cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two decades of smoking cessation treatment research on smokers with depression: 1990-2010.

introduction: Adults with depression smoke at higher rates than other adults leaving a large segment of this population, who already incur increased health-related risks, vulnerable to the enormous harmful consequences of smoking. Yet, the impact that depression has on smoking cessation is not clear due to the mixed results of past research. The primary aims of this review were to synthesize the research examining the relationship of depression to smoking cessation outcomes over a 20-year period, to examine the gender and racial composition of these studies, and to identify directions for future research. Methods: Potential articles published between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2010 were identified through a MEDLINE search of the terms “clinical trial,” “depression,” and “smoking cessation.” 68 studies used all three terms and met the inclusion criteria. Results: The majority of studies examined either a past diagnosis of major depression or current depression symptoms. Within the few studies that examined the interaction of gender and depression on smoking cessation, depression had a greater impact on treatment outcomes for women than men. No study reported examining the interactive impact of race and depression on treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Although attention to the relationship of depression and smoking cessation outcomes has increased over the past 20 years, little information exists to inform a treatment approach for smokers with Current Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymia, and Minor Depression and few studies report gender and racial differences in the relationship of depression and smoking cessation outcomes, thus suggesting major areas for targeted research.
Patterns of embryo-sac organization, synergid degeneration and cotyledon orientation in Linum usitatissimum L.

The embryo sac of Linum usitatissimum consists, as in most angiosperms, of the egg, two synergids, central cell and antipodals. In Linum the embryo sac is strongly polarized in the longitudinal axis, but rotationally random relative to the vascular bundles of the ovule and ovary. Synergids designated right or left based on their orientation relative to the egg can be distinguished unambiguously if viewed from one pole of the embryo sac — in this case, the chalaza was used as the reference point. The synergid most likely to degenerate is the left (60%), proximal (52.3%) or septal-facing (52.7%) synergid. The volume and the surface area of the filiform apparatus of the left synergid is significantly smaller than that of the right synergid. Synergid-degeneration patterns varied between individual plants, indicating genetic control; however, the preference for the proximal and septal-facing synergid, although weak, indicates the possibility of some physiological influence. The cotyledons appear to assume bilateral symmetry with respect to the ovule only once endosperm digestion has begun. As the cotyledons grow, the embryo rotates to occupy the widest part of the embryo sac, thus imposing bilateral symmetry between the embryo and seed; prior to that time, the early and heart-shaped embryos are randomly oriented.
Endoscopic approaches to the cavernous sinus

Skull base tumors that involve the cavernous sinus (CS) present a challenge to the endoscopic surgeon. Most such lesions arise from sellar pathology that involves the medial wall of the CS, which can be accessed by a transsphenoidal transsellar approach. Tumors that arise primarily in the medial CS may be accessed via a transethmoidal transsphenoidal parasellar approach, which avoids the dissection of sellar contents but requires the removal of bone overlying the carotid artery. Involvement of the tumor in the lateral CS may be accessed by a transmaxillary transpterygoid approach in patients who wish to avoid a craniotomy and in whom radiosurgery is not an option. These tumors are associated with a greater risk of cranial nerve injury, including extraocular palsy. Important adjuncts to the endoscopic approach include angled instrumentation, neuronavigation, intraoperative Doppler and intrathecal fluorescein injection. Tumor extirpation from the CS and cytoreduction are realistic goals for the endoscopic surgeon in well-selected cases.
Stopping Cross Section of Low Atomic Number Materials for He+, 65–180 keV

Stopping cross sections for helium plus and low atomic number elements over energy range of 65 to 180 keV -nuclear physics
Innovation Across the Curriculum: Three Case Studies in Teaching Science and Engineering Communication

As is true for engineering communication programs nationwide, at MIT curricular and pedagogical reforms have been driven by changes in the kinds of problems that engineers solve and the associated skill sets that engineers must now have in communication and teamwork. This article presents three case studies from communication-intensive classes at MIT that intend to help students develop the advanced communication skills required of professional engineers today. Highlighting classes in biological engineering, aeronautics/astronautics engineering, and biomedical engineering, we explore the following questions: What does it mean for educational practice if professional communication competencies and tasks are the goals? How can students and technical faculty best create the conditions for students to learn to be skilled team members? How can engineering students move from mere display of data to making skilled visual arguments based on those data? The importance of helping students meet the target competencies of professional practice, of teaching effective teamwork and collaboration, and of teaching students to understand and argue with visual data are recognized as widespread needs, and these case studies attest to the possibilities and challenges in meeting those needs.
Multiple Forms of Spire-Actin Complexes and their Functional Consequences

