cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An adhesion-associated agonist from the zona pellucida activates G protein-promoted elevations of internal Ca2+ and pH that mediate mammalian sperm acrosomal exocytosis.

Solubilized oocyte zonae pellucidae promoted acrosomal exocytosis in fura-2- or carboxyfluorescein-loaded, mature bovine sperm. Associated elevations of internal [Ca2+] and pH in sperm suspensions were first detectable at 2–5 min, without apparent temporal resolution, and increased monotonically thereafter. Video imaging of fura-2-loaded, single cells identified a responsive subpopulation, destined to undergo exocytosis, that displayed no early transient but manifested lags of 1–7 min then sustained elevations of internal [Ca2+]. Both the zona-induced exocytosis and dye responses were diminished for functionally immature sperm and for mature sperm treated preliminarily with pertussis toxin. Together, these results indicate that a developmentally regulated mechanism of signal transduction employs G protein(s) to couple the physiological (zona) agonist to alterations of the internal ionic mediators of acrosomal exocytosis.
New tools for visualization and analysis of morphogenesis in spherical embryos

Many classical models of development, including amphibians, fish, and echinoderms, have embryos that are approximately spherical and contain concentric cell layers during early development. Neighbor relationships in such curved cell layers are not conveniently assayed or measured by conventional physical or optical sectioning techniques. To answer these challenges, we have constructed computational methods that correct for spherical distortion in 2D images and that allow extraction of concentric cell layers from 3D digital images. These methods for quantitative analysis and visualization of early development in spherical embryos are introduced by using them for the quantitative analysis of 2D and 3D images of gastrula stage Xenopus laevis.
Fin Ray Chemistry as a Potential Natural Tag for Smallmouth Bass in Northern Illinois Rivers

ABSTRACT Natural chemical markers in otoliths and fin rays have proven useful for describing environmental history of fishes in a variety of environments. However, no studies have evaluated smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) pectoral fin ray chemistry as a non-lethal alternative to otolith chemistry. We evaluated the trace element composition of smallmouth bass fin rays collected from northern Illinois rivers and determined the accuracy with which fish could be classified to their environment of capture using pectoral fin ray strontium: calcium (Sr:Ca) and barium: calcium (Ba:Ca) ratios. Fish were collected from nine sites during summer 2008. Fin ray Sr:Ca differed among some sites, reflecting previously observed differences in water and otolith chemistry for other fish species. Fin ray Ba:Ca did not differ among sites. Classification accuracy for individual fish to location of capture based on fin ray Sr:Ca was relatively poor when data from all nine sites in different watersheds were included. Howev...
Differential pulse polarographic studies of copper(II)-polyamine complexes at low ligand concentrations

The application of differential pulse polarographic (DPP) experiments at low ligand concentration to the characterization of complexes has been investigated by studying three previously characterized copper(II)-polyamine systems. The DPP results were compared to cyclic voltammetry (CV) and cyclic differential pulse voltammetry (CDPV) measurements as well as to simulations. The Cu(II)-ethylene-diamine system at a 1:1 concentration exhibits three DPP peaks. This is shown to be due to direct reduction of the complexes. In the case of Cu(II)-triethylenetetramine, direct observation of two protonated complexes is possible at a 1:1 concentration upon titration with strong acid. The results for Cu(II)-diethylenetriamine appear consistent with values of log β1=16 and log β2 = 21, although detailed studies of this system were precluded by a polarographic maximum.
Geochemistry of Mesozoic dolerite dikes from eastern North America

Major and trace element analyses of over one hundred Mesozoic dolerite dikes from eastern North America have established three main chemical types: 1) olivine-normative; 2) high-TiO2 quartz-normative; and 3) low-TiO2 quartz-normative; and a less common high-Fe2 O3* (Σ Fe as Fe2O3) quartz-normative type. Quartz-normative dikes predominate from Nova Scotia to Maryland whereas olivine-normative dikes predominate in North and South Carolina. In Virginia and Georgia these types occur in approximately equal abundance.
Rotary car air conditioner made with PM AlSi wrought alloys

Abstract Sumitomo Electric Industries has developed PM AlSi wrought alloys with high strength and high wear resistance for use in the rotors and vanes of rotary car air conditioners. In addition, combined with the development of near-net-shape extrusion technologies, through a joint project with Diesel Kiki Co Ltd, it has succeeded in the world's first mass production of rotors made of PM aluminium wrought alloy. In this paper, the properties and production technology of vanes and rotors made with PM AlSi wrought alloys are presented.
Interdisciplinary computing education for the challenges of the future

This session will be conducted by panelists who have carried out funded interdisciplinary research and education, and who have funded and managed interdisciplinary programs. They will provide an opportunity for computing educators to engage in a conversation to assess what is needed to better educate the next generation of students to participate and contribute actively in resolving emerging and future interdisciplinary challenges. Many of the computing education discussions have recently been around "computational thinking" and how this might prepare students in all disciplines, including computing, to formulate and solve problems with other disciplinary partners. The difficult question is how to prepare students to engage in these activities without eroding the depth that is also needed to tackle the deepest and most difficult problems.
Differential sensitivities of glioma cells and neuroblastoma cells to methylmercury toxicity in cultures.

