cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decreased contractile response of peripheral arterioles to serotonin after CPB in patients with diabetes.

Background Regulation of coronary vasomotor tone by serotonin is significantly changed after cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion. The current study investigates whether cardiopulmonary bypass may also affect peripheral arteriolar response to serotonin in patients with or without diabetes. Methods Human peripheral microvessels (90–180 µm diameter) were dissected from harvested skeletal muscle tissues from diabetic and non-diabetic patients before and after cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac surgery (n = 8/group). In vitro contractile response to serotonin was assessed by videomicroscopy in the presence or absence of serotonin alone (10−9-10−5M) or combined with the selective serotonin 1B receptor (5-HT1B) antagonist, SB224289 (10−6M). 5-HT1A/1B protein expression in the skeletal muscle was measured by Western-blot and immunohistochemistry. Results There were no significant differences in contractile response of peripheral arterioles to serotonin (10−5M) pre-cardiopulmonary bypass between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. After cardiopulmonary bypass, contractile response to serotonin was significantly impaired in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients compared to their pre-cardiopulmonary bypass counterparts (P Conclusions Cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with decreased contractile response of peripheral arterioles to serotonin and this effect was exaggerated in the presence of diabetes. Serotonin-induced contractile response of the peripheral arterioles was via 5-HT1B in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Protective Actions of Polyphenols in the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, and its prevalence has been increasing globally. The development of NAFLD can be caused by multiple insults, such as steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, hepatocyte apoptosis, and fibrosis in the liver. NAFLD is closely associated with various metabolic diseases. However, there is no FDA-approved drug currently available for the treatment of NAFLD. Polyphenols have been suggested as beneficial bioactive compounds for the prevention and the treatment of NAFLD. Notably, studies have shown that polyphenols, including quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, anthocyanins, and resveratrol, can prevent the development of NAFLD by exerting lipid-lowering, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antifibrotic effects. As primary sources of polyphenols in foods, the consumption of fruits and vegetables are recommended to prevent the development of NAFLD. Furthermore, understanding the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the role of polyphenols in the pathological process is critical to devising effective dietary strategies for NAFLD prevention.
Sound Propagation, Reflection, and Its Relevance to Ultrasound Imaging

The labs presented here build on a simple speed of sound activity and models medical ultrasound imaging by demonstrating how multiple reflections propagate in a closed system. A short sound pulse is emitted into a pipe that is closed at one end and contains one or more partially reflecting surfaces within the pipe. The variety of reflections and transmissions that occur can be measured with a microphone at the pipe entrance.
State Physical Education Policy Changes from 2001 to 2016.

Background State policies influence the quantity and quality of educational programs delivered in schools. This study examined state physical education policy changes from 2001 to 2016 by analyzing data reported in The Shape of the Nation Report. Methods Policies related to state mandates for physical education, time/credit requirements, assessment and fitness testing requirements, adoption of state standards, and allowance of substitutions were analyzed over 5 editions of the report using repeated measures statistics. Results A majority of state physical education-related policies have not changed over the past 15 years despite calls by numerous public health agencies for enhanced physical education in schools. There was, however, a significant increase in the number of states adopting teaching standards and requiring assessment and fitness testing in physical education, mirroring a broader shift in education toward standards, assessment, and accountability. Conclusions Despite improved rigor in physical education through the adoption of standards and assessment practices, physical education continues to be marginalized in schools by a lack of curricular time and inappropriate substitution policies. Stronger policies are needed for physical education to have a substantial impact on school health.
Nitrogen-doped CNT on CNT hybrid fiber as a current collector for high-performance Li-ion capacitors

