cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport Cycle of Mitochondrial Carriers from Internal Symmetries

Mitochondrial carriers (MC) are nuclear-encoded transporters which exchange charged molecules across the inner membrane of mitochondria. The common transport cycle of structurally and functionally similar MCs involves transitions between two major cytoplasmic-open (c-) and matrix-open (m-) states. The only available structure of an MC is that of ADP/ATP carrier (AAC) in c-state. Previous computational and experimental work have characterized the binding site and functional conformational changes of AAC, but fallen short of explaining the full transport cycle. MCs are consisted of three structurally similar repeats each composed of two helices. Based on sequence alignments of individual helices across all MCs, a model for conformational changes resulting in m-state is suggested. The model implies that the helices kink or straighten around certain key residues involving prolines and glycines, so that helices in each repeat exchange conformations among each other. In order to get a detailed realistic view of the transport cycle and to obtain an atomic resolution m-state model of AAC, we combined homology modeling with non-equilibrium driven MD simulations. Initially, we generated crude models of the m-state AAC by modeling each helix in each repeat based on its partner helix. We used the crude m-state models as targets in targeted molecular dynamics (TMD) simulations. Besides, we applied time dependent harmonic restraints on certain collective variables reflecting the conformational change between the c-state and the model m-state. The collective variables include dihedrals of the key prolines and glycines along with rotational orientations of the pieces of helices with respect to the binding site region. Here, we present plausible m-state structures of AAC and transition pathways along with several intermediates identified from the common features of the non-equilibrium simulations requiring the lowest work.
Rectal distension inhibits postprandial small intestinal motor activity partially via the adrenergic pathway in dogs

Objective. Rectal distension is known to induce numerous upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of rectal distension on small intestinal myoelectrical and motor activities in 8 dogs using a pair of intestinal electrodes and an intestinal fistula. Material and methods. Experiment 1 entailed a 30-min baseline recording and a 30-min recording during rectal balloon distension at various volumes (60, 80, 100 and 120 ml) randomly. Experiment 2 comprised three sessions, each including a 30-min baseline recording, a 20-min recording after intravenous infusion of saline, phentolamine (3 mg/kg) or propranolol (3 mg/kg), respectively, and another 30-min recording during rectal balloon distending. Results. 1) Rectal distension resulted in reduced intestinal motility in a dose-dependent manner (r=0.68, p<0.001). 2) The reduction in intestinal motility was significantly diminished when infusions of phentolamine (2.7±1.0 versus 8.4±1.5, p<0.01) or propranolol...
Active specific immunotherapy with antiidiotypic antibodies in patients with solid tumors

Tumor-associated antigens (TAA) provide appropriate targets for selective manipulation of the patient's immune response in the immunotherapy of cancer. Active specific immunotherapy utilizing antiidiotypic antibodies to anti-TAA antibodies has been implemented in phase I clinical trials both in patients with colorectal carcinoma and in those with melanoma. The theoretical basis for immunotherapy with antiidiotypic antibodies, the results of these clinical trials, and an evaluation of appropriate parameters for future clinical trials of active specific immunotherapy with antiidiotypic antibodies in patients with solid tumors are reviewed.
What the clinician can learn from MRS lactate measurements

Lactate is of special importance in brain metabolism. In the 1980s, noninvasive methods for measurement of lactate concentration and turnover rate in living brain by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy were implemented in both animals and humans, opening the way to innovative examination of lactate's role in normal and deranged brain function. Early data on elevation of lactate in human visual cortex by physiologic stimulation and turnover of pathologically elevated brain lactate pools in animals and humans suggest that the new methods are likely to benefit clinical practice both directly--by providing information useful in management of individual patients--and indirectly--through improved understanding of disease processes.
Phase changes and hydrogen release during decomposition of sodium alanates

Abstract We have constructed a hermetically sealed high-temperature cell for an X-ray diffractometer which allows in situ identification of structural phase changes during the several thermal decomposition stages of sodium alanate materials. Comparing X-ray data with thermogravimetry measurements allows identification of phase changes that correlate with hydrogen release. Measurements made while uniformly ramping up the temperature of purified NaAlH 4 indicate that all of the hydrogen release corresponds to the formation of Al or the formation and decomposition of the Na 3 AlH 6 phase. The melting of the NaAlH 4 phase does not correlate well with sample mass loss in the purified material. For as-received technically pure NaAlH 4 , hydrogen release lags both Al formation and the formation and decomposition of the Na 3 AlH 6 phase. In ball-milled as-received NaAlH 4 (ball-milled with diamond powder to achieve ∼2 μm crystallite size) there is good correspondence between hydrogen release and either Al formation or the formation and decomposition of the Na 3 AlH 6 phase, except that hydrogen release lags the phase changes by a few degrees. For purified NaAlH 4 ball-milled in either a steel or tungsten carbide jar, there is a much smaller lag in hydrogen release. For Ti doped material, the phase changes to NaH are completed at the lowest temperature observed in any of the samples, 215 °C, but the TGA measurements are not reliable because of mass loss from decomposition of the catalyst butoxide anion. Among these samples, the delay in hydrogen release does not correlate well with crystallite size; indicating that the delay is not due to hydrogen diffusion, but the delay is definitely decreased by ball milling or adding catalyst material or even impurities.
Detection as Method: Reconstructing the Past in Godwin and Freud*