Abstract The effects of mercury compounds in rat glioma (C-6) and mouse neuroblastoma (NBP 2 ) cells in culture were studied. Glioma cells were more sensitive to methylmercuric chloride (CH 3 HgCl) than neuroblastoma (NB) cells for the criterion of growth inhibition (due to cell death and inhibition of cell division). This may be due in part to the fact that glioma cells accumulated more CH 3 203 HgCl than NB cells. The biological half-life of CH 3 203 HgCl in glioma cells was less (3.2–5.2 hr) than that in NB cells (7 – 7.3 hr). Although a much higher concentration of mercuric chloride (HgCl 2 ) was required to produce effects similar to those produced by CH 3 HgCl, it produced no differential effects on glioma and NB cells.
Implications for mechanical properties of brittle faults from observations of the Punchbowl fault zone, California

Field observations of the Punchbowl fault zone, an inactive trace of the San Andreas, are integrated with results from experimental deformation of naturally deformed Punchbowl fault rocks for a qualitative description of the mechanical properties of the fault and additional information for conceptual models of crustal faulting. The Punchbowl fault zone consists of a single, continuous gouge layer bounded by zones of extensively damaged host rock. Fault displacements were not only localized to the gouge layer, but also to discrete shear surfaces within the gouge. Deformation in the exposure studied probably occurred at depths of 2 to 4 km and was dominated by cataclastic mechanisms. Textural data also suggest that significant amounts of pore fluids were present during faulting, and that fluid-assisted mechanisms, such as dissolution, diffusion, and precipitation, were operative. The experimental data on specimens collected from the fault zone suggest that there is a gradual decrease in strength and elastic modulus and an increase in relative ductility and permeability toward the main gouge zone. The gouge layer has fairly uniform mechanical properites, and it has significantly lower strength, elastic modulus, and permeability than both the damaged and the undeformed host rock. For the Punchbowl fault and possibly other brittle faults, the variations in loading of the gouge zone with time are primarily governed by the morphology of the fault and the mechanical properties of the damaged host rock. In addition, the damaged zone acts as the permeable unit of the fault zone and surrounding rock. It appears that the gouge primarily governs whether displacements are localized, and it therefore may have a significant influence on the mode of slip.
Role of micronutrients for healthy ageing – moving towards collaborative personalized nutrition

Een verhoogde levensverwachting betekent niet noodzakelijkerwijs een gezonde oude dag. Wie oud wordt, loopt meer kans op een chronische ziekte als voornaamste oorzaak van beperkingen, aandoeningen en sterfte op de oude dag in de moderne samenleving. Een lifestylefactor die van invloed is op gezond ouder worden en die zich nog laat bijstellen, is voeding. Onderzoek naar patronen in voedselinname en nutrientenstatus maakt duidelijk dat populaties in veel landen wereldwijd, waaronder Nederland, een tekort vertonen aan essentiele mineralen en vitaminen als micronutrienten. Dit probleem kan op verschillende niveaus worden aangepakt: voorlichting over voldoende nutrientinname aan de algemene bevolking (algemene preventie), adviseren van hogere inname aan risicogroepen, zoals zwangeren en zuigelingen (geindiceerde preventie) en ditzelfde advies aan dragers van genetische risicofactoren voor bepaalde ziekten (ziektegerelateerde preventie). Tegelijkertijd is het van belang ervoor te zorgen dat de dagelijkse energie-inname, tegenwoordig doorgaans hoger dan het aanbevolen niveau, wordt aangepast aan geslacht, leeftijd en levensstijl. Apps waarmee het publiek de eigen gezondheid kan beoordelen, vormen een eerste stap naar het actief motiveren en aansporen van het publiek om tot een gezondere leefwijze te komen. Een doeltreffende aanpak van de gesignaleerde micronutrientdeficientie kan niet zonder de samenwerking van gezondheidswetenschappers, de industrie en de zorgautoriteiten.
The homology of homotopy inverse limits

Abstract The homology of a homotopy inverse limit can be studied by a spectral sequence which has as the E 2 term the derived functor of limit in the category of coalgebras. These derived functors can be computed using the theory of Dieudonne modules if one has a diagram of connected abelian Hopf algebras.
The Sociology of Religion of W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) wrote a significant amount on religion from a penetrating sociological perspective. He should be considered the first American sociologist of religion. This article calls attention to Du Bois as a founding sociologist of religion and summarizes his major scholarly contributions. His work in the sociology of religion is characterized by 1) a reliance upon standard and diverse sociological methods in generating data; 2) a focus on the religious life of African Americans, and 3) pioneering special attention to the this-worldly, communal, specifically social rewards which religious affiliation provides
A family of elliptic functions with Julia set the whole sphere

