cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cultural Rights and Culture Defense: Cultural Concerns

This article examines debates in political theory, international law, and the social sciences generally regarding the nature and scope of cultural rights. Cultural rights – the most understudied of all human rights – remain controversial, for reasons explored in this article. After identifying several key conceptual questions, the focus shifts to the protection of these rights in legal process and the types of difficulties that may arise when courts must wrestle with the analysis of sometimes unfamiliar claims. When individuals and groups attempt to follow cultural traditions accepted in their countries of origin but that are apparently prohibited in their new homelands, they may raise cultural defenses to explain the motivations for their actions. Defendants invoke the defense in a wide variety of contexts and in many countries. To afford insight into the nature of these disputes, a few of the more famous cases are described here. Although general principles of law and the explicit protection of culture in international human rights treaties appear to require the consideration of culture in legal proceedings, the extent of this protection remains unclear. Ultimately, the question is how much weight cultural rights deserve if their protection risks violating the rights of others, such as women and children.
Stability of hairpin ribozyme tertiary structure is governed by the interdomain junction

The equilibrium distributions of hairpin ribozyme conformational isomers have been examined by time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Ribozymes partition between active (docked) and inactive (extended) conformers, characterized by unique interdomain distance distributions, which define differences in folding free energy. The active tertiary structure is stabilized both by specific interactions between the catalytic and the substrate-binding domains and by the structure of the intervening helical junction. Under physiological conditions, the docking equilibrium of the natural four-way junction dramatically favors the active conformer, while those of a three-way and the two-way junction used in gene therapy applications favor the inactive conformer.
Eban Health Promotion Intervention: Conceptual Basis and Procedures:

This article concerns the health promotion intervention that served as the comparison condition in Project Eban, the NIMH Multisite HIV/STD Prevention Trial for African American Couples. Considerable research has documented the high rates of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes, among African Americans. Many of these diseases are tied to behavioral risk factors—the things that people do or do not do, their diet, the amount of exercise they get, and their substance use practices. The Eban Health Promotion Intervention was designed to increase healthful behaviors, including physical activity, healthful dietary practices, ceasing cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse, practicing early detection and screening behaviors, and improving medication adherence. As a comparison condition, the Eban Health Promotion Intervention was designed to be structurally similar to the Eban HIV/STD Risk Reduction Intervention. This article describes the intervention and how it was developed, integrating social cognitive theory with information collected in formative research to ensure that the intervention was appropriate for African Americans affected by HIV. Besides testing the efficacy of an HIV/STD risk reduction intervention for African American serodiscordant couples, then, Project Eban also tests the efficacy of an intervention addressing many of the other health problems common in this population.
ID: 36: MCPIP1/Regnase-1 is a negative feedback inhibitor regulating IL-17 signaling and inflammation

IL-17A (IL-17) is a proinflammatory cytokine that mediates host defense against extracellular pathogens but also contributes to the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Despite advances in our understanding of IL-17 signal transduction mechanisms, it is far less clear how IL-17R activity is kept in check to prevent harmful bystander inflammation. In an effort to identify novel, physiologically relevant regulators of IL-17 signal transduction, we evaluated microarray data of IL-17RA-dependent genes that mediate antifungal immunity. We thus identified the gene Zc3h12a (encoding MCPIP1/Regnase-1) as a possible feedback restriction element. MCPIP1 is an endoribonuclease (RNase) that inhibits TLR signaling in part by degrading cytokine mRNA transcripts such as Il6 . Since IL-17 and TLR pathways share multiple target genes including Il6 , we investigated the role of MCPIP1 in IL-17 signal transduction. Here, we demonstrate that MCPIP1 is upregulated by IL-17 and serves as a potent feedback inhibitor of IL-17 signal transduction. IL-17 signaling inhibition required MCPIP1’s RNase activity, but not its deubiquitinase activity. In vivo , resistance to disseminated Candida albicans infection was enhanced in MCPIP1 haploinsufficient mice; resistance was reversed in an IL-17R-deficient background. Conversely, IL-17-dependent pathology in MCPIP1+/− mice was dramatically exacerbated during EAE and pulmonary inflammation. In vitro , MCPIP1 strongly inhibited the Lcn2 promoter activation by regulating the mRNA stability of the I κ B ζ transcription factor. Unexpectedly, MCPIP1 also degraded Il17ra and Il17rc mRNA, independently of the 3’ UTR. The cumulative impact of MCPIP1 on IL-6, I κ B ζ and possibly IL-17R subunits results in a biologically relevant inhibition of IL-17 signaling.
Green clubs in building block climate change regimes