Abstract In this work, we describe a scalable synthesis process of binder-free, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on CNT fibers combining a solvothermal process with chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Li4Ti5O12 was selected as an example active material to evaluate the performance of the obtained current collector electrode, which achieved 100% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at a 15C rate and a stable specific capacity of 144 mAhg−1 at 5C. We also report here the fabrication of an asymmetrical hybrid capacitor that exhibited a maximum specific energy of 0.296 mWhcm−2/0.019 Whcm−3/68 Whkg−1 at a specific power of 0.172 mWcm−2/0.011 Wcm−3/126 Wkg-1. It maintained specific capacitance of 0.0779 mWhcm−2/0.005 Whcm−3/17 Whkg−1 at a high specific power of 57.05 mWcm−2/3.719 Wcm−3/12,500 Wkg-1. The device exhibited a very stable cycling performance, retaining 100% of its specific energy after 2000 cycles at 4 Ag-1 current density. The increase in specific power, energy and cycling performance was attributed to the porous network afforded by the nitrogen-doped CNTs and their strong binding with the active material Li4Ti5O12. The porous network enabled fast Li-ion diffusion paths while the pristine CNT allowed for fast electron transfer all in a fiber format, making it attractive as an electrode for wearable energy storage devices.
Recovery and reactivity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons collected on selected sorbent tubes and analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Abstract This article describes the optimization of methodology for extending the measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to increasingly heavier polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a detailed focus on recent sorbent tube technology. Although PAHs have lower volatility than compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, these semi-volatile compounds can be detected in air and breath samples. For this work, PAHs were captured on sorbent tubes and subsequently analyzed using automated thermal desorption gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (ATD-GC/MS). While many different sorbent tubes are commercially available, optimization for airborne PAH sampling using sorbent tubes has not been previously considered. Herein, several commercially available sorbent tubes, including Carbograph 2 TD/1TD, Tenax TA, XRO-440, and inert-coated PAH tubes are compared to determine the relative recovery for eight PAHs commonly found in the environment. Certain types of sorbent materials were found to be better suited for PAH recovery during thermal desorption, and PAH reaction products were observed on several types of sorbent tubes, including graphitized carbon black sorbents with stainless steel tube materials. As such, selection of sorbent tube media should be carefully considered prior to embarking on a PAH study.
Optimal data-driven policies for disease screening under noisy biomarker measurement

AbstractBiomarker testing, where a biochemical marker is used to predict the presence or absence of a disease in a subject, is an essential tool in public health screening. For many diseases, relat...
The Information Value of Qualified and Adverse Audit Reports: Evidence from the Municipal Sector

SUMMARY This study investigates whether qualified/adverse audit opinions on the fairness of the financial statements impact market yields for city/county general obligation bonds. Although state an...
ATHENIAN MERCANTILISM: A NEW APPROACH TO THE ATHENIAN COINAGE DECREE AND THE LAW OF NICOPHON

Two fragmentary specimens of Greek epigraphy, both inscribed within a century of one another (ca. 450 and 375 B.C.) [1] and both, in one manner or another, dealing with regulations of Athenian coinage, have been the source of scholarly debate and controversy. The fifth century Athenian decree ( ψήφισμα ) on coins, weights, and standards, [2] has been referred to as one of “the most controversial texts in the history of Greek epigraphy.” [3] The central debate surrounds its date, which then informs understanding of the nature of the decree and the motive behind its issuance. The fourth century Athenian law (νόμος) on approvers of silver coinage [4] likewise is subject to much debate regarding its textual reconstruction. Both the fifth century decree and the fourth century law aim to control elements of monetary exchange through by eliminating the utilization, and later even the existence, of non-Athenian coinage. The differences from this perspective appear to be quantitative not qualitative—macro-managing and micro-managing monetary exchange. Notwithstanding, scholarship isolates the inscriptions and rarely considers any connection. [5] I aim to provide a better understanding of these two inscriptions and to explore the matter of continuity between these two pieces of Athenian legislation. Along with the matter of continuity, a series of related questions are treated here. (1) Was the Coinage Decree [6] a product of nascent Athenian imperialism, as scholarly consensus maintains, or rather a means to catalyze Athenian revenue via seigniorage? (2) How successful were the Coinage Decree and the Law on Coinage? (3) What does the numismatic evidence suggest regarding successful implementation of them? Namely, do coin finds signify the regularization of anti-counterfeiting measures? (4) Is there any perceivable quantitative reduction of non-Athenian silver coinage following the Decree or Law? [1] All dates are B.C. unless noted otherwise. [2] ATL ii. D 14 = MEIGGS/LEWIS #45. [3] HADJI 2005, 263. [4] SEG 26.72 = RHODES/OSBORNE #25. [5] E.g., Mattingly not only excludes it from discussion, but makes a point to stress that he will not discuss the Coinage Law whatsoever in his work, stating: “I shall say nothing of the astonishing new document from 375/374” (1996, 403). [6] I use the term “Coinage Decree” (from Munzgesetz ), as opposed to the seldom used “Standards Decree” found in CHAMBERS, et al. (1990).
O My God: Religion in Sting's Early Lyrics

This article examines the religious references in Sting’s lyrics from the first decade of his career (1975–1984), comprising his time as a member of Last Exit (a group that was mostly active in and...
Identifying Effective Mentors in Scientific Communication: A Latent Profile Analysis of Mentor Beliefs:

The need to specifically mentor graduate and medical students performing biomedical and biobehavioral research in communication skills is increasingly being highlighted to increase intention to pur...
Droplet-based high-throughput cultivation for accurate screening of antibiotic resistant gut microbes