Spire is a WH2 domain-containing actin nucleator essential for establishing an actin mesh during oogenesis. In vitro, in addition to nucleating filaments, Spire can sever them and sequester actin monomers. Understanding how Spire is capable of these disparate functions and which are physiologically relevant is an important goal. To study severing, we examined the effect of Drosophila Spire on preformed filaments in bulk and single filament assays. We observed rapid depolymerization of actin filaments by Spire, which we conclude is largely due to its sequestration activity and enhanced by its weak severing activity. We also studied the solution and crystal structures of Spire-actin complexes. We find structural and functional differences between constructs containing four WH2 domains (Spir-ABCD) and two WH2 domains (Spir-CD) that may provide insight into the mechanisms of nucleation and sequestration. Intriguingly, we observed lateral interactions between actin monomers associated with Spir-ABCD, suggesting that the structures built by these four tandem WH2 domains are more complex than originally imagined. Finally, we propose that Spire-actin mixtures contain both nuclei and sequestration structures.
Xenobiotic biotransforming enzymes in the central nervous system: an isoform of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO4) is expressed in rabbit brain.

Abstract The flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO, EC 1.14.13.8) is involved in the metabolism of a number of important xenobiotics including many which affect the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, reports in the literature concerning the amount, activity, location, and isozyme characteristics of this enzyme in the brain have presented conflicting evidence. In order to resolve some of the controversy surrounding FMO in the brain, a highly sensitive method for the detection of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) mRNA in whole brain was employed. A poorly conserved region of FMO transcripts was used to design five sets of oligonucleotide primers. Each primer set was specific for one of the five currently known isoforms of FMO. Four and five isoforms, respectively, are expressed in rabbit liver and kidney, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. However, only one set of primers amplified a specific rabbit brain cDNA fragment. The sequence of the amplification product affirmed its identity as a segment of FMO4 cDNA. Thus, the FMO of rabbit brain may consist of a single, as yet uncharacterized isozyme and, contrary to several recent reports, is likely to be expressed at low levels.
In the United States, negligible rates of zoonotic sarcocystosis occur in feral swine that, by contrast, frequently harbour infections with Sarcocystis miescheriana, a related parasite contracted from canids.

Transmission of pathogens between domestic and wild life animals plays an important role in epidemiology. Feral pig populations are increasing and expanding in the USA, and may constitute a risk to non-biosecure domestic pig facilities by serving as reservoirs for pathogens. We surveyed, for Sarcocystis infection, the myocardium of 1006 feral pigs (Sus scrofa) trapped or hunted in 29 states during the Comprehensive Feral Swine Disease Surveillance Program of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services unit during 2012–2014. Sarcocysts were detected in histological sections of 25% (251/1006) of myocardium with an average parasitic load/intensity of infection of 3·03 sarcocysts/section (1·5×0·7 cm), and higher prevalence of myocarditis in severe infections. Microscopic examination of pepsin digests of 147 hearts revealed a higher prevalence of Sarcocystis bradyzoites (49%, 72/147) than when diagnosed by histology. A fragment of Sarcocystis 18S rRNA was amplified and digested with a restriction endonuclease, revealing a pattern consistent with Sarcocystis miescheriana in all 44 selected samples. Sequencing 31 of these 44 isolates confirmed their correspondence to S. miescheriana. Thus, S. miescheriana infection, but not the zoonotic parasite Sarcocystis suihominis, appears to be prevalent and widespread in feral pigs in the USA.
Identification and Quantitation of Impurities in Dapsone Preparations

Abstract Chromatographic and fluorometric procedures were developed to isolate and quantitate small amounts of 2,4′‐diamino‐diphenyl sulfone and 4‐aminodiphenyl sulfone in pharmaceutical preparations of the antileprosy drug 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone (dapsone). Identification was accomplished by comparison with authentic compounds employing UV absorption, fluorometry, and mass spectrometry in addition to TLC and high‐pressure liquid chromatography.
ANG II and baroreflex control of heart rate in embryonic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

ANG II alters the short-term blood pressure buffering capacity of the baroreflex in many adult animals. In embryonic chickens, high plasma ANG II levels contribute to baseline mean arterial pressur...
Statistical Approach To Estimate Vaccinia-Specific Neutralizing Antibody Titers Using a High-Throughput Assay

Because of the bioterrorism threat posed by agents such as variola virus, considerable time, resources, and effort have been devoted to biodefense preparation. One avenue of this research has been the development of rapid, sensitive, high-throughput assays to validate immune responses to poxviruses. Here we describe the adaptation of a β-galactosidase reporter-based vaccinia virus neutralization assay to large-scale use in a study that included over 1,000 subjects. We also describe the statistical methods involved in analyzing the large quantity of data generated. The assay and its associated methods should prove useful tools in monitoring immune responses to next-generation smallpox vaccines, studying poxvirus immunity, and evaluating therapeutic agents such as vaccinia virus immune globulin.
Early prediction of proarrhythmic cardiotoxicity in the drug development process.