Psychoanalysis emerged as a distinct science toward the end of a century that witnessed important developments in two fields using investigative methods closely resembling its own: the historical sciences – especially the new sciences of antiquity and prehistory such as archeology, geology, and paleontology – and detective fiction. Psychoanalysts, historians, and detectives employ similar methods of induction and inference in their attempts to reconstruct causal sequences of past events and weave them into a coherent narrative form. However, the new science of mind differed from the emerging sciences of prehistory and the new genre of fictional forensics in its swift adoption of a transparent “literary” model of interpretation largely untroubled by the challenges to theorization posed by new material data, as opposed to linguistic or symbolic evidence. Two figures in particular can help us trace these interlocking developments in psychoanalysis, the historical sciences, and literary detection: Sigmund Freud and William Godwin. The former drew on the fields of archeology and detection to illustrate the methodology of his new science of mind, while the latter not only concerned himself with the practice and theory of history, but also, according to many scholars of the genre, all but invented modern detective fiction and the psychological thriller.
Comparison of black‐footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and domestic ferret (M. putorius furo) courtship activity

Because of the scarcity of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) and the amount of knowledge necessary for their conservation, surrogate research can play an important role in recovery. In this paper, we investigate surrogate behavioral research potential by comparing courtship behavior of the black-footed ferret to the congeneric domestic ferret (M. putorius furo). Ten female domestic ferrets were bred to five male domestic ferrets and eight female black-footed ferrets were bred to five black-footed ferret males. Courtship activities were defined, analyzed, and quantitatively compared between both groups. Lag sequential analysis of was used to prepare the behavioral matrices, and matrix cells were compared between groups with an equality of proportions test. Courtship patterns did not differ significantly between the two closely related species, and the domestic ferret would probably be an adequate surrogate for reproductive behavior research on the black-footed ferret.
Purification and characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis KatG, KatG(S315T), and Mycobacterium bovis KatG(R463L).

Abstract Isoniazid, a first-line antibiotic used for the treatment of tuberculosis, is a prodrug that requires activation by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis enzyme KatG. The KatG(S315T) mutation causes isoniazid resistance while the KatG(R463L) variation is thought to be a polymorphism. Much of the work to date focused on isoniazid activation by KatG has utilized recombinant enzyme overexpressed in Escherichia coli . In this work, native KatG and KatG(S315T) were purified from M. tuberculosis , and KatG(R463L) was purified from Mycobacterium bovis . The native molecular weight, enzymatic activity, optical, resonance Raman, and EPR spectra, K D for isoniazid binding, and isoniazid oxidation rates were measured and compared for each native enzyme. Further, the properties of the native enzymes were compared and contrasted with those reported for recombinant KatG, KatG(S315T), and KatG(R463L) in order to assess the ability of the recombinant enzymes to act as good models for the native enzymes.
Fractionation of residual cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc in previously sludge‐amended soil

Abstract The fractionation of heavy metals in previously sludge‐amended soil is important to evaluate their behavior in the environment in terms of mobility and availability to crop plants. A surface soil that received two types of sludges at two different rates, plus fertilizer only and no treatment (control), having been fallow for nine years, was used in this study. The contents of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) fractions in previously sludge‐amended soils were governed by the total content of these metals in the sludges applied and by the rate of sludge application. The contents of these metals were higher for soils that received the Chicago sludge as compared to that receiving the Huntsville sludge. Furthermore, soils that received 20 Mg/ha/yr of sludge for five years generally had higher levels of these metals than those receiving a single dose at the 100 Mg/ha application rate. The percentage of the total content in the water soluble and exchangeable forms was very...
Thermal Hysteresis Protein Activity in Bacteria, Fungi, and Phylogenetically Diverse Plants