Traditional cultivation approaches in microbiology are labor-intensive, low-throughput, and yield biased sampling of environmental microbes due to ecological and evolutionary factors. New strategies are needed for ample representation of rare taxa and slow-growers that are often outcompeted by fast-growers in cultivation experiments. Here we describe a microfluidic platform that anaerobically isolates and cultivates microbial cells in millions of picoliter droplets and automatically sorts them based on colony density to enhance slow-growing organisms. We applied our strategy to a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) donor stool using multiple growth media, and found significant increase in taxonomic richness and larger representation of rare and clinically relevant taxa among droplet-grown cells compared to conventional plates. Furthermore, screening the FMT donor stool for antibiotic resistance revealed 21 populations that evaded detection in plate-based assessment of antibiotic resistance. Our method improves cultivation-based surveys of diverse microbiomes to gain deeper insights into microbial functioning and lifestyles.
Pluripotent Stem Cell Modeling of Anticancer Therapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

In this article, we review the different model systems based on human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and how they have been applied to identify the cardiotoxic effects of anticancer therapies. Developments on 2D and 3D culture systems enabled the use of hiPSC-CMs as screening platforms for cardiotoxic effects of anticancer therapies such as anthracyclines, monoclonal antibodies, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Combined with computational approaches and higher throughput screening technologies, they have also enabled mechanistic studies and the search for cardioprotective strategies. As the population ages and cancer treatments become more effective, the cardiotoxic effects of anticancer drugs become a bigger problem leading to an increased role of cardio-oncology. In the past decade, human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have become an important platform for preclinical drug tests, elucidating mechanisms of action for drugs, and identifying cardioprotective pathways that could be further explored in the development of combined treatments. In this article, we highlight 2D and 3D model systems based on hiPSC-CMs that have been used to study the cardiotoxic effects of anticancer drugs, investigating their mechanisms of action and the potential for patient-specific prediction. We also present some of the important challenges and opportunities in the field, indicating possible future developments and how they could impact the landscape of cardio-oncology.
The Impact of Rape Myths and Current Events on the Well-Being of Sexual Violence Survivors:

Rape myths perpetuate blaming survivors of sexual violence for their own victimization. Although research has explored how public and political discourse, current events, and media coverage of sexu...
Updates on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair Techniques

Abstract Since the 1970’s, ACL reconstruction has been the gold standard of treatment for ACL injuries in patients wanting to regain functional stability, and has been the focus of a comprehensive body of literature that has worked to improve this technique. While primary repair of the ACL had been found previously to fail in a high percentage of patients, some patients did well with suture repair of the ligament. This observation has led to interest in evaluating ways to improve techniques for repair of the ligament, rather than reconstruction, in the past decade. These more recent efforts have focused on augmentation with prosthetic or organic materials and biologic enhancement strategies in order to promote natural healing of the torn ligament. We present here the history and an update on primary repair of the ACL.
The Determination Research for the Direction of Equipment Maintainability Improvement Based on Parameter Sensitivity Analysis

The article embarks from the maintainability qualitative index parameters, based on the theory of Support Vector Machine Regression(SVR). The prediction model is established, with the normalized system maintainability qualitative index parameters and general evaluation respectively as the input and output of the model. It uses the Sensitivity Analysis of the impact of qualitative index parameters on the overall value, to determine the direction of the current equipment maintainability improvement. This method can provide the basis for the determination of maintainability improvement target.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair of the Elbow—Biomechanics, Indications, and Outcomes

Traditionally medial elbow injuries in overhead athletes have been treated with ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction as first described by Dr. Frank Jobe. Recent literature has shown favorable outcomes in select patients treated with UCL repair. Newer techniques utilizing suture augmentation demonstrate biomechanical profiles as good or better than the native state and/or reconstruction. This review aims to evaluate these biomechanical studies and the clinical outcomes of ulnar collateral ligament repair with suture augmentation. UCL repair has favorable outcomes in select patients with specific tear type patterns. Clinical outcomes have shown return to play rates of 92–97% with mean time of 2.5–6 months post-operatively. Biomechanical data comparing UCL repair to reconstruction techniques have shown improved resistance to common forces applied to the elbow during overhead activities. Additionally, suture tape augmentation dramatically improves stability of ligament repair without over-constraining the elbow. Initial ulnar collateral ligament repair data was poor, and thus UCL reconstruction became the mainstay of treatment for overhead athletes. Recent studies evaluating the biomechanical properties as well as clinical outcomes have demonstrated favorable data when UCL repair is performed. When considering the drawbacks of a prolonged recovery associated with reconstruction, UCL repair is a viable option in select patients.
Women’s peer to peer support inside a jail support group:

