cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Gene Activation

S. Buratowski discusses two papers in this issue of Science (Sauer et al., pp. 1783 and 1825) that show that the basal transcription factor complex TFIID is a target of transcriptional activators.
Statistical analyses of protein sequence alignments identify structures and mechanisms in signal activation of sensor histidine kinases.

Statistical analyses of genome sequence-derived protein sequence data can identify amino acid residues that interact between proteins or between domains of a protein. These statistical methods are based on evolution-directed amino acid variation responding to structural and functional constraints in proteins. The identified residues form a basis for determining structure and folding of proteins as well as inferring mechanisms of protein function. When applied to two-component systems, several research groups have shown they can be used to identify the amino acid interactions between response regulators and histidine kinases and the specificity therein. Recently, statistical studies between the HisKA and HATPase-ATP binding domains of histidine kinases identified amino acid interactions for both the inactive and active catalytic states of such kinases. The identified interactions generated a model structure for the domain conformation of the active state. This conformation requires an unwinding of a portion of the C-terminal helix of the HisKA domain that destroys the inactive state residue contacts and suggests how signal-binding determines the equilibrium between the inactive and active states of histidine kinases. The rapidly accumulating protein sequence databases from genome, metagenome and microbiome studies are an important resource for functional and structural understanding of proteins and protein complexes in microbes.
The Priority of Solidarity to Justice

Recognising and responding to injustices that benefit us is a pervasive problem of contemporary life, and arguably a mark of moral seriousness in anyone who presumes to take moral stands at all. In response, a number of authors have defended the view that such benefits normally bring with them prima facie obligations of compensation. This ‘wrongful-benefits’ approach has considerable intuitive plausibility, much of it founded in the financial metaphor that gives it an appearance of precision. Yet while the compensation scenario works reasonably well in one-off cases such as receiving stolen property, it yields incoherent results when facing ongoing structural injustices. In such cases ‘innocence’ is ambiguous and our status as beneficiaries and victims is complex. In contrast, solidarity — understood as a principle of equity requiring that we side with the least well off — provides a better account of duties to respond to structural injustice. In solidarity the agent follows the lead of organised out-groups and defers to their judgment about collective actions to overcome injustice. Solidarity leads us to support the organised group that suffers from the greatest inequity. Solidarity does not use a financial metaphor and thus it neither requires full disgorgement, nor absolves us of further action when we reach the point of net-zero benefit. Rather, solidarity is a principal means for ordinary citizens to promote equity by affirming the equal status of the victims, and to atone for having benefited from injustice, whether they did so willingly or otherwise.
Structural and antigenic stability of H5N1 hemagglutinin trimer upon release from polyanhydride nanoparticles

Although H5N1 avian influenza has not yet acquired the capacity to readily infect humans, should it do so, this viral pathogen would present an increasing threat to the immunologically naive human population. Subunit vaccines based on the viral glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) can provide protective immunity against influenza. Polyanhydride nanoparticles have been shown to enhance efficacy of subunit vaccines, providing the dual advantages of adjuvanticity and sustained delivery resulting in enhanced protein stability and immunogenicity. In this work, a recombinant trimer of H5 (H53 ) was encapsulated and released from polyanhydride nanoparticles. Release kinetics of the encapsulated H53 were found to be dependent on polymer chemistry (i.e., hydrophobicity and molecular weight). Polyanhydride nanoparticles composed of sebacic anhydride and 1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPH; that degrade into more acidic monomers) released structurally stable HA H53 , while H53 released from formulations composed of CPH and 1,8-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane (CPTEG) (that are amphiphilic and whose degradation products are less acidic) displayed unfolding of tertiary structure. However, the antigenicity of the H53 based on binding of a H5-specific monoclonal antibody was preserved upon release from all the formulations studied, demonstrating the value of polyanhydride nanoparticles as a viable platform for HA-based influenza vaccines.
Healthy Bodies, Toxic Medicines: College Students and the Rhetorics of Flu Vaccination

This article examines flu vaccination beliefs and practices produced during a survey of undergraduate students in Spring 2012 (IRB#10-732). This research uses the methods of rhetorical analysis — or the study of persuasive features and arguments used in language — to examine statements respondents made regarding flu and flu vaccine. In these responses, students generated unique categories of arguments about the perceived dangers of flu vaccination, including the assertion that vaccines cause disease (including illnesses and conditions other than flu), that vaccines are toxic medicines, and that vaccines carry unknown, population-wide risks that are inadequately acknowledged. This study provides insight into vaccination beliefs and rationales among a population at risk of flu (college students) and suggests that further study of this population may yield important keys to addressing flu vaccine concerns as expressed by college students. Rhetorical analysis also offers a useful set of methods to understanding vaccination beliefs and practices, adding to existing methods of study and analysis of vaccination practices and beliefs in medicine and public health.
Transition State Analysis of Thymidine Hydrolysis by Human Thymidine Phosphorylase