We iterate the elliptic Weierstrass ℘Λ function with period lattice Λ and give a parametrized family such that the Julia set is the whole sphere. This contrasts with earlier results which showed that the dynamics and Julia sets depend on the shape and side length of Λ. While some square lattices have attracting periodic orbits, in this paper, we prove that whenever the lattice Λ is a real rhombic square, J(℘Λ) is the whole sphere. These lattices are parametrized by a real invariant g 2 which ranges over all negative real numbers.
Radar properties as clues to relative ages of ridge belts and plains on Venus

[1] An ongoing issue regarding the crustal evolution of Venus is whether or not certain features and processes occurred in the same sequence and at the same time globally. This paper seeks to test one aspect of "directional" models for the geologic history: the inference that all ridge belts are older than regional plains. This test involves traditional geologic analysis, but also involves the use of radar properties in a unique way. We use a simplified model for the ridge shape, and an estimate of the diffuse scattering behavior of the Venus surface, to determine the "true" backscatter coefficient of the slope of the ridge tilted away from the radar, and ratio this value to the echoes from nearby plains units. In general, ridge-forming terrain in these belts appears to have greater inferred backscatter coefficients, and thus decimeter-scale roughness, than the regional plains. Plains units closely adjacent to many ridge belts have higher backscatter than plains at some distance, which we infer is generally due to aeolian deposition of debris characterized by centimeter-scale microdunes or ripples where the belt topography interferes with wind patterns. The rougher apparent surface texture within the belt-forming terrain is not consistent with the gentle folding that forms the ridges, and so is likely a result of weathering or tectonic processes operating prior to belt deformation. We thus conclude that the material incorporated in the ridge belts we have studied predates the surrounding regional plains.
A Convenient Multigram Synthesis of Highly Enantioenriched Methyl 3-Silylglycidates

A multigram scale synthesis of the four stereoisomers of methyl 3-silylglycidates (epoxysilanes) with high enantiopurity is described. Key reactions include a Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation (SAE) of a trans-vinylsilane and an enzymatic resolution of a racemic cis-epoxysilane to establish the desired configurations. Few chromatographic separations (5 columns out of 13 steps) are required for purification, establishing a convenient reaction sequence for both the trans- and cis-isomers.
Lunar polymict breccia 14321: a compositional study of its principal components

Forty-nine sub-samples of the polymict breccia 14321,184 have been excavated from the rock and analyzed by instrumental activation analysis techniques, specially modified to allow examination of small samples. Two distinct types of microbreccia clasts were analysed. A mare-type basalt of unusual composition is present as several discrete clasts. Mixing models for the clastic components of the breccia illustrate that at least three stages of assembly may be distinguished on compositional grounds. The first was at a site such that KREEP-rich materials dominated the clastic rocks formed, although a variety of lithic fragments were apparently present. The second assembly stage may have been primarily that of comminution and mixing of the more primitive materials, with addition of mare-type basalt clasts. The third stage saw addition of clasts of 14321-type basalt. In the final assembly stage, the light matrix was apparently formed entirely by mutual abrasion of the pre-existing clasts, resulting in little or no change in bulk composition.
The Use of Subdissociative‐dose Ketamine for Acute Pain in the Emergency Department

Objectives: Ketamine is a well-known anesthetic with its use trailing back to the 1960s. It has antagonistic effects at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. There is emerging literature to suggest the use of subdissociative-dose ketamine (SDDK) for pain reduction. This evidence-based review evaluates the evidence regarding the use of SDDK for acute pain control in the emergency department (ED). Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that described or evaluated the use of SDDK for acute pain in the ED were included. Literature was excluded if it was not published in English. Duplicate articles, unpublished reports, abstracts, and review articles were also excluded. Quality assessment and evaluation of literature were evaluated based on the GRADE criteria. The primary outcome of interest in this review was the difference in pain score from baseline to cutoff time as specified in the studies. Secondary outcome measures were the incidence of adverse events and reduction in the amount of adjuvant opioids consumed by patients who received SDDK. Results: Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria, which enrolled a total of 428 patients. Three adult trials and one pediatric trial were identified. The level of evidence for the individual trials ranged from low to moderate. A significant reduction in pain scores was only found in two of the four trials. One trial found a significant reduction in mean pain scores when ketamine was compared to morphine (p < 0.05). Another trial reported a significant decrease in mean distress scores, favoring SDDK over fentanyl (1.0 vs. 2.7, p < 0.05). One trial found a significant reduction in the amount of morphine consumed, favoring ketamine over placebo (0.14 mg/kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13 to 0.16 mg/kg vs. 0.2 mg/kg, 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.22 mg/kg; p < 0.001). An emergence phenomenon was reported in one trial. Conclusions: Four RCTs with methodologic limitations failed to provide convincing evidence to either support or refute the use of SDDK for acute pain control in the ED. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2015;22:251–257 © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
The electric dipole moments of atoms: Limits on P, T violating interactions within the atom

