cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal changes in medial temporal cortical thickness in normal subjects with the APOE-4 polymorphism.

Abstract People with the apolipoprotein-Ee4 (APOE-4) genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease show morphologic differences in medial temporal lobe regions when compared to non-carriers of the allele. Using a high-resolution MRI and cortical unfolding approach, our aim was to determine the rate of cortical thinning among medial temporal lobe subregions over the course of 2 years. We hypothesized that APOE-4 genetic risk would contribute to longitudinal cortical thickness change in the subiculum and entorhinal cortex, regions preferentially susceptible to Alzheimer's disease related pathology. Thirty-two cognitively intact subjects, mean age 61 years, 16 APOE-4 carriers, 16 non-carriers, underwent baseline and follow-up MRI scans. Over this relatively brief interval, we found significantly greater cortical thinning in the subiculum and entorhinal cortex of APOE-4 carriers when compared to non-carriers of the allele. Average cortical thinning across all medial temporal lobe subregions combined was also significantly greater for APOE-4 carriers. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that carrying the APOE-4 allele renders subjects at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
Postmenopausal hormone use and breast cancer associations differ by hormone regimen and histologic subtype.

BACKGROUND: Data from large prospective studies are needed to fully characterize the impact of exogenous hormones on breast cancer incidence by type of hormone preparation and histology of the cancer. METHODS: In a prospective cohort of 67,754 postmenopausal women in the US, 1821 cases of invasive ductal cancer and 471 cases of invasive lobular or mixed lobular cancer occurred during 13 years of follow-up. The authors computed age-adjusted rates, as well as age-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted rate ratios (RR) for ductal and lobular breast cancer and for the use of estrogen only (E-only) and estrogen and progesterone (E + P) for current and former hormone users by duration of use and years since last use. RESULTS: Current use of E + P was associated with an increased risk of both ductal (RR of 1.75; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.53-2.01) and lobular (RR of 2.12; 95% CI, 1.62-2.77) breast cancer. Risk increased within the first 2 to 3 years of use and attenuated 2 years after cessation. In contrast, current use of E-only was not associated with an overall increased risk of invasive ductal cancer. The only exceptions to this finding were in lean (body mass index <25) women and for ductal cancers diagnosed at the regional/distant stage, where in both cases the use of E-only was associated with an increased risk. E-only use was associated with a 50% increased risk of invasive lobular cancer after ≥10 years of use. CONCLUSIONS: Use of E + P is more detrimental to the breast than E-only use, in terms of both ductal and lobular cancer. The findings from the current study suggest a window of 2 to 3 years for the risks of E + P both to become apparent after initial use and to attenuate after cessation. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Glutathione in Defense and Signaling

The mechanisms of thiol metabolism and chemistry have particular relevance to both cellular defenses against toxicant exposure and to redox signaling. Here, we will focus on glutathione (GSH), the major endogenous low- molecular-weight nonprotein thiol synthesized de novo in mammalian cells. The major pathways for GSH metabolism in defense of the cell are reduction of hydroperoxides by glutathione peroxidases (GSHPx) and some peroxiredoxins, which yield glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and conjugation reactions catalyzed by glutathione-S-transferases. GSSG can be reduced to GSH by glutathione reductase, but glutathione conjugates are excreted from cells. The exoenzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) removes the glutamate from extracellular GSH, producing cysteinyl-glycine from which a dipeptidase then generates cysteine, an amino acid often limiting for de novo GSH synthesis. Synthesis of GSH from the constituent amino acids occurs in two regulated, enzymatically catalyzed steps. The signaling pathways leading to activation of the transcription factors that regulate these genes are a current area of intense investigation. The elucidation of the signaling for GSH biosynthesis in human bronchial epithelial cells in response to 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), an end product of lipid peroxidation, will be used as an example. GSH also participates in redox signaling through the removal of H(2)O(2), which has the properties of a second messenger, and by reversing the formation of sulfenic acid, a moiety formed by reaction of critical cysteine residues in signaling proteins with H(2)O(2). Disruption of GSH metabolism will therefore have major a impact upon function of cells in terms of both defense and normal physiology.
Preprocessing by factor analysis of centro-occipital EEG power and asymmetry from three subject groups

Principal components analysis with Varimax rotation was applied to centro-occipital EEG power spectral density (PSD) and asymmetry variables in order to detect the subsets of intercorrelated variables. Seven orthogonal variable subsets (factors) were found: left and right PSDs from 0 to 8, 6 to 12, 12 to 20, and 12 to 30 Hz, and asymmetries from 0 to 6, 6 to 14, and 14 to 30 Hz. Attempts to validate these results suggest that the factors are satisfactorily orthogonal and account for a large part of the original data variance. The same set of factors appears to be present in normal subjects, stabilized alcoholics, and some chronic schizophrenics. More effective use of multivariate data in later statistical tests may be made possible by replacing the original variables with the factor scores computed from a weighted sum of the variables in the factors. Also, factor extraction allows comparison of the variable organization in different subject groups. This can have both physiological and statistical significance.
Deriving natural classes in phonology