This editorial refers to ‘Simulation of multiple ion channel block provides improved early prediction of compounds' clinical torsadogenic risk’ by G.R. Mirams et al ., pp. 53–61, this issue. Drug-induced QT interval prolongation and the appearance of life-threatening Torsade de Pointes (TdP) arrhythmia are potential risks during treatment with a variety of drug compounds, including anti-arrhythmics and non-cardiovascular drugs.1–3 Because of this cardiotoxic side effect, a number of non-cardiovascular drugs have been withdrawn from the market, and the development of several compounds has been aborted in the late phases of the development programmes.2–6 The late detection of cardiotoxic side effects induced by compounds of pharmacological interest can significantly obstruct drug discovery and development projects and increase their cost. Consequently, it is desirable to identify the potential proarrhythmic cardiotoxicity of compounds at an early stage of drug development. In the majority of cases, drugs that prolong the QT interval preferentially inhibit the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current I Kr (or hERG, the α-subunit of I Kr channels). It is the major repolarizing current of the cardiac action potential that is exceptionally susceptible to blockade by many different compounds. Drugs that block I Kr prolong the action potential duration and …
Characterization of apoB, E receptor function in the luteinized ovary

Recent findings from this laboratory have led to the suggestion that the hormone-producing cells of the rat luteinized ovary in situ may obtain a large share of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol without actually internalizing the intact lipoprotein particles. We have shown that the lipoproteins are trapped at the surface of the luteal cells in a rich network of "microvillar channels" and have theorized that these channel membranes, with their large surface area for interacting with lipoprotein particles, may function in the cholesterol transfer process. In the current study, we try to establish what proportion of the human (h)LDL-cholesterol transfer in the in situ perfused tissue occurs by a classical apoB, E receptor-mediated process versus a surface extraction process. We examine the tissue for the presence of apoB, E receptors, and characterize the structural/functional interaction of hLDL with the apoB, E receptor utilizing a variety of modified hLDL particles as probes. Then, using nonmetabolizable radiolabels for both the protein and cholesteryl ester moieties of these LDL probes, we attempt to quantify the extent to which apoB, E receptors in the ovary contribute to the uptake of hLDL-cholesterol during steroidogenesis. Our experiments show that although the luteinized ovary contains apoB, E receptor protein, hLDL interacts with the tissue atypically. That is, despite modifications of LDL amino acid residues to prevent interaction with the apoB, E receptor, the modified ligands continue to contribute cholesterol for luteal cell internalization and/or steroidogenesis. We conclude, therefore, that in this tissue much of the LDL-cholesterol is not delivered by the apoB, E receptor pathway.
Research on the Diagnosis Method of Crop Pests and Diseases Based on the Heuristic Search

The diagnosis of crop diseases and insect pests depends on the position, pest apparent, and the impact of physiological biochemical and ecological factors, etc. , so it is difficult to meet the requirements for the credibility of solving goal by applying a conventional logic-reasoning model. On the basis of the analysis on pests and diseases with hierarchical structure, the fuzzy membership matrix for the characteristic elements of plant diseases and insect pests is established to execute means clustering for the disease description, and propose the diagnosis of crop diseases and insect pests based on heuristic and/or graph search, which will respond to the user's initial state-space by using diagnostic search tree and access to the tree structure of multiple symptoms that trigger the plant diseases and insect pests. Estimated function analysis shows that the model can carry out the inverse space search on the diagnosis of crop diseases and insect pests, provide different search paths for pest and disease symptoms of all the different costs (weights), and show strong diagnosis credibility.
Peripheral effects of FAAH deficiency on fuel and energy homeostasis: role of dysregulated lysine acetylation.

BACKGROUND FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase), primarily expressed in the liver, hydrolyzes the endocannabinoids fatty acid ethanolamides (FAA). Human FAAH gene mutations are associated with increased body weight and obesity. In our present study, using targeted metabolite and lipid profiling, and new global acetylome profiling methodologies, we examined the role of the liver on fuel and energy homeostasis in whole body FAAH(-/-) mice. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS FAAH(-/-) mice exhibit altered energy homeostasis demonstrated by decreased oxygen consumption (Indirect calorimetry). FAAH(-/-) mice are hyperinsulinemic and have adipose, skeletal and hepatic insulin resistance as indicated by stable isotope phenotyping (SIPHEN). Fed state skeletal muscle and liver triglyceride levels was increased 2-3 fold, while glycogen was decreased 42% and 57% respectively. Hepatic cholesterol synthesis was decreased 22% in FAAH(-/-) mice. Dysregulated hepatic FAAH(-/-) lysine acetylation was consistent with their metabolite profiling. Fasted to fed increases in hepatic FAAH(-/-) acetyl-CoA (85%, p<0.01) corresponded to similar increases in citrate levels (45%). Altered FAAH(-/-) mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (MDH2) acetylation, which can affect the malate aspartate shuttle, was consistent with our observation of a 25% decrease in fed malate and aspartate levels. Decreased fasted but not fed dihydroxyacetone-P and glycerol-3-P levels in FAAH(-/-) mice was consistent with a compensating contribution from decreased acetylation of fed FAAH(-/-) aldolase B. Fed FAAH(-/-) alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) acetylation was also decreased. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Whole body FAAH deletion contributes to a pre-diabetic phenotype by mechanisms resulting in impairment of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. FAAH(-/-) mice had altered hepatic lysine acetylation, the pattern sharing similarities with acetylation changes reported with chronic alcohol treatment. Dysregulated hepatic lysine acetylation seen with impaired FAA hydrolysis could support the liver's role in fostering the pre-diabetic state, and may reflect part of the mechanism underlying the hepatic effects of endocannabinoids in alcoholic liver disease mouse models.
Rewriting Near v. Minnesota: Creating a Complete Definition of Prior Restraint

