cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene and protein-based therapies for improving cardiac performance and regeneration

Abstract Gene-based therapy is a relatively novel treatment which has the ability to target intracellular disease-specific manifestations in the setting of cardiac dysfunction. Gene transfer offers an option to treat the mutated or failing cardiomyocytes via introducing genetic material into the cells. Achieving efficient cardiac gene therapy requires the application and interaction of several essential factors including: the selection of an appropriate cardiac-tropic vector and promoter, creation of effective modes of gene transfer, and validation of the correct transgene molecular targets. In this chapter we survey gene and protein-based approaches for the enhancement of cardiac function in heart failure and improvement of right ventricular function in pulmonary arterial hypertension, and discuss emerging concepts and innovation in cardiac regeneration.
An Artificial-Neural-Network-Based Model for Real-Time Dispatching of Electric Autonomous Taxis

This paper presents a real-time dispatching model for electric autonomous vehicle (EAV) taxis that combines mathematical programming and machine learning. The EAV taxi dispatching problem is formulated and solved as an integer linear program that maximizes the total reward for serving customers. The optimal dispatch solutions are generated by simulating electric autonomous taxis that are dispatched by the optimization model. The artificial-neural-network-(ANN)-based model was trained using the optimization model's dispatch solutions to learn the optimal dispatch strategies. Although the dispatch decisions made by the ANN-based model are not optimal, the system's performance is very close to the optimization dispatch model in terms of customer service and taxis' operational efficiency. In addition, the ANN-based dispatch model runs much faster. By comparing with current taxis, it was found that the EAV taxis dispatched by our ANN-based model can improve operational efficiency by reducing empty travel distance. EAV taxis can also reduce fleet size by 15% while maintaining a comparable level of service with the current taxi fleet.
Is it metastatic melanoma or is it sarcoidosis? Non-caseating granulomas due to pembrolizumab.

A 61-year-old man with a history of multiple basal cell carcinoma presented with a nodular, pigmented lesion on the left side of his scalp. A shave biopsy revealed malignant melanoma. The patient then underwent wide local excision of the melanoma, with left occipital sentinel lymph node negative for
A socioecological framework for engaging substance-using pregnant persons in longitudinal research: Multi-stakeholder perspectives

Abstract Objective Understanding the impact of substance use during pregnancy on fetal development and child health is essential for designing effective approaches for reducing prenatal substance exposures and improving child outcomes. Research on the developmental impacts of prenatal substance exposure has been limited by legal, ethical, and practical challenges. This study examined approaches to engage substance-using (with an emphasis on opioids) pregnant persons in longitudinal research, from multi-stakeholder perspectives. Methods The present study solicited the expertise of 1) an advisory group of community stakeholders, including people with lived experienced of opioid/substance use; and 2) an online survey with content experts. Qualitative analysis examined facilitators and barriers to recruiting and retaining substance-using pregnant persons through a socioecological lens at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. Results Stakeholders (N = 19) prioritized stigma, loss of confidentiality, legal consequences, and instability (e.g., homelessness and poverty) as important barriers that prevent substance-using persons from enrolling in research studies. Of 70 survey respondents, most self-identified as researchers (n = 37), followed by clinicians (n = 19), and ‘others’ (n = 14). Survey respondents focused on retention strategies that build trusting relationships with participants, including incentives (e.g., transportation and childcare support), participant-friendly study design, and team-related factors, (e.g., attitudes and practices). Conclusion The stakeholder input and survey data offer key insights strengthening our understanding of facilitators and barriers to research participation, and ways to overcome barriers among substance-using pregnant persons. A socioecological framework can be used to identify and address these factors to increase recruitment and long-term retention of high-risk populations.
Effects of Smoked Marijuana on the Lung and Its Immune Defenses

Abstract Habitual marijuana smoking may cause a number of potentially harmful effects on the lung, including the following: (1) acute and chronic bronchitis; (2) extensive histopathologic alterations in the cells lining the bronchial passages that could impair mucociliary clearance or predispose to malignancy; (3) increased accumulation of inflammatory cells (alveolar macrophages) in the lung; and (4) impairment in the function of these important immune-effector cells, including their ability to kill microorganisms and to produce protective pro-inflammatory cytokines. The major potential pulmonary consequences of habitual marijuana use are pulmonary infection and respiratory cancer. Infectious complications could be due to smoking-related damage to the muco-ciliary clearance mechanism, marijuana-related impairment in the antimicrobial function of alveolar macrophages and/or fungal or bacterial contamination of marijuana. Patients with pre-existing immune deficits due to AIDS could be particularly suscepti...
The Role of IL-10 in Promoting Disease Progression in Leishmaniasis