Human thymidine phosphorylase (hTP) is responsible for thymidine (dT) homeostasis, and its action promotes angiogenesis. In the absence of phosphate, hTP catalyzes a slow hydrolytic depyrimidination of dT yielding thymine and 2-deoxyribose (dRib). Its transition state was characterized using multiple kinetic isotope effect (KIE) measurements. Isotopically enriched thymidines were synthesized enzymatically from glucose or (deoxy)ribose, and intrinsic KIEs were used to interpret the transition state structure. KIEs from [1′-14C]-, [1-15N]-, [1′-3H]-, [2′R-3H]-, [2′S-3H]-, [4′-3H]-, and [5′-3H]dTs provided values of 1.033 ± 0.002, 1.004 ± 0.002, 1.325 ± 0.003, 1.101 ± 0.004, 1.087 ± 0.005, 1.040 ± 0.003, and 1.033 ± 0.003, respectively. Transition state analysis revealed a stepwise mechanism with a 2-deoxyribocation formed early and a higher energetic barrier for nucleophilic attack of a water molecule on the high energy intermediate. An equilibrium exists between the deoxyribocation and reactants prior to t...
Rate of oxygen uptake of healthy and diseased larvae of the Japanese beetle.

Abstract Conventional Warburg vessels were used to obtain oxygen uptake data on healthy and milky diseased larvae of the Japanese beetle ( Popillia japonica ). The mean Q O 2 O 2 live larvae (LL) and 95% confidence limits were as follows: healthy third-instar larvae, 0.392 ± 0.047; milky third-instar larvae, 0.312 ± 0.050; refrigerated third-instar larvae, 0.156 ± 0.048; and early pupae, 0.332 ± 0.058. Repeated determination of Q O 2 O 2 LL on single larvae over a 6-hr period resulted in steadily decreasing values. No significant correlation existed between oxygen uptake and the dissolved oxygen content of the hemolymph. Injury to larvae caused by insertion of a polarograph needle for dissolved oxygen determination decreased Q O 2 O 2 LL values. After 1 day the rate of oxygen uptake was seen to return to the initial level. Regression analysis failed to establish a correlation between the concentration of microorganisms in diseased thirdinstar larvae and Q O 2 O 2 .
Dimensional Measurement Of Steel Products Using Computerized Tomography.

The dimensions of products emerging from a steel mill are needed for quality control. To answer this need, Bethlehem Steel developed a fourth-generation tomography system with fixed detectors and one rotating source. This paper derives and compares two methods of reconstruction that can be applied to such systems. One method uses rebinning to transform divergent beam projection to parallel projection, while the second is based on divergent reconstruction. To improve the quality of reconstructed images, the images are post-processed using global and local thresholds. A comparison of the various results is given.
Calculus students’ ability to solve geometric related-rates problems

This study assessed the ability of university students enrolled in an introductory calculus course to solve related-rates problems set in geometric contexts. Students completed a problem-solving test and a test of performance on the individual steps involved in solving such problems. Each step was characterised as primarily relying on procedural knowledge or conceptual understanding. Results indicated that overall performance on the geometric related-rates problems was poor. The poorest performance was on steps linked to conceptual understanding, specifically steps involving the translation of prose to geometric and symbolic representations. Overall performance was most strongly related to performance on the procedural steps.
Transdermal delivery of erythromycin lactobionate--implications for the therapy of gastroparesis.

Background: The treatment of many diseases may be complicated by abnormalities in gastric emptying. Gastric motor dysfunction may lead to unpredictable food and medication delivery to the small intestine, their site of absorption. Prokinetic agents improve gastric motility, but orally administered drugs are unreliably absorbed, thereby limiting their effectiveness. A method of delivering prokinetic agents which bypasses the gastrointestinal tract could lead to more effective treatment. Methods: Skin samples from rat, hairless mouse and man were placed in an in vitro diffusion chamber. The epidermal side of the skin was exposed to erythromycin lactobionate and passage of the drug across the skin sample monitored and quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Results: Erythromycin passed across all skin types tested. Steady-state flux across hairless mouse skin was greater than for rat, full thickness human skin and human epidermis. In the first 3 h following introduction of erythromycin lactobionate, 1.85 mg/cm2 crossed human epidermis. Given that a dose of 50 mg may exert prokinetic effects in vivo in man, increasing the patch size to ≈28 cm2 should provide therapeutic levels of drug within 3 h. Conclusions: Erythromycin lactobionate, when administered transdermally, can be delivered at levels sufficient to treat gastroparesis. This technique warrants in vivo investigation.
Aerobic exercise as a treatment for depression in women

Multiple baseline evaluation of systematic aerobic exercise in the treatment of four clinically depressed women confirmed the value of this mode of treatment compared to an attention placebo. The methodology included control of expectancy, time in treatment, exercise effects, and the use of adjunctive treatments. The results suggest substantial exercise-induced effects on several qualities of depression, including mood and cognitive function. These gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up evaluation.
Patch repair for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: is it really a problem?