Abstract Violation of time reversal symmetry has been observed only in K 0 decay, and remains one of the great unsolved problems in elementary particle physics. The existence of a permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) of some “simple” system such as the neutron or an atom would also be evidence of T violation. Experimental limits of the EDM of 199 Hg set limits on possible T violating interactions which are comparable to those set by the experimental limit of the neutron EDM. In addition, atoms are sensitive to other T violating effects such as an intrinsic EDM of the electron or electron-nucleon interactions.
Solvent Effects on Barrier to Rotation of Enaminonitriles Using Inversion Transfer 1H NMR Spectroscopy and FTIR Spectroscopy

The barrier to rotation and hydrogen bonding interactions of 2,2-dicyano-1-(N,N‘-dimethylamino)vinylbenzene (1) were studied in a range of solvents. The barrier to rotation of 1 in chloroform was 14.8 kcal/mol and increased by 1.7 kcal/mol in a protic solvent, trifluoroethanol. FTIR studies showed a shift in the cyano stretch of 1 to a higher wavenumber in trifluoroethanol, which is consistent with 1 participating in a hydrogen bonding interaction at the vinyl carbon (Cv) of the enaminonitrile group.
Interactions between catalytic hydrodesulfurization of thiophene and hydrodenitrogenation of pyridine

Pyridine hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) is more difficult than thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS), and there is a thermodynamic limitation on the first step of the HDN reaction mechanism which occurs, for example, at 5 to 11 bars, at temperatures above about 350°C. Pyridine inhibits the HDS reaction as previously reported, but sulfur compounds have a dual effect on HDN. At low temperatures, thiophene inhibits the reaction by competing with pyridine for hydrogenation sites on the catalyst. This retards the hydrogenation of pyridine to piperidine, reducing the overall reaction rate. At high temperatures the dominant effect is interaction of hydrogen sulfide, an HDS reaction product, with the catalyst to improve its hydrogenolysis (hydrocracking) activity. This increases the rate of piperidine hydrogenolysis, which is rate determining at the latter conditions, and enhances the overall rate of HDN.
Increased outputs of lymphocytes in lymph efferent from the lymph nodes of sheep during systemic arterial hypertension induced by phenylephrine or dopamine

Induced systemic arterial hypotension by intravenous nitroprusside administration and by acute arterial occlusion in sheep have been found to reduce lymphocyte traffic as mirrored in the output of lymphocytes into the efferent lymph of peripheral lymph nodes. In the present series of experiments in sheep with chronically cannulated efferent lymphatics of peripheral lymph nodes, induced and monitored systemic arterial hypertension with intravenous pump infusions of phenylephrine or dopamine both produced sharp increases in the output of lymphocytes into efferent lymph in all of 27 studies. The increases in lymphocyte output with dopamine were more sustained and less associated with evidence of lymphoid tissue damage than with phenylephrine. Phenylephrine infusions were attended by a high incidence of gross bleeding into the efferent lymph, of increased coagulability of efferent lymph in the absence of gross bleeding and of prolonged depression of lymphocyte outputs after the cessation of intravenous infusion.
Input design for model order determination in subspace identification

Subspace identification methods require that the inputs to the process being identified be persistently exciting. This may be inadequate for subspace identification of ill-conditioned multivariable processes, because the process model order may be underestimated, leading to subsequent identification of poor models. To remedy the problem, it is proposed that inputs must be used that excite a process to be identified in a way that produces as uncorrelated process outputs as possible. This can be accomplished either in open or in closed-loop fashion. Simulations on a high-purity distillation column and on a heat exchanger illustrate the merit of the proposed approach.
The relationship of internalized homonegativity to unsafe sexual behavior in HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men.

We studied internalized homonegativity (IH) in 675 HIV-positive MSM from six epicenters across the US who attended an HIV prevention workshop. Participants included 300 African American and over 150 Hispanic White and White Non-Hispanic men. Higher IH was significantly associated with African American race. Compulsive sexual behavior, openness as MSM, sexual comfort, depression, education level, and importance of religion also were associated with IH, and independently predicted a third of this outcome's variance. For those with higher IH, two significant paths led to unsafe sexual behavior. First, to serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUAI) through being less “out” – thus disclosing serostatus to secondary partners less frequently. Second, to lower condom self-efficacy and SDUAI through lower sexual comfort. These data provide information on the demographic, sexual and mental health variables associated with IH. They offer an indication of the paths through which IH is associated with serodiscordant risk behavior in HIV-positive MSM.
Maturational increases in c-fos expression in the ascending dopamine systems.

