cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation of C-reactive protein to endothelial fibrinolytic function in healthy adults.

Increased plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) independently predict future atherothrombotic events in healthy asymptomatic adults. CRP may promote atherothrombosis by altering fibrinolytic balance; however, the influence of increased plasma CRP concentrations on endothelial fibrinolysis in healthy adults is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that endothelial release of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) is impaired in adults with increased plasma CRP concentrations independent of other cardiometabolic risk factors. Fifty-four healthy adults were studied: 24 with CRP 3.0 mg/L (high CRP; 7 men and 5 women, 56 ± 2 years old). Net endothelial release of t-PA was determined in vivo in response to intrabrachial infusions of bradykinin (125 to 500 ng/min) and sodium nitroprusside (2.0 to 8.0 μg/min). Capacity of the endothelium to release t-PA was significantly lower (∼30%) in the high (0.32 ± 0.5 to 38.9 ± 6.0 ng · 100 ml tissue −1 · min −1 ) and moderate (−0.05 ± 0.4 to 39.3 ± 5.2 ng · 100 ml tissue −1 · min −1 ) compared to the low (0.42 ± 0.9 to 61.8 ± 5.2 ng · 100 ml tissue −1 · min −1 ) CRP group. There was no significant difference in t-PA release between the high and moderate CRP groups. Plasma CRP concentrations were inversely related to t-PA release (r = −0.38, p
Should ultrasound-guided needle fenestration be considered as a treatment option for recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy? A retrospective study of 47 cases.

OBJECTIVE To report the retrospective results of ultrasound-guided needle fenestration for the treatment of recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy. DESIGN Retrospective follow-up study. SETTING University outpatient sports medicine clinic. PATIENTS Forty-seven patellar tendons in 32 patients (26 men and 6 women; mean age, 26 years) with recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy. Diagnosis made via history, physical examination, and sonographic examination. INTERVENTION Ultrasound-guided needle fenestration after failure of conservative management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pre-treatment and 4-week clinical follow-up determination of functional activity score. Phone follow-up determination of best achievable level of activity and satisfaction score of the procedure. RESULTS Average time to follow-up was 45 months. Seventy-two percent of patients reported excellent or good results when questioned regarding return to activity. Twenty-eight percent of patients were unable to return to their desired activity level. Six patients subsequently underwent surgical treatment. One athlete underwent surgery to repair a patellar tendon rupture that occurred 6 weeks after the procedure. Eighty-one percent of patients reported excellent or good satisfaction scores. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound-guided needle fenestration warrants further investigation for the treatment of recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy.
A geochemical evaluation of potential magma ocean dynamics using a parameterized model for perovskite crystallization

Article history: Magnesium perovskite (MgPv) is likely the first phase to crystallize from a deep magma ocean. Consequently, MgPv crystallization has a strong control on the dynamics and chemical evolution associated with the earliest stages of silicate Earth differentiation. In order to better understand the chemical evolution associated with MgPv crystallization during a magma ocean, a parameterized model for major and trace element partitioning by MgPv has been developed. The parameterization is based on a compilation of published experimental data and is applied to batch and near-fractional crystallization scenarios of ultramafic liquids, allowing for a more complete analysis of the geochemical implications for magma ocean crystallization. The chemical signatures associated with modeled MgPv fractionation are evaluated in the context of possible dynamical outcomes to a magma ocean (e.g. basal magma ocean (BMO) or crystal settling). It is shown that fractionating MgPv from ultramafic liquids imparts diagnostic signatures (e.g. Ca/Al, HFSE anomalies, e 176 Hf-e 143 Nd) in both the liquid and solid phases. These signatures are not currently observed in the accessible Earth, suggesting that either early-fractionating MgPv was subsequently homogenized or crystal suspension was dominant during the earliest stages of magma ocean crystallization. A BMO that fractionates CaPv and MgPv is also considered and shown to mute many of unobserved geochemical effects associated with a MgPv-only fractionation, offering an alternative possibility for the evolution of a BMO depleted in heat producing elements.
Nuclear spin selection rules in chemical reactions by angular momentum algebra

Abstract The detailed selection rules for reactive collisions reported by Quack using molecular symmetry group are derived by using angular momentum algebra. Instead of the representations of the permutation–inversion group for both nuclear spin and rovibronic coordinate wavefunctions, those of the rotation group for nuclear spin wavefunction only are used. The method allows more straightforward derivation of Quack’s results and further extension of the calculation for separating elementary reactions and application to higher proton systems.
Pulmonary venous obstruction from left atrial thrombus in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

The formation of intracardiac thrombi in infants with congenital heart disease is quite uncommon. We describe an infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in whom a left atrial thrombus developed over the course of 5 days. It is speculated that this thrombus contributed to the death of this patient before palliative surgical intervention.
Observation of the self-quenching of thermalized-electron-mediated photochemistry on semiconductor surfaces