Climate change is the consequence of a market failure, with private actors’ incentives misaligned on a global scale and across multiple generations. Government policies to address climate change remain inadequate and the near term prospects are suspect. Analysts have turned their attention to finding alternative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Green clubs offer a potential institutional mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but to be effective they must be designed to fit their circumstances. An effective green club solves a market or quasi-market failure among firms and their stakeholders. Focusing on the market and nonmarket strategic imperatives for green clubs identifies several important considerations for improving the effectiveness of green clubs. Green clubs addressing climate change are more likely to be effective if they provide potential participants with a private benefit they are unable to achieve through other means and when the private benefits participants receive are tightly linked to the environmental benefits the club produces. Analyzing green clubs through this lens suggests that environmental certification club goods are more promising candidates than environmental technology club goods.
Cutting Edge: Stage-Specific Requirement of IL-18 for Antiviral NK Cell Expansion

Although NK cells are considered part of the innate immune system, recent studies have demonstrated the ability of Ag-experienced NK cells to become long-lived and contribute to potent recall responses similar to T and B cells. The precise signals that promote the generation of a long-lived NK cell response are largely undefined. In this article, we demonstrate that NK cells require IL-18 signaling to generate a robust primary response during mouse CMV (MCMV) infection but do not require this signal for memory cell maintenance or recall responses. IL-12 signaling and STAT4 in activated NK cells increased the expression of the adaptor protein MyD88, which mediates signaling downstream of the IL-18 and IL-1 receptors. During MCMV infection, NK cells required MyD88, but not IL-1R, for optimal expansion. Thus, an IL-18–MyD88 signaling axis facilitates the prolific expansion of NK cells in response to primary viral infection, but not recall responses.
Transcending the Self: An Object Relations Model of Psychoanalytic Therapy

One Case, Three Views Self and Object The Fate of the Buried Self Transcending the Self Fragile Self, Fused Object Defective Self, Protective Object Unworthy Self, Bad Object Conclusion - the Art of Psychoanalytic Therapy.
Miners and merchants in Bourbon Mexico, 1763-1810

The aim of this study is to define that distinctive blend of enlightened despotism and entrepreneurial talent which created Bourbon Mexico. The period 1763-1810 was a crucial and distinctive stage in the colonial history of Mexico. Jose de Galvez, the dynamic minister of the Indies, transformed the system of government and restructured the economy. The ensuing 'golden age', far from being the culmination of two hundred years of steady development, sprang rather from a profound regeneration of the New World's Hispanic society. The chief success of Galvez's policy was the unprecedented mining boom which made Mexico the world's chief silver producer. It was this silver boom which largely financed the revival of the political and economic power of the Spanish monarchy and, in Mexico itself, created a new aristocracy of merchant capitalists and silver millionaires.
Predicting the use of web-based information systems: self-efficacy, enjoyment, learning goal orientation, and the technology acceptance model

With the growing reliance on computerized systems and increasing rapidity of the introduction of new technologies, user acceptance of technology continues to be an important issue. Drawing upon recent findings in information systems, human computer interaction, and social psychology, the present research extends the technology acceptance model by incorporating the motivation variables of self-efficacy, enjoyment, and learning goal orientation in order to predict the use of Web-based information systems. One hundred nine subjects participated in the study, which was conducted in a field setting with the Blackboard system, a Web-based class management system. A survey was administered after a 2-week trial period and the actual use of the system was recorded by the Blackboard system over 8 weeks. The results largely support the proposed model, highlighting the important roles of self-efficacy, enjoyment, and learning goal orientation in determining the actual use of the system. Practical implications of the results are provided.
Experimental Investigation of the Flow Field in an Automotive Torque Converter Stator

The flow field at the exit of a torque converter stator exit was measured using a miniature conventional five-hole probe. The data at speed ratio 0.8, 0.6, and 0.065 are presented. At the speed ratio 0.6, the stator exit flow is dominated by a large free-stream, accompanied by the blade wake and corner flow separation. A strong secondary flow is observed at the stator exit, the flow is overturned near the core and underturned near the shell. The secondary flow at inlet produces large radial transport of mass flow inside the stator passage. The shell-suction corner flow separation has a large blockage effect, resulting in losses. To determine the nature of the transitional flow in the stator passage, the surface hot-film sensors were mounted on the stator blade surface
Chemical Changes during Anaerobic Decomposition of Hardwood, Softwood, and Old Newsprint under Mesophilic and Thermophilic Conditions

The anaerobic decomposition of plant biomass is an important aspect of global organic carbon cycling. While the anaerobic metabolism of cellulose and hemicelluloses to methane and carbon dioxide are well-understood, evidence for the initial stages of lignin decomposition is fragmentary. The objective of this study was to look for evidence of chemical transformations of lignin in woody tissues [hardwood (HW), softwood (SW), and old newsprint (ONP)] after anaerobic decomposition using Klason and acid-soluble lignin, CuO oxidation, and 2D NMR. Tests were conducted under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, and lignin associations with structural carbohydrates are retained. For HW and ONP, the carbon losses could be attributed to cellulose and hemicelluloses, while carbon loss in SW was attributable to an uncharacterized fraction (e.g., extractives etc.). The 2D NMR and chemical degradation methods revealed slight reductions in β-O-4 linkages for HW and ONP, with no depolymerization of lignin in any substrate.
Low-temperature deformation of sandstone, southern Appalachian fold-thrust belt