Abstract It is one of the most basic generalizations in phonology that only certain sets of sounds pattern together in phonological processes. These sets are referred to as natural classes. This paper develops a new analysis of the natural class generalization, formulated in terms of Optimality Theory. It is shown that natural classes derive from the nature of the set of markedness constraints. For example, sounds can pattern together as a natural class if they violate markedness constraints in the same environment, so given constraints ∗ XA and ∗ XB, A and B can form a natural class. As a result the range of possible natural classes depends on the inventory of constraints, not on the feature set. This analysis is shown to have empirical advantages over the standard account according to which natural classes are characterized purely in terms of features.
ANYONS, THE QUANTUM HALL EFFECT, AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL SUPERCONDUCTIVITY

We have studied the ground-state (GS) properties of fractional-statistics particles (anyons) by exact numerical solution for small systems. We have seen in our results (depending on the choice of parameters for the Hamiltonian) the fractional-statistics analogs of a number of well-known ground states for conventional particles, including particularly the quantum Hall state (which we relate to the observed ‘hierarchy’ states), and a superconducting GS, the latter being formed (for half-statistics particles or semions) by pairing. We suggest possible experimental signatures for distinguishing semion from fermion superconductors. We also directly test the ‘mean-field theory’ of statistics against our exact results, and find it to treat GS properties well.
Zero-power shock sensors using bistable compliant mechanisms

This paper demonstrates the design, fabrication, and analysis of a small plastic latching accelerometer, or shock sensor, that is bi-stable and functions without the use of electricity. The sensor has two stable mechanical states. When force above a certain threshold limit is applied, the sensor changes states and remains in the changed state indicating the amount of force that has been applied to the sensor. The devices were laser-cut from ABS and Delrin plastics, and the surface area of the free-moving section was varied to produce sensors with a range of force sensitivities. The switching action of the devices was analyzed with the use of a centrifuge, which supplied the necessary force to switch the accelerometers from one mechanical state to another. The surface area of the sensors varied from 100 mm2 to 500 mm2 and the G-force sensitivity range varied between 10 and 800 g.
Collaborative care psychiatrists’ views on treating bipolar disorder in primary care: a qualitative study☆☆☆★

Abstract Objective To understand collaborative care psychiatric consultants’ views and practices on making the diagnosis of and recommending treatment for bipolar disorder in primary care using collaborative care. Method We conducted a focus group at the University of Washington in December 2013 with nine psychiatric consultants working in primary-care-based collaborative care in Washington State. A grounded theory approach with open coding and the constant comparative method revealed categories where emergent themes were saturated and validated through member checking, and a conceptual model was developed. Results Three major themes emerged from the data including the importance of working as a collaborative care team, the strengths of collaborative care for treating bipolar disorder and the need for psychiatric consultants to adapt specialty psychiatric clinical skills to the primary care setting. Other discussion topics included gathering clinical data from multiple sources over time, balancing risks and benefits of treating patients indirectly, tracking patient care outcomes with a registry and effective care. Conclusion Experienced psychiatric consultants working in collaborative care teams provided their perceptions regarding treating patients with bipolar illness including identifying ways to adapt specialty psychiatric skills, developing techniques for providing team-based care and perceiving the care delivered through collaborative care as high quality.
On the measurement of the Casimir torque

, Phone: 480-965-6486, Fax: 480-480-7956We discuss the possibility of measuring the recently proposedCasimir torque between bi-refringent crystals, using a torsionpendulum in dark vacuum. By simulation, we analyze theeffects of precession, surface polish, and torque due to straycharge.Wedeterminetheexperimentalconditionsunderwhichthe torque might be measured, and conclude that these areachievable with modern instrumentation, and we give anestimate of errors.
School psychology and medical diagnosis: The fragile X syndrome

A fragile site on the X chromosome has been implicated in developmental disabilities among both males and females who possess learning disabilities, mental retardation, attention deficit disorders, and behavior problems. For the most part, medical diagnosis has been of little value to the school psychologist or educator. The diagnosis of fragile X syndrome does possess specific educational implications, especially during the early school years. Data on the characteristics and treatment of patients that can assist the school psychologist in program planning and appropriate referral are presented. The school psychologist is in a most advantageous position to recognize children who are in need of medical consultation and chromosomal analysis. Treatment includes appropriate educational programming, trials of folic acid among prepubescent males, and medical treatment for those manifesting an attention deficit disorder. Family counseling is available for “at-risk” families and should include prenatal diagnosis.
Static second-order polarizabilities of aminobenzophenones and nitrobenzophenones

