cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges of diversity: essays on America

This volume comprises five previously published essays and a fourteen-page ‘Introduction’ that highlights recurring themes in the materials covered and indirectly reflects certain shifts in comment...
Identification of active site residues implies a two-step catalytic mechanism for acyl-ACP thioesterase

In plants and bacteria that use a Type II fatty acid synthase, isozymes of acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) hydrolyze the thioester bond of acyl-ACPs, terminating the process of fatty acid biosynthesis. These TEs are therefore critical in determining the fatty acid profiles produced by these organisms. Past characterizations of a limited number of plant-sourced acyl-ACP TEs have suggested a thiol-based, papain-like catalytic mechanism, involving a triad of Cys, His, and Asn residues. In the present study, the sequence alignment of 1019 plant and bacterial acyl-ACP TEs revealed that the previously proposed Cys catalytic residue is not universally conserved and therefore may not be a catalytic residue. Systematic mutagenesis of this residue to either Ser or Ala in three plant acyl-ACP TEs, CvFatB1 and CvFatB2 from Cuphea viscosissima and CnFatB2 from Cocos nucifera, resulted in enzymatically active variants, demonstrating that this Cys residue (Cys348 in CvFatB2) is not catalytic. In contrast, the multiple sequence alignment, together with the structure modeling of CvFatB2, suggests that the highly conserved Asp309 and Glu347, in addition to previously proposed Asn311 and His313, may be involved in catalysis. The substantial loss of catalytic competence associated with site-directed mutants at these positions confirmed the involvement of these residues in catalysis. By comparing the structures of acyl-ACP TE and the Pseudomonas 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA TE, both of which fold in the same hotdog tertiary structure and catalyze the hydrolysis reaction of thioester bond, we have proposed a two-step catalytic mechanism for acyl-ACP TE that involves an enzyme-bound anhydride intermediate.
REHABILITATION OF CHRONIC BRACHIAL PLEXUS NEUROPRAXIA AND LOSS OF CERVICAL EXTENSION IN A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER: A CASE REPORT.

Background and purpose Brachial plexus neuropraxia (BPN), or "burners" and "stingers", affect 50-65% of football players, with a high rate of recurrence and the potential, in rare cases, for catastrophic injury. Existing literature on rehabilitation of these athletes is limited. The purpose of this case report is to describe the successful and comprehensive rehabilitation of a subject with recurrent brachial plexus neuropraxia using range of motion exercises, cervical and periscapular strengthening, stabilization exercises, and activity modification. Case description The subject was a 17-year-old high school linebacker with repeated BPN episodes. He presented with limited cervical extension, rounded shoulder posture, and weakness of the cervical and periscapular stabilizers, and was known to tackle using the crown of his helmet. Physical therapy intervention consisted of regaining full passive & active range of motion and strength in the neck, shoulders and periscapular region, including several novel stretches and exercises to address the subject's unique presentation. Dynamic stabilization, postural control, safe tackling form, and long-term maintenance exercises were also addressed to decrease risk of injury recurrence. Outcomes The subject regained full pain-free PROM, AROM, strength & stability throughout the upper body after ten treatment sessions over five weeks, and was able to return to full participation the next season with normal safe tackling form and no further episodes. Discussion Despite the prevalence, chronic nature, and potentially devastating effects of BPN, little has been written regarding comprehensive rehabilitation of the condition. Regaining full upper body range of motion, strength, and dynamic stability, as well as normalizing tackling form, is essential to resolving BPN and preventing recurrence. Level of evidence Level 4, single case report.
The optimal number of lymph nodes to evaluate among patients undergoing surgery for gallbladder cancer: Correlating the number of nodes removed with survival in 6531 patients.

Background The aim of the current study was to identify the minimum number and the optimal range of lymph nodes (LNs) to be examined among patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC). Methods Between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2015, patients with a diagnosis of GBC were identified in the National Cancer Database. A machine-based learning approach was used to identify the minimum number and range of LNs to evaluate relative to long-term outcomes. Results Among 6531 patients with GBC, median number of LNs evaluated was 2 (IQR:1-5); only 21.1% (n = 1376) of patients had 6 or more LNs evaluated. The median number of metastatic LNs was 0 (IQR: 0-1). On multivariable analysis, evaluation of 7 LNs evaluated had comparable long-term mortality risk (HR = 1.10, 95%CI, 0.98-1.24; P = 0.11). There was no difference in the proportion of patients who had at least one metastatic LN identified per T category based on total number of nodes resected (all P > 0.05). Conclusion The overwhelming majority of patients did not have the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) recommended 6 total LN count . A machine-based learning approach identified evaluation of 4 to 7 LNs as the LN number associated with optimal staging and survival. While obtaining 6 LNs may be challenging, evaluation of at least 4 LNs may be a more appropriate threshold as this cut-off value was associated with optimal patient outcomes and staging.
No increased risk of acute osteomyelitis associated with closed or open long bone shaft fracture.