Abstract Background Large congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) defects often require the use of synthetic patches for tension-free repair. Although high rates of recurrence and other morbidities have been previously reported, our favorable perception of patch repair prompted this review. Methods A single-center retrospective chart review of CDH cases repaired between January 1, 1999, and October 1, 2010. Patch repairs were performed by multiple surgeons with an effort to construct a tension-free dome-shaped patch. Results One hundred eighty-four children underwent CDH repair of whom 99 (53.8%) required a patch. Seventy-four (74.7%) of the 99 patients who underwent patch repair survived to discharge and were compared with 75 primary repair survivors. Of those undergoing patch repair, 88% were prenatally diagnosed, 55% had liver herniation, and 22 (29.9%) were repaired on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Two patients experienced a recurrence after a patch repair and 3 after a primary repair for a rate of 5.4% and 4.0%, respectively ( P = 1.0). Conclusions These results demonstrate that synthetic patch repair for CDH can be performed with a very low rate of recurrence challenging the need for alternative approaches to diaphragmatic replacement. High rates of recurrence reported for patch repair may be technical rather than intrinsic to the patch.
Photoelastic stress analysis of overdenture attachments

This is a summary of various investigations designed to study the transmission of forces through overdenture abutments to the remaining oral structures: 1. The best design for uniform distribution of occlusal forces to the remaining structures was the conventional design, particularly the amalgam restored abutment. This design, however, provided less effective retention and stability than the other designs. 2. In the group of stud type attachments studied, the Ancrofix transferred stress in a more favorable manner to the remaining structures in the oral cavity when compared to the other stud attachments. 3. The Hader Bar provided more desirable effects to the abutments and remaining structures than did the other tissue bars. 4. The major objective in the choice of an overdenture attachment should be the consideration of how the stress is transferred from these attachments through the abutments and other structures, not the retnetion and stability.
Anisotropic directional correlations between γ rays and K x rays emitted from atoms with deformed nuclei

Measurements of the directional correlations between $K$ x rays following internal conversion and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays in $^{169}\mathrm{Tm}$ and $^{181}\mathrm{Ta}$ have been made. For the cascades in $^{169}\mathrm{Tm}$ the correlation coefficients are ${A}_{22}(K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}\ensuremath{-}131\ensuremath{\gamma})=\ensuremath{-}0.032\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007$, ${A}_{44}(K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}\ensuremath{-}131\ensuremath{\gamma})=+0.014\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.008$, ${A}_{22}(K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}\ensuremath{-}131\ensuremath{\gamma})=\ensuremath{-}0.017\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007$, and ${A}_{44}(K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}\ensuremath{-}131\ensuremath{\gamma})=0.012\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007$. For the cascades in $^{181}\mathrm{Ta}$ the correlation coefficients are ${A}_{22}(K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}\ensuremath{-}133\ensuremath{\gamma})=\ensuremath{-}0.037\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012$, ${A}_{44}(K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}\ensuremath{-}133\ensuremath{\gamma})=0.022\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.017$, ${A}_{22}(K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}\ensuremath{-}133\ensuremath{\gamma})=\ensuremath{-}0.038\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.017$, and ${A}_{44}(K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}\ensuremath{-}133\ensuremath{\gamma})=0.037\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.029$. The anisotropic correlations in $^{169}\mathrm{Tm}$ verify the existence of the effect and serve as a test case for x rays following magnetic-dipole internal conversion. The measurements in $^{181}\mathrm{Ta}$ establish the second known case of this phenomenon and in addition were made with better energy resolution. This case involves several mixed nuclear transitions which result in 38% of the x rays following electric-quadrupole internal-conversion processes.
Longitudinal Trends in the Performance of Scientific Peer Reviewers

Study objective We characterize changes in review quality by individual peer reviewers over time. Methods Editors at a specialty journal in the top 11% of Institute of Scientific Information journals rated the quality of every review, using a validated 5-point quality score. Linear mixed-effect models were used to analyze rating changes over time, calculating within-reviewer trends plus predicted slope of change in score for each reviewer. Reviewers at this journal have been shown comparable to those at other journals. Results Reviews (14,808) were performed by 1,499 reviewers and rated by 84 editors during the 14-year study. Ninety-two percent of reviewers demonstrated very slow but steady deterioration in their scores (mean –0.04 points [–0.8%] per year). Rate of deterioration was unrelated to duration of reviewing but moderately correlated with mean reviewer quality score ( R =0.52). The mean score of each reviewer's first 4 reviews predicted subsequent performance with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 47%. Scores of the group stayed constant over time despite deterioration because newly recruited reviewers initially had higher mean quality scores than their predecessors. Conclusion This study, one of few tracking expert performance longitudinally, demonstrates that most journal peer reviewers received lower quality scores for article assessment over the years. This could be due to deteriorating performance (caused by either cognitive changes or competing priorities) or, to a partial degree, escalating expectations; other explanations were ruled out. This makes monitoring reviewer quality even more crucial to maintain the mission of scientific journals.
Minimization of Machining Allowance in Electrochemical Machining