Sandstone samples of Lower Pennsylvanian and Upper Mississippian units from a transect across the external southern Appalachian fold-thrust belt show variations in the relative abundances of the thin section-scale deformation mechanisms, including grain-boundary recrystallization, grain-boundary pressure solution, microfracturing, transgranular faulting, and cataclasis. The transect extends from the Sequatchie anticline in the northwest, crosses the Birmingham anticlinorium and the imbricate thrust belt, and ends in the Coosa deformed belt in the southeast. Thermal maturation data correlate to vitrinite reflectances of 1.0-2.0, the catagenic metamorphic regime. The deformation-mechanism abundances correlate with both position along the transect and proximity to thrust faults. Within a thrust sheet, 2%-11% of the grain boundaries are affected by recrystallization and 25%-29% by pressure solution in the samples from the external (northwestern) part of the transect, and 10%-14% by recrystallization and 47%-66% by pressure solution in the samples from the internal (southeastern) part of the transect. Regardless of location on the transect, fault-related damage zones are characterized by higher percentages (16%-48%) of grain-boundary recrystallization and 1%-19% transgranular deformation. The deformation-mechanism abundances thus prove to be sensitive indicators of regional structural position and deformation history.
Difference Spectra Of Late Intermediates Of The Bacteriorhodopsin Photocycle

The flash-induced difference absorbance spectra of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) were measured at various times after an actinic flash using a diode array spectrophotometer (300-700 nm). Difference spectra for three late bacteriorhodopsin photocycle intermediates Mfast (Mf), mslow (Ms) and R are reported. The main distinguishing features of the 3 difference spectra at pH = 10.5 and 5 °C are as follows: Mf ΔAmax = 412 nm, a shoulder at 436 nm, no absorbance change at 350 nm, ΔAmin = 565 nm, ΔA412/ ΔA565 = 0.8-0.9. Ms: ΔAmax = 412 nm, a shoulder at 386 nm, ΔAmin = 570-575 nm, ΔA.412/ ΔA575 = 0.6. R: ΔAmax = 336 and 350 nm (double peak), minor peaks at 386 and 412 nms,ΔAmin = 585-590 nm; ΔA350/ ΔA585 = 0.2. The t1/2 of Mf, Ms and R and the relative weights of BR570 recovered with these rates are: 1 sec (50%), 3-5 sec (25%) and 35 sec (25%) respectively. These spectral features can also be seen at pH = 7, -16 °C, and at pH = 9-10.5, 20 °C. Based on some assumptions, the absorption maximum of R was calculated to be at ca. 550 nm. The extinction coefficient of R is approximately 70% that of light-adapted BR. We suggest that: 1) Mf decays into R and R decays to BR, and 2) there are two types of BR with independent photocycles; Ms and probably 0 are in the photocycle near neutral pH, and Mf and R in a photocycle predominant at higher pH.
Antiarrhythmic and Cardiovascular Actions of the New Antibiotic Agent Pirlimycin Adenylate

Pirlimycin adenylate (U-63,440) is a clindamycin analog possessing antiarrhythmic activity. In the anesthetized dog, the sustained ventricular tachycardia produced by ouabain intoxication is converted
Growth and complexity of white clover stolons in response to biotic and abiotic stress

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) persists in pastures mainly by stolon growth. Morphologically complex (i.e., highly branched stolons) plants of white clover generally persist longer. We hypothesized that biotic and abiotic stresses limit white clover production on grazing lands by fragmenting plants into smaller, less competitive individuals. We measured changes in the size and structure of plants in a white dover-orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) sward during a drought (1999) and a favorable growing season (2000) in grazed pastures on a southeastern Pennsylvania farm. A natural infestation of clover root curculio [Sitona hispidulus (Fabricus)] and blue clover weevil [Ischnopterapion virens (Herbst)] provided an opportunity to examine the interaction of abiotic and biotic stress on stolon structure. White clover plants were dug from two orchardgrass ('Pennlate')-white clover ('Will') pastures during April to November 1999 and 2000. Stolon structure and damage from blue weevil and curculio larvae were determined monthly. Drought in 1999 reduced stolon production, branching, and rooting in white clover. Stolon length (cm m -2 ) in 1999 was 50% of that in 2000. Clover root curculio damaged up to 25% of clover roots and 20 to 40% of stolons were damaged by weevils. Insect damage was greatest on primary stolons. With favorable rainfall during late 1999 and in 2000, white clover recovered from fragmentation and produced nearly twice the stolon length, mass, and density in the next grazing season despite insect damage levels of 10 to 30%. Climate and biotic stresses are the major factors controlling oscillations of white clover stolon density in pastures of the northeastern USA.
Lessons learned from a colocation model using psychiatrists in urban primary care settings.

