cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"The normal" as a culture-related concept: Historical considerations.

Three definitions of 'normal' are recognized: the normative or ideal, the average or statistical, and the medical or freedom from illness. We still retain from our historical past the notion that mental or emotional illness bespeaks, if not possession by spirits, at least an irreversible condition. A person who has once sought medical treatment for mental sickness is forever after viewed as suspect, as one who may relapse at any time. The modern norm of reason, as against unreason, reinforces distaste for mental illness. The withdrawal of the Eagleton candidacy in 1972 attests that our society is not yet ready to accept mental illness as treatable and curable. To aspire to the presidency or other high office is probably not 'normal' in the sense of not being 'average', and it is entirely possible that the norm of adaptive behavior is incongruent with ambition and exceptional ability. Should the eligibility requirement for leadership then be 'normal' in the sense of free from illness? Abraham Lincoln was subject to periods of acute depression, Winston Churchill was to a degree manic-depressive, and Woodrow Wilson suffered a series of 'nervous breakdowns' before serving as President. History has vindicated the mental ability and leadership qualities of these men. By modern psychiatric criteria for mental health, many creative scientists and artists would be considered abnormal. On the other hand, the concept of normalcy has recently been used to rationalize political misbehavior. Is it possible, then, to develop a viewpoint of 'normal' that is consistent with our culture, and yet at the same time is broad enough to encompass the uncommon?
Longitudinal Studies of Alcohol and Drug Problems

The literature on the etiology and natural history of alcoholism and drug addiction in women is limited. Longitudinal studies are particularly useful for addressing these questions, but the majority of longitudinal studies of alcohol and drug use are confined to males (McCord and McCord, 1960; Robins et al., 1974, 1975; Vaillant, 1973; Glueck and Glueck, 1968). Women are typically scarce in drug and alcohol treatment populations. When treatment samples are followed up, the few women may be dropped prior to follow-up or may be followed but not analyzed separately because of their small numbers. Follow-ups of general population samples are also usually restricted to men because of the large samples that would be required to identify enough female alcoholics or drug addicts to make their study worthwhile. Where follow-up studies of women exist, information is often restricted to use of alcohol and drugs rather than addiction or problem use, both because of the scarcity of women with substance abuse problems and because many of the available studies are restricted to adolescents, who have not had time to develop problems. The relative lack of longitudinal studies of women’s drug and alcohol abuse and the small samples of women heavily involved with drugs or alcohol in the few existing studies mean that we know even less about both the causes of women’s substance abuse and its natural history than we do about men’s.
Assessing senior patients' ability to drive safely.

Physicians have a responsibility to assess elderly patients for conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely and to be familiar with state laws that govern physician duty to report impaired drivers. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Speech coding using the matrix pencil

Matrix Pencils (MP) facilitate the study of differential equations resulting from oscillating systems. Certain problems in linear ordinary differential equations, such as speech processing, can be represented as the problem of finding a canonical pencil strictly equivalent to a given pencil. The MP is a direct data domain approach to estimate the signal's poles. The MP depends on only the data and is not a stochastic estimator. This approach has many benefits over a statistical approach. One benefit is that a smaller amount of data could be used to estimate the poles. The second benefit is that it results in a lower variance associated with the estimates of the parameters, which comes close to the Cramer-Rao bound [1]. In this paper, the results of recent work have been extended [2].
Adapting GM Research to a New Corporate Strategy

OVERVIEW:The business climate has changed tremendously for North American automobile manufacturers. Until the late 1970s, there was little foreign competition. Manufacturers could benefit by large economies of scale, and there was little incentive for radical innovation within the business. Today, manufacturers from all over the world compete in the United States. Customers have more than 600 vehicle options to choose from, and the intense competition has kept prices competitive and margins thin. Such changes have forced manufacturers to innovate as they never have before. In 1998, GM embarked on a corporate strategy of innovation and growth. As a result, GM Research transformed itself from a lab that had been working primarily to support an existing production system, to a lab focused on business innovation. The target was to put 30 percent of the lab's resources on exploratory projects, but projects that could create wealth for the company. Changes required by the new emphasis included establishment of ...
Dose intensity of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX (FFX) in borderline and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC): A comparison to the adjuvant benchmark.