Abstract Thermal hysteresis antifreeze proteins have been well studied in animals, especially marine teleost fishes and terrestrial arthropods, and recently thermal hysteresis proteins were reported in several plants, all angiosperms, collected in winter. This study shows for the first time that thermal hysteresis protein activity is also present in nonangiosperm plants, fungi, and bacteria. In addition to six species of angiosperms ( Dicentra cucularia , Dutchman's breeches, tubers; Daucus carota , carrot, both cultivated and wild; Hemerocallis fulva , day-dily, bulbs; Populus deltoides , eastern cottonwood; Quercus alba , white oak, acorns; and Triticum aestivum , winter wheat), thermal hysteresis activity (THA) was demonstrated in the evergreen Christmas fern ( Polystichum acrostichoides ), a horsetail ( Equisetum hymenale ), a club moss ( Lycopodium dendroideum ), the ginko tree ( Gynko biloba ), and three mosses ( Mnium cuspidatum, Polytrichum ohioense and Brachythecium salcbrosum ). Thus, THA is present in phylogenetically diverse plants. Thermal hysteresis protein activity was also identified for the first time in two additional kingdoms, the fungi and bacteria. Fungi included fruiting bodies of the winter mushroom ( Flammulina velupites ) and the oyster mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus ) and two bracket fungi ( Coriolus versicolor and a Stereum sp.). In addition, two bacteria ( Rhodococus erythropolis and Micrococcus cryophilus ) acclimated at 3°C had THA. In plants and fungi THA was only present during winter and in bacteria when cold acclimated. Treatment of samples of certain of these organisms with protease eliminated the THA, demonstrating that the activity was due to the presence of thermal hysteresis proteins.
Sensitive method for the quantitation of nortriptyline and 10-hydroxynortriptyline in human plasma by capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detection.

A method for the determination of nortriptyline and 10-hydroxynortriptyline concentrations in human plasma by capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detection is described. The procedure requires 1.0 ml of plasma and uses maprotiline as an internal standard. The compounds are extracted from alkalinized plasma with hexane—2-butanol (98:2) and back-extracted into hydrochloric acid. The acid solution is then made basic and the compounds are re-extracted into n-butyl chloride. The extract is evaporated to dryness, derivatized with heptafluorobutyric anhydride, and analyzed by gas chromatography on a fused-silica capillary column coated with phenylmethyl silicone. The calibration curves for nortriptyline and 10-hydroxynortriptyline are linear in the ranges 3–40 and 7–90 μg/l, respectively, with coefficients of variation for within-day and between-day precision of less than 12%. The quantitation limits for nortriptyline and 10-hydroxynortriptyline are 1 and 3 μg/l, respectively. This procedure was used to analyze more than 1400 samples following sub-therapeutic doses of nortriptyline in human subjects. The assay was sufficiently sensitive for use in pharmacokinetic analysis.
Production of Alzheimer 4-kDa β-Amyloid Peptide Requires the C-Terminal Cytosolic Domain of the Amyloid Precursor Protein

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is metabolized through at least three pathways: the constitutive secretory pathway, the endosomal-lysosomal pathway and the 4-kDa A beta-producing pathway. The 4-kDa A beta (4 kDa A beta)-producing pathway which may play a primary role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is presently unknown. In the present paper, we examine the production of the 4 kDa A beta in K562 lymphoid cells transfected with a truncated APP695 construct (APP delta 652-695) encoding an APP which lacks the cytosolic C-terminal domain except the four N-terminal amino acids, KKKQ. The APP delta 652-695-transfected cells (APP delta 652-695 cells) do not secrete 4 kDa A beta compared to APP 695-transfected cells (APP695 cells). Moreover, while the APP delta 652-695 and APP695 cells secrete equivalent levels of sAPP, the APP delta 652-695 cells accumulate less APP intracellularly than the APP695 cells. These results reveal that in the K562 cells (1), the last 43 amino acid residues at the C-terminus of APP are important in targeting APP through the 4 kDa A beta producing pathway and (2) processing of APP into 4 kDa A beta is independent of the known secretase pathway.
The Social Adequacy of two Selected Samples of Geriatric-Presbyacusics with Significant Hearing Losses

(1969). The Social Adequacy of two Selected Samples of Geriatric-Presbyacusics with Significant Hearing Losses. International Audiology: Vol. 8, No. 2-3, pp. 317-324.
Persons with and without Down syndrome use similar strategies when using visual instructions for bimanual drumming.

Background Previous research suggested that persons with Down syndrome (DS) used a different strategy to drum than typical adults. Methods The present study examined continuous bimanual drumming strategies in response to different instructions in 10 persons with DS, 10 mental age-matched and 10 chronological age-matched groups. The drumming task required participants to hit two drums with the drumsticks at the same time following verbal (e.g. ‘up’ and ‘down’), visual (e.g. video of both drumsticks moving up and down together) or auditory (e.g. sound of both drums being hit, then cymbal being hit) instructions for 10 s. Sensors placed on the wrists of each participant and the end of each drumstick provided data that allowed the assessment of individual drumming strategies. Results In general, when persons with DS were following the visual instructions their drumming movements were shorter, straighter and less variable as compared with their movements in the auditory and verbal conditions. Conclusions Whether movement paths were straight or curved, the strategy was to move the drumstick and wrist together as one unit.
Concentration of Specific Amino Acids at the Catalytic/Active Centers of Highly-Conserved “Housekeeping” Enzymes of Central Metabolism in Archaea, Bacteria and Eukaryota: Is There a Widely Conserved Chemical Signal of Prebiotic Assembly?

