cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
8.37 – Emerging Concepts and Techniques☆

Predictive toxicology is critically dependent upon the development and refinement of technological capabilities and conceptual approaches to produce and enhance data collection and interpretation. This article outlines recent advances in several key areas capable of enhancing this field including: organ culture, genetic engineering, next generation sequencing, microarray technology, and novel molecular imaging techniques. The advancement of “organ on a chip” technology has become a key part of early drug development. Genetic engineering at the cellular and organism level has had a dramatic impact on molecular biology providing a powerful tool to explore signaling pathways in a variety of research areas including toxicology. Developments in sequencing have expanded the rate of information generation and the ability to produce whole genome information. The diversity of microarray techniques now available offers multiple mechanisms for investigating the transcriptome, proteome, and metabo(l)nome. Advances in imaging techniques offer a diverse array of methods for examination of toxicological effects at various levels of resolution. Recent innovations in these techniques and their applications are summarized in this article.
The influence of pigment type and loading on water vapor barrier properties of paper coatings before and after folding

Abstract Water borne barrier coatings for paper have great potential to replace extruded polymer coatings because they can be recycled and are more likely to break down in the environment. Pigments are usually added to these coatings to reduce the costs and to improve the barrier properties for packaging applications. When these coated papers are formed into a package, often the paper needs to be folded, which usually leads to decreased barrier performance of the coating. While barrier properties of coatings have been studied extensively, the barrier properties of these systems after folding has not been well reported in the literature. In this study, the influence of pigment type, shape, and pigment volume concentration (PVC) on the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and fold resistance were characterized for barrier coating formulations. A method to fold the sample was developed to investigate barrier properties after folding. Coating crack structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared with the observed WVTR results. The deformation of a coating layer on paper, including the influence of pigments, was modeled using a finite element code. Plate shaped pigments gave the best WVTR results before folding but tended to generate large cracks and poor water vapor barrier properties after folding. Spherical pigments yielded small cracks and allowed some retention of barrier properties after folding. The change of the WVTR after folding was greater than what would be expected based on crack area, and internal damage or delamination may explain this result.
Faith and Relationships

The majority of research on religion and spirituality has taken an individualistic approach. In the current chapter, we examine how faith variables relate to positive interpersonal relationships, considering quantitative research on faith and relational well-being. Specifically, we focus on how faith variables such as religious beliefs, prayer, church attendance, and relational faith interactions relate to the quality of personal relationships, such as friendships, romantic relationships, marriage, parenting, and family life. The majority of research has focused on the role of faith for families, including marital interactions and parenting. The findings indicate that numerous faith variables are positively associated with relationships flourishing. We explore the possible mechanisms for links between faith and relational well-being and discuss the implications for the general population, public policy, clinicians, and research. We end with suggestions for future research.
The association between maternal interaction and infant cortisol stress reactivity among preterm and full term infants at 4 months adjusted age.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the association between maternal interactive behavior and infant cortisol stress reactivity in response to the Still Face paradigm (SF) in a cohort of four-month old infants (adjusted age) born preterm ( 37 weeks gestation, N = 28). Infant cortisol reactivity was calculated as area under the curve (AUC) from baseline to the third cortisol sample (30 min post-SF) using the trapezoidal rule, while the percent of time mothers spent using a contingent interaction style was measured (0–100%) during episodes 1 (Play; baseline), 3 (Reunion#1), and 5 (Reunion#2) while mother-infant dyads participated in the SF paradigm. We hypothesized that because infants born preterm are at increased risk for dysregulation, they would show, compared to full-term infants, a blunted stress response, involving under-responsiveness. We found blunted cortisol stress reactivity among the preterm infants. We also found that mothers of preterm infants demonstrated less contingent maternal interaction during Renion#1 of the SF; and that contingent maternal interaction at Reunion#2 of the SF was protective against cortisol stress reactivity in response to the SF. However, we did not find that the influence of maternal interaction on cortisol reactivity was moderated by gestational age group (full term vs preterm): the association between contingent maternal interaction and stress reactivity was similar for both gestational groups across episodes. In order to improve self-regulation and longer term social and cognitive developmental outcomes in medically at-risk infants, future research is warranted to determine how these findings relate to infants’ stress reactions in naturalistic settings, and the directionality and temporal relationship between cortisol stress responses and maternal interactive behavior.
From bench to board-side: Academic teaching careers

