cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benzodiazepine receptor loss in brains of mice after chronic alcohol consumption

Abstract Benzodiazepine receptors in crude mitochondrial fractions of whole brains of mice were decreased in density and affinity after the animals had consumed alcohol in liquid diets for 7 months and then solid laboratory food for 1 month. These mice were compared with control mice pair-fed with the same liquid diet containing isocaloric amounts of sucrose. The maximal binding (Bmax) of alcohol-treated mice was found to be decreased by 12% from 1580 to 1340 fmol/mg protein and the dissociation constant (KD) was increased from 1.4 to 2.0 nM. Acute intoxication lasting for 2 weeks had no effect. It is hypothesized that once brain damage in the form of decreased synaptic receptor numbers and affinity has been induced by chronic alcohol consumption, this change in receptors could in itself become a cause of self-perpetuating alcohol abuse. Specifically the loss of anxiolytic receptors caused by chronic alcohol consumption could enhance anxiety and the compensatory consumption of the sedative alcohol.
Merit-Based Scholarship ``Over-Awards'' and Home Prices:

Some Georgia school systems award more HOPE scholarships than their academic achievement predicts, creating a geographically determined benefit that will be compounded into local real estate values. Using a two-stage regression methodology, we test to see if these scholarship ``over-awards'' are capitalized into local home prices. Our evidence supports the hypothesis. We argue that potential homeowners view HOPE eligibility percentages as an indicator of access to state resources, and this access is capitalized into home prices.
Calculation of mean areal depth of precipitation

Abstract A new procedure for the calculation of the mean areal depth of precipitation is presented and compared with the commonly used methods. The procedure is conceptually simple and easily programmed for computer application.
Thermal Characterization of the Laser-Assisted Consolidation Process

The laser-assisted consolidation process is a novel technology to produce thermoplastic composite parts of excellent quality and structural integrity. It combines the advantages of the traditional thermosetting filament winding technology with the faster processing times of thermoplastic composites in using automated tape laying processes based on on-line consolidation of the prepreg tape with the substrate The maximum sur face temperature and the time that the resin remains above the melt temperature are critical factors in determining the consolidation quality of the part. A thermal analysis of the fila ment winding process utilizing a CO2 laser beam is presented. Comparison of experimen tal process temperatures, measured using very fast response thermocouples, with tempera tures computed using a heat transfer model proposed by Beyeler and Guceri, suggests that only 20% of the laser energy is absorbed by the composite material in the process con figuration used in these experiments. It is hypothesized t...
Behaviorism versus Phenomenology: A Needless Conceptual Muddle

The perennial debate which has ensued over whether behavioral or phenomenological approaches to psychology are the more “scientific” and fruitful rests on fundamental confusions in the way the language and concepts of these approaches are employed. This issue is analyzed in depth, sources of confusion are analyzed, and how the two approaches may be related is suggested.
Optical and RF electrical characteristics of atmospheric pressure open-air hollow slot microplasmas and application to bacterial inactivation

We report electrical properties of radio frequency (RF)-driven hollow slot microplasmas operating in open air but with uniform luminous discharges at RF current densities of the order of A cm −2 . We employ interelectrode separations of 100–600 µm to achieve this open-air operation but because the linear slot dimension of our electrode designs are of extended length, we can achieve, for example, open-air slot shaped plasmas 30 cm in length. This creates a linear plasma source for wide area plasma driven surface treatment applications. RF voltages at frequencies of 4–60 MHz are applied to an interior electrode to both ignite and sustain the plasma between electrodes. The outer slotted electrode is grounded. Illustrative absolute emission of optical spectra from this source is presented in the region from 100 to 400 nm as well as total oxygen radical fluxes from the source. We present both RF breakdown and sustaining voltage measurements as well as impedance values measured for the microplasmas, which use flowing rare gas in the interelectrode region exiting into open air. The requirement for rare gas flow is necessary to get uniform plasmas of dimensions over 30 cm, but is a practical disadvantage. In one mode of operation we create an out-flowing afterglow plasma plume, which extends 1–3 mm from the grounded open slot allowing for treatment of work pieces placed millimetres away from the grounded electrode. This afterglow configuration also allows for lower gas temperatures impinging on substrates, than the use of active plasmas. Work pieces are not required to be part of any electrical circuit, bringing additional practical advantages. We present a crude lumped parameter equivalent circuit model to analyse the effects of changing RF sheaths with frequency of excitation and applied RF current to better understand the relative roles of sheath and bulk plasma behaviour observed in electrical characteristics. Estimates of the bulk plasma densities are also provided. Finally, we present results of afterglow plasma based bacteria inactivation studies (Escherichia coli, Bacillus atrophaeus and B. atrophaeus spores) in which we employ the flowing afterglow plume from a hollow slot microplasma device rather than the active plasma itself, which is fully contained between electrodes. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
The Impact of Local Environmental Health Capacity on Foodborne Illness Morbidity in Maryland

