cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pinholin S21 mutations induce structural topology and conformational changes.

Abstract The bacteriophage infection cycle is terminated at a predefined time to release the progeny virions via a robust lytic system composed of holin, endolysin, and spanin proteins. Holin is the timekeeper of this process. Pinholin S21 is a prototype holin of phage Φ21, which determines the timing of host cell lysis through the coordinated efforts of pinholin and antipinholin. However, mutations in pinholin and antipinholin play a significant role in modulating the timing of lysis depending on adverse or favorable growth conditions. Earlier studies have shown that single point mutations of pinholin S21 alter the cell lysis timing, a proxy for pinholin function as lysis is also dependent on other lytic proteins. In this study, continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) power saturation and double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopic techniques were used to directly probe the effects of mutations on the structure and conformational changes of pinholin S21 that correlate with pinholin function. DEER and CW-EPR power saturation data clearly demonstrate that increased hydrophilicity induced by residue mutations accelerate the externalization of antipinholin transmembrane domain 1 (TMD1), while increased hydrophobicity prevents the externalization of TMD1. This altered hydrophobicity is potentially accelerating or delaying the activation of pinholin S21. It was also found that mutations can influence intra- or intermolecular interactions in this system, which contribute to the activation of pinholin and modulate the cell lysis timing. This could be a novel approach to analyze the mutational effects on other holin systems, as well as any other membrane protein in which mutation directly leads to structural and conformational changes.
Evaluation of using random-at-length observations and an equilibrium approximation of the population age structure in fitting the von Bertalanffy growth function

Abstract When paired age–length samples are collected from fishery data, estimation of the growth function parameters has typically assumed that each length observation is a random sample of fish for a given age (traditional method). An alternative methodology (length-conditional) assumes each age sample taken is random with respect to that length. The length-conditional method uses the underlying population age structure to derive predictions and therefore has been limited to implementation inside the stock assessment model. This paper used simulation methods to evaluate the estimates of the von Bertalanffy growth parameters outside the assessment model using the traditional method and a length-conditional method based on an equilibrium approximation to the population age structure derived from an estimate of the total mortality rate. Both random and length-stratified sampling designs were evaluated along with a range of sample sizes. With a random sampling design, both the traditional and approximate length-conditional methods produced unbiased estimates of Linf and K. However, only the approximate length-conditional approach produced unbiased estimates when samples were length-stratified. Variability in the length-at-age relationship was better estimated by the approximate length-conditional approach for both sampling designs. The approximate length-conditional method was robust to small errors in total mortality rate, but biased with increasing levels of mortality misspecification. With a reasonable estimate of total mortality, the approximate length-conditional approach may be a viable alternative to the traditional method when estimating growth parameters, especially the variability in growth.
Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer — the Experience of the National Prostatic Cancer Project

Unfortunately for many patients with advanced prostate cancer the long-term benefit from endocrine therapy is limited and, following relapse to initial hormonal manipulation, further endocrine therapy is only rarely helpful. Thus there is a need to develop effective chemotherapy. The National Prostatic Cancer Project (NPCP) initiated clinical trials utilizing non-hormonal chemotherapy in 1973. Starting with five collaborative institutions, there are now 18 institutions participating in the NPCP. Over 2,000 patients have been accessioned into the clinical trials.
Phosphates and polyphosphates of the rare-earth elements—I: The hydrogen ion displacement method for the characterization of the phosphates and polyphosphates of some rare earths

Abstract Addition of sodium phosphates (and polyphosphates) to rare-earth solutions, both adjusted to a pH of 4·5, results in the precipitation of the normal phosphates (and polyphosphates) corresponding to the formulas RPO4, R4(P2O7)3 and R5(P3O10)3, accompanied by displacement of hydrogen ion from the respective ionic species, H2PO−, H2P2O= and H2P3O−3. This displacement reaction has been evaluated for the H2PO− rare-earth reaction as a method for determination of average atomic weights and has been found to give results which in general are somewhat higher than those based on the accepted oxide-oxalate ratio. Preliminary evidence is also presented to demonstrate that the trivalent rare earths form water-soluble pyrophosphato and triphosphato complexes.
Constraints on Shareholder Activism in the United States and Slovenia

