cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Profiles of lifetime substance use are differentiated by substance of choice, affective motivations for use, and childhood maltreatment

To develop personalized interventions and improve outcomes in substance-using populations, research is needed on the heterogeneity in substance use patterns and motivations that exists among adult substance users. This study took a person-centered approach to identify profiles of lifetime substance use and discern the psychosocial differences among them. To survey a spectrum of drug use severity, 1106 adults (43.4% women) were recruited from forensic and community samples. Participants reported on the frequency of lifetime substance use across multiple drug categories (sedatives, stimulants, marijuana, heroin, hallucinogens, misuse of prescription drugs) and alcohol use. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct profiles of substance use that were then compared on potential risk and maintenance factors for substance use. Four profiles of lifetime substance use emerged that diverged on severity of use and degree of mono vs. polysubstance use (Recreational Marijuana Use, Heavy Multidrug Intoxication, Heavy Marijuana Use, and Heavy Opioid and Polysubstance Use). The profiles differed on affective motivations for substance use (e.g., using to cope vs. using to seek a thrill), age of use onset, drug-related functional impairment, and experiences of childhood maltreatment. Cognitive functioning did not differentiate the heavy substance use profiles. Results provide compelling initial evidence that lifetime patterns of use can be used to identify groups of substance users with distinct risk and maintenance factors. Results highlight affective motivations for substance use and maltreatment history as potential treatment targets and underscore the importance of studying polysubstance use in the context of the opioid epidemic.
Retroelement-derived RNA and its role in the brain.

Abstract Comprising ~40% of the human genome, retroelements are mobile genetic elements which are transcribed into RNA, then reverse-transcribed into DNA and inserted into a new site in the genome. Retroelements are referred to as “genetic parasites”, residing among host genes and relying on host machinery for transcription and evolutionary propagation. The healthy brain has the highest expression of retroelement-derived sequences compared to other somatic tissue, which leads to the question: how does retroelement-derived RNA influence human traits and cellular states? While the functional importance of upregulating retroelement expression in the brain is an active area of research, RNA species derived from retroelements influence both self- and host gene expression by contributing to chromatin remodeling, alternative splicing, somatic mosaicism and translational repression. Here, we review the emerging evidence that the functional importance of RNA derived from retroelements is multifaceted. Retroelements can influence organismal states through the seeding of epigenetic states in chromatin, the production of structured RNA and even catalytically active ribozymes, the generation of cytoplasmic ssDNA and RNA/DNA hybrids, the production of viral-like proteins, and the generation of somatic mutations. Comparative sequencing suggests that retroelements can contribute to intraspecies variation through these mechanisms to alter transcript identity and abundance. In humans, an increasing number of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions are associated with dysregulated retroelements, including Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS), Rett syndrome (RTT), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), schizophrenia (SZ), and aging. Taken together, these concepts suggest a larger functional role for RNA derived from retroelements. This review aims to define retroelement-derived RNA, discuss how it impacts the mammalian genome, as well as summarize data supporting phenotypic consequences of this unique RNA subset in the brain.
Capacity to multitask limits cellular chemotaxis

