be presented with a visualization of the GRN associated with the phenotype. The GRN created from the phenotype can be compared with one reverse engineered from microarray datasets. Pheno2GRN also incorporates analytic tools for modeling phenotype gene intersections and gathers all results in a useful, downloadable reporting section.
Effect of nicotine and N'-nitrosonornicotine on rat lung and trachea ornithine decarboxylase activity

The exposure of rats to tobacco smoke was previously reported to cause an increase in lung and trachea ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity. In the present paper we test the effects of the tobacco-specific components nicotine and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) on lung and trachea ODC activity. In addition, a procedure for the synthesis of analytically pure NNN is described. NNN caused an increase in lung ODC activity 6 h and also 4 days after a single s.c. dose. NNN did not alter trachea ODC activity. A single s.c. dose of nicotine activated both lung and trachea ODC in a dose-response fashion. It is possible that the impact of these tobacco-specific agents upon respiratory tract polyamine biosynthesis could contribute to some of the multi-faceted effects associated with cigarette smoking.
Systematic study of the damping characteristics of shape memory alloys

A great deal of attention has been devoted to the adaptive structure and composite materials constituting shape memory alloys (SMAs), especially for suppressing vibration. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the damping characteristics and other mechanical properties of SMAs. This paper focuses on the dynamic properties of various SMAs including NiTi, Ti(Ni-15at%Pd), and Ni(Ti-20at%Hf) higher temperature SMAs which have been systematically studied using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. The elastic modulus and damping characteristics have been measured as a function of temperatures during cooling and heating processes for Ni-51.0at%Ti, Ti(Ni-15at%Pd), and Ni(Ti-20at%Hf) alloys. The influence of dynamic factors, such as vibration frequency, ramp rate, and amplitude, on the damping and elastic modulus were systematically studied for Ni-51.0at%Ti alloy. The thermoelastic damping in the vicinity of the forward and reverse transformation also are discussed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Changing Schools, Changing Counselors: A Qualitative Study of School Administrators' Conceptions of the School Counselor Role.

This qualitative study utilized a grounded theory methodology to assess the conceptions about the school counselor role held by 26 administrators employed in public elementary, middle, or high schools. The study was designed to build a deeper understanding of how school administrators conceptualized the school counselor role. Four distinctive role sets were found. They were differentiated in terms of primary work activities valued, extent of counselor-staff work role coordination, and type of specialized knowledge required. Findings suggest that there is a need for a more conscious development of counselor leadership skills and role expectations by counselors themselves and by counselor preparation programs.
Racial disparities in uncorrected and undercorrected refractive error in the United States.

Purpose. To identify risk factors for inadequately corrected refractive error in the United States.
Three-dimensional structure for the β2 adrenergic receptor protein based on computer modeling studies☆

Computer-aided model building techniques have been used to construct three-dimensional model structures for hamster β2 adrenergic receptor. Experimental data were used as constraints to guide the model building procedure, and a number of rather strict criteria were applied to assess the physical plausibility of model structures. We present details of our best model structure to date, which is consistent with a large body of experimental data. We also discuss in detail our model building procedures and evaluation criteria, which we believe may be of general utility in modeling projects.
Metamorphic InGaP on GaAs and GaP for wide-bandgap photovoltaic junctions

Metamorphic triple-junction solar cells can currently attain efficiencies as high as 41.1%. Using additional junctions could lead to efficiencies above 50%, but would require the development of a wide-bandgap (2.0–2.2 eV) material to act as the top layer. In this work we demonstrate wide-bandgap In y Ga 1−y P single junction solar cells grown on GaAs x P 1−x via solid source molecular beam epitaxy. Tensile GaAs x P 1−x buffers grown on GaAs exhibited asymmetric strain relaxation along with formation of faceted trenches, 100–300 nm deep running parallel to the [0–11] direction. Using smaller grading steps and higher substrate temperatures we minimized the faceted trench density and achieved symmetric strain relaxation. In comparison, compressively-strained graded GaAs x P 1−x buffers on GaP showed nearly-complete strain relaxation of the top layers and no evidence of trenches. We subsequently grew In y Ga 1−y P solar cells on the GaAs x P 1−x buffers. Photoluminescence and transmission electron microscopy measurements gave no indication of CuPt ordering. Finally, we fabricated wide-bandgap In y Ga 1−y P solar cells and obtained V oc as high as 1.42 V for In 0.39 Ga 0.61 P with E g =2.0 eV. Preliminary device results indicate that MBE-grown In y Ga 1−y P layers are promising candidates for future use as the top junction of a multijunction solar cell.
Nanofiber Membranes with Controllable Microwells and Structural Cues and Their Use in Forming Cell Microarrays and Neuronal Networks