Abstract We show that the “thermalized” electron-mediated photodissociation of CH 3 Br on GaAs(110) is self-quenched as the reaction occurs. The photoreaction rate, as measured by the ejected CH 3 flux, decreases rapidly as the surface is irradiated. Photoluminescence measurements on the substrate show that the reduction in the rate is due to a decrease in the lifetime of excited electrons which have relaxed to the conduction band edge. This reduced carrier lifetime results from enhanced surface recombination via Br-induced surface states. It is suggested that such self-quenching may be a common consideration for thermalized, photoexcitedcarrier-induced reactions on semiconductor surfaces.
Field monitoring and performance evaluation of a field-scale in-well aeration system at a gasoline-contaminated site

Abstract Several in-well aeration (IWA) technologies have been used since the early 1990s, but few field studies have been performed to evaluate the extent of water circulation around IWA systems. In this study, 27 discrete monitoring points (MPs) were installed at a gasoline-contaminated site to assess the efficacy of IWA. Pressure transducers and dissolved oxygen (DO) probes were sealed into the MPs, allowing them to be used to characterize subsurface changes in total head and DO with depth, distance and orientation from a central injection well. No change in DO or in hydrocarbon total mass or distribution occurred across the site during two trials (41 and 20 days) of the system. Water level fluctuations during the trials were similar in all MPs, and were due to seasonal water table changes and rainfall events. No circulation cell was established around the IWA well after 41 days of operation, and the impact of the well extended less than 90 cm from it. Groundwater only circulated through the sand pack around the well. Little, if any, recharge occurred through the lower screen. Silt accumulated in the well, limiting its operation time, even with a fabric filter sock over the lower screen. Obviously, IWA was ineffective at this site, probably because the horizontal hydraulic conductivity ( K h ) of the soil opposite the lower screen was low (0.09 cm per day) and because the distance between the two screens was short relative to the borehole radius. Long remediation times would likely make IWA unattractive at this or other sites where the K h of the soil is so low that the air injection rate would have to be low to prevent blowing the well dry.
Heterogeneity in host-parasitoid interactions: ‘Aggregation of risk’ and the ‘CV2 > 1 Rule’

In host-parasitoid interactions the coefficient of variation (CV) of the risk of parasitism measures, at least approximately, the stabilizing influence of many forms of heterogeneity. This realization emphasizes the underlying similarity of these heterogeneities, and should end two decades of confusion about how to study them in nature. The first applications of this approach suggest that roughly one-third of systems studied show substantial measurable heterogeneity. Proper use of the CV measure, however, requires that the density-dependent processes linking this static phenomenon to temporal population dynamics also be examined; this has yet to be done for any system.
Grain Yield and Milling Quality Response of Two Rice Cultivars to Top-Dress Nitrogen Application Timings

Combinations of two vegetative N application schemes (single pre-flood [SPF]) and two-way split [2WS]) and five top-dress (TD) N timings (internode elongation [IE], IE+7, 14, 21, and 28 d) were tested for 'Cocodrie' and 'Wells' rice. When averaged across TD timings, the average grain yield for Cocodrie was 9142 kg ha -1 when the SPF scheme was used, compared with 8736 kg ha -1 for the 2WS scheme. Whole and total milled rice percentage showed a quadratic response to TD timing and was greatest when the TD application was made at IE+28 d for Cocodrie; however, only the early vegetative N application scheme affected the net return, which, when averaged across TD timings, was $75 ha -1 greater when the SPF scheme was used. When N was top-dressed at the IE timing, whole milled rice was 52.9% with the SPF scheme, compared with 49.8% with the 2WS scheme. In addition, where the SPF scheme was used, whole milled rice responded quadratically to TD timing compared with linearly when the 2WS scheme was used. Sensitivity analyses indicated that at three N prices ($0.16, $0.33, and $0.48 kg -1 ), the relative difference in net returns among treatment combinations were not changed. Rice grain yields for semi-dwarf cultivars respond more favorably to a higher percentage of the total N being applied pre-flood. Growers should implement N fertilizer practices that produce the highest economic grain yield, which for Cocodrie is to use the SPF vegetative N application scheme regardless of the TD N timing.
Nuclear isovector spin responses from (p, n) reactions at 494 MeV

Abstract Complete sets of polarization transfer coefficients have been measured for quasifree ( p , n ) scattering from 2H, C, and Ca at 494 MeV and scattering angles of 12.5°, 18°, and 27° (q = 1.2, 1.7, 2.5 fm−1). These measurements yield separated transverse (σ × q) and longitudinal (σ · q) isovector spin responses. The transverse responses are in very good agreement with the responses measured in deep inelastic electron scattering. No significant enhancement or softening is observed in the longitudinal responses, in contrast to expectations based on an attractive pionic residual interaction.
SPURIOUS SOLUTIONS OF THREE-PARTICLE EQUATIONS.

