cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethanol Disrupts Hormone-Induced Calcium Signaling in Liver

Receptor-coupled phospholipase C (PLC) is an important target for the actions of ethanol. In the ex vivo perfused rat liver, concentrations of ethanol >100 mM were required to induce a rise in cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) suggesting that these responses may only occur after binge ethanol consumption. Conversely, pharmacologically achievable concentrations of ethanol (≤30 mM) decreased the frequency and magnitude of hormone-stimulated cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ oscillations and the parallel translocation of protein kinase C-β to the membrane. Ethanol also inhibited gap junction communication resulting in the loss of coordinated and spatially organized intercellular Ca2+ waves in hepatic lobules. Increasing the hormone concentration overcame the effects of ethanol on the frequency of Ca2+ oscillations and amplitude of the individual Ca2+ transients; however, the Ca2+ responses in the intact liver remained disorganized at the intercellular level, suggesting that gap junctions were still inhibited. Pretreating hepatocytes with an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor suppressed the effects of ethanol on hormone-induced Ca2+ increases, whereas inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase potentiated the inhibitory actions of ethanol, suggesting that acetaldehyde is the underlying mediator. Acute ethanol intoxication inhibited the rate of rise and the magnitude of hormone-stimulated production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), but had no effect on the size of Ca2+ spikes induced by photolysis of caged IP3. These findings suggest that ethanol inhibits PLC activity, but does not affect IP3 receptor function. We propose that by suppressing hormone-stimulated PLC activity, ethanol interferes with the dynamic modulation of [IP3] that is required to generate large, amplitude Ca2+ oscillations.
Impact of Propionic Acidemia on Brain Astrocytes

Propionic acidemia (PA) is an inborn error of metabolism (IEM) caused by mutations in the enzyme propionyl CoA carboxylase (PCC). It is characterized by the inability to break down branched chain amino acids and odd chain fatty acids, causing a buildup of toxic organic acids in blood. PA affects every organ in the body with particularly severe manifestations in the brain, like hyperammonemia, hypomyelination, seizures, cognitive impairments, optic nerve atrophy and autism spectrum disorders. Dietary management and liver transplantation have helped to ameliorate the acute expression of the disorder, but do not prevent the chronic toxicity that builds up in brain. Despite the severe brain manifestation of the disease, little is known about the mechanisms by which PA affects the nervous system. PCCA and PCCB, the two subunits required for a functional PCC enzyme, are both expressed not only in neurons but also in astrocytes. Using the two rodent genetic models of PA currently available, with mutations in PCCA, we have evaluated the involvement of astrocytes in the neuropathology of propionic acidemia. These mice exhibit cardiac pathology and hyperammonemia, similar to what is observed in patients with PA. We found that wild type (wt) astrocytes positively respond to treatment with L-Carnitine, a therapeutic approach commonly used in patients with PA, by improved survival and more efficient mitochondrial morphology. Transcriptome analysis from astrocytes derived from the wt or the mutant mice confirm that these astrocytes lack exons 3 and 4 like in the human mutations of PA. However, no other genes/exons were statistically significant with regards to differential expression between astrocytes derived from KO or from WT animals, suggesting that astrocytes in culture may be able to compensate the PCC deficiency. Histological analysis of neuronal and glial markers during brain development (TUJ1, MAP2 for neurons; nestin and Iba1 for glia) do not show significant alterations neither in distribution nor numbers of cells in the developing brain of the PCCA-/- mice. Analysis in the adult brain of mutant mice shows some variable degree of microgliosis but no indication of reactive astrocytes. No gross abnormalities were observed in cortex, hippocampus, striatum or cerebellum of adult brains of PCCA-/- mice, either. In summary, astrocytes from PCCA deficient mice show surprisingly little alterations both in vitro and in vivo. Our results evidence the need to further understand the effects of PA in brain cells to help develop potential new therapies that can preserve brain function in children affected by this devastating disease.
Mixed martial arts training improves social skills and lessens problem behaviors in boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Background Difficulties with social functioning are a defining core characteristic among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Fortunately, adaptive social skills can be acquired. Physical exercise has gained interest among researchers as a practical way to improve social functioning in children with ASD. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) intervention for improving social skills and lessening problematic social behaviors in school-aged boys with ASD. Method Thirty-four boys and girls (n = 28 boys, 6 girls) with ASD were randomly assigned to either a community-based MMA intervention or a Waitlist Control (WLC) condition. Randomization resulted in an intervention group of all boys. Assessments of child functioning were conducted pre- and post-intervention. The 26-session MMA intervention consisted of learning and practicing increasingly challenging motor movements in a structured class with ASD and typically-developing peers. The WLC group did not participate in any intervention between pre- and post-test. Measures of implementation fidelity were included. Results Results indicated significant interactions between group and predicted social functioning over time. Compared to the control group, parents of boys with ASD in the martial arts group reported significantly higher positive social behaviors and significantly lower negative social behaviors between pre- and post-test. Conclusions The results of this study increase our understanding of the benefits of martial arts training for boys with ASD within a community setting. Practical implications highlight the importance of providing a social component with physical exercise, helping to address the physical needs of children with ASD and perhaps conferring social benefits as well.
Stabilizing topological superfluidity of lattice fermions

