cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Spore Protein, ExsM, Regulates Formation of the Exosporium in Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis and Affects Spore Size and Shape

Bacillus cereus spores are assembled with a series of concentric layers that protect them from a wide range of environmental stresses. The outermost layer, or exosporium, is a bag-like structure that interacts with the environment and is composed of more than 20 proteins and glycoproteins. Here, we identified a new spore protein, ExsM, from a β-mercaptoethanol extract of B. cereus ATCC 4342 spores. Subcellular localization of an ExsM-green fluorescent protein (GFP) protein revealed a dynamic pattern of fluorescence that follows the site of formation of the exosporium around the forespore. Under scanning electron microscopy, exsM null mutant spores were smaller and rounder than wild-type spores, which had an extended exosporium (spore length for the wt, 2.40 ± 0.56 μm, versus that for the exsM mutant, 1.66 ± 0.38 μm [P < 0.001]). Thin-section electron microscopy revealed that exsM mutant spores were encased by a double-layer exosporium, both layers of which were composed of a basal layer and a hair-like nap. Mutant exsM spores were more resistant to lysozyme treatment and germinated with higher efficiency than wild-type spores, and they had a delay in outgrowth. Insertional mutagenesis of exsM in Bacillus anthracis ΔSterne resulted in a partial second exosporium and in smaller spores. In all, these findings suggest that ExsM plays a critical role in the formation of the exosporium.
Increased Word-of-Mouth via Strategic Cause-Related Marketing

This research examines word-of-mouth (WOM) promotions as an additional consequence of a successful cause-related marketing (CRM) partnership. Firms properly aligned in CRM partnerships should increase positive feelings that can translate into positive WOM from the public. WOM efforts should be considered in marketing campaigns to develop successful long-term CRM strategies. Additionally, carefully planned CRM campaigns with positive WOM give firms a competitive advantage without the backlash of consumer skepticism often reported when firms attempt to manipulate WOM campaigns. This study is grounded in associative learning theory which provides support for the strengthened associative links between firm and charity when the relationship is properly aligned. This empirical study suggests that strategically aligned CRM relationships can improve positive WOM recommendations. Results of ANOVA and factor analysis indicate that consumers are more receptive to CRM partnerships that consist of compatibility between firm and charity that persist over time. Results suggest that consumers are more likely to recommend the more properly aligned partnerships to others. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BLACKS' PREFERENCE FOR BLACK PROFESSIONALS, BUSINESSMEN, AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS

A growing number of blacks in the United States have come to believe that in order to achieve equality, they must gain control of the institutions of power in the black community and develop black leadership to manage and run these institutions.' The system of beliefs incorporating this ideology has come to be known as "black separatism," though this term carries other connotations as well.2 The advocates of black separatism reject integration as a solution because it demands that blacks forswear their identity as blacks, and urge instead the development of pride and self-respect in place of self-hatred and disdain. In brief, black separatism, as Wilson observes, is an attitudinal disposition which "attaches a high value to pride, self-respect, and the desire for autonomy" among blacks.3 Those adhering to this ideology have often pointed out that white functionaries are not wanted in Negro neighborhoods; white social workers, doctors, nurses, and ministers in black ghettoes have become foci of criticism. In this survey, the assertion that whites are not wanted in black neighborhoods has been put to empirical test. The basic question asked is: Given a choice, do the people in a black neighborhood prefer to patronize black functionaries? The specific questions asked in this survey were the following: (1) Would you rather go to an agency where the director is Negro or to one where the director is white? (2) Would you rather talk with a Negro social worker or with a white social worker? (3) Would you rather be cared
Hydromediastinum following insertion of a central venous pressure line via the right external jugular vein

The insertion of a central venous pressure (CVP) catheter has been known to be associated with a variety of complications. Among these, isolated hydromediastinum is relatively rare. We recently encountered a patient who developed hydromediastinum due to extravascular penetration of a CVP line inserted via the right external jugular vein. The clinical manifestations and significance of this complication are discussed.
Remarks on a Multivariate Gamma Distribution

(1961). Remarks on a Multivariate Gamma Distribution. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 68, No. 4, pp. 342-346.
SU-FF-I-79: Evaluation of Reproducibility of FMRI Maps in Patients with Proven Low-Grade Brain Neoplasms