The origin of the spurious eigenvalues of Weinberg's kernel for three particles, discovered by Federbush in a special case, is discussed. They are shown to be generally expected with Weinberg's kernel because of its factorization property. Noble's contention that every complex energy is an eigenvalue of Weinberg's kernel is shown to be incorrect.
High resolution comparative modeling with RosettaCM

We describe an improved method for comparative modeling, RosettaCM, which optimizes a physically realistic all-atom energy function over the conformational space defined by homologous structures. Given a set of sequence alignments, RosettaCM assembles topologies by recombining aligned segments in Cartesian space and building unaligned regions de novo in torsion space. The junctions between segments are regularized using a loop closure method combining fragment superposition with gradient-based minimization. The energies of the resulting models are optimized by all-atom refinement, and the most representative low-energy model is selected. The CASP10 experiment suggests that RosettaCM yields models with more accurate side-chain and backbone conformations than other methods when the sequence identity to the templates is greater than ∼15%.
Geography and ethics: spaces of cosmopolitan responsibility

I In search of perpetual peace In the final decades of the eighteenth century, Immanuel Kant set forth his now paradigmatic vision of what he called a ‘universal cosmopolitan condition’ among states, ‘a peaceful, if not yet friendly and universal community of all peoples on the earth who can come into active relations with one another’ (Kant, 2006: 146). Kant pointed out that all human beings share ‘the right of common possession of the surface of the earth’. Since humans ‘cannot scatter themselves on it without limit’, he reasoned, ‘they must . . . ultimately tolerate one another as neighbors’ (2006: 82). As a political project, then, Kant’s cosmopolitanism anticipates a kind of world citizenship within a federation of free and sovereign states, the first step toward the possibility of a ‘perpetual peace’ (see Linklater, 2002; Brock and Brighouse, 2005; Pojman, 2005). But Kant’s call to ‘tolerate one another as neighbors’ also suggests an ethical stance. From this perspective, cosmopolitanism would indicate a wider, spatially extensive sense of responsibility toward others, recognizing, as Kant did, that ‘the growing prevalence of a (narrower or wider) community among the peoples of the earth has reached a point at which the violation of right at any one place on the earth is felt in all places’ (Kant, 2006: 84). If Kant’s cosmopolitan ideal still resonates today, this is perhaps because Kant’s era was witness to the emergence, in nascent form, of the political and economic relationships that have come to characterize our own global modernity. Writing at the apogee of the mercantile trading system and on the cusp of the industrial revolution, Kant was able to capture both the challenges and the opportunities posed by a truly global community of nations, and to articulate the need thereby to rethink the grounds for political and ethical thought. To be sure, the challenges of developing such a global ethics are formidable. Writing in 1784, Kant lamented that ‘one cannot suppress a certain indignation when one sees men’s actions on the great world-stage and finds, beside the wisdom that appears here and there among individuals, everything in the large woven together from folly, childish vanity, even from childish malice and destructiveness’ (Kant, 1986: 250). If we reflect for a moment on our own contemporary condition, it is not difficult to identify sufficient folly, vanity and malice to wonder how far we have progressed over the past 200 years. Progress reports
Polymers of Higher Olefins

This article describes polymeric materials derived from higher olefins, α-olefins with carbon atom numbers 4 and higher, and from cycloolefins. Both higher α-olefins and cycloolefins can produce homopolymers and copolymers with lighter olefins, mostly with ethylene. Crystalline polymers of higher α-olefins belong to two classes of stereoregular polymers, isotactic and syndiotactic. Isotactic polymers are produced with two types of catalysts, heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalysts and some bridged metallocene catalysts. Other types of metallocene catalysts produce either crystalline syndiotactic polymers or amorphous atactic polymers. Higher α-olefins can also be polymerized with cationic initiators to amorphous oligomeric materials. Cycloolefins are polymerized via two different mechanisms: the ring-opening metathesis reaction catalyzed with tungsten, ruthenium, or molybdenum compounds, and polymerization reactions without cycle opening catalyzed with metallocene complexes. Several types of polymers and copolymers of higher α-olefins and cycloolefins are produced commercially: Isotactic crystalline poly(1-butene) (PB) and poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP). Oligomers of linear α-olefins, viscous liquids. Copolymers of cycloolefins, such as cyclopentene or norbornene, and ethylene, tough amorphous transparent plastics. Polymers of cycloolefins, poly(dicyclopentadiene), poly(cyclooctene), and poly(norbornene). Copolymers of higher α-olefins with ethylene containing from 6 to 50 wt% of higher α-olefins. Due to high commercial significance of these materials, they are described in a separate article, “Polyethylene, Linear Low Density”. Crystalline PB is used to manufacture pipe, tubing, and blown film. Crystalline PMP is a highly transparent plastic. It is used for the manufacture of medical equipment, chemical laboratory equipment, and a variety of injection-molded articles. Liquid oligomers of higher linear α-olefins produced with cationic initiators have found wide applications as base oils in the formulation of various industrial lubricants. They are used in synthetic lubricating oils for cars, transformer oils, transmission and crankcase fluids, etc. Copolymers of cycloolefins and ethylene are amorphous materials with high glass points. They are used as transparent specialty plastics with high toughness. Polymer of cyclooctene is an elastic material of low crystallinity; it is mostly used as a component in rubber, poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)- and poly (styrene) (PS)-based compositions. Cured liquid-molding resins based on poly(dicyclopentadiene) are used for the manufacture of automotive parts for trucks, snowmobiles, wheel loaders, and recreational vehicles. Keywords: poly(1-butene) resins; poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) resins, poly(cycloolefins); polyolefins (PO)
Is there a twenty year wave in the dirunal anisotropy of cosmic rays