Attractive interaction between spinless fermions in a two-dimensional lattice drives the formation of a topological superfluid. But the topological phase is dynamically unstable towards phase separation when the system has a high density of states and large interaction strength. This limits the critical temperature to an experimentally challenging regime where, for example, even ultracold atoms and molecules in optical lattices would struggle to realize the topological superfluid. We propose that the introduction of a weaker longer-range repulsion, in addition to the short-range attraction between lattice fermions, will suppress the phase separation instability. Taking the honeycomb lattice as an example, we use the unrestricted Hartree-Fock approximation to show that our proposal significantly enlarges the stable portion of the topological superfluid phase and increases the critical temperature by an order of magnitude. Our work opens a route to enhance the stability of topological superfluids by engineering interparticle interactions.
A lateralized model of the pain-depression dyad

Chronic pain and depression are two frequently co-occurring and debilitating conditions. Even though the former is treated as a physical affliction, and the latter as a mental illness, both disorders closely share neural substrates. Here, we review the association of pain with depression, especially when symptoms are lateralized on either side of the body. We also explore the overlapping regions in the forebrain implicated in these conditions. Finally, we synthesize these findings into a model, which addresses gaps in our understanding of comorbid pain and depression. Our lateralized pain-depression dyad model suggests that individuals diagnosed with depression should be closely monitored for pain symptoms in the left hemibody. Conversely, for patients in pain, with the exception of acute pain with a known source, referrals in today's pain centers for psychological evaluation should be part of standard practice, within the framework of an interdisciplinary approach to pain treatment.
334-OR: Sex Differences in Protein Phosphorylation in Insulin Resistance in Humans at the Cellular Level

Insulin resistance in muscle precedes and predicts type 2 diabetes in offspring of diabetic parents and is also observed in ~25% of the general population. However, whether these changes represent cell autonomous defects or are secondary to changes in circulating factors is unclear. To define possible cell autonomous determinants of insulin resistance, we have utilized induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) differentiated into myoblasts from 20 nondiabetic individuals - 10 insulin sensitive (I-Sen) and 10 insulin resistant (I-Res) as assessed using the steady-state plasma glucose approach. While there was no difference in the ability of the iPSCs to differentiate into myoblasts (iMyos), cells from I-Res individuals show impaired insulin signaling, decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, and glycogen synthase activity compared to iMyos from insulin sensitive individuals, indicating that these cells mirror in vitro the alterations seen in vivo. The global phosphoproteomic analysis using LC-MS/MS uncovered a large network of proteins whose phosphorylation was altered in association with insulin resistance, mostly outside the canonical insulin-signaling cascade. We also observed striking differences in the phosphoproteomic signature of iMyos derived from male versus female subjects. Analysis of the proteins involved reveals that male cells show enhanced phosphorylation of proteins associated with transcription, Rho GTPases, SUMOylation, mRNA splicing, and membrane trafficking, whereas females show a dominance of phosphorylation of proteins involved in the cell cycle, chromatin organization, gene expression, and protein ubiquitination. Taken together, these data demonstrate major alterations in cellular signaling underlying insulin resistance, even in the absence of diabetes, and provide evidence of a super-network of cell signaling differences in males and females that must be considered in understanding cellular regulation in health and disease. Disclosure N. Haider: None. J. Lebastchi: None. T. M. Batista: None. H. Pan: None. J. Dreyfuss: None. I. Carcamo-orive: None. J. Knowles: None. C. Kahn: Advisory Panel; Self; ERX Pharmaceuticals, Kaleido Biosciences, Inc., Consultant; Self; Flagship Pioneering, Sana/Cobalt.
Abstract 2884: Wnt11 dictates the patterns and latency of pulmonary micrometastatic disease in pancreatic cancer

Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a systemic disease characterized by early metastasis involving numerous pro-metastatic pathways. However, dominant drivers of early PDAC cell dissemination and metastasis remain poorly defined. The non-canonical Wnt-PCP pathway has been shown to promote cancer cell motility predominantly through Wnt ligand-mediated activation of frizzled receptors that result in cytoskeleton rearrangements. As one of these Wnt ligands, Wnt11, has been previously implicated in metastasis, we tested if Wnt11 significantly affects PDAC metastasis in vivo. Methods: LSL-KrasG12D/+, p53wmR172H/+, and p48-Cre alleles were crossed with and without a conditional Wnt11fl allele to generate cohorts of Wnt11 wildtype and knockout mice in the well-established KPC PDAC mouse model (KPwmC, n = 22; KPwmC-Wnt11fl/fl, n = 37). Both cohorts included mice with a conditional LSL-ROSA26-tdTomato reporter to identify and enumerate distant metastases. Mice were sacrificed when euthanasia criteria were met, and metastases were visualized via full organ fluorescence microscopy to identify tdTomato(+) signals. Liver and lung metastases were enumerated and measured through automated color range selection and manual counting. Metastases were classified by diameter as micrometastases ( Results: Primary pancreatic tumors from KPwmC and KPwmC-Wnt11fl/fl mice were similar in histologic appearance without gross alterations in peritumoral stroma. There were no differences in median overall survival between KPwmC and KPwmC-Wnt11fl/fl mice (185 vs. 193 days, p = 0.92). Pulmonary micrometastatic disease in mice Conclusions: Wnt11 affects the pattern and latency of early metastasis to the lung but does not affect any stage of hepatic metastasis. The role of Wnt11 in PDAC metastasis is context dependent and may be related to factors inherent in the pre-metastatic niche. Citation Format: Eileen C. Donovan, Bingbing Dai, Jenying Deng, Christian M. Siangco, Xinqun Li, Erika Y. Faraoni, Sylvia M. Evans, Michael P. Kim. Wnt11 dictates the patterns and latency of pulmonary micrometastatic disease in pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2884.
Peripheral viral challenge increases c-fos level in cerebral neurons.

Peripheral viral infection can substantially alter brain function. We have previously shown that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a viral mimetic, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (PIC), engenders hyperexcitability of cerebral neurons. Because neuronal activity is invariably associated with their expression of the Cfos gene, the present study was undertaken to determine whether PIC challenge also increases neuronal c-fos protein level. Female C57BL/6 mice were i.p. injected with PIC, and neuronal c-fos was analyzed in the motor cortex by immunohistochemistry. PIC challenge instigated a robust increase in the number of c-fos-positive neurons. This increase reached approximately tenfold over control at 24 h. Also, the c-fos staining intensity of individual neurons increased. AMG-487, a specific inhibitor of the chemokine receptor CXCR3, profoundly attenuated the accumulation of neuronal c-fos, indicating the activation of CXCL10/CXCR3 axis as the trigger of the process. Together, these results show that the accumulation of c-fos is a viable readout to assess the response of cerebral neurons to peripheral PIC challenge, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Viral recombination systems limit CRISPR-Cas targeting through the generation of escape mutations

CRISPR-Cas systems provide immunity to bacteria by programing Cas nucleases with RNA guides that recognize and cleave infecting viral genomes. Bacteria and their viruses each encode recombination systems that could repair the cleaved viral DNA. However, it is unknown whether and how these systems can affect CRISPR immunity. Bacteriophage λ uses the Red system (gam-exo-bet) to promote recombination between related phages. Here, we show that λ Red also mediates evasion of CRISPR-Cas targeting. Gam inhibits the host E. coli RecBCD recombination system, allowing recombination and repair of the cleaved DNA by phage Exo-Beta, which promotes the generation of mutations within the CRISPR target sequence. Red recombination is strikingly more efficient than the host's RecBCD-RecA in the production of large numbers of phages that escape CRISPR targeting. These results reveal a role for Red-like systems in the protection of bacteriophages against sequence-specific nucleases, which may facilitate their spread across viral genomes.
Differential Kinetics of Immune Responses Elicited by Covid-19 Vaccines.

Kinetics of Immune Response to Covid-19 Vaccines B-cell and T-cell responses were measured to assess the stability and duration of vaccine-induced immunity. Responses to BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 peak...
Grid-tied Two PV LLC Converter with Dual MPPT Algorithm based on the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Interface System (ANFIS)

This paper proposes a dual Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm using the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Interface System (ANFIS) to harvest maximum power from a grid-tied phase-shifted dual-input LLC converter. The algorithm can simultaneously extract maximum power from two Photovoltaic (PV) panels even under dynamic weather conditions and partial shading. The dual MPPT algorithm generates duty cycle and phase shift to regulate the power flow using combined pulse width modulation (PWM) and phase-shift modulation (PSM) techniques. Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) in all primary switches and Zero Current Switching (ZCS) in the secondary diodes are achieved over the entire range of input and load conditions. The proposed ANFIS model uses the LLC converter’s input-output data set for each PV panel to train the neural network while the fuzzy rules ensure the optimum output using membership functions. On the other hand, a grid controller maintains the fixed DC link as well as ensures grid power injection. Derivation of this dual-MPPT algorithm followed by the verification of the proposed closed-loop system is presented here.
A cross-sectional survey of the effect on emerging adults living with a depressed parent.

