cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autophagy cargo receptors are secreted via extracellular vesicles and particles in response to endolysosomal inhibition or impaired autophagosome maturation

Abstract The endosome-lysosome (endolysosome) system plays central roles in both autophagic degradation and secretory pathways, including the exocytic release of extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs). Although previous work has revealed important interconnections between autophagy and EVP-mediated secretion, our molecular understanding of these secretory events during endolysosome inhibition remains incomplete. Here, we delineate a secretory autophagy pathway upregulated in response to endolysosomal inhibition that mediates the EVP-associated extracellular release of autophagic cargo receptors, including p62/SQSTM1. This extracellular secretion is highly regulated and critically dependent on multiple ATGs required for the progressive steps of early autophagosome formation as well as Rab27a-dependent exocytosis. Furthermore, the disruption of autophagosome maturation, either due to genetic inhibition of the autophagosome-to-autolyosome fusion machinery or blockade via the SARS-CoV2 viral protein ORF3a, is sufficient to induce robust EVP-associated secretion of autophagy cargo receptors. Finally, we demonstrate that this ATG-dependent, EVP-mediated secretion pathway buffers against the intracellular accumulation of autophagy cargo receptors when classical autophagic degradation is impaired. Based on these results, we propose that secretory autophagy via EVPs functions as an alternate route to clear sequestered material and maintain proteostasis in response to endolysosomal dysfunction or impaired autophagosome maturation.
Rebuilding Germany: The Creation of the Social Market Economy, 1945-1957

Preface List of abbreviations Introduction 1. Planning for reconstruction 2. The future of the Ruhr: socialization, decartelization, restoration, 1945-8 3. High hopes and disappointment: the SPD and the planning regime, 1945-7 4. Ludwig Erhard, the CDU and the free market 5. Free markets, investment and the Ruhr: the Korean war crisis 6. The social market economy and competition Conclusion Bibliography Index.
Factors Influencing Implantation and Maintenance of Pregnancy Following Embryo Transfer

It has been the general experience of programs of in vitro fertilization that pregnancies after transfer of conceptus occur no more than 15%–25% of the time. The cause of this troublesome gradient is unknown, but it may be an expression of the well-known inefficiency of human reproduction wherein pregnancies result during only 24%–31% of the menstrual cycles with normal exposure (Biggers 1981).
Cluster-Based Roof Covering Damage Detection in Ground-Based Lidar Data

Abstract Efficient assessment of building damage states in the aftermath of extreme events is critical for loss estimation and forensic investigations. Recent developments in ground-based laser scanning technology allows for robust acquisition of 3D data from damaged areas; however automated techniques are needed to reduce manual data processing work and extract meaningful damage information from the point cloud data. This research tested a clustering-based method to automatically detect wind-induced roof covering damage in scans of damaged buildings. Experiments were conducted in controlled laboratory conditions to determine the best algorithm settings and also objectively evaluate the performance of the algorithm under varying conditions. Among clustering features tested, LiDAR intensity “I” resulted in the highest damage detection accuracy with the average false detection less than 5%. Combining the k-means algorithm with clustering criteria such as the “elbow” method led to automated clustering in 82% of the tests. However, in order to achieve a fully automated method, a clustering algorithm that does not require a predetermined number of clusters must be employed.
Finding the New Normal: Accepting Changes After Combat-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Introduction More than 300,000 soldiers have returned from Southwest Asia (i.e., Iraq and Afghanistan) with combat-related mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs). Despite less visible physical injuries, these soldiers demonstrate various physical and cognitive symptoms that impact their ability to reintegrate post-mTBI. This study explores family reintegration experiences, as described by married dyads, following a combat-related mTBI. Methods Nine soldiers with mTBI and their spouses participated, and a total of 27 interviews, both joint and individual, were conducted. Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory methodology and semistructured interviews were used to collect participants’ perceptions and analyze the data. Findings The overarching theme of the reintegration experience is described as finding the “new normal.” A new normal was defined by participants as the couple's new, post-mTBI expectation of the family unit or family routine. Some participants indicated that they had accepted the post-mTBI changes and were working toward this new normal, whereas others indicated these changes were unacceptable and continued their efforts to return to pre-injury functioning. Conclusions Individuals with mTBI and their families may benefit from interventions that directly address mismatched expectations and promote the acceptance of a new normal.
Laser Heating of a Stationary Plasma

Application of lasers to plasma heating and determination of effects of inverse bremsstrahlung
Health Librarianship: An Introduction, edited by Jeffrey T. Huber and Feilu Tu-Keefner: Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2014. 295p. ISBN 978-1-61069-321-9. $75.00 (softcover).