Abstract Objectives Osteomyelitis of the long bones can result from hematogenous spread, direct inoculation or from a contiguous focus of infection. The association of osteomyelitis after long bone fractures has widely been believed to be true by practicing surgeons since the 1950s, even though the evidence has been poor. We hypothesized that long bone shaft fracture and major bone surgery are independent risk factors for osteomyelitis in adult trauma patients. Methods The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried between 2007 and 2015 for patients ≥18 years of age presenting after trauma. Patients with long bone shaft fractures (femur, tibia/fibula, humerus) were identified and rate of acute osteomyelitis was calculated. Univariable logistic regression was performed. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for development of acute osteomyelitis. Results From 5,494,609 patients, 358,406 were identified to have long bone shaft fractures (6.5%) with the majority being tibia/fibula (44.3%). The osteomyelitis rate in long bone shaft fractures was 0.05%. Independent risk factors for osteomyelitis included major humerus surgery and major tibia/fibula surgery. The strongest risk factor was non-pseudomonas bacteremia. Long bone shaft fractures were not found to be an independent risk factor for osteomyelitis (p > 0.05). Conclusions Long bone shaft fractures are not independently associated with increased risk for osteomyelitis. Major extremity surgery on the humerus and tibia/fibula, but not femur, are independent risk factors for osteomyelitis. However, the strongest risk factor is non-pseudomonas bacteremia.
Consideration of a hypothesis about molecular pharmacokinetics of traditional Chinese pharmacy

Based on the most up-to-date experimental findings and hot spots of pharmacokinetic research,we propose a new hypothesis of "Molecular Pharmacokinetics of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy".The main ideas are as followed:the in vivo pharmacokinetics of active components of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy(TCP)was mainly affected by drug transporters and metabolic enzymes,present in various tissues and organs.The studies of these underlying mechanisms of actions pointed out that the pharmacokinetics of TCP could be manipulated rationally by either inhibition or activation of the related drug transporters and enzymes,leading to improving clinically therapeutic efficacy as well as reducing adverse effect of the TCP.
An exploration of white fear and school discipline in Alabama

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which white fear governs school discipline policies and practices in Alabama. Specifically, we advance white fear as a conceptual framework throu...
Manipulation of Self-Expansion Alters Responses to Attractive Alternative Partners.

Past behavioral research has examined relationship infidelity as a potential outcome of focusing on attractive alternative partners when already in a relationship. The extent to which individuals find such alternatives attractive has been shown to be associated with various factors in the relationship, including self-expansion. However, no previous research has tested the role of self-expansion experimentally. This paper presents two experiments that directly manipulate self-expansion to determine the effect of self-expansion on responses to attractive alternative partners. Participants primed to experience a higher need for self-expansion had better memory for attractive alternatives with self-expanding traits dissimilar to their partner’s versus attractive alternatives with self-expanding traits similar to their partner’s. Additionally, , participants primed with self-expansion (via a video of their partner discussing ways in which life with one another is exciting, novel, and challenging), had less fMRI BOLD response to attractive alternatives of the opposite sex in regions associated with perception of attractive faces (anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex) relative to when they were primed with love (via a video of their partner discussing times they felt strong feelings of love for one another), or neutral content (via a video of their partner discussing some times in which they engage in mundane, routine activities together). The magnitude of this effect in the ACC correlated with relationship closeness as measured by the inclusion of the other in the self scale .
Suboccipital, Supracerebellar, Infratentorial Approach for Microsurgical Clipping of a Ruptured Tentorial, Straight Sinus Type Dural Arteriovenous Fistula.

Background Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) can often be successfully treated with endovascular embolization; however, surgery is occasionally still required. Case Description Herein, we discuss a 65-year-old male patient who presented with a Hunt-Hess IV subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and cerebellar intracranial hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured Borden type III tentorial (straight sinus) dAVF. Angiography revealed supply from the left occipital and posterior meningeal arteries and direct drainage into the cerebellar cortical veins with venous aneurysms in both cerebellar hemispheres. Both transarterial and transvenous embolization were attempted, without success. Therefore, the patient was taken to the operating room for clip ligation of the dAVF. The operative video demonstrates a bilateral suboccipital craniotomy and supracerebellar infratentorial approach for surgical clipping of the dAVF. Conclusions The case and operative video provide a valuable addition to surgical literature in an era where surgical management of dAVFs has become relatively rare.
Are category labels primary? Children use similarities to reason about social groups.