The unique maturational period of adolescence is replete with numerous changes in anatomy and function that may yield clues as to why drug abuse emerges at this stage. The behavioral effects of amphetamine are diminished during periadolescence (35 days) relative to younger (21 days) and older (>60 days) rats, prompting us to examine amphetamine effects on neuronal activation with the immediate early gene, c-fos. Amphetamine (1 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) increased c-fos immunoreactivity in rats 21, 35, and 60 days of age in a dose-dependent manner. When expressed as a percentage of vehicle for each age, amphetamine-induced effects on c-fos immunoreactivity were higher at 21 days of age compared with the effects at 35 and 60 days of age in the nucleus accumbens core and shell, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. These data provide a possible reason as to why stimulants produce dysphoria in children, before transitioning to euphoria during adolescence. Implications of these results are discussed for stimulant use in a pediatric population and the development of drug abuse. Synapse 41:345–350, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Motivational interviewing to engage patients in chronic kidney disease management.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) must manage numerous medical treatments and lifestyle changes that strain their treatment adherence. An important strategy to improve adherence is to activate the patients’ motivation to manage their CKD. This article describes an approach for enhancing patients’ motivation for change, called motivational interviewing (MI), a treatment that is increasingly being used in health care settings to counsel patients with chronic diseases. Its basic principles, techniques, empirical support, published applications for improving CKD patients’ self-management, and how to learn MI are presented. Research is needed to determine the efficacy and mechanisms of MI for CKD treatment as well as the development of innovative ways to deliver it to patients and train busy health care practitioners in the approach.
Vitamin A Deficiency Causes Hyperglycemia and Loss of Pancreatic β-Cell Mass

We show that vitamin A (all-trans-retinol) (VA) is required both for the maintenance of pancreatic β-cell and α-cell mass and for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in adult mice. Dietary VA deprivation (VAD) causes greatly decreased pancreatic VA levels, hyperglycemia, and reduced insulin secretion. Adult mice fed VAD diets display remodeling of the endocrine pancreas, marked β-cell apoptosis, shifts to smaller islet size distributions, decreased β-cell mass, increased α-cell mass, and hyperglucagonemia. Importantly, although we induced VAD in the entire animal, the pancreatic β-cells are exquisitely sensitive to VAD-associated apoptosis compared with other cell types in other organs. VAD causes major reductions in levels of the VA intracellular binding protein Crbp1 and the retinoic acid-metabolizing enzyme Cyp26a1 specifically in larger islets, suggesting the use of these proteins as biomarkers for early endocrine mass abnormalities. In the VAD mice, the reductions in pancreatic islet sizes and the associated aberrant endocrine functions, which show similarities to the phenotype in advanced type 2 diabetes, result from reductions in pancreatic VA signaling. Reintroduction of dietary VA to VAD mice restores pancreatic VA levels, glycemic control, normal islet size distributions, β-cell to α-cell ratios, endocrine hormone profiles, and RARβ2 and RARγ2 transcript levels. Restoration of β-cell mass by reintroducing VA to VAD mice does not involve increased β-cell proliferation or neogenesis. Pharmacologic modulation of pancreatic VA signaling should be explored for the preservation and/or restoration of pancreatic β-cell mass and function in individuals with diabetes mellitus.
Epilepsy Characteristics and Psychosocial Factors Associated With Ketogenic Diet Success

The ketogenic diet is an effective therapy for childhood epilepsy, but its important impacts on families could affect successful treatment. We assessed medical and psychosocial factors associated with successful ketogenic diet treatment. A total of 23 families of patients treated with ketogenic diet completed questionnaires (30% response), including inquiries about challenges to successful dietary treatments and validated family functioning scales. Of these, 14 were considered successful (diet discontinued once the child was seizure-free or continued as clinically indicated). Family-identified challenges were food preparation time (n = 11) and that the diet was too restrictive (n = 9). Neither Medicaid insurance nor family functioning scale scores were significantly associated with successful treatment. Lower seizure frequency prior to ketogenic diet initiation (P = .02) and postdiet seizure improvement (P = .01) were associated with increased odds of success. Effective ketogenic diet treatment is dictated both by psychosocial and epilepsy-related influences. A focus on understanding the psychosocial issues may help to improve families' experiences and success with the ketogenic diet.
Foundations of community disaster resilience: well-being, identity, services, and capitals

If community disaster resilience is to mature into a robust and lasting area of research, methodologically facilitated dialogue between empirical observations and theory is necessary. However, methodological and empirical research has outpaced community disaster resilience theory. To address this gap, a theoretical framework called WISC is presented. WISC is named after four constructs of the framework: well-being, identity, services, and capitals. WISC relates the two concepts of community and infrastructure, broadly defined, to the four constructs it is named after. The 4 constructs are respectively defined by 29 variables. The broadest interpretation of WISC is that infrastructure supports and facilitates components of community within human settlements. Infrastructure is represented as combinations of capitals and services; community is represented by connections of identity and well-being. Ultimately, well-being of a community is dependent on that community's collective capital. But these two constru...
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of selected amino acids in rat brain by precolumn derivatization with phenylisothiocyanate