A comprehensive handbook that synthesizes theory with practice to guide and motivate the practicing health sciences librarian, Huber and Tu-Keefner's book complements Huber's latest edition of the ...
Quantitative determination of cellulase concentration as distinct from cell concentration in studies of microbial cellulose utilization: Analytical framework and methodological approach

In analyzing microbial cellulose utilization, it would be useful to independently measure the mass concentration of cells and cellulase enzymes. Such measurements would allow investigation of the allocation of cellular resources between synthesis of cells and cellulase, in vivo cell- and cellulase-specific cellulose hydrolysis rates, and bioenergetics. Methodological protocols are not established for independent determination of cell and cellulase concentrations for the common case in which a substantial fraction of cellulase is attached to the cell surface. Alternative analytical approaches by which to develop such protocols are examined from the perspective of error minimization. For cell concentration measurement, acceptable accuracy is expected when the concentrations of a cell-specific component (e.g., DNA) is determined or when total protein is determined in conjunction with a measurement specific to cellulase. For cellulase concentration measurement, acceptable accuracy is expected when a measurement specific to cellulase such as ELISA is used. Several analytical approaches are rejected based on large expected errors.
Kinetics and mechanism of the multiple addition microemulsion polymerization of hexyl methacrylate

Monomer can be added during the polymerization of a microemulsion in order to increase the amount of polymer produced. Here reported are the polymerization kinetics of a microemulsion of water, n-hexyl methacrylate (C6MA), dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) to which the monomer is added during polymerization. The kinetic model developed by Morgan and Kaler [Macromolecules 1997, 30, 1897−1905] is used to examine polymerization mechanisms and is extended to predict the evolution of particle size. The results show that radicals initiated prior to monomer addition do not polymerize the added monomer and that monomer partitioning, radical exit, and the number of active radicals initiated prior to an addition can limit final particle size. The small increase in average particle size after each monomer addition indicates that new particles are nucleated and grow in each step.
Sensory cell fates: four defaults for the price of one.

The specification of different subtypes of olfactory sensilla, which harbor the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the Drosophila antennae, is poorly understood. Loss of the transcription factor Rotund (Rn) leads to a simultaneous mis-specification of several ORN classes, transforming them into different 'default' cell fates.
Edward G. Browne and the Iranian constitutional struggle: from academic orientalism to political activism

According to the few available cursory biographical accounts of Edward Granville Browne (1862-1926), a prominent Cambridge Orientalist who was to become the leading British authority on Iran in the years immediately preceding WWI, his initial interest in Iran was a byproduct of the affection he developed for Ottoman Turkey in his youth. In his own words, "It was the Turkish war with Russia in 1877-8 that first attracted my attention to the East."' Having developed an "admiration" for Turkey at the age of sixteen, in the process of learning Turkish Browne was to discover "that for further progress . . . some knowledge of Arabic and Persian was requisite."2 Thus began what was to become his lifelong fascination with the Persian language and Iran. In 1912, at a mass meeting organized in London to protest British and Russian policies in Iran in the aftermath of the Bakhtiari coup and the closure of the second Majlis (national assembly), the despondent Browne, who by then had spent over 5 years propagating the virtues of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution of 1906, spoke of Iran as "the country which I love after my own nation better than any nation in the world."3
A Study of Mössbauer Absorption in Iron Silicates

The Mossbauer resonance absorption was measured in various silicates containing iron. The observed isomeric shifts were in accordance with the interpretation of Walker. Even for Fe3+ ions, large quadrupole splittings were found. The analysis of the spectrum of tourmaline was similar to that of biotite.
Syringomyelia in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: True Association or Incidental Finding? (P07.141)

Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine if there was an association between Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and syringomyelia. Background Syringomyelia is a fluid-filled cavity originating in spinal cord tissue or in the central canal. Syringomyelia occurs in 50 to 76% of patients with Arnold Chiari Malformation (ACM) type 1. There are rare case reports of patients with NF1 with syringomyelia associated with ACM type 1. Design/Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients ≤ 18 years seen at the Cleveland Clinic with NF1 and had Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the spine over a 10 year period (2000-2010). Results: Of 396 children with NF1, 6 had syringomyelia (3 males, mean age 11 years). The presenting symptoms were headache (n=3) and neck and back pain (n=3). Clinically there were no neurodeficits related to the syringomyelia with none having scoliosis. MRI of the spine showed syringomyelia exclusively in the cervical cord in 4 patients and both cervical and thoracic cord involvement in 2 patients. None had intramedullary tumor or abnormal contrast enhancement. Other spine MRI findings were: ACM type 1 (n=3), paraspinal neurofibromas (n=2), and diffuse foraminal neurofibromas (n=1). Brain MRI revealed: optic glioma in 3, brainstem glioma in 1 and astrocytoma of the septum pellucidum in 1. On follow-up (mean 4.2 years) there was no clinical or radiological progression of the syringomyelia. One patient developed a brainstem glioma. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest case series showing the association of syringomyelia in children with NF1. Syringomyelia was commonly associated with ACM type 1 (n=3, 50%) but also occurred without ACM in patients with NF1. As syringomyelia can expand over time close follow-up is recommended. We believe syringomyelia may be an associated lesion in patients with NF1and merits further studies. Disclosure: Dr. Ghosh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rothner has received personal compensation for activities with AstraZeneca and M.A.P. gsk as a consultant. Dr. Rothner has received research support from GlaxoSmithkline, Merck, and AstraZeneca. Dr. Moodley has nothing to disclose.
Initial events in phytochrome signalling: still in the dark