Abstract Electrochemical machining (ECM) provides one of the best alternatives for producing complex shapes in advanced materials used in aircraft and aerospace industries. However, the reduction of sludge and memory errors continue to be major challenges for industries in addressing waste generation and accuracy improvement. This study focuses on minimizing the material to be removed by predicting minimum machining allowance and improving the degree of localized dissolution. Experiments have been conducted to verify the prediction results on an industrial ECM system. The use of pulse current with passivating electrolyte has been found to mitigate the sludge generation and improve accuracy.
Time-optimal trajectory generation for coordinated robotic manipulators using cell-to-cell mapping method

The method of cell-to-cell mapping for nonlinear dynamics analysis has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. The possibility of using cell-to-cell mapping for optimal control problems has also been explored by several researchers. In this paper we present results of applying cell-to-cell mapping methods to solve the problem of optimal trajectory generation for coordinated robotic manipulators handling a common object along specified geometric paths. This method uses the cell state concept together with discretized controls and cost functions. The optimal trajectories and the corresponding controls are determined by using the cell-to-cell mapping in a simple search process.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optical beam Jitter Control

For several future imaging and communications spacecraft, a challenging area of technology development is the fine acquisition, tracking, and pointing (ATP) control of the spacecraft and its payload. For example, some spacecraft with large aperture(s) in the range of 10~30 m diameter requires a few arc-seconds accuracy, 10~15 nano-radians jitter, and a fast slewing rate to acquire the target. Furthermore these stringent requirements are at risk of great structure and control interactions. This paper we will focus on the control of optical beam jitter. A Laser Jitter Control (LJC) testbed has been constructed to test jitter algorithms. The testbed consists of two fast steering mirrors (FSM), three position sensing modules (PSM), one diode laser, and several beam splitters and mirrors, all on an isolated Newport optical bench. Jitter is injected with one FSM and the other FSM is used to control it. The jitter spectrum, representing the on-orbit spacecraft and beam jitter environment, contains not only narrow band noise due to rotating devices such as gyroscopes and reaction wheels but also broadband noise. The performance of a Wiener Filter-adaptive algorithm with ideal reference signal is established as the baseline for comparison of adaptive control methods in suppressing both broadband and narrowband disturbances. Specifically, the Least Mean Squares (LMS) approach and the Gradient Adaptive Lattice (GAL) approach are investigated during these experiments.
Applying theory to practice: designing environmental messages using the concepts of sensation seeking and fear appeals

Over the years, many environmentalists have realized the potential of mass media and used it to advance environmental campaigns, which aim to persuade the target audience to change or avoid certain behaviors that may be damaging to the environment. However, although the media may have the power to reach the masses, their persuasive capabilities can still be questioned. Because i) the expectations of direct media effects on behaviors have been too ambitious, and ii) messages have failed to reach the target audience, the success of past mass media efforts has been limited. In an effort to apply communication theory and mass media research to other disciplines, this paper proposes using fear appeals and sensation seeking as message components for environmental movements/campaigns. By enhancing perceptions of the importance of an issue, encouraging message acceptance and offering practical measures towards preventing the negative outcomes of inaction, fear appeal messages can be utilized towards heightening and stirring up public support for an environmental issue. Similarly, by producing environmental messages that evoke strong sensory, emotional and arousal responses both among the local people and other interests in question, environmental campaigns can employ messages high in sensation value to their advantage. Thus, this article explicates and provides support for fear appeals and sensation seeking as effective means for designing better environmental movement messages.
Intestinal and liver fatty acid binding proteins differentially affect fatty acid uptake and esterification in L-cells

Differential effects of intestinal (I-FABP) or liver (L-FABP) fatty acid binding proteins on fatty acid uptake and esterification were examined using transfected mouse L-cell fibroblasts. L-FABP, but not I-FABP, expression increased the initial rate and extent ofcis-parinaric acid uptake by 50 and 29%, respectively, compared to control cells. I-FABP and L-FABP expression preferentially increased [3H]-oleic acid incorporation into triacylglycerols by 5.5-fold and 3.8-fold, respectively. While both L-FABP and I-FABP increasedesterification of [3H]-oleic acid into ethanolamine glycerophospholipids, these proteins had opposite effect on esterification into choline glycerophospholipids. These data show for the first time that distinct FABP differentially affect both fatty acid uptake and intracellular esterification.
Material properties for mantle convection consistent with observed surface fields