Data obtained with the Deep River neutron monitor and the underground vertical muon telescope at Embudo for the period 1965-1979 are analyzed. The data show that for 1957-1970 the diurnal anisotropy is unidirectional. During 1971-1979, the diurnal anisotropy consists of two components. One is in the east-west direction and the other is the radial component, with direction along 12:00 LT. The latter attains a maximum amplitude in 1976. No evidence is found for the existence of the twenty year wave in the diurnal anisotropy of cosmic rays.
Control of distributed parameter systems subject to convex constraints: Applications to irrigation systems and Hypersonic Vehicles

This paper addresses designing finite dimensional linear time invariant (LTI) controllers for infinite dimensional LTI plants subject to H? mixed-sensitivity performance objectives and convex constraints. Specifically, we focus on designing control systems for two classes of systems which are generally described by hyperbolic partial differential equations: (1) irrigation systems and (2) hypersonic vehicles with flexible dynamics. The distributed parameter plant is first approximated by a finite dimensional approximant. The Youla parameterization is then used to parameterize the set of all stabilizing LTI controllers and a weighted mixed-sensitivity H? optimization is formulated. After transforming the infinite dimensional problem to a finite-dimensional optimization problem, convex is optimization is used to obtain the solution. Subgradient concepts are used to directly accommodate time domain specifications. Illustrative examples for irrigation systems and hypersonic vehicles are provided.
Micromachined spiral inductors using UV-LIGA techniques

Integrated planar inductors are fundamentally important to the development of fully integrated magnetic MEMS devices as well as for RF and microwave applications. For many applications, it is important that inductors be CMOS compatible, as this allows for the possible addition of on-chip circuitry. Spiral inductors are typically the simplest inductors to fabricate and are often suited for use as smart sensors and electronic components. In this paper we have designed, fabricated, characterized and compared several different types of spiral inductors, all of which were fabricated by means of a thick photoresist lithography process referred to as UV-LIGA.
Testing, characterization, and control of a multi-axis, high precision drive system for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Wide Field Upgrade

A multi-axis, high precision drive system has been designed and developed for the Wide Field Upgrade to the Hobby- Eberly Telescope at McDonald Observatory. Design, performance and controls details will be of interest to designers of large scale, high precision robotic motion devices. The drive system positions the 20-ton star tracker to a precision of less than 5 microns along each axis and is capable of 4 meters of X/Y travel, 0.3 meters of hexapod actuator travel, and 46 degrees of rho rotation. The positioning accuracy of the new drive system is achieved through the use of highprecision drive hardware in addition to a meticulously tuned high-precision controller. A comprehensive understanding of the drive structure, disturbances, and drive behavior was necessary to develop the high-precision controller. Thorough testing has characterized manufacture defects, structural deflections, sensor error, and other parametric uncertainty. Positioning control through predictive algorithms that analytically compensate for measured disturbances has been developed as a result of drive testing and characterization. The drive structure and drive dynamics are described as well as key results discovered from testing and modeling. Controller techniques and development of the predictive algorithms are discussed. Performance results are included, illustrating recent performance of several axes of the drive system. This paper describes testing that occurred at the Center for Electromechanics in Austin Texas.
Tendon and ligament regeneration and repair: clinical relevance and developmental paradigm.