Objectives: Comorbid psychiatric illness has been identified as a major driver of health care costs. The colocation of psychiatrists in primary care practices has been proposed as a model to improv...
Infrared Study of Pyridine Adsorbed on Montmorillonite Surfaces

The nature of pyridine adsorption by acid- and base-saturated montmorillonite from Otay, California (A.P.I, no. H-24) was studied by infrared adsorption. The spectrum for chemisorbed pyridine was found to be distinctively different from physically adsorbed pyridine; the latter gave a spectrum very similar to liquid pyridine. Upon exposure of the clay films to pyridine at low vapor pressures, only the pyridinium ion spectrum was obtained; but when the vapor pressure was increased, both chemisorbed and physically adsorbed pyridine was detected. The intensity of the spectrum for physically adsorbed molecules could be reduced by a vacuum, whereas the intensities of the peaks for the chemisorbed pyridinium ions were unaffected.
Echoes of Strindberg in Contemporary Chile

Once in a while, an obscure play has its moment: a time when, after languishing in libraries and on university syllabi, it makes an unlikely reappearance and touches a cultural nerve. Santiago, Chile?a noisy, smoggy city sandwiched between the towering Andes and the sea?might seem like a less-than-obvious place to stage August Strindberg's post-inferno chamber plays of the early-twentieth century. And The Pelican, a domestic drama with apocalyptic overtones, is certainly a less-than-obvious selection from his works. But in July 2008, a century after it was written and half way across the world from Strindberg's native Sweden, two productions?one an adaptation of The Pelican, the other a new play on similar themes?remade that play as an allegory for cultural forces long at work in Chilean society, revealing historical shifts and condensing social fears.
Land surface evaluation: conclusions and recommendations

Results from the Second Working Party Report As discussed in the introduction to this report (Griffiths & Edwards), the Second Working Party on Land Surface Evaluation in Engineering Practice recognized that the subject area was so extensive that an ‘instruction manual’ or handbook, similar to previous working party reports, would not be appropriate. The end product, as presented, therefore, is a compilation of examples of techniques and case studies written by practitioners in the field. The papers on techniques only provide an introduction to the subject and an indication where details on methodology can be found. The case studies are taken from the files of working professional engineering geologists, or consultants in the subject who are now in academia, although many have a background of industrial experience. Most of the case studies have not been published before, those that have either been expanded to highlight the importance of land surface evaluation (e.g. Hearn, Blong & Humphreys ; Edmonds ) or they represent a key development in the subject (e.g. Jones ). The material presented in this report confirms that Land Surface Evaluation is established as part of essential good practice in land care, management and the development of the earth’s surface. Since the first report (Anon 1982), it has become clear that the most important achievement is the realization that land surface data can be easily integrated with all other ground information. The culmination of this is the production of a geological ground model that embraces the work of all earth science disciplines (Fookes 1997). In the case studies it is apparent
Interpreting definitions of public relations: Self assessment and a symbolic interactionism-based alternative

Abstract This article reviews several popular definitions of public relations and explicates the shared elements and assumptions inherent in these definitions. Further, the article presents an alternative conceptualization of public relations based upon Herbert Blumer's symbolic interactionism. The purpose of this essay is to stimulate questioning and self assessment as well as to introduce alternative goals, ideals, and directions for the field of public relations.
Molecular secondary ion mass spectrometry: New dimensions in chemical characterization

Abstract Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has become a diverse tool for the study of many substances other than metals and semiconductors. This paper discusses the emission of polyatomic and molecular ions from surfaces that contain various inorganic and organic compounds including polymers and biomolecules. The mass and abundance distribution of cluster ions emitted from various solids — Van der Waals, metallic, ionic and covalent — are compared. Trends in the emission patterns are discussed in terms of a recombination or direct emission mechanism. The emission of molecular ions is also discussed with respect to the method of ionization and the various sample preparation and matrix-assisted procedures used. The matrices include various solid-state and liquid matrices such as ammonium chloride, charcoal, glycerol and gallium. Various chemical derivatization procedures have been developed to enhance the sensitivity of molecular SIMS and to detect selectively components in mixtures. The procedures are demonstrated for the low-level detection of airborne contaminants from paints, for the analysis of drugs in biological fluids, and for the sequencing of biomolecules such as peptides and sugars. The emission of characteristic fragment ions from the surfaces of polymers is also described for thick, insulating films.
Mesoionic Ψ-oxatriazoles as hypotensive agents