392Background: Optimal timing and duration of FFX for resectable, borderline resectable, and LAPC has not been established. The PRODIGE 24/CCTG PA.6 study used 12 cycles of adjuvant modified FFX (e...
Consumer Liking and Descriptive Flavor Attributes of M. Longissimus Lumborum and M. Gluteus Medius Beef Steaks Held in Varied Packaging Systems 1

Sensory evaluation was conducted to investigate the impact of packaging system and muscle type on beef flavor. Beef M. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and M. Gluteus medius (GM) steaks were produced from vacuum packaged subprimals at 14 d postmortem. Steaks were placed in various packaging types and held for 7 d prior to 48 h of retail display under continuous fluorescent lighting. Packaging types included: high-oxygen modified atmosphere lidded trays (80% O2/20% CO2, HIOX), carbon monoxide modified atmosphere lidded trays (0.4% CO/30% CO2/69.6%N2, CO), rollstock (forming/non-forming films, ROLL), vacuum packaging (stored in darkness, VAC), and traditional overwrap (foam trays wrapped with polyvinyl chloride film immediately before display, OW). Steaks were evaluated after cooking by consumer panelists and a trained descriptive attribute panel. For consumer evaluation, a muscle × package type interaction (P = 0.040) occurred for juiciness. Overall liking, tenderness, and liking of flavor were influenced (P ≤ 0.003) by package type. Overall liking, liking of flavor, and tenderness of HIOX was lower (P < 0.05) than all other package types. Additionally, package type impacted (P ≤ 0.030) overall, flavor, and tenderness acceptability. Overall and flavor acceptability was the lowest (P < 0.05) for the HIOX treatment. From trained panel attribute evaluation, muscle × package type interactions were detected (P ≤ 0.021) for brown/roasted, bloody/serumy, and juiciness. Juiciness was the least (P < 0.05) desirable for GM HIOX compared to all other muscle and package type combinations. Steaks from HIOX packages had the highest (P < 0.05) ratings for oxidized and cardboardy, and were rated lowest (P < 0.05) in beef flavor ID and umami compared with all other package types. The LL had greater (P < 0.05) beef flavor ID, fat-like, umami, sweet, and overall tenderness ratings than the GM. The GM was more (P < 0.05) liver-like and oxidized compared with the LL. These data indicate a high oxygen packaging environment has the potential to accentuate negative descriptive sensory attributes and lower consumer sensory scores, while diminishing palatability in both muscles.
Behavior of Underground Tunnels in Jointed Rocks Subjected to Blast Loading

SUMMARY A finite element model is presented for describing deformation behavior of frictional rock joints. The model is based on the work of Plesha (refs. 1,2,6) and is derived from the analogy of associated plasticity theory applicable to a continuum. Numerical solution of unconstrained cyclic shear tests by the model demonstrates that it can adequately model the essential features of frictional joints. Finally, the dynamic response of an underground tunnel located in jointed rocks and subjected to blast loading is evaluated using the procedure developed.
Analysis of Engine Exhaust Pressure Wave Performance

By analyzing the form of pressure wave within automotive exhaust system and relationship between propagation process and working condition of engine, simulate a work cycle for purpose of timely diagnosing troubles, thus presenting exhaust stroke of four cylinders through pressure wave; modifying of the speed of engine will affect the amplitude of pressure wave, harmonic components, phase position and other parameters; at the end of the exhaust stroke, exhaust pressure wave generates interference, superposition and negative effect, which is of great importance for analysis and diagnosis of engine troubles by using exhaust pressure wave.
Leptin and Obesity: Role in Cardiac Structure and Dysfunction

• Obesity, a growing health problem worldwide, contributes to the onset and/or development of heart disease. Even when uncomplicated by hypertension or diabetes, obesity triggers cardiac maladaptive remodeling, which plays a major role in the progression of various heart diseases to heart failure.
Fluorescent probes for investigating peptidoglycan biosynthesis in mycobacteria.

Abstract Tuberculosis killed 1.5 million people in 2018. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, is the most deadly infectious bacteria in the world. A strength of mycobacterial pathogens — their formidable cell wall — could also be one of their greatest molecular vulnerabilities. As in other bacteria, peptidoglycan (PG) maintenance and integrity is essential to mycobacterial survival. But Mtb PG is unique, and a better understanding of its biosynthetic machinery could lead to new drugs or more effective treatment regimens. Such investigations are being accelerated by the application of fluorescent probes, including those based on vancomycin, β-lactams, PG stem mimics, d -amino acids, and reactive glycans. This review will describe how fluorescent probes are being used to uncover new information on the regulation and drug susceptibility of two classes of enzymes that fortify the Mtb PG: the penicillin-binding proteins and the L,D-transpeptidases.
State medical marijuana laws, cannabis use and cannabis use disorder among adults with elevated psychological distress.

Abstract Background Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are more prevalent in U.S. states with medical marijuana laws (MMLs), as well as among individuals with elevated psychological distress. We investigated whether adults with moderate and serious psychological distress experienced greater levels of cannabis use and/or disorder in states with MMLs compared to states without MMLs. Methods National Survey of Drug Use and Health data (2013–2017) were used to compare past-month cannabis use, daily cannabis use, and cannabis use disorder prevalence among adults with moderate and serious psychological distress in states with versus without MMLs. We executed pooled multivariable logistic regression analyses to test main effects of distress, MMLs and their interaction, after adjustment. Results Compared to states without MMLs, states with MMLs had higher adjusted prevalence of past-month use (11.1 % vs. 6.8 %), daily use (4.0 % vs. 2.2 %), and disorder (1.7 % vs. 1.2 %). Adults with moderate and serious psychological distress had greater adjusted odds of any use (AORs of 1.72 and 2.22, respectively) and of disorder (AORs of 2.17 and 2.94, respectively), compared to those with no/mild distress. We did not find evidence of an interaction between MMLs and distress category for any outcome. Conclusions Associations between elevated distress and cannabis use patterns are no greater in states with MML. However, cannabis use is more prevalent in MML states. Thus, higher base rates of cannabis use and disorder among adults with elevated distress are proportionally magnified in these states.
“So what are we working on?”: how student authority relations shift during collaborative mathematics activity