Tendon and ligament (T/L) are dense connective tissues connecting bone to muscle and bone to bone, respectively. Similar to other musculoskeletal tissues, T/L arise from the somitic mesoderm, but they are derived from a recently discovered somitic compartment, the syndetome. The adjacent sclerotome and myotome provide inductive signals to the interposing syndetome, thereby upregulating the expression of the transcription factor Scleraxis, which in turn leads to further tenogenic and ligamentogenic differentiation. These advances in the understanding of T/L development have been sought to provide a knowledge base for improving the healing of T/L injuries, a common clinical challenge due to the intrinsically poor natural healing response. Specifically, the three most common tendon injuries involve tearing of the rotator cuff of the shoulder, the flexor tendon of the hand, and the Achilles tendon. At present, injuries to these tissues are treated by surgical repair and/or conservative approaches, including biophysical modalities such as physical rehabilitation and cryotherapy. Unfortunately, the healing tissue forms fibrovascular scar and possesses inferior mechanical and biochemical properties as compared to native T/L. Therefore, tissue engineers have sought to improve upon the natural healing response by augmenting the injured tissue with cells, scaffolds, bioactive agents, and mechanical stimulation. These strategies show promise, both in vitro and in vivo, for improving T/L healing. However, several challenges remain in restoring full T/L function following injury, including uncertainties over the optimal combination of these biological agents as well how to best deliver tissue engineered elements to the injury site. A greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in T/L development and natural healing, coupled with the capability of producing complex biomaterials to deliver multiple growth factors with high spatiotemporal resolution and specificity, will allow tissue engineers to more closely recapitulate T/L morphogenesis, thereby offering future patients the prospect of T/L regeneration, as opposed to simple tissue repair.
Effect of Feeding Status on Mortality Response of Adult Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) to Some Insecticide Products

ABSTRACT Fresh and aged residual deposits of several insecticide products were tested against bed bug adults to determine if a recent bloodmeal affected their mortality response to the residues. The bed bugs with a recent bloodmeal survived significantly longer compared with the unfed ones on their exposure to fresh or aged residual deposits of chlorfenapyr and aged residual deposits of deltamethrin on a wooden substrate. Even though the survival time of fed bed bugs was significantly longer than that of unfed ones on their exposure to fresh residue of deltamethrin and aged residue of desiccant pyrethrin dust, these treatments resulted in similarly high final mortalities regardless of feeding status of the insects. Mortality responses of fed and unfed bed bugs were similar to fresh or aged residual deposits of imidacloprid + cyfluthrin combination and fresh residual deposits of desiccant pyrethrin dust. Topical application assays indicated that a recent bloodmeal significantly increased the bed bug’s surv...
Crystal structure of the receptor-binding domain from newly emerged Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

The newly emerged Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has infected at least 77 people, with a fatality rate of more than 50%. Alarmingly, the virus demonstrates the capability of human-to-human transmission, raising the possibility of global spread and endangering world health and economy. Here we have identified the receptor-binding domain (RBD) from the MERS-CoV spike protein and determined its crystal structure. This study also presents a structural comparison of MERS-CoV RBD with other coronavirus RBDs, successfully positioning MERS-CoV on the landscape of coronavirus evolution and providing insights into receptor binding by MERS-CoV. Furthermore, we found that MERS-CoV RBD functions as an effective entry inhibitor of MERS-CoV. The identified MERS-CoV RBD may also serve as a potential candidate for MERS-CoV subunit vaccines. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the evolution of coronavirus RBDs, provides insights into receptor recognition by MERS-CoV, and may help control the transmission of MERS-CoV in humans.
Uptake and translocation of arsenite by Pteris vittata L.: effects of glycerol, antimonite and silver.

Abstract AsIII uptake in living cells is through aquaglyceroporin transporters, but it is unknown in arsenic-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata. We investigated the effects of AsIII analogs glycerol and antimonite (SbIII) at 0–100 mM and aquaporin inhibitor AgNO3 at 0–0.1 mM on the uptake of 0.1 mM AsIII or AsV by P. vittata over 1–2 h. Glycerol or SbIII didn’t impact AsIII or AsV uptake by P. vittata (p
Effect of Liquid-Phase Sintering on the Breakdown Strength of Barium Titanate

A glass used to liquid-phase sinter BaTiO3 was developed and its properties were tested to determine the feasibility of using this glass to aid densification behavior. Glass was added to pure BaTiO3 powder and pressed into dimpled pellets with glass contents varying from 4 to 20 vol%. The breakdown strength was measured and compared with pure BaTiO3 and two commercially available dielectric materials. Liquid-phase sintering increased the breakdown strength of pure BaTiO3 for all the compositions tested. The breakdown strength of the samples containing 20 vol% glass additions was increased by a factor of 2.8 compared with pure BaTiO3.
Role of Toll-like receptor 4 in macrophage activation and tolerance during Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the innate immune response, particularly in the initial interaction between the infecting microorganism and phagocytic cells, such as macrophages. We investigated the role of TLR4 during infection of primary murine peritoneal macrophages with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. We found that macrophages from the C3H/HeJ mouse strain, which carries a functionally inactive Tlr4 gene, exhibit marked impairment of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion in response to S. enterica serovar Typhimurium infection. However, activation of extracellular growth factor-regulated kinase and NF-κB signaling pathways was relatively unaffected, as was increased expression of TNF-α mRNA. Furthermore, macrophage tolerance, which is associated with increased expression of the NF-κB p50 and p52 subunits, was induced by S. enterica serovar Typhimurium even in the absence of functional TLR4. These results indicate that during infection of macrophages by S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, TLR4 signals are required at a posttranscriptional step to maximize secretion of TNF-α. Signals delivered by pattern recognition receptors other than TLR4 are sufficient for the increased expression of the TNF-α transcript and at least some genes associated with macrophage tolerance.
Hepatic heme metabolism: Possible role of biliverdin in the regulation of heme oxygenase activity