A number of alkyl substituted mesoionic Ψ-oxatriazoles were investigated as hypotensive agents. They were found to produce rapid, deep, and sustained hypotension with no observable side effects. The potency followed a reverse order of mesomeric contribution of the alkyl substituents. Molecular orbital calculations revealed a large positive character on the N 3 and, in comparison with the corresponding 3-alkylsydnone and 4-acylsydnone nitrogen atom, appears to correlate with hypotensive potency.
Finite element analysis of hip stem designs

Abstract A finite element analysis (FEA) was performed on six hip stem designs. The hip implant designs were then analyzed at forces ranging from 2.5 to 7 kN. These forces were selected because a typical gait cycle generates forces up to 6–7 times the body weight in the hip joint. The FEA results were compared for various stem designs assuming a rectangular cross-section. The design objective for a hip stem is to have a low stress, displacement, and wear at a very high fatigue life. The analysis performed in this paper may aid also in the fatigue testing of implants and/or base the designs for tested materials at a suitable fatigue life. Subsequently, the stems that had the highest stress and displacement models were then optimized for a lower stress and displacement combination. The cross-section that comprised a circle in the medial end and a square at the lateral end was found to provide suitable design characteristics. Fatigue and wear analyses were performed assuming that the implants were made of metal and polyethylene liner.
Xenarchus, Alexander and Simplicius on simple motions, bodies and magnitudes

Aristotle accounted for the fundamental dynamics of the cosmos in terms of the tendencies of the various elements to distinct types of natural motions, and (in the case of the sublunary elements) to rest in their natural places. In so doing, he introduced a fifth element, the ether, with a natural and unceasing tendency to revolve, as the matter for the heavenly bodies. This paper deals with some of the objections raised to this model, and to its conceptual underpinnings, raised by Xenarchus of Seleuceia, an unorthodox Peripatetic of the 1st century BC, and of the attempts of later philosophers to rebut them. In so doing it casts light on a little-known, but historically important and interesting, episode in the development of physical dynamics.
An interface for ‘flat music’

Part of my listening experience has been a coming to terms with a certain set of musical forms that I call ‘flat’. Music in flat form means music that avoids obvious or dimensionally conjunct large-scale goals, points of arrival, ‘climaxes’, sectional boundaries, and the like, and therefore has proven difficult for many listeners. It has become clear to me that this music demands a different listening approach, one at odds with the way music is typically appreciated in the concert hall. This approach is one that composers of music in flat form can facilitate through today's computer-music resources. What I present here is a specific instance of such an approach: my composition Sand, a twenty-five-minute long work for computer-synthesised and processed sounds, was composed specifically to be experienced through a computer-music interface I built in the MAX/MSP environment. This paper explores what I mean by ‘flatness’, how I came to terms with it as a listener, and how this coming-to-terms spawned the idea and construction of the interface. I then discuss the interface itself, the process of interaction with the listener, and technical aspects of the software.
Segmental orientation studies of polyether polyurethane block copolymers with different hard segment lengths and distributions

The orientation behavior of two series of segmented polyether polyurethanes containing different hard segment length distributions has been studied as a function of the average hard segment length which was varied from one to five methylene bis (p-phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) units. The orientation behavior of the soft segments, isolated hard segments, and of hard segments aggregated in hard domains was determined from the dichroic behavior of representative infrared bands. As the hard segment length increases, a transition in orientation behavior is observed which corresponds to a change in sample morphology.
Training and certification for domestic violence service providers: The need for a national standard curriculum and training approach.

Domestic violence (DV) continues to constitute an enormous public health problem in the United States. Knowledge and understanding of the complexities involved in DV has grown significantly in recent years revealing a need for providers who have broad training in a variety of legal, safety, developmental, and clinical issues that face families impacted by DV. This paper reviews current approaches to training and the ability of such methods to adequately prepare providers. There are no national standards for providers at any level from DV advocates to batterer interventionists, to clinicians with the required hours of training in most states at an alarmingly low level. Few states require cross training for those working as victim advocates or batterer interventionists. The systems that currently provide segregated and limited training create silos of service that are less effective. A proposed set of standards and training guidelines are proposed for DV advocates, batterer interventionists, and clinicians along with a discussion of the implications of such standards for the field.
Re: Zhang W, Moskowitz RW, Nuki G, et al. OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, Part II: OARSI evidence-based, expert consensus guidelines. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2008;16:137-62.