We describe here a simple, sensitive, selective and reproducible assay method for quantitative determination of aspartate, glutamate, serine, glutamine, glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid in rat brain using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The method is based upon formation of phenylthiocarbamyl derivatives of the amino acids. Good resolution of the six amino acids and the internal standard norvaline is achieved within 40 min. Other amino acids which have been reported to be present in rat brain do not interfere with the analysis. Standard curves for each of the amino acids exhibited good linearity (r greater than 0.9993) over the range 0.5-20 nmol. The coefficient of variation for the intra-day and inter-day determinations ranged from 0.4% at the highest to 11% at the lowest concentration limit. Storage of whole brains at -0 degrees C for up to 8 weeks did not affect mean concentrations of the six amino acids.
REINFORCEMENT OF EYE MOVEMENT WITH CONCURRENT SCHEDULES1

Human macrosaccadic eye movements to two areas of a four-dial display were conditioned by concurrent variable-interval schedules of signals. Reinforcers (signals) were delivered to the two right-hand dials on one schedule and to the two left-hand dials on another, independent schedule. The use of a changeover delay between crossover eye movements and reinforcement had the effect of changing the pattern of scanning from fixating four dials in succession or in a Z-shaped pattern to scanning vertically the dials on either side with fewer crossovers. In the presence of a changeover delay, subjects matched relative eye-movement rates and relative reinforcement rates on each schedule. Rate of crossover eye movements, with a changeover delay in effect, was also inversely related to the difference in reinforcements arranged by the concurrent schedules. The results suggest that for stimuli whose critical components are arranged spatially, conditioned eye movements play an important part in selective stimulus control.
Regulation of yeast G protein signaling by the kinases that activate the AMPK homolog Snf1.

Extracellular signals, such as nutrients and hormones, cue intracellular pathways to produce adaptive responses. Often, cells must coordinate their responses to multiple signals to produce an appropriate outcome. We showed that components of a glucose-sensing pathway acted on components of a heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide–binding protein (G protein)–mediated pheromone signaling pathway in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We demonstrated that the G protein α subunit Gpa1 was phosphorylated in response to conditions of reduced glucose availability and that this phosphorylation event contributed to reduced pheromone-dependent stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, gene transcription, cell morphogenesis, and mating efficiency. We found that Elm1, Sak1, and Tos3, the kinases that phosphorylate Snf1, the yeast homolog of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK), in response to limited glucose availability, also phosphorylated Gpa1 and contributed to the diminished mating response. Reg1, the regulatory subunit of the phosphatase PP1 that acts on Snf1, was likewise required to reverse the phosphorylation of Gpa1 and to maintain the mating response. Thus, the same kinases and phosphatase that regulate Snf1 also regulate Gpa1. More broadly, these results indicate that the pheromone signaling and glucose-sensing pathways communicate directly to coordinate cell behavior.
State and local tax competition in a spatial model with sales taxes and residential property taxes

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical model with a uniformly populated line that is divided into local jurisdictions (and/or states). If one level of government imposes sales and residential property taxes, and if the spatial extent of each taxing jurisdiction is positive and finite, then (in Nash equilibrium) the sales tax rate is less than residential property tax rate, housing consumption is suboptimal, and the public good is underprovided in each jurisdiction. If a very large state (or country) is divided into local jurisdictions, and if both levels of government choose tax rates endogenously, then under some assumptions there is an efficient outcome.
Monte Carlo optimization of graphite furnace geometry and sample distribution for copper

Abstract Optimization of graphite furnace in GFAA has been a difficult problem because of the absence of an analytical expression describing the absorbance signal in terms of all of the parameters affecting it. This work continues the development of a Monte Carlo approach that can accurately account for any furnace geometry and physical/chemical parameter, including vapor loss as well as vaporization energetics and the extent of interaction of the analyte with the surface upon release and during vapor/surface collisions. p]In the present work, the impact of furnace geometry and initial sample distribution on the absorbance profiles for Cu are studied and the resulting data are analyzed looking for optimum analytical conditions. The results imply that increasing furnace length produces a linear (and nearly proportional) increase in peak area with the slope and the intercept dependent on dosing hole size and heating program. A significant fraction of the sample vapor is lost through the hole and is greater than predicted by comparing this hole area with that of the ends. Increasing the furnace diameter increases the fraction of the sample found in the gas phase, but decreases the peak absorbance signal. An increase in the length and a decrease in the diameter of the furnace would significantly increase the signal but would also magnify the impact of the dosing hole. An improvement in precision and/or accuracy may be realized if the precision in initial sample positioning can be improved. This may prove to be particularly noticeable with solvents which wet the graphite. All improvements noted can be realized if other factors are held constant. For example, if an increase in the furnace length is accompanied by a reduction in heating rate or increasing nonuniformity, then a net loss in signal may actually be observed.
Primary Care of Patients with Cirrhosis – Current and Future Challenges

Cirrhosis is currently the 12th leading cause of death in the United States and also accounts for considerable morbidity. However many cirrhotic patients can remain well compensated for a protracted period of time allowing interventions to prevent or treat complications. Examples include screening for varices and prophylaxis against hemorrhage as well as screening for hepatocellular carcinoma to identify tumors which are potentially curable. Optimal management of these patients should be focused on screening and prevention of these complications. Incorporating screening for varices and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as providing vaccinations and counseling regarding proper nutrition are vital to improve patient outcomes.
Simultaneous identification and quantification of 4-cumylphenol, 2,4-bis-(dimethylbenzyl)phenol and bisphenol A in prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii.