Prepared for a conference and text on Slovenian corporate governance, this article examines the corporate governance role of the large institutional investors that dominate the stockownership of privatized Slovenian corporations. In contrast to the U.S. model in which ownership and control is separated, stockownership is widely dispersed, and shareholder power is diffuse, as famously described by Berle and Means, the privatization process resulted in highly concentrated ownership of Slovenian corporations. The question presented here is whether such concentration is desirable. The article acknowledges that shareholder activism on the part of large institutional investors offers some economic benefits by potentially constraining agency costs, but contends that those benefits come at too high a cost. Two lines of argument are pursued. First, there is a substantial risk that large shareholders will use their control to self-deal or otherwise disadvantage minority shareholders. Experience teaches that the risk of self-dealing is especially significant in transition economies, such as Slovenia. Second, the U.S. model of separated ownership and control, dispersed stockownership, and diffuse shareholder control offers significant efficiency advantages. Neither shareholders nor any other constituency have the information or the incentives necessary to make sound decisions on either operational or policy questions. Overcoming the collective action problems that prevent meaningful shareholder involvement would be difficult and costly. Accordingly, shareholders will prefer to irrevocably delegate decisionmaking authority to some smaller group; namely, the board of directors. Given the significant virtues of discretion, preservation of managerial discretion should always be the null hypothesis. The separation of ownership and control mandated by U.S. corporate law has precisely that effect. The further constraints on shareholder activism provided by U.S. securities law, accordingly, likely have a strong efficiency justification. The article then provides a doctrinal overview of those constraints. Four specific aspects of U.S. securities law are examined: (1) disclosure requirements pertaining to large holders; (2) shareholder voting and communication rules; (3) insider trading laws; and (4) short swing profits rules. The article concludes by summarizing the comparable provisions of Slovenian law, noting that Slovenian law in many respects parallels the U.S. model. Unfortunately, continued state ownership and the political influence of large holders cast doubt on whether Slovenia will muster the will to meaningfully constrain the power of its institutional investors.
Analytic Element Modeling

This chapter draws heavily on building the theoretical framework for a mathematical description of groundwater flow. In the process numerous practical problems are solved. A recharge area or aquifer in homogeneity, for instance, is taken to be circular, and the problem of a well near a stream is approximated by modeling a well opposite an infinitely long equipotential line. Although many of the solutions serve useful educational purposes, they are not very convincing representations of groundwater flow in regional aquifers with, among others, complex stream networks, wetlands, and varying areal recharge rates and transmissivities. It is true that there exist many more analytic solutions to groundwater flow than are presented in this text, and some of them are very ingenious. By themselves, however, they all share the limitation of a relatively simple hydrogeological setting.
Commitment-Based Multiagent Decision Making

In a cooperative system, multiple dynamic agents work together and share resources to achieve common goals, while simultaneously pursuing their individual goals. Interactions among the agents in such a cooperative system are critical to its successful behavior, and we believe that commitments are the proper abstraction to characterize the interactions. Commitments then become the basis for monitoring and controlling the system and tracking the progress towards its goals. Commitments are binary relationships that bind two agents: a "debtor agent" that promises to provide a particular service for a "creditor agent". Their role is to represent agreements between the agents and prevent potential conflicts while the agents collaborate to achieve the system's common goals, which are imposed from outside. But the willingness to participate in achieving the goals comes from within the agent and that is why the beliefs, desires, and intentions of the agents are crucial in formalizing commitments. In this paper, we have formalized commitments in terms of the agents' internal states of mind--their beliefs, desires, and intentions. This formalization addresses what it means for a participating agent to promise or to satisfy a commitment. The formalization uses a branching-time computational tree logic framework with commitment definitions and operations to define a commitment-centric cooperative multiagent environment.
Symmetries of interacting helices of charge.

We analytically examine the pair interaction for parallel discrete helices of charge. Symmetry arguments allow for the free energy to be decomposed into a sum of terms, each of which has an intuitive geometric . interpretation. Truncated Fourier expansions of these terms are shown to provide effective free energy expressions that are valid under very general circumstances. These expressions are used to briefly examine and characterize the azimuthal interactions within F-actin and A-DNA aggregates.
Programming characteristics of the steep turn-on/off feedback FET (FBFET)

The feedback FET is a new steep turn-on/off transistor which achieves six-orders-of-magnitude current change within a 2 mV gate voltage step (0.35 mV/decade). This device requires an initial programming or conditioning step. Its threshold voltage may be adjusted by Fowler-Nordheim or hot-carrier charge injection. Programming and operation of the device is explained with simulation and experimental data.
Relations among Sadness Regulation, Peer Acceptance, and Social Functioning in Early Adolescence: The Role of Gender

Using a multi-informant approach, this study examined emotion regulation within the social context of White and Black adolescent peer groups by assessing two aspects of sadness expression management (i.e., inhibition, disinhibition) and their linkages to peer acceptance and social functioning as a function of gender and ethnicity. Seventh- and eighth-grade adolescents (N = 155, 52 percent female, 54.8 percent Black) completed self-reports and peer nominations of sadness management and sociometric ratings of peer acceptance. Parents rated their child's social competence and social problems. Results revealed specific patterns of sadness regulation across informants that were associated with social functioning and varied by gender, but not ethnicity. Boys were more likely than girls to minimize sadness displays; boys who violated this pattern had lower peer acceptance and higher parent-rated social problems. In contrast, although girls were rated as displaying overt sadness more frequently than boys, this was unrelated to peer acceptance.
Effect of chromium(III) on poly(dG-dC) conformation

The interaction of chromium(III) with poly(dG-dC) inhibits the B to Z transition and results in the condensation of the polymer at high Cr/nucleotide ratios. At low Cr/nucleotide ratios chromium(III) enhanced the ability of ethanol to induce the B to Z transition of poly(dG-dC). The effects of chromium(III) on the conformation of DNA may be related to the carcinogenicity of chromium compounds.
Silymarin inhibits ultraviolet radiation-induced immune suppression through DNA repair-dependent activation of dendritic cells and stimulation of effector T cells.