Abstract Chemotaxis is the biased movement of cells in the direction of chemical gradients. Cellular signal processing capacity has been thought to be important to cells’ chemotaxis behavior. However, it still remains elusive how cells sense and decipher multiple chemical cues. In this study, we test a hypothesis that the chemotaxis performance of cells is constrained by the capacity to “multitask.” Specifically, if the intracellular signal processing capacity to respond to multiple cues is saturated, the effect of chemoattractants become antagonistic rather than synergistic or even independent. We experimentally investigate the migratory behavior of two types of cancer cells under single and combined cues of chemoattractants – transforming growth factor-beta and epidermal growth factor. For both cell types, the results show that the combination of the two attractants suppresses the chemotactic performance of cancer cells. We propose a novel biophysical framework that puts forward the hypothesis that the antagonism is not because of crosstalk, but because of the saturation of the intracellular signal processing capacity. The theory predicts that the suppression of chemotactic performance can alternatively be caused by saturating the signal processing capacity with background signal strength. We confirm this prediction with further experiments on both cell lines. Our framework provides new insight into the intracellular mechanism of signal processing and allows one to predict cellular response under complex chemical cues. Statement of Significance Cellular signal processing capacity is critical to understand cell chemotaxis behaviors — cell movement toward the direction of a chemical gradient signal. The signal environment exposing to cells is complex with multiple chemical cues. However, it is still elusive how cells sense and decipher multiple chemical signals. Here we experimentally investigate the chemotaxis performance of cells and propose a novel biophysical framework to reveal cells’ signal processing capacity to “multitask”. Is there a limit in the cellular multitasking capacity? We observe that overloaded environmental signal constraints chemotactic performance, specifically accuracy. Our results suggest that saturation of the signal processing capacity causes the suppression of the chemotactic accuracy. Our framework provides new insight into signal processing mechanisms to predict cellular response under complex chemical signals.
Can You Hear My Empathy? Rapid Implementation of a Pediatric Palliative Care Virtual Visit Initiative during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Physical distancing required during the COVID-19 pandemic mandated a sudden need to adaptour usual practices for palliative care patient encounters Adopting virtual visits (VV) may present challenges inmanaging new technology, establishing rapport, discussing difficult topics, and may diminish patient, familyand clinician satisfaction Problem statement: Pediatric palliative care clinicians have never performed virtualvisits We worry that this mode of health care delivery would negatively impact care quality and patient andfamily satisfaction AIM: By June 1, 2020, we aim to have patient/family and clinician satisfaction score of > 4 ona 5-point Likert scale for >80% of completed VV encounters Methodology: This project was granted IRB exemption We used the model for improvement to ask thefollowing questions: What are we trying to accomplish? Shift of inpatient and outpatient workfiow to includeVV How we will know a change is an improvement? Family and clinician satisfaction surveys What change can we make that will result in improvement: Several changes were considered and summarized in our Key DriveDiagram (KDD) ( Fig 1 ) Measures: We measured family satisfaction score by asking “How well did this visitmeet your care needs compared to an in-person visit?” with responses on a 5-item Likert scale We measuredclinician satisfaction with an identically modeled survey In later PDSA cycles, we gathered qualitative datafrom families and clinicians The response rates to family and provider satisfaction surveys were used as theprocess measure;balance measures were RVU collected for virtual visits and assessment of staff satisfactionwith VV workfiow Discussion: We adopted weekly PDSA cycles Given the need for a rapid shift in caredelivery, interventions to set up technology and train staff on use of technology were made prior to obtainingfamily feedback Interventions are summarized in KDD ( Figure 1 ) At the end of three PDSA cycles, 33% offamilies and 63% of all providers responded to surveys 100% of families and 57% of clinicians rated VV asequivalent in quality to in-person visits Qualitative feedback from clinicians indicated greater emotional tolland increased fatigue with VV We plan to report data over a six-month period as both inpatient andoutpatient palliative care VV continue Conclusions/Next Steps: We have demonstrated the ability to rapidlyadapt palliative care visits to a virtual platform while maintaining patient and family satisfaction whencompared to in-person visits As in-person visits again become possible, we will continue to survey cliniciansand families to better compare satisfaction between the two visit types and develop a sustainable workfiowintegrating effective VV (Figure Presented)
Gray Phonon Transport Prediction of Thermal Conductivity in Lithium Aluminate with Higher-Order Finite Elements on Meshes with Curved Surfaces

We present a method for predicting thermal conductivity by deterministically solving the Boltzmann transport equation for gray phonons by utilizing arbitrary higher-order continuous finite elements...
Optimal coordination and reorganization of photosynthetic properties in C4 grasses

C3 and C4 are major functional types in terrestrial biosphere models, with photosynthesis traits as important input parameters. The evolution of C4 required reorganizations of Calvin-Benson-cycle and coordination of C4-cycle enzymes, resulting in divergences of physiological traits between C3 and C4. In addition, photosynthesis further optimized after the evolution of C4 causing diversification within C4 lineages due to different evolutionary histories. We combined optimality modeling, physiological measurements and phylogenetic analysis to examine how various aspects of C4 photosynthetic machinery were reorganized and coordinated within C4 lineages and as compared to closely-related C3 in grasses. Optimality models and measurements indicated a higher maximal electron transport to maximal Rubisco carboxylation ratio (Jmax/Vcmax) in C4 than C3, consistent with the optimal prediction to maximize photosynthesis. The coordination between Calvin-Benson and C4 cycles (Vpmax/Vcmax), however, is in line with the optimal modeling results under 200 ppm, as opposed to current CO2. Such inconsistencies can be explained by a slowly declining assimilation rate beyond optimal Vpmax/Vcmax. Although rapid coordination occurred early in C4 evolution, C4 is still under optimizing processes and photosynthetic measures have continued to increase across time. Lastly, better understandings of Jmax/Vcmax, Vpmax/Vcmax and fluorescence-based-electron-transport proffer enhanced approaches to parameterize terrestrial biosphere models.
Male Same-Sex Sexuality and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa

To understand the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa, it is vital to appreciate its historical, legal, and social context. While there are differences between Sub-Saharan African countries, related among other things to different experiences of colonization and decolonization, societal acceptance of same-sex sexuality in almost all Sub-Saharan African societies is low. Same-sex practices between men are criminalized in many countries. This context contributes to the invisibility of same-sex sexuality as well as the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men. In 2012, the overall HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa was estimated to be 18%, compared to 5% in all adults which is higher than that for heterosexual men in sub-Saharan Africa (Beyrer et al., 2012). Understanding same-sex sexuality in sub-Saharan Africa requires a closer look at the men engaging in same-sex practices. While in surveys some men may report themselves to be homosexual, gay or bisexual, the local meaning(s) of these labels is less clear. The relatively more frequent transactional sex and the greater bisexual involvement that may be observed among men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa should be understood in the context of societal rejection of same-sex sexuality. With only one in four men living with HIV estimated to be virally suppressed, prevention and care to address the needs of men who have sex with men need to be intensified. This requires initiatives on various levels ranging from working with communities of men who have sex with men, to enabling healthcare systems to deliver appropriate and competent care, to legal reform.
In the Aftermath: The Post-Conflict Social and Economic Consequences of Rescue During Genocide

During the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, some individuals risked their lives to save others. While much research has analyzed why people rescue during genocide, no studies have systematically analyzed t...
72nd Southwestern Surgical Congress Claude H. Organ, Jr. memorial lecture: Rise of acute care robotic surgery for common emergency general surgery conditions

Abstract Dr. Claude Organ rose above poverty, racism, and untold insurmountable odds to become a masterful surgeon and revered leader in numerous academic and professional circles. But it's his impact on surgical education and his philosophy to “teach, give back, and keep advancing” that inspired this lecture. Acute care robotic surgery (ACRS) utilizes the strengths of robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) for a high-volume population of emergency general surgery (EGS) patients. The future benefits of ACRS may include improvements in resident training, patient safety, and outcomes. General surgery residencies that have a robust ACRS program are likely to be more competitive than those without.
Avoid the Choice or Choose to Avoid? The European Framework for Choice of Avoidance Law and the Quest to Make it Sensible

In this paper, I propose a novel interpretation of the rules for choice of law with respect to avoidance actions under the EC Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings. Further to an outline of the statutory framework and its interaction with the rules on jurisdiction I focus on the safe harbor rule, which protects a transaction from avoidance under the law of the main proceedings if the law governing such transaction does not enable avoidance. The traditional interpretation of "the law governing the transaction" in this provision designates the law chosen by the parties or the regular choice­ of­ law rules. Instead, I propose that it be interpreted as referring to the law "with the closest connection" to the transaction. I argue for a similar analysis in allocating avoidance actions among the main and the secondary insolvency proceedings.The proposed interpretation leads to a proper framework for addressing the choice of avoidance law; it is practicable and is not trivial. On this basis, I propose three new rules related to the choice of avoidance law: a rule for choice of applicable fraudulent conveyance law out of insolvency proceedings, a rule giving the trustee in the main proceedings standing to bring non­-insolvency fraudulent conveyance actions, and a rule expanding the safe harbor provision to laws of non­member states.
IMMUNOLOGIC STUDIES OF OCTAPEPTIDES. II. PRODUCTION AND DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES TO OXYTOCIN.

Abstract Synthetic oxytocin has been success-fully used, without conjugation to another particle, to produce antibodies in the rabbit. The antibody produced is relatively specific for oxytocin and does not appear to react with 8-lysine vasopressin. The inhibition of the reaction between the anti-oxytocin antibody and radio-oxytocin by unlabeled oxytocin in serum suggests that assay of endogenous octapeptides by this method will be possible.
The Haskell School of Expression: Learning Functional Programming through Multimedia

From the Publisher: Functional programming is a style of programming that emphasizes the use of functions (in contrast to object-oriented programming, which emphasizes the use of objects). It has become popular in recent years because of its simplicity, conciseness, and clarity. This book teaches functional programming as a way of thinking and problem solving, using Haskell, the most popular purely functional language. Rather than using the conventional (boring) mathematical examples commonly found in other programming language textbooks, the author uses examples drawn from multimedia applications, including graphics, animation, and computer music, thus rewarding the reader with working programs for inherently more interesting applications. Aimed at both beginning and advanced programmers, this tutorial begins with a gentle introduction to functional programming and moves rapidly on to more advanced topics.
States' public welfare expenditures as predictors of state suicide rates

This exploratory multiple-regression study took its cue from social integration theory to examine the relative importance of state per capita expenditures for public welfare in predicting state suicide rates when controlling for the effects of state divorce rates, state population change rates, and the percentage of persons with annual incomes between $10,000 and $19,999. While the four variables together accounted for .73 of the explained variance in state suicide rates, the effects of state per capita expenditures for public welfare were not very important when those of the other variables were taken into account. This, however, does not mean that state per capita expenditures for public welfare are inconsequential with respect to state suicide rates, inasmuch as they were inversely related to each of the other three independent variables, each of which was positively related to state suicide rates. This means that state per capita expenditures are indirectly related to suicide--in a negative direction. The implications of the findings for policy and suicide prevention are briefly discussed.
The Psychology of Diversity Across Nations: An Analysis of Foreign Health Practice in Haiti and Rwanda

This paper addresses psychological aspects of health that are particularly important when working in international healthcare. The psychological aspects are primarily examined from the perspectives of Haiti and Rwanda. Primary importance within the paper is granted to stigma as it pertains to a country or culture, structural violence that exists within the country, and the explanatory models that prevail within the culture. Conclusion of the paper emphasizes the importance of awareness on the part of those working internationally in healthcare, be they doctors or volunteers, to maximize positive impact within the country and culture.
The utility of radiological upper gastrointestinal series and clinical indicators in detecting leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-controlled study.

Leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) often presents after hospital discharge, making timely diagnosis difficult. This study evaluates the utility of radiological upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and clinical indicators in detecting leak after LSG. A retrospective case-controlled study of 1762 patients who underwent LSG from 2006 to 2014 was performed. All patients with radiographically confirmed leaks were included. Controls consisted of patients who underwent LSG without leak, selected using a 10:1 case-match. Data included baseline patient characteristics, surgical characteristics, and UGI series results. Clinical indicators including vital signs, SIRS criteria, and pain score were compared between patients who developed leak and controls. Of 1762 LSG operations, 20 (1.1 %) patients developed leaks and were compared with 200 case-matched controls. Three patients developed leak during their index admission [mean = 1.3 days, range (1, 2)], while the majority (n = 17) were discharged and developed symptoms at a mean of 17.1 days [range (4, 63)] postoperatively. Patients diagnosed with leak were similar to controls in baseline and surgical characteristics. Contrast extravasation on routine postoperative UGI identified two patients with early leaks, but was negative in the remainder (89 %). Patients with both early and delayed leaks demonstrated significant clinical abnormalities at the time of leak presentation, prior to confirmatory radiographic study. In multiple regression analysis, independent clinical factors associated with leak included fever [OR 16.6, 95 % CI (4.04, 68.10), p < 0.0001], SIRS criteria [OR 7.0, 95 % CI (1.47, 33.26), p = 0.014], and pain score ≥9 [OR 19.1, 95 % CI (1.38, 263.87), p = 0.028]. Contrast extravasation on routine postoperative radiological UGI series may detect early leaks after LSG, but the vast majority of leaks demonstrate normal results and present 2–3 weeks after discharge. Therefore, clinical indicators (specifically fever, SIRS criteria, and pain score) are the most useful factors to raise concern for leaks prior to confirmatory radiographic study and may be used as criteria to selectively obtain UGI studies after LSG.
On the analysis of evolutionary change along single branches in a phylogeny.

Abstract: Comparative biologists are sometimes interested in estimating the evolutionary rate along single branches in a phylogeny. I evaluate two methods by which the evolutionary rate along single branches can be compared with the evolutionary rate throughout the rest of the tree. The first is McPeek’s contrasts method, and the second is a likelihood method presented independently in two recently published studies. Although the latter method was developed primarily for the comparison of rates among clades, the approach is equally suited for the analysis of evolutionary rate along single or isolated branches. I find that Type I error is acceptable in both methods but that power and parameter estimation are relatively poor in McPeek’s method as it is typically applied.
Challenges and Results for Quantitative Piezoelectric Hysteresis Measurements by Piezo Force Microscopy

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has become a ubiquitous tool for analyzing the topography of a wide variety of materials, especially as nanoscale features become more significant for both understanding as well as determining materials properties [1]. Many AFM variations have also been developed for measuring surface properties beyond straightforward cartography. In many of these cases, the contrast mechanisms are often either extremely complex, or not well understood, even though the principles are simple. For example, Piezo-Force Microscopy (PFM) is relatively easy to understand and use in a standard lab for measuring electromechanical properties of materials, but care must be taken in order to obtain quantitative results as described below.
Two Diasporas: Overseas Chinese and Non-resident Indians in Their Homelands’ Political Economy

This paper, through a comparative study of the roles Chinese and Indian diasporas in the United States play in the political economy of their respective homelands, explores the relationship between the diaspora and homeland development and how this dynamic relationship contributes to economic growth and foreign relations of the homelands. The author argues that the roles of Indian and Chinese diasporas in their respective homelands’ development consistently reflect, and are heavily influenced by, their homelands’ economic development strategies as well as political history and culture. The author also argues that the impact of the diaspora on the foreign relations of their homelands is conditional upon the state of bilateral relations between their homeland and the country of residence. This study raises issues for future research, such as the relationship between the diaspora and regime type of the homeland. The author concludes by suggesting that since activities of overseas Chinese and non-resident Indians provide a unique perspective in the comparative study of Chinese and Indian political economy, the two diasporas warrant more scholarly and policy attention.
Correspondence of Ultrasound Elasticity Imaging to Direct Mechanical Measurement in Aging DVT in Rats

