cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chymotrypsin conversion of the single peptide of porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase into active peptide fragments held together by disulfide linkages.

Porcine pancreatic α-amylase was purified free of proteolytic activity by the method of Schramm and Loyter using specific glycogen-complex precipitation in the presence of a proteinase inhibitor, phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride. The purified amylase was shown, by SDS-gel electrophoresis, to consist of a single peptide chain having a molecular weight of 53, 000. Treatment of the purified amylase with a pancreatic extract containing proteinase activity had little effect on the amylase activity but produced several low molecular weight proteins on SDS-gel electrophoresis. The effects of trypsin and α-chymotrypsin were tested. Trypsin had no effect on the amylase; α-chymotrypsin, however, cleaved the amylase to give four distinct proteins with molecular weights of 53, 000, 39, 000, 27, 000, and 13, 000, but had little effect on the amylase activity. Reduction and carboxymethylation of the α-chymotrypsin-hydrolyzed amylase gave low molecular weight peptide fragments of molecular weights between 27, 000 and 13, 000. It is concluded that α-chymotrypsin produces limited hydrolysis of the α-amylase molecule into peptide fragments of approximately 13, 000 daltons. These fragments are held together by disulfide linkages to give a dimer (27, 000 daltons), a trimer (39, 000 daltons), and a tetramer (53, 000 daltons). The α-chymotrypsin cleavage does not adversely affect the amylase-active site which retains a high percentage of its activity. Limited chymotrypsin hydrolysis of the α-amylase molecule in commercial, crystalline preparations may account for the formation of two 25, 000 dalton, amylase-active proteins when the preparation is reduced with dithiothreitol.
Oxidation of O-xylene

Based on atmospheric pressure flow reactor measurements at about 1150 K, a mechanism is proposed for the oxidation of ortho-xylene that includes both the simultaneous and sequential oxidation of the methyl side chains. Fuel consumption through ring reactions is argued to be secondary to reactions of the side chains. The formation of o-xylylene (5,6-bis(methylene)-1,3-cyclohexadiene) during the simultaneous oxidation route and the subsequent fast isomerization to styrene is indicated by a relatively high experimental rate of styrene formation. The mechanistic importance of o-xylylene has been identified for the first time and the xylylene is recommended as the source of the higher reactivity of o-xylene compared to m- and p-xylene. The sequential oxidation of the side chains leads to the intermediate o-tolualdehyde. Further reaction of the o-tolualdehyde is expected to produce o-methylphenyl radical which isomerizes quickly to benzyl radical. In addition to the overall oxidation mechanism, the formation of indene and naphthalene through the reactions of acetylene and aromatic radical intermediates are considered. The results support the role of acetylene in the formation of multi-ring aromatics.
The Myth of Historical Narrative: Margaret Murray's The God of the Witches

An important area of contention that arises when the scholars of today approach the religions of Witchcraft and Paganism concerns the origins of modern Witchcraft and whether any historical continuity exists between contemporary Pagans and the ancient pagan religions of Europe.
A set of hyperspherical harmonics especially suited for three-body collisions in a plane

We obtain a set of four-dimensional hyperspherical harmonics in closed form. These harmonics are not only quantized with respect to the rotation group (02), but are an irreducible basis for the permutation group $3. An additional symmetry is found which allows us to write hyperspherical harmonics classified with respect to a 12 element group $3 x i x 02. We give a set of three mutually commuting operators whose eigenvalues uniquely characterize each spherical harmonic with respect to degree, symmetry, and angular momentum in the plane.
The epidemiology of cerebral palsy in term infants.

Half of cerebral palsy (CP) arises in infants of normal birthweight; yet, many fewer studies seek to identify risk factors for CP in term and near-term infants than in those born very prematurely. There has been no net decrease in the prevalence of CP in term and near-term infants over recent decades. Potentially asphyxiating birth complications account for a small minority of CP cases. Recent studies suggest that disorders of coagulation and intrauterine exposure to infection or inflammation are associated with risk of CP, and that both can be accompanied by signs of neonatal encephalopathy, the best available predictor of CP in term neonates. Therapeutic interventions directed at preventing interruption of oxygen supply have not been shown to reduce the occurrence of CP. There have not yet been studies examining whether medical interventions directed at infection or coagulation disorder can reduce the frequency of CP.
On-line beam monitoring for neutron capture therapy at the MIT Research Reactor

A computer-based beam monitoring system for boron neutron capture therapy is described. This system provides accurate, sensitive, and rapid on-line readout and recording of the beam components, epithermal and thermal neutron flux, and gamma ray dose rate. Readout of fluxes, fluentes, and corresponding doses in the target are provided in color coded graphic as well as numerical form on the computer monitors. Redundancy of fluence measurement is provided by an independent system using scalers and timers and by utilizing reactor power measuring instruments. Variations in neutron spectrum or spatial distribution of the beam can be rapidly diagnosed with the aid of the monitor readout.
Standing OUT/Fitting IN: Identity, Appearance, and Authenticity in Gay and Lesbian Communities