Objectives. We evaluated the relationship between local food protection capacity and service provision in Maryland's 24 local food protection programs (FPPs) and incidence of foodborne illness at the county level.Methods. We conducted regression analyses to determine the relationship between foodborne illness and local FPP characteristics. We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's FoodNet and Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene outbreak data set, along with data on Maryland's local FPP capacity (workforce size and experience levels, budget) and service provision (food service facility inspections, public notification programs).Results. Counties with higher capacity, such as larger workforce, higher budget, and greater employee experience, had fewer foodborne illnesses. Counties with better performance and county-level regulations, such as high food service facility inspection rates and requiring certified food manager programs, respectively, had lower rates of illness.Conclusio...
Optical properties of Au, Ni, and Pb at submillimeter wavelengths

Measurements of the optical properties, and thus the optical constants, of metals at submillimeter wavelengths are almost nonexistent. We used a nonresonant cavity to measure at ambient temperature the angle averaged absorptance spectra P(ω) of gold, nickel, and lead in the 30–300-cm−1 wave-number region. The real part of the normalized surface impedance spectrum z(ω) = r(ω) + ix(ω) was determined from P(ω). The r(ω) spectrum was combined with previous measurements by others at higher frequencies, and Kramers-Kronig analyses of the resultant r(ω) spectra provided ∊(ω) = ∊1(ω) + i∊2(ω) and N(ω) = n(ω) + ik(ω) for gold and nickel in the 35–15,000-cm−1 region and for lead in the 15–15,000-cm−1 region. We also derived an exact analytical expression for P(ω) of a metal.
On the causes of 18 O-depletion and 18 O/ 16 O homogenization during regional metamorphism; the East Humboldt Range core complex, Nevada

Previous stable isotope studies at Lizzies Basin revealed that metasedimentary rocks are 18O-depleted relative to protolith values, particularly in the lower parts of the section (Lower Zone) where the rocks are also isotopically homogeneous on a scale of hundreds of meters (quartz δ18O=+9.0 to +9.6 per mil). In contrast, metasedimentary rocks at higher levels at Lizzies Basin (Upper Zone) are less 18O-depleted and more heterogeneous in δ18O. In order to understand more fully the isotopic evolution of this terrane, a series of detailed, meter-scale traverses across various metamorphic and igneous lithologies were completed at Lizzies Basin, and at the structurally higher Angel Lake locality. Traverses in the Lizzies Basin Lower Zone and in the lower parts of Angel Lake (Angel Lake Lower Sequence) across various silicate lithologies, including abundant granitoids, reveal similar degrees of homogeneity, although the average δ18O values are higher at Angel Lake. In contrast, traverses which include substantial thicknesses of marble and calc-silicate gneiss and very little granitoid have more heterogeneous quartz δ18O values (+11.9 to +13.4 per mil), and also have a higher average δ18O (+12.9 per mil), than observed elsewhere. The scale of 18O/16O homogeneity in quartz observed at Lizzies Basin and Angel Lake (meters to hundreds of meters) requires fluid-mediated isotope exchange, which accompanied Tertiary metamorphism. There is a correlation between the degree of 18O-depletion in metasedimentary rocks, 18O/16O homogenization between lithologies, and the proportion of granitoids (leucogranites in particular) within any part of the section, and a corresponding anticor-relation with the proportion of marble. This points to a causal relationship, whereby the leucogranites (as well as the Tertiary hornblende diorite and biotite monzogranite) acted as both a relatively low-18O reservoir and a source of fluids to enhance exchange, while the marbles hindered isotope deplction and homogenization by acting as relatively high-18O reservoirs and impermeable layers. Material balance calculations help delineate the plausible mechanisms of exchange between granitoids and metasediments. Single-pass infiltration of magmatic fluids from the granitoids is not capable of reproducing all of the observations. Fluidmediated exchange by convective recirculation of magmatic fluids on a scale of meters is the mechanism which explains all of the observations. The generalized model for the isotopic evolution of the East Humboldt Range core complex provides and excellent opportunity to establish the main causes and controlling factors of 18O-depletion and 18O/16O homogenization during regional metamorphism.
A Conceptual Model for Spatially Enabled E-Service Intelligence in State Transportation Development

The development of the annual and multi-year transportation program in the United States is an example of a complex process with multiple decision-making activities at national, state, and local governmental agency levels. Transportation program development decisions are dynamic and interdisciplinary and involve considerable tradeoffs in financial, safety, and political contexts; state transportation agencies are developing spatial data warehouse infrastructures using geographic information system (GIS) technologies to address these decision needs. This article presents a conceptual model for the development of spatially enabled E-service intelligence products for state and local agency transportation program development and a hypothetical example of intelligence products for a transportation safety program.
Hepatitis C: What Progress?