Previous ultrasound elasticity imaging experiments supported a generally accepted concept that the hardness of deep venous thrombi increases with thrombus aging. Results also showed that this noninvasive imaging technique can accurately predict thrombus age through strain estimates, in a well-controlled animal study. In the present study, as an alternative means to characterize elastic properties of thrombi, we used a direct mechanical measurement system to estimate Young’s modulus of ex vivo thrombi. Unlike conventional indentation tests, the device uses a specific compression geometry for cylindrical tissue specimens. We also proposed an approximation scheme to retrieve Young’s modulus from force-displacement measurements made using the device. Finite element simulations and calibrations on tissue-mimicking phantoms validated the system. Then, using two groups of rats with surgically-induced thrombi, we further investigated the correlation between Young’s modulus measured ex vivo and elasticity images reconstructed in vivo. This comparison was accomplished by converting the intrathrombus strains measured in the in vivo studies into Young’s modulus estimates using a model-based approach. Good agreement between time-dependent Young’s modulus estimates observed in vivo and direct measurements of Young’s modulus using the mechanical device helps to confirm the ability of elasticity imaging to age deep venous thrombi for efficient treatment. (E-mail: jubin@umich.edu)
Plant hormones: Dissecting the gibberellin response pathway

The recent cloning of three Arabidopsis genes that regulate the response to gibberellin - one of the five 'classical' plant hormones - provides the first glimpse of possible molecular mechanisms operating in gibberellin signal transduction in plants.
The absence of surface dipole contributions to metal work functions

Abstract A simple model, derived from a linear approximation to the ionization potentials of atoms, is used to compute the work functions of some 43 metals, mostly within their experimental uncertainties. The computation does not make use of a surface dipole contribution. In this respect, it departs from the current literature of many-body theoretical calculations in which the surface dipole plays a major role. Even without the use of surface dipoles, the model can still count for small differences observed on different crystal faces. The model also accounts for the experimental correlations of work functions with half the ionization potential and yields a simple formalism for computing the work functions of metallic clusters. Finally, the model yields the work functions of ions in terms of the same parameter used for the work functions of electrons.
An Optimal Algorithm for Scheduling Interval Ordered Tasks with Communication on N Processors

The problem of scheduling task graphs on multiprocessor systems have received considerable attention in recent years. This problem is known to be NP-hard in its general form as well as many restricted cases. Few polynomial algorithms have been developed for solving special cases of the scheduling problem when the communication cost is not considered. For example, Papadimitriou and Yannakakis showed that unit execution time tasks in interval orders can be scheduled in linear time on N processors when communication cost is assumed to be zero. They have also shown that the generalization of this problem to arbitrary execution times is NP-complete. The complexity of the problem arises even more when communication among tasks is considered. Papadimitriou and Yannakakis also showed that the problem of optimally scheduling unit-time task graphs with communication on an unlimited number of processors is NP-complete. They provided a simple way to approximate the optimal schedule length within a factor of two. In this paper, we study the problem of scheduling task graphs with communication on a given number of processors when the task graph is an interval order. We introduce an optimal algorithm for solving the scheduling problem when the execution cost of the system tasks is identical and equal to the communication cost between any pair of processors.
Body mass index, playing position, race, and the cardiovascular mortality of retired professional football players.

Concern exists about cardiovascular disease (CVD) in professional football players. We examined whether playing position and size influence CVD mortality in 3,439 National Football League players with ≥5 pension-credited playing seasons from 1959 to 1988. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) compared player mortality through 2007 to the United States population of men stratified by age, race, and calendar year. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated associations of playing-time body mass index (BMI), race, and position with CVD mortality. Overall player mortality was significantly decreased (SMR 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48 to 0.59) as was mortality from cancer (SMR 0.58, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.72), and CVD (SMR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.81). CVD mortality was increased for defensive linemen (SMR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.92) but not for offensive linemen (SMR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.05). Defensive linemen's cardiomyopathy mortality was also increased (SMR 5.34, 95% CI 2.30 to 10.5). Internal analyses found that CVD mortality was increased for players of nonwhite race (hazard ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.51). After adjusting for age, race, and calendar year, CVD mortality was increased for those with a playing-time BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 (hazard ratio 2.02, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.85) and for defensive linemen compared to offensive linemen (hazard ratio 2.07, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.46). In conclusion, National Football League players from the 1959 through 1988 seasons had decreased overall mortality but those with a playing-time BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 had 2 times the risk of CVD mortality compared to other players and African-American players and defensive linemen had higher CVD mortality compared to other players even after adjusting for playing-time BMI.
Multiple captures provide evidence of small mammal social behavior