Sexuality scholars have noted the historical connection between appearance and gay or lesbian identity. However, as the social landscape for lesbian women and gay men has shifted over the past forty years, little research has documented how such changes influence gay and lesbian individuals' appearance choices as they form, manage, and maintain their identities. To explore the impact of this “post-closet” (Seidman 2002) era on the identities and appearances of lesbians and gays, in-depth interviews were conducted with twenty individuals, aged eighteen to thirty. Findings suggest that while most people use appearance to attain a sense of authenticity after “coming out,” achieving a feeling of authenticity in gay and lesbian spaces presents unique challenges as individuals come under scrutiny by the community.
Expression of microRNA-146 suppresses NF-κB activity with reduction of metastatic potential in breast cancer cells

Cancer cells often acquire a constitutively active nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) program to promote survival, proliferation and metastatic potential by mechanisms that remain largely unknown. Extending observations from an immunologic setting, we demonstrate that microRNA-146a and microRNA-146b (miR-146a/b) when expressed in the highly metastatic human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 function to negatively regulate NF-κB activity. Lentiviral-mediated expression of miR-146a/b significantly downregulated interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase and TNF receptor-associated factor 6, two key adaptor/scaffold proteins in the IL-1 and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, known to positively regulate NF-κB activity. Impaired NF-κB activity was evident from reduced phosphorylation of the NF-κB inhibitor IκBα, reduced NF-κB DNA-binding activity and suppressed expression of the NF-κB target genes IL-8, IL-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Functionally, miR-146a/b-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells showed markedly impaired invasion and migration capacity relative to control cells. These findings implicate miR-146a/b as a negative regulator of constitutive NF-κB activity in a breast cancer setting and suggest that modulating miR-146a/b levels has therapeutic potential to suppress breast cancer metastases.
Influence of Prior Distributions on Detection of DIF.

Detection of differential item functioning (DIF) on items intentionally constructed to favor one group over another was investigated on item parameter estimates obtained from two item response theory-based computer programs, LOGIST and BILOG. Signed- and unsigned-area measures based on joint maximum likelihood estimation, marginal maximum likelihood estimation, and two marginal maximum a posteriori estimation procedures were compared with each other to determine whether detection of DIF could be improved using prior distributions. Results indicated that item parameter estimates obtained using either prior condition were less deviant than when priors were not used. Differences in detection of DIF appeared to be related to item parameter estimation condition and to some extent to sample size.
Health and Aging-in-Place: Implications for Community Practice

ABSTRACT There is increasing interest in helping elders to remain independent in their homes. As the nation experiences the unprecedented growth among its oldest residents, public and private efforts are emerging to facilitate aging-in-place. However older people, particularly the oldest old, experience a myriad of issues impacting their health and ability to remain at home. This article presents the findings from a needs assessment of a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) (n = 114) that revealed multiple health-related issues among older people residing in high-need neighborhoods. The study utilized a holistic perspective of health to measure physical, mental, and social well-being among the older residents. Implications for community-based health interventions to enhance aging-in-place are discussed.
Generalized Multiperipheral Models, Pion Exchange, and the Van der Waals Gas

It is shown thsai the ABFT (Amati, Bertocchi, Fubini, Starghellini, and Tonin) multiperipheral model with a resonance kernel possesses an effective cutoff in sigma /sub n/(s) at a maximum value of n related to Ins by 2/), where ln2 < b < ln4, and n is the number of pion pairs (resonances). It is shown that this is analogous to a Van der Waalsa-like (VdW) gas (in the Feynam gas analogy) with the parameter b occurring in the equation of state p(v-b) = 1, the pressure p being taken equal to the Pomeron intercept a, and v/sup -1/ = massless-pion exchange. The results are strong-coupling results and cannot be obtained in a weak-coupling (Poisson) limit in which pv = 1. If the VdW parameter a is introduced via the prescription (p + with a generalized multiperipheral ABFST model, in which pairwise pion final-state interactions ate taken into account in an average, though nontrivial, way. We also examine an iterated resonance-plus- diffraction multiperipheral model (the schizophrenic Pomeron'' model), and find similar results for cutoffs, though an explicit analogy with the a = O VdW model is not possible. The introduction of a plus or minus O is shown to mix themore » resonance and diffractive couplings in this model. In all cases, leading-Regge- pole behavior is obtained lf it is assumed that the critical point is not reached. (auth) Quantum-number-exchange scattering is studied in the presence of a black- disk Pomeranchukon whose radius grows like the log of the energy. We find that there is a range of momentum transfers for which the Regge pole carry the quantum number is completely absorbed and leaves the physical sheet of the angular momentum plane. The high-energy behavior of the scattering amplitude is controlled not by the Regge pole, but by a branch cut in the angular momenium plane. (auth)« less
Systematic relationships in the narrow-leaved species of chenopodium of the Western United States