In alignments of 1969 protein sequences the amino acid glycine and others were found concentrated at most-conserved sites within ∼15 A of catalytic/active centers (C/AC) of highly conserved kinases, dehydrogenases or lyases of Archaea, Bacteria and Eukaryota. Lysine and glutamic acid were concentrated at least-conserved sites furthest from their C/ACs. Logistic-regression analyses corroborated the “movement” of glycine towards and lysine away from their C/ACs: the odds of a glycine occupying a site were decreased by 19%, while the odds for a lysine were increased by 53%, for every 10 A moving away from the C/AC. Average conservation of MSA consensus sites was highest surrounding the C/AC and directly decreased in transition toward model’s peripheries. Findings held with statistical confidence using sequences restricted to individual Domains or enzyme classes or to both. Our data describe variability in the rate of mutation and likelihoods for phylogenetic trees based on protein sequence data and endorse the extension of substitution models by incorporating data on conservation and distance to C/ACs rather than only using cumulative levels. The data support the view that in the most-conserved environment immediately surrounding the C/AC of taxonomically distant and highly conserved essential enzymes of central metabolism there are amino acids whose identity and degree of occupancy is similar to a proposed amino acid set and frequency associated with prebiotic evolution.
Critical race theory speaks to the sociology of mental health: mental health problems produced by racial stratification.

The sociology of mental health focuses on the epidemiology, etiology, correlates, and consequences of mental health (i.e., psychiatric disorder and symptoms, psychological distress, and subjective well-being) in an attempt to describe and explain how social structure influences an individual's psychological health. Critical race theory describes and explains iterative ways in which race is socially constructed across micro- and macro-levels, and how it determines life chances implicating the mundane and extraordinary in the continuance of racial stratification (i.e., racism). This paper invoked critical race theory to inform the sociology of mental health's approach to studying race and mental health by conceptualizing five hypothetical mental health problems that could exist because of racial stratification. These problems were: (1) nihilistic tendencies, (2) anti-self issues, (3) suppressed anger expression, (4) delusional denial tendencies, and (5) extreme racial paranoia. Mental health problems such as these and undocumented others can only be recognized given awareness of the social and personal implications of racial stratification.
Rubber friction in aqueous solutions containing ions

Abstract Lubricants ordinarily operate by keeping two sliding surfaces separated. The efficiency of a lubricant may be expressed by equations of hydrodynamics where the mechanical properties of the films of lubricants are adequately defined by the properties of bulk lubricant. In the case of water lubrication of black rubber at slow speeds and low pressures the lubricating ability of water is shown to be enhanced by addition of electrolytes to the water. It is thought that negative ions from the electrolytic solution collect on each sliding surface, repel each other and prevent the close approach of two sliding surfaces. Thus a thicker water film exists between the sliding surfaces than if the ion layers did not exist. The thicker film results in a reduced viscous drag force, lower than can be accounted for by conventional hydrodynamics.
Deleterious effect of equilibration temperature on the toxicity of propanediol during cryopreservation of mouse zygotes.

Purpose: Our aim was to determine the effect of temperature and incubation time on the toxicity of propanediol on mouse zygotes.
Foundations of data envelopment analysis for Pareto-Koopmans efficient empirical production functions

The construction and analysis of Pareto-efficient frontier production functions by a new Data Envelopment Analysis method is presented in the context of new theoretical characterizations of the inherent structure and capabilities of such empirical production functions. Contrasts and connections with other developments, including solutions of some remaining problems, are made re aspects such as informatics, economies of scale, isotonicity and non-concavity, discretionary and non-discretionary inputs, piecewise linearity, partial derivatives and Cobb-Douglas properties of the functions. Non-Archimedean constructs are nor required.
Polyethylene glycol 6,000 enhancement of the clotting of fibrinogen solutions in visual and mechanical assays.

Abstract Low concentrations of 5–10 g/liter of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6,000 markedly enhance the clotting of fibrinogen solutions with thrombin. At constant polymer and fibrinogen concentrations, clotting times are linearly related to reciprocal NIH units of thrombin, thus permitting clotting units to be measured. This synthetic polymer is essentially an inert polyether with defined properties. It is readily available, very soluble, and indefinitely stable in solution at room temperature. Compared to acacia on a weight basis, PEG 6,000 is fivefold more effective in promoting clotting.
Goitrous cretinism with chromosomal aberration and defect in thyroglobulin synthesis.