To determine the role of IL-10 in cutaneous leishmaniasis, we examined lesion development following Leishmania major infection of genetically susceptible BALB/c mice lacking IL-10. Whereas normal BALB/c mice developed progressive nonhealing lesions with numerous parasites within them, IL-10(-/-) BALB/c mice controlled disease progression, and had relatively small lesions with 1000-fold fewer parasites within them by the fifth week of infection. We also examined a mechanism whereby Leishmania induced the production of IL-10 from macrophages. We show that surface IgG on Leishmania amastigotes allows them to ligate Fc gamma receptors on inflammatory macrophages to preferentially induce the production of high amounts of IL-10. The IL-10 produced by infected macrophages prevented macrophage activation and diminished their production of IL-12 and TNF-alpha. In vitro survival assays confirmed the importance of IL-10 in preventing parasite killing by activated macrophages. Pretreatment of monolayers with either rIL-10 or supernatants from amastigote-infected macrophages resulted in a dramatic enhancement in parasite intracellular survival. These studies indicate that amastigotes of Leishmania use an unusual and unexpected virulence factor, host IgG. This IgG allows amastigotes to exploit the antiinflammatory effects of Fc gamma R ligation to induce the production of IL-10, which renders macrophages refractory to the activating effects of IFN-gamma.
Clinical Implications of Rabphillin-3A-Like Gene Alterations in Breast Cancer.

For the rabphillin-3A-like (RPH3AL) gene, a putative tumor suppressor, the clinical significance of genetic alterations in breast cancers was evaluated. DNA and RNA were extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cancers and matching normal tissues. DNA samples were assessed for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the 17p13.3 locus of RPH3AL and the 17p13.1 locus of the tumor suppressor, TP53. RPH3AL was sequenced, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. RNA samples were evaluated for expression of RPH3AL, and FFPE tissues were profiled for its phenotypic expression. Alterations in RPH3AL were correlated with clinicopathological features, LOH of TP53, and patient survival. Of 121 cancers, 80 had LOH at one of the RPH3AL locus. LOH of RHP3AL was associated with nodal metastasis, advanced stage, large tumor size, and poor survival. Although ~50% were positive for LOH at the RPH3AL and TP53 loci, 19 of 105 exhibited LOH only at the RPH3AL locus. Of these, 12 were non-Hispanic Caucasians (Whites), 15 had large tumors, and 12 were older (>50 years). Patients exhibiting LOH at both loci had shorter survival than those without LOH at these loci (log-rank, P = 0.014). LOH at the TP53 locus alone was not associated with survival. Analyses of RPH3AL identified missense point mutations in 19 of 125 cases, a SNP (C>A) in the 5’untranslated region at -25 (5’UTR-25) in 26 of 104, and a SNP (G>T) in the intronic region at 43 bp downstream to exon-6 (intron-6-43) in 79 of 118. Genotype C/A or A/A of the SNP at 5’UTR-25 and genotype T/T of a SNP at intron-6-43 were predominantly in Whites. Low levels of RNA and protein expression of RPH3AL were present in cancers relative to normal tissues. Thus, genetic alterations in RPH3AL are associated with aggressive behavior of breast cancers and with short survival of patients.
Depressive symptoms and the risk of incident delirium in older hospitalized adults.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether specific subsets of symptoms from the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), assessed at hospital admission, were associated with the incidence of delirium. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients from the Delirium Prevention Trial. SETTING: General medicine service at Yale New Haven Hospital, March 25, 1995, through March 18, 1998. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred sixteen patients aged 70 and older who were at intermediate or high risk for delirium and were not taking antidepressants at hospital admission. MEASUREMENTS: Depressive symptoms were assessed GDS, and daily assessments of delirium were obtained using the Confusion Assessment Method. RESULTS: Of the 416 patients in the analysis sample, 36 (8.6%) developed delirium within the first 5 days of hospitalization. Patients who developed delirium reported 5.7 depressive symptoms on average, whereas patients without delirium reported an average of 4.2 symptoms. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, it was found that depressive symptoms assessing dysphoric mood and hopelessness were predictive of incident delirium, controlling for measures of physical and mental health. In contrast, symptoms of withdrawal, apathy, and vigor were not significantly associated with delirium. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that assessing symptoms of dysphoric mood and hopelessness could help identify patients at risk for incident delirium. Future studies should evaluate whether nonpharmacological treatment for these symptoms reduces the risk of delirium.
E-Mail Reference: Who, When, Where, and What Is Asked.