The decision in Near v. Minnesota, while establishing the prior restraint doctrine as a critical element for First Amendment analysis, failed to give a definition of prior restraint. The result has been inconsistent and unpredictable application of the doctrine as well as diminished protection of free expression. This article takes the next critical step in the journey begun by Near v. Minnesota; it attempts to create a comprehensive definition of prior restraint using the principles of separation of powers. Because all three branches can create 'prior restraints,' the prevention of unconstitutional restraints will necessitate different safeguards depending on which branch of government is attempting to exercise the prior restraint. Fundamentally, the only governmental activity relating to speech permitted "prior" to communication is that of the legislature creating a general rule, that does not focus on the particular speaker or individual message. There is no role for either the executive branch or the judicial branch at the creation of a general rule; both are barred from taking action on expression before communication. With this structure in mind, a two-part definition for prior restraint can be articulated: (1) A prior restraint occurs whenever judges or executive branch personnel are authorized to take notice of specific expression intended for communication rather than that which has actually been communicated. (2) For those rare cases when the Constitution permits the regulation of expression before it is communicated [such as censorship of obscene films], a prior restraint also occurs if either (a) the judiciary can initiate enforcement or delimit the speech that is prohibited; or (b) the executive can make a final determination of illegality. Restrictions that do not threaten the separation of powers, such as judicial orders governing trial participants or executive branch contracts limiting speech by executive branch employees, should not be regarded as prior restraints. Similarly, taxes on speakers that do not require a particularized analysis of the content of expression should not be treated as a prior restraint. Finally, regulation of conduct or property rights should not be regarded as a prior restraint, even when expression is combined with the conduct (as in commercial speech) or the property right (as with copyrights). Of course, even though these should not be considered 'prior restraints', they are still governed by the First Amendment and may be struck down pursuant to other, more appropriate, forms of analysis.
On the Barlow-Yor inequalities for local time

An idea of Burkholder is used to give a simple proof of the Barlow-Yor martingale local time inequalities. Related inequalities are proved for some stable processes. See note at end.
Advanced Devices and Electronic Packaging for Harsh Environment

The paper addresses the challenges in electronic packaging for extreme environment based on experimental work of the researchers and conducted reliability testing to evaluate high speed devices suitable for these applications, substrates, die attach, wire bonding, and encapsulation and housing. In particular, the researcher's work has focused on SiC power devices with low loss high voltage Schottky diodes with significant applications, high temperature JFETs and SiC MOSFETs (double trench), and GaN microwave devices. The paper provides recommendations for selection of devices, substrates, die attach, and encapsulation and housing for these applications.
Migration enhancement by tuftsin of human mononuclear cells and its effect on the migration inhibition factor test with tumor antigens.

Abstract Tuftsin, a physiological tetrapeptide which stimulates the phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages, is found to enhance the migration of normal and sensitized human mononuclear cells. Furthermore, it abrogates the migration inhibition effect of human malignant melanoma antigen. This finding may represent a possible explanation for the unexpected migration enhancement often observed when the migration inhibition test is employed.
Systemic and placental α-klotho: Effects of preeclampsia in the last trimester of gestation

Abstract Introduction α-klotho is an anti-aging protein, potentially important in preeclampsia (PE). Produced by kidney, brain and placenta, and by mRNA splicing is both a full-length membrane-bound and a truncated soluble protein in the circulation. The membrane-bound protein is an obligate co-receptor for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and its action on receptor (FGFR), but ADAM proteinases also cause its shedding. The aims of this study were to investigate levels of maternal plasma, placental, and fetal membrane α-Klotho and their association with placental accelerated villous maturation (AVM) in PE. In addition, placental and membrane levels of ADAM17 and FGFR were measured in the same patients. Methods Maternal blood, placenta and fetal membranes from 61 women (31 with PE and 30 controls) between 32 and 40 weeks gestation were collected. Plasma α-klotho was measured by ELISA, and quantitative immunohistochemistry used for α-klotho, ADAM17 and FGFR1 in tissues. Placental AVM was histologically assessed. Results Maternal plasma levels of α-Klotho were higher in PE compared to controls (p = 0.01) and patients with the highest levels had significantly less AVM (p = 0.03). α-Klotho, ADAM17, and FGFR were all present in syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast of membranes. Between 32 and 40 weeks gestation, all placental levels decreased in controls respectively (p = 0.04, p = 0.004, p = 0.05), but not in PE. Fetal membrane levels were unchanged. Discussion Maternal plasma α-Klotho was increased in PE and its levels associated with reduced placental AVM. Changes in placental α-Klotho, ADAM17, and FGFR suggest their involvement in the pathophysiology of PE.
Evidence‐based dentistry: assessment to document progression to proficiency