The new serologic assay for hepatitis C has made it possible to identify patients infected with this agent and to better characterize their clinical illness and its sequelae. As the clinical entity has become better recognized, our understanding of the infectious process has also progressed. Hepatitis C is a chloroform-sensitive RNA virus, only 30-60 nm in diameter, containing a lipid coat. Both erythrocytes and plasma can transmit infection. The viral genome consists of single-stranded linear RNA of approximately 10 kilobases. The first serologic assay developed was a radioimmunoassay, followed shortly by an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Secondary tests for specificity now exist. Blood donor populations may have a significant frequency of false positives on the antibody test, making it important that positive results be confirmed with a secondary assay. The antibody is only detected 2 months after infection, by means of currently available assays, and may not appear in many patients until 3 to 6 months after infection. Hepatitis C infection is commonly chronic. This may lead to an asymptomatic chronic carrier state without demonstrable liver disease, or to chronic progressive or non-progressive hepatitis.
GADD45γ: a new vitamin D-regulated gene that is antiproliferative in prostate cancer cells.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] inhibits proliferation of normal and malignant prostate epithelial cells at least in part through inhibition of G1 to S phase cell cycle progression. The mechanisms of the antiproliferative effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 have yet to be fully elucidated but are known to require the vitamin D receptor. We previously developed a 1,25-(OH)2D3-resistant derivative of the human prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP, which retains active vitamin D receptors but is not growth inhibited by 1,25-(OH)2D3. Gene expression profiling revealed two novel 1,25-(OH)2D3-inducible genes, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene gamma (GADD45γ) and mitogen induced gene 6 (MIG6), in LNCaP but not in 1,25-(OH)2D3-resistant cells. GADD45γ up-regulation was associated with growth inhibition by 1,25-(OH)2D3 in human prostate cancer cells. Ectopic expression of GADD45γ in either LNCaP or ALVA31 cells resulted in G1 accumulation and inhibition of proliferation equal to or greater than that caused by 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment. In contrast, ectopic expression of MIG6 had only minimal effects on cell cycle distribution and proliferation. Whereas GADD45γ has been shown to be induced by androgens in prostate cancer cells, up-regulation of GADD45γ by 1,25-(OH)2D3 was not dependent on androgen receptor signaling, further refuting a requirement for androgens/androgen receptor in vitamin D-mediated growth inhibition. These data introduce two novel 1,25-(OH)2D3-regulated genes and establish GADD45γ as a growth-inhibitory protein in prostate cancer. Furthermore, the induction of GADD45γ gene expression by 1,25-(OH)2D3 may mark therapeutic response in prostate cancer.
Massive Cerebral Infarction with Severe Brain Swelling: A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY

All cases of acute supratentorial cerebral infarction which came to postmortem examination over the past 10 years at the Philadelphia General Hospital were reviewed. Of a total of 353 such cases, 45 showed severe brain swelling. Seventy-eight percent of these 45 patients died within seven days of the acute infarction. The rapidly fatal outcome appeared to be directly related to the acute brain swelling with transtentorial herniation and brain-stem edema or hemorrhage. In those patients who survived longer than one week following onset of the ictus (22%), clinical and anatomic findings suggested that increased intracranial pressure probably did not develop until later in the course of the illness. A second massive infarct was probably superimposed upon an earlier one and produced the acute brain swelling noted at the time of postmortem examination. Complicating visceral diseases were more common in this group and seemed to contribute to death in the majority of these patients. Although it has been establis...
All hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers are not created equally

Hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) also known as "blood substitutes" have been under active clinical development over the last two decades. Cell-free Hb outside its natural protective red blood cell environment, as is the case with all HBOCs, has been shown to be vasoactive in part due to the scavenging of vascular endothelial nitric oxide (NO) and may in some instances induce heme-mediated oxidative stress. Chemical modification intended to stabilize HBOCs in the tetrameric or polymeric forms introduces conformational constraints that result in proteins with diverse allosteric responses as well as oxidative and nitrosative redox side reactions. Intra and inter-molecular cross-linking may in some instances also determine the interactions between HBOCs and normal oxidative inactivation and clearance mechanisms. Oxygen and oxidative reactions of normal and several cross-linked Hbs as well as their interactions with endogenous plasma protein (haptoglobin) and cellular receptor pathways (macrophage CD163) differ significantly. Therefore, safety and efficacy may be addressed by designing HBOCs with modifications that limit hypertension, minimize heme destabilization and take into account endogenous Hb removal mechanisms to optimize exposure times for a given indication.
Dynamics of a two-mode Bose-Einstein condensate beyond mean-field theory