Photo synthetic organisms require light to provide the energy necessary to convert CO2 into sugars. Given the non-motile nature of most plants, it is not surprising then that plants have developed systems to alter their growth and developmental patterns in response to the light environment. Indeed, plants exhibit such photomorphogenic responses throughout all stages of the life cycle, from seed germination to floral induction. By studying the wavelength dependence of different responses, two major classes of photoreceptors have been implicated in mediating photomorphogenesis in higher plants: blue/UV photoreceptors and red/far-red photoreceptors. It should be noted at the outset that extensive co-action between these pigment systems has been observed in various species. Until recently, however, only the red/far-red light photoreceptors, called phytochromes, have been identified and characterized at the molecular level.
Administering and managing the u.s. And soviet space programs.

This raises a fundamental question about the management, in its largest sense, of the U.S. space program and the other activities undertaken in response to the Sputnik experience. Has the whole operation represented but another highly successful one-shot exercise in crisis management, or has it represented incorporation into American society of a new way to organize, systematically and purposefully, the development and use of scientific and technological resources to the furtherance of national goals? It is too early to discern the answer to this question. But how it is answered will heavily weight any final appraisal of the comparative results of the U.S. and Soviet space programs.
Experiments for Multibeam Backscatter Adjustments on the NOAA Ship Fairweather

A series of experiments were conducted to adjust and normalize the acoustic backscatter acquired by Reson 8111 and 8160 systems. The dependency of the backscatter on the receiver gain, transmit power, pulse width and acquisition mode was analyzed. Empirical beam patterns are calculated as the difference between the backscatter measured by the sonars and the expected backscatter. Expected acoustic backscatter is estimated based on a mathematical model.
Compositional dependence of the magnetocaloric effect in La 1 − x Ca x Mn O 3 ( 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.52 )

A detailed investigation of the thermodynamic properties of ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{x}\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}(0\ensuremath{\leqslant}x\ensuremath{\leqslant}0.52)$ for possible applications in magnetic refrigeration is presented. The adiabatic magnetic entropy change $\ensuremath{\mid}\ensuremath{\Delta}S\ensuremath{\mid}$ is determined for a $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{Tesla}$ change in magnetic field using magnetization measurements. A broad double peak behavior as a function of $x$ is observed with maximum absolute values ${\ensuremath{\mid}\ensuremath{\Delta}S\ensuremath{\mid}}_{\mathrm{max}}$ near $5.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}∕\mathrm{kg}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ for $x\ensuremath{\approx}0.28$. The largest ${\ensuremath{\mid}\ensuremath{\Delta}S\ensuremath{\mid}}_{\mathrm{max}}$ values do not coincide with the maximum value of the ferromagnetic transition temperature ${T}_{c}$. The relatively large adiabatic magnetic entropy change is moderated by a large heat capacity, which leads to a modest adiabatic temperature change of about $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ for the $x=0.28$ specimen. The largest contribution to ${\ensuremath{\mid}\ensuremath{\Delta}S\ensuremath{\mid}}_{\mathrm{max}}$ occurs for magnetic field changes in the range $0\ensuremath{\leqslant}H\ensuremath{\leqslant}2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{Tesla}$; increasing the magnetic field range to $3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{Tesla}$ only increases ${\ensuremath{\mid}\ensuremath{\Delta}S\ensuremath{\mid}}_{\mathrm{max}}$ by about 20%.
The influence of intergroup competition on the survival and reproduction of female vervet monkeys

Primate groups are often larger than might be predicted from a consideration of within-group competition alone. Wrangham (1980) has hypothesized that females live in extended kin groups in order to defend food resources against other groups. In contrast, others have argued that predation pressure, rather than intergroup competition, favors sociality. Data gathered over 10 years on a population of free-ranging vervet monkeys provide more support for the food defense hypothesis than for the predation hypothesis, and suggest than female reproductive success can be influenced strongly by intergroup competition. 1. Of the three groups under intensive study, the smallest experienced the least predation, arguing against the hypothesis that large groups have evolved as a defense against predation. 2. At least three different measures indicated that larger groups experienced slightly greater infant and juvenile female survival than did smaller groups. 3. Larger groups also had larger and better quality ranges than smaller groups. Large groups were more likely to make incursions into the ranges of smaller groups than vice versa, and to expand their ranges at the expense of smaller groups. Perhaps as a result, females in small groups were more aggressive during intergroup encounters than were females in large groups. 4. Within groups, rank reversals were influenced by the presence of female kin, and individuals with female kin were able to rise in rank over those without kin. There was no evidence that high-ranking females attempted to suppress the recruitment of daughters by low-ranking females, however, perhaps because groups with many females had a competitive advantage over groups with fewer females. 5. Data from a small number of group fusions support the hypothesis that small groups benefit from the recruitment of additional females, particularly in populations in which the average group size is small and mortality is high.
Dependence of two-photon absorption excited fluorescence in dye solutions on the angle between the linear polarizations of two intersecting beams

