cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constructing an Environmental State: Eco-governmentality and other Transnational Practices of a ' Green' World Bank

This article contends that the debates on the effects of “ globalization” on states and state power could be enhanced by focusing on new global regulatory regimes for the environment, especially those that have recently been designed and operationalized by the World Bank in its borrowing countries. The article concentrates on both the changing structural relations within and among states, which has led to the construction of transnationalized environmental states, and the changing nature of the ‘ art of government,’ in the Foucauldian sense. I utilize the example of World Bank interventions in the Mekong region to demonstrate how these two new dimensions of power operate. Based on ethnographic research, I argue that the World Bank’ s latest actions effectively target resource-based populations, account for them and the qualities of their environments through new discourses of ecological improvement, and compel them to participate in the new neoliberal process of ecogovernment. The science of judging these populations’ needs and dee ciencies becomes critical to the World Bank’ s interventions and investments, and gets refracted through new environmental state institutions and foreign investments designed for borrowing countries. In this way, the art of eco-government circulates and expands through multiple sites of encounter (e.g., beyond and below the nation-state) and leads to new forms of capitalist expansion and new modalities of power/knowledge. In a 1996 report written by a prominent environmental organization for the World Bank sits a hand-drawn map of Lao People’ s Democratic Republic (Laos). This map does not demarcate the nation’ s capital, its towns or villages; the only cartographic markings are round,
A virus disease in Anopheles quadrimaculatus.

Abstract Free and occluded virus particles found in the cytoplasm of the midgut epithelial cells of second-instar larvae of Anopheles quadrimaculatus averaged 60 and 66 nm in diameter, respectively. Spherical crystals containing these particles averaged 133 nm in diameter while cuboidal crystals averaged 156 nm. The crystals showed a macromolecular paracrystalline lattice typical of polyhedral protein. In a few instances, the cuboidal crystals appeared to have coalesced to form larger crystals. The observations suggest that the free particles and their occluded forms may represent stages of a cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus.
Cell entry by Toxoplasma gondii: all paths do not lead to success

All intracellular evade non-oxidative pathogens must successfully killing within cells. The major non-oxidative microbicidal mechanism within nucleated cells is the lysosome. Since cellular lysosomes contain high concentrations of degradative enzymes and a pH of 4.5-5.0, organisms must circumvent these potentially destructive components. Three general strategies are described (reviewed in Hall and Joiner, 1991) by which intracellular pathogens evade destruction by lysosomal contents: 1) Residence within an intracellular vacuole which does not fuse with lysosomes ; 2) breakdown of the vacuolar membrane after cell entry and residence in the cytoplasm ; or 3) residence within phagolysosomes. Although the distinctions between these strategies are becoming progressively blurred as studies are reported on mechanisms for these events, they remain a useful paradigm for discussing intracellular parasitism.
C2H2 and PAH as soot growth reactants in premixed C2H4-air flames

The assumption that all of the soot mass growth in flames occurs by C 2 H 2 reaction with the soot particles is widely used in soot modeling, thereby taking no explicit account of published evidence that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important contributors to soot growth. In one of the most influential flame studies leading to the simple C 2 H 2 -soot mechanism, PAH concentrations were not measured but were assumed to be too low for these species to be significant in soot growth. The original basis for the C 2 H 2 -soot mechanism has been reassessed in the present study by measuring PAH concentrations in premixed C 2 H 4 -air flat flames used in the original study and by using the data to evaluate the contributions of both PAH-soot and C 2 H 2 -soot reactions in these flames. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were found in sufficient concentrations for their contribution to soot growth to be important. The observed mass growth rates of the total PAHs and soot are consistent with a simple mechanism in which both C 2 H 2 and PAHs react with soot and C 2 H 2 reacts with PAHs. The PAH-soot reaction occurs with a collision efficiency of order 5000 times large than that of the C 2 H 2 -soot reaction and contributes 95% or more of the soot mass growth. With fundamentally reasonable rate coefficients, this mechanism gives a faster route for conveying carbon from C 2 H 2 to soot than could be achieved with a direct C 2 H 2 -soot reaction. The relatively high PAH-soot reactivity presumably reflects the radical character of the reaction. PAHs with five-memberrings in their periphery, which are expected to contribute to the high reactivity, constitute an estimated 70% by mass of the identified PAHs.
Common mechanisms of inhibition for the Na+/glucose (hSGLT1) and Na+/Cl-/GABA (hGAT1) cotransporters.