Treatment of rats with biliverdin (48 h) resulted in an increase in microsomal heme oxygenase activity in the liver. This was accompanied by decreases in the microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 contents. In these respects cellular responses elicited by biliverdin resembled those produced by hematin (48 h). When rats were treated with biliverdin for a short interval (3 h) an inhibition of the activities of heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase, concomitant with an increase in microsomal heme and cytochrome P-450 contents, were observed. Hematin was ineffective in altering these parameters under similar conditions. Biliverdin, in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited the activities of purified heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase. The activity of purified rat liver heme oxygenase was refractory to bilirubin, whereas that of purified biliverdin reductase was severely inhibited. It is suggested that biliverdin regulates cellular heme degradation processes by occupying the heme binding site on heme oxygenase, thus hindering the access of the substrate to the catalytic site of the enzyme.
Information As Regulation: The Effect of Community Right to Know Laws on Toxic Emissions

Abstract There is growing academic and policy-level interest in the use of information as quasi-regulatory mechanisms, such as toxic release inventory (TRI) and “green labels.” Mandatory disclosure requirements have been touted as “market-based incentives” that may affect firm behavior. We provide new evidence on the effectiveness of disclosure requirements by examining firm behavior in response to disclosures of TRI emissions. We find that firms with the largest stock price decline on the day this information became public subsequently reduced emissions more than their industry peers. This is consistent with the view that financial markets may provide strong incentives for firms to change their environmental behavior.
Transcultured Architecture: Mudéjar’s Epic Journey Reinterpreted

The Mudejar phenomenon is unparalleled in the history of architecture. This style of architecture and ornamentation originated with Arab craftsmen living in reconquered medieval Spain. Embraced by Spanish Christians, Mudejar traveled over the course of the next four centuries, becoming part of the architectural history of Latin America, especially present-day Mexico and Peru. The style’s transmission across different religions and cultures attests to its ability to unify disparate groups of people under a common visual language. How, then, did mudejar managto gain popularity across reconquered Spain, so much so that it spread to the New World colonies? In this article, I argue that art and architecture move more fluidly than ideologies across boundaries, physical and political. The theory of transculturation makes it possible to understand how an architectural style such as Mudejar can be generated from a cultural clash and move to an entirely different context. Developed in 1947 by Cuban scholar and theorist Fernando Ortiz, transculturation posited means by which cultures mix to create something entirely new. This process is often violent, the result of intense conflict and persecution, and one culture is almost always defeated in the process. The contributions of both societies, however, coexist in the final product, whether technological, artistic, or even agricultural. I argue that mudejar in Latin America is a product of two separate transculturations: the adoption of Arab design and ornamentation by Spanish Christians, and the subsequent transference of these forms to the New World through the work of indigenous laborers.
Patterning precipitates of reactions in paper

This article describes a method for patterning certain solids—insoluble salts and reduced metals—in sheets of paper. Chemical reactions that produce these solids as precipitates occur when a stamp of patterned paper inked with an aqueous solution of reagent comes into contact with a paper substrate containing a second reagent. The pattern is determined by a hydrophobic barrier on the stamp that restricts delivery of the ink in two dimensions. The technique is one of the few methods available to generate two-dimensional patterns of solids within the bulk of sheets of paper. It can reliably produce features with lateral dimensions only down to 1 mm, but is convenient, inexpensive, and amenable to use in large-area patterning. The method can be used to introduce function to paper-based systems: (i) paramagnetic salts precipitated within paper allow pieces of it to be manipulated or separated from mixtures with a bar magnet, (ii) the precipitation of transition metals or enzymes can be used to position and store catalysts on paper for subsequent use, (iii) catalysts patterned in two dimensions in paper can be used to generate dynamic 3-D structures when exposed to appropriate substrates: for example, a ring of Pd0 deposited on a sheet of paper will generate a cylindrical “cage” of rising oxygen bubbles when exposed to an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, and (iv) patterns of catalysts or colored precipitates can serve as deterrents to counterfeiting.
Combining functions and the closure principle for performing follow-up tests in functional analysis of variance

Functional analysis of variance involves testing for differences in functional means across k groups in n functional responses. If a significant overall difference in the mean curves is detected, one may want to identify the location of these differences. Cox and Lee (2008) proposed performing a point-wise test and applying the Westfall-Young multiple comparison correction. We propose an alternative procedure for identifying regions of significant difference in the functional domain. Our procedure is based on a region-wise test and application of a combining function along with the closure multiplicity adjustment principle. We give an explicit formulation of how to implement our method and show that it performs well in a simulation study. The use of the new method is illustrated with an analysis of spectral responses related to vegetation changes from a CO"2 release experiment.
Biological Process Diffusional Limitations