Silymarin inhibits UVB-induced immunosuppression in mouse skin. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect, we used an adoptive transfer approach in which dendritic cells (DCs) from the draining lymph nodes of donor mice that had been UVB-exposed and sensitized to 2,4,-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) were transferred into naive recipient mice. The contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response of the recipient mice to DNFB was then measured. When DCs were obtained from UVB-exposed donor mice that were not treated with silymarin, the CHS response was suppressed confirming the role of DCs in the UVB-induced immunosuppression. Silymarin treatment of UVB-exposed donor mice relieved this suppression of the CHS response in the recipients. Silymarin treatment was associated with rapid repair of UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in DCs and silymarin treatment did not prevent UV-induced immunosuppression in XPA-deficient mice which are unable to repair UV-induced DNA damage. The CHS response in mice receiving DCs from silymarin-treated UV-exposed donor mice also was associated with enhanced secretion of Th1-type cytokines and stimulation of T cells. Adoptive transfer of T cells revealed that transfer of either CD8(+) or CD4(+) cells from silymarin-treated, UVB-exposed donors resulted in enhancement of the CHS response. Cell culture study showed enhanced secretion of IL-2 and IFNγ by CD8(+) T cells, and reduced secretion of Th2 cytokines by CD4(+) T cells, obtained from silymarin-treated UVB-exposed mice. These data suggest that DNA repair-dependent functional activation of DCs, a reduction in CD4(+) regulatory T-cell activity, and stimulation of CD8(+) effector T cells contribute to silymarin-mediated inhibition of UVB-induced immunosuppression.
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the limbs and limb-girdles. A clinicopathologic study of 61 cases.

Of 235 embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas, 67 affected the limbs and limb-girdles. Of 61 patients studied in detail, 21 had tumors with an alveolar pattern, and 40 had tumors with a solid pattern. Forty-two tumors involved the lower extremities and pelvic girdle, 19 the upper extremities and shoulder girdle. Forty-six patients died of their tumors. Thirteen of 27 exhibited generalized metastasis and 14 exhibited evidence of pulmonary lesions. None of 16 who had regional lymph node metastasis at the time of initial treatment survived more than 24 months. Nine of the 61 patients are known to be alive and free of disease from 3 1/2 to 13 years after treatment, but only 1 patient with a tumor of alveolar pattern has lived more than 5 years. Aggressive surgical ablation of the tumor, accompanied by simultaneous intravenous chemotherapy, offers the best chance for a cure. In selected cases, supplemental aggressive radiation therapy may be of value.
Convexity properties of the moment mapping. II

be its associated momen t mapping. (See w for definitions.) The set, @(X), is the union of co-adjoint orbits. The main result of this paper is a description of the orbit structure of this set. To describe this result, we first note that the coadjoint orbits in ,q* can be parametr ized as follows: Let t be a Caf tan subalgebra of g and let B be a positive-definite G-invariant bilinear form on $. By means of B we get a G-equivariant identification, , q ~ * . Let t* be the subspace of ~q* corresponding to t. Then every co-adjoint orbit intersects i* in a Weyl-group orbit; so there is a one-one correspondence between co-adjoint orbits in ,q* and Weyl-group orbits in t*. To get an even sharper parametrization, let t* be a Weyl chamber in {*. Then every Weyl-group orbit intersects t* in a single point : so t* is a "modul i space" for the co-adjoint orbits. Two orbits in X are said to be of the same type if they are isomorphic as homogeneous G-spaces. Since X is compact, there are at most a finite number of different types of orbits. (See [1113 Let H be a closed subgroup of T of codimension r and let Cit be the set of all orbits in X of type G/H.
Orientation of Proteorhodopsin in Artificial Membranes is affected by Lipid Bilayer Composition