Static-field theoretical studies on molecular second-order polarizabilities (beta) of benzophenone derivatives were performed. Calculations were based on the use of shaped electric fields and semiempirical Hamiltonians. Either an electron-donating (amine) or an electron-withdrawing (nitro) substituent was incorporated into a phenyl ring of benzophenone; the phenyl rings of benzophenone were oriented either coplanar or perpendicular to the carbonyl. The change in charge transfer with respect to the electrophilic character of the carbonyl group was monitored to determine its effect on the molecular second-order polarizability. Calculations were performed for all constitutional isomers of the two benzophenone derivatives.
A Critical Examination of Acculturation: The Impact of Health Behaviors, Social Support and Economic Resources on Birth Weight among Women of Mexican Descent1:

Although recent theoretical work points to the multidimensional character of acculturation, empirical studies often fail to operationalize the concept in ways that capture the complexity. This study uses data from in-depth interviews with 58 pregnant and recently postpartum women of Mexican descent to demonstrate that prior studies examining acculturation and low birth weight have focused too much on negative health behaviors and too little on social support and access to resources. The analysis also demonstrates the importance of examining social change in sending and receiving communities by addressing the starting point for acculturation and the forces for acculturation in immigrants' lives.
Beliefs About Mathematics Teaching Held by Pre-service Teachers Involved in a·First Grade Mentorship Program

The study compared beliefs about mathematics teaching of four pre-service elementary teachers involved in an intervention experience with those of their non-involved peers. During this intervention, which was based on a socio-constructivist approach to mathematics instruction, the intervention group participated in regular, small-group teaching experiences supported by on-going seminars. The study also examined the relationship between professed beliefs and observed actions for the intervention group.
Phosphatidylenthanolamine Binding Protein aka Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein: A Brief History of Its Discovery and the Remarkable Diversity of Biological Functions

Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) was identified almost three decades ago as an abundant protein in bovine brain. PEBP is the prototype of a highly conserved family of proteins represented in all three major phylogenetic divisions, eukaryota, bacteria, and archaea, with no significant sequence homology to other proteins. PEBP proteins have been studied in many species. The most thoroughly explored biological role of PEBP is that of a modulator of intracellular signaling pathways, which is mediated by its ability to bind and inhibit a number of protein kinases. The first such interaction that came to light was with the Raf1 kinase, and PEBP is thus widely referred to in the literature under its alternate name RKIP (Raf kinase inhibitory protein). The activity of RKIP itself is subject to regulation by phosphorylation. Intriguingly, PEBP has also been reported to possess additional, and diverse, biological functions unrelated to protein kinase networks that remain to be investigated in detail. Recent findings that RKIP may function as a suppressor of cancer metastasis are of great interest and importance. Prognostic and therapeutic applications of RKIP in human cancer were the subject of the first international workshop on RKIP that was held at the University of California, Los Angeles, in March 2010. This paper was presented at the workshop as a summary of the history of this still small but rapidly evolving field.
Structure of the Nuclear Factor κB-inducing Kinase (NIK) Kinase Domain Reveals a Constitutively Active Conformation

NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) is a central component in the non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathway. Excessive NIK activity is implicated in various disorders, such as autoimmune conditions and cancers. Here, we report the first crystal structure of truncated human NIK in complex with adenosine 5′-O-(thiotriphosphate) at a resolution of 2.5 Å. This truncated protein is a catalytically active construct, including an N-terminal extension of 60 residues prior to the kinase domain, the kinase domain, and 20 residues afterward. The structure reveals that the NIK kinase domain assumes an active conformation in the absence of any phosphorylation. Analysis of the structure uncovers a unique role for the N-terminal extension sequence, which stabilizes helix αC in the active orientation and keeps the kinase domain in the catalytically competent conformation. Our findings shed light on the long-standing debate over whether NIK is a constitutively active kinase. They also provide a molecular basis for the recent observation of gain-of-function activity for an N-terminal deletion mutant (ΔN324) of NIK, leading to constitutive non-canonical NF-κB signaling with enhanced B-cell adhesion and apoptosis resistance.
Is Word-Problem Solving a Form of Text Comprehension?.

This study's hypotheses were that (a) word-problem (WP) solving is a form of text comprehension that involves language comprehension processes, working memory, and reasoning, but (b) WP solving differs from other forms of text comprehension by requiring WP-specific language comprehension as well as general language comprehension. At the start of the 2nd grade, children (n = 206; on average, 7 years, 6 months) were assessed on general language comprehension, working memory, nonlinguistic reasoning, processing speed (a control variable), and foundational skill (arithmetic for WPs; word reading for text comprehension). In spring, they were assessed on WP-specific language comprehension, WPs, and text comprehension. Path analytic mediation analysis indicated that effects of general language comprehension on text comprehension were entirely direct, whereas effects of general language comprehension on WPs were partially mediated by WP-specific language. By contrast, effects of working memory and reasoning operated in parallel ways for both outcomes.
Evaluation of proposed and existing accelerated research programs by the Office of Naval Research