Accessible summary Emerging adults, or those between ages 18 and 25, are at increased risk for mental health problems as they transition into adult roles and relationships. These risks are magnified when a parent has suffered with depression during that emerging adult's upbringing. Studies examining children of depressed parents tend to focus on samples under the age of 18 when children have yet to develop abstract thinking (e.g. improved reasoning skills, greater understanding of life experiences) and have had less time to reflect on their own experience. It has been difficult to decipher the most important elements experienced by these children and the impact on emerging adult outcomes and most studies lack theory guiding the work. Some evidence suggests that they encounter a form of loss. This study is unique in that the retrospective experience of emerging adults who grew up with a depressed parent was examined using variables based on propositions from Ambiguous Loss Theory and the impact on current psychosocial well-being. Abstract A parent who is depressed is physically present, but may be psychologically absent, or different to their children. Changes in the parent–child relationship, feelings of loss, and increased stress can occur for the child. These factors can impair psychosocial well-being throughout the child's upbringing, and the effects might impact that child the most in their transition to adulthood. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine factors experienced while growing up with a depressed parent that might contribute to the current psychosocial well-being of emerging adults (individuals between the ages of 18 and 25) using ambiguous loss theory as a theoretical lens. A cross-sectional, correlational design with multiple regression analysis was used to examine relationships between emerging adults' (n = 120) perceptions of retrospective duration and understanding of parent's depression, caregiving, stress, social support, hope, and boundary ambiguity and current psychosocial well-being. Experiencing hope, stress, and then the length of parent's depression during their upbringing were the most predictive variables for emerging adult psychosocial well-being. Findings from this study will help mental health professionals better understand factors contributing to outcomes for this population. The knowledge to be gained is important for developing or refining age and developmentally appropriate interventions aimed at improving outcomes of adult children of depressed parents.
Marital quality and survivorship: slowed recovery for breast cancer patients in distressed relationships.

BACKGROUD: Although marital distress has been implicated in difficulties with adjustment to a breast cancer diagnosis, its long-term effects, especially on physical recovery, are unknown. METHODS: Longitudinal data from newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (N = 100) who were married or cohabiting were used. Patients were assessed after diagnosis and surgery (baseline) and then reassessed every 4 or 6 months for the next 5 years. Women in stable, distressed relationships (n = 28) were compared with those in stable, nondistressed relationships (n = 72). Stress, health behavior, and health outcomes were examined using mixed-effects modeling. RESULTS: Overall, marital distress was associated with slowed recovery trajectories and poor outcomes. At baseline, both groups had equivalent, high levels of stress, but diverged thereafter. Stress declined more slowly for the Distressed group, and by 5 years it remained significantly higher. Differential reductions in physical activity were also observed. With regard to health, the Distressed group was found to have a slower recovery in performance status and more symptoms/signs of illness and treatment side effects through 3 years. Finally, all the effects were observed above and beyond reductions occurring with depressive symptomatology, which was significantly higher in the Distressed group. CONCLUSIONS: Marital distress is not only associated with worse psychologic outcomes for breast cancer survivors, but poorer health and a steeper decline in physical activity. These novel data demonstrate recovery trajectories for breast cancer survivors to be constrained for those also coping with ongoing difficulties in their marriage. Cancer 2009. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Abstract 17388: Post-procedural Aortic Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aoritc Valve Implantation with Edwards SAPIEN Valve versus Medtronic CoreValve for Severe Aortic Stenosis: a Meta-analysis

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is performed using an Edwards SAPIEN valve (EV) or Medtronic CoreValve (CV) in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not a candidate for surgical aortic valve replacement. The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare post-procedural aortic regurgitation (AR) in patients who underwent TAVI using EV and CV. Methods: PubMed and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials were searched through May 2014. Twelve studies (n=3245) comparing TAVI procedure that used EV (n=1490) and CV (n=1755) were included. End point was post-procedural aortic valve regurgitation. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed and p<0.05 was considered as a level of significance. Results: The studies were homogeneous. AR grade 2 or more (moderate to severe) was significantly higher in CV group compared to EV group (OR: 2.25, CI: 1.72-2.95, p<0.00001) (Figure). AR grade 3 or more (severe) was not significantly different between two gro...
Why is software engineering so difficult

The development of computer software has taken on significant proportions in relation to other aspects of system development. As a result, overall system development efforts have become more difficult rather than easier in recent years. This weak link effect has done little to enhance the overall image of the field often called “software engineering.”
The Rise of the Security State

Over the past two decades, the Chinese domestic security apparatus has expanded dramatically. “Stability maintenance” operations have become a priority for local Chinese authorities. We argue that the birth of these trends dates to the early 1990s, when central Party authorities adopted new governance models that differed dramatically from those that of the 1980s. They increased the bureaucratic rank of public security chiefs within the Party apparatus, expanded the reach of the Party political-legal apparatus into a broader range of governance issues, and altered cadre evaluation standards to increase the sensitivity of local authorities to social protest. We show that the origin of these changes lies in a policy response to the developments of 1989-1991, namely the Tiananmen democracy movement and the collapse of Communist political systems in Eastern Europe. Over the past twenty years, these practices have flowered into an extensive stability maintenance apparatus, where local governance is increasingly oriented around the need to respond to social protest, whether through concession or repression. Chinese authorities now appear to be rethinking these developments, but the direction of reform remains unclear.
Mapping of the SecA·SecY and SecA·SecG Interfaces by Site-directed in Vivo Photocross-linking