While interpersonal similarities impact young children's peer judgments, little work has assessed whether they also guide group-based reasoning. A common assumption has been that category labels rather than 'mere' similarities are unique constituents of such reasoning; the present work challenges this. Children (ages 3-9) viewed groups defined by category labels or shared preferences, and their social inferences were assessed. By age 5, children used both types of information to licence predictions about preferences (Study 1, n = 129) and richer forms of coalitional structure (Study 2, n = 205). Low-level explanations could not account for this pattern (Study 3, n = 72). Finally, older but not younger children privileged labelled categories when they were pitted against similarity (Study 4, n = 51). These studies show that young children use shared preferences to reason about relationships and coalitional structure, suggesting that similarities are central to the emergence of group representations.
Ventral hernia repair with synthetic mesh in a contaminated field: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The use of mesh in ventral hernia repair becomes especially challenging when associated with a contaminated field. Permanent synthetic mesh use in this setting is currently debated and this discussion is yet to be resolved clinically or in the literature. We aim to systematically assess postoperative outcomes of non-absorbable synthetic mesh (NASM) used in ventral hernia repair in the setting of contamination. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cinahl, and Cochrane Library identified all articles from 2000–2020 that examined the use of NASM for ventral hernia repair in a contaminated field. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by means of pooled analysis and meta-analysis. Qualitative analysis was completed for all included studies using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Of 630 distinct publications and 104 requiring full review, this study included 17 articles published between 2007 and 2020. Meta-analysis demonstrated absorbable mesh was associated with more HR (OR 1.89, 1.15–3.12, p = 0.008), SSO (OR 1.43, 0.96–2.11, p = 0.087), SSI (OR 2.84, 1.85–4.35, p < 0.001), and unplanned reoperation (OR 1.99, 1.19–3.32, p = 0.009) compared to NASM. The use of NASM for ventral hernia repair in a contaminated field may be a safe alternative to absorbable mesh, as evidenced by lower rates of postoperative complications. This review counters the current clinical paradigm, and additional prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Hind Limb Bone Proportions Reveal Unexpected Morphofunctional Diversification in Xenarthrans

Divergence in forelimb morphology is often associated with functional habits exhibited within the Xenarthra, ranging from terrestrial-digging in armadillos to arboreal-suspension in sloths. We hypothesized that quantitative differences in hind limb form also will be predictive of the diverse lifestyles observed in this small clade. A total of 26 morphofunctional indices were calculated from 42 raw measurements of bone length/width/depth in a sample of N = 76 skeletal specimens (18 species). Index data for each species were categorized by substrate preference and use and then evaluated using a combination of stepwise Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine significant osteological correlates (traits) among extant taxa. Additionally, character states of the morphometric data were inferred using a recent hypothesis of xenarthran phylogeny. DFA determined 14 distinct morphofunctional indices relating to femur robustness, hip/ankle/limb mechanical advantage, and foot and claw length as the most discriminating features. PCA clearly separated armadillos from sloths in morphospace based on overall robustness versus gracility, as well as proximal versus distal lengths of skeletal elements (including the claws), whereas these characteristics were intermediate in the hind limbs of anteaters and selected armadillos having either a larger greater trochanter or modified foot/claw proportions. Two-toed and three-toed sloths showed further separation from each other in morphospace primarily driven by proportions of their tibia and hind feet despite evidence of convergence for numerous functional traits. Moreover, the majority of the traits measured had significant phylogenetic signal and several of these indicated clear patterns of convergent and divergent evolution in xenarthrans by evaluation of their tip states. Our assessments expand functional interpretations of xenarthran limb form and identify potentially conserved and secondarily modified traits related to fossoriality across taxa, including in three-toed sloths, demonstrate possible morphological trade-offs between digging and climbing habits, and suggest derived traits adapted for arboreal lifestyle and suspensory function.
Several Results Concerning the Barnes G-function, a Cosecant Integral, and Some Other Special Functions

We prove several results about the Barnes G-function. In particular, we correct an error in one of the known formulas involving \(G(\cdot )\), as well as in some further equations which depend on it. We also study an integral involving the cosecant function, and prove several relations with the G-function and some other special functions. These relations allow us to calculate certain definite integrals which appear to be new.
State Action to Prevent Violence against Women: The Effect of Women’s Police Stations on Men’s Attitudes toward Gender-Based Violence

We contribute to literature in public opinion on policy feedback effects by examining how the existence of a women’s police station (WPS) in the place of residence influences citizens’ attitudes to...
Remote revocation of smart cards in a private DRM system

We describe a DRM smartcard-based scheme in which content access requests are not linked to a user's identity or smartcard, and in which compromised cards can be revoked without the need to communicate with any card (whether revoked or not). The scheme has many other features, such as efficiency and requiring minimal interaction to process an access request (no complex interactive protocols), forward and backward security, stateless receivers, and under certain cryptographic constructions collusion-resistance. The above is achieved while requiring the smartcard to store only a single key and to perform a single modular exponentiation per revocation. Furthermore, our solution introduces a combinatorial problem that is of independent interest.
Isoforms of Na,K-ATPase in rat lens epithelium and fiber cells.