Social support plays an integral role in health and well-being. Behind bars, support from peers on the inside is also beneficial, facilitating prosocial behavior, sobriety, coping mechanisms, and r...
Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems into State Department of Transportation Highway Bridge Inspection Procedures: Challenges, Implications, and Lessons Learned

Rapid proliferation of small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) promises to revolutionize traditional methods used to carry out civil engineering surveys and analyses and conduct physical infrastruct...
Kinetic Art and Transcendental Phenomenological Analysis

Transcendental phenomenological analysis (TPA) is a form of qualitative research analysis that engages the researcher in the process of observation, interpretation, reflexivity, and imagination. It is a form science and art. This digital narrative is a story of how I studied TPA through the lens of kinetic art and more specifically, the art of making mobiles. In this video, I present a blend of narrative and photography to share how I made my first mobile and deepened my knowledge and appreciation of TPA. Keywords: Transcendental Phenomenological Analysis; Qualitative Research; Digital Narrative; Kinetic Art; Mobiles Link to presentation in YouTube: http://youtu.be/dxC5y1wnF3c Author Note Martha (Marti) Snyder is an associate professor in the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences at Nova Southeastern University. Coming from a social constructivist worldview, Dr. Snyder is interested in instructional design theories and models that can be used to support the design and development of instruction in technology-enhanced and virtual learning spaces. Educating in digital environments involves making the right connections between technology and people. The use of qualitative research methods to inform instructional theory will help provide sound guidance for practitioners to design for technology’s instructional roles in various information and instructional systems. Dr. Snyder may be contacted at smithmt@nova.edu.
Common treatments for low back pain: have they been proven effective?

The etiology of low back pain can be complex and the specific etiologies are rarely separated for investigation. There continues to be no single clinically proven superior treatment for low back pain. This may explain the multiplicity of treatments available. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the different forms of treatment for low back pain, treatment outcome and effectiveness. Nine more common treatments for low back pain are described. The long term effectiveness of the procedures reviewed in this article for the treatment of low back pain remains doubtful. For the majority of patients with complaints of low back surgery is not indicated. For those patients who have neurological deficits and a documented lesion, surgery can be an immediate and appropriate treatment. The conventional treatment for low bacl~ pain continues to be the triad of rest, analgesic medication and perhaps exercise after the acute phase of low back pain. None of the other treatment options evaluated in this review were consistently shown to be more effective than this traditional triad treatment course.
Neutron capture and fission in /sup 254g/ Es

Integral neutron capture and neutron fission cross sections have been measured for the 276-day /sup 254g/ Es. Thermal cross sections and resonance integrals were evaluated using a cadmium filter technique. Capture cross sections were determined from alpha-particle spectrum measurements following neutron irradiations with cobalt flux monitors. Fission cross sections were measured using fission track detection techniques with STTU monitors. The fission cross-section values compared favorably with an absorption cross-section determination from a burnout experiment of SVTEs-SVUEs. The integral neutron capture and fission cross sections determined for /sup 254g/ Es are: sigma /sub c/ /sup th/ = 28.3 + or - 2.5 and I /sub c/ = 18.2 + or - 1.5 b, and sigma /sub F/ /sup th/ = 1970 + or - 200 and I /sub F/ = 1200 + or - 250 b.
Religion and Education: Whither the Establishment Clause?

Religious concerns have been a powerful force in shaping the course of history, they have precipitated wars and the persecution of minority sects, served as the justification for dethroning or beheading rulers, and stimulated numerous migrations.2 Amidst competing theories of state superiority over the church and church superiority over the government 3 John Locke's philosophy that "the care of souls cannot belong to the civil magistrate"4 eventually was embodied in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. By including restrictions on federal governmental activity respecting an establishment of religion, the United States became unique among nations. However, support for the notion of keeping civil and sectarian affairs discrete was by no means universal at the time the Constitution was adopted. The Framers' original intent in drafting the religion clauses of the First Amendment has generated substantial academic inquiry and debate. But given the sketchy record of deliberations when the amendment was written and adopted,5 the original intent cannot be delineated with certainty. How the Framers meant for the religion clauses to apply to education controversies is an even greater mystery, because universal public education was notyet prevalent when the Bill of Rights was adopted. Indeed, the Framers likely gave little thought to the application of the amendments or other constitutional provisions to school children. While scholars will continue to explore the Framers' intentions, the seminal issue is how the
NetSim: a tool for modeling the performance of circuit switched multicomputer networks

Mathematical analysis is a popular approach for modeling network performance. However, a tractable analytic model often restricts the range of system characteristics that can be explicitly considered. Simulation provides an alternative approach when such restrictions can not be tolerated. This paper describes NetSim, a versatile simulation tool for modeling the performance of circuit switched multicomputer networks. NetSim is programmable as to network topology, communication pattern, routing algorithm, mapping strategy and network operating assumptions. Additionally, its modular design makes it easy for the user to extend NetSim's functionality when required. The tool provides a means for exploring the interplay of application and architecture characteristics in a parallel system.
Observations of coherent transverse ion acceleration