A process to evaluate proposed and existing accelerated research programs is described. The key component of the process is the use of mixed level review panels, consisting of bench-level researchers, research managers, transitioning experts, technology experts, and Navy requirements experts, to review multiple programs (nominally) in technical areas of similar science. The operational components of the review process are described in detail, and results of experiments in which program presentation, evaluation, and discussion times were varied are presented. Application experience of the process to Office of Naval Research program evaluation is presented. >
Microwave resonant-cavity-produced air discharges

Air discharges produced in an Asmussen microwave cavity (0-300 W, 2.45 GHz, CW) between 0.5 and 100 torr were investigated. Gas temperatures (1000-2500 K) were estimated from rotational temperatures obtained from optical emission spectroscopy (OES). These agreed with a simple model of the heat transfer of the gas where joule heating was included as the source term. Vibrational temperatures (3700-7300 K) were also determined from OES and followed the electron energy trends. Electron density (10/sup 11/-10/sup 13/ cm/sup -3/), collisional frequency (10/sup 11/-10/sup 12/ s/sup -1/), and plasma conductivity (0.09-0.3 ( Omega -m)/sup -1/) were calculated from a self-consistent electromagnetic model of the cavity where the plasma was assumed to be a lossy dielectric. Absorbed power, electric, and optical probe measurements were used as the input parameters to the model. >
Ischemia, Reactive Radicals, Redox Signaling and Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Ischemia is a medical condition generated by inadequate or no blood flow to the organs such as heart, brain, limbs and kidney, contributes to the pathophysiology of several diseases such as myocardial infarction, cerebral ischemia (stroke), peripheral vascular insufficiency and hypovolemic shock etc. As a result of ischemic insult, cascades of metabolic and ultra structural changes occur at the cellular level resulted in irreversible tissue injury and cell death. Several pharmacological interventions such as antioxidant therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy along with reperfusion strategies have been tried for several decades to protect the affected tissue from necrosis and cell death after ischemic insult. But, none of these interventions had proven to be cure for ischemia. Thus, novel therapeutic approach such as stem cell becomes very popular in the field of regenerative medicine to treat post ischemic conditions and to improve patient lifestyle as an alternate. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from different sources showed promise to the ischemic therapy. Human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells are one of the most promising cells that have shown beneficial effects in treating ischemic disorders in pre-clinical models and some clinical trials. However, several hurdles such as adequate supply of stem cells, suitable route of administration, need to be addressed to use as a regular therapeutic regiment for ischemic patients in the clinic.
Geometric approach to wavelength tuning of the Čerenkov free-electron laser

We present a new and greatly simplified derivation of the tuning relation for a Cerenkov free-electron laser. The laser uses an electron beam to excite coherent light in a planar waveguide. The geometric (or zig-zag) theory of waveguides is used to model the set of guided modes, while properties of hte Cerenkov radiation dictate which modes are excited. The results obtained are identical to earlier research based on the formal application of Maxwell’s equations. However, the geometric approach adds physical insight into the Cerenkov free-electron laser design problem. The dependence of output wavelength on electron-beam voltage and resonator thickness is plotted. A sample laser is designed for operation from 150 to 825 μm.
Efficiency loss and constraints on portfolio holdings

Abstract This paper examines the degree of portfolio inefficiency subject to various constraints on portfolio weights. When portfolio weights are unconstrained, the posterior loss in expected return on the NYSE-AMEX market portfolio is over 20% (annualized). In contrast, when portfolio weights are constrained to be nonnegative, the posterior loss in expected return is only about 4% (annualized). In addition, short-sale constraints greatly reduce uncertainty in inferences about portfolio efficiency.
Effectiveness of foam sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins

Varicose veins (VVs) are associated with lifestyle-limiting symptoms and complications. Patients who fail compression therapy are candidates for more invasive treatments. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of endovenous foam sclerotherapy (EFS) for the treatment of VVs in a US academic center. We reviewed medical records of a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent EFS over a 2-year period. The primary outcome measure was obliteration of VVs. The secondary outcome measures were symptomatic improvement, ulcer healing, recurrence, and adverse events. A total of 166 patients (217 legs) underwent EFS for pain (81%), pruritis (41%), swelling (17%), ulcerations (17%), thrombophlebitis (14%), and varix rupture (3%). Complete (65%) or near-complete (34%) obliteration was achieved in 215 (99%) legs after one injection. Additional injections achieved complete obliteration in 39 of 53 legs. Ninety-three percent (27/29) of active ulcers healed or were decreasing in size. Five ulcers and 11 VVs recurred...
Structural Principles From Large RNAs

Since the year 2000 a number of large RNA three-dimensional structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Structures composed of more than 100 nucleotide residues include the signal recognition particle RNA, group I intron, the GlmS ribozyme, RNAseP RNA, and ribosomal RNAs from Haloarcula morismortui, Escherichia coli, Thermus thermophilus, and Deinococcus radiodurans. These large RNAs are constructed from the same secondary and tertiary structural motifs identified in smaller RNAs but appear to have a larger organizational architecture. They are dominated by long continuous interhelical base stacking, tend to segregate into domains, and are planar in overall shape as opposed to their globular protein counterparts. These findings have consequences in RNA folding, intermolecular interaction, and packing, in addition to studies of design and engineering and structure prediction.
Effects of Dexamethasone on Aryl (SULT1A1)- and Hydroxysteroid (SULT2A1)-Sulfotransferase Gene Expression in Primary Cultured Human Hepatocytes