In a study of ten taxa ofChenopodium occurring primarily in the western United States and designated as the narrow-leaved complex, data from morphology, flavonoid chemistry, and somatic chromosome karyotypes were correlated. All taxa produce 3-O-glycosides of quercetin and/or isorhamnetin. The six taxa examined for chromosome number were found to be diploid (2n = 18).Chenopodium atrovirens, C. desiccatum var.leptophylloides, andC. leptophyllum, producing the same array of flavonoids and with similar yet distinctive somatic chromosomes, are closely related, andC. desiccatum var.leptophylloides is considered to be a distinct species,C. pratericola. Chenopodium desiccatum var.desiccatum and C.hians show reduced flavonoid complements and have similar karyotypes. Chromosomal and chemical evidence suggests that plants heretofore included inC. incognitum represent two biological entities, one similar toC. atrovirens and another identical toC. hians. Morphological and chemical data indicate thatC. subglabrum, C. cycloides, and C.pallescens are closely related. The flavonoid chemistry and morphology ofC. albescens suggest a close relationship toC. atrovirens andC. pratericola.
Profile in Leadership: Adding Definition to Leadership as a Component of KMS Success

This study investigated the constructs of Leader-ship Social Power (LSP) used by organizational leaders to influence Knowledge Management (KM) workers to bring about a successful KM implementation. Researchers have shown organizations wishing to secure, improve, or maintain KM success, should ensure their leaders: 1) are committed to KM, 2) encourage quality knowledge, and 3) promote knowledge use. The goals of this research focused on discovering how different factors of LSP impacted each of the three success factors. The current study was able to empirically demonstrate that LSP is a factor of that success and was able to predict Leadership Commitment to KM, Knowledge Content Quality, and Knowledge Use based upon predominate manner of Leadership Social Power used by the KM manager.
Fused performance of passive thermal and active polarimetric EO demining sensor

The potential for performance improvements through sensor fusion is explored for two electro-optical (EO) imaging sensors: a passive thermal IR camera and an active polarimetric system. Tests of decision-level fusion using a small data set (roughly 60 mine signatures) suggest that a significant performance improvement can be obtained by using an AND fusion approach. The source of this improvement derives from correlation among the sensors. Specifically, the sensors exhibit a strong positive correlation when a mine is present, and a negligible correlation when viewing clutter. The observed improvement is independent of the local ground clutter, but it depends strongly on the decision thresholds used for the individual sensors.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Do serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels predict short-term mortality and angiographic success?

The cardiac neurohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) can predict mortality in patients with acute coronary syndromes, but levels are usually measured within days of the start of symptoms. In this Practice Point Saihari Sadanandan discusses Grabowskiet al.'s study exploring the link between BNP levels on admission for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, short-term mortality and angiographic success.
Heat capacities of aqueous acetic acid, sodium acetate, ammonia, and ammonium chloride at 283.15, 298.15, and 313.15 K: ΔC°p for ionization of acetic acid and for dissociation of ammonium ion

We have used a flow calorimeter and a flow densimeter for measurements leading to apparent molar heat capacities and apparent molar volumes of dilute aqueous solutions of CH3CO2H, CH3CO2Na, NH3, and NH4Cl at 283.15, 298.15, and 313.15K. A correction was applied for ionization of CH3CO2H and hydrolysis of NH3. Results have been used to derive C∞p,o and V∞o for the solutes. The present results are combined with other values of C∞p,o to obtain values for ΔC°p and ΔV° for ionization of acetic acid and for dissociation of ammonium ion.
ESTIMATING DOWNTIME IN LOSS MODELING

Abstract Downtime includes the time necessary to plan, finance, and complete repairs on facilities damaged in earthquakes or other disasters. It is an essential component of loss modeling, because it is one measure of operational failure in lifelines and business interruption in buildings. Data from building repairs after the Loma Prieta and Northridge earthquakes, together with institutional risk management projections are used to define the rational and irrational components of downtime for buildings. Rational components include construction costs and time. Irrational situation-specific components take into account the time needed to mobilize for repairs and include financing, relocation of functions, workforce availability, regulatory changes, and economic uncertainty. To quantify these factors, the pace of recovery can be linked to the scale of damage in a stock of buildings in the affected region.
Using Robots and Contract Learning to Teach Cyber-Physical Systems to Undergraduates

Cyber-physical systems are a genre of networked real-time systems that monitor and control the physical world. Examples include unmanned aerial vehicles and industrial robotics. The experts who develop these complex systems are retiring much faster than universities are graduating engineering majors. As a result, it is important for undergraduates to gain exposure to these kinds of complex systems. This paper describes UPBOT, a robotics testbed hosted at the University of Portland, Portland, OR. The testbed features an extensible robot built from an iRobot Create chassis and a computationally powerful embedded system equipped with a wireless card. In the Spring 2012 semester, the testbed was used for a course project designed and assessed in the style of contract learning. Overall, students were enthusiastic about the hands-on and self-paced nature of the course, but some were concerned by the level of freedom. The lessons learned may inform other educators in project design in robotics education.
Proliferative kinetics and differentiation of murine blast cell colonies in culture: evidence for variable G0 periods and constant doubling rates of early pluripotent hemopoietic progenitors.