We study the dynamics of a two-mode Bose-Einstein condensate in the vicinity of a mean-field dynamical instability. Convergence to mean-field theory (MFT), with increasing total number of particles N, is shown to be logarithmically slow. Using a density-matrix formalism rather than the conventional wave-function methods, we derive an improved set of equations of motion for the mean-field plus the fluctuations, which goes beyond MFT and provides accurate predictions for the leading quantum corrections and the quantum break time. We show that the leading quantum corrections appear as decoherence of the reduced single-particle quantum state; we also compare this phenomenon to the effects of thermal noise. Using the rapid dephasing near an instability, we propose a method for the direct measurement of scattering lengths.
Determination of the relative amounts of elastin in lung tissues

Abstract A simple and rapid method is described for the quantitation of elastin in lung tissues. This procedure involves the determination of the desmosine crosslinks in both the total connective tissue and isolated elastin. The results are expressed as percentage elastin of the total protein in the connective tissue. This method is more accurate than previously described assays, since it takes into account possible variations of the desmosines in elastin from one lung specimen to another, and unlike the older gravimetric procedures it is not affected by losses during isolation.
Will School Choice Meet Students' Needs? Principals' Views

We can successfully teach all children if we seriously consider the applications of relevant knowledge in connection with effective schooling and school improvement procedures. In this regard, we h...
Numerical Simulations of Radiative Cooling beneath the Anvils of Supercell Thunderstorms

Abstract Numerical simulations of supercell thunderstorms that include parameterized radiative transfer and surface fluxes are performed using the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) to investigate the effects of anvil shadows on the near-storm environment. If the simulated storm is nearly stationary, the maximum low-level air temperature deficits within the shadows are about 2 K, which is roughly half the cooling found in some previous observations. It is shown that the extinction of downwelling shortwave radiation by the anvil cloud creates a differential in the flux of downwelling shortwave radiation between the sun and the shade that is at least an order of magnitude greater than the differential of any other term in either the surface radiation or the surface energy budgets. The loss of strong solar heating of the model surface within the shaded regions leads to a reduction of surface temperatures and stabilization of the model surface layer beneath the anvil. The reduction in vertical mixing ...
Designing entertaining educational games using procedural rhetoric: a case study

In the paper we describe the design and development of a video game about sustainable energy use that effectively unites fun with learning. We also present results from an initial study of the educational impact of the game. Many educational games do not properly translate knowledge, facts, and lessons into the language of games. This results in games that are often neither engaging nor educational. Our approach differs by using game mechanics to express the educational content. The design combines the fantasy elements and game play conventions of the real-time strategy (RTS) genre with numbers, resources and situations based on research about real-world energy production and use. The result is a game in which the player learns about energy use simply by trying to overcome the game's challenges. We demonstrate that effective and engaging learning games can be developed as long as sound game design principles are used. Results from a combined quantitative/qualitative study show that players enjoyed the game, learned new things and became more interested in the topic of energy use. This paper will highlight key aspects of the design that we believe contributed towards making the game fun as well as educational. The game also presents a model for translating real-world topics into game mechanics using the language of procedural rhetoric. The real world is ripe with problems and situations that could inspire interesting game mechanics and provide new creative ideas for educational and traditional game designers.
New electrolytes for aluminum production: Ionic liquids

In this article, the reduction, refining/recycling, and electroplating of aluminum from room-temperature molten salts are reviewed. In addition, the characteristics of several non-conventional organic solvents, electrolytes, and molten salts are evaluated, and the applicability of these melts for production of aluminum is discussed with special attention to ionic liquids. Also reviewed are electrochemical processes and conditions for electrodeposition of aluminum using ionic liquids at near room temperatures.
A staining and dehydrating procedure for the handling of microorganisms.

A new staining and dehydrating procedure for microorganisms is presented. It is based on the observation of Atwood and Orinstein (1949) that azure A or thionin, in the presence of SO2, stains chromosomes intensely and apparently selectively. The staining process is as follows: Cover-slip smears are hydrolyzed in 1 N HCl at 60°C. for the previously ascertained optimal hydrolysis time. They are then briefly rinsed in distilled water and transferred to either of the two following stains, (1) 0.25% thionin (10 ml.) to which thionyl chloride (1 drop), as a source of SO2, is added; (2) 0.25% azure A (10 ml.) to which thionyl chloride (2 drops), as a source of SO2, is added. Neither of these stains decolorizes, i.e., forms a leuco base, in the presence of SO2. Staining is allowed to proceed for a minimum of two hours.Following staining, the preparations are rinsed in distilled water, drained on filter paper, and immediately immersed in absolute alcohol which has been previously chilled to about -50°C. by packing...
Stagflationary Effects of Stabilization Programs in Reforming Socialist Countries: Enterprise-Side and Household-Side Factors