Social behavior of small mammals living under natural conditions often is inferred from live-trapping data, particularly from incidents in which two or more individuals are captured together in a trap. We examined whether multiple-capture data from a long-term study of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were consistent with well-known species differences in social behavior (whereas prairie voles are highly social and display monogamy, meadow voles are less social and promiscuous). When possible, we also examined multiple captures of two nontarget species, northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) and western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis). Percent of total captures that were multiple captures and percent of total adult captures that were male–female captures were highest for prairie voles and lowest for meadow voles; values for harvest mice and shrews were in between those of the vole species, but more similar to values for meadow voles. Repeat captures of the same male–female pair occurred most commonly in prairie voles, and multiple captures of this species typically involved individuals from the same social group. Multiple captures of adults and juveniles were more common in prairie voles than meadow voles, except for captures of at least one adult male and at least one juvenile, which did not differ between the two vole species. Multiple capture data for prairie voles and meadow voles were largely consistent with established species differences in social behavior, suggesting that such data can provide an accurate indication of social and mating systems of small mammals.
Sampling Technique for Cheese Analysis by FTIR Spectroscopy

A microtome sampling technique was used prior to cheese analysis with FTIR spectroscopy. Well separated fat- and protein-related bands were obtained in the spectra of Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese samples. The absorbancy intensity of fat- and protein-related bands increased with an increase in fat and protein contents. This technique could be used to study the chemical groups and to rapidly determine fat and protein in cheese samples.
Population biology and antipredator defenses of the shallow-water Antarctic nudibranch Tritoniella belli

The circumpolar nudibranch Tritoniella belli Eliot occurs in abundance in shallow-water benthic communities of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Density estimates based on belt transects averaged collectively 0.46 individuals m−2 at three study sites between depths of 6 and 30 m in November 1996. At two of the sites, population densities increased linearly between 18 and 30 m depth (up to 0.7 and 1.15 individuals m−2 at 30 m depth). Individuals at all sites were rare or absent at depths shallower than 12 m. Size frequencies of individuals at the sites were similar, and a pooled analysis revealed a unimodal distribution skewed highly towards juvenile size classes. This suggests both recent recruitment and constant rates of mortality across size classes. The relationship between foot length and wet weight best fits an exponential growth equation, indicative of an allometric growth pattern. Distribution of T. belli in the field suggests that it is a habitat and diet generalist. Potential invertebrate predators include sea anemones and seastars, both of which co-occur in abundance in McMurdo Sound. Laboratory experiments indicate that the sea anemone Isotealia antarctica can capture and ingest T. belli. However, 70% of T. belli that are captured escape from the tentacles or, following ingestion, are rejected from the gastrovascular cavity. The seastars Odontaster validus, Perknaster fuscus, and Acodontaster conspicuus, avoid contact with T. belli, but if forced into contact with mantle tissues, retract their tube-feet. Mucus secreted from the mantle tissues, coated on to the tips of glass rods, and presented to seastar tube-feet, causes significantly longer tube-foot retraction times than control rods. Moreover, pieces of freeze-dried krill coated with mantle mucus are consumed significantly less often than untreated control pieces of krill by a benthic scavenging fish (Pseudotrematomas bernacchi). Employing seastar tube-foot retractions as a bioassay, we found the bioactive compound(s) are soluble in ethyl acetate, indicating they are lipophilic or moderately hydrophilic in nature. Chemical defenses in the mucus of T. belli probably contribute to its high abundance in Antarctic benthic communities.
A tricyclic ring system replaces the variable regions of peptides presented by three alleles of human MHC class I molecules

Abstract Background: Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) recognize complexes of short peptides with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. MHC molecules are polymorphic, and the products of different MHC alleles bind to different subsets of peptides. This is due to differences in the shape of the peptide-binding groove on the surface of the MHC protein, especially the ‘pockets' into which anchor residues at each end of the peptide fit. Non-peptidic ligands for class I molecules may be useful clinically. Results: By applying computer-aided design methods guided by X-ray structures, we designed and synthesized several MHC class I ligands, based on known peptide ligands, in which the tricyclic, aromatic compound phenanthridine replaced the central amino acids of the peptides. These semi-peptidic fluorescent ligands bound with high affinity and with allelic specificity to the peptide-binding groove of different MHC class I molecules, forming crystallizable complexes. Conclusions: Specificity for binding to different MHC class I molecules can be imparted to the common phenanthridine element by judicious choice of terminal peptidic elements from either nonamer or decamer peptides. The phenanthridine-based ligands have a long bound half-life, as do antigenic peptides.
Volatile Components of Tomatoes

SUMMARY Methods were developed for the preparation in reproducible yield (2–5 ppm) of odor concentrate from fresh ripe tomatoes. Sufficient concentrate was obtained to allow its separation by gas chromatography and collection of its components for direct investigation. Examination of the fractions resulted in rigorous identification of previously unknown tomato constituents.
Measurements of liquid-phase turbulence in gas–liquid two-phase flows using particle image velocimetry