Several investigators have described hemopoietic colonies expressing multilineage differentiation in culture. We recently identified a class of murine hemopoletic progenitors which form blast cell colonies with very high replating efficiencies. In order to clarify further the relationship between progenitors for blast cell colonies and progenitors for the multilineage hemopoietic colonies in culture, we carried out analyses of kinetic and differentiation properties of murine blast cell colonies. Serial observations of the development of blast cell colonies into multilineage (and single lineage) colonies in cultures of spleen cells obtained from 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated mice confirmed the transitional nature of the murine blast cell colonies. The data also suggested that the early pluripotent progenitors are in G0 for variable periods, and that when triggered into cell cycle, they proliferate at relatively constant doubling rates during the early stages of differentiation. The notion that some of the pluripotent progenitors are in G0 was also supported by long-term thymidine suicide studies in which spleen cells were exposed to 3H-thymidine with high specific activity for 5 days in culture, washed, and assayed for surviving progenitors. Comparison of replating abilities of day-7 and day-16 blast cell colonies from normal as well as 5-FU-treated mice indicated that some of the day-7 blast cell colonies are derived from maturer populations of progenitors which are sensitive to 5-FU. In contrast, progenitors for the day-16 blast cell colonies are dormant in cell cycle and were not affected by 5-FU treatment. Previously we reported that progenitors for day-16 blast cell colonies have a significant capacity for self-renewal. These observations suggest the hypothesis that the capability for self-renewal is accompanied by long periods of G0, and that once commitment to differentiation takes place, then active cell division occurs.
Inositol trisphosphate receptor gene expression and hormonal regulation in osteoblast‐like cell lines and primary osteoblastic cell cultures

The inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is an intracellular calcium channel that mediates the cellular actions of a wide variety of hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. In osteoblastic cell cultures, many bone resorbing hormones increase phosphoinositide turnover, inositol trisphosphate production, mobilization of intracellular calcium, and the secretion of osteoclast recruitment and activating factors. In this study, the effects of 17 beta-estradiol, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), phrobol ester, and serum on IP3R mRNA levels were evaluated in osteogenic-osteosarcoma cells and in primary osteoblastic cultures derived from neonatal rat calvaria. Type-specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) indicated that all cell types evaluated (G-292, U-2 OS, Saos-2, MC3T3-E1, UMR-106, and calvarial osteoblastic cells) express IP3R mRNA type I; G-292, U-2 OS, MC3T3-E1, and calvarial osteoblastic cells also express type II IP3R mRNA; and UMR-106 and the calvarial osteoblastic cells express type III IP3R mRNA. Northern blot and RT-PCR analyses of human G-292 osteosarcoma cells and rat calvarial osteoblastic cells showed that phorbol ester and serum increase IP3R mRNA levels, whereas 17 beta-estradiol and 1,25(OH)2D3 decrease these levels. In G-292 cells, the effect of 17 beta-estradiol was not due to accelerated IP3R mRNA degradation and required continued protein synthesis. The results show that multiple IP3R types are expressed in osteoblasts and osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells and that this expression is regulated by 17 beta-estradiol and other osteoporotic and antiosteoporotic hormones. These findings indicate that hormonal control of IP3R expression may be relevant in the chronic regulation of osteoblast secretory activity.
Testicular needle biopsy in diagnosis of infertility

Testicular needle biopsies were performed on 10 patients who at the same time underwent open testicular biopsy. The tracts and puncture sites were explored on each of these patients, and an open biopsy was obtained at the puncture site simultaneously. Both needle specimen and open tissue specimen were fixed in Bouin solution and sent for histologic examination. In none of the cases was there found to be bleeding or extrusion of the testis at the puncture site. In one of the needle specimens, however, insufficient tissue was obtained for diagnosis. In the other 19 specimens, diagnostic accuracy was not compromised by the technique. The main differences appear to be fewer tubules obtained by the needle technique as well as decreased preservation of the interstitial tissue. This is a rapid, simple, and inexpensive method for testes biopsy which has proved to be both safe and diagnostically accurate.
MR elastography of the lung with hyperpolarized 3He.