Experimental evidence is presented showing that when two linearly polarized beams intersect and cause two-photon absorption in a dye-doped solution, the strength of the resulting visible emission strongly depends on the angle between the beams’ polarizations. The two-photon absorption strength itself is shown to depend only on the electronic transition accessed, in agreement with previously reported studies. However, for three-dimensional display applications it is the visible emission strength that the viewer perceives that is of interest. Four different dyes in solution were used (coumarin 7 , rhodamine B, naphthofluorescein, and fluorescein) and several parameters that affect the polarization dependence of the visible signal strength were identified, including the excited state attained, the relative irradiance of each pump beam, and the solvent viscosity.
The Determinant of the Hospitality Industry's Unsystematic Risk: A Comparison Between Hotel and Restaurant Firms

ABSTRACT Unsystematic risk is accepted as an important factor in stock valuation. Despite the importance, little has been done to study the relationship of unsystematic risk to stock values in the hospitality industry. This study attempted to advance the understanding of financial variables that could be related to unsystematic risk of hospitality firms. Regression models were developed for hotel and restaurant firms, using unsystematic risk as the dependent variable and financial variables as independent variables. The major findings of this study indicate: 1) more profitable hospitality companies have less unsystematic risk, 2) reducing reliance on debt financing could reduce unsystematic risk, 3) the positive relationship between operating leverage and unsystematic risk, suggesting that decreasing operating leverage could mitigate the stock price volatility of hospitality firms, and 4) large hotel and restaurant firms have less unsystematic risk than small firms. This study should help management of ho...
Mixed Convection Heat Transfer With Longitudinal Fins in a Horizontal Parallel Plate Channel: Part II—Experimental Results

Experiments have been performed to investigate the effects of longitudinal fins on laminar mixed convection in airflow between parallel plates, with the bottom plate heated isothermally and the top plate cooled isothermally. In addition to the unfinned condition, nondimensional fin spacings in the range 0.25 Ra{sub c} and persisted until Ra {approx}20,000. While data for closely spaced fins showed considerable enhancement at lower Rayleigh numbers due to the additional surface area, the development of vigorous secondary flow was delayed. Hence, for fully developed conditions and F = 0.5, Nusselt numbers for the finned surface were, in some instances, lower than those for mixed convection without fins. Results are compared to previous numerical predictions, and it is shown that agreement is good until the flow violates modeling assumptions of steady, symmetric flow between fins.
Chemical, ultrastructural and supramolecular analysis of tension wood in Populus tremula x alba as a model substrate for reduced recalcitrance

Biomass is one of the most abundant potential sustainable sources for fuel and material production, however to fully realize this potential an improved understanding of lignocellulosic recalcitrance must be developed. In an effort to appreciate the underlying phenotypic, biochemical and morphological properties associated with the reduced recalcitrance observed in tension stress-induced reaction wood, we report the increased enzymatic sugar yield and corresponding chemical and ultrastructural properties of Populus tension wood. Populus tremula x alba (PTA) was grown under tension and stem segments containing three different wood types: normal wood (NW), tension wood (TW) from the elongated stem side and opposite wood (OW) from the compressed stem side were collected. A variety of analytical techniques were used to describe changes occurring as a result of the tension stress-induced formation of a gelatinous cell wall layer (G-layer). For example, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed that the molecular weight and crystallinity of cellulose in TW is greater than that of cellulose acquired from NW. Whole cell ionic liquid and other solid-state NMR analysis detailed the structure of lignin and hemicellulose in the samples, detecting the presence of variations in lignin and hemicellulose sub-units, linkages and semi-quantitatively estimating the relative amounts of syringyl (S), guaiacyl (G) and p-hydroxybenzoate (PB) monolignol units. It was confirmed that TW displayed an increase in PB or H-like lignin and S to G ratio from 1.25 to 1.50 when compared to the NW sample. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) were also used to evaluate the morphology and corresponding spatial distribution of the major lignocellulosic components. We found changes in a combination of cell wall properties appear to influence recalcitrance more than any single factor alone.
Human carcinoma of the breast, in vitro: The effect of hormones. A preliminary report

Cortisol, estradiol-17B, progesterone, testosterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin altered 3H-thymidine uptake in tissue culture suspensions of human breast carcinoma in 10 of 20 tumors studied. In 6 patients where there was an opportunity to observe the clinical response to hormonal therapy, an apparent correlation was present between the in vitro data and clinical course. This correlation suggests that this in vitro assay may be useful in selecting patients for hormonal therapy.
Methionine oxidation by peroxymonocarbonate, a reactive oxygen species formed from CO2/bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide

Kinetic and thermodynamic evidence is reported for the role of the peroxymonocarbonate ion, HCO4-, as a reactive oxygen species in biology. Peroxymonocarbonate results from the equilibrium reaction of hydrogen peroxide with bicarbonate via the perhydration of CO2. The kinetic parameters for HCO4- oxidation of free methionine have been obtained (k1 = 0.48 +/- 0.08 M(-1)s(-1) by a spectrophotometric initial rate method). At the physiological concentration of bicarbonate in blood ( approximately 25 mM), it is estimated that peroxymonocarbonate formed in equilibrium with hydrogen peroxide will oxidize methionine approximately 2-fold more rapidly than plasma H2O2 itself. As an example of methionine oxidation in proteins, the bicarbonate-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide oxidation of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI) has been investigated via its inhibitory effect on porcine pancreatic elastase activity. The second-order rate constant for HCO4- oxidation of alpha1-PI (0.36 +/- 0.06 M(-1)s(-1)) is comparable to that of free methionine, suggesting that methionine oxidation is occurring. Further evidence for methionine oxidation, specifically involving Met358 and Met351 of the alpha1-PI reactive center loop, has been obtained through amino acid analyses and mass spectroscopic analyses of proteolytic digests of the oxidized alpha1-PI. These results strongly suggest that HCO4- should be considered a reactive oxygen species in aerobic metabolism.
Crystallization kinetics of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate from MSMPR crystallizer

Abstract The steady-state crystal size distribution (CSD) of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate in both Ca(NO 3 ) 2 H 2 O and Ca(NO 3 ) 2 H 3 PO 4 HNO 3 H 2 O systems were measured in a continuous mixed suspension mixed product removal (MSMPR) crystallizer at 19°C. The secondary nucleation rate ( B °) and the growth rate ( G ) were correlated by a generalized semiempirical power law model. Freon-113 was found to be satisfactory for washing wet crystals of Ca(NO 3 ) 2 ·4H 2 O separated from mother liquor. The influence of some impurities usually present in phosphate rock on B ° and G were examined. The results showed that impurity ions increased generally the nucleation rate and inhibited, to some degree, growth rate. The sequence of effectiveness is: Al +3 > Mg +2 > SiF 6 −2 > Fe +3 .
THERMAL PROPERTIES OF CHEDDAR CHEESE: EXPERIMENTAL AND MODELING

Thermal properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and heat capacity) of Cheddar cheese were measured as a function of cheese age and composition. The composition ranged from 30–60% moisture, 8–37% fat, and 22–36% protein (wet basis). The thermal conductivity and heat capacity ranged from 0.354–0.481 W/m °C and from 2.444–3.096 kJ/kg °C. Both thermal conductivity and heat capacity increased with moisture and protein content and decreased with fat content. The thermal diffusivity ranged from 1.07×10−7 − 1.53 × 10−7 m2/s. There was no significant relationship between thermal diffusivity and moisture, fat and protein content of cheese. No statistically significant effect (at the 10% level) of age (0 to 28 wk) on thermal properties was observed. Models predicting thermal properties as a function of cheese composition were developed and their predictive ability was compared with that of empirical models available in the literature. In addition, several theoretical thermal conductivity models were ev...
Potential Utility of Data-Mining Algorithms for Early Detection of Potentially Fatal/Disabling Adverse Drug Reactions: A Retrospective Evaluation

The objective of this study was to apply 2 data-mining algorithms to a drug safety database to determine if these methods would have flagged potentially fatal/disabling adverse drug reactions that triggered black box warnings/drug withdrawals in advance of initial identification via "traditional" methods. Relevant drug-event combinations were identified from a journal publication. Data-mining algorithms using commonly cited disproportionality thresholds were then applied to the US Food and Drug Administration database. Seventy drug-event combinations were considered sufficiently specific for retrospective data mining. In a minority of instances, potential signals of disproportionate reporting were provided clearly in advance of initial identification via traditional pharmacovigilance methods. Data-mining algorithms have the potential to improve pharmacovigilance screening; however, for the majority of drug-event combinations, there was no substantial benefit of either over traditional methods. They should be considered as potential supplements to, and not substitutes for, traditional pharmacovigilance strategies. More research and experience will be needed to optimize deployment of data-mining algorithms in pharmacovigilance.
Light, sight and fight for insight