Summary This article begins by summarizing national findings of e-mail reference services in academic and public libraries. It next describes types of e-mail reference services as well as commonalities, differences, appearance of the question form, audience, and turnaround time for selected Colorado libraries. The article then focuses on giving a detailed overview and analysis of two years of Colorado State University's e-mail reference experiences. The number, type of question, who/where the questions come from, and to whom the questions are sent are examined. The unexpected uses of the service are identified. Lastly, broader issues to do with e-mail reference services are discussed. This article is based on a presentation given at the Internet Librarian2000 conference.
Control of macrophage metabolism and activation by mTOR and Akt signaling

Macrophages are pleiotropic cells that assume a variety of functions depending on their tissue of residence and tissue state. They maintain homeostasis as well as coordinate responses to stresses such as infection and metabolic challenge. The ability of macrophages to acquire diverse, context-dependent activities requires their activation (or polarization) to distinct functional states. While macrophage activation is well understood at the level of signal transduction and transcriptional regulation, the metabolic underpinnings are poorly understood. Importantly, emerging studies indicate that metabolic shifts play a pivotal role in control of macrophage activation and acquisition of context-dependent effector activities. The signals that drive macrophage activation impinge on metabolic pathways, allowing for coordinate control of macrophage activation and metabolism. Here we discuss how mTOR and Akt, major metabolic regulators and targets of such activation signals, control macrophage metabolism and activation. Dysregulated macrophage activities contribute to many diseases, including infectious, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases and cancer, thus a better understanding of metabolic control of macrophage activation could pave the way to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Role of oxygen free radicals in carcinogenesis and brain ischemia.

Even though oxygen is necessary for aerobic life, it can also participate in potentially toxic reactions involving oxygen free radicals and transition metals such as Fe that damage membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids. Oxygen free radical reactions and oxidative damage are in most cases held in check by antioxidant defense mechanisms, but where an excessive amount of oxygen free radicals are produced or defense mechanisms are impaired, oxidative damage may occur and this appears to be important in contributing to several pathological conditions including aging, carcinogenesis, and stroke. Several newer methods, such as in vivo spin-trapping, have become available to monitor oxygen free radical flux and quantitate oxidative damage. Using a combination of these newer methods collectively focused on one model, recent results show that oxidative damage plays a key role in brain injury that occurs in stroke. Subtle changes, such as oxidative damage-induced loss of glutamine synthetase activity, may be a key ...
Investment Efficiency through Compensation Schemes Based upon Free Cash Flow

This paper examines the efficiency of compensation schemes based upon free cash flows with accumulated bonus. These schemes are called "partnerships" because they are reminiscent of professional partnerships in which the partners' accumulated capital cannot be withdrawn before departure. It is shown that partnerships induce agents to take investment decisions consistent with the maximization of shareholder value independently of their preferences and without requiring the principal to know the time pattern of cash flows. This result assumes that the probability distribution of the bonus is independent of the investment choice. Otherwise, the agent's investment decision departs from the shareholders' optimum. But it is shown that, under certain conditions likely to be fulfilled by high expected growth activities, the variance of the bonus decreases with the length of the partnership.
Regulation of the very late antigen-4-mediated adhesive activity of normal and nonreleaser basophils: roles for Src, Syk, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Normal human basophils express the integrin, VLA-4, and cross-linking their high-affinity IgE receptor, FcepsilonRI, increases their VLA-4-dependent adhesion to VCAM-1-transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Here we show that the FcepsilonRI-mediated up-regulation of normal basophil VLA-4 adhesion is abolished by the Src inhibitor, PP1, the Syk inhibitor, ER-27319, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. PP1, but not ER-27319 or wortmannin, also reduces basal adhesion and adhesion stimulated by chemotactic peptide, by Ca(++) ionophores, and by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Nonreleaser basophils (the consistently Syk-deficient, variably Lyn-deficient, severely degranulation-impaired cells found in about 10% of donors) share the PP1 phenotype of lowered basal adhesion, no FcepsilonRI-mediated adhesion up-regulation, and reduced adhesive responses to chemoattractant ionophores and PMA. These results implicate Src kinases in the control of basal VLA-4 activity and place Syk and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the pathway linking FcepsilonRI cross-linking to VLA-4 up-regulation. Both Src and Syk-regulated components of adhesion may be impaired in nonreleaser basophils.
The effect of restricted and unrestricted verdict options on juror choice

Data on the effect of limiting the number of verdict options open to jurors on the probability of acquittal are reanalyzed. Strong support is found for a model which postulates that jurors' preferences are single peaked with respect to an underlying verdict severity continuum. Limited support is found for an anchoring effect in which the addition of new verdict options affects the perceived relative fairness of other verdict options. The implication of the single-peakedness model is that some jurors will refuse to vote for conviction if the verdict (punishment) is seen as too harsh even though the defendant is perceived to be guilty of committing a crime.
Novel fusion algorithms for medical ultrasound tomography