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA), 4-cumylphenol (4-CP) and 2,4-bis-(dimethylbenzyl)phenol (2,4-DCP) are all high production volume chemicals and widely used in plastic and other consumer products. During the past two decades, BPA has attracted a great deal of scientific and public attention due to its presence in the environment and estrogenic property. Although 4-CP and 2,4-DCP are much more estrogenic and toxic than BPA, little information is available about their occurrence and fate in the environment. In this study, a rapid, selective, accurate and reliable analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 4-CP, 2,4-DCP and BPA in prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The method comprises an ultrasound-accelerated extraction followed by capillary gas chromatographic (GC) separation. The detection limits range from 1.50 to 36.4 ng kg−1 for the three alkylphenols. The calibration curves are linear over the concentration range tested with the coefficients of determination, R2, greater than 0.994. The developed method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of 4-CP, 2,4-DCP and BPA in prawn samples. The peak identification was confirmed using GC–MS. Bisphenol A, 2,4-bis-(dimethylbenzyl)phenol and 4-cumylphenol were found in prawn samples in the concentration ranges of 0.67–5.51, 0.36–1.61, and 0.00–1.96 ng g−1 (wet weight), respectively. All relative standard deviations are less than 4.8%. At these environmentally relevant concentration levels, 4-CP, 2,4-DCP and BPA may affect the reproduction and development of aquatic organisms, including negative influence on crustaceans’ larval survival, molting, metamorphosis and shell hardening. This is the first study reported on the occurrence of 4-CP, 2,4-DCP and BPA in prawn M. rosenbergii.
SX-EW copper and the technology cycle

Abstract Technology is viewed to advance through a series of cycles, starting with the emergence of a major breakthrough, followed by a period of ferment as alternate designs and improvements rapidly appear, leading to a dominant design, and then a long plateau period of minor incremental change. In this paper, the technology cycle model is applied to the history of solvent extraction electrowinning (SX-EW) processing of copper ore, which, along with other innovations, has transformed the US copper mining industry. The general framework of the technology cycle model holds, although there are differences relating to the specific nature of SX-EW processing. One particularly interesting difference is that SX-EW initially was complementary to the original method of ore processing, known as flotation. Only in recent years has it directly challenged flotation in the processing of supergene or transitional ore. In addition, the analysis shows that the SX-EW process helped the US producers maintain their competitiveness for at least a decade before the process was widely adopted by their main competitors, the Chilean producers. This raises questions about the widely held assumption that research and development of new innovations can provide firms and countries with little or no competitive advantage because new technologies diffuse very rapidly in today’s global economy.
Advanced education programs in endodontology

Abstract This article discusses the advanced education programs in endodontology at Temple University. Subjects considered are the program philosophy, the departmental goals, the curriculum, course outline preparation, including a complete description of the course entitled “Endodontology,” student evaluation, and anticipated future changes.
Continuous Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Monitoring in Acute Craniocerebral Trauma

Regional cortical cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and intracranial pressure (ICP) were monitored continuously with a combined thermal diffusion probe/ICP monitor in 12 patients (8 men and 4 women; mean age, 31 years; range, 7-65 years) with acute head injuries. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission was 6 (range, 4-12). The rCBF/ICP probes were placed during surgical procedures (n = 11) or in an intensive care unit (n = 1) for subdural hematomas (n = 7), cerebral contusions (n = 4), and an epidural hematoma (n = 1). No probe-related complications occurred. Reduced CBF often occurred and was often inversely proportional to elevations in ICP. Posttraumatic cerebral arterial vasospasm in one patient was detected by rCBF monitoring and confirmed by angiography. In 6 patients who progressed to brain death, rCBF patterns disappeared, which correlated with their clinical and electroencephalographic examinations. Several patients with severe, diffuse brain injuries and high ICP had hyperemic rCBF patterns. In 2 of these patients, increases in rCBF preceded rises in ICP, which implied loss of autoregulation as a mechanism in the development of malignant cerebral edema. This method of CBF monitoring has not yet been established for clinical decision making. The early detection of ischemic or hyperemic responses by continuous CBF monitoring could hasten intervention aimed at restoring adequate tissue perfusion. The technique could also serve as an index of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions and is suitable to gain more insight into the pathophysiology of head injury, especially the relationship of CBF to ICP.
Analysis of insulin signalling by RNAi-based gene silencing