The recent expert-consensus guidelines for the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) are very insightful and should serve as a powerful clinical tool for many providers 1 . Although minimal attention is given to the positive effects of manual physical therapy despite strong randomized control trials (RCT) in the literature 2,3 , the fact that the panel unanimously recommends evaluation and referral to a physical therapist is promising. These RCT’s evaluating manual physical therapy were included in the OsteoArthritis Research Society International (OARSI) panel’s literature review, however the emphasis of the actual recommendation appears to be focused more on the provision of assisted devices for ambulation, although none of the RCT’s referenced in that section include that as a studied intervention. As in many other disciplines, the specific intervention provided by a clinician can vary. When evaluating the efficacy of these interventions it is important for the medical provider to distinguish between current practice and best evidence-based practice when interpreting the results published in the literature. In this case, recommendations would be better served based on specific evidence-validated interventions provided by physical therapists. In addition, the statement that no RCT’s for management of hip OA by a physical therapist exist might imply a lack of thoroughness in the literature review for this portion. In a 2004 RCT in Arthritis and Rheumatism by Hoeksma et al., a 5-week manual therapy program was shown to be significantly superior to exercise therapy not only in general perceived improvement, but also in pain, hip function, walking speed, range of motion, and quality of life 4 .
IgA deficiency and autoimmunity

IgA is the most abundant immunoglobulin in the human body, and performs a very specialized role which involves mucosal immunity, development of tolerance and protection against infection. IgA is the key immunoglobulin in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, which provide the most intimate interface between the environment and self. Normal levels of IgA are based on early studies consisting of only small numbers of patients. The international consensus definition of IgA deficiency is a level of 0.07g/l after the age of four years in the absence of IgG and IgM deficiencies. The epidemiology of IgA deficiency reveals interesting variances between geographical regions - the incidence in Caucasians being much higher than that in Asians. IgA deficiency has also been found to co-exist with autoimmune diseases, allergies and malignancies. The association with autoimmunity is particularly interesting because it suggests a common genetic linkage that could potentially also explain the diversity in geoepidemiology. Both MHC and non-MHC associations have been described and the 8.1 haplotype has been significantly associated with autoimmunity in IgA deficiency patients over controls. Non-MHC genetic associations include IFIH1 and CLEC16A. The mutations leading to IgA deficiency have not been defined, but in some cases of IgA deficiency it has been suggested that the pathogenesis involves a failure in switched memory B cells that can lead to this cohort experiencing an increased incidence of recurrent bacterial infections or autoimmune diseases. Attempts to investigate the role of cytokines that can induce IgA synthesis in cells of patients with IgA deficiency, such as IL21 or the combination of CD40L/anti-CD40, IL-4 and IL10, are underway.
Glycosylation of Skp1 Affects Its Conformation and Promotes Binding to a Model F-Box Protein

In the social amoeba Dictyostelium, Skp1 is hydroxylated on proline 143 and further modified by three cytosolic glycosyltransferases to yield an O-linked pentasaccharide that contributes to O2 regulation of development. Skp1 is an adapter in the Skp1/cullin1/F-box protein family of E3 ubiquitin ligases that targets specific proteins for polyubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. To investigate the biochemical consequences of glycosylation, untagged full-length Skp1 and several of its posttranslationally modified isoforms were expressed and purified to near homogeneity using recombinant and in vitro strategies. Interaction studies with the soluble mammalian F-box protein Fbs1/Fbg1/OCP1 revealed preferential binding to the glycosylated isoforms of Skp1. This difference correlated with the increased α-helical and decreased β-sheet content of glycosylated Skp1s based on circular dichroism and increased folding order based on small-angle X-ray scattering. A comparison of the molecular envelopes...
Semidefinite Characterization of Sum-of-Squares Cones in Algebras

We extend Nesterov's semidefinite programming characterization of squared functional systems, and Faybusovich's abstraction to bilinear symmetric maps, to cones of sum-of-squares elements in general abstract algebras. Using algebraic techniques such as isomorphism, linear isomorphism, tensor products, sums, and direct sums, we show that many concrete cones are in fact sum-of-squares cones with respect to some algebra and thus are representable by the cone of positive semidefinite matrices. We also consider nonnegativity with respect to a proper cone $\mathcal{K}$ and show that in some cases cones of $\mathcal{K}$-nonnegative functions are either sum of squares or at least semidefinite representable. For example, we show that some well-known Chebyshev systems, when extended to Euclidean Jordan algebras, induce cones that are semidefinite representable. Finally we will discuss some concrete examples and applications, including minimum ellipsoid enclosing given space curves, minimization of eigenvalues of po...
Aerodynamic and temporal aspects of velopharyngeal function in normal speakers.

Aerodynamic and temporal characteristics of velopharyngeal function were determined for 42 adult male and female speakers. All subjects produced the word "hamper" at self-determined loudness levels...
Invertebrate protein simulating mediators of delayed hypersensitivity.