There is a strong demand for cell culture substrates with arrayed microwells and controllable structural cues in many biological applications.[1,2] For example, such substrates are needed for fabricating cell microarrays to be used in high-throughput screening of a large number of test samples, and this approach is beneficial to drug screening, toxicology, stem cell research, and cell therapy.[3] Similarly, formation of neuronal networks could be studied in vitro through the use of arrayed microwells connected by structural cues, and this approach can be employed to examine synapse formation as well as the development and function of neuronal assemblies.[4,5] Most studies involving the formation of cell microarrays and neural networks have concentrated on the patterning of cell attractive or repulsive materials at pre-defined locations of a flat or contoured surface.[6] In general, the procedures are typically complex, costly, time-consuming, and require sophisticated techniques such as photolithography, e-beam writing, and focused ion beam (FIB) machining in order to generate the nanoscale structural cues.[7–10]
Democracy in Sri Lanka: past, present and future

(1993). Democracy in Sri Lanka: past, present and future. Asian Studies Review: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 107-116.
Petascale direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow on up to 786K cores

We present results of performance optimization for direct numerical simulation (DNS) of wall bounded turbulent flow (channel flow). DNS is a technique in which the fluid flow equations are solved without subgrid modeling. Of particular interest are high Reynolds number (Re) turbulent flows over walls, because of their importance in technological applications. Simulating high Re turbulence is a challenging computational problem, due to the high spatial and temporal resolution requirements. An optimized code was developed using spectral methods, the method of choice for turbulent flows. Optimization was performed to address three major issues: efficiency of banded matrix linear algebra, cache reuse and memory access, and communication for the global data transposes. Results show that performance is highly dependent on characteristics of the communication network, rather than singlecore performance. In our tests, it exhibits approximately 80% strong scaling parallel efficiency at 786K cores relative to performance on 65K cores.
Phonon-mediated indirect interactions between adatoms on surfaces: O adatoms on Si(100).

In an earlier paper, we presented a general treatment of the phonon-mediated interactions between adatoms on surfaces, based on a lattice-dynamics approach. There the interaction was expressed in terms of the vibrational correlation functions of the surface and the interactions of the adatom with the rigid surface. In the present paper, we give the results of model calculations for the interactions between O adatoms on the dimer sites of the Si(100) surface. The approach developed earlier for the vibrational properties of the Si(100) surface is used, and a model for the interactions of the O adatoms with the surface is obtained on the basis of recent total-energy results.
A hedonic price analysis of the outfitter market for trout fishing in the Rocky Mountain West.

Trout is the most popular sport fish in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico where fishing outfitters bring revenues to many rural economies. This article uses the hedonic pricing method on a monopolistically competitive outfitter market in those four states to examine angler values for trout fishing characteristics. A total of 1,685 fishing trip observations were collected from 198 outfitter websites during the 2009 fishing season. Vectors of variables describe states, trip characteristics, trout species, and river destinations. Descriptions were used to estimate marginal implicit prices for fishing characteristics. Anglers highly valued fishing in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado relative to New Mexico and fishing for only cutthroat trout as compared to brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout together. Anglers also preferred quality indicators such as trophy-size trout opportunities, blue ribbon stream designation, and private land access. Results are related to cutthroat trout conservation strategies and recent state legislative bills regarding stream access.
Overexpression of the human BCL-2 gene product results in growth enhancement of Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized B cells

The biological activity of the human BCL-2 gene product was analyzed in an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected human lymphoblastoid B-cell line transfected with BCL-2 sequences driven by the simian virus 40 promoter and enhancer. Overproduction of the BCL-2 protein conferred a selective growth advantage to the EBV-infected B cells as selective growth advantage to the EBV-infected B cells as compared with control transfectants in low-serum medium and also after seeding at limiting dilution but did not render the cells tumorigenic in athymic nude mice. This growth enhancement was also seen in cells transfected with the BCL-2 gene with its own promoter juxtaposed to the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene enhancer, which represents the translocated form of the BCL-2 gene observed in follicular lymphomas with the t(14;18) translocation. The growth advantage of EBV-infected B cells overproducing the BCL-2 protein is neither due to the enhanced growth factor production nor due to an enhanced sensitivity of the BCL-2 transfectants to interleukins 1 or 6, although both lymphokines are known to stimulate proliferation of EBV-infected B-cell lines. The growth advantage of EBV-infected B cells by overproduction of the BCL-2 protein suggests the direct involvement of the BCL-2 gene product in the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma.
Beyond the dollar

Abstract The international reserve regime based mainly on the US dollar has served the world well for decades, but it faces an uncertain future as the economic hegemony of the United States is increasingly challenged by the emergence of new economic powers. The regime is flawed fundamentally, moreover, because additions to the supply of the main reserve asset require the United States to run balance-of-payments deficits, which tend to undermine confidence in the dollar. This paper proposes a transformation of the reserve regime that would cause Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) issued by the International Monetary Fund to become the main reserve asset. An orderly transition would be achieved by creating a Substitution Account into which official holders of dollars could deposit them in exchange for SDRs.
The right angle: precise numerical orthogonality in eigenstates

Solutions of the Schrodinger equation that pertain to different energies are orthogonal by virtue of quantum dynamics. However, when we obtain such solutions numerically using library differential equation solvers, and when the inner product is defined by numerical quadrature, the result is not sufficiently orthogonal for certain purposes. This paper shows how to construct stable finite-difference schemes that preserve accurate numerical orthogonality of the solutions.