The visual processes in the human retina begin with absorption of photons from light. This light energy is converted into electrical stimuli in a series of enzymatic steps which initiates neural responses to light. Therefore, any structural and functional abnormalities in these molecules will likely interfere with signal transduction which may ultimately lead to blindness. A new era began in 1990 with an ultimate goal of redefining and developing new treatments for the photoreceptor disorders by identifying mutations in the genes encoding phototransduction cascade enzymes. As a result of this intense investigation around the world, mutations have now been identified in eight genes, in several retinal dystrophies. Almost all of these genes encode signal transduction enzymes and all are highly expressed in photoreceptor cells. This effort has been further aided by gene disruption technology. Although there are many puzzles that need to be solved, these approaches have given some insight into the genetic eye disorders and will undoubtedly improve our understanding of inherited eye disorders in the future. This improved knowledge may eventually lead to prevention or a cure.
Stimulation of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes by chlorophenothane (DDT); The relationship to liver enlargement and hepatotoxicity in the rat

Abstract To study the relationship between induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes, liver enlargement and hepatotoxicity, we have administered DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane] to weanling male rats for 14 days. While administration of DDT at dietary concentrations of 0.5 or 2 ppm had no effect on the rate of p -nitroanisole ( p -NA) O -demethylation, concentrations of 4–750 ppm produced an increase in the rate of metabolism proportional to the log dose. Extrapolation of this portion of the dose-response curve to the abscissa provided a calculated no-effect level of 3.27 ± 1.02 ppm. At dietary concentrations greater than 750 ppm there was no further increase in p -NA metabolism. Liver weight increased in proportion to the dose when rats were maintained on diets containing 128–512 ppm DDT. Levels less than 128 ppm had no effect, and concentrations greater than 512 ppm produced a submaximal increase in liver weight. Although the total homogenate protein concentration (mg/g liver) was not affected by DDT administration, the microsomal protein concentration was increased by dietary concentrations above 16 ppm. Only in animals fed dietary levels above 750 ppm, in which there was no further increase in p -NA metabolism, were signs of neurotoxicity apparent. These results suggest that stimulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes, and the accompanying increase in liver weight and microsomal protein, are manifestations of a physiological adaptation.
Vicarious learning: Effects of overhearing dialog and monologue-like discourse in a virtual tutoring session

In two experiments, students overheard two computer-controlled virtual agents discussing four computer literacy topics in dialog discourse and four in monologue discourse. In Experiment 1, the virtual tutee asked a series of deep questions in the dialog condition, but only one per topic in the monologue condition in both studies. In the dialog conditions of Experiment 2, the virtual tutee asked either deep questions, shallow questions, or made comments. In a fourth “dialog” condition, the comments were spoken by the virtual tutor. The discourse spoken by the virtual tutor was identical in the dialog and monologue conditions, except in the fourth dialog condition. In both studies, learners wrote significantly more content and significantly more relevant content in the deep question condition than in the monologue condition. No other differences were significant. Results were discussed in terms of advanced organizers, schema theory, and discourse comprehension theory.
On the Accuracy and Utility of Piecewise-Linear Models of Ferroresonance

In a previous paper1, one of us (JMF), presented a direct and conceptually simple non-linear analysis of the compensated transformer circuit that showed all of the normal and ferroresonant modes of behavior present in the real circuit. In that paper, we gave a long discussion of the two nodes of operation as well as some criteria for determining the thresholds for spontaneous mode switching. This will be only briefly reviewed below. The technique employed was reminiscent of magnetic amplifier analysis in which the T-I loop is replaced by a straight-sided approximation. We thought that the piecewise-linear nodel gave much greater physical insight into ferroresonant behavior than previous methods of analysis, but when we were asked from the floor whether the model was capable of accurately predicting the behavior of the actual circuit it purported to represent, we were unable to answer the question. Thinking of the model more as an explanation than a critical predictor, we had not attempted a point by point numerical comparison.
Origin of anomalous mesoscopic phases in protein solutions.

Long-living mesoscopic clusters of a dense protein liquid are a necessary kinetic intermediate for the formation of solid aggregates of native and misfolded protein molecules; in turn, these aggregates underlie physiological and pathological processes and laboratory and industrial procedures. We argue that the clusters consist of a nonequilibrium mixture of single protein molecules and long-lived complexes of proteins. The puzzling mesoscopic size of the clusters is determined by the lifetime and diffusivity of these complexes. We predict and observe a crossover of cluster dynamics to critical-like density fluctuations at high protein concentrations. We predict and experimentally confirm that cluster dynamics obey a universal, diffusion-like scaling with time and wave vector, including in the critical-like regime. Nontrivial dependencies of the cluster size and volume fraction on the protein concentration are established. Possible mechanisms of complex formation include domain swapping, hydration forces, ...
Mice, Men, and Fallout: The potential danger of strontium-90 is appraised on the basis of data from animal experiments

The potential danger for man of strontium-90 from fall-out is appraised on the basis of data from animal experiments. (C.H.)
Role of the C terminus of the α1C(CaV1.2) Subunit in Membrane Targeting of Cardiac L-type Calcium Channels