Using siRNA-mediated gene silencing in cultured adipocytes, we have dissected the insulin-signalling pathway leading to translocation of GLUT4 glucose transporters to the plasma membrane. RNAi (RNA interference)-based depletion of components in the putative TC10 pathway (CAP, CrkII and c-Cbl plus Cbl-b) or the phospholipase Cγ pathway failed to diminish insulin signalling to GLUT4. Within the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway, loss of the 5′-phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate phosphatase SHIP2 was also without effect, whereas depletion of the 3′-phosphatase PTEN significantly enhanced insulin action. Downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and PDK1, silencing the genes encoding the protein kinases Akt1/PKBα, or CISK(SGK3) or protein kinases Cλ/ζ had little or no effect, but loss of Akt2/PKBβ significantly attenuated GLUT4 regulation by insulin. These results show that Akt2/PKBβ is the key downstream intermediate within the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway linked to insulin action on GLUT4 in cultured adipocytes, whereas PTEN is a potent negative regulator of this pathway.
Characterization of Environmental Nano- and Macrocolloid Particles Extracted from Selected Soils and Biosolids

Environmental nanoparticles found in soil systems and biosolids may pose a considerable risk to groundwater quality as contaminant carriers. Little effort has been invested in the characterization of natural nanocolloids compared to corresponding macrocolloids. This study involved physicochemical, mineralogical, and morphological characterizations of nanocolloids and macrocolloids fractionated from three Kentucky soils and one biosolid. Particle size and morphology were investigated using scanning/transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Mineralogical composition was determined by X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Zeta potentials and cation exchange capacities assessed surface charge and chemical reactivity. The estimated average hydrodynamic diameter of nanoparticles was nearly twice the ideal 100 nm range, apparently due to irregular particle shapes and partial aggregation. Nanoparticles were also found attached to surfaces of macrocolloids, forming macro-nano aggregates and obscuring some of their physical and chemical characteristics. However, nanocolloids exhibited greater surface reactivity, likely due to their smaller size, poor crystallinity, and morphological shape distortions. In spite of some behavior modification due to nanoaggregation phenomena, nanocolloids appeared to be much more potent vectors of contaminant transport in subsurface environments than their macrosize fractions. Nevertheless, their heterogeneous nature brings to light important considerations in addressing pollution prevention and remediation challenges.
An Introduction to Applying Individual Growth Curve Models to Evaluate Change in Rehabilitation: A National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Report

The abundance of time-dependent information contained in the Spinal Cord Injury and the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Databases, and the increased prevalence of repeated-measures designs in clinical trials highlight the need for more powerful longitudinal analytic methodologies in rehabilitation research. This article describes the particularly versatile analytic technique of individual growth curve (IGC) analysis. A defining characteristic of IGC analysis is that change in outcome such as functional recovery can be described at both the patient and group levels, such that it is possible to contrast 1 patient with other patients, subgroups of patients, or a group as a whole. Other appealing characteristics of IGC analysis include its flexibility in describing how outcomes progress over time (whether in linear, curvilinear, cyclical, or other fashion), its ability to accommodate covariates at multiple levels of analyses to better describe change, and its ability to accommodate cases with partially missing outcome data. These features make IGC analysis an ideal tool for investigating longitudinal outcome data and to better equip researchers and clinicians to explore a multitude of hypotheses. The goal of this special communication is to familiarize the rehabilitation community with IGC analysis and encourage the use of this sophisticated research tool to better understand temporal change in outcomes.
A statistical model for the evaluation of antigen-stimulated blastogenic transformation as measured by scintillation spectrometry.

Abstract A quantitative statistical model has been presented to aid the analysis of data from lymphocyte stimulation studies which have been evaluated by scintillation spectrometry. This model is particularly useful when stimulation indices of less than three are encountered. Data are presented which test the model.
INTERSTITIAL BRONCHOPNEUMONIA : II. PRODUCTION OF INTERSTITIAL MONONUCLEAR PNEUMONIA BY THE BORDET-GENGOU BACILLUS

Pure cultures of Bordet-Gengou bacilli produce in rabbits an interstitial mononuclear pneumonia which cannot be differentiated from that occurring in children dying of pertussis or from lhat caused in animals by the viruses of epidemic influenza and psittacosis. A similar pneumonia can be produced in rabbits by typhoid bacilli.
Plasma Cortisol Following Injection of 1–39 or 1–18 ACTH

: Forty units of 1–39 ACTH of animal origin or 0.4 mg of synthetic 1–18 ACTH administered at 8 a.m. via either the intramuscular or intravenous route to 10 subjects with intact adrenocortical function produced comparable increases in plasma cortisol at 1, 2, and 6 hours. The increase in plasma cortisol lasted at least 6 hours but less than 12 hours after intravenous crystalline 1–39 ACTH and at least 16 hours but less than 24 hours after the same dose of 1–39 ACTH administered as a depot gel via the intramuscular route. However, neither the intravenous nor the intramuscular injection of 1–39 ACTH produced increases that were still evident at 24 hours. Following either the intramuscular or intravenous injection of 0.4 mg of the synthetic 1–18 ACTH, the plasma cortisol increase was still evident at the 24th hour. Our findings indicate that the plasma cortisol responses to either 40 units of exogenous 1–39 ACTH of animal origin or to 0.4 mg of a synthetic 1–18 ACTH are most consistent in the first 6 hours following either intravenous or intramuscular injection.