Purpose The lens epithelium is thought to conduct Na-K transport for the entire lens cell mass. Lens fibers have a poor ion transport capacity. The authors tested whether different Na,K-ATPase polypeptides are expressed in the two cell types and whether both cells have the machinery needed for ongoing Na,K-ATPase expression as judged by the presence of mRNA for the Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit. Methods Membranes were isolated from adult rat lens epithelium or fibers, and Western blot experiments were conducted for Na,K-ATPase alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3 polypeptides. Total RNA was isolated from adult rat lens epithelium or fiber cells, and Northern analysis was conducted for Na,K-ATPase alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3 mRNA. Some experiments were conducted using fiber cells from neonatal (3-day-old) rat lenses. Results Multiple isoforms of Na,K-ATPase were detected in adult rat lens epithelium. Judged by Northern blot band intensity, mRNA for Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 and alpha 2 was more abundant than for alpha 3 mRNA. By Western blot, Na,K-ATPase alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3 polypeptides were observed as sharp bands at 100 to 108 kDa. In fiber cells, only Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 immunoreactive polypeptide was detected. Judged by immunoblot density, the amount of alpha 1 polypeptide was similar in both epithelium and fiber cell material. However, Na,K-ATPase alpha subunit mRNA was not found in adult lens fibers. To test whether Na,K-ATPase synthesis takes place during fiber cell growth, Northern blot analysis was conducted with RNA from neonatal (3-day-old) lens fibers; Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 mRNA was clearly visible. Conclusions Adult rat lens epithelium expresses more than one isoform of Na,K-ATPase catalytic subunit, whereas only the alpha 1 isoform can be detected in fiber cells. In adult rat lens fiber cells, the observation of alpha 1 polypeptide, but no alpha 1 mRNA, suggests that ongoing alpha 1 synthesis is low. Based on the detection of alpha 1 mRNA in neonatal lens fibers, Na,K-ATPase synthesis by lens fibers may be higher during cell elongation and growth.
Computer Vision, Descriptive Geometry, and Classical Mechanics

The medial-axis transform, also called skeleton, is a shape abstraction proposed by computer vision. The concept is closely related to cyclographic maps, a tool developed by descriptive geometry to investigate distance functions, and to the solution of the eikonal equation. We discuss these connections and their implications on techniques for computing the skeleton.
Can a System be Defined for the New Edition of the Yale Parallax Catalogue

A preliminary analysis has been made of data in the forthcoming edition of the Yale Parallax Catalogue to study the possibility of defining a system of observatory zero-points and external accuracies. Based on this analysis and those of several other authors, I conclude that it is not likely that a unique system of zero-points can be established. It may, however, be possible to establish some values for the average external accuracy of the parallaxes, but more work remains to be done on both of these issues. These conclusions are in agreement with those reached by several other authors.
Examining the appropriateness and effectiveness of computer-based interactive videodisc instructional models

Summary form only given, as follows. During the past six years, the Institute for Interactive Technologies at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania has produced a number of computer-based interactive videodisc programs. Several of these applications are discussed with emphasis focused on the advantages, benefits and future challenges of learning technologies. >
Pandora’s Box: Managerial Discretion and the Problem of Corporate Philanthropy

Corporate giving to 501(c)(3) nonprofits (“charities”) is a more curious, varied and interesting phenomenon than commentators have recognized. Such “gifts” can be grouped generally into four categories. First, Giving to executives’ preferred charities represents an alternative form of compensation. Second, corporate philanthropy is often tied to the company’s commercial advertising, as a method of promoting consumer goodwill and sales. Thirdly, some corporate gifts may be motivated by their leaders’ desire to “give back” to the community, as an expression of corporate social responsibility. Finally, corporations may use contributions to politically enabled nonprofits, including think tanks and market-oriented/ “public interest” litigation boutiques, to influence regulation, and the political environment generally, in their favor. The paper’s seminal insight is that neither in corporate law nor elsewhere is there a regulatory regime that meaningfully constrains corporate executives’ discretion in employing corporate funds to these ends; nor is there even a meaningful disclosure requirement which would allow for public discussion and critique. Public corporations can give away many millions of dollars -- even to politically, ideologically, religiously “enabled” charities -- without leaving even a public record of so doing. From the perspective of corporate law, the darkness surrounding corporate giving is further problematic because it promotes the formation of nearly invisible networks of background social/professional ties (interlocking for-profit/nonprofit directorates) among corporate elites – affiliations which may compromise the executives’ good faith, independence in corporate decision making.
Deletion of Cyclophilin D Impairs β-Oxidation and Promotes Glucose Metabolism

Cyclophilin D (CypD) is a mitochondrial matrix protein implicated in cell death, but a potential role in bioenergetics is not understood. Here, we show that loss or depletion of CypD in cell lines and mice induces defects in mitochondrial bioenergetics due to impaired fatty acid β-oxidation. In turn, CypD loss triggers a global compensatory shift towards glycolysis, with transcriptional upregulation of effectors of glucose metabolism, increased glucose consumption and higher ATP production. In vivo, the glycolytic shift secondary to CypD deletion is associated with expansion of insulin-producing β-cells, mild hyperinsulinemia, improved glucose tolerance, and resistance to high fat diet-induced liver damage and weight gain. Therefore, CypD is a novel regulator of mitochondrial bioenergetics, and unexpectedly controls glucose homeostasis, in vivo.
Survival and Recovery of Methanotrophic Bacteria Starved under Oxic and Anoxic Conditions