An attempt is made to derive constraints on mantle convection from observed surface fields: plate velocities, gravity, topography and heat flow. The spherical harmonic spectra of the fields are expressed in terms of a spectral magnitude and slope, and requirements for the minimal representation of the equations for mantle convection are discussed. The effects of the boundary layer represented by the surface fields on convection at the mantle surface and at deeper levels are then examined, and a mean value of the effective mantle viscosity of approximately 10 to the 23rd g/cm per sec is obtained, together with values of 10 to the 8th and 10 to the 7th for the Rayleigh numbers of whole mantle and upper mantle convection, respectively. Consideration is then given to the compositional, thermal and rheological aspects of mantle convection, and it is pointed out that constraints on the depth and other properties of convection will require more detailed modeling using the relationships between the harmonic coefficients of the surface fields.
Pharmacological profile of the potentiation of opioid analgesia by restraint stress

Abstract Morphine-treated rats exposed to restraint stress show potentiated magnitude and duration of analgesia compared to unstressed rats. The present study was performed to assess the pharmacological characteristics of stress-induced potentiation of opioid analgesia. We tested 10 opioids to determine whether restraint stress treatment would potentiate their ability to produce antinociception indexed by the tail-flick assay. We tested full mu, delta and kappa opioid receptor agonists (fentanyl, meperidine, DPDPE, U50488H, ethylketocyclazocine), and mixed agonist/ antagonists representing a range of receptor selectivities and intrinsic activities (profadol, buprenorphine, pentazocine, butorphanol and nalbuphine). Dose-effect and time-response curves were generated for unrestrained and restrained rats after either subcutaneous (SC) and/or intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections. In restrained rats, all drugs except for SC-administered nalbuphine produced dose- and time-dependent analgesic effects of greater magnitude (1.5–3 times) than they produced in unrestrained rats. However, restrained rats given agonists with high intrinsic activity at the μ receptor displayed the most potent and consistent potentiation of analgesia compared to unrestrained controls. Our results suggest that activation of the μ receptor is of primary importance for restraint to potentiate analgesia, because restrained rats injected with δ and κ agonists displayed potentiation of analgesia only at doses high enough to possibly exceed the selective activation of their respective receptor types.
Problem Finding, Creativity Style and the Musical Compositions of High School Students.

This study sought to understand the effect of problem finding and creativity style on the creative musical product. Participants (N = 32) were categorized by creativity style (adaptor or innovator) using the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory. The participants completed two musical composition problems involving two different degrees of problem finding behaviors: an open (ill defined) and a closed (more defined) problem. The resulting products were scored for creativity by three judges using a modified version of Amabile's “consensual assessment technique.” A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data. The independent variables were composition problem type and creativity style, and the dependent variable was the creativity score on the open and closed problems. No significant differences due to problem type, creativity style, or the interaction of the two factors was found. This research supports the assertion of Kirton that adaption-innovation theory is a measure of creativity style rather than creativity level, but calls into question its use in individual creativity style.
Motorcycle-related hospitalizations in the United States, 2001

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of motorcycle-related hospitalization in the United States in 2001 and to describe the demographic, clinical, hospital, and financial characteristics associated with these injuries. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of the 2001 Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project was conducted in 2003. Results There were an estimated 30,505 (confidence interval=26,566–34,445) motorcycle-related hospital discharges in 2001. Approximately 62% of cases were aged ≥30 years, and males accounted for 89% of cases. The most common principal diagnoses were fractures of the lower limb (29.4%), fractures of the upper limb (13.1%), and intracranial injuries (12.3%). The mean length of stay was 5 days, the median hospital charge was $15,404, and the total estimated hospital charges were >$841 million. The majority of patients (56.5%) were admitted to large urban teaching hospitals, and these hospitals accounted for nearly 70% of all hospital charges. Approximately 26% of cases were self-pay or listed public insurance as the expected payer. Conclusions These findings shed light on the substantial morbidity and financial impact of motorcycle-related injuries. Renewed and strengthened prevention efforts are warranted.
NaOH etch of fission tracks in a soda-lime-silica glass

IT is generally known that fission tracks intersecting the surface of man-made soda–lime–silica glasses can be etched with HF at room temperature1,2. In this technique the acid attacks the tracks preferentially so that they become visible in the microscope before the glass itself is destroyed. An NaOH etch at 60° C has been reported for phosphate glasses3.
Looking for Trouble? Processing of Physical and Social Threat Words in Impulsive and Premeditated Aggression

The present study used the P3 component of the event-related potential to investigate attentional bias in the processing of threatening information in physically aggressive men. Results of a modified oddball task involving physical and social threat words revealed a pattern of processing in nonaggressive controls characterized by enhanced P3 amplitude to both categories of threat words as compared to neutral target words. In contrast, both impulsive and premeditated aggressors showed P3 amplitudes that were relatively equal across physical threat, social threat, and neutral target words, indicating that they processed threat cues as if they were neutral. This may indicate less efficient processing of threat cues in particular, and abnormal processing of affective stimuli in general.
Generation of tumoricidal PAX3 peptide antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