The two major components of the Eubacteria Sec-dependent protein translocation system are the heterotrimeric channel-forming component SecYEG and its binding partner, the SecA ATPase nanomotor. Once bound to SecYEG, the preprotein substrate, and ATP, SecA undergoes ATP-hydrolytic cycles that drive the stepwise translocation of proteins. Although a previous site-directed in vivo photocross-linking study (Mori, H., and Ito, K. (2006) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 103, 16159–16164) elucidated residues of SecY needed for interaction with SecA, no reciprocal study for SecA protein has been reported to date. In the present study we mapped residues of SecA that interact with SecY or SecG utilizing this approach. Our results show that distinct domains of SecA on two halves of the molecule interact with two corresponding SecY partners as well as with the central cytoplasmic domain of SecG. Our data support the in vivo relevance of the Thermotoga maritima SecA·SecYEG crystal structure that visualized SecYEG interaction for only one-half of SecA as well as previous studies indicating that SecA normally binds two molecules of SecYEG.
Sales Training in a Dynamic Market

Abstract The Singaporean hotel industry is examined, with particular emphasis on me differences between global and local sales force training. Empirical evidence indicates that there is a wide divergence between global and local practices. It appears that global firms perceive that sales training leads to greater sales force performance and view sales training as being part of their strategic marketing plan. Global firms also employ a more formal training curriculum, focus on “soft” competencies, and have an established training culture. Conversely, local firms rely upon “on-the-job training (OJT)” and appear not to understand that sales training programs can be a source of competitive advantage. Managerial implications and suggestions for future research are presented.
Letter by Gutierrez et al Regarding Article, “Differential Vascular Pathophysiologic Types of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stroke: A High-Resolution Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study”

We read with great interest the article by Ryoo et al.1 We concur with the authors that branch occlusive disease is an important mechanism of stroke typically attributed to small artery disease but pathologically closer to large artery disease. Brain arteries are unique in several aspects compared with systemic arteries because of their histology, the low-resistance flow pattern they carry, the presence of collateral flow through the Circle of Willis, and the ability of the brain to autoregulate the blood flow. All these features may affect the flow pattern and compensatory mechanisms of brain large arteries. Because of this uniqueness, it should not be assumed that brain arteries have similar responses to systemic arteries, and some of these assumed behaviors may require replication based on data from brain arteries. In this …
Wound healing in haemophilia – breaking the vicious cycle

Our group has been studying how haemostasis interacts with repair processes and also how to optimize treatment of bleeding disorders in a mouse model of haemophilia B. We have found that cutaneous wounds heal more slowly in haemophilic mice than in wild-type mice, and also exhibit histological abnormalities, even after closure of the skin defect. The haemophilic wounds showed reduced influx of inflammatory cells and increased angiogenesis. Even after surface closure, the haemophilic animals experienced repeated episodes of re-bleeding and progressive accumulation of iron in the wound bed and deeper tissues. A dose of replacement or bypassing therapy sufficient to establish initial haemostasis did not normalize wound healing. In fact, daily dosing for 7 days was required to normalize wound closure. Thus, normal healing requires adequate haemostatic function for an extended period of time. We have hypothesized that this is because angiogenesis during healing predisposes to bleeding, especially in the setting where haemostasis is impaired. Thus, normalizing haemostasis, until the process of angiogenesis has resolved, may be required to prevent re-bleeding and additional tissue damage.
Rats' activity: Influence of light-dark cycle, food presentation and deprivation

Abstract Environmental events such as light-dark cycle and schedule of food presentation are compared with internal stimuli of food deprivation as determinants of rats' locomotor activity. A new method is described for measuring locomotor activity concurrently with operant behavior. With food presentations at fixed intervals of either 120 sec or 24 hr, deprived rats displayed activity patterns characteristic of FI behavior, with increased activity only when food presentation was imminent. The similarity in effects of the 120 sec and 24 hr schedules suggests that physiological changes accompanying hunger are not responsible for the temporal activity pattern. Nondeprived rats displayed a similar pattern, suggesting the increase in activity was more related to the palatability of the food and to the probability of reinforcement than to effects of deprivation per se. The activity pattern was less pronounced when food presentation was contingent upon a lever-press. Lever-pressing rates and activity levels were lower in the light than in the dark. This difference was often more pronounced immediately before food presentation. The greatest output of activity was associated with the onset of the dark phase of the light-dark cycle, regardless of deprivation conditions. The importance of the test environment and similarities to adjunctive behavior are discussed.
On the thermo-mechanical behavior and hydrogen compatibility of 22-13-5 stainles steel