MR elastography (MRE) is a phase contrast–based technique for spatially mapping the mechanical properties of tissue-like materials. While hyperpolarized noble gases such as helium-3 (3He) have proven to be an ideal contrast mechanism for imaging of the lung using conventional MR techniques, their applicability for lung MRE is unknown, due to the fact that gases do not support shear. In this study, we report on the application of MRE to an ex vivo porcine lung specimen inflated with a hyperpolarized noble gas. Unlike proton MRE, shear wave propagation is encoded into the gas entrapped within the alveolar spaces rather than the parenchyma itself. These data provide first evidence of the technical feasibility of MRE of the lung using hyperpolarized noble gases. Magn Reson Med, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
5α-Reductase 1 and 2 expression and activity in human ovarian follicles, stroma and corpus luteum as compared to neonatal foreskin

5α-Reductase is the steroidogenic enzyme which reduces testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone. In the human two different enzymes have been described, 5α-reductase 1 and 2. The present investigations were undertaken to determine whether 5α-reductase 1 and 2 were expressed in the human ovary, and to determine the relative activity of the two enzymes in various ovarian tissues. The ovary apparently expressed mRNA for only 5α-reductase 1, whereas the foreskin expressed both 5α-reductase 1 and 2. We compared the 5α-reductase activity at both pH 5.5 (optimum for 5α-reductase 2 activity) and 8.0 (optimum for 5α-reductase 1 activity). 5α-reductase activity of foreskin at pH 5.5 was 3900 times higher than small follicles, 1500 times higher than ovarian stroma, and 240 times higher than corpora lutea (all P < 0.01). 5α-reductase activity of corpora lutea at pH 5.5 was 17-fold higher than that of follicles (P < 0.01) and 6.5-fold higher than that of ovarian stroma (P < 0.05). 5α-Reductase activity of foreskin at pH 8.0 was 93 times higher than small follicles, 51 times higher than corpora lutea, and 170 times higher than ovarian stroma (all P < 0.01). The ratio of 5α-reductase activity at pH 5.5 to that at pH 8.0 was higher in foreskin than in corpus luteum (P < 0.05), ovarian stroma (P < 0.01), or ovarian follicles (P < 0.01). The ratio was lower in ovarian follicles than in stroma or corpus luteum (both P < 0.05).
Optical illumination optimization for patterned defect inspection

Rapidly decreasing critical dimensions (CD) for semiconductor devices drive the study of improved methods for the detection of defects within patterned areas. As reduced CDs are being achieved through directional patterning, additional constraints and opportunities present themselves in defect metrology. This simulation and experimental study assesses potential improvements in patterned defect inspection that may be achieved by engineering the light incident to the sample within a high-magnification imaging platform. Simulation variables include the incident angle, polarization, and wavelength for defect types common to directional device layouts. Detectability is determined through differential images between no-defect- and defect-containing images. Alternative metrologies such as interference microscopy are also investigated through modeling. The measurement of a 20 nm defect is demonstrated experimentally using 193 nm light. The complex interplay of unidirectional patterning and highly directional defects is explored using structured off-axis illumination and polarization.
Acceptably Pleasing: The Urban Advisors and the Struggle to Improve Freeway Design

In the face of rancorous opposition to freeways being blasted into central cities and congressional mandates to reduce noise pollution, enhance safety, and protect parks and historic buildings, fed...
Methanol Poisoning During Pregnancy-Prediction of Risk and Suggestions for Management

(1997). Methanol Poisoning During Pregnancy-Prediction of Risk and Suggestions for Management. Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 193-194.
On-site screening sigmoidoscopy promotes long-term utilization but fails as a venue for training primary care endoscopists.

Abstract Background & Aims: "Academic detailing" is an effective strategy for promoting the use of screening sigmoidoscopy by primary care physicians. The primary objectives of this study were to determine whether the sustained presence of an "outside" university-based gastroenterologist performing on-site screening sigmoidoscopy promoted long-term utilization and whether the provision for on-site sigmoidoscopy was an effective venue for training primary care endoscopists. Methods: Nine urban community health centers, including 4 intervention and 5 control sites, participated in a nonrandomized controlled trial conducted over 3 years. Results: By the end of year 3, overall self-reported use of screening sigmoidoscopy increased by 61% for the intervention group vs. only 25% for the comparison group ( P = 0.001). Ninety-seven percent of those reporting compliance referred 1 or more asymptomatic average-risk patients for screening examinations. Only 2 of 83 (2.4%) eligible providers completed on-site training and continued performing screening examinations independently. The major barriers to participation included lack of interest, lack of time to learn or perform sigmoidoscopy, concerns about technical competence, and lack of need because of on-site availability. Conclusions: Maintenance of on-site screening sigmoidoscopy services performed by an outside gastroenterologist promotes long-term utilization but fails as venue for training primary care endoscopists. Alternative strategies for expanding capacity are needed. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;122:1226-1234
Effects of calcium channel blocking agents on reperfusion arrhythmias