This paper explores peer interactions in an elementary mathematics classroom (ages 9–10) where the teacher intentionally shared authority with her students and supported them in learning to share authority with one another. Authors examine how students shifted between shared, concentrated, and contested social and intellectual authority relations in partner and small group work during a three-week unit on place value. Findings show that (a) students were able to share both social and intellectual authority, and did so often; (b) the distribution of social authority was more dynamic than that of intellectual authority; and (c) when groups shifted into shared intellectual authority, shifts were usually preceded by a student making some aspect of the collaborative task public. We connect these findings to research on authority in mathematics classrooms that serve racially and linguistically minoritized students and offer directions for future work.
Host auxin machinery is important in mediating root architecture changes induced by Pseudomonas fluorescens GM30 and Serendipita indica

Abstract Auxin is a key phytohormone that is integral to plant developmental processes including those underlying root initiation, elongation, and branching. Beneficial microbes have been shown to have an impact on root development, potentially mediated through auxin. In this study, we explore the role of host auxin signaling and transport components in mediating the root growth promoting effects of beneficial microbes. Towards this end, we undertook co-culture studies of Arabidopsis thaliana plants with microbes previously reported to promote lateral root proliferation and produce auxin. Two types of beneficial microbes were included in the present study; a plant growth promoting bacterial species of interest, Pseudomonas fluorescens GM30, and a well-studied plant growth promoting fungal species, Serendipita indica (Piriformospora indica). Following co-culture, lateral root production was found restored in auxin transport inhibitor-treated plants, suggesting involvement of microbe and/or microbially-produced auxin in altering plant auxin levels. In order to clarify the role of host auxin signaling and transport pathways in mediating interactions with bacterial and fungal species, we employed a suite of auxin genetic mutants as hosts in co-culture screens. Our result show that the transport proteins PIN2, PIN3, and PIN7 and the signaling protein ARF19, are required for mediating root architecture effects by the bacterial and/or fungal species. Mutants corresponding to these proteins did not significantly respond to co-culture treatment and did not show increases in lateral root production and lateral root density. These results implicate the importance of host auxin signaling in both bacterial and fungal induced changes in root architecture and serve as a driver for future research on understanding the role of auxin-dependent and auxin-independent pathways in mediating plant-microbe interactions in economically important crop species.
The dungeons of the Lima Inquisition: corruption, survival, and secret codes in colonial Peru

The history of corruption in colonial Latin America has recently received scholarly attention. According to Alfonso Quiroz, the presence of corruption involves a variety of transgressions such as f...
Diffusion-mediated chemical concentration variation and void evolution in ion-irradiated NiCoFeCr high-entropy alloy

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are proposed as potential structural materials for advanced nuclear systems, but little is known about the response of matrix chemistry in HEAs upon irradiation. Here, we reveal a substantial change of matrix chemical concentration as a function of irradiation damage (depth) in equiatomic NiCoFeCr HEA irradiated by 3 MeV Ni ions. After ion irradiation, the matrix contains more Fe/Cr in depth shallower than ~900–1000 nm but more Ni/Co from ~900–1000 nm to the end of the ion-damaged region due to the preferential diffusion of vacancies through Fe/Cr. Preferential diffusion also facilitates migration of vacancies from high radiation damage region to low radiation damage region, leading to no void formation below ~900–1000 nm and void formation around the end of the ion-damaged region at a fluence of 5 × 1016 cm−2 (~123 dpa, displacements per atom, peak dose under full cascade mode). As voids grow significantly at an increased fluence (8 × 1016 cm−2, 196 dpa), the matrix concentration does not change dramatically due to new voids formed below ~900–1000 nm.
Why digital agriculture is fertile ground for software systems research (keynote)

In this talk, I will try to make a case that more computer systems researchers, including those working on programming languages and software systems, should look for new research opportunities in the field of Digital Agriculture. I will start by describing briefly several examples of broad computing challenges in this field. I will then drill deeper into a few specific examples of past or ongoing software systems projects, both from our research and that of other research groups, where new research was needed to solve important digital agriculture challenges. I will briefly discuss a wide range of federal funding opportunities available for collaborative research spanning Computer Science and many different aspects of agriculture. The key observation is that digital agriculture raises difficult and interesting research challenges for Computer Science researchers in general, and software systems researchers in particular.
Hearing the ‘Voice’ of the Niphal: A Response to Ellen van Wolde:

This article responds to the innovative and stimulating research by Ellen van Wolde in a previous volume of Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. She claims that the Niphal is middle voice an...
Experience and supportive care needs of metastatic lung cancer survivors living with uncertainty: a brief qualitative report.