In artificial membrane systems we want to study the structure and function of proteins as they would behave in their natural environment, so they can be used in applications that require an ex vivo approach. For instance, proteins are increasingly used in FET biosensors, thin-film protein arrays, or bio-fuel cells. These applications require a controlled protein orientation after immobilization onto varying surfaces. When two orientations are present in a system, the average functionality may not always be sufficient to acquire a signal. However, an anisotropic orientation can lead to homogeneity in transport direction and therefore increase signal response. Our objective was to determine whether the surface charge on a liposome plays a key role in determining transmembrane protein orientation and functionality during formation of proteoliposomes. To study this, we reconstitute a model ion pump, proteorhodopsin, in liposomes of opposite charges and varying charge densities and observe the resultant protein orientation. We used four different assays to study the electrostatic protein-surface interactions and light-driven ion transport in proteoliposomes. The surface treatments and proteolysis of proteoliposomes showed physical evidence of preferential orientation, while functional assays provided evidence of vectorial ion transport. We show that the manipulation of lipid composition can control orientation of protein in liposomes. This technique opens up a simple route for controlling protein orientation in many applications ranging from solution vesicle assays to complex bioelectronic devices and sensors that use membrane proteins.
Helminths of Six Species of Snakes from Honshu Island, Japan

Eighty-seven snakes representing 6 species in 2 families (Colubridae: Amphiesma vibakari, Elaphe climacophora, Elaphe conspicillata, Elaphe quadrivirgata, and Rhabdophis tigrinus; Viperidae: Gloydius blomhoffii) were collected on Honshu Island, Japan, between 1965 and 1998 and examined for helminths. Gravid individuals of 1 species of Trematoda, Encyclometra japonica, 1 species of Cestoda, Mesocestoides sp. (tetrathyridia), 8 species of Nematoda, Cosmocercoides pulcher, Hexametra quadricornis, Kalicephalus brachycephalus, Kalicephalus costatus, Kalicephalus sinensis, Oswaldocruzia socialis, Paracapillaria kuntzi, and Rhabdias horigutii, and 2 species of Acanthocephala, gravid individuals of Acanthocephalus lucidus and cystacanths of Polymorphidae gen. sp., were found. Fourteen new host records and 1 new locality record are reported.
Leader reward behavior and subordinate satisfaction and performance.

Abstract This study found that in a hospital environment, leader reward behavior was factorable into two components: positive reward behavior and punitive reward behavior. The relationships between each component of leader reward behavior and subordinate satisfaction and performance were studied across four main classifications of occupational skills: administrative, professional, technical, and service. Consistent positive relationships across the four skill groups were found between positive reward behavior and subordinate satisfaction. The relationships between punitive reward behavior and subordinate satisfaction and performance were different, however, among the four skill groups. It was proposed that variations in the findings from skill group to skill group may be due in part to the nature of the task performed by each group.
BDNF and NT-4, but not NT-3, promote development of inhibitory synapses in the absence of neuronal activity.

Development of the full complement of inhibitory synapses in cerebellar cultures requires the presence of neuronal activity. The neurotrophins, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4, were applied to cerebellar explants during activity blockade. Control numbers of inhibitory Purkinje cell axosomatic synapses developed in the presence of the TrkB receptor ligands, BDNF and NT-4, but not the TrkC receptor ligand, NT-3. The results suggest that BDNF and NT-4 have a role in the promotion of activity-dependent inhibitory synaptogenesis.
The finite-horizon optimal control for a class of time-delay affine nonlinear system

In this paper, a new iteration algorithm is proposed to solve the finite-horizon optimal control problem for a class of time-delay affine nonlinear systems with known system dynamic. First, we prove that the algorithm is convergent as the iteration step increases. Then, a theorem is presented to demonstrate that the limit of the iteration performance index function satisfies discrete-time Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (DTHJB) equation, and the finite-horizon iteration algorithm is presented with satisfactory accuracy error. At last, two neural networks are used to approximate the iteration performance index function and the corresponding control policy. In simulation part, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed iteration algorithm.
Netted sensors-based vehicle acoustic classification at Tier 1 nodes

The MITRE Corporation has embarked on a three-year internally-funded research program in netted sensors with applications to border monitoring, situational awareness in support of combat identification, and urban warfare. The first-year effort emphasized a border monitoring application for dismounted personnel and vehicle surveillance. This paper will focus primarily on the Tier 1 acoustic-based vehicle classification component. We discuss the development and implementation of a robust linear-weighted classifier on a Mica2 Crossbow mote using feature extraction algorithms specifically developed by MITRE for mote-based processing applications. These include a block floating point Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm and an 8-band proportional bandwidth filter bank. Results of in-field testing are compared and contrasted with theoretically-derived performance bounds.
The Contingent A Priori and Implicit Knowledge

By introducing a name 'one meter' and stipulating that it refers to the length of stick S, the stipulator appears to be in a position to gain immediate (and arguably a priori) knowledge of a mind- and language-independent fact-the fact that the length of stick S is one meter. It appears that other users of the name can gain this knowledge only through empirical enquiry. I argue that this presents a paradox. After clarifying the nature of the paradox, I offer a solution by arguing that, contrary to appearances, other users of 'one meter' implicitly knew that the length of stick S is one meter before learning the name, as did the stipulator prior to introducing the name. There is some distinct knowledge that other users of the name can only gain empirically, but the stipulator cannot gain this knowledge without empirical enquiry either.
Phronesis in clinical ethics