To determine whether the dexamethasone (DEX)-inducible hepatic sulfotransferase gene expression that has been described in the rat is conserved in humans, the effects of DEX treatment on hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (SULT2A1) and aryl sulfotransferase (SULT1A1) gene expression were investigated in primary cultured human hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were prepared from nontransplantable human livers by collagenase perfusion of the left hepatic lobe, and cultured in Williams9 medium E that was supplemented with 0.25 U/ml insulin. As reported in the rat, DEX treatment produced concentration-dependent increases in SULT2A1 mRNA and protein expression, with maximum increases observed at concentrations of DEX that would be expected to activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR) transcription factor. In contrast to the rat, in which DEX-inducible SULT1A1 expression has been demonstrated, SULT1A1 expression in primary cultured human hepatocytes was not measurably increased by DEX. In transient transfections conducted in primary cultured rat hepatocytes, the PXR ligands DEX and pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile significantly induced transcription of human and rat SULT2A reporter gene constructs. Cotransfection of either the human or rat SULT2A reporter gene with a PXR dominant negative construct significantly reduced DEX-inducible transcription. These results underscore that while certain features of rat hepatic sulfotransferase gene regulation are conserved in humans, important differences exist across species. The findings also implicate a role for the PXR transcription factor in DEX-inducible rat and human SULT2A gene expression.
Remote sensing applications to hydrology: imaging radar

Abstract Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data are very useful for hydrological studies because the dielectric properties of materials are generally dependent on the amount of liquid water in the material, and this affects the strength of the radar backscatter, [sgrave]°. Additionally, the ability of microwaves to penetrate the surface of many materials often permits analysis of subsurface properties. Further, SAR sensors can image the Earth through both clouds and darkness which enables dynamic hydrological events, e.g. floods, to be captured. Both radar system parameters and surface characteristics affect[sgrave]°. In the case of snow, [sgrave]° is the sum of the surface scattering at the air/snow interface, volume scattering within the snowpack, scattering at the snow/soil interface and volumetric scattering from the underlying surface (if applicable). For glaciers, [sgrave]° is dominated by scattering from the surface and is dependent upon the roughness of the glacier surface in relationship to the rada...
Leucobacter chromiireducens subsp. solipictus subsp. nov., a pigmented bacterium isolated from the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and emended description of L. chromiireducens

A yellow-pigmented, Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, irregular rod-shaped bacterium (strain TAN 31504T) was isolated from the bacteriophagous nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, DNA G+C content of 69.5 mol%, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, major menaquinone MK-11, abundance of anteiso- and iso-fatty acids, polar lipids diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol and a number of shared biochemical characteristics, strain TAN 31504T was placed in the genus Leucobacter. DNA–DNA hybridization comparisons demonstrated a 91 % DNA–DNA relatedness between strain TAN 31504T and Leucobacter chromiireducens LMG 22506T indicating that these two strains belong to the same species, when the recommended threshold value of 70 % DNA–DNA relatedness for the definition of a bacterial species by the ad hoc committee on reconciliation of approaches to bacterial systematics is considered. Based on distinct differences in morphology, physiology, chemotaxonomic markers and various biochemical characteristics, it is proposed to split the species L. chromiireducens into two novel subspecies, Leucobacter chromiireducens subsp. chromiireducens subsp. nov. (type strain L-1T=CIP 108389T=LMG 22506T) and Leucobacter chromiireducens subsp. solipictus subsp. nov. (type strain TAN 31504T=DSM 18340T=ATCC BAA-1336T).
Neurogenesis of respiratory rhythm and pattern: emerging concepts

We present three hypotheses related to the nervous system control of breathing in mammals: 1) that neural mechanisms controlling breathing change with state and that the relationship between mechanisms in different states can be described in terms of either modulation or a basic transformation of properties, or both; 2) that the mechanisms generating respiratory rhythm and pattern are separate; and 3) that conditional pacemaker cell activity is the basis for respiratory rhythm in highly reduced states.
The Pheromone Response Pathway in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 OVERVIEW OF PATHWAY . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Pheromones . . . . . . ... ... . .. . . .... . . . . ..... . . . . . .. . . . . . . 149 Pheromone Receptors . . . .... . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ISO G Protein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 5 1 Kinases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 SteJ2p Transcription Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Inhibition of Gl CyclinlCdc28 Kinase Leads to Cell Cycle Arrest . . . . . . . . . 154 Recovery and Desensitizatiofl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ISS IDENTIRCATION OF EFFECTOR CANDIDATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ISS MAP KINASE CASCADE . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 159 Action and Order of Kinases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 59 Heterologous MAP Kinase Cascades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 . FUflctional Conservation of MAP Kinase Cascade Componeflls . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Other MAP Kinase Cascades in S. cerevisiae . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 168 CELL CYCLE ARREST . . . .. . . . . .. . ... .. ... . . . .. ... . .. . .. . .. 170 DOES CALCINEURIN PLAY A ROLE IN RECOVERY? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 1 PROSPECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Is Sucralose Ingestion Acceptable Before 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging?