Molecularly targeted therapies have revolutionized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Many patients with metastatic NSCLC receiving targeted therapy may live several years with incurable cancer. We sought to describe how these metastatic cancer survivors and their caregivers experience uncertainty about the future and identify their unmet supportive care needs. We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients with metastatic NSCLC receiving targeted therapy (n = 39) and their caregivers (n = 16). We used a framework approach to code and analyze the qualitative data. Metastatic lung cancer survivors described awareness of their mortality and the possibility that their cancer could progress at any time. Though some found ways to cope, many felt inadequately supported to manage their distress, especially since they were “doing fine medically.” Survivors struggled with decisions about working and managing their finances given their uncertain life expectancy and sought trustworthy lung cancer information in plain language. They wished to compare experiences with other patients with their molecular subtype of NSCLC. Participants desired comprehensive cancer care that includes psychosocial support, preparation for the future, and ways to promote their own health, such as through lifestyle changes. Patients with metastatic NSCLC receiving targeted therapy and their caregivers experience distress related to living with uncertainty and desire more coping support, connection with peers, information, and healthy lifestyle guidance. Patients living with treatable yet incurable cancer and their caregivers are a growing population of cancer survivors. Recognition of their unmet needs may inform the development of tailored support services to help them live well with cancer.
Reasons for individual and concurrent use of vaped nicotine and cannabis: their similarities, differences, and association with product use.

Understanding similarities, differences, and associations between reasons people vape nicotine and cannabis may be important for identifying underlying contributors to their co-use. A cross-sectional survey of 112 co-users of vaped nicotine and cannabis was conducted in 2020. A convenience sample of participants was recruited for the survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants responded to questions about their reasons for individual nicotine and cannabis product use and co-use and rated their level of agreement using numerical scales. Mean ratings for each reason for use subscale were examined across all participants and compared using paired samples t tests. Associations between reasons for use ratings and product consumption behaviors were examined using linear and logistic regression analyses. Cannabis vaping and smoking exhibited similar mean ratings for user experience and product/substance-related reasons for use. Mean ratings for reasons related to product utility were similar for cannabis vaping and nicotine vaping. Mean ratings for utility-related reasons for use were higher for cannabis vaping than cannabis smoking (mean (SD), 3.6 (± 1.0) vs. 2.6 (± 1.2), p < 0.0001). On average, harm reduction-related reasons for use were rated higher for nicotine vaping than cannabis vaping (2.4 (± 1.6) vs. 1.8 (± 1.4), p < 0.0001). Regression models showed higher average ratings for utility-related (b = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.03-0.60) and harm reduction-related (b = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.04-0.37) reasons for nicotine vaping were associated with more frequent nicotine vaping (both p < 0.05). Higher average ratings for instrumentality-related reasons for co-use corresponded with more frequent monthly nicotine vaping (b = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08-0.44) and higher odds of ever chasing cannabis with nicotine (aOR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.29-7.30). Vaping serves purposes that differ by substance; nicotine vaping was more closely related to reducing tobacco smoking-related harms, and cannabis vaping was more closely related to circumventing social problems posed by cannabis smoking. Lifetime sequential co-use practices and more frequent nicotine vaping were associated with enhancing the intoxicating effects of cannabis. While replication of these findings using non convenience-based sampling approaches is warranted, results underscore the need to consider shared and unique aspects of nicotine and cannabis vaping, as well as cross-substance interactions between nicotine and cannabis.
The Role of Coupling Factor Activation in Regulating the Initiation of ATP Formation

The activity of the chloroplast coupling factor complex is highly regulated. The light-driven electron transfer reactions in thylakoid membranes generate an electrochemical potential difference consisting of a transmembrane imbalance of electrical charge (Δψ) and of hydrogen ion activity (ΔpH). It is this electrochemical potential that is used to drive the various coupling factor catalyzed reactions. In washed dark-adapted thylakoid membranes, ATP synthesis begins after just a few milliseconds of illumination and maximum efficiency (ATP/e2) is achieved several milliseconds later (1). When electron transfer is driven by saturating single-turnover flashes under conditions in which a membrane potential is prevented from forming, only about 15 flashes are required to build up the requisite ΔpH for the onset of ATP formation and maximum ATP/e2 is attained shortly thereafter (2).
Constitutional Change and Democracy in Indonesia