This essay argues that while we have examined clinical ethics quite extensively in the literature, too little attention has been paid to the complex question of how clinical ethics is learned. Competing approaches to ethics pedagogy have relied on outmoded understandings of the way moral learning takes place in ethics. It is argued that the better approach, framed in the work of Aristotle, is the idea of phronesis, which depends on a long-term mentorship in clinical medicine for either medical students or clinical ethics students. Such an approach is articulated and defended.
Montmorillonite: Electron Diffraction from Two-Dimensional Single Crystals

Some Selected area electron diffraction patterns of isolated monocrystalline particles of both Wyoming and Camp Berteaux sodiumti-monfmorillonites fail to show the mirror platne symmetry required for the accepted structure. A triclinic model deserves consideraction.
The impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy on ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation: an analysis from the combined Contak-CD and InSync-ICD studies.

Objectives: To determine the potential influence of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on the frequency and types of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in patients with an indication for the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), we performed a retrospective electrogram (EGM) analysis of stored VA events from the two largest CRT-ICD trials. Background: Previous reports suggest that CRT might promote polymorphic VT (PVT), while a beneficial effect of CRT on ventricular function might reduce the frequency of monomorphic VT (MVT). Theoretically, a balanced effect produces no change in overall VA. Methods: We analyzed stored EGMs from patients in the Contak-CD and Insync-ICD studies receiving appropriate therapy for VA. EGM inspection distinguishes MVT and PVT using morphologic criteria rather than cycle length classification alone. Results: Of 1,041 subjects entering the two trials, 880 were randomized CRT (N = 439) or control (N = 441). We were able to analyze 840 EGMs in 150 patients with VA, including 678 MVT episodes and 162 PVT episodes. These events were distributed among 68 patients with active CRT (390 MVT vs 111 PVT) and 82 patients assigned to control (288 MVT compared to 51 PVT). The apparent increase in PVT episodes in the CRT group is not significant and can be explained by a disproportionate number of episodes in a few patients. We were unable to identify clinical variables predictive of PVT during CRT. Conclusions: CRT is not associated with a measurable increase in the incidence of PVT, or in a reduction in MVT in the combined InSync-ICD and Contak-CD populations.
On dimensionality of attainable region construction for isothermal reactor networks

In this paper, a number of novel properties of reactor network synthesis (RNS) problems are presented and proved within the Infinite DimEnsionAl State-space (IDEAS) framework for isothermal reactor networks with and without the constant density assumption. These properties can then be used to reduce the dimension of the composition space (i.e., concentration space for constant density fluid (CDF) reactor networks, mass fraction space for variable density fluid (VDF) reactor networks) within which RNS is conducted and subsequently the attainable region (AR) construction. This procedure may be used to overcome the difficulty preventing the AR methodology and other RNS methods from being used for real industrial size problems.
Chronic administration of an organophosphorus insecticide to rats alters cholinergic muscarinic receptors in the pancreas.

Abstract Male rats were treated for 10 days with the organophosphorus insecticide, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, O,O-diethyl S-[2-(ethylthio)ethyl]phosphorodithioate (disulfoton, 2 mg/kg/day by gavage). At the end of the treatment, binding of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) to cholinergic muscarinic receptors and cholinesterase (ChE) activity were assayed in the pancreas. Functional activity of pancreatic muscarinic receptor was investigated by determining carbachol-stimulated secretion of α-amylase in vitro. ChE activity and [3H]QNB binding were significantly decreased in the pancreas from disulfoton-treated rats. The alteration of [3H]QNB binding was due to a decrease in muscarinic receptor density with no change in the affinity. Basal secretion of amylase from pancreas in vitro was not altered, but carbachol-stimulated secretion was decreased. The effect appeared to be specific since pancreozymin was able to induce the same amylase release from pancreases of control and treated rats. The results suggest that repeated exposures to sublethal doses of an organophosphorus insecticide lead to a biochemical and functional alteration of cholinergic muscarinic receptors in the pancreas.
Biomarkers in aerodigestive tract chemoprevention trials