Dismantling subsidies could give rise to serious macroeconomic difficulties in the short run. This article explores a view based on the enterprise sector as a central source and main channel of the stagflation phenomenon, using as an example the stagflation that followed the 1990 stabilization program in Poland. The stagflation phenomenon is linked to features of the financial market that are somewhat peculiar to reforming socialist economies: the weak credit links between households and enterprises, and the existence of large interenterprise debt. The policy implications of the enterprise-side view include more explicit consideration of initial conditions in the credit market, implementation of privatization schemes, and the development of a domestic banking
Overview of future directions in high energy-density and high-field science using ultra-intense lasers

Abstract The increasing proliferation of 100 TW class ultrashort pulse lasers and the near completion of a number of petawatt class lasers world wide is opening many frontiers in laser science. Some of the most exciting frontiers rest in high energy-density science and high field physics. A multi-TW laser can create heated matter with pressure in excess of a Gbar and can create electric fields of ten to one hundred atomic units. In this paper some of the recent advances in high energy density science and high field physics made using high intensity short pulse lasers will be reviewed with illustrative examples from work performed at the University of Texas and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Vortex Motion and the Geometric Phase. Part I. Basic Configurations and Asymptotics

The geometric, or Hannay-Berry, phase is calculated for three canonical point vortex configurations in the plane. The simplest configuration is the three-vortex problem with arbitrary (like signed) circulations, where two of the vortices are near each other compared to the distance between them and a third vortex. We show that the third (distant) vortex induces a geometric phase in the relative angle variable between the two nearby vortices. The second configuration is a particle and vortex in a circular domain. In this problem, the geometric phase is induced on the particle by the presence of the boundary. The third configuration is an infinite row of point vortices undergoing subharmonic pairing. In this case, a geometric phase is induced on a particle orbiting one of the vortices as the vortex pairs orbit each other. In each case we derive the formula for the geometric phase using an asymptotic procedure, then we give it a geometric interpretation. For the asymptotic derivation, we show how the geometric phase can be interpreted as the product of two terms, one of which goes to zero, the other to infinity. Because they go at rates that balance each other, there is a residual O(1) term in the limit e → 0. In this way, we can see that the e → 0 problem is fundamentally different from the e = 0 problem. For the geometric interpretation, we introduce a 1-form γ defined on the plane and show that the phase θg in the appropriate angle variable can be constructed by taking the contour integral of this 1-form over the closed vortex path. In each case this gives the simple formula θg = ∮ γ.
Mutations in matrix and SP1 repair the packaging specificity of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 mutant by reducing the association of Gag with spliced viral RNA

The viral genome of HIV-1 contains several secondary structures that are important for regulating viral replication. The stem-loop 1 (SL1) sequence in the 5' untranslated region directs HIV-1 genomic RNA dimerization and packaging into the virion. Without SL1, HIV-1 cannot replicate in human T cell lines. The replication restriction phenotype in the SL1 deletion mutant appears to be multifactorial, with defects in viral RNA dimerization and packaging in producer cells as well as in reverse transcription of the viral RNA in infected cells. In this study, we sought to characterize SL1 mutant replication restrictions and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of compensation in revertants. HIV-1 lacking SL1 (NLΔSL1) did not replicate in PM-1 cells until two independent non-synonymous mutations emerged: G913A in the matrix domain (E42K) on day 18 postinfection and C1907T in the SP1 domain (P10L) on day 11 postinfection. NLΔSL1 revertants carrying either compensatory mutation showed enhanced infectivity in PM-1 cells. The SL1 revertants produced significantly more infectious particles per nanogram of p24 than did NLΔSL1. The SL1 deletion mutant packaged less HIV-1 genomic RNA and more cellular RNA, particularly signal recognition particle RNA, in the virion than the wild-type. NLΔSL1 also packaged 3- to 4-fold more spliced HIV mRNA into the virion, potentially interfering with infectious virus production. In contrast, both revertants encapsidated 2.5- to 5-fold less of these HIV-1 mRNA species. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of RNA cross-linked with Gag in formaldehyde-fixed cells demonstrated that the compensatory mutations reduced the association between Gag and spliced HIV-1 RNA, thereby effectively preventing these RNAs from being packaged into the virion. The reduction of spliced viral RNA in the virion may have a major role in facilitating infectious virus production, thus restoring the infectivity of NLΔSL1. HIV-1 evolved to overcome a deletion in SL1 and restored infectivity by acquiring compensatory mutations in the N-terminal matrix or SP1 domain of Gag. These data shed light on the functions of the N-terminal matrix and SP1 domains and suggest that both regions may have a role in Gag interactions with spliced viral RNA.
Modelling ‘evo‐devo’ with RNA