The effects of carbon deprivation on survival of methanotrophic bacteria were compared in cultures incubated in the presence and absence of oxygen in the starvation medium. Survival and recovery of the examined methanotrophs were generally highest for cultures starved under anoxic conditions as indicated by poststarvation measurements of methane oxidation, tetrazolium salt reduction, plate counts, and protein synthesis. Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b survived up to 6 weeks of carbon deprivation under anoxic conditions while maintaining a physiological state that allowed relatively rapid (hours) methane oxidation after substrate addition. A small fraction of cells starved under oxic and anoxic conditions (4 and 10%, respectively) survived more than 10 weeks but required several days for recovery on plates and in liquid medium. A non-spore-forming methanotroph, strain WP 12, displayed 36 to 118% of its initial methane oxidation capacity after 5 days of carbon deprivation. Oxidation rates varied with growth history prior to the experiments as well as with starvation conditions. Strain WP 12 starved under anoxic conditions showed up to 90% higher methane oxidation activity and 46% higher protein production after starvation than did cultures starved under oxic conditions. Only minor changes in biomass and morphology were seen for methanotrophic bacteria starved under anoxic conditions. In contrast, starvation under oxic conditions resulted in morphology changes and an initial 28 to 35% loss of cell protein. These data suggest that methanotrophic bacteria can survive carbon deprivation under anoxic conditions by using maintenance energy derived solely from an anaerobic endogenous metabolism. This capability could partly explain a significant potential for methane oxidation in environments not continuously supporting aerobic methanotrophic growth.
Increasing physical activity: alterations in body mass and composition

I provide an overview of the role of physical activity in the prevention of overweight and obesity and in the treatment of overweight and obese individuals. A secondary focus of this paper is on the potential mechanisms responsible for changes in body composition consequent to physical activity. The use of the term "physical activity" is preferred to the term "exercise" to better reflect a broader scope of movement, not limited to formal exercise regimes. A brief review of prospective studies that investigated alterations in body composition consequent to physical activity alone is presented, along with a discussion of the influence of genetics, macronutrients in the diet, and characteristics of exercise programs on the magnitude of change observed in these studies. This is followed by a review of the specific role of chronic physical activity on energy intake, resting metabolic rate, the thermic effect of feeding, and the thermic effect of activity. Finally, I discuss the role physical activity plays in preventing overweight and obesity and the most appropriate use of exercise in the management of overweight.
Structure-activity relationships of steroids in inducing germinal vesicle breakdown of Atlantic croaker oocytes in vitro.

Abstract The effect of alterations of the steroid nucleus on its potency to induce germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) of Atlantic croaker oocytes in vitro was investigated. The addition of 17α-, 20β-, or 21-hydroxyl groups to the progesterone steroid nucleus enhanced steroid potency to induce GVBD. Whereas the 20β-hydroxyl group on the side chain was the most potent single alteration of the progesterone nucleus, the 17α-hydroxyl group seemed to be vital for establishing the proper steric orientation of the side chain. The most potent steroids to induce GVBD contained either the 17α,20β-dihydroxy or the 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy configuration. Steroids of the 3-keto-Δ4 and the 3β-hydroxy-Δ5 configuration had similar potency. In addition, the 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, cyanoketone, did not affect human chorionic gonadotropin-induced GVBD. However, other alterations of the A and B rings of the steroid nucleus resulted in diminished potency (3α-hydroxy, 5α, and 5β configurations). Addition of hydroxyl groups at the 11β, 16α, or 20α positions resulted in steroids with reduced potency. The low potency of steroids lacking the side chain (estrogens and androgens) and steroids with the side chain in the 17α position (progestin analogs) is further evidence that the side chain configuration is important for biological activity. Human chorionic gonadotropin and other gonadotropin preparations induced GVBD of croaker oocytes in vitro which indicates that the maturational steroid is of ovarian origin. The finding that 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20β-S), a major steroid product of croaker oocytes during final oocyte maturation, is a potent inducer of GVBD suggests that it may function as a maturation-inducing steroid in this species.
A single lentiviral vector platform for microRNA-based conditional RNA interference and coordinated transgene expression

RNAi is proving to be a powerful experimental tool for the functional annotation of mammalian genomes. The full potential of this technology will be realized through development of approaches permitting regulated manipulation of endogenous gene expression with coordinated reexpression of exogenous transgenes. We describe the development of a lentiviral vector platform, pSLIK (single lentivector for inducible knockdown), which permits tetracycline-regulated expression of microRNA-like short hairpin RNAs from a single viral infection of any naive cell system. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts, the pSLIK platform was used to conditionally deplete the expression of the heterotrimeric G proteins Gα12 and Gα13 both singly and in combination, demonstrating the Gα13 dependence of serum response element-mediated transcription. In RAW264.7 macrophages, regulated knockdown of Gβ2 correlated with a reduced Ca2+ response to C5a. Insertion of a GFP transgene upstream of the Gβ2 microRNA-like short hairpin RNA allowed concomitant reexpression of a heterologous mRNA during tetracycline-dependent target gene knockdown, significantly enhancing the experimental applicability of the pSLIK system.
Role of the ETB receptor in retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma.