Purpose: The focus of this project is to demonstrate the test re‐test reliability of fMRI in subjects with benign and biopsy proven low‐grade neoplasms. Methods and Materials: FMRI activation maps with different thresholds were generated for 6 subjects with benign and biopsy proven low‐grade brain neoplasms using a GE Signa 1.5T MRI scanner and birdcage head coil. The imaging protocol included a 3DSPGR T1 brain volume, a coronal T2 anatomical acquisition(24 slices), and 8 functional scans. The 8 functional scans consisted of four functional task repeated twice. Each task verified one of the following: language, language comprehension, fine motor control, and visual perception with Blood Oxygen Dependent(BOLD) responses. Preprocessing steps included dicom to afni conversion, motion correction and spatial smoothing(9mm Gaussian filter). A correlation analysis was performed which allowed the reference timing of the BOLD response in the expected areas to be confirmed. A measure of reproducibility was calculated using the Euclidean distance between the center of mass of the activated volumes in two independent scans and measuring the number of reproducible activated voxels, Rsize. Results and Discussion: Activated clusters were observed for each functional scan. Activated clusters were not observed in all subjects for each task. Rsize was calculated to measure the reproducibility. These measurements will vary between 0.0(worst) and 1.0(best). The Text Listening Task provided the best reproducibility of activated clusters with an average value of 0.94±0.05 and 0.90±0.06 for the left and right temporal lobe, respectively. Activation of clusters amongst subjects varied greatly for the visual perception scan. Previous published results had similar findings. Conclusions: Similar comparisons of reproducibility will be made for more subjects. Roverlap, another parameter used for testing reproducibility will be calculated. The minimum number of clusters used and the cluster radius will be further examined to obtain more activated clusters.
Electronic states of 1,3,5-sym-triazine. II. Geometry of the 1E″ and 3E″ states in the crystal☆☆☆

Abstract Through Stark, Zeeman, Zeeman—Stark, and absorption spectra of h3-, h2d1-, h1d2-, and d3-sym-triazine isotopes it has been determined that the lowest observed singlet—singlet transition (1E″ ← 1A1, assigned in the gas phase) and singlet—triplet transition (3E″ ← 1A1, predicted experimentally and theoretically) of this molecule are both crystal field split by at least ca 200 cm−1 in the low temperature monoclinic crystal. The observed sharp crystal origins for singlet and triplet regions are assigned to transitions involving one component of the split 1E″ and 3E″ excited states, respectively. From h2d1-, and h1d2-sym-triazine absorption intensity ratios for these transitions, it has been demonstrated that the excited state geometry is “quinoidal” (i.e., four long and two short bonds) at 4.2°K in each excited state.
The excitation equilibrium of coronal ions

The relative populations of levels of highly ionized Fe, Ni and Ca ions have been calculated for physical conditions appropriate to the solar corona. The results are presented in the form of tables. Line intensity ratios in the EUV and visible that are sensitive to electron density are discussed and compared with observations.
Fate of the carotid artery contralateral to endarterectomy.

Abstract The management of internal carotid artery disease contralateral to endarterectomy is highly controversial. At our institution we have adopted an approach by which patients are followed with serial duplex scanning after unilateral carotid endarterectomy. Surgery on the contralateral carotid artery is recommended for patients who exhibit ischemic neurologic symptoms or develop an 80% to 99% carotid stenosis. This strategy is based on previous reports that have documented an increased incidence of strokes in these two groups of patients. As a result, 40 patients among a study population of 200 underwent carotid endarterectomy on the originally unoperated side. The current study reviews the natural history of the patients who were followed without or before operation of the contralateral carotid artery in an attempt to identify other cohorts at increased risk for stroke. Patients were followed for up to 126 months after unilateral carotid endarterectomy (mean, 54 months). Six patients were lost to follow-up (3.0%). By life-table analysis the estimated mean annual rate of progression to ≥50% diameter reduction was 3.9% and 1.2% for progression to ≥80% stenosis. Only two patients went on to occlusion during follow-up. Neurologic events referable to the contralateral carotid distribution were infrequent. The estimated mean annual rate was 2.9% for transient ischemic attacks and less than 0.8% for strokes. Case history review of the six patients who had strokes during follow-up suggested that only one patient may have benefited from carotid endarterectomy. Conservative management with serial duplex scanning of the unoperated, contralateral carotid artery appears appropriate. Endarterectomy should be reserved until symptoms develop or until an 80% to 99% contralateral carotid stenosis is detected. A more aggressive operative strategy is not supported by our findings. (J VASC SURG 1990;11:244-51.)
Lower Limits of Cotton Seeding Rates in Alternative Row Widths and Patterns