Ultrasound tomography is a bioimaging method that combines the geometry of X-ray computed tomography with the non-ionizing energy of ultrasound. This modality has potential clinical utility in breast cancer screening and diagnosis. In conventional ultrasound tomography, data sets from different interrogation angles are used to reconstruct an estimate of a biomechanical property of the tissue, such as sound velocity, in the form of an image. Here we describe an alternative method of reconstruction using novel algorithms which weight the data based on a "quality" score. The quality score is derived from beamforming characteristics, for example, the weighting of angle-dependent data by its distance from the transmit focal zones. The new approach is that for each data set (taken at a different view angle), the reliability of the data (in the range dimension) is assumed to vary. By fusing (combining) the data based on the quality score, a complete image is formed. In this paper, we describe the construction of a rotational translation stage and tissue-mimicking phantoms that are used in conjunction with a commercial medical ultrasound machine to test our reconstruction algorithms. The new algorithms were found to increase the contrast-to-speckle ratio of simulated cysts by 114% from raw data over a 77% improvement by spatial compounding (averaging), and to decrease wire target width by 54% over a 39% reduction by spatial compounding alone. The new method shows promise as a computationally efficient method of improving contrast and resolution in ultrasound images.
Calling and Well-Being Among Adults Differential Relations by Employment Status

With a sample of 194 adults, approximately half of which were involuntarily unemployed, the present study explored (a) how calling related to core self-evaluations and life satisfaction, (b) whethe...
IV Nembutal: safe sedation for children undergoing CT

In a prospective study of 225 consecutive pediatric patients who required sedation for CT imaging, we monitored oral and nasal air flow, transcutaneous oxygen saturation, and cardiac rate and rhythm before and after the administration of IV Nembutal. In addition, the first 50 patients in this series had blood pressures mechanically monitored at 1-min intervals. There was no significant change in the cardiac rate, rhythm, or blood pressure in any patient. Seventeen episodes (7.5%) of transient oxygen desaturation to 80% of baseline or less occurred after sedation. The patterns of oxygen desaturation in this series can be explained by the following mechanisms: (1) hyperventilation leading to hypocapnia with resultant loss of the CO2 stimulus of respiration (12 patients); (2) upper airway obstruction from pharyngeal muscle relaxation (three patients); (3) a shift in sensitivity of CNS CO2 receptors (one patient); and (4) central apnea (one patient). Oxygen desaturation normalized spontaneously in 14 patients...
A total synthesis of xestodecalactone a and proof of its absolute stereochemistry: interesting observations on dienophilic control with 1,3-disubstituted nonequivalent allenes.

A concise total synthesis of xestodecalactone A, utilizing a Diels−Alder strategy is described. The focal Diels−Alder reaction relied on an “ynoate” dienophile to rapidly assemble the required resorcylinic acid scaffold. During this study, Diels−Alder cycloaddition reactions involving 1,3-disubstituted nonequivalent allene dienophiles were studied, and some surprising results were encountered.
A rapid method for estimation of salicylate in serum.

A simple, rapid method for semiquantitative estimation of salicylate in serum is described. A very good correlation with quantitative technique was achieved with this method which does not require any expensive equipment.
WHAT'S THE BEST SECRET DEVICE FOR ENGAGING STUDENT INTEREST? THE ANSWER IS IN THE TITLE

Abstract The most frequent form of classroom lecture presentation involves the description of course–relevant phenomena. A better, but still suboptimal, approach involves asking students questions about these phenomena. An even better approach involves the generation of mystery stories that can only be solved through an understanding of the phenomena under consideration. Although descriptions demand attention and questions demand answers, one reason for the superiority of mystery stories is that they demand something more pedagogically valuable—explanation. By spurring students to engage in the process of providing explanation (rather than mere attention or answers), teachers offer students the best opportunity to understand psychological phenomena in a conceptual, meaningful, and enduring fashion.
Superactive and stereospecific catalysts. I. Structures and productivity

Two series of catalysts were made, one from MgCl2–A solution containing MgCl2, EH (2-ethylhexanol), and EB (ethyl benzoate) dissolved in decane and another from MgCl2–B solution containing MgCl2, EH, and phthalic anhydride which reacted to form the corresponding phthalic ester. Reactions of these solutions with TiCl4 with or without another ester produced a family of eight catalysts. They form two groups, one having monoesters as modifiers, and the other containing diesters as modifiers. The surface area, pore volume, x-diffractions, polymerization activity, and catalytic stereospecificity of these catalysts have been compared. The diester catalysts differ from the monoester catalysts in every respect. By comparison the corresponding member of the diester catalysts have half as much Ti per Mg, more than 10 times the pore volume, more than a 100-fold the surface area, about 50% more productivity, and greatly increased steroespecificity.
An E. coli aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase can substitute for yeast mitochondrial enzyme function in vivo