Lung cancer is an increasingly important public health problem throughout the world. Despite advances in surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques, chemotherapy and supportive care, its 5-year survival rate has improved only marginally during the past two decades. According to the results from the Cancer Prevention Study II of the American Cancer Society [28], lung cancer has now become a leading cause of excess mortality among smokers in the United States. Continuing efforts at primary prevention by smoking cessation has led to a modest decrease in the number of smokers in the United States [7]. However, even long after successful smoking cessation, the risk of developing lung cancer remains high in those who quit [S]. Clearly, new directions are needed and renewed interest is being directed toward chemoprevention as a means of reducing cancer mortality [ 11,221. The goal of clinical chemoprevention trials in the aerodigestive tract is to reduce the risk of cancer development in that field. However, the major obstacle to such trials is that the study end point (i.e., cancer development) is extremely distant. To overcome some of the inherent problems associated with chemoprevention trials using cancer incidence as a study end point, there has been a surge of interest to define biomarkers which can be used as intermediate end points that might reflect whether the chemopreventive agent has had an effect on the tissue at risk [20,273. There is an array of biological events or markers which are associated with neoplastic transformation and progression. For our ongoing chemoprevention trials of the aerodigestive tract cancers (including the lung), we are evaluating two general classes of biomarkers, i.e., genetic (e.g., aneuploidy) and phenotypic (e.g., proliferation, differentiation, and reg ulatory markers). Since the amount of available tissue samples are the limiting factor, we adopted microassay techniques to our study (e.g., immunohistochemical staining, in-situ hybridization) [14,20]. Our approach is to identify biomarkers that are differentially ex-
MYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS QUANTIFIED BY CMR EXTRACELLULAR VOLUME FRACTION PREDICTS MORTALITY AND DETECTS RESPONSE TO THERAPY IN THE NONISCHEMIC PATIENT POPULATION

Myocardial fibrosis expands the extracellular matrix (ECM) adversely affecting mechanical, electrical, and vasomotor function. We quantified ECM expansion, evaluated its association with mortality in the non-ischemic patient population, and assessed the impact of renin angiotensin aldosterone system
The Political Context for Personal Empowerment: Continuing the Conversation

In our joint theoretical piece (Lamb and Peterson 2011), we attempted to find points of agreement and further elucidate points of disagreement in relation to the challenging issue of adolescent girls’ sexual empowerment. In particular, we evaluated the divisive question of whether girls’ subjective feelings of sexual empowerment qualify as some useful version of empowerment. We are grateful to the commentators for joining us in this productive and collaborative conversation. In this response, we summarize some of the themes raised by the commentators, and we look for points of agreement around which we, as feminists, can continue to build a conversation on this polarizing issue. We also attempt to better explore the possible relationship between subjective empowerment and political empowerment by resurrecting the idea that “the personal is political.”
Cross-reactivity of anti-chicken IgY antibody with immunoglobulins of exotic avian species.

Background: A major challenge in the serologic diagnosis of infectious diseases in exotic birds is the limited availability of species-specific antibodies. Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to determine if there is cross reactivity between commercially available anti-chicken IgY antibodies and immunoglobulins of several avian species, with particular emphasis on psittacines. Methods: To quantitate the reactivity with anti-chicken IgY, Western blot analysis was performed using plasma samples from many different avian species. Results were compared with gamma globulin fraction quantitation obtained by protein electrophoresis. Results: By Western blot, 2 protein bands corresponding to the heavy and light chains of chicken IgY were identified in species from 21 avian orders using 1 of 2 rabbit anti-chicken IgY antibodies. Densitometric analysis showed that the amount of immunoglobulin estimated from Western blots correlated strongly with data from protein electrophoresis assays. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that some commercially available anti-chicken IgY antibodies exhibit good cross-reactivity with most avian species.
Reduction of magnetite by aluminum: a displacement reaction induced by mechanical alloying

Abstract The displacement reaction between aluminum and magnetite during mechanical alloying has been investigated. Explosive solidstate reaction occurs in a wide range of compositions as evidenced by the sudden temperature rise of the grinding vial. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy have been used to investigate the reaction products. The reaction takes place in three steps: 1. (i) composition-dependent incubation period; 2. (ii) high-temperature combustion during which a nonuniform mixture of final and intermediate phases forms; and 3. (iii) gradual phase transformation and particle refinement upon continued milling.
GTP-dependent twisting of dynamin implicates constriction and tension in membrane fission

Dynamic light microscopy imaging of dynamin-coated lipid tubules revealed a GTP hydrolysis-dependent twisting activity — the constricting activity produced by this twisting led to fission only when coupled to the longitudinal tension of the tubules. Dynamin, a crucial factor in endocytosis1,2,3, is a member of a family of GTPases that participates in membrane fission4,5,6. It was initially proposed to act as a machine that constricts and cuts the neck of nascent vesicles in a GTP-hydrolysis-dependent reaction4,5, but subsequent studies suggested alternative models2,7,8. Here we monitored the effect of nucleotides on dynamin-coated lipid tubules in real time. Addition of GTP, but not of GDP or GTP-γS, resulted in twisting of the tubules and supercoiling, suggesting a rotatory movement of the helix turns relative to each other during GTP hydrolysis. Rotation was confirmed by the movement of beads attached to the tubules. Twisting activity produced a longitudinal tension that was released by tubule breakage when both ends of the tubule were anchored. Fission also occurred when dynamin and GTP were added to lipid tubules that had been generated from liposomes by the motor activity of kinesin on microtubules. No fission events were observed in the absence of longitudinal tension. These findings demonstrate a mechanoenzyme activity of dynamin in endocytosis, but also imply that constriction is not sufficient for fission. At the short necks of endocytic vesicles, other factors6,9,10 leading to tension may cooperate with the constricting activity of dynamin to induce fission11,12,13.
Technical Progress, Price Adjustments, and Wages