A 2009 international survey of 128 PET/CT technologists revealed that 58% of them administered oral contrast agents as part of their protocol for “some or most patients” ([1][1]). Among those using oral contrast agents, iodine-based contrast material was administered 35% of the time. An
Mesoproterozoic chronostratigraphy of the southeastern Llano uplift, central Texas

The Llano uplift of central Texas exposes Mesoproterozoic crystalline rocks affected by a Grenvillian orogeny between 1.2 and 1.1 Ga. We report four new U-Pb zircon protolith ages of 1247 ± 4, 1257 ± 3, 1272 +8 / −5 , and 1366 ± 3 Ma for four quartzofeldspathic rocks from the regionally defined Packsaddle Schist and Valley Spring Gneiss in the southeastern part of the uplift. The 1366 ± 3 Ma gneiss also yields a metamorphic age of 1325 ± 5 Ma. These new U-Pb ages, in conjunction with previous U-Pb age data, demonstrate that several regionally defined map units contain constituents with widely disparate ages. We have identified four age suites for protoliths of metamorphic rocks in the southeastern part of the Llano uplift that appear to represent rock packages of distinct tectonic origins: (1) the northern, 1366–1272 Ma felsic gneisses of volcanic, plutonic, and continentally derived sedimentary origin (Valley Spring Gneiss and an older gneiss component), (2) the geographically intermediate, ca. 1257–1247 Ma (and possibly older) basinal sequence that formed along a continental shelf and slope near an arc (Packsaddle Schist), (3) the southern, 1326–1275 Ma remnant of an exotic, ensimatic arc complex (Big Branch Gneiss and Coal Creek Serpentinite and plutonic complex), and (4) the 1239–1232 Ma tectonized felsic rocks that intruded the first two suites. The first three suites of rocks were structurally imbricated during Grenville orogenesis, and the fourth suite may either represent early synorogenic crustal melts or be related to the volcanic rocks in the Packsaddle Schist. In addition, these new data show that, contrary to previous reports, younger Packsaddle Schist lies in structural contact above older components of the Valley Spring Gneiss. Moreover, one of the dated meta-igneous units is the oldest unit yet found in the uplift and records an early period of metamorphism prior to formation of most Llano uplift rocks. Its 1366 ± 3 Ma protolith age is coeval with rocks of the Western Granite-Rhyolite terrane. Age and geochemical similarities link this unit of unknown regional extent with the Western Granite-Rhyolite terrane of known Laurentian affinity. Thus, this component of the Llano uplift may be the basement on which the younger components of the Valley Spring Gneiss and Packsaddle Schist formed in a tectonic setting proximal to Laurentia and south of the Western Granite-Rhyolite terrane.
Improved Efficiency of Intact Crop Removal for Broiler Breeder Rooster and Hen Carcasses During Manual Evisceration

SUMMARY By using a technique that previously demonstrated improved efficiency of intact crop removal for broilers, experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the technique in 40and 41-wk-old broiler breeder roosters and hens. The technique involved (after scalding, defeathering, and head removal) separating (breaking) the neck from the carcass parallel with the shoulders and leaving the ventral neck skin, trachea, and esophagus intact. With an individual carcass suspended by its wings from a shackle, the esophagus was grasped above the proventriculus within the thoracic cavity, and the crop was pulled through the thoracic inlet. The maximum load required to remove the crop from the carcass was recorded, and it was determined if the crops removed were intact or ruptured. Carcasses that had the neck broken prior to crop removal had significantlymorecropsremovedintact(85%,35of40)forbothroosterandhencarcassescompared with only 20% removed intact (8 of 40 carcasses) for rooster and hen carcasses in which the neck remained unbroken. The load required to remove the crop was influenced by gender and treatment. Rooster carcasses required a higher load (5.7 kg) than hen carcasses (4.9 kg), and for rooster carcasses, breaking the neck prior to evisceration resulted in a lower load (5.2 kg) to remove the crop than that of carcasses in which the neck remained unbroken (6.2 kg). The difference (0.2 kg) in the load recorded for crops removed intact and those that ruptured was not significant and suggeststhatcropsrupturedduringremovalresultedfromexternalattachmentsandnottoinherent weakness. Breaking the neck of broiler breeder carcasses prior to evisceration improved the efficiency of intact crop removal (85% removed intact) and would thereby minimize the incidence of crop contents contaminating the carcass during evisceration.
Constraint-based type inference and parametric polymorphism