The transcription factor PAX3 is expressed during early embryogenesis and in multiple cancer types, including embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), Ewing sarcoma (ES) and malignant melanoma (MEL), suggesting that it could function as a general tumor associated antigen. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptide binding algorithms were used to predict potential epitopes in PAX3 capable of stimulating in vitro naive HLA-A0201 restricted cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs). Two peptides, PAX3-282 (QLMAFNHLI) and a modified version of this peptide PAX3-282.9V (QLMAFNHLV), were capable of inducing antigen-specific CTLs. Of these peptides, PAX3-282.9V was the most efficient inducer of primary CTL response. These CTLs were able to lyse HLA-A0201 expressing target cells that were pulsed with peptide, and more importantly, were effective in killing tumor cells that express PAX3, including ERMS, ES and MEL cell lines. These findings provide compelling evidence that peptide PAX3-282 is naturally processed by tumors and is presented in the context of HLA-A0201 in adequate amounts to allow CTL recognition. Also, PAX3-282.9V is an effective immunogenic peptide able to induce CTL recognition of PAX3-containing tumors and may be used as an antitumor peptide vaccine.
The influence of obesity on left ventricular filling and systolic function

Little information on the possible influence of obesity on diastolic function is available. Thus we studied 24 asymptomatic obese volunteers (> 120% ideal body weight; mean 153 ± 30%), aged 34 ± 11 years. Each obese subject was matched for age, height, and sex, with a healthy normal-weight control subject. Isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and diastolic filling indexes were determined by pulsed Doppler echocardiography. The IVRT was significantly prolonged in the obese group (84 ± 17 msec) as compared with the control group (57 ± 13 msec; p < 0.0002). Multiple regression analysis showed that percentage of ideal body weight was the most important predictor of peak early filling velocity (r = 0.59, p < 0.005) and mean deceleration rate of early filling (r = 0.61, p < 0.005) in the obese group. However, age as compared with percentage of ideal body weight was a more important determinant of the relative distribution of early and atrial filling, such as peak early-to-atrial filling velocity ratio (r = −0.75, p < 0.0001). Ejection fraction, heart rate, and blood pressure did not differ between the obese and control groups. In conclusion, obesity is associated with preclinical abnormalities of IVRT, which may reflect impaired relaxation. The IVRT may be useful in the early detection of left ventricular dysfunction in obesity. Last, studies comparing Doppler indexes of diastolic filling among groups must control for potential differences in percentage of ideal body weight.
Remythologising the Russian state

(1998). Remythologising the Russian state. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 50, No. 6, pp. 969-992.
Effect of viewing angle response on DICOM compliance of liquid crystal displays

Cathode-ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) are currently two main technologies for displaying medical images. LCDs possess a number of advantages, but their performance varies as a function of viewing angle. The purpose of this study was to delineate the impact of the angular response of LCDs on their DICOM grayscale display function (GSDF) compliance, and to develop a framework to define an angular acceptance for medical LCDs. Measurements were made on a calibrated dual-domain LCD (IBM T221). The on-axis luminance values were measured at all 8-bit driving levels three times using the TG18-LN test patterns and a baffled luminance meter and the results averaged. The luminance was also measured as a function of viewing angle at 17 discrete levels using a Fourier-optics-based luminance meter. The luminance data were analyzed according to the AAPM TG18 methodology. The on-axis results showed close conformance with the TG18 criteria with Lmin, Lmax, mean uJND/up, and maximum local deviation in uJND/up from GSDF, &kappa256, of 0.83 cd/m2, 263 cd/m2, 2.1, and 0.8, respectively. However, the values varied notably as a function of viewing angle. Overall, the luminance ratio remained greater than 175 within a ±20° viewing angle cone (β175 = ±20°). Aiming to maintain κ17≥0.3, an acceptable viewing angle cone of ±35° was indicated (α0.3 = ±35°). The findings demonstrate the significant impact of angular response on image contrast, and the utility of α0.3 and β175 quantities for defining the viewing angle cones within which a medical LCD device can be effectively utilized.
Inhibition of Adenylate Cyclase Attenuates Muscarinic Ca2+ Signaling by a PKA-Independent Mechanism in Rat Carotid Body Type I Cells

Carotid body (CB) Type I cells respond to hypoxia by releasing excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. This mechanism leads to increased firing of the carotid sinus nerve (CSN) which alters breathing to maintain blood gases within the physiological range. Acetylcholine targets both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the rat CB, acting postsynaptically on CSN and presynaptically on Type I cells. Muscarinic Ca²(+) signaling is inhibited by the activation of G(i)-coupled receptors including histamine H3 receptors. Here inhibition of adenylate cyclase with SQ22536 mimicked H3 receptor activation. Using Ca²(+) imaging techniques it was observed that inhibition of muscarinic Ca²(+) signaling was independent of protein kinase A (PKA) as PKA inhibitors H89 and KT5720 were without effect on the muscarinic Ca²(+) response. By contrast the Epac (exchange protein activated by cAMP) inhibitor brefeldin A inhibited muscarinic Ca²(+) signaling whereas the Epac activator 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP-AM potentiated Ca²(+) signaling. Thus in Type I cells inhibition of adenylate cyclase inhibited muscarinic Ca²(+) signaling via a PKA-independent pathway that may rely upon modulation of Epac.
Effect of intrauterine growth retardation on postnatal weight change in preterm infants