THE aggregation of phagocytic cells at inflammatory sites is a characteristic feature of the defence of multicellular organisms against potentially injurious agents1–4. From the point of view of comparative immunity, it is the one clear-cut similarity between vertebrates and invertebrates. Although multiple mechanisms may exist which control the accumulation of these cells, the obvious biological importance of this common defence system suggests the conservation of its principal elements in evolution. We have investigated the effects of macrophage-active factors from an invertebrate source on vertebrate (mammalian) inflammatory mechanisms.
Reliability of Muramic Acid as a Bacterial Biomarker is Influenced by Methodological Artifacts from Streptomycin

The muramic acid (MurA) assay is a powerful tool for the detection and quantification of bacteria with no need to enrich samples by culturing. However, the analysis of MurA in mixed biological and environmental matrices is potentially more complex than analysis in isolated bacterial cells. In this study, we employed one commonly used procedure for extraction of MurA from environmental samples and found that the presence of streptomycin interfered with the determination of MurA by creating chemical species that coeluted with the aldononitrile derivative of MurA prepared in this method. On a molar basis, streptomycin yields a signal that is approximately 0.67 times that of MurA. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the interference from hydrolyzed streptomycin is not actually by MurA, but rather is likely to be N-methyl glucosamine. Because streptomycin is widely applied for selective growth of eukaryotes both in situ and in vitro, our findings may have implications for the significance of results from MurA assays. We conclude that MurA remains an effectual bacterial biomarker due to its unique bacterial origin, but care must be applied in interpreting results from the assay when performed in the presence of streptomycin.
Collective excitations of 3He B in the presence of superflow

Abstract The energy levels of collective excitations of 3 He B are given in the presence of superflow. There is level splitting due to the distortion of the energy gap which should be observable experimentally.
Embolic complications associated with radiofrequency catheter ablation

Abstract In the population enrolled in this study, embolic complications were rare following only 0.7% of procedures. In addition, no relationship existed between procedures with thromboembolic complications and anticoagulation protocol, procedure time, number of RF lesions, or impedance shutdowns. Only 1 of 830 procedures had an associated late embolic complication in an otherwise risk-free patient.
Primary Proteolysis of Cheese Proteins During Ripening. A Review

Abstract Cheese undergoes a series of complex, sequential changes during ripening that are caused by proteinases from milk, milk-clotting enzymes, lactic starter cultures, and other microorganisms that are adventitious or are added. Actions of these agents on casein fractions and serum proteins as affected by environmental conditions are reviewed.
Cross sections from proton irradiation of thorium at 800 MeV

Nuclear formation cross sections are reported for 65 nuclides produced from 800-MeV proton irradiation of thorium foils. These data are useful as benchmarks for computational predictions in the ongoing process of theoretical code development and also in the design of spallation-based radioisotope production currently being considered for multiple radiotherapeutic pharmaceutical agents. Measured data are compared with the predictions of three mcnp6 event generators and used to evaluate the potential for 800-MeV productions of radioisotopes of interest for medical radiotherapy. In only a few instances code predictions are discrepant from measured values by more than a factor of 2, demonstrating satisfactory predictive power across a large mass range. Similarly, agreement between measurements presented here and those previously reported is good, lending credibility to predictions of target yields and radioimpurities for high-energy accelerator-produced radionuclides.
High-risk consumers' perceptions of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for hereditary cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Individuals carrying deleterious germline mutations placing them at increased risk for hereditary cancer syndromes (high-risk consumers) often have a great deal of fear and concern over transmitting mutations to their offspring, particularly conditions which are autosomal dominant. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a procedure that can detect certain germline cancer predisposing mutations present in embryos. The objective of this review was to assess high-risk consumers' knowledge and perceptions of PGD for hereditary cancers. A systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed, Wiley Interscience, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Library databases to identify all articles assessing consumer knowledge and attitudes of PGD for hereditary cancer syndromes. We assessed heterogeneity and the robustness of findings through additional analyses according to study location, hereditary cancer type, and sample size. Thirteen articles remained eligible after the application of specific criteria. Results show a general low level of knowledge about PGD for hereditary cancers, moderate rates of acceptability among high-risk groups, and high levels of need for information about PGD. Individuals in specific risk groups such as those with a personal or family history of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may benefit from educational information from healthcare professionals about the use of PGD.
The Binding Energy for a Self-Trapped Electron in NaCl

A calculation has been made of the binding energy of a self-trapped electron in NaCl. The potential well, caused by the ionic displacements, was assumed to be a sawed-off Coulomb field, the sides being given by $(\frac{1}{{\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{0}}\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{\ensuremath{\kappa}})\frac{1}{r}$, where the $\ensuremath{\kappa}'\mathrm{s}$ are the dielectric constants. The depth of the well was calculated by the method of Mott and Littleton. In the present problem, however, we require a self-consistent solution; that is, the initial wave function which is employed in calculating the depth of the trapping potential hole must be identical to the one obtained from this potential hole on solving the Schroedinger equation. The electron is smeared over a sphere whose radius equals approximately three interatomic distance. The outer displacements are calculated by a semicontinuum theory, whereas the dipoles of the three ions nearest the trapping center are calculated from the condition of equilibrium. The optical dissociation energy is found to be 0.68 ev, whereas the thermal energy is 0.13 ev. The low value of the second quantity presumably explains why self-trapping has not been observed to date. This energy should be about twice as large in LiF. These results suggest that self-trapping should be sought at a very low temperature.
Environmental modifications and 2-year measured and self-reported stair-use: a worksite randomized trial.