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producers are motivated to reduce seeding rates by the high cost of seed and gene technology. A 3-yr study was conducted in irrigated and nonirrigated fields at Milan, TN, using combinations of row width, planting pattern, and seeds m -1 row to produce seeding rates ranging from 3.6 to 21.5 m -2 . The objective was to determine the lower limits of cotton seeding rates that maximize net return based on lint yield, fiber quality, and lint price in alternative planting systems. Weed suppression and crop maturity effects were also evaluated. Whether irrigated or nonirrigated, equivalent yields were achieved with seeding rates ≥10.8 m -2 that produced plant population densities ≥6.1 m -2 . Yields were relatively stable above these thresholds with various combinations of row width, planting pattern, and seeds m -1 row. Seeding rate had little effect on price adjustments due to fiber quality, so net returns were driven primarily by lint yields and production costs. Irrigated cotton produced equivalently high net returns at seeding rates ≥7.2 m -2 , with any combination of row spacing, configuration, and number of seeds m -1 row. In nonirrigated conditions, net returns were maximized at seeding rates between 5.4 and 14.3 m -2 , except in solid planted 38-cm rows. Planting in a 2 x 1 skiprow pattern generated savings of seed and technology costs, and of harvest labor and machinery costs, that shifted profit potential away from solid plantings. Producers may need specialized planting and harvesting equipment to maximize returns in ultra-narrow rows or skiprow patterns.
Modification of refractive error through conditioning: An exploratory study

To test the hypothesis that punishment for in-focus visual perception would temporarily increase refractive error in myopic subjects, 10 corrected myopes were given electric shock after the appearance of in-focus slides depicting anxiety-arousing material, but no shock when the slides were out of focus. Change in refractive error was compared with the corresponding change in 10 myopic control subjects who underwent physical relaxation for a comparable period, and with two similarly treated groups of normally sighted subjects. Although the groups did not differ significantly from each other in the changes made, a number of trends suggest potentially fruitful directions for further research.
A desiccant-enhanced evaporative air conditioner: Numerical model and experiments

Abstract This article presents modeling and experimental results on a recently proposed liquid desiccant air conditioner, which consists of two stages: a liquid desiccant dehumidifier and an indirect evaporative cooler. Each stage is a stack of channel pairs, where a channel pair is a process air channel separated from an exhaust air channel with a thin plastic plate. In the first stage, a liquid desiccant film, which lines the process air channels, removes moisture from the air through a porous hydrophobic membrane. An evaporating water film wets the surface of the exhaust channels and transfers the enthalpy of vaporization from the liquid desiccant into an exhaust airstream, cooling the desiccant and enabling lower outlet humidity. The second stage is a counterflow indirect evaporative cooler that siphons off and uses a portion of the cool-dry air exiting the second stage as the evaporative sink. The objectives of this article are to (1) present fluid-thermal numerical models for each stage, (2) present experimental results of prototypes for each stage, and (3) compare the modeled and experimental results. Several experiments were performed on the prototypes over a range of inlet temperatures and humidities, process and exhaust air flow rates, and desiccant concentrations and flow rates. The model predicts the experiments within ±10%.
Spatial configuration of anthropogenic land cover impacts on urban warming

Abstract Anthropogenic land cover types greatly influence the urban heat island (UHI) effects. This study examined effects of composition and spatial pattern of anthropogenic land cover features on land surface temperature (LST) in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, using a land cover map derived from high resolution satellite data and ASTER LST data. The spatial pattern of land cover features was measured by local Moran's I —a continuous spatial autocorrelation index, which can effectively describe dispersed or clustered patterns of land cover features. Our results showed that the composition and spatial pattern of buildings have minimal impacts on LST, while those of paved surfaces alter LST more drastically. The local Moran's I of paved surfaces have a stronger positive correlation with nighttime ( r 2 = 0.38) than daytime ( r 2 = 0.17) temperatures, suggesting that clustered paved surfaces create stronger warming effects at night. We further controlled for land cover compositions to minimize their effects on LST, and found that the magnitude of warming effects caused by clustered paved surfaces differed among landscapes of varying land cover compositions. Correlations between local Moran's I of paved surfaces and LST becomes stronger when paved surface fraction exceeds 50%. These results illustrated aggregate warming effects of clustered paved surfaces, and provide insights on UHI mitigation for land managers and urban planners.
Business Rules Modeling for Business Process Events: An Oracle Prototype

Business rules guide business process activities and events, besides impacting associated business entity types. This paper outlines an approach to model business rules associated with business process events through traditional data modeling techniques like entity-relationship diagrams, and then transform the data model into application procedures that can effect business process events. A prototype to model a sample set of business rules pertaining to a business process event into a relational database is provided to demonstrate the application of the concept. The paper utilizes the Oracle database for illustrating the concepts. The prototype is explained through an application in Oracle's PL/SQL Server Pages.
Frequency response characteristics of flow of gas through porous media

Abstract A method is introduced to characterize a porous structure by a distributed parameter model along with Turner's dead-end pore model. The analysis of experimental data is carried out in the frequency domain. A transfer function is obtained from a set of partial differential equations which describe a system of fluid flow through porous medium. The experimental data were taken by applying a sinusoidal pressure on the one side of a porous medium, and measuring response pressure wave on the other side of a porous solid. Pulse testing technique was also employed, and the data were compared with that of thee direct sinusoidal forcing method. Although fairly good agreement between experimental and calculated frequency response data were obtained, the frequency range was limitted by the sensitivity of the measuring device and mechanical limitation of signal generator. The fraction of dead-end pores was calculated from measured frequency response data. A transfer function was derived for a gas separation cell which separates gas mixtures through porous barrier to study the separation dynamics. A method is also suggested which deduces a pore size distribution, by solving a matrix equation derived from a transfer function of distributed parameter model.
Quasi-optical electron transport across a magnetically induced junction on a topological insulator surface