To investigate the cause or causes of early postnatal weight change, we measured total body water and fluid and energy balances in 14 preterm infants who were appropriate in size for gestational age (AGA) and in 5 weight-matched, preterm, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. On the first day of life, AGA and SGA infants had the same weight and total body water content. At 6±2 days (mean ± SD), AGA infants had had significant weight loss (94±45 gm) and body water loss (67±80 ml), whereas weight and total body water content in the SGA infants at the same age (5±1 days) did not differ from the values at birth. Loss of weight and total body water in AGA infants was accompanied by a greater diuresis than in SGA infants at the same amount of fluid intake. At the end of week 1, AGA and SGA infants had the same total energy expenditure (184±33 vs 171±17 kJ·kg −1 ·day −1 ); energy intake, which had exceeded total energy expenditure from the third day of life and beyond, already provided 188±46 (AGA) or 209±109 kJ·kg −1 ·day −1 (SGA), respectively, for energy storage. Nitrogen balance was positive. Subsequent weight gain occurred at the same rate in AGA and SGA infants; both total body water and solids increased. Energy intake, total energy expenditure, and the amount of energy stored (measured during stable weight gain on a regimen of full enteral feedings) had significantly increased compared with week 1, but both groups maintained similar energy storage. We conclude that the initial weight loss in infants is caused by a contraction of body water that does not occur in SGA infants; both groups have a subsequent weight gain at the same rate, with similar proportional increase in total body water and solids.
Provider Characteristics, Clinical-Work Processes and Their Relationship to Discharge Summary Quality for Sub-Acute Care Patients

BACKGROUND Discharge summaries play a pivotal role in the transitional care of patients discharged to sub-acute care facilities, but the best ways to facilitate document completeness/quality remain unknown.
The Current State and Future Potential of Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds, while not a new phenomenon, have come to the foreground of information technology in the past few years largely due to the growth of Second Life, a three dimensional, global virtual world that has captured the imagination of millions. This article provides some background on this virtual world phenomenon providing both a history and a classification of virtual world technology. It then focuses on Second Life discussing the application, technology, and social implications. Included in the discussion are some current initiatives such as the open source client and server projects and the implications of those initiatives. Finally, we provide some speculation on the future potential of virtual world technology as an extrapolation of the current trajectory.
Distribution, habitat preferences and breeding periods in the crustaceans Sesarma cinereum and S. reticulatum (Brachyura: Decapoda: Grapsidae)

The distribution and habitat preferences of Sesarma cinereum and S. reticulatum were studied in the region of Beaufort, North Carolina, USA. S. cinereum inhabits the supralittoral zones of marshes characterized by high salinities (mean=27.9%) and sandy substrates, while s. reticulatum were found to prefer eulittoral marshes with brackish salinities (mean=16.2%) and silty substrates. Major differences have also been found in the cycling of egg production between these two species. Populations of S. cinereum produce approximately 4 to 6 egg batches in close synchrony with the lunar phase, whereas populations of S. reticulatum produce only from 2 to 3 batches of young per breeding season. It appears that female S. cinereum invest less time in carrying their eggs (approximately 1 lunar month), while female S. reticulartum invest a greater amount of time (eggs carried for approximately 45 days). These and other specific differences in reproductive strategies suggest that populations of S. cinereum are responding to density-independent selective pressures, while populations of S. reticulatum exhibit characteristics of density-dependent selective effects.
Smad7 induces tumorigenicity by blocking TGF-β-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis

Smad proteins play a key role in the intracellular signaling of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of extracellular polypeptides that initiate signaling to regulate a wide variety of biological processes. The inhibitory Smad, Smad7, has been shown to function as intracellular antagonists of TGF-beta family signaling and is upregulated in several cancers. To determine the effect of Smad7-mediated blockade of TGF-beta signaling, we have stably expressed Smad7 in a TGF-beta-sensitive, well-differentiated, and non-tumorigenic cell line, FET, that was derived from human colon adenocarcinoma. Smad7 inhibits TGF-beta-induced transcriptional responses by blocking complex formation between Smad 2/3 and Smad4. While Smad7 has no effect on TGF-beta-induced activation of p38 MAPK and ERK, it blocks the phosphorylation of Akt by TGF-beta and enhances TGF-beta-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun. FET cells expressing Smad7 show anchorage-independent growth and enhance tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice. Smad7 blocks TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition by preventing TGF-beta-induced G1 arrest. Smad7 inhibits TGF-beta-mediated downregulation of c-Myc, CDK4, and Cyclin D1, and suppresses the expression of p21(Cip1). As a result, Smad7 inhibits TGF-beta-mediated downregulation of Rb phosphorylation. Furthermore, Smad7 inhibits the apoptosis of these cells. Together, Smad7 may increase the tumorigenicity of FET cells by blocking TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition and by inhibiting apoptosis. Thus, this study provides a mechanism by which a portion of human colorectal tumors may become refractory to tumor-suppressive actions of TGF-beta that might result in increased tumorigenicity.
Gamma-ray interaction in Ge: A Monte Carlo simulation