DE-1 retarding ion mass spectrometer (RIMS) observations of transverse O(+) acceleration in the topside ionosphere are reported and analyzed. The operation and capabilities of RIMS are reviewed, and the data are presented graphically and characterized in detail. Torus or ring O(+) distributions with radii 10 km/s are observed, consistent with coherent transverse acceleration to 10-eV energies in the bulk-plasma reference frame, and conical hot tails at energies above the 50-eV RIMS maximum are noted. Possible mechanisms for these phenomena are discussed.
The Breakaway Boss: Semiperipheral Innovations and the Rise of Mahmoud Ahmadinezhad

Within a year of becoming president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinezhad had already confused much of the world. Explanations of his political ascent in a semi-peripheral country rely largely on the concept of charismatic authority. This is a non-explanation, however, as the charismatic historical figure who seemingly holds creative command over the social world also has to be created. Instead, I argue that Ahmadinezhad’s trajectory from an Islamist engineering student to the presidency of a post-revolutionary state highlights three mechanisms of social-political innovation that are bounded by space and time: the situated overlap of social capital, the paradox of vertical clientage, and the breakaway of the machine boss. These mechanisms are usually misread as timeless signifiers of national backwardness or as charismatic dei ex machina. By showing these mechanisms at work through biography, we can challenge scholarly and popular explanations of social change that implicitly rehash modernization theory.
Sentence Comprehension in Adolescents With Down Syndrome and Typically Developing Children: Role of Sentence Voice, Visual Context, and Auditory-Verbal Short-Term Memory

The authors evaluated the roles of auditory-verbal short-term memory, visual short-term memory, and group membership in predicting language comprehension, as measured by an experimental sentence comprehension task (SCT) and the Test for Auditory Comprehension of Language—Third Edition (TACL-3; E. Carrow-Woolfolk, 1999) in 38 participants: 19 with Down syndrome (DS), age 12 to 21 years, and 19 typically developing (TD) children, age 3 to 5 years, matched on syntax comprehension, as measured by TACL-3 Subtests II and III. Of the 5 dependent measures of comprehension, auditory-verbal short-term memory accounted for significant amounts of variance in 4; group membership, 1 (semantic role assignment); and visual short-term memory, 0. In the group with DS, hearing status predicted variation in Grammatical Morphemes (TACL-3 Subtest II). Using the SCT, the authors also investigated the effects of varying sentence voice and supporting visual context on sentence comprehension. SCT performance was significantly poor...
Patterns of HIV Status Disclosure to Perinatally HIV-Infected Children and Subsequent Mental Health Outcomes

Increasing numbers of perinatally HIV-infected children are surviving into their teens and beyond. Research and clinical reports suggest that many HIV-infected children, particularly those younger ...
Detection and implications of potassium channel alterations

Abstract Potassium channel dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of a number of vascular diseases including pulmonary and systemic hypertension, diabetes, and complications of atherosclerosis. Two types of K + channels that are known to be prevalent and contribute significantly to the repolarization of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) membranes are the high-conductance Ca 2+ - and voltage-activated K + (BK Ca ) channels, and the voltage-gated K + (K V ) channels. Alterations in either BK Ca or K V channel function can have dramatic effects on vascular tone. To date, hereditary and congenital mutations in genes encoding K + channels, abnormalities in transcription, posttranslational modifications, and altered responses to intracellular second messengers have been described as potential mechanisms for several cardiovascular diseases. Comprehensive approaches including genetic, biochemical, molecular biological, and electrophysiological analyses are necessary to identify the levels at which K + channel expression patterns or function are disrupted. Additionally, reproducing clinical pathologies in animal, organ, and virtual models has been important in studying the discrete mechanisms by which the structure and function of these channels are altered in pathophysiological conditions. This article will describe approaches that are currently used to identify abnormalities in BK Ca and K V channels that may exist in diseases involving vascular dysfunction.
Mechanisms of manganese-induced rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell death and cell differentiation.