Quasi-optical Dirac electron transport is theoretically analyzed at the magnetic boundaries on a topological insulator (TI) surface. The electronic band mismatch induced by the spatially varying magnetization profile can form an effective junction akin to the electrostatic potential step. The transmission/reflection characteristics show a direct dependence on electron energy and incident angle with highly asymmetric patterns. The investigation also illustrates a nontrivial anomalous Hall current along the boundary which is further shown by a numerical simulation based on the finite-difference time-domain method. The results provide key design guidelines for prospective quasi-optical devices based on the TI-magnet heterostructures.
Physical stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles for anti-cancer drug delivery

Abstract Block copolymer micelles are generally formed by self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymer molecules in an aqueous milieu. The hydrophobic blocks (or polyion complexes) form the micelle cores while the hydrophilic blocks form the micelle corona (or shells). Consequently, lipophilic drugs are solubilized in the hydrophobic micelle cores, which dramatically increases drug concentration in an aqueous environment. This offers new life to bioactive compounds abandoned due to low aqueous solubility. Polymeric micelles can be designed to avoid extravasation to normal tissues and recognition by the reticulo-endothelial system cells; this prolongs their circulation time after systemic injection. This in turn provides passive targeting to cancerous or inflamed tissues via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Active tumor-targeting may be achieved by modifying the micelle surface with specific ligands to tumor cell receptors or creating “immunomicelles” by attaching monoclonal antibodies to specific antigens over-expressed on the cancerous cell surface. A different approach to active tumor targeting consists of developing stimuli-responsive micelles that release their drug load only in response to environmental or physical stimuli, such as the lower pH in tumor tissue, heat, sound, or light. Currently, a number of polymeric micelles are in various phases of pre-clinical and clinical development. Present paper reviews recent advances in the development of physical stimuli-responsive micelles with high targeting potentials and controlled on-demand drug release.
Pollinator Abundance and Pollen Limitation of a Solanaceous Shrub at Premontane and Lower Montane Sites

Populations at geographic range limits may frequently encounter changing biotic interactions as well as abiotic constraints. A conundrum in plant population biology, the frequent apparent overproduction of flowers, is thought to be a response by plant populations to unpredictable pollinator environments, such as those that may be expected at the range limit. We studied pollinator visitation rates and pollen limitation of fruit set in populations of Witheringia solanacea, a widespread bee-pollinated species. We compared two populations in the south and two in the north of Costa Rica, with each region encompassing a lower montane site at the upper elevational limit of the species range with small plant populations, and a premontane site where population densities were high. Populations in the south, where the climate was favorable, had higher pollinator visitation and higher natural fruit set, and showed only minor pollen limitation as compared with northern populations at windy sites near the Continental Divide. Lower montane populations had lower pollinator visitation rates than premontane populations but did not show more pollen limitation of fruit set. In general, pollen limitation was not inversely proportional to pollinator abundance but was higher where the climate is unpredictable.
Fighting Fire with Fire: Is it Time to Use Probiotics to Manage Pathogenic Bacterial Diseases?

Probiotics, when considered in clinical practice, have traditionally been used for prophylaxis; however, there is growing data suggesting treatment benefits in numerous disease states. In this review, we focus on probiotics as treatment for and prevention of several acute and chronic infectious processes including Helicobacter pylori, Clostridium difficile, necrotizing enterocolitis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is inaccurate to generalize findings observed in a single probiotic species to all probiotics. This reasoning is due to the variability of colonizing abilities of native intestinal floras, probiotic or otherwise, secondary to different combinations, doses, and duration of treatments. Given these limitations, multiple animal and human studies have shown anti-inflammatory and selective antimicrobial effects of specific probiotics. Some studies suggest a role for probiotics as supplemental treatment, in combination with antibiotics, for the aforementioned disease processes. It is apparent from this review that the efficacy of probiotics is widely variable and multifaceted. More focused clinical and basic science research is necessary to better understand the treatment potential of various probiotics.
Studies of supported metal catalysts: II. The effect of dispersion on methane-deuterium exchange over supported nickel

Abstract The exchange reaction between methane and deuterium has been studied over a series of nickel-silica catalysts. Meaningful reaction rates were obtained between 225 and 250 °C on impregnated catalysts which varied from 2 to 50% nickel by weight. Multiple exchange was promoted by increased reaction temperature and increased nickel crystallite size. The apparent activation energy of the stepwise and multiple exchange reactions proved to be a function of nickel crystallite size: for the stepwise reaction the apparent activation energy increased from 12 to 27 kcal/mole with increasing crystallite size; the multiple exchange activation energy showed a corresponding increase from 20 to 33 kcal/mole.
Focusing diffractive cylindrical mirrors: rigorous evaluation of various design methods