How did democracy became entrenched in the world's largest Muslim-majority country? After the fall of its authoritarian regime in 1998, Indonesia pursued an unusual course of democratization. It was insider-dominated and gradualist and it involved free elections before a lengthy process of constitutional reform. At the end of the process, Indonesia's amended constitution was essentially a new and thoroughly democratic document. By proceeding as they did, the Indonesians averted the conflict that would have arisen between adherents of the old constitution and proponents of radical, immediate reform. Donald L. Horowitz documents the decisions that gave rise to this distinctive constitutional process. He then traces the effects of the new institutions on Indonesian politics and discusses their shortcomings and their achievements in steering Indonesia away from the dangers of polarization and violence. He also examines the Indonesian story in the context of comparative experience with constitutional design and intergroup conflict.
Functional gene diversity and migration timing in reintroduced Chinook salmon

Reintroductions are used to reestablish populations to historical habitats from which they were extirpated. The long-term success of these efforts will depend on genetic diversity and the ability of reintroduced individuals to adapt to ecological change. We examined variation at circadian clock (OtsClock1b and OmyFbxw11) and reproductive timing (Ots515NWFSC)—associated genes in two threatened spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations that are undergoing restoration to historical habitats above dams. We also tested for an association between the genes and individual variation in arrival time to the spawning grounds. Our findings indicate that levels of genetic diversity in reintroduced individuals are similar to those found in previously studied spring, summer, fall and winter-run Chinook salmon populations. Captive-rearing programs established following dam construction and the more recent reintroduction efforts thus appear to have maintained diversity at these genes. We observed temporal (between run-years) and spatial (between populations) patterns of genetic differentiation, but little evidence that selection underlies these differences. However, there was a relationship between the circadian-associated gene, OmyFbxw11, and arrival time to the spawning grounds, and in one year of the study, “early” and “late” arrivers to the spawning grounds were more differentiated at the gene than at neutral markers. Taken together, these findings suggest that reintroduced salmon may be capable of an evolutionary response to ecological shifts that alter the adaptive landscape between fitness and arrival timing to the spawning grounds.
The Effects of Restraint Use and Mass in “Downsized” Cars

Etude des influences que peut avoir le renversement de voitures sur les passagers, notamment des blessures occasionnees. Des modeles statistiques sont derives qui illustrent les risques relatifs associes aux voitures renversees et a l'utilisation des ceintures
From the Consensual to the Compulsory Paradigm in International Adjudication: Elements for a Theory of Consent

Since the end of the Cold War, there has been a trend towards the judicialization of international relations, signaled by an increasing number of international judicial bodies. Yet, the most notable feature of this well-known phenomenon has been overlooked. While traditionally international litigation has taken place consensually, in the past two decades compulsion has become the prevailing paradigm. The shift is visible both in treaty regimes and in international jurisprudence. Consent has become so removed in time and substance from the exercise of jurisdiction that it can be asked whether it serves any more as a significant function in the international order. What does it mean exactly to consent to the jurisdiction of an international adjudicative body under contemporary international law? The Article suggests that the fact that this shift has not been homogeneous across legal regimes and has not involved all States is the root problem of many predicaments affecting contemporary international law and relations. The most troubling of these is that increasingly the same disputes are litigated serially or in parallel in different international fora, thus undermining the ultimate rationale of international judicial proceedings: closure and settlement. While issues of litispendence and forum shopping are attracting increasing attention, the shift itself is an underrated and unnoticed phenomenon. This Article proposes a different theoretical and empirical framework for understanding contemporary international adjudication and the phenomenon of the judicialization of world politics. By presenting new hypotheses and normative findings, it lays the groundwork for future research and discussion.
Influence of Cellular Factors on Immune Unresponsiveness Induced by Klebsiella pneumoniae Capsular Antigen

The mechanisms by which immune unresponsiveness (immune paralysis) develops are still uncertain. The present work was based on the assumption that this condition may be due to failure of certain activities of the macrophages. Data from passive transfer of such cells are interpreted as supporting this hypothesis. Purified capsular polysaccharide from type 2 Klebsiella pneumoniae induced immunity when given to Swiss albino mice in 5-μg amounts and immune paralysis when given in 1,000-μg amounts. The unresponsive state lapsed to that of acquired immunity 3 months after induction. Passive transfer of cells from groups of K. pneumoniae immune, “paralyzed,” and control mice showed that peritoneal cells from “paralyzed” donors induced significant protection against challenge in both control and “paralyzed” recipients. In contrast, spleen cells from control, “paralyzed,” and immune animals failed to effect such transfer. The finding that unresponsiveness could be terminated by peritoneal cells and not spleen cells indicates that macrophages played a primary role in immune paralysis, possibly owing to their loss of capacity to transfer factors or information for induction of antibody synthesis.
Fructose 1,6-diphosphatase from Rhodopseudomonas palustris. II. Regulatory properties.