Introduction The integration of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) into pre-doctoral dental curricula requires the identification of desired outcomes, development of curricular content and design of assessment strategies which guide student performance whilst documenting achievement of desired curricular outcomes. Models for developing EBD curriculums have been described in the literature; however, the logistics of designing assessment instruments to progressively document student performance have received less attention. The objective of this article is to describe the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry's development and implementation of assessment strategies to guide student learning of EBD knowledge, application and assimilation to serve as a model for other institutions developing EBD assessment protocols. Assessment Development Desired EBD knowledge and behaviour outcomes guided the development of curricular content and progressive formative and summative assessment strategies. Vertically and horizontally integrated educational activities enabling students to demonstrate EBD knowledge whilst modelling desired behaviours were identified, whilst assessment principles guided development of learning guides and assessment instruments to document achievement of desired outcomes. Consistent EBD language and educational activities are utilised throughout the 4-year interdisciplinary curriculum with stepwise assessment protocols matched to the curriculum. Examples of student learning guides and assessment instruments are provided. Summary Curricular design guides development of assessment strategies. Assessment protocols provide consistent formative and summative feedback to enable continuous student growth to become proficient EBD practitioners.
Facelift in the Body Contouring Patient

After massive weight loss (MWL), the patient’s face has more sagging skin than would be expected for the aging process alone. Accordingly, technique needs to include more skin resection than otherwise accustomed to. Facing the prospect of multiple operations, the body contouring patient with a sagging face should be offered an efficient, relatively low-cost facelift alternative. The Hurwitz variation of the MACs’ lift embraces the vertical superficial fascial lift modified by the use of double-armed barbed sutures that extend to the platysma muscle. The incisions are continued along the temple hairline and the mastoid scalp. Further incision extension to the lateral brow with increased undermining and skin excision and suspension results in substantial mid cheek elevation and reduces laxity in the lateral face, lateral canthus, and brow. This approach has been applied with success to over 300 patients over the past 2.5 years. A retrospective review, including an analysis of pre- and postoperative 3D imaging, demonstrates improve results with the extended vertical operation.
ANATOMY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF FACIAL AGING

The major forces responsible for facial aging include gravity, soft tissue maturation, skeletal remodeling, muscular facial activity, and solar changes. This article discusses the anatomy and pathophysiology of facial aging by defining the affects of the aging process on the skeletal structure, skin, and musculature. How these changes affect the upper, mid, and lower thirds of the aging face is then examined.
Gauge covariance of the fermion Schwinger–Dyson equation in QED

Abstract Any practical application of the Schwinger–Dyson equations to the study of n-point Green's functions in a strong coupling field theory requires truncations. In the case of QED, the gauge covariance, governed by the Landau–Khalatnikov–Fradkin transformations (LKFT), provides a unique constraint on such truncation. By using a spectral representation for the massive fermion propagator in QED, we are able to show that the constraints imposed by the LKFT are linear operations on the spectral densities. We formally define these group operations and show with a couple of examples how in practice they provide a straightforward way to test the gauge covariance of any viable truncation of the Schwinger–Dyson equation for the fermion 2-point function.
An influence of mesohabitat structures (pool, riffle, and run) and land-use pattern on the index of biological integrity in the Geum River watershed

Previous studies on the biological integrity on habitat and landuse patterns demonstrated ecological stream health in the view of regional or macrohabitat scale, thus ignored the mesoscale habitat patterns of pool, riffle, and runs in the stream health analysis. The objective of this study was to analyze influences on the mesohabitat structures of pool, riffle, and run reaches on the fish guilds and biological integrity in Geum-River Watershed. The mesohabitat structures of pool, riffle, and run reaches influenced the ecological stream health along with some close relations on the fish trophic and tolerance guilds. The mesoscale components altered chemical water quality such as nutrients (TN, TP) and BOD and these, then, determined the primary productions, based on the sestonic chlorophyll-a. The riffle-reach had good chemical conditions, but the pool-reach had nutrient enrichments. The riffle-reach had a predominance of insectivores, while the pool-reach has a predominance of omnivores. Also, the riffle-reach had high proportions of sensitive fish and insectivore fish, and the pool-reach had high proportions of tolerant species in the community composition. The intermediate fish species in tolerance and omnivorous fish species in the food linkage dominated the community in the watershed, and the sensitive and insectivorous fishes decreased rapidly with a degradation of the water quality. All the habitat patterns were largely determined by the land-use patterns in the watershed. Trophic guilds and tolerance guilds of fish were determined by land-use pattern and these determined the stream health, based on the Index of Biological Integrity. This study remarks the necessity to include additional variables to consider information provided by mesohabitats and land-use distributions within the selected stream stretch. Overall, our data suggest that land-use pattern and mesohabitat distribution are important factors to be considered for the trophic and tolerance fish compositions and chemical gradients as well as ecological stream health in the watershed.
Launching the era of gravitational-wave astrophysics