Recently, it has been suggested that oxygen transport limitations within activated sludge flocs may induce the onset of bulking phenomena. Further more, several groups have recently employed the concept of an effectiveness factor, as developed form chemical engineering science, to correct of effectiveness limitations within microbial particles or slimes.
Comportamentos autolesivos na adolescência e disfunção familiar: relato de caso

Introduction: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) has a significant prevalence among young people. It is a sign of disturbed adolescence. There are multiple risk factors, including family dysfunction and parental mental illness. This case report shows how the family doctor, with good accessibility and communication with other health resources, can guide the patient and the family in situations of DSH and family dysfunction. Case description: NV, a 12 year-old male, was brought to our clinic after an episode of self-harm (cutting his forearms with scissors), irritability, impulsivity, and verbal aggression, following aggressive behavior by his father. The family doctor referred the boy to a child psychiatry emergency service. A second appointment was scheduled to ensure adequate follow-up together with secondary care. Family dysfunction was diagnosed with repercussions for adolescent development. Several family members received treatment. The adolescent agreed to frequent child psychiatry and psychology consultations, with improvement in symptoms. Commentary: The family doctor plays an essential role in the early detection and referral of cases of DSH. In this case, opportunistic intervention, when the adolescent first sought help, shows the importance of accessibility and the systemic family approach.
Configuration-interaction many-body-perturbation-theory energy levels of four-valent Si i

The mixed configuration-interaction (CI) many-body-perturbation-theory method is accurate in divalent atoms. In more complex atoms, with the number of valence electrons it becomes progressively more difficult to saturate CI space. Here, a four-valence electron atom, Si i, is considered. It is found that by using a relatively small cavity of 30 a.u. and by choosing carefully configuration space, it is possible to obtain quite accurate agreement between the theory and experiment. After subtraction of systematic shifts of 481 and $\ensuremath{-}426$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for the lowest even and odd states, respectively, the deviation between theory and experiment becomes at the level of 100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. This agreement is comparable to that in divalent atoms where the CI saturation has been achieved. It is anticipated that the approach can also give good results for atoms with more valence electrons to be considered in the future.
Intestinal Secretion During Anoxia

SummaryIntestinal secretion in dogs was found to be resistant to anoxia. At a partial pressure of oxygen of 80 mm Hg (approximate altitude of 18,000 ft.) there was no effect, and at 53 mm Hg (28,000 ft.) only a mild depression of secretion, which was not statistically significant. This indicates a low energy requirement for intestinal secretion.
Localization of Colloidal Dyes in Animal Tumors

Summary(1) As earlier workers have shown, acid dyes do not localize in tumor cells but in the stroma surrounding the tumor. (2) Further localization takes place within the tumor at each interface of viable and necrotic tissue. (3) The initial localization consists of a diffuse staining of the peripheral stroma and the seminecrotic cells within the tumor between viable and necrotic zones. (4) This diffuse dye is progressively phagocytized, and after 24-48 hours, appears in numerous macrophages at the tumor edge. (5) The dye is so located that if it were replaced by a radioactive substance, theoretically effective radiation of the tumor edge should result. (6) After a single large dose of dye the reticulo-endothelial cells of liver and spleen are rapidly filled with dye droplets. These disappear or diminish substantially after several days. (7) In addition to tumor and reticulo-endothelial systems of liver and spleen, the kidneys take up considerable quantities of dye, as this is the chief channel of excret...
Generating technique of linearly frequency-modulation signal applying to MSM laser radar

MSM laser radar(ladar) adopts the same frequency modulation(FM) ranging principle as the microwave radar does.The ladar′s laser power is amplitude modulated with a radio-frequency subcarrier which itself is linearly frequency modulated.In this paper,the scheme of wideband linearly FM signal generator is presented,and the detail of realizing linearly FM signal with a direct digital frequency synthesis(DDS) and phase-locked loop(PLL) is illustrated specifically.The architecture of type-Ⅱ fourth-order phase-locked loop is established and its possibility of steadily tracking linear frequency sweeping signal which is produced by DDS is also analyzed and simulated.Simulation results show that the type-Ⅱ fourth-order PLL can achieve frequency bandwidth expansion of linearly FM signal and meet the requirement of linear FM broadband signal.That′s the foundation to guarantee the range precision of MSM ladar.
The genetics of colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal neoplasms begin as monoclonal cell populations, presumably arising from a single mutation or from a series of mutations in a single epithelial cell. Identification of the earliest mutation has been elusive. The resulting neoplastic clone is genetically unstable, perhaps owing to reduced methyl content of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules. Loss of DNA repair mechanisms may also be a factor. There are multiple genetic pathways to colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The multiplicity of mutations which are often associated with carcinogenesis suggests that the cancer cell is specifically adapted to its parasitic role. This is especially apparent when cancer cells become capable of invasion and metastasis. Early therapeutic experiments in vitro suggest that the carcinogenic process may be disrupted by correction of any one of the multiple genetic defects.
Conclusion: “If You Can’t Trust Me with Choice, How Can You Trust Me with a Child?”*