Abstract The effect of the calcium antagonists nifedipine (NF) and diltiazem (DT) on reperfusion after release of circumflex coronary artery (CX) occlusion was studied in open-chest dogs. Dogs were randomized to receive a bolus of 5 μg/kg NF (seven dogs), 1 μg/kg NF (nine dogs), or vehicle (nine dogs). After bolus, high and low dose NF dogs were infused with 1 μg/kg/min NF. All dogs then underwent 30 minutes CX occlusion followed by reperfusion. Dogs that did not develop ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the first 10 minutes of reperfusion were considered survivors. NF caused a dose-related increase in CX blood flow and decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP), significant at the higher dose. Reperfusion VF occurred in five of nine low dose NF dogs, five of seven high dose NF dogs, and five of nine controls. Another 21 dogs were randomized to receive a bolus of 0.2 mg/kg DT (11 dogs) or vehicle (10 dogs). Infusion rates (and an additional bolus injection, if necessary) were chosen to produce a 10 to 20 mm Hg drop in MAP. CX occlusion and reperfusion were performed as above. Reperfusion VF occurred in 9 of 11 DT dogs vs 8 of 10 controls. Thus neither nifedipine nor diltiazem enhanced survival during reperfusion of myocardium previously subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia.
The edible species of Passiflora

Of the 400 known species of Passiflora, about 50 or 60 bear edible fruits. Probably all of these are indigenous to the American tropics. Although a few species have been introduced in tropical and subtropical regions and have become the basis for local industries, the majority of the edible passion fruits are unknown outside of the limited areas where they grow wild or are sometimes cultivated. Without doubt the littleknown passion fruits could contribute valuable germ plasm to the better known species, including genes for disease resistance, climatic tolerance, yield, and flavor. Because a major use of passion fruit is in the flavoring of juices and beverages, one might expect valuable progress to result from the hybridization of these highly aromatic and yet diverse species. The passion fruits of commerce are limited in number of species. In Hawaii P. edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Degener, the yellow passion fruit, is the basis of the entire passion fruit juice industry (Hawaii Agr. Exp. Sta., 1956). In Australia, Ceylon, and India, however, P. edulis Sims, the purple passion fruit, is most exploited (Pruthi, 1963). In Australia, both the yellow and the purple forms are grown, but the former is generally used as grafting rootstock for the latter (Cox and Kiely, 1961). In South America, other species are presently of more importance. P. ligularis Juss. and P. mollissima Bailey are frequently found in native markets. P. mollissima (HBK.) Bailey is confined to high altitudes. Finally, P. quadrangularis L., a melon-like fruit, has been widely disseminated throughout the tropics and is sometimes produced commercially on a small scale. Other passion fruits mentioned in the article are seldom seen except
Rehabilitation of the disabled: the role of social networks in the recovery process

This study examines the role of formal and informal intervention systems utilized by the chronically disabled in the process of rehabilitation and recovery. In addition to formal community resources (agents and agencies), the disabled tend to rely on informal social networks (family and peers) as sources of support in the recovery process. The findings presented in this paper focus on the extent to which formal interventions and informal resources are supportive for the disabled and the effect of these support systems on outcome. The analysis is based on empirical data derived from a survey of 950 chronically disabled adults interviewed in a metropolitan community in the U.S.A. Among other findings, the evidence suggests that informal social networks play an important role in the rehabilitation of the disabled. Reliance on informal resources is enhanced in the absence of formal rehabilitation intervention, suggesting alternative modes of social support are actively sought and utilized by the disabled. Fur...
MicroRNA-510 promotes cell and tumor growth by targeting peroxiredoxin1 in breast cancer

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that are involved in the post-transcriptional negative regulation of mRNAs. MicroRNA 510 (miR-510) was initially shown to have a potential oncogenic role in breast cancer by the observation of its elevated levels in human breast tumor samples when compared to matched non-tumor samples. Few targets have been identified for miR-510. However, as microRNAs function through the negative regulation of their direct targets, the identification of those targets is critical for the understanding of their functional role in breast cancer. Breast cancer cell lines were transfected with pre-miR-510 or antisense miR-510 and western blotting and quantitative real time PCR were performed. Functional assays performed included cell growth, migration, invasion, colony formation, cytotoxicity and in vivo tumor growth. We performed a PCR assay to identify novel direct targets of miR-510. The study focused on peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) as it was identified through our screen and was bioinformatically predicted to contain a miR-510 seed site in its 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Luciferase reporter assays and site-directed mutagenesis were performed to confirm PRDX1 as a direct target. The Student's two-sided, paired t-test was used and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. We show that miR-510 overexpression in non-transformed and breast cancer cells can increase their cell growth, migration, invasion and colony formation in vitro. We also observed increased tumor growth when miR-510 was overexpressed in vivo. We identified PRDX1 through a novel PCR screen and confirmed it as a direct target using luciferase reporter assays. The reintroduction of PRDX1 into breast cancer cell lines without its regulatory 3'UTR confirmed that miR-510 was mediating its migratory phenotype at least in part through the negative regulation of PRDX1. Furthermore, the PI3K/Akt pathway was identified as a positive regulator of miR-510 both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we provide evidence to support a role for miR-510 as a novel oncomir. We show that miR-510 directly binds to the 3'UTR of PRDX1 and blocks its protein expression, thereby suppressing migration of human breast cancer cells. Taken together, these data support a pivotal role for miR-510 in breast cancer progression and suggest it as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer patients.
A model of the steep power law spectra and high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations in luminous black hole X-ray binaries