We have investigated the function of an E. coli aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase in S. cerevisiae strains that are respiration-deficient because of a mutation or a gene disruption in the nuclear encoded gene for the mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. Although the yeast mitochondrial and E. coli tyrosine tRNAs differ significantly in sequence, expression of the E. coli tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase from a gene fusion restores respiration. The fusion gene contains a presumptive sequence for mitochondrial import from the mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase gene fused to the E. coli coding region. The fusion protein is incorporated into mitochondria. This incorporation and the rescue of the respiratory defect require the presumptive sequence for mitochondrial import. These experiments suggest a more limited definition of the identity of a tyrosine tRNA.
On the application of the two-level large-eddy simulation method to turbulent free-shear and wake flows

We present application of the hybrid two-level large-eddy simulation (TLS-LES) method, a multi-scale simulation model, to turbulent free-shear and wake flows at moderately high Reynolds number. The TLS-LES method combines the scale-separation-based two-level simulation (TLS) model with the spatial-filtering-based conventional large-eddy simulation (LES) model in an additive manner using a normalised blending function. The additive blending can be performed in a static or a dynamic manner. We demonstrate that the method, which has been originally developed for wall-bounded flows, can be used to simulate flows in complex configurations without requiring any further adjustments to the model. In this study, three canonical flows are simulated, which are representative of free-shear and wake flows. These cases include a temporally evolving mixing layer, flow past a circular cylinder in a uniform flow and flow past a finite-span airfoil placed in a uniform flow at three different angle of attacks. We analyse th...
IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED CORD COMPRESSION, CAN DIRECT REQUEST FOR MRI IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY?

Objectives & Background To determine whether the Emergency Department (ED) could effectively identify patients with suspected cauda equina or cord compression who warranted further investigation with MRI, and thus request MRI without prior review from neurosurgeons. Methods The ED proforma for management of patients with back pain was assessed with focus on the referral pathway from the ED to neurosurgeons (NS). Patients attending the ED during a 3 month period with a complaint of back pain and subsequent referral to the neurosurgeons were identified using the Symphony database. Electronic records and paper notes were used to assess the time between arrival in the ED and referral to neurosurgeons, and the time from referral to MRI. The MRI request and patient notes were used to assess the appropriateness of the referral. Results 1055 patients attended with back pain during the three month period. 40 patients were referred to the neurosurgeons by an ED doctor. 34/40 were deemed to require an MRI by the neurosurgeons. In 4/6 who did not have an MRI the proforma had not been followed correctly. 1/6 did not have an MRI but was later found to have cauda equina when imaged as an outpatient. 1 patient was admitted under neurology. 7/34 had either cauda equina or severe canal stenosis requiring surgery. Median time to MRI from ED referral was 237 minutes with a wait time of 100 minutes for NS review prior to MRI. On 7 occasions when NS requested MRI without seeing the patient first, time to MRI was 108 minutes compared with 290 minutes if requested after review by NS. If MRI was requested by the ED it is estimated time to MRI could be reduced by 182 minutes. Conclusion There was good correlation between ED and NS opinion on the need for MRI. Detection rate for cauda equina/severe stenosis (20.6%) was in keeping with other studies in the literature. There is significant time delay in the current referral process which can delay emergency treatment and may adversely affect patient outcome, and one patient was missed despite the proforma recommending MRI. ED doctors should request MRIs directly in the case of suspected cauda equina/cord compression.
The Fast Food and Obesity Link: Consumption Patterns and Severity of Obesity

Rates of extreme forms of obesity are rapidly rising, as is the use of bariatric surgery for its treatment. The aim of the present study was to examine selected behavioral factors associated with severity of obesity among preoperative bariatric surgery patients in the San Antonio area, focusing specifically on the effects of fast food consumption. We used ordered logistic regression to model behavioral and attitudinal effects on obesity outcomes among 270 patients. These outcomes were based on the severity of obesity and were measured on the basis of body mass index. Our results indicated that, among the behavioral factors, fast food consumption exerted the largest influence on higher levels of obesity. These remained after controlling for several social and demographic characteristics. Our findings suggest that higher rates of fast food consumption are connected to the increasing rates of severe obesity. Given that morbid and super morbid obesity rates are growing at a more advanced pace than moderate obesity, it is necessary to explore the behavioral characteristics associated with these trends.
Introduction to Density Functional Theory: Calculations by Hand on the Helium Atom

Density functional theory (DFT) is a type of electronic structure calculation that has rapidly gained popularity. In this article, we provide a step-by-step demonstration of a DFT calculation by hand on the helium atom using Slater’s X-Alpha exchange functional on a single Gaussian-type orbital to represent the atomic wave function. This DFT calculation is compared and contrasted with a Hartree–Fock calculation on the same system. This information is accessible by advanced undergraduate students studying physical chemistry or calculus-based physics.
Fluctuating Mesozoic and Cenozoic Sea Levels and Implications for Stratigraphy: ABSTRACT