Gravitational waves were a prediction of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity in 1916. Einstein himself was rather pessimistic about the prospect of ever detecting them, perhaps justifiably, since their measurable effects are tiny. Indeed gravitational radiation from even the most promising sources, such as pairs of neutron stars or black holes colliding in nearby galaxies, were predicted to cause minuscule changes in spacetime here on the earth: gravitational wave strain — or change in length per length — of order 10−21.
Filtered Out: Disability Disclosure Practices in Online Dating Communities

In this work, we sought to understand the experiences and disability disclosure preferences of adults with and without disabilities who have dated online. Our 91 survey respondents expressed varying opinions about the need for potential partners to disclose disability status when online dating depending on the nature or perceived severity, with "visible" disabilities carrying a higher expectation of upfront disclosure than "invisible" disabilities. Many disabled respondents also described proactively disclosing as a technique to filter potential connections. Our findings suggest that individuals with disabilities must perform additional labor and navigate complex group norms in pursuit of personal connection. We advocate that the social computing research community consider how these processes are driven by both societal expectation and the constraints of online dating platforms. We then offer design considerations and open questions as a means to extend social computing study at the intersection of online dating and disability studies.
ISOZYME PATTERNS IN TISSUES OF TEMPERATURE-ACCLIMATED FISH

ABSTRACT. Lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase isozyme patterns from goldfish ( Carassius auratus L.) tissues were examined by starch gel electrophoresis. Electrophoretic analyses reveal no detectable qualitative or quantitative alterations in the isozyme patterns due to the effects of temperature acclimation at 5°, 15°, and 25°C. The only variations of LDH isozyme patterns observed were those attributable to genetic polymorphism and to the different isozyme patterns of white and red skeletal muscle fibers. Specific activity of LDH was similar for all acclimation temperatures. Various glycolytic and oxidative isozymes from green sunfish ( Lepomis cyanellus ) tissues were examined by starch gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometric activity analysis. No qualitative alterations were noted in the isozyme patterns due to the effects of temperature acclimation at 5° and 25°C although quantitative alterations were observed. Warm-acclimated sunfish display an increase in glycolytic enzymes (LDH, aldolase, phosphoglucomutase, G-3-PDH) and a decrease in an oxidative enzyme (MDH). Cold-acclimated sunfish display increased oxidative enzyme activity and decreased glycolytic enzyme activity. We conclude that qualitative isozyme alterations of these enzyme systems occur as a direct result of temperature acclimation only in trout, while other groups of fish show either quantitative alterations or no changes in isozyme patterns.
Wealth and Poverty: Christian Economic Thought

This chapter explores the vast tradition of Christian economic thought on the subject of wealth and poverty. This tradition includes the scripture of the Old and New Testaments, the writings of the early Church Fathers and the medieval Scholastics, the modern Papal encyclicals, and the opinions of contemporary Christian theologians and economists. The predominant Christian position on the subject is largely derivative of the stewardship view of wealth, and its implications with respect to property, poverty, and charity.
A continuing challenge: N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed syntheses of γ-butyrolactones

Catalytic, stereoselective N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed reactions facilitate efficient construction of many different heterocyclic compounds, such as the enantioenriched 5-membered (γ) lactones highlighted in this tutorial review. Herein, various strategies to enable formal [3+2] type annulations between electrophilic carbonyl equivalents and homoenolate nucleophiles for the synthesis of γ-lactones are summarized.
Tuning orb spider glycoprotein glue performance to habitat humidity