Recent observations suggest that the vasoactive peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) may be an important contributor to the etiology of glaucoma. ET-1 administration has been shown to produce optic nerve ax...
dc discharge cell for laser optogalvanic spectroscopy

A dc electrical discharge cell for laser optogalvanic spectroscopy has been designed and tested. Signal optimization is achieved through the use of adjustable electrode positions and an orthogonal geometry between the probe laser and the discharge axis. Results are presented for visible dye laser and infrared diode laser studies of selected neutral, radical, and ion species.
Search for (t, p) transitions to excited 0+ states in the actinide region

Abstract The (t,p) reactions from 230,232 Th and 234,236,238 U were studied at 15–20 MeV bombarding energy. The known excited 0 + states in 232 Th, 236,238 U were not observed nor was any excited 0 + strength located in 234 Th or 234 U. The previously reported strong L = 0 (p,t) transitions in this region as well as the weak L = 0 (t,p) strengths reported here constitute a strong indication of the existence of quadrupole pairing correlations in deformed superfluid nuclei.
Sciatic nerve blockade improves early postoperative analgesia after open repair of calcaneus fractures.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of analgesia, with or without sciatic nerve blockade, after open repair of calcaneus fracture. Design: Randomized, prospective trial involving 30 patients divided into 3 groups of 10, all having open repair of calcaneus fractures. Group 1 used morphine patient-controlled analgesia alone. Groups 2 and 3 had morphine patient-controlled analgesia and a one-shot bupivacaine sciatic nerve blockade, either presurgically (group 2) or postsurgically (group 3). Setting: Harborview Medical Center operating rooms and orthopedic floors. Outcome Measures: Morphine use over 24 hours, visual analogue scale pain scores, and sciatic nerve blockade duration. Results: In the absence of sciatic nerve blockade, initial postoperative pain was marked, even with a mean recovery room dose of intravenous morphine more than 30 mg. Sciatic nerve blockade with bupivacaine had a mean duration of 14 hours and substantially reduced pain for the first 24 postoperative hours. Presurgical blockade confers no advantage over postsurgical blockade. Conclusion: Sciatic nerve blockade confers significant benefit over morphine alone for analgesia after open repair of calcaneus fractures. Postsurgical sciatic nerve blockade provides the longest possible postoperative block duration.
Scheduled running wheel activity indexes the specificity of pharmocological anorexia

Nondeprived male Sprague—Dawley rats that were given scheduled access to running wheels for 60 min daily ran immediately and energetically. Intraperitoneal injections of 400 μg/kg pancreatic glucagon and 0.15 μg/kg cholecystokinin octapeptide had no effect on scheduled running, but significantly inhibited feeding when the rats were offered condensed milk instead of access to the running wheels. This is consistent with the hypothesized function of these peptides as postprandial satiety signals. In contrast, 0.5 mg/kg amphetamine and 75 μ M/kg LiC1, which produced similar degrees of anorexia, inhibited running by about 50%. Amphetamine, but neither peptide, also inhibited water drinking and disrupted the behavioral sequence of postprandial satiety. The distance run during scheduled running tests was inversely related to body weight, but the patterns of the drugs' effects were not altered by baseline running differences. Scheduled wheel running is a robust consummatory behavior that appears to provide a relatively valid, simple, and sensitive test of the behavioral specificity of pharmacological anorexia.
Form of evaluation and audience expertness as joint determinants of audience effects

Abstract A more stringent test was made of Martens and Landers' (1972) conclusion that direct evaluation of performance and outcomes leads to greater performance impairment than indirect evaluation of outcomes only. Expert and nonexpert audiences viewed Subjects performing a motor task with visual information and knowledge of outcomes (direct evaluation), with no visual information but knowledge of outcomes (indirect evaluation), and the absence of both visual information and knowledge of outcomes (no evaluation). Contrary to Martens and Landers, with an expert audience, both direct and indirect evaluation impaired performance equally. Results indicated that at least two factors in social facilitation research, audience characteristics and form of evaluation, can be considered interactive determinants of evaluation potential. These results directly support Cottrell's (1968) notion that the potential for evaluation characterizing a social situation is the chief source of audience and coaction effects in humans.
Intermolecular shielding from molecular magnetic susceptibility. A new view of intermolecular ring current effects.