1. Electrophysiological methods were used to investigate the interaction of inhibitors with the human Na(+)/glucose (hSGLT1) and Na(+)/Cl(-)/GABA (hGAT1) cotransporters. Inhibitor constants were estimated from both inhibition of substrate-dependent current and inhibitor-induced changes in cotransporter conformation. 2. The competitive, non-transported inhibitors are substrate derivatives with inhibition constants from 200 nM (phlorizin) to 17 mM (esculin) for hSGLT1, and 300 nM (SKF89976A) to 10 mM (baclofen) for hGAT1. At least for hSGLT1, values determined using either method were proportional over 5-orders of magnitude. 3. Correlation of inhibition to structure of the inhibitors resulted in a pharmacophore for glycoside binding to hSGLT1: the aglycone is coplanar with the pyranose ring, and binds to a hydrophobic/aromatic surface of at least 7x12A. Important hydrogen bond interactions occur at five positions bordering this surface. 4. In both hSGLT1 and hGAT1 the data suggests that there is a large, hydrophobic inhibitor binding site approximately 8A from the substrate binding site. This suggests an architectural similarity between hSGLT1 and hGAT1. There is also structural similarity between non-competitive and competitive inhibitors, e.g., phloretin is the aglycone of phlorizin (hSGLT1) and nortriptyline resembles SKF89976A without nipecotic acid (hGAT1). 5. Our studies establish that measurement of the effect of inhibitors on presteady state currents is a valid non-radioactive method for the determination of inhibitor binding constants. Furthermore, analysis of the presteady state currents provide novel insights into partial reactions of the transport cycle and mode of action of the inhibitors.
The Impact of On-campus Student Growth on First-year Student Engagement and Success

During the past two decades institutions of all types have sought to expand and enhance residential facilities. Institutional focus on scale, configuration, amenities, and academic integration has sought to leverage prior research documenting the multiple and often positive impacts of on-campus residence. Although institutional size has been documented to differentially impact student engagement [Kezar, A. J. (2006). NASPA Journal 43(1): 87–114], few studies, however, have directly explored the effect of residential expansion on student engagement. This study, based on a sample of 731 first-time freshmen explores NSSE results before and after the opening of a residential facility that doubled on-campus living at a single, metropolitan institution. Results indicate limited positive differences after opening, and suggest that structure, in the form of size, does not, in and of itself, contribute significantly to shifting engagement. Additionally, these results suggest an alternative method for using NSSE data in institutional analyses.
Corrección del ángulo intermetatarsiano del Hallux Valgus mediante anclajes de endo-botones de alambre

The 1st-2nd intermetatarsal angular component of the hallux valgus deformity can be corrected by an osteotomysparing technique using ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) braided suture (Fiberwire, Arthrex, Naples, FL) attached endo-buttons to reduce and maintain the correction. This paper will outline the surgical approach, advantages and post-operative care necessary to implement this technique.
μ - capture on C 12 and the tensor form factor

Recent experiments in nuclear beta decay have indicated a large tensor form factor in the decay B/sub 12/ ..-->.. C/sub 12/ + e/sup -/ + anti ..nu../sub l/. Elementary particle methods are use to study the implications of this result for the ..mu.. capture reaction ..mu../sup -/ + C/sub 12/ ..-->.. B/sub 12/ + ..nu../sub ..mu../. Agreement is hard to obtain unless the induced pseudoscalar is somewhat larger than its simple partial conservation of axial-vector current (PCAC) value. (AIP)
Consistent conjectures in monopolistic competition

Abstract Models of monopolistic competition, such as Dixit and Stiglitz, and Spence, typically assume firms take market variables as parametric. This conjectural variation corresponds to Chamberlin's ‘large group’ approximation, although these models need not have a large number of firms. The present note, following Perry, shows that consistent conjectures about the size and number of rivals can provide a more satisfactory basis for this assumption.
A simple and sensitive bioanalytical assay for simultaneous determination of omeprazole and its three major metabolites in human blood plasma using RP-HPLC after a simple liquid–liquid extraction procedure

A simple, sensitive and specific reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for the simultaneous quantitative determination of omeprazole and its three metabolites in human plasma was developed and validated. This method provides excellent chromatographic resolution and peak shape for the four components and the internal standard within a 17 min run time. The simple extraction method results in a clean base line and relatively high extraction efficiency. The method was validated over the range of 2-2000 ng/mL, with 2.0 ng/mL as the lower limit of quantification. Within- and between-day accuracies for five different concentrations ranged from 95 to 102%, and 95 to 114%, respectively. Within- and between-day precision ranged from 1.1 to 6.3% and 0.5 to 6.2%, respectively. Simplicity and high throughput make this method suitable for clinical pharmacokinetic studies.
Factors Associated with High Standards of Spelling in Years R‐4

This article is based on a discussion document written for all schools in Suffolk, England by the English advisory team. It resulted from a small-scale survey of nine schools where results for Nati...
2.4 angstrom crystal structure of an oxaliplatin 1,2-d(GpG) intrastrand cross-link in a DNA dodecamer duplex

(1R,2R-Diaminocyclohexane)oxalatoplatinum(II) (oxaliplatin) is a third-generation platinum anticancer compound that produces the same type of inter- and intrastrand DNA cross-links as cisplatin. In combination with 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin has been recently approved in Europe, Asia, and Latin America for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. We present here the crystal structure of an oxaliplatin adduct of a DNA dodecanucleotide duplex having the same sequence as that previously reported for cisplatin (Takahara, P. M.; Rosenzweig, A. C.; Frederick, C. A.; Lippard, S. J. Nature 1995, 377, 649−652). Pt-MAD data were used to solve this first X-ray structure of a platinated DNA duplex derived from an active platinum anticancer drug other than cisplatin. The overall geometry and crystal packing of the complex, refined to 2.4 A resolution, are similar to those of the cisplatin structure, despite the fact that the two molecules crystallize in different space groups. The platinum atom of the {Pt(R,R-D...
A Social Constructionist View of Issues Confronting First-Generation College Students.