Constraint-based analysis is a technique for inferring implementation types. Traditionally it has been described using mathematical formalisms. We explain it in a different and more intuitive way as a flow problem. The intuition is facilitated by a direct correspondence between run-time and analysis-time concepts.
FDTD simulations of Clini-Therm applicators on inhomogeneous planar tissue models

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm was used to compute SAR distributions in planar fat-muscle phantom exposed to the Clini-Therm microwave applicators. The models consisted of a 30×30×7.5 cm phantom and a 15 × 15 cm, 10 × 10 cm or 7.5 × 7.5 cm aperture dielectric slab loaded applicator. The phantom was either filled with muscle material or with 1.0 cm fat on 6.5 cm muscle. A mineral oil bolus was placed on the fat-muscle model with its integrated water channels parallel to the electric or magnetic field. The FDTD resolution was 3 mm and the applicators were excited with a Gaussian pulse. The computations required 6000–8000 time steps to reach steady state, with 45–48 Mwords on a Cray Y-MP C-90 in 1000–1200 CPU seconds. The electric field components at 915 MHz were obtained by summing the Fourier coefficients at each grid point during each time step and SAR was determined. The results were qualitatively compared to existing and published thermographic heating patterns with good agreement. T...
Influence of Taxonomic Resolution and Morphological Functional Groups in Multivariate Analyses of Macroalgal Assemblages

This paper examines how the use of various taxonomic levels and morphological functional groups influences the interpretation of multivariate analyses when comparing macroalgal assemblages in different regions in the Northeast Pacific. We found that for intertidal assemblages, within-site variation was high at the species level and regions only became discernable from the genus level to the order level. Above order level, regions were less well distinguished. Differentiating assemblages at the genus level were similar to results from functional group analyses. This implies that various levels and morphological functional groups can be used to distinguish intertidal assemblages among regions. Intertidal strata differences could be discerned at all taxonomic levels and using functional groups. In contrast to the intertidal, only a few regions were significantly different for subtidal assemblages, independent of taxonomic resolution used. Functional grouping in subtidal assemblages yielded the same resolution as taxonomic levels. Conversely to the intertidal assemblages, strata differences in the subtidal were found at the species and genus levels and with functional groups but not at the family and higher levels. Overall, these results demonstrate differences in regional and strata comparisons in intertidal and subtidal assemblage analyses and that typically species-level analyses are not required.
Nuclear localization domain of thyroid transcription factor-1 in respiratory epithelial cells

Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TITF-1) is a homeodomain containing transcription factor that binds to and selectively activates the expression of genes in thyroid and pulmonary epithelial cells. TITF-1 plays a critical role in gene expression and in organogenesis of lung and thyroid. In the present work, epitope-tagged TITF-1 proteins were used to identify the regions of the TITF-1 polypeptide that mediate nuclear localization and transcriptional activity in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. A series of TITF-1-flag deletion mutants was generated and transfected into H441 cells to determine amino acid sequences involved in translocation to the nucleus. Transfection of the TITF-1-flag mutants demonstrated that a nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence, located at the N-terminus of the homeodomain, is critical for nuclear targeting. The NLS was essential but not sufficient for translocation of TITF-1 to the nucleus, since deletion of the homeodomain itself also blocked nuclear translocation in the presence of NLS. Deletion of the N-terminal transactivation domain of TITF-1 completely abolished its transcriptional activation on the human surfactant protein-B promoter, and deletion of the C-terminal domain partially reduced its stimulatory activity. Nuclear translocation of TITF-1 depends on both an NLS and the homeodomain of the polypeptide. Both C- and N-terminal regions of TITF-1 are involved in transactivation of surfactant protein B gene expression in pulmonary cells.
Cognitive behavioral therapy in substance abuse treatment organizational correlates of adoption and fidelity

v Background and Significance 1 Research Design and Methods 7 Results 17 Discussion 25 References 30
Molecular Aspects of Human B and T Lymphocyte Responses to HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) induces readily detectable virus-specific B and T lymphocyte responses in humans. These responses may control the infection for various periods of time but ultimately fail to prevent the development of AIDS. This chapter reviews of the human immune response to HIV-1, focusing on those immune mechanisms that may exert a beneficial anti-viral effect and those that may contribute to the pathophysiology of HIV-1 infection by promoting the depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Particular emphasis is placed on a novel mechanism for the depletion of CD4+ T cells which involves cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) specific for the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120.
GROŽIO TERAPIJOS SPECIALISTŲ RENGIMAS LIETUVOJE: GROŽIO TERAPEUTO KOMPETENCIJŲ GRUPĖS

The article analyzes the specifics of the beauty therapist work. The article discusses the beauty therapist training in Lithuania, describes the required personal qualities and thinking skills and presents the competency groups for beauty therapists. KEY WORDS: beauty therapist, competence, groups of the beauty therapy competencies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15181/tbb.v72i3.1173
Prediction versus Inducement and the Informational Efficiency of Going Concern Opinions