Orb-weaving spiders use adhesive threads to delay the escape of insects from their webs until the spiders can locate and subdue the insects. These viscous threads are spun as paired flagelliform axial fibers coated by a cylinder of solution derived from the aggregate glands. As low molecular mass compounds (LMMCs) in the aggregate solution attract atmospheric moisture, the enlarging cylinder becomes unstable and divides into droplets. Within each droplet an adhesive glycoprotein core condenses. The plasticity and axial line extensibility of the glycoproteins are maintained by hygroscopic LMMCs. These compounds cause droplet volume to track changes in humidity and glycoprotein viscosity to vary approximately 1000-fold over the course of a day. Natural selection has tuned the performance of glycoprotein cores to the humidity of a species' foraging environment by altering the composition of its LMMCs. Thus, species from low-humidity habits have more hygroscopic threads than those from humid forests. However, at their respective foraging humidities, these species' glycoproteins have remarkably similar viscosities, ensuring optimal droplet adhesion by balancing glycoprotein adhesion and cohesion. Optimal viscosity is also essential for integrating the adhesion force of multiple droplets. As force is transferred to a thread's support line, extending droplets draw it into a parabolic configuration, implementing a suspension bridge mechanism that sums the adhesive force generated over the thread span. Thus, viscous capture threads extend an orb spider's phenotype as a highly integrated complex of large proteins and small molecules that function as a self-assembling, highly tuned, environmentally responsive, adhesive biomaterial. Understanding the synergistic role of chemistry and design in spider adhesives, particularly the ability to stick in wet conditions, provides insight in designing synthetic adhesives for biomedical applications.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Tris(isopropylbenzimidazol-2-ylthio)methyl Zinc Complexes, [TitmPriBenz]ZnX: Modulation of Transannular Zn–C Interactions

Tris(1-isopropylbenzimidazol-2-ylthio)methane ([TitmPriBenz]H) is obtained by treatment of 1-isopropyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-thione with NaH followed by CHI3. The reaction of [TitmPriBenz]H with Me2Zn affords the zinc methyl complex [κ3-TitmPriBenz]ZnMe, which provides access to [TitmPriBenz]ZnOAr (Ar = p-C6H4Br), [κ3-TitmPriBenz]ZnH, {[TitmPriBenz]Zn}[HB(C6F5)3], {[TitmPriBenz]Zn}[MeB(C6F5)3], and {[TitmPriBenz]Zn}[BPh4]. X-ray diffraction demonstrates that the hydride and methyl complexes [κ3-TitmPriBenz]ZnH and [κ3-TitmPriBenz]ZnMe exhibit κ3 coordination of the [TitmPriBenz] ligand, whereas [TitmPriBenz]ZnOAr and {[TitmPriBenz]Zn}[HB(C6F5)3] exhibit κ4 coordination and adopt an atrane motif. The transannular Zn–C distances in [TitmPriBenz]ZnX (X = H, Me, OAr) and {[TitmPriBenz]Zn}+ span a range of 2.093(4)–2.367(2) A, with the shortest corresponding to {[TitmPriBenz]Zn}+ and the longest corresponding to [TitmPriBenz]ZnOAr. The variation is attributed to the Zn–C bond in four-coordinate {[Titm...
Structural Basis of Dopamine Receptor Activation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven transmembrane (TM) proteins representing the largest and most universally expressed cell surface receptors and are present in almost all species and in a wide variety of cells. Here we will focus our attention on the catecholamine-binding GPCRs and in particular on the dopamine receptors. The catecholamine-binding GPCRs form a group of rhodopsin-like GPCRs composed of adrenoceptors, which are endogenously activated by epinephrine and norepinephrine, and dopamine receptors. We review the different “molecular switches” involved in GPCR activation and we emphasize the importance of extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) in ligand binding. A better understanding of the functional role of ECL2 can be achieved after the release of the crystal structures of B2AR and rhodopsin, which are consistent with dopamine D2 receptor substituted cysteine accessibility method (SCAM) experimental data. Even though reconstituted GPCR monomers appear sufficient to activate a G protein, in the native setting their dimerization/oligomerization may modulate activation through changes at the dimerization interface or a larger-scale reorientation of the protomers. Therefore, the structural aspects of oligomerization and their importance for receptor activation and signaling are also addressed.
Amino Acid Sequence Evidence on the Phylogeny of Primates and Other Eutherians

The biomolecular approach to systematic and evolutionary biology is in a state of transition. Laboratories that had been determining the amino acid sequences of proteins are now caught up by the excitement of the new recombinant DNA gene cloning and sequencing technology. The possibilities for advancing knowledge in systematic and evolutionary biology by application of this new technology seem almost boundless. It is obvious that knowing the actual nucleotide sequences of genes, rather than having to infer them from the amino acid sequences of encoded proteins, allows more accurate data to be used in figuring out the genealogic relationships of organisms (see Hewett-Emmett et al., this volume, Chapter 9; also Scott and Smith, this volume, Chapter 8). During the transition, while laboratories engaged in studying molecular evolution are retooling in order to engage in nucleotide sequencing, it is worth preparing for the impending flood of these gene sequence data by taking stock of what has already been learned about phylogeny from the substantial body of amino acid sequence data. With that objective in mind, this chapter focuses attention on the phylogeny of the order Primates, both on the subbranching within the order and on the genealogic position of Primates within the subclass Eutheria as well as on the broader pattern of vertebrate branching. We will concentrate on these groups because more species are represented in them by amino acid sequence data than in any other eukaryotic branch.
High Energy Heavy-Ion Induced Desorption (Review)