A marked discrepancy between the PBI and serum thyroxine values was found in a patient with goitrous cretinism. The iodinated proteins were poorly extracted by butanol, partially resistant to pancreatin hydrolysis, and their iodoamino acid content consisted of MIT, DIT and small amounts of T3 and T4. The predominating iodinated protein in the saline extract of the patient's thyroid gland was found to behave as an albumin during ultracentrifugal, immunological, electrophoretic and salt fractionation procedures. Thyroglobulin was not found by any of these techniques. XO/XY/XXY mosaicism was found in 55 cells counted from peripheral blood. The significance of this finding in relation to the abnormality in the biogenesis of thyroglobulin is unknown.
Estimation of Critical Flow Velocity for Collapse of Gas Test Loop Booster Fuel Assembly

This paper presents calculations performed to determine the critical flow velocity for plate collapse due to static instability for the Gas Test Loop booster fuel assembly. Long, slender plates arranged in a parallel configuration can experience static divergence and collapse at sufficiently high coolant flow rates. Such collapse was exhibited by the Oak Ridge High Flux Reactor in the 1940s and the Engineering Test Reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory in the 1950s. Theoretical formulas outlined by Miller, based upon wide-beam theory and Bernoulli’s equation, were used for the analysis. Calculations based upon Miller’s theory show that the actual coolant flow velocity is only 6% of the predicted critical flow velocity. Since there is a considerable margin between the theoretically predicted plate collapse velocity and the design velocity, the phenomena of plate collapse due to static instability is unlikely.
Designing and Managing Public Housing Self-Sufficiency Programs The Youngs Lake Commons Program

This article evaluates an experimental public housing self-sufficiency program that encourages home ownership among low-income families. A quasi-experimental design, in combination with focus groups, records review, and key informant interviews, provides data to focus on four questions: (a) Do these programs simply accelerate move-outs for those who would have left without intervention? (b) Are program elements replicable given the importance of the local context in public housing move-outs? (c) How do housing authorities resolve tensions that arise between housing management and social service delivery? (d) What should housing authority response be to those who fail?
The Dark Side of Instruction: Teacher Anger as Classroom Norm Violations

Based on norm violation theory, we examined students' reactions to teachers' normative and nonnormative expressions of anger. College students ( N = 301 ) judged the appropriateness and intensity of teachers' anger in the classroom for four modes of expression: Distributive Aggression, Passive Aggression, Integrative Assertion, and Nonassertive Denial. Students rated both types of aggressive expressions as highly intense and inappropriate (or nonnormative), but assertive displays as appropriate and less intense. Additionally, aggressive expressions were negatively related to students' affect, whereas assertive expressions were positively related to affect. Findings extend norm violation theory by identifying how teacher anger should be expressed and when during the semester anger is more likely to be perceived as inappropriate. Moreover, this study illustrates how normative violations of anger are associated with negative evaluations of the teacher and course.
Constraints on interseismic deformation at Japan Trench from VLBI data

Space geodetic data from very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) was used to estimate velocity relative to the plate interiors of two sites on the deforming leading edge at the Japan trench. Elastic models of interseismic deformation and results obtained were used to put constraints on the slip rate along the main thrust of the Japan subduction zone. Observed velocities reflect the sum of permanent west-northwest shortening in Honshu, elastic deformation due to locking of the main thrust fault at the Japan trench, and deformation associated with the subducting Phillipine plate. These velocities limit the locked segment of the main thrust at the Japan trench to 27 km vertically and 100 km along the dip. This indicates that the main Pacific plate thrust fault is not strongly coupled and probably does not generate strong earthquakes.
Strong-perturbation theory for impurities in semiconductors

An improved version of the perturbation theory has been proposed. Expressions for the wave functions and energies of both degenerate and nondegenerate cases are derived. This method provides a simple way to treat problems involving more than one potential in the Hamiltonian and the case when the perturbations are comparable with or larger than the unperturbed Hamiltonian. We use this method to study the ground state of a hydrogenic atom in a uniform magnetic field of arbitrary strength in which the usual perturbation treatment is limited for most semiconductors to a small range of magnetic field. I. INTRODUCTION
Classical Complement Pathway Activation in the Kidneys of Women With Preeclampsia

A growing body of evidence suggests that complement dysregulation plays a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The kidney is one of the major organs affected in preeclampsia. Because the kidney is highly susceptible to complement activation, we hypothesized that preeclampsia is associated with renal complement activation. We performed a nationwide search for renal autopsy material in the Netherlands using a computerized database (PALGA). Renal tissue was obtained from 11 women with preeclampsia, 25 pregnant controls, and 14 nonpregnant controls with hypertension. The samples were immunostained for C4d, C1q, mannose-binding lectin, properdin, C3d, C5b-9, IgA, IgG, and IgM. Preeclampsia was significantly associated with renal C4d-a stable marker of complement activation-and the classical pathway marker C1q. In addition, the prevalence of IgM was significantly higher in the kidneys of the preeclamptic women. No other complement markers studied differed between the groups. Our findings in human samples were validated using a soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 mouse model of preeclampsia. The kidneys in the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1-injected mice had significantly more C4 deposits than the control mice. The association between preeclampsia and renal C4d, C1q, and IgM levels suggests that the classical complement pathway is involved in the renal injury in preeclampsia. Moreover, our finding that soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1-injected mice develop excess C4 deposits indicates that angiogenic dysregulation may play a role in complement activation within the kidney. We suggest that inhibiting complement activation may be beneficial for preventing the renal manifestations of preeclampsia.
Gaussian Beam Propagation through a Metamaterial Lens