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that formation of a complex between L-type calcium (Ca2+) channel α1C (CaV1.2) and β subunits was necessary to target the channels to the plasma membrane when expressed in tsA201 cells. In the present study, we identified a region in the C terminus of the α1C subunit that was required for membrane targeting. Using a series of C-terminal deletion mutants of the α1C subunit, a domain consisting of amino acid residues 1623–1666 (“targeting domain”) in the C terminus of the α1C subunit has been identified to be important for correct targeting of L-type Ca2+ channel complexes to the plasma membrane. Although cells expressing the wild-type α1C and β2a subunits exhibited punctate clusters of channel complexes along the plasma membrane with little intracellular staining, co-expression of deletion mutants of the α1C subunit that lack the targeting domain with the β2a subunit resulted in an intracellular localization of the channels. In addition, three other regions in the C terminus of the α1C subunit that were downstream of residues 1623–1666 were found to contribute to membrane targeting of the L-type channels. Deletion of these domains in the α1C subunit resulted in a reduction of plasma membrane-localized channels, and a concomitant increase in channels localized intracellularly. Taken together, these results have demonstrated that a targeting domain in the C terminus of the α1C subunit was required for proper plasma membrane localization of the L-type Ca2+ channels.
NUCLEON AND NUCLEAR CROSS SECTIONS FOR POSITIVE PIONS AND PROTONS ABOVE 1.4 Bev/c

Total ( pi /sup +, p) and (p,p) cross sections in the momentum range 1.4 to 4.0 Bev/c are presented. These measurements, with an accuracy of approximately 2%, were made at the Berkeley Bevatron by using counter techniques. Pions were distinguished from protons by means of a gasfilled Cherenkov counter. The ( pi /sup +,p) total cross section was found to be almost constant above 2.0 Bev/c at a value near 29 mb. The (p,p) cross section decreases gradually from 47.5 mb to 41.7 mb over the momentum range covered. Transmission measurements of pi /sup +/-nucleus and p-nucleus cross sections in both good and poor geometry were made at 3.0 Bev/c. Results are compared with the predictions of the optical model. An essentially exact solution of the wave equation for a potential well with a diffuse edge was used. The values of the imaginary part of the optical potential that best fit the experimental data are in good agreement with the predicted values. No strong conclusion regarding the real part of the potential was possible. Absorption and total elastic scattering cross sections for Be, C, Al, and Cu are presented. (auth)
The Students’ Side of the Question

Abstract PROFESSORS have become very well acquainted with the fact that they are asked every now and then to grade different students, but our Dean of Agriculture became interested in reversing the question entirely. He wanted students to “rate” the professors. That is, he would have each student fill out a form (Form 1) so that he would know, when he checked over the combined reports of the students, what they thought regarding the actual work and the weaknesses of the different professors. This would enable him to be of greater assistance to the different professors in overcoming their weaknesses and improve the general teaching at Texas A. & M. College. There seem to be several ways that professors treat and think of their students. One professor introduces his students to all visitors as if they were honored guests, the other simply excuses himself and speaks to the student as, “Boy, . . .
Full non-linear treatment of the global thermospheric wind system—II. Results and comparison with observations

The inclusion effects of the nonlinear parts of the convective derivative on the resulting wind pattern are considered. A comparison is made with earlier theoretical work and with winds deduced from observations.
Robotics in thoracic surgery

Surgical use of robotics, or computer-assisted surgical systems (CAS), has evolved over the last 10 years; for the treatment of chest diseases, however, the development has really occurred in the last 3 to 4 years. This brief history means that there have been few publications in the medical literature, and those that exist are mostly case reports. Moreover, because of this modest experience, robotic thoracic procedures currently take more time than nonrobotic cases and, thus, are more expensive. The surgical learning curve appears to be steep, especially for the more complex procedures. As surgeons gain greater experience and the complexity and cost of the equipment are reduced, we should expect to see greater utility of CAS in thoracic surgery.
Ultrasound, microbubbles, and thrombolysis

Although dissolution of thrombus using ultrasound has been attempted for over 25 years, the clinical use of this technique remains limited. The ability of microbubbles to potentiate ultrasound-induced thrombolysis has renewed interest in this technique, which recanalizes occluded vessels without the need for fibrinolytic therapy. In this article, the potential mechanisms by which ultrasound and microbubbles produce thrombus dissolution are explored. In vitro and in vivo studies using ultrasound alone and ultrasound in combination with microbubbles to cause thrombolysis are reviewed. Potential clinical implications of more recent findings are explored.
Neo‐liberalism in Latin America: Limits and alternatives

(1992). Neo‐liberalism in Latin America: Limits and alternatives. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 421-440.
All aortic stenoses are not created equal.