We examine two distinct channels through which going concern opinions can be associated with the likelihood of bankruptcy: auditors have better access to information about their clients' bankruptcy risk and going concern opinions directly induce bankruptcies. Using a bivariate probit model that addresses omitted variable bias arising from auditors' additional information, we find support for both the information and inducement channels. The direct inducement effect of receiving a going concern opinion is a 0.84 percentage point increase in the probability of bankruptcy for firms that do not have a going concern opinion in the prior year. Despite the inducement effect acting as a "self-fulfilling" prophecy, going concern opinions do not correctly predict more bankruptcies than a statistical model based solely on observable data. This result suggests that auditors do not efficiently use information when generating going concern opinions.
MBE-Grown NiyMg1−yO and ZnxMg1−xO Thin Films for Deep Ultraviolet Optoelectronic Applications

We report on the heteroepitaxial growth of high-quality single crystal cubic ZnxMg1−xO and NiyMg1−yO thin films by radio frequency oxygen plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (RF-MBE). Film compositions over the ranges x = 0 to x = 0.65 and y = 0 to y = 1 have been grown on lattice-matched MgO (100) and characterized optically, morphologically, compositionally, and electrically. Both of these ternary materials are shown to have bandgaps which vary directly as a function of transition metal (Ni or Zn) concentration. Optical transmission measurements of NiyMg1−yO show the bandgap to shift continuously over the approximate range 3.5 eV (for NiO) to 4.81 eV (for y=0.075). Similarly, the bandgap of cubic ZnxMg1−xO is shifted from about 4.9 eV (for x = 0.65) to 6.25 eV (for x=0.12). Films exhibit good morphological quality and typical roughness of NiyMg1−yO films is 5 A while that of ZnxMg1−xO is less than 15 A, as measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) is employed to confirm crystal orientation and to determine the films' lattice constants. Film compositions are interrogated by Rutherford Backscattering (RBS) and electrical characterization is made by room-temperature Hall measurements.
Disentangling the biogeography of ship biofouling

Aim The movement of biofouling organisms by ships results in the transfer of marine species across biogeographical boundaries on a global scale. We used barnacles, a relatively well-studied taxon, to investigate the extent to which modern commercial vessels disperse biofouling species beyond their current known ranges. Location Vessels predominantly operated in the North Pacific; sampling was conducted in Los Angeles (CA), Portland (OR), Ketchikan (AK) and Apra Harbor (GU). Methods Barnacles were collected from submerged surfaces of commercial vessel hulls and identified to the lowest taxonomic unit using a combination of taxonomic and molecular phylogenetic techniques. Their known native and non-native geographical ranges were assessed and compared with the voyage history of the vessels. Results Forty distinct taxonomic groups of barnacles (22 assigned to species) were detected from 15 vessels. Six of these recognized species have a world-wide distribution, due to natural and anthropogenic dispersal. Sixteen species were on vessels with voyage routes that extend beyond the barnacles' known distributions, including 12 species sampled outside of their known range. Main conclusions A diverse suite of barnacle species is in continuous motion globally on commercial vessel hulls, and the potential scale of this transfer is underscored by the documented species richness for ship biofouling and what is known about the global fleet of vessels. We estimate roughly 680,000 separate arrival events per year for barnacle species to US ports distributed on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Genetic methods revealed high richness compared with previous studies, and the real rate is likely to be much higher than this because (1) it is likely that not all species on a vessel were sampled and (2) only a subset of sampled barnacles were successfully sequenced. Our limited knowledge about the total species pool in flux on ship hulls around the globe constrains our ability to analyse and interpret processes affecting species distribution patterns in the Anthropocene.
The Spatial Location and Use of Selected Facilities in a Middle-Sized City

H tUMAN ecologists have concentrated on relating the forms of man's existence to varying external conditions. While there has been little agreement among ecologists about the nature and number of ecological processes, there has been essential agreement among them that these processes are natural, unplanned, subsocial forces which are related to social processes.' Robert E. Park in his analysis of the relationship between the biotic and cultural communities-the one based on competition and the other on communication and consensus-concluded that "as a matter of fact they are merely different aspects of
The measure of stroke environment (MOSE): development and validation of the MOSE in post-stroke populations with and without aphasia.

Objectives. The purpose of this paper is to present the development and psychometric properties of a new environmental measure that identifies barriers and facilitators in receptivity, physical environment and communication for post-stroke populations, including survivors with aphasia.Methods. The Measure of Stroke Environment (MOSE) was developed using information from semi-structured interviews and three pilot studies. Reliability and validity were assessed in 43 post-stroke participants.Results. The MOSE contains 47 items across 33 questions in three domains (receptivity, physical environment, communication). Internal consistency reliability was high (.83 to .85) across each domain and over the entire assessment (.91). Convergent validity showed moderate correlation with the Stroke Impact Scale (.33 to .37), the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (-.31 to -.46) and the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (.55 to .61). Persons with aphasia had significantly lower scores on the communication dom...