We study a Gaussian beam propagation through a metamaterial lens by direct numerical simulations using COMSOL. We find that a metamaterial lens can deflect the beam significantly by either adjusting the shape of the lens or increasing the dielectric permittivity of the metamaterials.
Leishmania major Infection Activates NF-κB and Interferon Regulatory Factors 1 and 8 in Human Dendritic Cells

The salient feature of dendritic cells (DC) is the initiation of appropriate adaptive immune responses by discriminating between pathogens. Using a prototypic model of intracellular infection, we previously showed that Leishmania major parasites prime human DC for efficient interleukin-12 (IL-12) secretion. L. major infection is associated with self-limiting cutaneous disease and powerful immunity. In stark contrast, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, Leishmania donovani, does not prime human DC for IL-12 production. Here, we report that DC priming by L. major infection results in the early activation of NF-κB transcription factors and the up-regulation and nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) and IRF-8. The inhibition of NF-κB activation by the pretreatment of DC with caffeic acid phenethyl ester blocks L. major-induced IRF-1 and IRF-8 activation and IL-12 expression. We further demonstrate that IRF-1 and IRF-8 obtained from L. major-infected human DC specifically bind to their consensus binding sites on the IL-12p35 promoter, indicating that L. major infection either directly stimulates a signaling cascade or induces an autocrine pathway that activates IRF-1 and IRF-8, ultimately resulting in IL-12 transcription.
Escherichia coli radD (yejH) gene: a novel function involved in radiation resistance and double-strand break repair

Summary A transposon insertion screen implicated the yejH gene in the repair of ionizing radiation-induced damage. The yejH gene, which exhibits significant homology to the human transcription-coupled DNA repair gene XPB, is involved in the repair of double-strand DNA breaks. Deletion of yejH significantly sensitized cells to agents that cause double-strand breaks (ionizing radiation, UV radiation, ciprofloxacin). In addition, deletion of both yejH and radA hypersensitized the cells to ionizing radiation, UV and ciprofloxacin damage, indicating that these two genes have complementary repair functions. The ΔyejH ΔradA double deletion also showed a substantial decline in viability following an induced double-strand DNA break, of a magnitude comparable with the defect measured when the recA, recB, recG or priA genes are deleted. The ATPase activity and C-terminal zinc finger motif of yejH play an important role in its repair function, as targeted mutant alleles of yejH did not rescue sensitivity. We propose that yejH be renamed radD, reflecting its role in the DNA repair of radiation damage.
An adaptive sampling scheme for improved energy utilization in wireless sensor networks

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a novel adaptive sampling algorithm for reducing energy consumption in data acquisition and communication subsystems of a wireless sensor node. The algorithm uses isochronous measurements of the frequency content of the signal as the basis for adaptively varying the sampling rate. This allows signal acquisition at the minimum rate without sacrificing signal quality. Simulation results indicate that the algorithm dynamically responds to changes in the frequency content by adjusting the sampling rate, thus achieving a significant reduction in the energy consumed in acquisition and communication, with only a minimal loss in signal fidelity.
The refraction phenomena in the shock wave dispersion on plasma inhomogenieties

Recently we introduced a new mechanism of the shock wave SW) dispersion on a boundary between two mediums with different temperatures [1]. The need of bringing up this mechanism was to explain the odd shapes of the deflection signals from the shock wave as it entered the hot discharge regions with strong temperature gradients. Now we consider same effect but under specific conditions on the interface with weak gradients at the interface, but stronger in the bulk. These conditions appear more realistic for most applications, and what is also important, the SW dispersion in this case becomes stronger. We derive all relations using the approach similar to [1]. Then the model applied to calculate the shock wave dispersion on a plasma sphere numerically and compared with the existing experiments. The strength of the effect is demonstrated by comparing results of calculation for different conditions on the interface. Comparative calculations show significant difference in the shock front shapes and they are in complete agreement with the experiments. The advantage of the proposed model is that it offers rather simple method of calculations which can cut the computational cost substantially by eliminating the need to employ laborious and sophisticated numerical procedures. More results are underway which can contribute to understanding of basic phenomena in weakly ionized gases, combustion, and fluid dynamics on the interfaces.
Portfolio Analysis with General Deviation Measures