We propose a new model of the steep power law state of luminous black hole X-ray binaries. The model uses the fact that at high luminosities, radiation pressure dominated accretion discs become effectively optically thin. The gas temperature therefore rises sharply inwards, producing local saturated Compton spectra with rapidly increasing peak energy. These spectra sum together to form a steep power law tail to the spectrum. A given photon energy on this tail corresponds to a narrow range in radius, so that local vertical oscillations of the disc naturally produce high quality high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) in the hard X-ray band. The two lowest order modes have a robust frequency ratio of √ 7/3 ≃ 1.53. This model explains the appearance of steep power law spectra and HFQPOs at high luminosity, the 3:2 HFQPO frequency ratios, and their association with the power law spectral component. We predict an increase in QPO quality factor when the power spectrum is restricted to a narrower photon energy band, and an increase in HFQPO frequency at higher X-ray energies (& 30 keV) or lower luminosities. Future X-ray telescopes could detect additional HFQPOs corresponding to higher order modes. We demonstrate how this model could be used to measure black hole spin from HFQPOs, and qualitatively estimate the spin of GRO J1655-40 as a/M ∼ 0.4 − 0.7.
American Identity Revisited: The Relation Between National, Ethnic, and Personal Identity in a Multiethnic Sample of Emerging Adults

The present mixed-methods study investigated meanings and affective valences ascribed to “American identity” and the ways in which these meanings and valences relate to ethnic and personal identity. The data were collected from 2004 to 2006 and used a multiethnic sample of 287 college students residing in Miami, Florida. Subjective meanings of American identity were assessed using four qualitative questions that were coded thematically: characteristics that define the typical American, characteristics that describe ways in which one is American, qualities that make one something other than American, and the degree to which one feels American. Results suggested many similarities, along with some differences, across ethnic groups. In terms of how American one feels, ethnic minorities felt less American than Whites and believed that, regardless of their citizenship, they are not perceived as American. Responses suggested that participants believed that to be American, one must sacrifice a connection to famil...
Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells, Vascular Function, and Cardiovascular Risk

Background: Cardiovascular risk factors contribute to atherogenesis by inducing endothelial-cell injury and dysfunction. We hypothesized that endothelial progenitor cells derived from bone marrow have a role in ongoing endothelial repair and that impaired mobilization or depletion of these cells contributes to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease progression. Methods: We measured the number of colony-forming units of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral-blood samples from 45 men (mean [+/-SE] age, 50+/-2 years). The subjects had various degrees of cardiovascular risk but no history of cardiovascular disease. Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent function was assessed by high-resolution ultrasonography of the brachial artery. Results: We observed a strong correlation between the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and the subjects' combined Framingham risk factor score (r=-0.47, P=0.001). Measurement of flow-mediated brachial-artery reactivity also revealed a significant relation between endothelial function and the number of progenitor cells (r=0.59, P<0.001). Indeed, the levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells were a better predictor of vascular reactivity than was the presence or absence of conventional risk factors. In addition, endothelial progenitor cells from subjects at high risk for cardiovascular events had higher rates of in vitro senescence than cells from subjects at low risk. Conclusions: In healthy men, levels of endothelial progenitor cells may be a surrogate biologic marker for vascular function and cumulative cardiovascular risk. These findings suggest that endothelial injury in the absence of sufficient circulating progenitor cells may affect the progression of cardiovascular disease.
Ranging behavior and foraging ecology of lowland woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii) in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador.