The performance characteristics of focusing diffractive mirrors designed with various methods are evaluated by using the rigorous boundary element method. Quantitative results are presented for (1) conventional-zero-thickness mirror designs, (2) alternative-zero-thickness designs that incorporate an off-axis correction factor and (3) finite-thickness designs. For TM polarization, the mirrors designed by using the alternative-zero-thickness method perform considerably worse than those designed by using the conventional-zero-thickness method, which contradicts predictions made in an earlier paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A17, 1132 (2000)].
Bond dissociation enthalpies of a pinoresinol lignin model compound

The pinoresinol unit is one of the principal interunit linkages in lignin. As such, its chemistry and properties are of major importance in understanding the behavior or the polymer. This work examines the homolytic cleavage of the pinoresinol system, representing the initial step in thermal degradation. The bond dissociation enthalpy of this reaction has been evaluated using M06-2X density functional calculations. Products that allow for extensive electron delocalization are energetically favored. Calculations on subsequent reactions reveal a preference of intermediates with two unpaired electrons over a proposed four unpaired electron structure.
MicroRNA-26a Is a Novel Regulator of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function

Aberrant smooth muscle cell (SMC) plasticity has been implicated in a variety of vascular disorders including atherosclerosis, restenosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation. While the pathways governing this process remain unclear, epigenetic regulation by specific microRNAs (miRNAs) has been demonstrated in SMCs. We hypothesized that additional miRNAs might play an important role in determining vascular SMC phenotype. Microarray analysis of miRNAs was performed on human aortic SMCs undergoing phenotypic switching in response to serum withdrawal, and identified 31 significantly regulated entities. We chose the highly conserved candidate miRNA-26a for additional studies. Inhibition of miRNA-26a accelerated SMC differentiation, and also promoted apoptosis, while inhibiting proliferation and migration. Overexpression of miRNA-26a blunted differentiation. As a potential mechanism, we investigated whether miRNA-26a influences TGF-β-pathway signaling. Dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated enhanced SMAD signaling with miRNA-26a inhibition, and the opposite effect with miRNA-26a overexpression in transfected human cells. Furthermore, inhibition of miRNA-26a increased gene expression of SMAD-1 and SMAD-4, while overexpression inhibited SMAD-1. MicroRNA-26a was also found to be downregulated in two mouse models of AAA formation (2.5- to 3.8-fold decrease, P < 0.02) in which enhanced switching from contractile to synthetic phenotype occurs. In summary, miRNA-26a promotes vascular SMC proliferation while inhibiting cellular differentiation and apoptosis, and alters TGF-β pathway signaling. MicroRNA-26a represents an important new regulator of SMC biology and a potential therapeutic target in AAA disease.
Capacity for effectiveness: the relationship between coalition structure and community impact

This article examines how the structural characteristics of community coalitions are related to three different measures of community impact by 28 Illinois coalitions. The primary finding is that different structural characteristics are related to the three different community impacts. The implications of these findings for coalition planning are considered.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF PAROTID AND SUBMANDIBULAR SALIVARY PROTEINS.

Abstract Previous estimations of salivary protein concentration have depended upon arbitrary standards. Hence an attempt was made to prepare for use as standards samples of parotid and submandibular salivary proteins, which contained the individual proteins in the proportions in saliva. Specimens of non-dialysable salivary proteins were also prepared. Both whole parotid and submandibular salivary proteins contained 12.6 % nitrogen whereas non-dialysable parotid and submandibular salivary proteins contained 14.0 and 12.5% nitrogen, respectively. A given weight of salivary piotems developed a lower intensity of colour in the Lowry test than an equal weight of casein or serum albumin standard. About 20 per cent of the colour developed by parotid or submandibular saliva in tne Lowry test appeared to be caused by non-proteins or degraded proteins or glycoproteins. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble salivary proteins were detected by paper electrophoresis of aliquots of eluate from a G25 Sephadex column after passage of supernatant from a mixture of TCA and saliva. All salivary proteins except amylase and possibly a protein with an electrophoretic mobility similar to serum y -globulin appeared to be soluble in TCA.
Communication patterns between caregivers and their spouses with Alzheimer's disease: A case study

The purpose of this study was to examine the style of communication that takes place between couples in their home environment in relationship to the abilities of the spouse with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the amount of stress and burden experienced by the caregiver. Three styles of communication emerged: parallel, questioning, and direct. Caregivers engaging in parallel communications reported greater stress and time burden than any other caregivers. Nurses need to be observant of the communication patterns that exist between caregivers and their spouses with AD and help caregivers develop successful communicative strategies that enhance interactions with their spouses. An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 1996 meeting of the Society for Education and Research in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Nashville, TN.
Kinetic studies on the reaction of methylcobalamin with metal oxides

Aqueous solutions of methylcobalamin (CH3B12) react with various water-insoluble metal oxides. The decomposition of methylcobalamin follows a kinetic pattern of two parallel first-order reactions. A proposed reaction mechanism involves the attachment of methylcobalamin to the oxide surface, followed by methyl transfer and dissolution of the oxide.
Dopaminergic modulation of pallidal preproenkephalin mRNA.