Drawing on interviews with first-generation college students (FGS), the author argues that the students' culture affects college attendance and success. Although FGS often have a vocational perspective to college, the author found that they seek meaningful work with good pay. The author also suggests that good decision making, academic preparation, and a strong social network (family, friends, teachers, and others) play a crucial role in helping FGS adjust to college.
Two sensitive, convenient, and widely applicable assays for marker enzyme activities specific to endoplasmic reticulum

Two assay protocols are described for enzyme activities known to reside in the endoplasmic reticulum of a wide variety of species and tissue types, with the intent that they be used as marker enzyme assays in subcellular fractionations. The enzyme activities assayed are choline phosphotransferase and dolichol-P-mannosyl synthase, both of which result in synthesis of lipid products. The assays are constructed to make them easy to perform and sensitive enough to detect enzyme activity even using microgram quantities of cell protein. The assay methodologies are effective not only in vertebrate cells, but in insect cells and yeast cells as well. This implies that these assays should be useful as marker enzyme assays for a wide variety of eukaryotic cells.
Rising Cataract Surgery Rates: Demand and Supply

Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in many developed countries, providing significant, long-term, and cost-effective improvements in the quality of life for patients of all ages. Advances in cataract surgery techniques and technologies over the last decades have led to improved patient safety and better surgical outcomes, resulting in significant changes in the frequency with which cataract surgery is performed. Longitudinal, population-based data on cataract surgery rates in the United States are limited. In this issue, Klein et al provide timely, informative, population-based data on the changing incidence of cataract surgery in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, during the 20-year period when cataract surgery shifted from planned extracapsular cataract extraction to small-incision phacoemulsification. Klein et al report that the ageand sex-adjusted incidence of cataract surgery increased 6.5-fold between 1988-90 and 2008-10 (1.8% vs. 11.7%) in Beaver Dam residents aged 43 to 86 years. The greatest increases were seen in the most recent 5-year interval (between 2003-05 and 2008-10) in persons older than 65 years of age and in persons with a visual acuity better than 20/40 or without a clinically significant cataract as determined at an examination 5 years before cataract surgery. The strengths of this study include its population basis, 2 decades of cataract surgery incidence, a standardized assessment of cataract status and visual acuity, avoidance of inclusion and recall bias, and adjustment for multiple potential risk factors. Its limitations include a small cohort size (4926 residents), a lack of geographic and racial diversity (99% white), and the interpretation of preoperative cataract status and visual acuity based on measurements performed up to 5 years before cataract surgery. The World Health Organization has set a cataract surgery rate of 3000 per million people per year as the minimum necessary to eliminate cataract blindness. This rate is greatly exceeded in many developed countries (7000e11 000 per million persons), and surgery rates are steadily increasing. Increasing cataract surgery rates have been explained, in part, by an aging demographic structure, reduced thresholds of visual impairment as an indication for surgery, increased frequency of second eye surgery, and increasing expectations by patients for better vision. What can we learn from the Beaver Dam Eye Study? First, the rising cataract surgery rates observed in Beaver Dam also were seen during the same time period in other areas of the United States and in many developed countries, albeit of a significantly lesser magnitude. Across the Mississippi river and 220 miles to the west of Beaver Dam, population-based data from Olmsted County, Minnesota
New Approach to Tritium Leak Rate Determination

A method for determining leak rates (on the order of 1 × 10-17 cm3/sec and higher) from containers of tritium waste is described. Each container is sealed in a disposable can. After several days, the accumulated tritium is flushed from the can with compressed air through an ethylene-glycol bubbler where the HTO, but not the HT, is trapped. The output of the bubbler is channeled through a heated palladium catalyst where the HT is oxidized. The oxidized HT is collected in a second ethylene-glycol bubbler. The tritium collected in both bubblers is measured by liquid scintillation counting.
Environmental and sustainability ethics in supply chain management.