Generalized measures of deviation, as substitutes for standard deviation, are considered in a framework like that of classical portfolio theory for coping with the uncertainty inherent in achieving rates of return beyond the risk-free rate. Such measures, associated for example with conditional value-at-risk and its variants, can reflect the different attitudes of different classes of investors. They lead nonetheless to generalized one-fund theorems as well as to covariance relations which resemble those commonly used in capital asset pricing models (CAPM), but have wider interpretations. A more customized version of portfolio optimization is the aim, rather than the idea that a single "master fund" might arise from market equilibrium and serve the interests of all investors. The results cover discrete distributions along with continuous distributions, and therefore are applicable in particular to financial models involving finitely many future states, whether introduced directly or for purposes of numerical approximation. Through techniques of convex analysis, they deal rigorously with a number of features that have not been given much attention in this subject, such as solution nonuniqueness, or nonexistence, and a potential lack of differentiability of the deviation expression with respect to the portfolio weights. Moreover they address in detail the previously neglected phenomenon that, if the risk-free rate lies above a certain threshold, a master fund of the usual type will fail to exist and need to be replaced by one of an alternative type, representing a "net short position" instead of a "net long position" in the risky instruments.
Effect of long-term ovariectomy and estrogen replacement on the expression of estrogen receptor gene in female rats

Objective: Estrogen exerts a wide variety of actions involving many target tissues. We studied the effects of long-term ovariectomy (OVX) and OVX with 17b-estradiol treatment (OVXE2) on the level of estrogen receptor (ER) gene expression in target tissues of female rats. Design: Three groups of Sprague‐Dawley female rats were utilized in this study: sham operated (SO), OVX and OVXE2. Methods: SO and OVX were performed 2 weeks before starting the 17b-estradiol treatment. All groups were maintained on liquid diet for 12 weeks from the time of estradiol treatment. Total RNA was prepared from the tissues of the rats and relative quantitative reverse transcription PCR was utilized to compare the ER a-subtype (ERa) mRNA level in the three groups for each target tissue. Results: Following long-term OVX, the levels of ERa expression showed a significant increase in the uterus, kidney and cerebral cortex and no significant change in the liver, cerebellum, brainstem, heart and thoracic and abdominal aorta compared with their SO levels. On the other hand, a 12-week treatment of OVX rats with 17b-estradiol restored the previously upregulated ERa mRNA to near SO levels except for the liver where the 17b-estradiol treatment resulted in a significant increase in the ERa mRNA level compared with that in SO rats. Conclusions: We conclude that the regulation of ERs by its ligand is tissue specific.
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE HEPATOTOXICITY: AN EXAMPLE OF LETHAL CLEAVAGE

(1973). Carbon Tetrachloride Hepatotoxicity: An Example of Lethal Cleavage. CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 263-297.
A parallel computational approach using a cluster of IBM ES/3090 600Js for physical mapping of chromosomes

A standard technique for mapping a chromosome is to randomly select pieces, to use restriction enzymes to cut these pieces into fragments, and then to use the fragments for estimating the probability of overlap of these pieces. The authors describe a computational approach which has been used in the mapping of human chromosome 16 at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In particular, they describe 6-way and clustered implementations of an IBM Clustered Fortran program for detection of fragment overlap, with specific attention paid to problem partitioning, task structure, synchronization, and other factors which allow this type of code to perform well on a cluster of shared-memory multiprocessors. Measurements for one, six, and twelve processors for reduced problem sizes are included. >
Effects of adolescent manic symptoms on agreement between youth, parent, and teacher ratings of behavior problems.

Abstract Background Little is known about the extent to which manic symptoms might influence the self-report ratings of adolescents as compared to parent and teacher ratings, although there are clinical reasons to believe that mania would increase disagreement. Methods Parents and youths between the ages of 11 and 17 years were evaluated with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (KSADS), Young Mania Rating Scale, and Child Depression Rating Scale-Revised. Based on the KSADS results, subjects were assigned to either a bipolar spectrum group (e.g., meeting criteria for a diagnosis of bipolar I, II, cyclothymia, or NOS) or a “nonbipolar” group (including depressive disorders, disruptive behaviors disorders, and other axis I diagnoses). Parents and youths both completed the Achenbach rating scales and the General Behavior Inventory (GBI). Teachers also completed the Achenbach scales. Results Youth self-report of manic symptoms showed lower correlations with clinician ratings than did parent ratings. Youths with a bipolar diagnosis also show poorer agreement about their depressive symptoms. There was some evidence that bipolar youths underreported symptoms, even after controlling for parent history of mood disorder. The youth's own manic symptoms partially mediated the effect of a bipolar diagnosis on rater disagreement. Limitations Diagnoses and mood ratings were based on both parent and youth interviews. Conclusions Findings strongly suggest that cross-informant agreement can be substantially affected by the youth's own psychopathology. Youths with a bipolar diagnosis tend to underreport their manic symptoms compared to parental report. Results emphasize the importance of gathering collateral sources of information in evaluating juvenile mania, and also suggest that parent reported problems should not be discounted out of hand.
Implications of neuroscientific research on teaching algebra