With the advent and success of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), new emphasis is being placed on patient selection to ensure successful outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR). In this regard, clinicians must appreciate that aortic stenosis (AS) is not a simple obstruction but
Self-consistent R-matrix approach to photoionization and unified electron–ion recombination

A unified scheme using the R-matrix method has been developed for electron–ion recombination subsuming heretofore separate treatments of radiative and dielectronic recombination (RR and DR). The ab initio approach within the coupled channel approximation has several inherent advantages in addition to the natural unification of resonant and non-resonant phenomena. It enables a general and self-consistent treatment of photoionization and electron–ion recombination employing identical wavefunction expansion. Detailed balance takes account of interference effects due to resonances in cross sections, calculated explicitly for a large number of recombined (e+ion) bound levels over extended energy regions. The theory of DR by Bell and Seaton is adapted for high-n resonances in the region below series limits. The R-matrix method is employed for (A) partial and total photoionization and photorecombination cross sections of (e+ion) bound levels, and (B) DR and (e+ion) scattering cross sections. Relativistic effects and fine structure are considered in the Breit–Pauli approximation. Effects such as radiation damping may be taken into account where necessary. Unified recombination cross sections are in excellent agreement with measurements on ion storage rings to about 10–20%. In addition to high accuracy, the strengths of the method are: (I) both total and level-specific cross sections and rate coefficients are obtained, and (II) a single (e+ion) recombination rate coefficient for any given atom or ion is obtained over the entire temperature range of practical importance in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas, (III) self-consistent results are obtained for the inverse processes of photoionization and recombination; comprehensive datasets have been computed for over 50 atoms and ions. Selected data are presented for iron ions.
Role of tissue factor in pregnancy complications: crosstalk between coagulation and inflammation

Bad pregnancy outcomes have been associated with increased activation of the coagulation cascade and inflammation, in particular the activation of the complement cascade. Recent studies have suggested that inflammatory processes modulate thrombogenic pathways and vice versa. We studied the cross-talk between the coagulation and the complement cascade in the pathogenesis of recurrent miscarriages and preeclampsia in mice. We identified tissue factor (TF) as a crucial mediator of fetal and placental damage in mouse models of recurrent miscarriages and preeclampsia. Increased TF expression increases the release of reactive oxygen species and antiangiogenic molecules from inflammatory cells inducing trophoblast damage and bad pregnancy outcomes. We also demonstrated that pravastatin, by downregulating TF expression, prevents miscarriages and the onset of preeclampsia in mice.
RINGS CHARACTERIZED BY THEIR WEAKLY-INJECTIVE MODULES

1. Introduction. The notation in this paper will be standard and it may be found in [2] or [8]. Throughout the paper, the notation Ac' B will mean that A is an essential submodule of the module B. Given an arbitrary ring R and R -modules M and N, we say that M is weakly AMnjective if and only if every map (p:N^> E{M) from N into the injective hull £(M) of M may be written as a composition o°q>, where E(M) is a monomorphism. This is equivalent to saying that for every map q>:N—>E(M), there exists a submodule X of E(M), isomorphic to M, such that (p(N) is contained in A'. In particular, M is weakly R-injective if and only if, for every x e E(M), there exists X c E(M) such that x e X = M. We say that M is weakly-injective if and only if it is weakly AMnjective for every finitely generated module N. Clearly, M is weakly-injective if and only if, for every finitely generated submodule N of E(M), there exists X c E(M) such that NczX = M. Any weakly AMnjective module M satisfies the closely related property that, for every submodule K of N, if N/K embeds in E(M) then N/K embeds in M. Following [10], we refer to any such module as being N-tight. If M is AMight for every finitely generated module N, we say that M is tight. Weakly-injective (tight) modules are closed under finite sums and under essential extensions. However, they remarkably fail to be closed under direct summands [11]. A natural question would be to ask for what rings is it true that summands of weakly-injective (tight) modules are weakly-injective (tight). We show that these rings are precisely the weakly-semisimple rings. Following [11], a ring R such that every right
Effect of orotic acid and cholesterol on the synthesis and composition of chicken (Gallus domesticus) serum lipoproteins

Abstract 1. 1. Chickens fed a 1% orotic acid supplement to a control diet, had similar liver and lipoprotein protein and lipid levels as those on the control diet alone. Furthermore, in vivo radioactive labelling experiments suggested that orotic acid alone did not influence the synthesis of the serum lipoproteins. In both the control and the orotic acid fed animals no label was incorporated into the serum very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). This lipoprotein fraction was almost non-existent in these 2 dietary groups. 2. 2. Addition of 1% cholesterol (group C) to the control diet of the birds induced a large increase in the VLDL concentration as well as the total cholesterol (TC) concentration of both serum and the liver. Concomitantly, a 60–70% decrease in the phospholipid (PL) along with a smaller decrease in the protein concentration of the serum high density lipoproteins (HDL) was observed. 3. 3. When 1% orotic acid was added to the cholesterol diet only about 35% of the increase over controls seen in the TC level of the VLDL and liver of group C birds was observed. Similarly, the amount of incorporation remaining in the VLDL, 4 hr after injection of label, was also about 35% of the amount that was observed in the group C chickens. 4. 4. The decline in the HDL protein and PL levels observed in the group C animals was not prevented by the addition of orotic acid to the cholesterol diet.