The folding of RNA sequences into secondary structures is a simple yet biophysically grounded model of a genotype-phenotype map. Its computational and mathematical analysis has uncovered a surprisingly rich statistical structure characterized by shape space covering, neutral networks and plastogenetic congruence. I review these concepts and discuss their evolutionary implications.
4.6.3 Affordable Systems: Balancing the Capability, Schedule, Flexibility, and Technical Debt Tradespace

With the increasing demands for affordable system capabilities that can be provided quickly to the user community, developers must explore a variety of options for identifying “satisficing” solutions. The system capability affordability tradespace must balance expedited systems engineering to reduce schedule and cost, encourage flexibility in architecture decisions to support future evolution of the system, and minimize technical debt that either results in later rework or adversely impacts future options. This paper shows how the University of Southern California (USC) Center for Systems and Software Engineering (CSSE) software and systems engineering cost models can be used in the analysis of this tradespace to show the range of options and the resulting consequences.
Identification and functional characterization of a dual GABA/taurine transporter in the bullfrog retinal pigment epithelium.

Intracellular microelectrodes, fluorescence imaging, and radiotracer flux techniques were used to investigate the physiological response of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the major retinal inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is released tonically in the dark by amphibian horizontal cells, but is not taken up by the nearby Muller cells. Addition of GABA to the apical bath produced voltage responses in the bullfrog RPE that were not blocked nor mimicked by any of the major GABA-receptor antagonists or agonists. Nipecotic acid, a substrate for GABA transport, inhibited the voltage effects of GABA. GABA and nipecotic acid also inhibited the voltage effects of taurine, suggesting that the previously characterized beta-alanine sensitive taurine carrier also takes up GABA. The voltage responses of GABA, taurine, nipecotic acid, and beta-alanine all showed first-order saturable kinetics with the following Km's: GABA (Km = 160 microM), beta-alanine (Km = 250 microM), nipecotic acid (Km = 420 microM), and taurine (Km = 850 microM). This low affinity GABA transporter is dependent on external Na, partially dependent on external Cl, and is stimulated in low [K]o, which approximates subretinal space [K]o during light onset. Apical GABA also produced a significant conductance increase at the basolateral membrane. These GABA-induced conductance changes were blocked by basal Ba2+, suggesting that GABA decreased basolateral membrane K conductance. In addition, the apical membrane Na/K ATPase was stimulated in the presence of GABA. A model for the interaction between the GABA transporter, the Na/K ATPase, and the basolateral membrane K conductance accounts for the electrical effects of GABA. Net apical-to-basal flux of [3H]-GABA was also observed in radioactive flux experiments. The present study shows that a high capacity GABA uptake mechanism with unique pharmacological properties is located at the RPE apical membrane and could play an important role in the removal of GABA from the subretinal space (SRS). This transporter could also coordinate the activities of GABA and taurine in the SRS after transitions between light and dark.
Into the Deep: Mindful Music Learning

This article outlines strategies for using thinking routines in the general music classroom to foster deeper learning. Based on the Artful Thinking program, a model developed by Harvard’s Project Zero in collaboration with Traverse City [Michigan] Area Public Schools, thinking routines were developed to draw students into a more meaningful art experience and foster critical thinking habits. By using these thinking routines in the general music classroom, we can encourage students to develop thinking dispositions, or habits of mind, that promotes full engagement in music learning.
Blood pressure and blood lipids among vegetarian, semivegetarian, and nonvegetarian African Americans

Blood pressure (BP) and serum lipids were compared among three dietary groups of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) African-American adults: vegetarians (VEGs: no consumption of animal flesh, n = 66), semivegetarians (SEMIVEGs: one to three servings of animal flesh per week, n = 56), and nonvegetarians (NONVEGs: daily consumption of animal flesh, n = 45). VEGs had a lower mean waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and lower dietary intakes of protein, saturated fat, and cholesterol compared with the NONVEGs. Only 16% of the VEGs were confirmed to be hypertensive compared with 35.7% of the SEMIVEGs and 31.1% of the NONVEGs. Independent of differences in WHR, the VEGs had significantly lower concentrations of serum total cholesterol (STC), LDL-C, triglycerides, STC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C than the NONVEGs. The SEMIVEGs had lipid values intermediate to the VEG and NONVEG groups. Among African-American SDAs, a vegetarian diet is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk factors than is an omnivorous diet.
Mechanism of hepatoprotection in proestrus female rats following trauma‐hemorrhage: heme oxygenase‐1‐derived normalization of hepatic inflammatory responses