Liquid-phase turbulence measurements were performed in an air–water two-phase flow loop with a circular test section of 50 mm inner diameter using a particle image velocimetry (PIV) system. An optical phase separation method-–planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique—which uses fluorescent particles and an optical filtration technique, was employed to separate the signals of the fluorescent seeding particles from those due to bubbles and other noises. An image pre-processing scheme was applied to the raw PIV images to remove the noise residuals that are not removed by the PLIF technique. In addition, four-sensor conductivity probes were adopted to measure the radial distribution of the void fraction. Two benchmark tests were performed: the first was a comparison of the PIV measurement results with those of similar flow conditions using thermal anemometry from previous studies; the second quantitatively compared the superficial liquid velocities calculated from the local liquid velocity and void fraction measurements with the global liquid flow rate measurements. The differences of the superficial liquid velocity obtained from the two measurements were bounded within ±7% for single-phase flows and two-phase bubbly flows with the area-average void fraction up to 18%. Furthermore, a preliminary uncertainty analysis was conducted to investigate the accuracy of the two-phase PIV measurements. The systematic uncertainties due to the circular pipe curvature effects, bubble surface reflection effects and other potential uncertainty sources of the PIV measurements were discussed. The purpose of this work is to facilitate the development of a measurement technique (PIV-PLIF) combined with image pre-processing for the liquid-phase turbulence in gas–liquid two-phase flows of relatively high void fractions. The high-resolution data set can be used to more thoroughly understand two-phase flow behavior, develop liquid-phase turbulence models, and assess high-fidelity codes for multi-phase flows.
The NJOY nuclear data processing system Version 91

The NJOY Nuclear Data Processing System is a comprehensive computer code pack- age for producing pointwise and multigroup cross sections and related quantities from evaluated nuclear data in the ENDF format, including the latest US library, ENDF/B- VII. The NJOY code can work with neutrons, photons, and charged particles, and it can produce libraries for a wide variety of particle transport and reactor analysis codes. NJOY2012 packages all the capabilities of the recent versions of NJOY, plus a few new options, using modern modularized Fortran-90 style.
Designed Inhibitors of Insulin-Degrading Enzyme Regulate the Catabolism and Activity of Insulin

Background Insulin is a vital peptide hormone that is a central regulator of glucose homeostasis, and impairments in insulin signaling cause diabetes mellitus. In principle, it should be possible to enhance the activity of insulin by inhibiting its catabolism, which is mediated primarily by insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), a structurally and evolutionarily distinctive zinc-metalloprotease. Despite interest in pharmacological inhibition of IDE as an attractive anti-diabetic approach dating to the 1950s, potent and selective inhibitors of IDE have not yet emerged. Methodology/Principal Findings We used a rational design approach based on analysis of combinatorial peptide mixtures and focused compound libraries to develop novel peptide hydroxamic acid inhibitors of IDE. The resulting compounds are ∼106 times more potent than existing inhibitors, non-toxic, and surprisingly selective for IDE vis-a-vis conventional zinc-metalloproteases. Crystallographic analysis of an IDE-inhibitor complex reveals a novel mode of inhibition based on stabilization of IDE's “closed,” inactive conformation. We show further that pharmacological inhibition of IDE potentiates insulin signaling by a mechanism involving reduced catabolism of internalized insulin. Conclusions/Significance The inhibitors we describe are the first to potently and selectively inhibit IDE or indeed any member of this atypical zinc-metalloprotease superfamily. The distinctive structure of IDE's active site, and the mode of action of our inhibitors, suggests that it may be possible to develop inhibitors that cross-react minimally with conventional zinc-metalloproteases. Significantly, our results reveal that insulin signaling is normally regulated by IDE activity not only extracellularly but also within cells, supporting the longstanding view that IDE inhibitors could hold therapeutic value for the treatment of diabetes.
Purification of antigens from urine of a sarcoma patient by affinity chromatography

Previous publications from our laboratory have demonstrated the presence of antigens in the urine of cancer patients detectable by the complement fixation (CF) assay. The purpose of this study was to develop a methodology for purification of these tumor-associated antigen(s) using xenogeneic antisera as a specific immunoabsorbent. Urine possessing high antigen titer by CF was collected from sarcoma patients. Xenoantiserum to the urinary antigens was prepared by injection of concentrated, dialyzed urine mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant into rabbits. Control xenoantisera were obtained by injection of pooled human normal urine in an identical manner. The antisarcoma urine xenoantisera were absorbed with human normal liver and insolubilized human normal serum to remove cross-reacting antibodies to normal human components. The immunoglobulin fraction of the xenoantisera was isolated by ammonium sulfate precipitation and covalently linked to Sepharose 4B beads. Urine from a sarcoma patient was reacted with the immunobeads, and the affinity absorbed antigen(s) were eluted with 3.5 M potassium thiocyanate. The affinity purified urinary antigen had a CF titer of 1:128 against xenoantisera that had been quantitatively absorbed with human normal liver cells and the insolubilized normal human serum. Absorption of the xenoantiserum with cultured allogeneic sarcoma cells removed all activity against the affinity purified antigen(s). The results suggest that the cultured sarcoma cells expressed antigens immunologically similar to those present in the urine of sarcoma patients, and that these antigens can be isolated from urine of cancer patients and purified by affinity chromatography. The affinity purified antigens(s) was labeled with 125I by the vapor phase chloramine-T method, and a radioimmunoassay was developed. By radioimmunoassay, antisarcoma urine xenoantiserum absorbed with human normal liver and insolubilized serum had a titer of 1:4000 against the affinity purified antigen. Xenoantisera to pooled normal human urine treated similarly showed no reactivity to the affinity purified antigen. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the radiolabeled antigen(s) showed a single peak in the 40,000- to 50,000- dalton range.
Commercial liberalism under fire: Evidence from 1914 and 1936