The present study examines dopaminergic regulation of neuropeptide gene expression within a relatively poorly characterized population of cells, the preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA containing neurons of the globus pallidus (GP). Rats that received 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions or repeated D1 or D2 antagonist administration were compared to control animals. One month after 6-OHDA lesions, PPE mRNA was elevated in the GP ipsilateral to the lesion, with a smaller elevation also being observed in the contralateral GP. Repeated administration of eticlopride, but not SCH 23390, also resulted in elevated PPE mRNA expression in the GP. These data reveal a novel effect of decreased dopamine transmission on the GP, and draw attention to this subpopulation of pallidal neurons.
The accumulation and cycling of biogenic silica in the Southern Ocean: revisiting the marine silica budget

Abstract In many of the recent marine silica budgets (e.g., Science 268 (1995) 375), a majority of the world's biogenic silica accumulation is attributed to the siliceous-ooze deposits in the Antarctic deep sea. Based on 230 Th-normalized sediment accumulation rates as well as comparative studies of silica preservation (seabed accumulation compared to surface biogenic production), the rate of biogenic silica accumulation in Antarctic siliceous-ooze deposits has been over-estimated by as much as 35%. The current estimate for silica accumulation in these high-latitude deposits is 3.1×10 12 mol yr −1 (as compared to previous values of 4.1–4.8×10 12 mol yr −1 ). To maintain balance between silicate supply and biogenic silica removal in the oceans, an additional repository is needed. Evidence from continental shelf and upper slope sediments suggests that biogenic silica accumulation in continental margin deposits may account for a much larger fraction of the marine silica burial than previously thought, compensating for the diminished accumulation in the Antarctic deep sea. If biogenic silica accumulation in continental margin sediments replaces nearly a third of the silica accumulation in the Antarctic deep sea, the marine cycles of organic matter and biogenic silica are coupled to a greater extent than reported in previous budgets.
The ubiquitous MBA

Abstract Havoc reigns in the MBA market in Europe. The recent invasion of MBA “schools” has created a free-for-all in management education. Both business students and companies recruiting business graduates are at pains to separate real value from what is just hoax. The problem is that the same degree, the Master of Business Administration, is now being awarded for a wide array of very different programs. In Europe as well as the U.S., MBA degrees have been designed to serve people at various stages in their careers. Programs are tailored to the backgrounds and current circumstances of different groups. Diversity is a boon to the buyer - the corporate recruiter or the MBA candidate - provided quality is not sacrificed. All stand to gain from a clearer understanding of the essential ingredients of high-quality MBA education and, in fact, common factors contribute to quality across the whole range of MBA offerings.
Age-dependent differences in sensitivity and sensitization to cannabinoids and 'club drugs' in male adolescent and adult rats.

Lifelong substance abuse is often initiated during adolescence; yet, most pre-clinical research in this area has been conducted in adult animals. Substantial evidence exists that the brain development that continues throughout adolescence may result in pharmacological responses that differ in a crucial manner from those of adults. The goal of this study was to evaluate age differences in motor activity following acute and repeated administration of drugs that are commonly abused by adolescents, including cocaine, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), and the club drugs, ketamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Adolescent and adult male rats were injected once daily with saline or with a dose of one of the test drugs for two 5-day dosing periods, separated by a 2-day drug holiday during which they remained in their home cages. Following each injection, rats were placed in a locomotor chamber for a 20-minute session. The potencies of cocaine, ketamine and MDMA for producing motor stimulation were less in male adolescents than in male adults. Furthermore, sensitization to the club drug, ketamine, developed after repeated dosing in adults, but not adolescents. In contrast, adolescents were initially more sensitive to the stimulatory effects of low doses of Δ9-THC than were adults, although rapid tolerance occurred. These results suggest that adolescents are less sensitive to the acute and repeated stimulant effects of some, but not all, of the drugs that are preferentially abused by this age group. This differential sensitivity may contribute to the different patterns of use that have been noted in adolescent versus adult drug abusers.
Nutrition/behavior/psychiatric