Hepatic damage occurs in males and ovariectomized (OVX), not in proestrus (PE), females following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H). The mechanism responsible for hepatoprotection remains unknown. We hypothesized protection in PE is a result of enhanced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-derived down-regulation of liver inflammatory responses. PE and OVX rats underwent T-H (midline laparotomy, 60% blood loss). PE rats received vehicle (Veh; saline), HO-1 inhibitor chromium mesoporphyrin IX chloride (CrMP; 2.5 mg/kg), zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP; 25 mg/kg), or Akt/PI-3K inhibitor Wortmannin (Wort; 1 mg/kg) 30 min prior to resuscitation or sham operation i.p. OVX rats received Veh or 17β-estradiol (E2; 1 mg/kg) 30 min before hemorrhage. Rats were killed 2 h thereafter. Following T-H, left ventricular performance was maintained in PE and E2 OVX rats but was depressed in OVX and CrMP-, ZnPP-, and Wort-treated PE rats; liver damage was not evident in PE rats, and CrMP, ZnPP, and Wort abrogated protection; liver HO-1, p38 MAPK, Akt/PI3K, and Bcl-2 expression increased in PE and E2 OVX rats, which was abrogated by CrMP, ZnPP, and Wort, and liver ICAM-1, caspase-3, phospho-IκB-α, and NF-κB expression increased in OVX and CrMP-, ZnPP-, and Wort-PE rats; liver myeloperoxidase, NF-κB DNA-binding activity, TNF-α, IL-6, plasma proinflammatory cytokines, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractants increased in OVX and CrMP-, ZnPP-, and Wort-PE rats; and plasma estradiol levels and hepatic estrogen receptor-α and -β expression decreased in OVX but were unaltered by CrMP, ZnPP, and Wort. Thus, enhanced HO-1 in PE and E2 OVX females modulates inflammatory responses and protects liver following T-H.
Global health governance

Is effective global health governance possible? Jeremy Youde's introduction addressing the globalisation of health issues raises important questions about the international community and its abilit...
Rapid changes in gene expression direct rapid shifts in intestinal form and function in the Burmese python after feeding

Snakes provide a unique and valuable model system for studying the extremes of physiological remodeling because of the ability of some species to rapidly upregulate organ form and function upon feeding. The predominant model species used to study such extreme responses has been the Burmese python because of the extreme nature of postfeeding response in this species. We analyzed the Burmese python intestine across a time series, before, during, and after feeding to understand the patterns and timing of changes in gene expression and their relationship to changes in intestinal form and function upon feeding. Our results indicate that >2,000 genes show significant changes in expression in the small intestine following feeding, including genes involved in intestinal morphology and function (e.g., hydrolases, microvillus proteins, trafficking and transport proteins), as well as genes involved in cell division and apoptosis. Extensive changes in gene expression occur surprisingly rapidly, within the first 6 h of feeding, coincide with changes in intestinal morphology, and effectively return to prefeeding levels within 10 days. Collectively, our results provide an unprecedented portrait of parallel changes in gene expression and intestinal morphology and physiology on a scale that is extreme both in the magnitude of changes, as well as in the incredibly short time frame of these changes, with up- and downregulation of expression and function occurring in the span of 10 days. Our results also identify conserved vertebrate signaling pathways that modulate these responses, which may suggest pathways for therapeutic modulation of intestinal function in humans.
Environment‐dependent long‐range structural distortion in a temperature‐sensitive point mutant

Extensive environment-dependent rearrangement of the helix-turn-helix DNA recognition region and adjacent L-tryptophan binding pocket is reported in the crystal structure of dimeric E. coli trp aporepressor with point mutation Leu75Phe. In one of two subunits, the eight residues immediately C-terminal to the mutation are shifted forward in helical register by three positions, and the five following residues form an extrahelical loop accommodating the register shift. In contrast, the second subunit has wildtype-like conformation, as do both subunits in an isomorphous wildtype control structure. Treated together as an ensemble pair, the distorted and wildtype-like conformations of the mutant apoprotein agree more fully than either conformation alone with previously reported NOE measurements, and account more completely for its diverse biochemical and biophysical properties. The register-shifted segment Ile79-Ala80-Thr81-Ile82-Thr83 is helical in both conformations despite low helical propensity, suggesting an important structural role for the steric constraints imposed by β-branched residues in helical conformation.
Reconsidering qualitative and quantitative research approaches: A cognitive developmental perspective

Abstract Rather than embracing the notion that contextualism requires purely qualitative methodologies, Westerman and Yanchar argue that there is a place for quantification in post-positivist research. Both authors provide compelling arguments for this position. From our cognitive developmental perspective, we see this as a move toward a new level of integration in psychology. Whereas reactive shifts between positivist quantification and radical contextualism exemplify the kind of pendulum swing we see in individual development immediately before the emergence of a new developmental level, the moves suggested by Westerman and Yanchar are in the direction of a qualitative shift—a new level of differentiation and integration. We argue that the arguments put forward by Westerman and Yanchar do not quite achieve consolidation at this new level, because they remain embedded in a post-positivist contextualism that demands an a priori rejection of psychological universals and strong forms of quantification. In our view, consolidation at this new level requires a shift to a problem-focused methodological pluralism that assimilates a wide range of methodological approaches, critiques them, and adapts them in light of the problems researchers seek to solve.
Artificial Double Refraction, Due to Aeolotropic Distribution, with Application to Colloidal Solutions and Magnetic Fields