Environmentally Conscious Supply Chain Management (ECSCM) refers to the control exerted over all immediate and eventual environmental effects of products and processes associated with converting raw materials into final products. While much work has been done in this area, the focus has traditionally been on either: product recovery (recycling, remanufacturing, or re-use) or the product design function only (e.g., design for environment). Environmental considerations in manufacturing are often viewed as separate from traditional, value-added considerations. However, the case can be made that professional engineers have an ethical responsibility to consider the immediate and eventual environmental impacts of products and processes that they design and/or manage. This paper describes ECSCM as a component of engineering ethics, and highlights the major issues associated with ethical decision-making in supply chain management.
Regional and sexual distribution patterns of chromatin proteins and of soluble cytoplasmic proteins in the rat brain.

— Electrophoretic patterns of forebrain and hindbrain proteins were compared in normal adult rats of both sexes, as well as in adult female rats following neonatal androgenization. There were significant differences between the forebrains and hindbrains in the relative densities of several chromatin proteins and soluble cytoplasmic protein bands. Minor qualitative differences between forebrains and hindbrains were observed in patterns of chromatin proteins. No qualitative sex difference was detectable in the patterns of chromatin-derived proteins or in soluble cytoplasmic proteins. The relative densities of the brain protein bands were very similar for both sexes, indicating quantitative equivalence as well. The brain protein electrophoretic patterns of adult females following neonatal androgenization were identical qualitatively to those of normal females in respect to both chromatin and cytoplasmic proteins.
Is there a region of highly structured water around a nonpolar solute molecule

Published measurements of water proton chemical shifts for dilute solutions of alcohols and other hydrocarbon derivatives surprisingly seem to imply that hydrophobic groups enhance water structure near 0°C but disrupt it at elevated temperatures. A model is presented which allows these observations to be rationalized and is consistent with experimental values of enthalpies and heat capacities of solution of hydrocarbon gases. It requires the assumption that hydration-shell H-bonds have higher bond-breaking enthalpies and entropies than those in bulk water. These quantities are evaluated from available thermochemical data. Using the corresponding free energies of bond breaking, it is then calculated that the fraction of broken H-bonds is larger in the hydration shell than in the bulk liquid even at temperatures near the freezing point. The Model does not invoke formation of extended ordered regions that could be described as icebergs and that “melt” when the solutions are heated.
Dependence of cluster ion emission from uranium oxide surfaces on the charge state of the incident slow highly charged ion

The cluster ion yields and cluster ion distribution for highly charged ion sputtering have been measured for a uranium oxide target for Xe 44+ , Au 63;66;69+ and Th 75+ incident ions. The cluster yields exhibit a power law dependence on the cluster size with exponents increasing from 4 to 2:4 with increasing primary ion charge from 44+ to 75+. The power law exponent is also correlated with the total sputter yield.
Structural Basis for the Trembler-J Phenotype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Summary Mutations in peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) can result in the common peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTD). The Leu16Pro mutation in PMP22 results in misassembly of the protein, which causes the Trembler-J (TrJ) disease phenotype. Here we elucidate the structural defects present in a partially folded state of TrJ PMP22 that are decisive in promoting CMTD-causing misfolding. In this state, transmembrane helices 2–4 (TM2–4) form a molten globular bundle, while transmembrane helix 1 (TM1) is dissociated from this bundle. The TrJ mutation was seen to profoundly disrupt the TM1 helix, resulting in increased backbone dynamics and changes in the tertiary interactions of TM1 with the PMP22 TM2–4 core in the folded state. Consequently, TM1 undergoes enhanced dissociation from the other transmembrane segments in TrJ PMP22, becoming available for recognition and sequestration by protein-folding quality control, which leads to loss of function and toxic accumulation of aggregates that result in CMTD.
Wage and price controls in the equilibrium sequential search model

Abstract In this paper, we study the effects of wage and price controls on employment, output, and welfare in a simplified version of the Benabou (J. Econom. Theory 60 (1993) 140) equilibrium sequential search model with bilateral heterogeneity. We show that a price ceiling increases output but the change in welfare depends on three effects: the reduction in aggregate search costs, the increase in surplus due to increased output, and the transfer of production to the least efficient firm. The model is formally identical to a standard equilibrium search model of the labor market so analogous results hold for the minimum wage.
Statistical properties of intercalibration techniques that use empirical distribution functions