Palko summarizes the argument of Imagining Motherhood in Contemporary Irish and Caribbean Literature, arguing that Irish and Caribbean women writers articulate a more expansive model of citizenship for the postcolonial woman through their depictions of nonnormative mothering practices. This works precisely because it is the figure of the mother that they engage, since in the colonial/postcolonial realm, the mother has been used in political rhetoric. The figure of the mother thus occupies a contested space that they can challenge. She identifies potential future directions for study of the maternal figure in Irish and Caribbean literary contexts.
The Cement of Society: Bargaining and collective action

Introduction Bargaining and collective action interact in three main ways. First, bargaining may fail because of collective action problems that arise in the course of negotiations. To get an edge in wage bargaining, labour and management may use tactics that are individually rational but collectively disastrous. Second, decentralized bargaining may create collective action problems because the parties involved in one bargaining process fail to take account of the externalities their agreement imposes on those involved in other, simultaneously occurring processes. The members of any given union are but marginally hurt by the price increases induced by their wage demands, but an across-the-board increase harms members of all unions. Third, collective action problems may require bargaining to allocate the burdens and benefits from cooperation. If unions agree on centralized bargaining, there will be bargaining over the wage profile to present to employers. In this chapter I discuss how these problems arise in interactions between employers and unions ( capital–labour bargaining ), among employers ( capital–capital bargaining ) and among unions ( labour–labour bargaining ). Since my main examples, here and in Chapter 6, will be taken from Swedish collective bargaining, I also offer a brief description of that system. First, however, I want to make some general comments on the third problem – the bargaining problems embedded in collective action. Chapter 1 proposed a simplified analysis of collective action problems, in which I assumed that the actors were homogeneous and interchangeable. Although heterogeneity is the main source of bargaining in such problems, the need to negotiate can also arise in the homogeneous case with binary choices.
muBLASTP: database-indexed protein sequence search on multicore CPUs

The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) is a fundamental program in the life sciences that searches databases for sequences that are most similar to a query sequence. Currently, the BLAST algorithm utilizes a query-indexed approach. Although many approaches suggest that sequence search with a database index can achieve much higher throughput (e.g., BLAT, SSAHA, and CAFE), they cannot deliver the same level of sensitivity as the query-indexed BLAST, i.e., NCBI BLAST, or they can only support nucleotide sequence search, e.g., MegaBLAST. Due to different challenges and characteristics between query indexing and database indexing, the existing techniques for query-indexed search cannot be used into database indexed search. muBLASTP, a novel database-indexed BLAST for protein sequence search, delivers identical hits returned to NCBI BLAST. On Intel Haswell multicore CPUs, for a single query, the single-threaded muBLASTP achieves up to a 4.41-fold speedup for alignment stages, and up to a 1.75-fold end-to-end speedup over single-threaded NCBI BLAST. For a batch of queries, the multithreaded muBLASTP achieves up to a 5.7-fold speedups for alignment stages, and up to a 4.56-fold end-to-end speedup over multithreaded NCBI BLAST. With a newly designed index structure for protein database and associated optimizations in BLASTP algorithm, we re-factored BLASTP algorithm for modern multicore processors that achieves much higher throughput with acceptable memory footprint for the database index.
The Relation Between Intelligence and Religiosity: A Meta-Analysis and Some Proposed Explanations

A meta-analysis of 63 studies showed a significant negative association between intelligence and religiosity. The association was stronger for college students and the general population than for participants younger than college age; it was also stronger for religious beliefs than religious behavior. For college students and the general population, means of weighted and unweighted correlations between intelligence and the strength of religious beliefs ranged from −.20 to −.25 (mean r = −.24). Three possible interpretations were discussed. First, intelligent people are less likely to conform and, thus, are more likely to resist religious dogma. Second, intelligent people tend to adopt an analytic (as opposed to intuitive) thinking style, which has been shown to undermine religious beliefs. Third, several functions of religiosity, including compensatory control, self-regulation, self-enhancement, and secure attachment, are also conferred by intelligence. Intelligent people may therefore have less need for religious beliefs and practices.
Discussion of Paper by Jönsson

Jonsson’s paper reviews a series of national studies on the cost of peptic ulcer disease and the impact of cimetidine on those costs. The paper distinguishes three stages in the macroeconomic evaluation of new medical intervention or technology: (1) Estimates of the cost of the target disease; (2) projections of the expected changes anticipated from the introduction of the new technology, called ex ante estimates; and (3) assessment of the actual changes produced by the new technology, termed ex post estimates. The discussion in the paper is organized into three sections which correspond to these divisions — a review of eight national studies of the cost of ulcer disease, ex ante projections of cimetidine’s expected impact on costs in five countries, and ex post measurements in four countries of some of the consequences of cimetidine.