Abstract Mn is a neurotoxin that leads to a syndrome resembling Parkinson’s disease after prolonged exposure to high concentrations. Our laboratory has been investigating the mechanism by which Mn induces neuronal cell death. To accomplish this, we have utilized rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells as a model since they possess much of the biochemical machinery associated with dopaminergic neurons. Mn, like nerve growth factor (NGF), can induce neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells but Mn-induced cell differentiation is dependent on its interaction with the cell surface integrin receptors and basement membrane proteins, vitronectin or fibronectin. Similar to NGF, Mn-induced neurite outgrowth is dependent on the phosphorylation and activation of the MAP kinases, ERK1 and 2 (p44/42). Unlike NGF, Mn is also cytotoxic having an IC50 value of ∼600 μM. Although many apoptotic signals are turned on by Mn, cell death is caused ultimately by disruption of mitochondrial function leading to loss of ATP. RT-PCR and immunoblotting studies suggest that some uptake of Mn into PC12 cells depends on the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). DMT1 exists in two isoforms resulting from alternate splicing of a single gene product with one of the two mRNA species containing an iron response element (IRE) motif downstream from the stop codon. The presence of the IRE provides a binding site for the iron response proteins (IRP1 and 2); binding of either of these proteins could stabilize DMT1 mRNA and would increase expression of the +IRE form of the transporter. Iron and Mn compete for transport into PC12 cells via DMT1, so removal of iron from the culture media enhances Mn toxicity. The two isoforms of DMT1 (±IRE) are distributed in different subcellular compartments with the −IRE species selectively present in the nucleus of neuronal and neuronal-like cells.
Value Selection in Relation to Grade in School and Stage of Moral Reasoning

Summary.-This study examined change in values based on grade in school, stage of moral reasoning, and sex. Boys and girls were selected from Grades 6, 9, and 12, as well as college. Rokeach's (1973) Value Survey and Gibbs' (1982) Social Reflection Questionnaire were administered. As quantitative analyses indicated no statistically significant differences among groups, qualitative analyses were implemented to examine more accurately the relationship of values to the independent variables. Values have been defined as cognitive units used in the assessment of behavior along dimensions of goodlbad, appropriate/inappropriate, and right/ wrong; they deal with what one ought to dobe rather than the reality of what one is (McKimey, 1980). The study of moral reasoning refers to the growth of the individual's ability to distinguish right from wrong, to develop a system of ethcal values, and to learn to act morally, i.e., moral development is the study of an individual's ability to reason morally and to make moral judgments (Rich & DeVitis, 1985). In the study of morality and moral reasoning, Kohlberg has provided evidence for a correlation between moral judgment and what is commonly considered to be moral behavior, including honesty, resistance to temptation, and altruism. Further, involved in the relationship between moral judgment and moral action is what Kohlberg has defined as nonmoral skills, known collectively as ego controls. These ego controls include such cognitive skills as intelligence, attention, and delay of gratification, thereby increasing the likelihood of one acting on his deontic choices (i.e., choices of judgment of what is morally right or what one ought to do) (Kohlberg & Candee, 1984). Williams (1979) noted values serve as criteria for selection in action, criteria for judgment, preference, and choice, i.e., criteria for judgments of what "should be" as related to what "is." He refers to a value system as an organized set of preferential standards used in making selections of objects and actions, resolving conflicts, imploring social sanctions, and coping with needs or claims for social and psychological defenses of choices made or proposed. Evidence of the influence of values on subsequent moral behavior has been striking, indicating associations with behaviors such as cheating on examinations, political attitudes and behavior, juvenile delinquency, participa
International Students' Employment Search in the United States: A Phenomenological Study.

After completing their academic degree, international student populations face unique situations in their search for employment in the United States. This study used a phenomenological examination to identify the perceptions and the experiences of eight undergraduate international students who participated in a 10-week support group during the employment exploration and application process. Participants documented their personal reflections in journal entries and engaged in a single-session focus group after the support group. Themes that emerged from the focus group and participants' journal entries were (a) discovering personal uniqueness, (b) coping with acculturation, and (c) dealing with a lack of resources. Implications for career development practitioners are discussed.
Attrition and replacement of general surgery residents.

The recruitment, attrition, retention, and replacement of residents are subjects of vital interest in general surgery education. This article reviews reported series of attrition in general surgery and compares patterns of resident withdrawal from training in general surgery and other disciplines. Recruitment, characteristics, and success of residents who replaced those who left through attrition are reviewed.
Men, Women, and Health Insurance

There is increased awareness of issues related to sex and sex roles in health care, including discrimination in the enrollment of subjects in research and in access to clinical care.1 However, there is less awareness of how private health insurance,2 Medicare,3 and Medicaid4 serve women and men differently. Explicit sex discrimination in health insurance is unjustifiable. Even so, men and women have different life spans and patterns of illnesses, so uniform coverage of health services may not serve both sexes equitably. Furthermore, differences between the sexes in vocational, familial, and political roles and in economic status affect what insurance men . . .
Thermal diffusivity imaging of aerospace materials and structures