Kinetic studies of fructose 1,6-diphosphatase (d-fructose 1,6-diphosphate I- phosphohydrolase; EC 3.1.3.11) from Rhodopseudomonas palustris has revealed allosteric regulation of the enzyme by fructose 1,6-diphosphate, sedoheptulose 1,7-diphosphate, Mn2+ ions, GTP, and ATP. Although substrate regulation by fructose 1,6-diphosphate and sedoheptulose 1,7-diphosphate are qualitatively similar, the enzyme was observed to interact preferentially with the hexose substrate as judged by the criterion of greater affinity, higher Hill coefficient, and sensitivity to GTP inhibition. Allosteric interactions by fructose 1,6-diphosphate were enhanced by lowering the concentration of Mn2+ ions or coincubation with the allosteric inhibitor, GTP. Manganese cooperativity was increased by GTP and decreased levels of fructose 1,6-diphosphate. Inhibition studies with freshly prepared enzyme demonstrated that GTP and ATP inhibited enzymatic activity to the same degree. All other nucleoside triphosphates tested were approximately one half as effective. The extent of allosteric interactions exhibited by various modifiers was strictly pH dependent as cooperativity exhibited at neutral hydrogen ion concentration (pH 7.4) was completely abolished under alkaline conditions (pH 8.5). Although shifts in pH did not substantially alter the Km of fructose 1,6-diphosphate and Mn2+, a 5-fold enhancement of the KI for GTP was observed with a pH increase from 7.4 to 8.5. The data suggest that the physiological significance of the regulation of R. palustris fructose 1,6-diphosphate is that of controlling the Calvin-Bassham carbon-reduction cycle.
Hierarchy, Dominance, and Deliberation Egalitarian Values Require Mental Effort

Hierarchy and dominance are ubiquitous. Because social hierarchy is early learned and highly rehearsed, the value of hierarchy enjoys relative ease over competing egalitarian values. In six studies, we interfere with deliberate thinking and measure endorsement of hierarchy and egalitarianism. In Study 1, bar patrons' blood alcohol content was correlated with hierarchy preference. In Study 2, cognitive load increased the authority/hierarchy moral foundation. In Study 3, low-effort thought instructions increased hierarchy endorsement and reduced equality endorsement. In Study 4, ego depletion increased hierarchy endorsement and caused a trend toward reduced equality endorsement. In Study 5, low-effort thought instructions increased endorsement of hierarchical attitudes among those with a sense of low personal power. In Study 6, participants' thinking quickly allocated more resources to high-status groups. Across five operationalizations of impaired deliberative thought, hierarchy endorsement increased and egalitarianism receded. These data suggest hierarchy may persist in part because it has a psychological advantage.
Renaissance beauty = Today’s ugly: What appearance factors determine attractiveness judgments?

ABSTRACTBy comparing photos of portraits of the faces of Renaissance courtesans to photos of attractive contemporary women’s faces this study estimates the importance of sociocultural factors in the personal perception of faces. Physical attractiveness is an important causal factor in choosing a sex partner, so the difference between averaged attractiveness judgments, a focus of attractiveness research, and individual attractiveness judgment, most relevant to choosing a sex partner, is important. Except for modesty and faithfulness, 13 normally attractive contemporary models were rated much more positively by college student participants (N = 189) than were eight celebrated Renaissance courtesans, both in attractiveness (contemporary stimuli 63%; Renaissance courtesans 31%) and in personality traits. All of the Renaissance courtesan trait ratings showed more variability than the contemporary stimuli. This study supports the view that once a relatively low baseline level of biological attractiveness is sur...
An efficient synthesis of isotope-labeled PD0331179 and its labeled metabolite

4-[1-Methyl-2,4-dioxo-6-(3-phenyl-prop-1-ynyl)-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-ylmethyl]-benzoic acid, PD0331179, was under investigation as a matrix metalloproteinase-13 inhibitor. 14C-labeled and 2H-labeled PD0331179 and its 2H-labeled metabolite (PD0335699) were required to support its preclinical and clinical studies. [14C] 3-phenyl-1-trimethyl/triphenylsilyl-propyne was efficiently prepared starting with [14C] benzoic acid and used as a key-labeled reagent for the synthesis of [14C] PD0331179. A one-pot coupling reaction between aryl iodide and trialkylsilyl propyne was developed to make this synthesis more efficient. The details of these syntheses are reported. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tritium Operations at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at the University of Rochester has conducted inertial confinement fusion experiments since the early 1970s. Beginning in 1996, LLE filled and fielded targets containing DT gas with pressures as high as 30 atm. Facilities are being upgraded to prepare, characterize, and field targets with DT ice on their inner surface. To this end, process loops that can pressurize DT gas to 1200 bar and operate at 17 K are in the final stages of commissioning. To preclude both accidental and chronic tritium releases and to minimize the potential for exposures to personnel, both metal hydride-based and oxidation drier-based cleanup systems have been installed and commissioned with hydrogen. Cryogenic DT targets will be fielded in 2006.
The effects of learning on the roles of chance, history and adaptation in evolving neural networks