Since the first studies on high-energy heavy-ion induced desorption were reported in 1974 [1], there has been not only considerable progress in the understanding of the mechanisms and utilization of the phenomenon of mass spectrometry but also a diversification of the general principles that has spawned “molecular” — SIMS [2], laser desorption [3] and fast atom bombardment [4]. What was for a few years a unique capability for 252Cf-plasma desorption (252Cf-PD) in the analysis of complex biomolecules is now being shared amongst these other techniques. There remain, however, some curious fundamental questions relating to mechanism and an extra incentive that in studying the dramatic action of a hundred megavolt heavy ion coursing through a matrix of biomolecules, one is observing a part of nature that is on the fringe of the fabric of accessible knowledge, that cannot be completely simulated by a million or a billion keV particles. While the source of these high-energy heavy ions was initially the fission fragments from 252Cf decay (252Cf-PD), this has now been expanded to include ion beams from nuclear accelerators that can give ions in the same mass and energy range as fission fragments [heavy-ion induced desorption (HIID)]. The added advantage is that the parameters relating to the incident ion can be controlled. Most of the fundamentals of the primary process have been obtained from these studies [5], [6].
High molecular weight kininogen peptides inhibit the formation of kallikrein on endothelial cell surfaces and subsequent urokinase-dependent plasmin formation.

A sequence of 31 amino acids (S565-K595) in domain 6 of the light chain of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) has previously been shown to be responsible for the binding of plasma prekallikrein (PK) or kallikrein. To find effective peptides that might block binding between HK and PK on cell surfaces, a new series of synthetic peptides has now been prepared that incorporates portions of this binding domain sequence. For mapping the minimal sequence within HK, these new peptides were tested for their ability to compete with HK for binding PK in a cell-free system and on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In the former, at pH 7.4, the kds for binding between kallikrein and either D567-K595, S565-P594, D567-S593, or D567-T591 were all similar to that for the binding of S565-K595 (0.2 to 0.4 μmol/L), but those for the binding of D568-K595, W569-K595, and D567-P589 were an order of magnitude greater (kd = 2 to 5 μmol/L). D567-S586, the shortest chain length of the N- and C-terminal truncation sequences tested, does not effectively compete with kininogen for kallikrein binding (kd = 100 μmol/L). These results imply that D567-T591, a 25-residue peptide (HK25c), contains sufficient structural information for binding kallikrein in solution. D567-T591 also is the minimum structural sequence to block binding of kallikrein to HUVEC-bound HK (IC50 = 50 nmol/L) and to inhibit PK activation to kallikrein on the cell surface (IC50 = 80 nmol/L). In addition, D567-T591 also inhibits the generation of kallikrein-activated urokinase, which activates plasminogen to plasmin (IC50 = 100 nmol/L). Thus, HK-derived peptides may be useful compounds for modulating excessive fibrinolysis and hypotension in sepsis and multiple trauma.
Epstein-Barr virus signal transduction and B-lymphocyte growth transformation.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that persistently infects its host for a lifetime through a strategy of growth transforming resting B-cells into continuously proliferating lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) while maintaining itself as an incomplete or “latent” virus in the infected cell nucleus. Immune surveillance is critical to maintaining this symbiosis as perturbations to T-cell immunity reveal the malignant potential of latent EBV-transformed B-cells. Epidemiological evidence further associates EBV infection with the development of other malignancies including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Genetic and biochemical analyses have revealed that five viral proteins are essential for transformation by commandeering signal transduction pathways or intervening in transcriptional control. Latent infection membrane protein 1 (LMP1), a principal effector of transformation signaling, is a constitutively active receptor that exploits the tumor necrosis factor receptor-signaling pathway. This chapter reviews current models regarding the molecular mechanisms through which LMP1 enables EBV to transform B-cell growth.
Endoscopic Injection Techniques for Vesicoureteral Reflux

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the retrograde flow of urine from the bladder to the upper urinary tract and is one of the most prevalent urologic diagnoses in children. Management options include observation with or without continuous antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical correction via endoscopic, open, or laparoscopic/robotic approaches. Surgical intervention may be necessary in children with persistent reflux, renal scarring, and recurrent febrile urinary tract infections or in cases of parental choice. Endoscopic treatment of VUR is an outpatient procedure and is associated with decreased morbidity compared to ureteral reimplantation. The classic subureteral Teflon injection (STING) technique is the most commonly described method and is now frequently referred to as subureteral transurethral injection. It involves injecting a bulking material below the ureteral orifice, providing tissue augmentation under the refluxing orifice thereby increasing the submucosal length of the ureter and creating a fixation point to enhance the valve mechanism. The concept of ureteral hydrodistention and intraluminal submucosal injection (hydrodistention implantation technique or HIT) has led to improved success rates in eliminating reflux. Modifications of the double HIT technique now include proximal and distal intraluminal injections that result in coaptation of both the ureteral tunnel and orifice.