Abstract High energy rate forming (HERF) was used to study the thermo-mechanical behavior of 22-13-5 stainless steel. Tensile yield strengths in excess of 150 k.s.i. (1033 MPa) were achieved with 15% elongations. Tests comparing 21-6-9 stainless with 22-13-5 showed the strengthening response of the latter to be better. Tests to evaluate the hydrogen compatibility of 22-13-5 in the annealed and HERFed condition showed a lack of sensitivity to both external and internal hydrogen environments.
All-Semiconductor Plasmonic Nano-Antennas

We demonstrate a new type of infrared plasmonic antenna for long-wavelength nano-scale enhanced sensing. The plasmonic materials utilized are epitaxially-grown semiconductor engineered metals, which results in high-quality, low-loss infrared plasmonic metals with tunable optical properties.
The international strategy of state‐owned firms: An organizational process and politics perspective

This paper focuses on European government-controlled enterprises (GCEs) which are normal commercial undertakings (e.g. Renault, ENI, British Leyland, Salzgitter) as opposed to public monopolies (e.g. electric or telephone companies). It asks why such companies do or do not go international and what is distinctive about their international strategy and why.
Effect of Fluid Inertia on the Performance of Squeeze Film Damper Supported Rotors

Influence de l'inertie du fluide sur les performances d'un rotor monte sur des amortisseurs a film comprime
Site-to-site diffusion in proteins as observed by energy transfer and frequency-domain fluorometry

We report measurements of the site-to-site diffusion coefficients in proteins and model compounds, which were measured using time-dependent energy transfer and frequency-domain fluorometry. The possibility ofmeasuring these diffusion coefficients were shown from simulations, which demonstrate that donor (D)-to-acceptor (A) diffusion alters the donor frequency response, and that this effect is observable in the presence of a distribution of donor-to­ acceptor distances. For decay times typical of tryptophan fluorescence, the simulations indicate that D-A diffusion coefficients can be measured ranging from 10- 7 to 10- 5 cm 1 /s. This possibility was verified by studies ofa methylene­ chain linked D-A pair in solutions ofvarying viscosity. The D-A diffusion was also measured for two labeled peptides and two proteins, melittin and troponin I. In most cases we used global analysis of data sets obtained with varying amounts of collisional quenchers to vary the donor decay time. Unfolding of troponin I results in more rapid D-A diffusion, whereas for melittin more rapid diffusion was observed in the a-helical state but over a limited range of distances.
Phytosterol Stabilized Emulsions: Interpacial Complexation and Structural Investigations

AbstractMechanisms operative in phytosterol (Generol 122®) stabilized oil-in-water emulsions have been described by studying the behavior of Generol 122® in the presence of an amphoteric surfactant, Deriphat 160C® (sodium lauriminodipropionate). Interfacial intermolecular complexation of Generol 122® as cosurfactant with the amphoteric Deriphat 160C®, has been proposed from NMR and IR studies. Such association complexes appear to form liquid crystalline phases at the oil-water interfaces. A ternary phase diagram of Generol 122®:Deriphat 160C®:water was constructed and the presence of various liquid crystalline phases has been demonstrated.
Determination of ethyl glucuronide in urine using reversed-phase HPLC and pulsed electrochemical detection (Part II)

A direct, versatile method for the determination of ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a biomarker of ethanol consumption, in urine has been developed using reversed-phase liquid chromatography with pulsed electrochemical detection (PED). EtG and methyl glucuronide (MetG), which serves as an internal standard, are readily separated using a mobile phase consisting of 1% acetic acid/acetonitrile (98/2, v/v). Post-column addition of NaOH allows for the detection of all glucuronides using PED at a gold working electrode. Upon optimization, EtG was found to have a limit of detection of 0.03 μg/mL (7 pmol; 50 μL injection volume) and repeatability at the limit of quantitation of 1.7%R.S.D. (relative standard deviation). Solid-phase extraction (SPE) using an aminopropyl phase was used to remove interferents in urine samples prior to their analysis. Compound recovery following SPE was approximately 50 ± 2%. The forensic utility of this method was further validated by the analysis of 29 post-mortem urine specimens, whose results agreed strongly with certified determinations.
Heterogeneous pools of cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity in adrenal mitochondria from adrenocorticotropic hormone-treated rats: reconstitution of the isocitrate response with succinate and low concentrations of isocitrate.