The course of the evolution of a population is affected by chance events, the population's genetic history and adaptation via selection. The presence of individual lifetime learning is also known to influence the course of a population's evolution. The experiments reported here, examine the effects that lifetime learning has on the roles played by chance, history and adaptation in the evolution of populations of simple neural networks. The effects of chance, history and adaptation on both learned fitness (fitness after learning) and innate fitness were considered both when learning incurred no cost and when a fitness cost was incurred for learning. When learning was cost-free it was found to decrease the influence of adaptation, history and chance on learned fitness, while having the opposite or possibly no effect on innate fitness. When a fitness cost was incurred for learning, the role of adaptation in determining innate fitness increased, while the roles of chance and history decreased for both learned and innate fitness. These observed effects are interpreted in light prior results on the effects of learning on evolution.
Neobladder-vaginal fistula after cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder construction.

OBJECTIVE To determine the potential surgical and clinical factors that contribute to the development of neobladder-vaginal fistula (NVF) after cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) construction in women. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of 37 patients who had vaginal-sparing cystectomy, the records of four who developed a NVF after radical cystectomy and ONB construction were reviewed. Retrospective clinical and surgical information was collected, including patient demographics, tumour pathology, surgical technique, presenting symptoms, and method and efficacy of surgical repair. RESULTS In two of the four patients who developed a NVF a small injury to the anterior vaginal wall was noted during surgery and closed primarily. All patients presented with severe urinary incontinence. The NVF was diagnosed after cystoscopy and/or speculum examination. Three of the four patients had an attempted surgical repair, including one obturator flap interposition, one rectus flap interposition, and one primary two-layer closure. To date, one patient is fistula-free and two were subsequently converted to an ileal conduit or continent cutaneous diversion because the fistula recurred. The fourth patient developed a NVF in association with local tumour recurrence and underwent conversion to an ileal conduit. CONCLUSION The development of a NVF is a significant complication after cystectomy. Inadvertent injury to the vaginal wall is an important predisposing factor to subsequent NVF development. The repair of a NVF is often difficult; upon diagnosis, conversion to a continent cutaneous urinary diversion may be considered.
Ongoing mental health concerns in post-3/11 Japan.

Abstract Background The triple disaster that struck the Tohoku region on March 11, 2011, has had massive psychiatric, social, and physical effects on the people of Japan. A staggering loss of life and property, as well as an ongoing nuclear disaster, has dramatically affected the ability of the country to recover. Objective In an effort to better understand the current social, health, and mental health needs of the region affected by the disaster and to share lessons from 9/11, a group of 9/11 survivors and doctors from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai traveled to sites throughout the Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate prefectures. Methods A qualitative analysis was performed on transcripts of the cultural and medical exchanges, which occurred on this trip to identify relevant themes about the problems confronting the recovery effort almost 3 years after the disaster. Findings Significant themes that emerged included a crippling radiation anxiety, a considerable stigma toward addressing mental health care, and a shortage of mental health care throughout the region, as well as ongoing psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and alcohol misuse. Conclusions These issues continue to complicate the recovery effort but suggest avenues for future interventions.
Slowing effects of dopamine and calcium‐channel blockers on frequency of sodium spikes in rat pars intermedia cells

1. Spontaneous discharge of action potentials (Na spikes) in cells isolated from rat pars intermedia was slowed or arrested by Co(2+), Ni(2+) or Mn(2+), which block voltage-dependent Ca channels in these cells. The amplitude of persisting spikes was undiminished. The effects resembled those of dopamine.2. Action potential frequency decreased when the Ca(2+) concentration was lowered to 0.1 mM and increased when the Ca(2+) concentration was raised from this level to 1 mM or 2 mM or when Ba(2+) (2 mM) was introduced. These effects, together with those of Co(2+), Ni(2+) and Mn(2+), are consistent with the possibility that Ca(2+) participates in the regulation of spike discharge.3. Verapamil, methoxyverapamil (D600), and nifedipine reduced the amplitude of the individual Na spikes in concentrations that had little effect on voltage-dependent Ca channels. Action potential frequency was comparatively little affected by these drugs.4. K(+) (15 mM) stimulated action potential frequency and this effect too was suppressed by dopamine or Co(2+).5. The effect which dopamine had of slowing spontaneous discharge, like the inhibitory effect on secretion, was blocked by metoclopramide. But otherwise the mechanism is unclear: dopamine blocked voltage-dependent Ca channels in some cells but not in most others.6. The effects of K(+) and Ba(2+) of eliciting spikes, the suppression of Na-spike discharge by Co(2+) and related Ca-channel blocking cations, and the unspecific effects of the organic ;Ca channel blockers', all have implications for the use of these substances as tools to analyse stimulus-secretion coupling.
The eight-year experience of plasmapheresis in patients with neurological diseases