Techniques which use empirical distribution functions have been used successfully to intercalibrate detectors on the same instrument or channels on different instruments. In this paper the procedure is developed as a statistical technique for estimating a function. Since it is a statistical procedure, it is possible to use classical statistical techniques to evaluate the accuracy of the results. Confidence regions can be constructed for the estimated parameters. Given a required degree of accuracy it is possible to estimate the required sample sizes. Using hypotheses testing techniques questions about possible changes in the inter-calibration functions can be answered. The theory, which uses quantiles from the distributions of random variable, is outlined. The large-sample properties of the estimators of these quantiles are presented. The theory requires that the data be continuous. However, it is discrete. Preliminary simulation results indicate that the theory for continuous data can be applied to the discrete data with little loss of accuracy.
Current Approach to Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Based upon our experience with a cohort of 46 patients referred to the UCHSC from April, 1980 to April, 1987 for evaluation and treatment of PPH, we currently assess acute pulmonary vasoreactivity as defined by the patient's response to intravenous PGI 2 during the initial diagnostic catheterization. A 3 to 5 day trial of high dose oral diltiazem treatment (720 mg/day maximum) is given while monitoring the patient in the clinical research center to detect significant side effects including arrhythmias, orthostatic systemic hypotension, arterial desaturation, and worsened right ventricular dysfunction. We believe it is necessary to recatheterize each patient to establish the efficacy of calcium antagonist treatment prior to discharge. Those patients who are responsive to diltiazem are discharged and followed in our pulmonary hypertension clinic. Since an occasional patient will deteriorate after several weeks of therapy, repeat right heart catheterization after 8 weeks of treatment is used to determine which patients should be continued on diltiazem for chronic therapy. Approximately 30 percent of our patients with PPH have been improved on diltiazem treatment. Most patients who have a good response to treatment after eight weeks continue to benefit from longterm treatment. It appears that the response to an acute infusion of PGI 2 is useful in safely identifying those PPH patients who are likely to benefit from vasodilator therapy. Debilitated patients who are unresponsive to PGI 2 and vasodilator therapy are considered potential candidates for cardiopulmonary transplantation.
Developing a marker of exposure to xenoestrogen mixtures in human serum.

It has been hypothesized that environmental estrogens may play a role in the increasing incidence of breast cancer, testicular cancer, and other problems of the reproductive system. While a single ...
Enhancing nontechnical skills, knowledge, aptitudes, and attitudes in the veterinary profession through the work of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues.

JAVMA, Vol 230, No. 11, June 1, 2007 T National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) was formed in 2000 by the AVMA, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) in response to the findings of the 1999 KPMG study of which the executive summary (The current and future market for veterinarians and veterinary medical services in the United States) was published in 1999. As one approach to improving the economic health of the veterinary profession, the NCVEI formed a working group to enhance the nontechnical skills, knowledge, aptitudes, and attitudes (SKAs) of veterinarians. This action was taken as a result of increasing evidence that many veterinarians, although clinically competent, may lack some of the crucial SKAs that typically are correlated with, and could be essential for, their professional success. One key source of this evidence was the KPMG study itself, which suggested directly that a weakness in SKAs was a problem facing the veterinary medical profession. In addition, the KPMG study identified other key issues of economic importance to veterinary medicine, some of which have been attributed indirectly to a lack of critical SKAs. A separate study, contemporary with the KPMG study, identified similar issues related to the nontechnical skills and attributes of veterinarians. It has been several years since the KPMG study was published. A considerable amount of discussion and work has been completed in the interim, and much has been accomplished. As one of the three agencies that sponsored the KPMG study and initiated the NCVEI, the AAVMC has been actively engaged in a number of efforts to enhance the SKAs. The objectives of this commentary are to provide an overview of the SKAs-related work coordinated through the NCVEI and to suggest future directions for such work. Enhancing nontechnical skills, knowledge, aptitudes, and attitudes in the veterinary profession through the work of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues
Transfer of disease resistance genes from Triticum araraticum to common wheat

The wild tetraploid wheat species Triticum timopheevii (Zhuk.) Zhuk. var. araraticum is a source of pest resistance genes for Triticum aestivum L. Our objectives were to describe the breeding behaviour of T. araraticum when backcrossed to common wheat, and to transfer resistance to leaf rust (caused by Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici) and powdery mildew (caused by Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici) to wheat. Crosses were made between five wheat genotypes and 12 T. araraticum accessions. Fertility and chromosome numbers of BC 1 F 1 , BC 2 F 1 , and BC 3 F 1 plants were determined. Resistance to leaf rust was transferred to BC 2 -derived families from 10 different T. araraticum accessions. Leaf rust resistance genes in nine T. araraticum accessions can be assigned to at least four loci. Leaf rust resistance transferred from three accessions was inherited in the hexaploid derivatives as a single, dominant gene in each case. Resistance to powdery mildew was also detected in the T. araraticum backcross derivatives. Fertile hexaploid derivatives expressing T. araraticum-derived resistance genes can be recovered after two backcrosses to wheat cultivars.
Linking self- and social control with deviance: Illuminating the structure underlying a general theory of crime and its relation to deviant activity

The present paper operationalizes and empirically tests the most recent theoretical speculations of Hirschi and Gottfredson regarding an individual level characteristic of self-control and its relation to earlier specifications of control theory as well as the literature on personality. Linkages are drawn between their broad delineation of self-control and personal disorders of hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficits, and minor conduct problems. Psychologists disagree about whether such disorders represent single or multiple traits and whether both behavioral and cognitive measures can appropriately depict personality characteristics. Employing structural equation techniques, support for several propositions derived from Gottfredson and Hirschi's thesis is found: Self-control subsumes several personality disorders and is significantly comprised by early behavioral indicators of aggression and fighting, is inversely related to other elements of the social bond, is moderately stable over a short period of time, and significantly predicts criminal convictions. However, questions remain regarding the ubiquity of self-control, the magnitude and meaning of stability, and the power of this perspective to explain all forms of self-reported delinquency.
Gα12 Interaction with αSNAP Induces VE-cadherin Localization at Endothelial Junctions and Regulates Barrier Function

The involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in the regulation of adherens junction function is unclear. We identified αSNAP as an interactive partner of Gα12 using yeast two-hybrid screening. glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays showed the selective interaction of αSNAP with Gα12 in COS-7 as well as in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Using domain swapping experiments, we demonstrated that the N-terminal region of Gα12 (1–37 amino acids) was necessary and sufficient for its interaction with αSNAP. Gα13 with its N-terminal extension replaced by that of Gα12 acquired the ability to bind to αSNAP, whereas Gα12 with its N terminus replaced by that of Gα13 lost this ability. Using four point mutants of αSNAP, which alter its ability to bind to the SNARE complex, we determined that the convex rather than the concave surface of αSNAP was involved in its interaction with Gα12. Co-transfection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with Gα12 and αSNAP stabilized VE-cadherin at the plasma membrane, whereas down-regulation of αSNAP with siRNA resulted in the loss of VE-cadherin from the cell surface and, when used in conjunction with Gα12 overexpression, decreased endothelial barrier function. Our results demonstrate a direct link between the α subunit of G12 and αSNAP, an essential component of the membrane fusion machinery, and implicate a role for this interaction in regulating the membrane localization of VE-cadherin and endothelial barrier function.
Discovery and genotyping of genome structural polymorphism by sequencing on a population scale

Accurate and complete analysis of genome variation in large populations will be required to understand the role of genome variation in complex disease. We present an analytical framework for characterizing genome deletion polymorphism in populations using sequence data that are distributed across hundreds or thousands of genomes. Our approach uses population-level concepts to reinterpret the technical features of sequence data that often reflect structural variation. In the 1000 Genomes Project pilot, this approach identified deletion polymorphism across 168 genomes (sequenced at 4 × average coverage) with sensitivity and specificity unmatched by other algorithms. We also describe a way to determine the allelic state or genotype of each deletion polymorphism in each genome; the 1000 Genomes Project used this approach to type 13,826 deletion polymorphisms (48-995,664 bp) at high accuracy in populations. These methods offer a way to relate genome structural polymorphism to complex disease in populations.
ATP-dependent DNA topoisomerase from D. melanogaster reversibly catenates duplex DNA rings

Extracts of Drosophila embryos contain an enzymatic activity that converts circular DNAs into huge networks of catenated rings in an ATP-dependent fashion. The catenated activity is resolved into two protein components during purification. One component is a novel DNA topoisomerase that requires the presence of ATP in order to relax supercoiled DNA. We have shown that the ATP-dependent DNA topoisomerase relaxes DNA by a mechanism distinct from that of nicking-closing enzymes. The Drosophila ATP-dependent topoisomerase allows one segment of a circular DNA to pass through transient breaks in both strands at another site on the DNA circle without any relative rotation between the ends at the transient break. This mechanism can convert negative supertwists to positive twists and vice versa until a relaxed equilibrium state is reached. The formation of catenated rings is mediated by an analogous bimolecular reaction which can occur between two nonhomologous DNA circles. The catenation reaction is fully reversible: in the presence of the second protein component, circular DNA is converted quantitatively into catenated forms; in its absence, the ATP-dependent topoisomerase resolves catenated networks back into monomer circles. The Drosophila ATP-dependent topoisomerase appears to be closely related to E. coli DNA gyrase in that both use a similar mechanism to change the topology of DNA, both require ATP and both are inhibited by the antibiotic novobiocin. The presence of an enzyme that allows one DNA helix to pass freely through another could not only be useful in relaxation of topological constraints, but also may be involved in the folding and unfolding of eucaryotic chromosomes.
Association of parvoviruses with rheumatoid arthritis of humans

A small virus resembling parvoviruses in its morphological and physicochemical properties was derived from synovial tissue of a patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis. This virus, designated RA-1, elicits a syndrome in neonatal mice that includes neurological disturbances, permanent crippling of limbs, dwarfism, alopecia, blepharitis, "masking," and a rigid curvature of the thoracic spine. Polyclonal antibodies against RA-1 display high virus neutralizing activity and in immunoassays detect reactive antigen in synovial cells from different rheumatoid arthritis patients but not persons with osteoarthritis. Putative parvoviruses isolated from several other rheumatoid arthritis patients are only weakly pathogenic for newborn mice but can generate RA-1 virus-specific antigens in tissues of these animals. It has not been established that RA-1 and existing parvoviruses of mammalian species are related.
Commons in a cold climate. Coastal fisheries and reindeer pastoralism in North Norway: the co-management approach.