Thermographic imaging is increasingly being utilized for inspection and characterization of materials and structures. Thermal diffusivity imaging provides a means for quantitative characterization of a materials which is independent of apparatus and measurement configuration. This enables more precise imaging of variations in the material or structure needed to track changes resulting from fatigue or aging processes.
Clinical and microscopic pulp response to a composite restorative material

A composite restorative material was subjected to biologic evaluation tests in the teeth of patients, and induced symptoms were correlated with various degrees of inflammatory responses found microscopically. A quartz-filled composite restorative material was subjected to a stringent test in the teeth of patients. The irritational qualities of the material were comparable to those of silicate cement. With judicious use of a protective base, the material should be safe and effective. Certain correlations between pulpal histopathologic responses and the results of clinical tests were found; these should aid the dentist in locating and diagnosing a tooth with pulpitis.
The distribution of mRNA encoded by a new member of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene family (α5) in the rat central nervous system

The cellular localization of transcripts for a new putative agonist-binding subunit of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), alpha 5, was examined using in situ hybridization in the rat central nervous system (CNS), alpha 5 subunit mRNA was localized to a small number of regions when compared with two of the other known agonist-binding subunits, alpha 3 and alpha 4, alpha 5 mRNA is expressed at relatively high levels in neurons of the subiculum (pyramidal layer), presubiculum and parasubiculum (layers IV and VI), which are components of the hippocampal formation, in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area, in the interpeduncular nucleus, and in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. Moderate hybridization signals were detected in neurons of the isocortex (layer VIb), anterior olfactory nucleus, trigeminal ganglion, superior olivary complex, nucleus of the solitary tract, and area postrema. No hybridization above background levels was seen in the amygdala, septum, thalamus, hypothalamus, or cerebellum. These results suggest that the alpha 5 subunit differs from other known agonist-binding subunits in its distribution.
Sentry Duty Performance is Robust Under High Cognitive Load

Cognitive demands are increasing in military tasks. A good deal of research has been conducted regarding vigilance performance of the dismounted Soldier. However, changing task demands and increased technological equipment are altering Soldiers' duties. It has become imperative to study performance under higher workload conditions, especially to understand Soldier responses in a multi-task situation. In this study, military volunteers responded to targets on a marksmanship simulator while also performing a secondary auditory task. Cognitive load on both tasks was varied. Sentry duty performance was more robust when the number of targets was high as compared to low. Secondary task latency, but not task completion was affected by workload on the primary task. Overall, performance was best when volunteers had the highest task demands. Explanations for these performance patterns will be explored. Language: en
The mechanisms underlying the glucose dependence of arginine vasopressin-induced insulin secretion in beta-cells

The mechanisms underlying the glucose dependence of arginine vasopressin (AVP)-stimulated insulin secretion were examined in a hamster insulin-secreting cell line (HIT cells). At 1.67 mM glucose, 100 nM AVP stimulated biphasic changes in free cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and insulin secretion. The initial spike of [Ca2+]i came from an intracellular pool and was accompanied by parallel changes in the levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. The following sustained increase in [Ca2+]i was associated with membrane depolarization and Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. The rapid phase of insulin secretion and the [Ca2+]i spike were resistant to the Ca2+ channel blocker nimodipine, whereas the sustained insulin secretion and the protracted increase in [Ca2+]i were inhibited by nimodipine. Thus, biphasic increases in [Ca2+]i mediated the biphasic insulin secretory pattern. In the absence of glucose, 100 nM AVP triggered a transient smaller spike in [Ca2+]i, but did not stimulate membrane depolarization, Ca2+ influx, or insulin secretion. However, the increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate was similar to that seen at 1.67 mM glucose. Both the AVP-induced [Ca2+]i spike and sustained [Ca2+]i increase were augmented by glucose. We concluded that the initial AVP receptor-mediated activation of phospholipase-C is not altered by glucose, but both intracellular Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels triggered by AVP are glucose dependent and explain the sensitivity of AVP-stimulated insulin release to this metabolite.
Specific receptor for angiotensinogen on human renal cells.