The interaction of X-ray and gamma-ray photons with materials is of fundamental interest to many fields. The interaction of these primary photons with atoms results in the creation of fast electrons. Electron-solid interaction can be determined experimentally by measuring physical quantities, such as scattering cross section, but the partitioning of energy loss into different quantum mechanical processes is important to determine the mean energy required to create an electron-hole pair, W, and the intrinsic variance (or Fano factor, F) for radiation detectors. In the present work, a Monte Carlo (MC) method previously developed has been employed to simulate the interaction of photons with Ge over the energy range from 50 eV to ~1 MeV and the subsequent electron cascades. Various quantum mechanical processes for energy loss of fast electrons, which control the broadening of Fano factor, are investigated in detail. At energies lower than 1 keV, W generally decreases with increasing photon energy from 2.95 to 2.75 in Ge, whereas it has a constant value of 2.64 eV for higher energies. Also, the function, F, decreases with increasing photon energy. Above the L shell edge, F has a value of 0.11 that is smaller than that in Si (0.14). However,more » F exhibits a sawtooth variation, and discontinuities at the shell edges follow the photoionization cross section. These results are in good agreement with experimental measurements. The simulated distribution indicates that the interband transition and plasmon excitation are the most important mechanisms of electron-hole pair creation in Ge, while core shell ionization appears to be significant only at high energies.« less
Modeling the effects of mergers in procurement

In procurement settings, mergers among suppliers reduce buyers' choice sets and can harm buyers by eliminating their preferred supplier or reducing their negotiating leverage. I develop a stochastic economic model that predicts the effects of mergers based on information that commonly is available to antitrust authorities. I derive general expressions for the ex ante expected changes in price, buyer utility, and supplier profit. Each becomes tractable under certain distributional assumptions. The model predicts that average prices will increase by more than 40% due to the recently litigated acquisition of Power Reviews by Bazaarvoice, in the absence of an effective remedy.
Looking Through Different Lenses: How Preservice Science Teachers Use Practice-Oriented Reflections to Negotiate More Reform-Minded Identities

This study used identity as a framework to understand how preservice science teachers develop the reform-minded ideas inherent in science-specific reforms. Six participants systematically reflected about their reform-based and field lessons taught during a methods course and field lessons taught during student teaching. Patterns in their reflections revealed five different lenses they used to propose changing their practices and negotiate the dissonances those proposals created with their core conceptions about teaching. The extent to which participants expressed reform-minded thinking and enacted science-specific reforms in the field was associated with how they used the lenses to resolve dissonances. The findings suggest why preservice teachers need explicit opportunities to engage in work to cultivate the reform-minded identities required to enact science-specific reforms.
The Effect of Hypofibrinogenemia and Fibrinolysis on Skeletal Muscle Function after Ischemia and Reperfusion

Isometric contraction to direct supramaximal tetanic stimulation of the anterior tibialis (AT) muscle was measured in 50 New Zealand White rabbits after ischemia and reperfusion. Ischemia was produced unilaterally by collateral ligation and temporary inflow control until AT muscle function decreased to < 5% of contralateral (control) AT muscle and the ischemic interval was recorded. Reperfusion was carried out in one of the following ways: group I (n = 20), release of vascular clamps (blood reperfusion [BR]); group II (n = 10), release of vascular clamps and simultaneous intraarterial administration of 50,000 units of urokinase (urokinase reperfusion [UR]); group III (n = 10), release of vascular clamps and simultaneous administration of 50,000 units of urokinase and 28 mg (5 units) of purified rabbit plasminogen (urokinase plasminogen reperfusion [UPR]); and group IV (n = 10), animals defibrinated to < 50 mg/dl with ancrod prior to ischemia and received BR (ancrod blood reperfusion [ABR]). During reperfusion, function was recorded every 60 min for 2 hr. Recovery of experimental muscle function is expressed as the percentage of contralateral control limb function. The mean ischemic interval (mean +/- SEM), to achieve < 5% of contralateral control limb function, was 206.7 +/- 9.9, 209.5 +/- 16.6, 221.7 +/- 12.5, and 272.0 +/- 14.2 min for animals in groups I-IV, respectively. The mean experimental muscle function (mean +/- SEM) following the ischemic interval was 3.2 +/- 0.8, 4.5 +/- 1.4, 4.4 +/- 1.2, and 3.3 +/- 1.0 for groups I-IV, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)