Teaching positions provide a rewarding career pathway for Ph.D.s wishing to stay in academia outside of the research-focused position. The balance of teaching and research expectations on faculty can vary greatly depending on the type of institution. Faculty at primarily undergraduate institutions may be required to be researchactive and mentor undergraduates in the laboratory, while teaching faculty at a research-centered university may not have a research lab. In addition, faculty are expected to actively contribute to the shared governance of the institution, in the name of service. The career in teaching has become highly competitive and offers unexpected rewards and benefits. Considered here are the differences found among teaching positions to serve as a guide when considering teaching as a career option. We include our personal career narratives to illustrate the driving forces that led each of us to this challenging yet fulfilling academic path.
Strain localization in non-isothermal unsaturated porous media considering material heterogeneity with stabilized mixed finite elements

Abstract In this article, we investigate strain localization in non-isothermal unsaturated geomaterials considering spatial material heterogeneity. For this purpose, we formulate a mesoscale mathematical model for modeling strain localization triggered by coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in unsaturated soils. The mathematical model can characterize material heterogeneity such as density and the degree of saturation under non-isothermal conditions. In this fully coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical framework, the skeleton of unsaturated geomaterials is represented by a mesoscale thermo-plastic constitutive model which can capture the spatial heterogeneity of density, suction and the degree of saturation, temperature at the Gauss or integration point level. We implement a monolithic numerical solution for the mathematical framework through the stabilized mixed finite element. The final set of nonlinear equations is solved by Newton’s method with an implicit monolithic approach. The numerical model is first validated against the experimental data of thermal unsaturated geomaterials. Then through several numerical examples, we study the triggering role of material heterogeneity coupled with thermal loads on strain localization in unsaturated geomaterials as boundary value problems. The numerical results demonstrate that material heterogeneity coupled with thermal loads can facilitate the inception of strain localization and dramatically decrease the loading capacity of unsaturated soils.
Mapping the GIS Landscape: Introducing “Beyond (within, through) the Grid”

This is an introduction to the special issue entitled “Beyond (within, through) the Grid: Mapping and Historical Archaeology.” The papers in this issue emerge from a 2017 Society for American Archaeology session, in which archaeologists considered the intersections of mapping and historical archaeology. In this volume, the papers expand upon these discussions and explore the ways in which mapping can generate new archaeological data and contribute to methodological and theoretical problems in historical archaeology. Together, they consider the interplay between visibility and invisibility, the visualization of embodied experience, mapping power and resistance, and the use of mapping in heritage practices.
Peak Ground Motions and Site Response at Anza and Imperial Valley, California