(1996). Commercial liberalism under fire: Evidence from 1914 and 1936. Security Studies: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 4-50.
Daño oxidativo en la microalga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata expuesta a aguas receptoras de un efluente minero en del Río Blanco (V Región, Chile)

In this investigation antioxidant response and toxicity of metals in receiving water effluent miner in the Blanco river in Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was assessed. The catalase activity, lipid damage through Tbars, the growth rate of was determined. The result showed an inhibition of the growth rate of P. subcapitata which correlated with increased catalase activity and the lipid liperoxidation. These responses were correlated with the concentrations of copper and iron.
The role of intimacy in interpersonal relations.

Many theories and studies of intimacy exist, yet researchers generally overlook an elementary question: Why should intimacy, in comparison to other features of good relationships, be important for human welfare? This paper addresses two aspects of this question. First, it selectively examines existing theories and research that help indicate why intimacy is so critical for relationship development and individual welfare. Second, it proposes a process-oriented view of social support that focuses on its relation to intimacy. Although functional theories of support are securely ensconced in the literature, there has been little integration of this work with established theories of relationship dynamics. Notions of intimacy suggest several possibilities for such integration, which are explored from theoretical, empirical, and clinical perspectives.
Dihydropyridine receptor isoform expression in adult rat skeletal muscle.

The expression of isoform-specific dihydropyridine receptor Ca2+ channel (DHPR) α1-subunit genes in rat diaphragm, soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles was investigated using RNase protection assays. As expected, mRNA expression levels for the DHPR skeletal muscle isoform were highest in extensor digitorum longus. Unexpectedly, both diaphragm and soleus expressed mRNA for the cardiac isoform at a significant level. Moreover, immunohistochemical experiments provided evidence of the cardiac DHPR isoform at the protein level in muscle fibres. The presence of the cardiac DHPR in the soleus and diaphragm is consistent with a degree of reported cardiac-like excitation-contraction coupling in these muscles, and may be an explanation for some of the therapeutic effects of theophylline in asthmatics, but is likely to serve some other role(s) as well.
Characterization of [3H]LS‐3‐134, a novel arylamide phenylpiperazine D3 dopamine receptor selective radioligand

LS-3-134 is a substituted N-phenylpiperazine derivative that has been reported to exhibit: (i) high-affinity binding (Ki value 0.2 nM) at human D3 dopamine receptors, (ii) > 100-fold D3 versus D2 dopamine receptor subtype binding selectivity, and (iii) low-affinity binding (Ki > 5000 nM) at sigma 1 and sigma 2 receptors. Based upon a forskolin-dependent activation of the adenylyl cyclase inhibition assay, LS-3-134 is a weak partial agonist at both D2 and D3 dopamine receptor subtypes (29% and 35% of full agonist activity, respectively). In this study, [3H]-labeled LS-3-134 was prepared and evaluated to further characterize its use as a D3 dopamine receptor selective radioligand. Kinetic and equilibrium radioligand binding studies were performed. This radioligand rapidly reaches equilibrium (10–15 min at 37°C) and binds with high affinity to both human (Kd = 0.06 ± 0.01 nM) and rat (Kd = 0.2 ± 0.02 nM) D3 receptors expressed in HEK293 cells. Direct and competitive radioligand binding studies using rat caudate and nucleus accumbens tissue indicate that [3H]LS-3-134 selectively binds a homogeneous population of binding sites with a dopamine D3 receptor pharmacological profile. Based upon these studies, we propose that [3H]LS-3-134 represents a novel D3 dopamine receptor selective radioligand that can be used for studying the expression and regulation of the D3 dopamine receptor subtype.
User centered research and design at Motorola

In this overview, we describe how user-centered research and design have been established within Motorola and how it is organized to support both short-term development programs and longer-term research. Motorola is a global company and has a distributed HCI community. The challenges of coordinating this geographical and disciplinary diversity are addressed.