Abstract Cholesterol side-chain cleavage in isolated adrenal mitochondria requires unique energy requirements that may determine not only electron transport to P450 but also cholesterol availability. In mitochondria from ACTH-treated rats, two approximately equal pools of reactive cholesterol are indicated by the partial effectiveness of succinate (SU; Type A), and the metabolism of residual cholesterol by 1 m m isocitrate (IC; Type B). Type A metabolism is associated with relatively few initial cholesterol-P450 scc complexes and is rapidly and selectively lost when mitochondria are preincubated without an energy source. We now show that cholesterol metabolism supported by IC resolves into equal high and low affinity components (EC 50 = 10 and 250 μ m ) exhibiting, respectively, Type A and Type B characteristics. SU and 50 μ m IC, in combination, provided nearly the same activity characteristics as 1 m m IC, including resistance to preincubation and increased turnover of cholesterol-P450 scc complexes. Much higher (three to six times) and more sustained pregnenolone formation was seen, with all reductants, following either enhancement of the reactive cholesterol pool or addition of 20-α-hydroxycholesterol, indicating that adrenocorticotropic hormone-mitochondria are limited by substrate availability. ATP generation was most effectively supported by SU, and IC was maximally active at 50 μ m , emphasizing differences between respiratory and steroidogenic energy requirements. ATP production and the maintenance of uniform suppression after in vivo cycloheximide treatment indicate the integrity of the mitochondrial interaction with all reductants. Inhibitors of SU oxidation (KCN, malonate) strongly inhibited SU-supported cholesterol metabolism but had little effect on SU synergism with IC. Fumarate (but not α-ketoglutarate or oxaloacetate) was equally effective as a synergist, but was totally ineffective as a reductant. SU or fumarate, therefore, act by a nonreductive pathway to boost NADPH production from low concentrations of IC. This decrease in apparent K m for IC may be mediated by stimulation of mitochondrial uptake of the reductant through the specific transporters.
Ground states of nuclei and neutron stars

Abstract We review a few of the recent developments in the many-body theory of nuclei and neutron stars. The successes and difficulties in understanding nuclear binding energies are discussed along with the importance of one-pion exchange and three-nucleon interactions. It is argued that nuclear many-body theory may be useful to study the observed 1.4M ⊙ neutron stars, and the problems in predicting detailed properties of neutron star matter are discussed. Finally we review some of the electron-nucleus scattering data that suggests that the magnitude of short-range correlations predicted by the theory is resonable.
The self in analysis

This paper develops a theoretical and clinical approach to the self which is non-essentialist and post-modern. Briefly, it offers a framework for theorizing Self based on hermeneutics and psychological constructivism. It then develops a critique of the essentialist Jungian theory of Self in which the Self is frequently described as a human subject with views, intentions and desires of its own. With this as background, a post-modern Jungian framework for Self is advanced, with a brief clinical account of the self in analysis.
Shell-type micromechanical oscillator

Shell-type micromechanical resonators operating in the radio frequency range were fabricated utilizing mechanical stress that is built into polysilicon thin films. A significant increase of the resonant frequency (compared to flat, plate-type resonators of the same size) and the rich variety of vibrating modes demonstrate great potential for 2.5-Dimensional MEMS structures. A finite curvature of the shell also provides a novel mechanism for driving resonators by coupling in plane stress with out of plane deflection. By modulating the intensity of a low power laser beam (P∼10μW) focused on the resonator we introduced a time-varying, in-plane, thermomechanical stress. This stress modulation resulted in experimentally observed, large amplitude, out-of-plane, vibrations for a dome-type resonator. A double laser beam experimental setup was constructed where mechanical motion of a shell-type resonator was actuated by a focused, modulated Ar + ion (blue) laser beam and detected by a red HeNe laser using an interferometric setup. A positive feedback loop was implemented by amplifying the red laser signal (related to the oscillator deflection) and using it to modulate the blue (driving) laser beam. Stable self-sustained vibrations were observed providing that the feedback gain was high enough. Employing a frequency selective amplifier in the feedback loop allowed excitation of different modes of vibrations. Fine frequency tuning was realized by adjusting the CW component of either lasers' intensity or a phase shift in the feedback loop. Frequency stability better than 1 ppm (10 -6 ) at 9 MHz was demonstrated for self-sustained vibrations for certain modes of the dome-shaped oscillators.
Characterization of NLRP12 during the development of allergic airway disease in mice.

Among the 22 members of the nucleotide binding-domain, leucine rich repeat-containing (NLR) family, less than half have been functionally characterized. Of those that have been well studied, most form caspase-1 activating inflammasomes. NLRP12 is a unique NLR that has been shown to attenuate inflammatory pathways in biochemical assays and mediate the lymph node homing of activated skin dendritic cells in contact hypersensitivity responses. Since the mechanism between these two important observations remains elusive, we further evaluated the contribution of NLRP12 to organ specific adaptive immune responses by focusing on the lung, which, like skin, is exposed to both exogenous and endogenous inflammatory agents. In models of allergic airway inflammation induced by either acute ovalbumin (OVA) exposure or chronic house dust mite (HDM) antigen exposure, Nlrp12−/− mice displayed subtle differences in eosinophil and monocyte infiltration into the airways. However, the overall development of allergic airway disease and airway function was not significantly altered by NLRP12 deficiency. Together, the combined data suggest that NLRP12 does not play a vital role in regulating Th2 driven airway inflammation using common model systems that are physiologically relevant to human disease. Thus, the allergic airway inflammation models described here should be appropriate for subsequent studies that seek to decipher the contribution of NLRP12 in mediating the host response to agents associated with asthma exacerbation.
A field experiment in aging services: opportunities and obstacles in the pursuit of internal and external validity