Plasmapheresis (PP) removes component parts of plasma from patients, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of neurological autoimmune diseases including myasthenia gravis (MG), acute and chronic demyelinating polyneuropahty (AIDP and CIDP), polyneuropaties associated with inflammatory monoclonal gammopathy and myasthenic syndrome. The mechanism proposed for the actions of PP include removal of antibody, alloantibody, immune complexes, monoclonal protein, cytokines and antitoxin. According to the neurological report of American Academy of Neurology assessment of plasmapheresis in 1996, three diseases are based on class I evidence and with types A recommendation, Guillan-Barre Syndrome, CIDP and polyneuropathy with monoclonal gammopathies. Myasthenia gravis is class IV evidence with type C commendation. From November 1993 to December 2001, we treated 280 patients with various diseases by PP for a total of 421 courses. These included 148 cases of MG, 67 cases of AIDP or CIDP, 3 cases of multiple sclerosis and 2 cases of motor neuron disease. PP were carried out by and automated double filtration method (KM-8800, Kuraray or Plasauto-iQ, Asahi). The Plasmacure (Kuraray) or Plasmaflo AP05W (Asahi) were used as plasma separator and Evaflux 4A or 5A (Kuraray) or Cascadeflo AC 1770 (Asahi) as plasmafracitionater. Each course of treatment consists of 4 to 5 sessions of apheresis. The processed volume of plasma is one calculated plasma volume. All patients tolerated PP well although 3% of them experienced hypotension. Our experiences are summarized as follows. For MG patients, both DF and IA effectively ameliorate symptoms and signs of MG. IA removes acetylcholine receptor antibody more effectively than DF does, but clinical effects between these two methods are similar. Daily schedule seems more effective than alternately daily schedule. The optimal number of PP sessions for each course is four based on the clearance of acetylchoine receptor antibody. The factors correlating with better clinical response are high MG score, non-thymoma patients, younger age at onset, and higher removal rate for immunoglobulin. For patients with AIDP, the median time to grade 2 (walk without support) was 19 days and to waning off the respirator was 9 days. The Clinical efficacy of double filtration PP in the treatment of AIDP was comparable to that of plasma exchange. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A00RC003 00008
A displacement bounding principle in finite plasticity

Abstract A deformation bounding principle is developed for finitely deforming, rigid, perfectly-plastic structures exhibiting geometric stability. The problem is formulated in terms of Kirchhoff's stress tensor and Green's strain tensor and the principle of virtual work and Drucker's Postulate is applied. The principle is used to find a bound on the response of a cylindrical shell under internal pressure and the bound is compared to the exact results also obtained herein.
Attachment of epithelial cells and fibroblasts to ceramic materials

Abstract This study examined in vitro gingival epithelial and fibroblast cell attachment to ceramic materials made of tricalcium phosphate and/or magnesium aluminate spinel. The composite made of tricalcium phosphate and spinel is called ‘osteoceramic’. These ceramics had various compositions and surface structures, which were initially characterized. Cell attachment assays were performed using both cell types to compare cellular response to the ceramic materials. Specimens were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy to investigate cellular morphology. The highest levels of cell attachment for gingival epithelial cells were observed on the rough osteoceramic surface, whereas gingival fibroblasts attached least to the rough osteoceramic surface.
Mechanism of Rapid Electron Transfer during Oxygen Activation in the R2 Subunit of Escherichia coli Ribonucleotide Reductase. 1. Evidence for a Transient Tryptophan Radical

Activation of dioxygen at the carboxylate-bridged diiron(II) cluster in the R2 subunit of Escherichia coli class I ribonucleotide reductase produces the enzyme's catalytically essential stable tyrosyl radical by one-electron oxidation of tyrosine 122. An intermediate in the reaction, the formally Fe(IV)Fe(III) cluster X, can oxidize Y122 in the final and rate-limiting step. During formation of X, an “extra” electron must be transferred to an as-yet-uncharacterized adduct between O2 and the diiron(II) cluster. It was previously shown that a transient, broad absorption band centered near 560 nm develops when the reaction is carried out without an obvious exogenous source of the extra electron, and this band was ascribed to a tryptophan cation radical (W+•) resulting from temporary donation of the electron by the near-surface tryptophan residue 48 during formation of X [Bollinger, J. M., Jr.; Tong, W. H.; Ravi, N.; Huynh, B. H.; Edmondson, D. E.; Stubbe, J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 8024−8032]. In this wo...
Hypercalcemia in small cell carcinoma of the pancreas

Although small cell carcinoma of the lung has a high incidence of skeletal metastasis and is frequently associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, it is only rarely associated with hypercalcemia. Similarly, the more unusual small cell carcinoma of the pancreas has not been associated with hypercalcemia. The authors describe the first such patient with small cell carcinoma of the pancreas and hypercalcemia. Comprehensive metabolic measurements (fasting calcium excretion, renal phosphorus threshold, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D, 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels, nephrogenous cyclic AMP and immunoreactive PTH levels) suggest that although bone metastases were present, the hypercalcemia may have been caused in part by humoral mechanisms.