Main Sections: Sustainable resource use and management: the challenge. Ecological knowledge: implications for resource management. User involvement and decision-making: the co-management approach. Conclusion. Index.
F3: fault localization for field failures

Reproducing and debugging field failures--failures that occur on user machines after release--are challenging tasks for developers. To help the first task, in previous work we have proposed BugRedux, a technique for reproducing, in-house, failures observed in the field. Although BugRedux can help developers reproduce field failures, it does not provide any specific support for debugging such failures. To address this limitation, in this paper we present F3, a novel technique that builds on BugRedux and extends it with support for fault localization. Specifically, in F3 we extend our previous technique in two main ways: first, we modify BugRedux so that it generates multiple failing and passing executions "similar" to the observed field failure; second, we add to BugRedux debugging capabilities by combining it with a customized fault-localization technique. The results of our empirical evaluation, performed on a set of real-world programs and field failures, are promising: for all the failures considered, F3 was able to (1) synthesize passing and failing executions and (2) successfully use the synthesized executions to perform fault localization and, ultimately, help debugging.
Cyclosporin A Up-Regulates and Activates Protein Kinase C-ζ in EBV-Infected and EBV-Transformed Human B-Cells

Background Protein Kinase C (PKC) is a family of enzymes that plays a key role in cell signaling pathways leading to cellular activation and proliferation. Conventional PKC (cPKC) is dependent on calcium for activation. We have proposed that cyclosporin A (CsA), despite being a calcineurin inhibitor, will activate PKC in B cells, thus promoting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced transformation. Here we show that CsA promoted atypical PKC isoform PKC-ζ in B cells. Materials and methods Western-blot was used to assay PKC-ζ protein level in EBV-B cells. Confocal microscopy was used to assay PKC-ζ translocation from cytosol to cell membrane, a known process of PKC activation. Results CsA (500 ng/mL) time dependently increased PKC-ζ from control of 7055 units to 7145, 10,805, 10,914, and 12,705 units, respectively, after 15 min, 1 h, 12 h, and 24 h of incubation in EBV-transformed human B-cell line (LCL). CsA increased PKC-ζ expression was inhibited 50% by Vit.E (40 μM) indicating that this effect may be due to oxidative stress induced by CsA. Indeed, after oxidant H2O2 (0.1 mM) treatment, PKC-ζ protein level in LCL cells increased 124%, 257%, 349%, and 359% after 15 min, 1 h, 12 h, and 24 h of culture compared with control. Addition of Vit.E (40 μM) in H2O2 (0.1 mM) treatment and then with Vit.E in the culture decreased PKC-ζ level in LCL cells 26%, 20%, 41%, and 60% after 15 min, 1 h, 12 h, and 24 h of culture. In confocal microscopy in Jurkat T cell line, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) activated cPKC isoform PKCα after 30 min treatment and activated PKC-ζ after 60 min treatment. CsA inhibited PMA activation of PKC-α, but not PKC-ζ. CsA alone did not activate PKC-α or PKC-ζ in Jurkat T cells. In LCL and in EBV-infected human B-cells, PMA stimulated PKC-α activation after 30 min treatment and stimulated PKC-ζ activation after 60 min treatment. CsA inhibited PMA activation of PKC-α, but not PKC-ζ. In addition, CsA activated PKC-ζ in the EBV-transformed and EBV-infected human B cells. Conclusion These experiments show that CsA-induced oxidative stress caused PKC-ζ up-regulation in LCL cells, and show the differential effect of CsA in the PKC signaling pathways in T cells versus B cells. CsA-induced PKC-ζ activation may be an important signaling step in EBV-induced post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders.
High-power very high-brightness fiber-coupled diode laser arrays

Using wavelength beam combination, we report greater than 100 W out of a 100 μm core, 0.2 numerical aperture fiber. We emphasize that this is reliable CW power from an optical system that does not suffer from distortion due to heating in gold-coated, polymer-based diffraction gratings. We show that using high-brightness bars with single-mode emitters, the wavelength beam combination technique is capable of achieving high power out of a 50 μm core, 0.2 numerical aperture fiber with good coupling efficiency.
Coulomb effects in the Klein-Gordon equation for pions

We find a simple analytic expression which approximates the relativistic Coulomb scattering of a spinless particle from the Coulomb field of a point source. We discuss the application of our result for various aspects of pion-nucleus scattering. The results are easily extended for spinless heavy ions.
MENTAL PATIENTS IN NURSING HOMES. II. INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENT AND PHYSICAL ILLNESS

: Among geriatric patients transferred from mental hospitals to nursing homes, disorientation is common. Visual or aural impairment and short attention span are contributing factors. Suggestions are given for aiding the patients in this respect. Staff members should be on the alert to detect whether or not a physical illness or a drug-induced change underlies an emotional disturbance in patients who are unable to communicate satisfactorily. Examples are given. Lack of information on the patient from the transferring hospital handicaps the nursing home in treatment. A sample record, containing the type of information required, is presented.
Development of a TEM to study in situ structural and chemical changes at an atomic level during gas‐solid interactions at elevated temperatures