Technical progress that takes place in one country is often soon transmitted to major trading partners, leading to adjustments in equilibrium commodity prices. This paper makes use of the twin concepts of differential industry effects and differential factor effects to ask about the role of each in determining how progress affects real wages. A simple diagram is utilized to illustrate in general settings the importance of factor bias in technology and the elasticity of substitution in demand in the analysis of real wage changes.
Transitions between short-term and long-term memory in learning meaningful unrelated paired associates using computer based drills

Abstract Two computer-based instructional design experiments, modeled after the traditional flash card drill, investigated optimum queuing for reintroducing missed items in paired associate learning. In the first investigation, the number of items intervening between a word and its later review (the insertion gap) was manipulated to determine the drop-off points (i.e., the points at which information fades from memory). Data from Experiment 1 showed that the use of two intervening items resulted in significantly higher correct recall ( P
Two new tissue culture lines from ovarian cancer.

Two established tissue culture lines derived from adenocarcinoma of the ovary are reported along with some of their characteristics. It is hoped that these lines will assist in the in vitro study of human ovarian cancer.
Neurologic Morbidity Associated With Achondroplasia

Neurologic morbidity has long been appreciated in adults with achondroplasia and has recently been recognized to be common in children. Neurologic complications result from bony stenosis involving the entire vertebral column and the base of the skull. These complications are reviewed with special attention to the findings in children.
Induction of cell-cell channel formation by mRNA

Intercellular junctional communication is very common in normal organized tissue. It provides a pathway for transmission of electrical signals, especially in heart muscle, and may be important in differentiation and growth control. The hydrophilic channels which enable cell--cell communication have been well characterized by biophysical methods, and there is now good evidence that they are contained in the nexus (gap junctions). Little, however, is known about the molecular mechanism of biosynthesis of junctional channels. Knowledge in this area has been obtained almost exclusively from experiments with reaggregated cells, a system complicated by the fact that de novo synthesis of channel proteins is obscured by reassembly of pre-existing subunits or utilization of precirsors. To avoid these problems, we have now isolated mRNA from cells that are in the process of making new intercellular nexus with high efficiency, incorporated it via liposomes into communication-defective cells and have shown that the recipient cells established junctional communication.
Guiding planes in clasp reciprocation and retention.

Abstract Answers to two questions were sought: Is there a proper length for a guide plane and does the relationship of the guide plane to the undercut enhance retention? The cylindrical sleeve makes it possible to measure suprabulge contours in relationship to undercuts, thus establishing the “action distance” of the retentive arm. The reciprocating distance traveled by the reciprocal part of the clasp must be equal to the action distance: action distance = reciprocation distance = length of guide plane. Three sets of ivorine teeth were used with cast clasps with a connector and with a single clasp to test this concept of intrinsic retention—“intrinsic retention” being a guide plane opposed by an undercut at 180 degrees.
Brain responses to tonal changes in the first two years of life

Maturation of auditory perceptual and discrimination process within the first two years of life is investigated in healthy infants by examining event-related potentials (ERPs). High-density EEG signals were recorded from the scalp monthly between 3 and 24 months of age. Two types of stimuli (100 vs. 100 Hz for standard stimuli; 100 vs. 300 Hz for deviant stimuli; occurrence rate: 85:15%) were presented using an oddball paradigm. Latencies and amplitudes were compared across development. The results showed that latencies of P150, N250, P350, and N450 components gradually decreased with increasing age. Amplitudes of the N250 and P350 components gradually increased and reached the maximum at 9 months, and then gradually decreased with the increase of age. Mismatch negativity was not obvious at 3 months of age, but was seen at 4–5 months and became robust after 6 months. Robust late positivity was recorded at all ages. These mismatch responses were noticeable in the frontal, central, and parietal areas, and the maximal MMN amplitude distribution gradually moved from the parietal area to the frontal area across the age range. Two important periods—one around 6 months and the other around 9 months are suggested in the maturation of auditory central system. Dynamical changes in the underlying source strengths and orientations may be principal contributors to ERP morphological changes in infants within the first 24 months.
Beam coordination via diffusion adaptation over array networks