In a year-long study, I investigated the ranging behavior of lowland woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii) in a terra firma rainforest in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador, and examined the relationship between ranging, diet, food availability, and food patch use for this population. In Yasuni the total home range sizes for two social groups were 124 and 108 ha, which are much smaller than has been reported previously for Lagothrix elsewhere in its geographic distribution. The mean yearly day range estimates for these same groups were 1,792 m and 1,878 m, which are well within the range of variation previously reported. Ranging behavior was not correlated with the current habitat-wide abundance of ripe fruit, which comprises 76.3% of the yearly diet for this population, but was associated with one measure of likely insect prey abundance and with the availability of immature fruits, a minimal part of the diet. Specifically, one study group moved significantly greater distances during months of high likely insect prey abundance and when immature fruits were abundant. The second study group also traveled farther when likely insect prey abundance was high and when immature fruits were abundant, although the latter relationship only approached significance. This group also devoted significantly more of its daily activity budget to travel during these times. These results indicate that variation in ripe fruit abundance makes no meaningful contribution to explaining variation in ranging behavior for this population of woolly monkeys. Instead, the results raise the possibility that some aspects of the ranging behavior of frugivorous primates may be related to the availability of alternative food sources, such as animal prey, or to monitoring the phenological status of important fruit trees, rather than simply reflecting the degree of intragroup feeding competition.
Courtship Progression Rate and Declines in Expressed Affection Early in Marriage A Test of the Disillusionment Model

According to the disillusionment model, dating partners may idealize each other due to romantic feelings and partners’ presenting themselves favorably to each other. However, this idealization can fade once couples marry and experience routine daily living. Highly passionate (i.e., quickly accelerating) courtships, replete with idealization, likely make partners vulnerable to subsequent declines in marital affection—or disillusionment. To test this notion, 168 newlywed couples provided retrospective survey and interview information on how passionate their courtship was and brief series of daily assessments of affectionate behavior during the first 2 years of marriage. Results from multilevel analyses showed that respondents who experienced highly passionate courtships reported their spouses as behaving more affectionately toward them as newlyweds, but experienced declines in perceived affectionate expression as the marriage progressed. Results persisted after controlling for possible confounding variables...
Monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles coupled with nuclear localization signal peptide for cell-nucleus targeting.

Functionalization of monodisperse superparamagnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles for cell specific targeting is crucial for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Targeted magnetic nanoparticles can be used to enhance the tissue contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to improve the efficiency in anticancer drug delivery, and to eliminate tumor cells by magnetic fluid hyperthermia. Herein we report the nucleus-targeting Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with protein and nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide. These NLS-coated nanoparticles were introduced into the HeLa cell cytoplasm and nucleus, where the particles were monodispersed and non-aggregated. The success of labeling was examined and identified by fluorescence microscopy and MRI. The work demonstrates that monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles can be readily functionalized and stabilized for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
The system of inequalities a rs > X r — X s

In the investigation of preference orders which are explanations of expenditure data which associates a quantity vector x r with a price vector p r ( r = 1, …, k ), in respect to some n goods, there is considered the class of functions φ, with gradient g , which are increasing and convex in some convex region containing the points x r , such that g r = g ( x r ) has the direction of p r . † Let u r = p r / e r , where so that
Learning Brain Connectivity of Alzheimer's Disease from Neuroimaging Data

Recent advances in neuroimaging techniques provide great potentials for effective diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. Previous studies have shown that AD is closely related to the alternation in the functional brain network, i.e., the functional connectivity among different brain regions. In this paper, we consider the problem of learning functional brain connectivity from neuroimaging, which holds great promise for identifying image-based markers used to distinguish Normal Controls (NC), patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and patients with AD. More specifically, we study sparse inverse covariance estimation (SICE), also known as exploratory Gaussian graphical models, for brain connectivity modeling. In particular, we apply SICE to learn and analyze functional brain connectivity patterns from different subject groups, based on a key property of SICE, called the "monotone property" we established in this paper. Our experimental results on neuroimaging PET data of 42 AD, 116 MCI, and 67 NC subjects reveal several interesting connectivity patterns consistent with literature findings, and also some new patterns that can help the knowledge discovery of AD.
Chemical apportionment of southern African aerosol mass and optical depth

Abstract. This study characterizes the aerosol over extratropical and tropical southern Africa during the biomass burning season by presenting an aerosol mass apportionment and aerosol optical properties. Carbonaceous aerosol species account for 54% and 83% of the extratropical and tropical aerosol mass, respectively, which is consistent with the fact that the major source of particulate matter in southern Africa is biomass burning. This mass apportionment implies that carbonaceous species in the form of organic carbon (OC) and black carbon (BC) play a critical role in the aerosol optical properties. By combining the in situ measurements of aerosol mass concentrations with concurrent measurements of aerosol optical properties at a wavelength of 550 nm, it is shown that 80–90% of the aerosol scattering is due to carbonaceous aerosol, and the derived mass scattering cross sections (MSC) for OC and BC are 3.9±0.6 m2/g and 1.6±0.2 m2/g, respectively. Derived values of mass absorption cross sections (MAC) for OC and BC are 0.7±0.6 m2/g and 8.2±1.1 m2/g, respectively. The values of MAC imply that ~26% of the aerosol absorption in southern Africa is due to OC, with the remainder due to BC. The results in this study provide important constraints for aerosol properties in a region dominated by biomass burning and should be integrated into climate models to improve aerosol simulations.