Sequence stratigraphy encompasses depositional models of genetically related packages of sediments deposited during various phases of cycle of sea level change, i.e., from a lowstand to highstand to the subsequent lowstand. The application of these models to marine outcrops around the world and to subsurface data led to the construction of Mesozoic-Cenozoic sea level curves with greater event resolution than the earlier curves based on seismic data alone. Construction of these better resolution curves begins with an outline of the principles of sequence-stratigraphic analysis and the reconstruction of the history of sea level change from outcrop and subsurface data for the past 250 Ma. Examples of marine sections from North America, Europe, and Asia can be used to illustrate sequence analysis of outcrop data and the integration of chronostratigraphy with sea level history. Also important are the implications of sequence-stratigraphic methodology and the new cycle charts to various disciplines of stratigraphy, environmental reconstruction, and basin analysis. The relationship of unconformities along the continental margins to hiatuses and dissolution surfaces in the deep basins must also be explored, as well as the relevance of sequence-stratigraphic methodology to biofacies and source rock prediction. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1521------------
EXPERIMENTAL TEST OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PREEN OIL IN ROCK DOVES (COLUMBA LIVIA)

Abstract Most species of birds have a uropygial gland, also known as a preen gland, which produces oil that birds spread through their plumage when preening. The plumage of waterfowl deprived of uropygial oil becomes brittle and is subject to breakage. For other groups of birds, however, the importance of preen oil remains unclear. Previous workers have argued that preen oil may serve little or no function in Columbiforms (pigeons and doves). We tested that assertion by removing uropygial glands from Rock Doves (Columba livia) and assessing their plumage condition after several months. The results of that experiment showed significant degradation of plumage in the absence of oil. Our results are the first rigorous demonstration that preen oil is important for plumage condition in nonwaterfowl. We tested one possible function of preen oil—that it has insecticidal properties and that reduction in plumage condition on birds without glands is due to an increase in ectoparasites. We tested that hypothesis for ...
Metabolism of glucose 6-phosphate by plastids from developing pea embryos

The aim of this work was to investigate the metabolism of glucose 6-phosphate by plastids isolated from developing pea (Pisum sativum L.) embryos. Plastids metabolise exogenously supplied glucose 6-phosphate via the pathway of starch synthesis and the oxidative pentose-phosphate pathway. The flux through the latter pathway is greatly stimulated by the provision of glutamine and 2-oxoglutarate — the substrates of glutamate synthase — indicating that it is regulated by the demand for reductant within the plastid. Flux in the presence of glutamine and 2-oxoglutarate is about 20% of the maximum flux through the pathway of starch synthesis. There is no competition for glucose 6-phosphate between the two pathways at concentrations which are saturating for both. Isolated plastids do not convert glucose 6-phosphate to amino acids or fatty acids at significant rates under the conditins of our experiments.
Transitions to Ordered Phases in Systems Containing Rod-like Particles: II. Continuum Monte Carlo Approach versus Discrete Lattice Models

Abstract The predictions of the new continuous-placement Monte Carlo (CMC) approach described in the preceding paper are compared with the results obtained from the discrete lattice model (DLM) of Flory and Ronca. The comparison is made for two-dimensional, monodisperse, athermal systems. For this purpose, we have adapted the Flory-Ronca model to two dimensions, gaining additional insight into the justification for one of the numerical correction factors used in that model. The CMC and DLM approaches both predict that a uniform (flat) distribution of rod orientations in the anisotropic phase is associated with a first-order isotropic-to-nematic transition, while normally distributed orientations lead to a continuous transition with increasing rod concentration. The two models also agree qualitatively with respect to the relative free energies of different rod orientation distributions in the anisotropic phase. However, the DLM assigns disproportionately high entropy to short rods (especially at high conce...
A method for discovering Kantorovich-type inequalities and a probabilistic interpretation

Abstract The Kantorovich inequality (z∗Az)(z∗A-1z)⩽(α1 + αn)2/4α1αn can be proved using convexity and elementary geometry. This method of proof is generalized so that it can often yield the upper and lower bounds for f(z∗Az, z∗Bz, z∗Cz) where A, B, C are commuting n x n hermitian matrices and z is a unit vector in C n. Among the examples is the Mulholland-Smith inequality. It is also shown that our method finds probability distributions giving f(Eα, Eβ, Eψ) its upper and lower bounds.
Schwannoma of the brachial plexus mimicking an apical lung tumor

Primary tumors of the brachial plexus are unusual. We describe a patient with a large schwannoma of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus that had the radiologic appearance of an apical lung mass. Use of a posterior subscapular approach as well as intraoperative nerve action potential recording permitted resection with spared function.
Computerized colposcopy: results of a pilot study and analysis of its clinical relevance.