In this work, we consider a distributed beam coordination problem, where a collection of arrays are interconnected by a certain topology. The beamformers employ an adaptive diffusion strategy to compute the beamforming weight vectors by relying solely on cooperation with their local neighbors. We analyze the mean-square-error (MSE) performance of the proposed strategy, including its transient and steady-state behavior. Simulation results support the findings that the MSE performance improves uniformly across the network relative to non-cooperative designs.
Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids: Partners in prevention

Purpose of reviewThis review addresses the cardiovascular benefits of the two families of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs): omega-6 and omega-3. The former (and the shorter chain species of the latter) are found in vegetable oils and nuts, whereas the longer chain omega-3 FAs are found in
Experimental K and L relative x-ray emission ratess

Most probable values of K x-ray and L x-ray emission rates have been determined by constructing least-squares computer fits to the available experimental points plotted against atomic number. The numerical values thus obtained are presented in four tables, one for the K -shell and one for each of the L -subshell transitions. Graphic presentations of the experimental points, the least-squares smooth curves, and the results of the recent calculations based on the relativistic Hartree-Slater potential are also included.
When do common symptoms indicate normal pressure hydrocephalus

The Adams triad (gait impairment, dementia, and urinary incontinence) of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is well known, but other illnesses present with similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis of this rare disorder depends on careful evaluation. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is the only effective therapy, and deciding whether the patient will benefit is the final challenge in the evaluation process.
First Observation of the Key Intermediate in the “Light-Switch” Mechanism of [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+

[Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, dppz = dipyridophenazine) and closely related complexes have previously been observed to have an undetectably small quantum yield of photoluminescence in water but a moderate emission yield when bound to DNA. This so-called “light-switch” effect is a critical factor in the utility of these complexes as spectroscopic probes for DNA. Here we describe a detailed investigation of the photophysics of [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ in aqueous solution, and in mixtures of acetonitrile and water, by time-resolved absorption and emission spectroscopies. The emission of the complex in water has been measured for the first time. A prompt initial emission, derived from a metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state typical for polypyridyl−ruthenium complexes, is observed along with a delayed emission attributed to a novel MLCT species. The small quantum yield of photoluminescence for [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ in water, and in water/acetonitrile, depends upon efficient formation of a ...
The action of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene on the synthesis of ribosomal and poly (A)-RNA in normal and regenerating liver.

Abstract Polyribosomal RNA prepared from normal and regenerating liver was chromatographed on poly(U)-Sepharose to obtain rRNA and poly(A)-RNA. Under the conditions employed for labeling the RNA with [5- 3 H]orotic acid, poly(A)-RNA from regenerating liver represented 1–3% of the total RNA content, and 14–18% of the total radioactivity in polyribosomal RNA at varying times after partial hepatectomy. The specific activity of poly(A)-RNA was elevated by 50% and 30% only at 2 h and 6 h after partial hepatectomy, respectively. Ribosomal RNA synthesis increased 2.5–4-fold at 2–20 h after operation. Treatment of normal or partially hepatectomized rats with N -hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene showed a differential dose-dependent effect on rRNA and poly(A)-RNA synthesis with rRNA synthesis being more sensitive to the inhibitory effect of the carcinogen. No change in the poly(A) content was apparent as a result of N -hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene treatment.
Collaborative Treatment of Traumatized Children and Teens. By Saxe, G. N., Ellis, B. H., & Kaplow, J. B.

Despite the emergence of a rapidly expanding array of evidence-based and evidence-informed treatment models in the traumatic stress field, there is a notable absence of an organizing framework for ...
Some evidence on forecasting time-series with support vector machines

The importance of predicting future values of a time-series transcends a range of disciplines. Economic and business time-series are typically characterized by trend, cycle, seasonal, and random components. Powerful methods have been developed to capture these components by specifying and estimating statistical models. These methods include exponential smoothing, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), and partially adaptive estimated ARIMA models. New research in pattern recognition through machine learning offers innovative methodologies that can improve forecasting performance. This paper presents a study of the comparative results of time-series analysis on nine problem domains, each of which exhibits differing time-series characteristics. Comparative analyses use ARIMA selection employing an intelligent agent, ARIMA estimation through partially adaptive methods, and support vector machines. The results find that support vector machines weakly dominate the other methods and achieve the best results in eight of nine different data sets.
International Changes and Challenges: Their Import for New Models for Practice

Mindful of local, regional and national differences, it is now time to begin an international dialogue on how global challenges necessitate new models for practice. It is becoming clear that “globalization” involves more than economic structures and processes. Worldwide, one finds similar consumeroriented lifestyles. There are growing challenges concerning children, youth, families, and their environments. New, relational-ecological ways of thinking, talking, and acting are needed, and they may lead to value-committed, culturally responsive models for practice. Increasingly, the roles of professional and citizen cannot be separated. Members of the global community need a new world ethic, and professionals in physical education, sport sciences, health, recreation, and other helping professions share responsibilities for helping to create this ethic, together with the educational structures and opportunities that may nurture it.