This paper presents calculations of the NICS (nuclear independent chemical shieldings) in a rectangular grid surrounding the molecules of benzene, naphthalene and coronene. Using the relationship between calculated NICS and the induced magnetic field, the calculated NICS are used to predict intermolecular effects due to molecular magnetic susceptibility or ring current effects. As expected from approximate ring current models, these intermolecular shielding effects are concentrated along the direction perpendicular to the molecular plane and they approach asymptotically to a dipolar functional dependence, i.e. (1–3 cos2θ)/r3). The deviations from the dipolar functional form require that the calculations of these intermolecular effects be done using a suitable interpolation scheme of the NICS calculated on the grid. The analysis of the NICS tensor components shows that these intermolecular shielding effects should be primarily expected on shielding components of the neighboring molecules nuclei, which are perpendicular to the molecular plane of the aromatic compound generating the induced field. The analysis of the calculated NICS along the series benzene, naphthalene and coronene shows that these intermolecular effects increase monotonically with the number of aromatic rings. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of nicotine dose and sensory cues in the regulation of smoke intake.

Abstract We investigated the role of nicotine dose and sensory cues in the regulation of ad lib smoke intake. The smoking behavior of 12 adult male smokers was assessed in three conditions, presenting either high-nicotine cigarette smoke ( high nicotine, high sensory), diluted cigarette smoke ( low nicotine, low sensory), or an aerosol containing cigarette smoke constituents suspended in solution, which was low in nicotine, yet high in sensory impact. Subjects showed marked compensatory increases in smoking with the dilute smoke condition, whereas they puffed and inhaled the aerosol to a similar extent as the high-nicotine cigarette. Thus, subjects regulated their smoking behavior to equate sensory intensity rather than nicotine intake. Moreover, the aerosol and high-nicotine cigarette conditions lowered craving to a greater degree than the dilute smoke condition. Other mood indices, such as arousal and negative affect, were more effectively relieved by the high-nicotine dose condition. These results highlight the importance of sensory cues in the regulation of smoke intake and modulation of craving and suggest the clinical application of techniques for providing relief of cigarette craving during smoking cessation.
Toward a World Migratory Regime

Increasing transnationalism challenges the predominant statist treatment of migration and citizenship. Global, indeed cosmopolitan, citizenship offers an alternative to open border policies and global migratory management that focuses on the extent to which political agents are free to move and join different societies. Multilayered citizenship and multileveled political membership encourages a supranational institution dedicated to global deliberation. Such a migratory regulatory system and new admission criteria developed under the universal membership regime ensure the grant of civil, social, and political rights to all migrants.
How a gap junction maintains its structure

In gap junctions, identical membrane proteins are linked up in pairs (dyads) that bridge the extracellular space between two apposed cell membranes1,2. Typically, several thousand of these dyads are aggregated in the plane of the membranes and form a junctional plaque with a distinct boundary. The question thus arises as to what maintains the dyads in an aggregated state. From a statistical mechanical analysis of the positions of dyads in a freeze-fracture electron micrograph, we report here that the aggregates are not maintained by an attractive force between pairs of dyads, but probably by the minimization of the repulsive force between apposed membranes. On the basis of this analysis we present a model for the structure of mature gap junctions as well as certain aspects of the formation and disassembly of gap junctions.
11.2.2 A Framework for System Resilience Discussions

This paper presents a framework for discussions of system resilience. The framework has five aspects: time periods, system types, events, resilience actions, and properties to preserve. The five time periods are well defined, but the other four aspects vary according to author, type of system, and purpose of the discussion, so what is presented is the variation that occurs among definitions. The framework is followed by a cataloging of principles for creating emergence, including a number of rubrics. Finally the paper discusses factors affecting resilience, including improving resilience, tradeoffs, and loss of resilience. An appendix details specific definitions and distinguishers from related properties.
Long-lasting distortion of GABA signaling in MS/DB neurons after binge-like ethanol exposure during initial synaptogenesis

Abstract Using a well-established model of binge-like ethanol treatment of rat pups on postnatal days (PD) 4–9, we found that maturation of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) was substantially blunted for medial septum/diagonal band (MS/DB) neurons in brain slices on PD 11–16. Ethanol reduced mPSC amplitude, frequency, and decay kinetics, while attenuating or exaggerating allosteric actions of zolpidem and allopregnanolone, respectively. The impact of ethanol in vivo was long lasting as most changes in MS/DB GABAAR mPSCs were still observed as late as PD 60–85. Maturing MS/DB neurons in naive brain slices PD 4–16 showed increasing mPSC frequency, decay kinetics, and zolpidem sensitivity that were nearly identical to our earlier findings in cultured septal neurons ( DuBois et al., 2004 , DuBois et al., 2006 ). These rapidly developing mPSC parameters continued to mature through the first month of life then stabilized throughout the remainder of the lifespan. Finally, equivalent ethanol-induced alterations in GABAAR mPSC signaling were present in MS/DB neurons from both male and female animals. Previously, we showed ethanol treatment of cultured embryonic day 20 septal neurons distorts the maturation of GABAAR mPSCs predicting that early stages of GABAergic transmission in MS/DB neurons are vulnerable to intoxication injury ( DuBois et al., 2004 , DuBois et al., 2006 ). Since the overall character, timing, and magnitude of GABAergic mPSC developmental- and ethanol-induced changes in the in vivo model so closely mirror chronologically equivalent adaptations in cultured septal neurons, this suggests that such parallel models of ethanol impairment of GABAergic synaptic development in vivo and in vitro should be useful for translational studies exploring the efficacy and mechanism of action of potential therapeutic interventions from the cellular to whole animal level.
A new case of partial trisomy of 17 long arm. Densitometric analysis of aberrations.