Abstract Researchers do not often have an opportunity to integrate a strong experimental design within a natural service-delivery setting. Funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Home Care Research Initiative made it possible to use a quasi-experimental design to test the effects of an intervention aimed to benefit community-residing elders within a publically-funded home care program. The intervention, which required collaboration among the state agency on aging, two independent home care agencies, and the research team, involved training case managers to distribute low-cost assistive equipment to home care clients with functional disabilities. One home care agency served as the experimental site, while the second agency, for which the intervention was delayed 6 months, served as the control site. The experiment was designed to maximize generalizability: It was mild and benign for both clients and agencies, was expected to unfold naturally, and required minimal data collection by program staff. Although adhering to the basic design, the project was compromised seriously by the manner in which it unfolded. Difficulties resulted from the lack of opportunity to perfect the service-delivery system before undertaking the experiment and from the inability to elicit full commitment to the project from the participating agencies. Based on experiences with the project, we offer several recommendations to design and implement field experiments to test the effectiveness of innovative services.
A travel-time model for a person-onboard order picking system

The design of an order picking system in a distribution center depends on several decisions, where a key decision is determining the optimal storage system configuration (the number, length, and height of the storage aisles). To make this decision, a throughput model that considers vertical, as well as horizontal, travel is needed. In this paper we extend prior research that considers horizontal travel for a given number and length of the storage aisles so that we are also able to consider the height of the aisles as well. Such a model will provide a more accurate estimate of the throughput of an order picker and it will also permit an examination of the tradeoff between the length and height of the aisles. The analytical model we develop to estimate throughput is based on probability models and order statistics results assuming random storage. It is intended for person-onboard order picking systems and we consider both Tchebychev and rectilinear travel. We illustrate the use of our travel-time model by incorporating it into a simple, cost-based optimization model to recommend the height of a one-pallet-deep storage system.
Doppler-Free Intermodulated Optogalvanic Spectroscopy

Intermodulated optogalvanic spectroscopy, a new method of Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy, is described. Preliminary values of 725\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4 MHz for the $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ $3^{3}D_{2}(F=\frac{3}{2})\ensuremath{-}3^{3}D_{1}(F=\frac{1}{2})$ hyperfine splitting, and of 5830\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6 MHz for the $3^{3}D_{1}(F=\frac{1}{2})\ensuremath{-}3^{3}D_{1}(F=\frac{3}{2})$ hyperfine splitting obtained using this method are reported. Intermodulated optogalvanic spectroscopy is limited in sensitivity only by shot noise in the direct current sustaining the discharge, and compares favorably in sensitivity with other Doppler-free methods.
Network analysis of gene fusions in human cancer

Background Gene fusions are hybrid genes formed when two discrete genes are incorrectly joined together. Gene fusions are found to play roles in tumorigenesis. For example, the fusion gene BCR-ABL translates into an abnormal tyrosine kinase that accelerates development of chronic myelogenous leukemia [1]. A network is a relational representation of nodes (e.g., genes) with edges, and is a useful approach to explore biological interactions among many related nodes. Network analysis of gene fusions in cancer would aid the exploration of gene fusion occurrence and association with tumorigenesis. Hoglund et al [2] performed an initial investigation of gene fusions network after collecting 291 tumorigenesis related gene fusions from the Mitelman database in 2006. Since then, gene fusion data has exponentially increased. There is no current and comprehensive cancer-related gene fusion network to assist in targeting cancer-associated genes.
Toward a social context theory of the human resource management-organization effectiveness relationship

Abstract Increasing evidence has been found in support of a relationship between human resources management (HRM) systems and organization effectiveness, which has emerged as an important body of work in the past decade. Noticeably absent has been sound theoretical development that explains how such HRM system effects operate. In an effort to address such theoretical limitations in the area, the present article proposes a social context conceptualization that incorporates culture, climate and political considerations to shed light on the intermediate linkages between HRM systems and organization effectiveness. Then, the proposed conceptualization is used to examine how the process dynamics involved with diversity objectives and initiatives might be associated with organization effectiveness. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Transport of acid phosphatase in normal and transected rat sciatic nerve.

Abstract Acid phosphatase accumulates at the severed ends of transected peripheral nerve or spinal cord. We examined the temporal sequence of enzyme accumulation from 1 to 14 days after transecting or applying colchicine to the rat sciatic nerve in order to ascertain whether or not this accumulation is related to axonal transport. Enzyme activity was observed in the proximal and distal stumps by 1 day after transection, and by 1 week activity in the proximal stump exceeded that in the distal stump. In some experiments, colchicine was applied to the nerve proximal to the site of nerve transection. This procedure resulted in an accumulation of acid phosphatase proximal to the site of drug application and not immediately proximal to the site of transection. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that bidirectional transport of acid phosphatase is a normal feature of peripheral nerves.