Abstract PURPOSE: The prevalences of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were elevated in Manhattan after the September 11 terrorist attacks, particularly among persons of Hispanic ethnicity. We examined the role that personal characteristics and event-exposures played in determining the elevated risk of PTSD and depression among Hispanics. METHODS: We used data from a random digit dial survey of a representative sample of adult residents of Manhattan living below 110th St. Participants were interviewed about personal characteristics, exposure to the attacks, and psychological symptoms after September 11. Whites, African Americans (AAs) and Hispanics were included in this analysis. RESULTS: Among 861 respondents, 78.4% were white, 5.9% were African-American and 15.7% were Hispanic. 52.5% were women and mean age was 42.5. Overall prevalence of PTSD was 7.8% and depression was 9.8%; among Hispanics, prevalence of PTSD was 13.8% and depression was 20.4%. Hispanics who had experienced 2 or more life stressors in the 12 months before September 11 or had household income below $30,000 had higher prevalences of PTSD (52.5% and 20.9% respectively) and Hispanics who lived near the World Trade Center or were women had higher prevalences of depression (47.6% and 29.7% respectively) than other Hispanics, whites and AAs. Multivariate logistic models adjusted for event exposures and personal characteristics suggest that these increases represented significant multiplicative interactions (p CONCLUSION: Hispanics with prior life stressors or hardships, who lived close to the attacks, or were women had more psychological sequelae of the September 11 attacks than other racial/ethnic groups with those same characteristics. These Hispanics were more psychologically affected by the September 11 attacks, possibly due to differences in cultural, community or minority experience. Hispanics may be at higher risk of mental health consequences of major disasters.
Designing Interactive Query Interfaces to Teach Database Systems in the Classroom

Database systems have often been considered an unexciting topic for undergraduate curricula. To remedy this, we describe a novel interactive electronic textbook for teaching undergraduate database systems courses. Designed for touch-driven tablets, the textbook embeds a fully capable database. Expressions, figures and explanations in the textbook are live, interactive elements. In contrast to canned illustrations and animations, students can interact with each textbook element. The rapid feedback loop with the database allows the user to explore and understand the full scope of valid and invalid queries to the database. Wireless connectivity allows the instructor to track classroom performance in real-time, merging textbook instruction with in-class demonstrations, allowing for the scaling out of classrooms. We discuss the design of this concept, and share a preliminary evaluation of a prototype implementation used in the classroom.
Quantitative Structure−Activity Relationship Analysis of Functionalized Amino Acid Anticonvulsant Agents Using k Nearest Neighbor and Simulated Annealing PLS Methods

We report the development of rigorously validated quantitative structure−activity relationship (QSAR) models for 48 chemically diverse functionalized amino acids with anticonvulsant activity. Two variable selection approaches, simulated annealing partial least squares (SA-PLS) and k nearest neighbor (kNN), were employed. Both methods utilize multiple descriptors such as molecular connectivity indices or atom pair descriptors, which are derived from two-dimensional molecular topology. QSAR models with high internal accuracy were generated, with leave-one-out cross-validated R2 (q2) values ranging between 0.6 and 0.8. The q2 values for the actual dataset were significantly higher than those obtained for the same dataset with randomly shuffled activity values, indicating that models were statistically significant. The original dataset was further divided into several training and test sets, with highly predictive models providing q2 values greater than 0.5 for the training sets and R2 values greater than 0.6...
NEW APPROACH TO THE PLANNING AND CONTROL OF AIR TRAFFIC IN THE TERMINAL AREA

A new approach to the planning and control of the traffic in the terminal area is proposed. The approach combines the path generation and the conflict avoidance problems into one problem. The objective is to generate conflict-free paths for all aircraft in the terminal area to meet the given landing schedule at the runway. It is assumed that the given schedule guarantees the existence of such conflict-free paths, otherwise, the schedule needs to be revised accordingly. This paper presents the concept geometrically, and results in an algorithm which generates conflictfree paths for all aircraft simultaneously.
Diseases of the Nasal Planum

The most common clinical sign for owners to seek veterinary care in reference to the nasal planum is depigmentation in dogs and ulceration in cats. Proliferative (nodular) diseases are less common in dogs than in cats, because cats are more prone to develop squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum. Because a wide variety of diseases may present with similar clinical signs, the most helpful diagnostic test (after a thorough history and physical examination) is a skin biopsy. Discoid lupus erythematosus is the most common disease affecting the nasal planum of dogs in the author's practice.
AlTiC particulate composite produced by a liquid state in situ process

Abstract An in situ process was used to produce fine TiC particulates in a molten aluminium alloy. In this approach, a carbonaceous gas is introduced into an Al melt containing Ti to form the TiC particulates, and the carbide volume fraction is determined by the initial Ti content. The melt containing the carbides was cast and subsequently extruded for microstructure and property evaluation. As-cast microstructure of the in situ processed composites reveals a relatively uniform distribution of TiC particles with an average size of a few microns. No preferential particle segregation to the dendritic cell boundaries was observed. In this paper, several aspects associated with evolution of the microstructure including phase formation sequence. TiC formation mechanism and particle distribution during solidification are discussed. The observation of particle entrapment is also compared with the existing models for predicting particle trapping/rejection during solidification. In addition, comparisons of properties such as tensile strength, elastic modulus and fracture toughness of the extruded composites with those of the baseline alloy are presented.
Phenylalanine hydroxylase activity in mammalian cells.