In 1902 Majorana described some new effects observed on placing in a uniform magnetic field certain solutions of dialysed iron, such as that of Bravais. The solution was found to become doubly refracting like a positive or negative uniaxal crystal, with its axis parallel to the lines of magnetic force. A formal theory of the phenomena given by Voigt consisted in adding to the ordinary electrical equations terms of the second order, representing the action of the magnetic field upon the natural vibrations of the medium. Previously to these experiments, Kerr had obtained a negative double refraction in submitting to a magnetic field a medium composed of pure water containing invisibly fine particles of Fe3O4, his explanation of the effect being that the particles might be supposed to join together into filaments along the lines of magnetic force.
Low-level RF signal processing for the Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator

In the X-band accelerator system for the Next Linear Collider Test Accelerator (NLCTA), the low level RF (LLRF) drive system must be very phase stable, but concurrently, be very phase agile. Phase agility is needed to make the Stanford Linear Energy Doubler (SLED) power multiplier systems work and to shape the RF waveforms to compensate beam loading in the accelerator sections. Similarly, precision fast phase and amplitude monitors are required to view, track, and feed back on RF signals at various locations throughout the system. The LLRF is composed of several subsystems: the RF Reference System generates and distributes a reference 11.424 GHz signal to all of the RF stations, the Signal Processing Chassis creates the RF waveforms with the appropriate phase modulation, and the Phase Detector Assembly measures the amplitude and phase of monitored RF signals. The LLRF is run via VXI instrumentation. These instruments are controlled using HP VEE graphical programming software. Programs have been developed to shape the RF waveform, calibrate the phase modulators and demodulators, and display the measured waveforms. This paper describes these and other components of the LLRF system.
Endothelial cell protein C receptor acts as a cellular receptor for factor VIIa on endothelium.

Although factor VII/factor VIIa (FVII/FVIIa) is known to interact with many non-vascular cells, activated monocytes, and endothelial cells via its binding to tissue factor (TF), the interaction of FVII/FVIIa with unperturbed endothelium and the role of this interaction in clearing FVII/FVIIa from the circulation are unknown. To investigate this, in the present study we examined the binding of radiolabeled FVIIa to endothelial cells and its subsequent internalization. 125I-FVIIa bound to non-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in time- and dose-dependent manner. The binding is specific and independent of TF and negatively charged phospholipids. Protein C and monoclonal antibodies to endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) blocked effectively 125I-FVIIa binding to HUVEC. FVIIa binding to EPCR is confirmed by demonstrating a marked increase in 125I-FVIIa binding to CHO cells that had been stably transfected with EPCR compared with the wild-type. Binding analysis revealed that FVII, FVIIa, protein C, and activated protein C (APC) bound to EPCR with similar affinity. FVIIa binding to EPCR failed to accelerate FVIIa activation of factor X or protease-activated receptors. FVIIa binding to EPCR was shown to facilitate FVIIa endocytosis. Pharmacological concentrations of FVIIa were found to impair partly the EPCR-dependent protein C activation and APC-mediated cell signaling. Overall, the present data provide convincing evidence that EPCR serves as a cellular binding site for FVII/FVIIa. Further studies are needed to evaluate the pathophysiological consequences and relevance of FVIIa binding to EPCR.
Representation, Corruption, and Subjective Well-Being:

This study examines the effect of corruption and representation on people's subjective well-being. Using cross-national data from 68 countries and survey data from 16 European democracies, the analysis demonstrates that people report higher levels of subjective well-being when (a) their governments perform well (i.e., are clean rather than corrupt) and (b) the party of their choice is in power. The effect of corruption overshadows that of macro-economic variables and conditions the effect of representation—having one's party of choice in power increases well-being when governments are clean but not when they are corrupt. These findings provide strong and systematic evidence that governments can have a significant impact on people's well-being.
Web-Scale Bayesian Click-Through rate Prediction for Sponsored Search Advertising in Microsoft's Bing Search Engine

We describe a new Bayesian click-through rate (CTR) prediction algorithm used for Sponsored Search in Microsoft's Bing search engine. The algorithm is based on a probit regression model that maps discrete or real-valued input features to probabilities. It maintains Gaussian beliefs over weights of the model and performs Gaussian online updates derived from approximate message passing. Scalability of the algorithm is ensured through a principled weight pruning procedure and an approximate parallel implementation. We discuss the challenges arising from evaluating and tuning the predictor as part of the complex system of sponsored search where the predictions made by the algorithm decide about future training sample composition. Finally, we show experimental results from the production system and compare to a calibrated Naive Bayes algorithm.