Partial trisomy of the long arm of the chromosome 17 was found in a male infant with severe psychomotor retardation and numerous developmental anomalies. Differential staining with GTG, QFQ and CBG methods revealed an excess of genetic material on the short arm of chromosome 14, which was preliminarily identified as the distal part of chromosome 17q. Using an automatic picture analyser, chromosome break points were found in the 17q12 and 14p12 bands. The patient's karyotype was identified as 46,XY,t(14;17) (14qter→14p12:17q12→17ater).
Suppressed Expression of T-Box Transcription Factors Is Involved in Senescence in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health problem. The etiology of COPD has been associated with apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, understanding of the molecular interactions that modulate COPD pathogenesis remains only partly resolved. We conducted an exploratory study on COPD etiology to identify the key molecular participants. We used information-theoretic algorithms including Context Likelihood of Relatedness (CLR), Algorithm for the Reconstruction of Accurate Cellular Networks (ARACNE), and Inferelator. We captured direct functional associations among genes, given a compendium of gene expression profiles of human lung epithelial cells. A set of genes differentially expressed in COPD, as reported in a previous study were superposed with the resulting transcriptional regulatory networks. After factoring in the properties of the networks, an established COPD susceptibility locus and domain-domain interactions involving protein products of genes in the generated networks, several molecular candidates were predicted to be involved in the etiology of COPD. These include COL4A3, CFLAR, GULP1, PDCD1, CASP10, PAX3, BOK, HSPD1, PITX2, and PML. Furthermore, T-box (TBX) genes and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), which are in a direct transcriptional regulatory relationship, emerged as preeminent participants in the etiology of COPD by means of senescence. Contrary to observations in neoplasms, our study reveals that the expression of genes and proteins in the lung samples from patients with COPD indicate an increased tendency towards cellular senescence. The expression of the anti-senescence mediators TBX transcription factors, chromatin modifiers histone deacetylases, and sirtuins was suppressed; while the expression of TBX-regulated cellular senescence markers such as CDKN2A, CDKN1A, and CAV1 was elevated in the peripheral lung tissue samples from patients with COPD. The critical balance between senescence and anti-senescence factors is disrupted towards senescence in COPD lungs.
Inverted Size-Dependence of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering on Gold Nanohole and Nanodisk Arrays

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) on gold nanohole and nanodisk arrays with precisely controlled size and spacing fabricated via electron beam lithography was investigated. These nanostructures exhibit strong SERS signals at 785 nm excitation but not at 514 nm. When the edge-to-edge distance is maintained, enhancement increases for nanoholes but decreases for nanodisks as diameter is increased. It is shown that the observed enhancement results from the local surface plasmon resonance wavelength shifts to the near-infrared regime as nanohole diameter increases. The large tolerance on dimensions and the empty space confined by nanoholes suggest promise for their use as a functional component in sensing, spectroscopy, and photonic devices.
Initial Operation and Analysis of a Cogeneration Laboratory

California State University, Sacramento, has constructed and put into service a stand alone cogeneration laboratory. The major components are a 75 kW gas turbine and generator, a waste heat boiler, and a 10 ton absorption chiller. Initial testing has been completed with efforts concentrating on the gas turbine engine and the absorption chiller. A two part thermodynamic performance analysis procedure has been developed to analyze the cogeneration plant. A first law energy balance around the gas turbine determines the heat into the engine. A Brayton cycle analysis of the gas turbine engine is then compared with the measured performance. While this engine is quite small, this method of analysis gives very consistent results and can be applied to engines of all sizes. Careful attention to details is required to obtain agreement between the calculated and measured outputs; typically they are within 10 to 15 percent. In the second part of the performance analysis experimental operation of the absorption chiller has been compared to that specified by the manufacturer and a theoretical cycle analysis. While the operation is within a few percent of that specified by the manufacturer, there are some interesting differences when it is compared to a theoretical analysis.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
A Theory of Chemical Separations: Partition States

Abstract The fundamental chemical entity in any equilibrium chemical system is the partition state, which is the state formed by the reversible physical or chemical reaction between a component i and an environment s. Such a state represents a unifying concept for the description of partitioning chemical systems, phase equilibria, and chemical equilibria. It is defined thermodynamically and applied to a chemical system containing five different components and three chemical equilibria.