A Philips (Eindhoven, The Netherlands) 430 (300 keV) high resolution transmission electron microscope has been modified for in situ study of gas-solid interactions at elevated temperatures. This microscope can be best described as a synthesis, processing, and characterization laboratory for nano-size materials. A differentially pumped environmental cell (E-cell), capable of handling up to 20 torr of gas pressure, is fitted in the objective lens pole-piece gap. Single-tilt or double-tilt heating holders can be used to heat the samples up to 1,300 degrees C and 850 degrees C, respectively. The system can handle any non-corrosive gases such as H2, O2, N2, NH3, CO, water vapor. Electron diffraction patterns are used to elucidate the reaction path and to identify stable and/or metastable phases formed. Time, temperature, and pressure resolved electron diffraction patterns can also be used to estimate the thermodynamical conditions for the onset of a reaction and the stability range of different phases observed during the process can also be determined. The high resolution imaging capabilities enable elucidation of the basic structural mechanisms involved at near atomic level. The TV rate camera/video recording system is used to measure the reaction rates (kinetics of the reaction). A post projector energy filter (Gatan Imaging Filter, GIF) is attached at the bottom of the microscope in order to filter the inelastic scattering from the gases/thick samples as well as to obtain energy filtered images (chemical maps). The GIF can also be used as a parallel electron energy loss spectrometer (PEELS) to obtain changes in the sample composition during the reactions. The changes in the near-edge structures of PEELS spectrum is used to monitor changes in bonding and/or chemical environment elements during reaction. The chemical maps obtained can also be used to identify preferred regions of gas reactions, e.g., grain boundaries or surfaces, etc. Various modifications of the microscope are described in detail, with suitable examples showing the performance.
Enhancement of global business practices: lessons from the Hindu Bhagavad Gita

Purpose – The basis of global business operations in the twenty‐first century is knowledge. The Hindu scriptural reference, the Bhagavad Gita, interpreted as “Celestial Song” or “Song of God,” is quickly becoming a critical resource in this relatively new paradigm. This paper aims to draw lessons from this.Design/methodology/approach – The Gita is a summary of the essence of Hindu teaching and wisdom. It is a philosophical foundation from which a deeper understanding of successful solutions to management leadership issues and business practices are emerging. The paper focuses on an analysis of the primary elements found in the Gita.Findings – The Gita's essence of Yoga, Dharma, Dhyana, Samabhava, Nishkama Karma, and Tat‐Twam‐Asi provides the keys for influencing contemporary management thought and global business practices. Yoga is the gaining of mastery over the body and mind through self‐discipline. Dharma focuses on finding a higher calling or mission in life and a calling to fulfill one's purpose or d...
TU‐A‐134‐01: Imaging Informatics 1: Informatics for the Clinical Imaging Physicist: Buying and Testing Equipment for Interoperability

1. Buying Imaging Equipment for Interoperability and Compliance: Beyond DICOM 2. Informatics for the Acceptance Testing of Imaging Equipment For patient service, safety and regulatory compliance, the quality control of image and image information needs to extend beyond the scanner console to encompass the entire imaging chain. Imaging physicists are often the ultimate quality control professionals and technology experts that are responsible for equipment selection and testing. To aid in these tasks, this session is designed to provide the clinical physicist with practical awareness and tools for equipment selection and acceptance testing that promotes interoperability throughout the imaging chain, protecting image and information quality for smooth clinical operation and patient safety. Whether the physicist is ultimately responsible for delivering a quality and compliant system or is a part of the process, they need to understand data flow and interoperability in the imaging chain. This involves a basic understanding of the system and stakeholders that determine and interact with the imaging chain. Once an imaging chain (or web in some cases) is understood, physicists can benefit from understanding the standards and interoperability profiles that can help in assessing equipment interoperability throughout that chain. This session will highlight areas where expectations and current reality for interoperability in an imaging practice may not align. It will cover specific examples of common issues that still plague interoperability two decades after the introduction of DICOM 3.0. We'll discuss relevant questions to ask of vendors when purchasing equipment from a compliance and interoperability standpoint. The second part of the session will cover strategies and suggestions for ensuring a fully‐functioning imaging system: what aspects related to interoperability might cause problems and what should be assessed with acceptance testing in order to ensure clinical functionality and patient safety? Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the importance of assessing and testing interoperability for the entire imaging chain when considering or deploying new imaging equipment. 2. Be able to assess the relevant pieces that encompass their clinical imaging chain and the stakeholders involved in configuring, maintaining and using the system. 3. Be aware of common issues with clinical interoperability of imaging equipment 4. Know how to develop, find and use tools for assessing the potential for interoperability prior to purchase and testing after installation.