Abstract Background We recently demonstrated the existence of an angiotensinogen (AGT) receptor on placental cells. It has been established that there is a tissue-specific renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the human kidney. This study focused on whether human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells possessed an AGT receptor. Methods Human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells were cultured in plastic wells. Binding assays were carried out by adding iodinated angiotensinogen ( 125 I-AGT) to each culture well, with or without unlabeled AGT. The cells were washed, lysed, and the radioactivity was measured. Results Human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells bound 125 I-AGT in a time-dependent manner. This binding was competitively and specifically inhibited by unlabeled AGT. Bound 125 I-AGT was competitively displaced by AGT. Acid washing removed 30% at 8 h, indicating that 70% bound AGT had been internalized. Scatchard plot binding analysis showed that the identified AGT receptor possessed a single class of high-affinity binding sites ( K d = 1.73 nmol, B max = 23.39 pmol/10 6 cells). Conclusion The results of this study provide evidence for the presence of an AGT receptor on human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. Our finding suggests that the AGT receptor may be an integral component of the renal RAS.
Model Development and Validation of the Semi-Active Roll Control (SARC) System

This paper presents some of the work done to model the dynamics of TRW’s semi-active roll control (SARC) actuator. The SARC system is designed to reduce vehicle body roll in a turn and to allow for improved ride and handling while driving straight ahead. The SARC system consists of a hydraulic actuator, vehicle state sensors and an electronic control unit (ECU). The vehicle state sensors and ECU are optional in that existing ESC/VSC elements could be used to control the actuator with the proper control algorithms. The actuator is a compact hydraulic unit consisting of a linear actuator, pressurized reservoir, and associated valves. It mounts between one end of the sway bar and the vehicle suspension, and essentially works to engage or disengage the sway bar. The model was developed to understand and predict the dynamic behavior of the actuator for simulated vehicle inputs. The model was developed in Matlab/Simulink and was validated against experimental test rig data. Model parameters were determined from experimental data and basic engineering principles. This included modeling the dynamics of the seal frictions and the multi-stage control valve. Different vehicle inputs were simulated and the behavior of the actuator under various load regimes was matched to experimental test-rig data. The results show that this model is a reasonably accurate representation of the dynamics of the physical system allowing for usage in controller development and synthesis, and integrating in to vehicle models for integrated software-in-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-loop (HIL) development.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A mechanism for carbon isotope exchange between aqueous acetic acid and CO2/HCO3-: An ab initio study

Abstract The aqueous exchange of carbon atoms between organic acids, such as acetic acid, and dissolved inorganic carbon is an important topic in the chemistry of oil-field waters. We propose that the exchange of carboxylic carbon atoms between acetic acid/acetate and CO 2 / HCO 3 - passes through a malonic acid intermediate or a hydroxylated malonic acid intermediate. Model reactions to and from these intermediates were investigated using molecular orbital and transition state theory (MO–TST) modeling at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level. Zero-point energy corrected barriers (ZPECB) and solvation-corrected Gibbs free energies of activation predict that the slow steps are the isomerization reactions from acetic acid and acetate to CH 2 C(OH) 2 and CH 2 C(OH)O − , respectively. Using these reactions to represent the reactant under acid and basic conditions, fractionation factors and rate constants were computed. The computed fractionation factors are generally consistent with previous hydrous pyrolysis experiments performed by Dias et al. [Dias, R.F., Freeman, K.H., Lewan, M.D., Franks, S.G., 2002a. Delta C-13 of low-molecular-weight organic acids generated by the hydrous pyrolysis of oil-prone source rocks. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 66, 2755–2769]. The involvement of water molecules in the transport of protons significantly lowers the ZPECB of the slow steps. Rate constants from 298 to 673 K for the reaction under “basic” conditions are about 0–1 orders of magnitude higher than rate constants of the reaction under “acidic” conditions and therefore indicate that the basic reaction is faster, assuming equal concentrations of acetic acid and acetate. Regression analyses yield activation energies of 176 kJ/mol for the acidic case and 165 kJ/mol for the basic case. For an aqueous system of acetic acid or acetate and dissolved inorganic carbon at or above 473 K, the results suggest that malonic acid may be present and isolable because malonic acid is a reaction intermediate in a relatively deep potential energy well.
Bringing Adam Smith's pin factory to life: Field trips and discussions as forms of experiential learning

Educators are often aware of the need to implement a variety of teaching techniques to reach out to students with different learning styles. I describe an attempt to target multimodal learners by bringing classical economic texts and concepts to life through discussions, field visits and role playing exercises. In my Labor Economics class, I analyze the relationship existing between demand for labor, technological advances, and trade. As a foundation for such analysis, I assign the reading of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations chapters regarding the division of labor. To increase students' interest toward the topics, I precede the text discussion with a field visit to a museum of industrial revolution. Here students are asked to participate also as "factory workers" to an assembly line exercise that brings Smith's description of a pin factory to life. They are then asked to reflect on this experience and to use it as a foundation to inform the following class discussions about Smith's chapters. In this paper, I describe the main learning and retention objectives of this exercise, its implementation, challenges, and students' learning outcomes and feedback about enjoyment and recollection. Field trip participants performed significantly better when tested on the relevant concepts. I also discuss the rewards and institutional challenges associated with making use of community resources to increase the understanding of the concrete applications of the economics concept we teach.