The author explores cognitive and neural processes of associations, pattern recognition, attention, visualisations, priming, meaning, distributed learning and the enriched teaching environment. The processes are then applied to the teaching and learning of algebra.
Steam-Methane Reforming in a Microchannel Under Constant and Variable Axial Surface Temperature Profiles

An experimental study of steam methane reforming in a microchannel is presented. Palladium nanoparticles, deposited on a porous aluminized FeCrAlY felt, served as catalyst sites for the reforming reactions. Parametric studies of steam-methane ratio, residence time, average reactor temperature, and temperature distribution were performed. Results demonstrated in excess 60 percent conversion of methane at an average reactor temperature of 900°C and the lowest experimented residence time of 26 milliseconds. Methane conversion was found to be strongly dependent on reactor temperature. Ramping temperature distributions demonstrated a 46 percent greater hydrogen output than isothermal reactions performed at the same average temperature.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Longitudinal Experiences of Children Remaining at Home after a First-Time Investigation for Suspected Maltreatment

OBJECTIVE: To describe longitudinal change in risk for children remaining at home following a first-time investigation for suspected maltreatment. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of children remaining at home following first-time investigation for maltreatment using a nationally representative sample of households involved with Child Protective Services. Outcomes include poverty, social support, caregiver depression, intimate partner violence (IPV), drug/alcohol dependence, corporal punishment, and child behavior problems at baseline, 18, and 36 months following first-time Child Protective Services investigation. We present longitudinal models to (1) estimate prevalence of risk factors at each timepoint; and (2) examine associations between risk-specific service referrals and longitudinal change in risk factor prevalence. RESULTS: Our sample represented 1 057 056 US children remaining at home following first-time investigation for maltreatment. Almost 100 000 (9.2%) children experienced out-of-home placement within 36 months. The prevalence of poverty (44.3%), poor social support (36.3%), caregiver depression (24.4%), IPV (22.1%), and internalizing (30.0%) and externalizing (35.8%) child behavior problems was above general population prevalence at baseline and remained high over the next 36 months. Referral to risk-specific services occurred in a minority of cases, but was associated with significant longitudinal reductions in IPV, drug/alcohol dependence, and externalizing child behavior problems. CONCLUSIONS: Children remaining at home following a first-time investigation for maltreatment live with persistent risk factors for repeat maltreatment. Appropriate service referrals are uncommon, but may be associated with meaningful reduction in risk over time. Pediatricians and policy makers may be able to improve outcomes in these families with appropriate service provision and referrals. Language: en
Did Massachusetts Health Care Reform Lower Mortality? No According to Randomization Inference

In an earlier article, Sommers, Long, and Baicker concluded that health care reform in Massachusetts was associated with a significant decrease in mortality. I replicate the findings from this stud...
Dynamic Rear-End Collision Mitigation for a Vehicle About to be Struck

Increases in sensing and computing capability in modern vehicles create opportunities for improving safety through active control of the vehicle motion. A system for mitigating rear-end collisions is introduced, focusing on the strategies a vehicle about to be struck could employ to reduce the severity of the crash. Due to high differential speeds and tight space constraints, the timing and precision of control inputs are critical, preventing human drivers from effectively employing these strategies. However, the results of the study presented in this paper suggest that there are relatively unobtrusive strategies that a single vehicle with some limited autonomy could use in joining a roadway queue that would improve the safety of the occupants.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Facilitating native land reacquisition in the rural USA through collaborative research and Geographic Information Systems

A large proportion of American Indian reservation lands are owned by non-Indian entities. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool for visualising land tenure changes, and public participation GIS (PPGIS) is one approach for using spatial technologies to facilitate the identification and reacquisition of reservation lands by tribes. While some tribes have successfully harnessed GIS for land management and for systematically identifying lands for reacquisition, others struggle to implement land management systems such as GIS for these purposes. This paper situates PPGIS in relation to other forms of participatory action research and outlines our use of a PPGIS framework to engage undergraduate geography students in the mapping of land tenure status on ten rural Minnesota Indian reservations as part of a collaborative partnership with the Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF). A PPGIS framework allowed us to collaboratively define research goals in response to tribal community needs and provided structure for student work with partner reservations to develop and implement tailored mapping and analysis techniques. Two sets of findings are significant. First, the assembly of a standardised set of maps for American Indian reservations in Minnesota provides a tremendous visual and analytical resource for ILTF and individual tribes to pursue land reacquisition within reservation boundaries. Second, from a PPGIS perspective, we found that working with a coordinating or ‘bridging’ organisation provided key benefits by enabling education of both the student–faculty partners and the individual tribes. The PPGIS model empowered both partners by allowing tribes to harness a powerful technology to assist in visualising land-based assets and allowing students to contribute to native land reacquisition efforts through application of their GIS skills. This mapping helps facilitate economic and cultural viability in tribal communities by providing an important visual catalogue of existing land-based assets, in support of future land acquisition and economic development planning.