Objective To evaluate the clinical usefulness of a computerbased system that stores and analyzes high-resolution digital colposcopic images. Methods Three hundred patients referred to our institutions for evaluation of abnormal cervical cytology underwent colposcopy with development of digital images. The first 70 patients were used to standardize the system. The images obtained from 188 evaluable patients were analyzed and scored by software according to internationally recognized colposcopic criteria. The results were compared with traditional colposcopic diagnoses and with corresponding histology results using κ statistics for inter-observer agreement and McNemar test for significance. Results The exact concordance rate between computeraided impressions and histology (85.1%, κ = 0.77) was significantly higher ( P P P Conclusion The integration of computer imaging and colposcopy can improve the colposcopic diagnostic accuracy. An inexperienced colposcopist may benefit from computerized support to obtain the most appropriate histologic specimen, and eventually access to distant consultation via modem or through on-line services. An additional advantage is the ability to develop a space-saving permanent record of digitized images readily available to review a patient's cervical history or perform effective programs of quality control in colposcopy.
The transcription factor E2F interacts with the retinoblastoma product and a p107-cyclin A complex in a cell cycle-regulated manner

Abstract E2F is a transcription factor believed to play a role in the activation of genes required for cellular proliferation. Its regulation is likely important for maintenance of G0 and for the initiation of cell growth. The retinoblastoma product (RB) forms a complex with E2F in G1 in primary and established human cells. As these cells enter S, a second E2F-containing complex appears. It contains p107, a nuclear "pocket" protein with similarities in structure and protein-binding properties to RB, and cyclin A, a cyclin believed to play a role in facilitating DNA replication. Hence, the regulation of E2F is carried out differently in G1 or S. The presence of cyclin A and a pocket protein, a possible cell growth regulator, in the same S phase-associated complex suggests a link between the function of E2F and the regulation of the DNA replication process.
Effects of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and ΔF508CFTR on inflammatory response, ER stress, and Ca2+ of airway epithelia

We tested whether cystic fibrosis (CF) airway epithelia have larger innate immune responses than non-CF or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-corrected cells, perhaps result...
Large scale 3D vertical assembly of single-wall carbon nanotubes at ambient temperatures

We demonstrate three-dimensional directed assembly of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) into porous alumina nanotemplates on silicon substrates by means of electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis at ambient temperatures. Assembled SWNT provided an interconnection between the surface and base of the nanotemplate. I-V measurements clearly show that the connection between silicon and SWNT is established inside the templates. This technique is particularly useful for large scale, rapid, 3D assembly of SWNT over centimeter square areas under mild conditions for nanoscale electronics applications.
Theory of Inelastic Electron-Molecule Interactions in Tunnel Junctions

The excess tunneling current due to inelastic electron-molecule interactions near the metal-insulator interface is calculated. The expression for the second derivative of this excess current is proportional to the dipole spectral weight function of the molecule.
Measurement of equity sensitivity: a comparison of the Equity Sensitivity Instrument and Equity Preference Questionnaire.

Summary The psychometric properties of the Equity Sensitivity Instrument (Huseman, Hatfield, & Miles, 1985, 1987) and Equity Preference Questionnaire (Sauley & Bedeian, 2000) are compared. 173 undergraduate business majors completed several work attitude and personality measures. Results suggest that the Equity Preference Questionnaire may be a better measure of the equity sensitivity construct than the Equity Sensitivity Instrument which is typically used in research. Reliabilities for the scores on the Equity Sensitivity Instrument and Equity Preference Questionnaire were equivalent (coefficient alphas of .85 and .86, respectively); however, evidence for convergent and content validity was greater for the Equity Preference Questionnaire. Understanding individual differences in perceptions of equity and how best to measure these differences can affect workplace outcomes (e.g., turnover, employee engagement).
Laser ablation in a model two-phase system

Abstract Short pulse laser ablation of a model two-component system has been simulated using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) model. A system with two disparate components (hard and soft) has been considered, based broadly on the properties of hard tissue. The existence of distinct regimes of material ejection has been identified and the processes leading to the ablation have been investigated. In the lower fluence regime gaseous particles of the soft component stream from the hard matrix but there is no ejection of the hard component. In the higher fluence regime chunks of the hard component are ejected simultaneously with the soft component.
Effects of Constraint Identification, Processing Mode, Expectancies, and Intragroup Variability on Attributions toward Group Members:

Several hypotheses were investigated in relation to the group correspondence bias (GCB), an observer tendency to make correspondent attributions based on a contextually constrained group decision. It was predicted that processing mode (i.e., heuristic vs. systematic) would moderate observers' identification of constraint information and that the identification of constraint would, in turn, mediate the GCB. In addition, participants were provided with an expectancy about the target group, and it was expected that this information would place boundary conditions on the GCB. These predictions received strong support. The results also indicate that intragroup variability moderates the impact of expectancies on the GCB. More-over, observers generalized their attributions based on a constrained group decision, indicating that the GCB may have a widespread impact on the perceived character of individual group members.
Consumption of hydrogen ions in rapid-equilibrium enzyme kinetics.