Environmental modifications have been shown to increase short-term stair use, longer-term success is unclear. This study assessed the 2-year effectiveness of an environmental intervention promoting worksite stair use. We assessed stair use at work by means of self-reports and infrared beam counters (which send a safe and invisible beam of infrared light from one side of a stairwell to a reflector on the other side; when an individual uses the stairs, the infrared beam is disrupted and an instance of stair use is recorded) at six worksites (three intervention, three control) in a group randomized, controlled worksite weight-gain prevention trial in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Intervention modifications were signs encouraging stair use, music, and art posters in stairwells. We collected data before environmental modifications (2006–2007) and at the end of the 2-year intervention (2008–2009). The intervention had a significant positive effect on stair use measured both objectively and via self-report, with greatest increases reported among those participants who used the stairs least at baseline. Following 2-years of continuously-maintained stairwell modifications, increases in both objectively-measured and self-reported stair use were significantly larger at intervention than control worksites. Study findings suggest that the positive impact of environmental modifications on stair use persist over a longer time period than has been previously demonstrated. Results also indicate that infrequent stair users may be most amenable to the behavior changes encouraged by these environmental enhancements.
Effect of pyrogen on blood levels of pituitary trophic hormones. Observations of the usefulness of the growth hormone response in the detection of pituitary disease.

Abstract The effect of pyrogen on plasma GH, LH, TSH and cortisol levels has been measured in 17 normal subjects, 13 patients with pituitary disease, and 3 patients with primary hypothyroidism. In 16 of the 17 normal subjects the plasma GH was greater than 10 mμg/ml at some time during the test, and plasma cortisol level increased by at least 5 mμg/100 ml. The GH response was not suppressed by glucose infusion in 2 subjects. Pyrogen did not cause an increase in LH or TSH in any subject. The TSH levels in 3 patients with primary hypothyroidism decreased 1 hr after pyrogen at the same time that plasma GH levels were elevated. These data show that pyrogen is not a nonspecific stimulus to the hypothalamic-pituitary system causing release of all polypeptide hormones. Growth hormone levels of greater than 10 mμg/ml after pyrogen occurred in only 1 of 13 patients with pituitary disease. In 8 of the 13 patients, however, the plasma cortisol increment was greater than 5 μg/100 ml. Thus, measurement of plasma GH in...
Challenges of targeting vascular stability in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury following folate administration is characterized by a vascular remodeling that is initially proliferative but subsequently results in vascular endothelial loss. Interventions directed toward promoting endothelial growth may preserve vascular structure and therefore renal function. However, angiopoietin-1 therapy in the setting of folate-induced acute kidney injury resulted in an expanded fibrotic response despite apparent preservation of the vasculature, indicating that renal repair responses are complex and vascular-directed therapies should be approached with caution.
Thrombolysis in stroke: a medicolegal quagmire.

To the Editor: In a recent article,1 Dr Weintraub refers to the American Heart Association (AHA) 2000 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care2 asserting that “The current guidelines are outdated and do not even include the benefit of MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging as well as the increased mortality associated with older age and large infarcts, etc. We need to re-establish …
Glutathione metabolism and antioxidant enzymes in patients affected by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Abstract Background Oxidative stress and accumulation of excessive fat in the liver may underlie the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Given that glutathione blood metabolism may represent an indicator of tissue oxidative status, we analysed the blood profile of various forms of glutathione in children with NASH, and we evaluated the presence of systemic oxidative stress by calculating the oxidised/reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH). Furthermore, we analysed the catalytic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) in blood of patients. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 21 children with NASH and 28 controls. Total, reduced, oxidised, and protein-bound glutathione concentrations were determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Antioxidant enzymes were spectrophotometrically assayed by using specific substrates. Results Our findings showed a 1.5-fold increase of GSSG in patients, resulting in a significant rise of the GSSG/GSH ratio. SOD, GPx, and GR activities were not significantly different in NASH respect to controls, whereas GST, which provides the second defence line against oxidative stress, was 17.8% increased. Conclusions Our data demonstrate an impairment of glutathione metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activities in blood of patients with NASH, supporting a consistent role of free radical cytotoxicity in the pathophysiology of the disease.