Survey of twelve mouse tissues revealed the presence of appreciable phenylalanine hydroxylase activity in the pancreas and kidney as well as the liver but in no other of the tissues tested. Single cell suspensions of mouse liver were prepared by use of tetraphenylboron. The enzyme activity of such suspensions was much more stable than that of liver extracts, and permitted determination of the Michaelis-Menten constant, the pseudo-first order reaction velocity constant on a cell-number basis, and the temperature coefficient and apparent activation energy of the enzyme activity. Possible applications of these methods to problems in cellular biology have been indicated.
The Bitter Herbs of Seder: More on Horseradish Horrors

To the Editor. —In a recent letter, Dr Spitzer1described syncope after the ingestion of a large amount of wasabe (a Japanese horseradish preparation commonly served with sushi). We report a similar episode at a Jewish Passover Seder. The Seder is a traditional Passover meal involving a series of ceremonial rituals, among them eating "bitter herbs" to commemorate the bitterness of Jewish slavery in ancient Egypt. Raw horseradish is commonly used for this purpose. Report of a Case. —A 55-year-old hypertensive man, who was being treated with a thiazide diuretic, conducted his family's Passover Seder. One of the bitter herbs was ground horseradish that had been prepared in an electric food processor earlier in the day and placed in an airtight container. The family had neglected to follow its custom of uncovering the horseradish before the Seder. In the usual Orthodox fashion, the man consumed the bitter herb after
The Stationary State and the Technological Superiority of Present Goods

In an illuminating article on Austrian capital theory published recently in this Journal1 Professor Robert Dorfman repeats with seeming approval Bohm-Bawerk’s ‘Third Ground’ for the existence of interest: an alleged technological superiority of present over future goods. He asserts, even more strongly than Bohm-Bawerk, the independence of this Third Ground from the prior two, which we shall categorize jointly as ‘time preference’. Dorfman says, ‘The validity of this dictum [the technological superiority of present goods] does not depend on time-preference or the perspective underestimation of future wants or any such subjective and perhaps irrational consideration.’ He continues: ‘It depends on the ability of present (consumer goods) to finance an accumulation of (capital goods) that will enhance the flow of future (consumer goods).’2 It is not immediately apparent that future consumer goods do not possess this same capacity or that they possess it consistently to a lesser degree.
Neandertals: Images of ourselves

During the last two decades, paleoanthropology has focused increasingly on the global issue of modern human origins, and a preeminent part of that process has concerned the fate of the Neandertals of the northwestern Old World. Not so long ago, working on the origins of modern humans was a niche cloaked in convenient obscurity. Many human paleontologists were content to largely ignore, and thus remained ignorant of, the hominid fossils of the later Pleistocene, an attitude parallel to that of Bordes regarding the Neolithic in comparison to the more glamorous Paleolithic; he referred to the former simply as, “C'est de la merde!” However, the Neandertais have become a topic guaranteed to attract attention, thus drawing in scholars who until recently disdained interest in such basically human fossil hominids. They are now willing to direct their students' and even their own research toward late archaic humans (such as Neandertals) and early modern humans in whatever portion of the Old World is most readily available.
Recent progress in the development in solid-state AC motor drives

The author summarizes important developments in AC drive design that have occurred in the past several years. He discusses: converter technology, covering the matrix converter, PWM voltage and current link converters; and resonant link converters; AC motor technology, covering stepping motor drives, DC brushless motor drives, and synchronous reluctance motors; and control technology for AC drives, covering online and offline parameter identification and efficiency-maximizing control. >
Effect of ultrasound treatment on the extraction of insulin

Insulin production requires a prolonged extraction process. An ultrasound method of insulin extraction was developed to increase efficiency. Application of ultrasound resulted in a significant increase in the extraction process as a result of pancreas tissue dispergation, destruction of the pancreas cells, intensive mixing, separation of particles, and increase in the interphase pancreas-extractive medium. Optimal technological parameters of insulin extraction were established: ultrasound frequency, 19.5 kHz, specific intensity of ultrasound, 3.3 W/cm(2); time of ultrasound exposure, 5-10 min; and influence of cavitation process. Effectiveness of insulin extraction depends on the properties of the extractive medium. Optimal conditions were pH, 1.6-1.7, concentration of alcohol, 75%, temperature of extractive mixture, 13-17 degrees C; ratio of ground pancreas to liquid extractive medium, 1 : 3.