Enzyme-catalyzed reductase reactions in particular are characterized by large changes in the binding of hydrogen ions ΔrNH. This is a thermodynamic property of the reaction that is catalyzed. For example, in the ferredoxin−nitrite reductase reaction, there is an increase of eight in the binding of hydrogen ions for every molecule of nitrite reduced to ammonia H2O. If these hydrogen ions are consumed in the rate-determining reaction, the limiting velocity is proportional to [H+]8. This would make it practically impossible to determine the kinetic parameters. This article shows that when n hydrogen ions are consumed in reactions preceding the rate-determining reaction the limiting velocity is not proportional to [H+]n and may only vary with pH according to the pK’s of the enzyme−substrate complex that produces products. Rapid-equilibrium rate equations for ordered A + B → products are derived for two mechanisms in which a single hydrogen ion is consumed prior to the rate-determining reaction. Rate equations...
The influence of age, sex, and theism on ethical judgments

The authors develop a model of ethical orientation based on responses to a series of ethically questionable vignettes using factor analysis and a categorical regression procedure. The factors used to explain variance in responses are theism orientation, age, sex, and intrinsic and extrinsic religious motivation orientation. The results confirm earlier research in that age and sex are not significant in and of themselves. An important finding is that theistic orientation is significant and also displays a strong relation to extrinsic orientation. Interaction effects between sex and theism are also discovered and explained. The results are illuminating in highlighting the importance to ethical orientation not of religious orientation per se but of the extrinsic orientation and its interaction with sex. The paper, thus, illuminates more deeply the sex–ethics connection. Last, while not particularly significant, there is also an identified age effect on ethical orientation which confirms moral development theory.
Implicit Numerical Integration for Euler-Lagrange Equations via Tangent Space Parametrization∗

ABSTRACT ABSTRACT A new class of methods for solving the equations of motion of constrained mechanical system dynamics is presented. The tangent space local parametrization is used to form an index one system of mixed differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) that describes the constrained motion. Implicit numerical integration formulas are applied to the reduced ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in the tangent space. The resulting system of nonlinear equations is solved by Broyden's method. In the framework presented, the computational complexity of solving the implicit integration equations for the reduced ODE is about same as that of some explicit integration methods for the reduced ODE. In fact, in some cases the implicit method for solving the Euler-Lagrange equations can be implemented more efficiently than the explicit scheme.
New and emerging treatments for headache

Migraine is a common, disabling, episodic, neurovascular disorder. The introduction of the triptans in the 1990s revolutionized the acute treatment of migraine and improved the lives of millions of...
Zinc supplementation selectively decreases fetal hepatocyte DNA synthesis and insulin-like growth factor II gene expression in primary culture.

Zinc Supplementation Selectively Decreases Fetal Hepatocyte DNA Synthesis and Insulin-Like Growth Factor II Gene Expression in Primary Culture
Water vapor isotopic composition of a stratospheric air intrusion: Measurements from the Chajnantor Plateau, Chile

Measurements of water vapor isotopic composition in stratospheric air intrusions can be used to constrain the dilution of the intrusion as it mixes into the middle troposphere. The intrusion studied here occurred on 17 and 18 August 2012 with measurements obtained at an altitude of 5 km in the Chilean Andes at the Atacama Large Millimeter Array astronomical observatory on the Chajnantor Plateau. Surface ozone concentrations rose 16 ppb in 6 h and were associated with a potential vorticity intrusion on the 330 K isentropic surface. A simulated stratospheric ozone tracer reaching Chajnantor also supports the interpretation of a stratospheric intrusion. Beginning around 18:00 UTC on 17 August, the mixing ratio dropped from 3000 ppmv to 430 ppmv as the water vapor δD values dropped from −153‰ to −438‰ over 13 h while the δ18O values dropped from −20‰ to −63‰. The average mixing ratio, δD, and δ18O values during August 2012 were measured to be 1500 ppmv, −250‰, and −34‰, respectively. The minimum water vapor concentration during the intrusion was in the driest 5% of measurements made during that month, while the minimum δD and δ18O values were within the lowest 0.5% of measurements made during that month. Simple two-component models of mixing between stratospheric or upper tropospheric air with boundary layer air fail to reproduce observations, but a three-component mixing model, in which the stratospheric intrusion mixes with an upper tropospheric background air mass, as it mixes with boundary layer air on Chajnantor, matches the observations.