Power spectra of shear-waves for eighteen earthquakes from the Anza-Imperial Valley region were inverted for source, mid-path Q, site attenuation and site response. The motivation was whether differences in site attenuation (parameterized as t*, r/cQ, where r is distance along ray path near the site, c is shear velocity and Q is the quality factor that parameterizes attenuation) and site response could be correlated with residuals in peak values of velocity or acceleration after removing the affect of distance-dependent attenuation. We decomposed spectra of S-waves from horizontal components of 18 earthquakes from 2010 to 2018 into a common source for each event with ω−2 spectral fall-off at high frequencies and then projected the residuals onto path and site terms following the methodology of Boatwright et al. (Bull Seismol Soc Am 81:1754–1782, 1991). The site terms were constrained to have an amplification at a particular frequency governed by VS30 at two of the sites which had downhole shear-wave logs. The 18 events, 3 < M < 4, had moments between approximately 1020 and 1022 dyne-cm, and stress drops between 1 and 100 bars. Average mid-crust attenuation had a Q of 844 reflecting the average path through the crystalline rock of the San Jacinto Mountains. t* for each station corresponded to the geologic environment such that stations on hard rock had low t* (e.g. stations KNW, PFO and RDM) a station in the San Jacinto fault zone (station SND) had a moderate t* of 0.035 s and stations in the Imperial Valley usually had higher t*s. Generally t* correlated with average amplification suggesting that sites characterized by low surface velocities and higher attenuation also have more amplification in the 1–6 Hz band. Residuals of peak values were determined by subtracting the prediction of Boore and Atkinson (2008). There is a correlation between average amplification and peak velocity, but not peak acceleration. Interestingly, there is less scatter at high values of amplification although there is also less data. Scatter in values of peak velocity and peak acceleration are higher at shorter compared to longer durations. When using a frequency-dependent form for Q, variances are higher, sometimes much higher; the dataset does not support frequency-dependent Q, which is not similar to results from the Imperial Valley and northeastern North America.
PRODUCTION OF “VALUABLE” PROTEINS IN ALTERNATE BIOLOGICAL HOSTS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the potential production of proteins that have some value to society outside of their intrinsic scientific interest. At present, a number of proteins are produced commercially for various purposes. These include, besides food products and additives, various enzymes and proteins; viral proteins used as vaccines and various protein hormones; and antibodies used for passive immunization. In many of these instances the protein represents some compromise between the most desired molecule and the one(s) for which there was an adequate (convenient) source. In biomedical science, Molecules with novel properties can be created such as proteins that transport a desired drug to an effective target site and specifically construct attenuated viruses that will allow the production of desired antigens without the consequent production of pathological proteins. The production of proteins by recombinant DNA technology requires a DNA molecule encoding the protein. This DNA is then integrated appropriately in a vector so that the expression can occur in the biological system to be employed. In bacteria, the vehicles are typically plasmids or bacteriophages, which replicate independently of the host chromosome; they frequently have been modified so that they can be maintained in the cells by selection procedures.
Rights and Responsibilities in Scientific Research.

If the rights of scientists have always been limited to some degree, why is the issue of such pressing importance today?
Chapter 62 – Bile Acids

: Bile acids are hydroxylated steroids, synthesized in the liver from cholesterol. Peroxisomal enzymes assist in the hepatic biosynthesis of BAs. Bile acids are normally conjugated in the liver to the amino acids, Gly and Tau, or sulfate. The active transport of BAs across canalicular membranes of hepatocytes is a primary driving force for bile flow. Duodenal emulsification of fat requires BA micelles and biliary lecithin. The distal ileum actively reabsorbs BAs, against their concentration gradient. As BAs return to the liver through the EHC, they inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis, as well as further BA biosynthesis. Secondary BAs, deoxycholate and lithocholate, are formed through bacterial 7α-dehydroxylation of the primary BAs, cholate and chenodeoxycholate, respectively. Glucose, insulin and glucagon also appear to help regulate BA biosynthesis. BAs are ligands for the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR), as well as a G protein-coupled receptor (TGR5). BAs appear to inhibit hepatic PEP carboxykinase activity, while stimulating glycogen synthase activity. BA therapies may be used in the treatment of various forms of liver disease, DM and obesity.
Prognostic significance of expression of Myogenin and OCT4 in glioma.

Background Glioma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of children. The malignant (cancer) cells form in neural crest cell of the adrenal gland. In this study we investigate the expressions of Myogenin and OCT4 in Glioma which might be used as prognostic makers for this deteriorated disease. Methods We used Quantitative Fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western-blotting to measure the expression level of Myogenin and OCT4 in surgical removed Glioma from 41 patients in our hospital. Results Compared to the healthy children the expression of Myogenin and OCT4 was significantly increased in both mRNA and protein level in Glioma tumor cells. In addition, these expressions increased as glioma deterioration. Conclusions These findings suggesting the expression of Myogenin and Oct4 may be useful indicators for predicting the prognosis of children with glioma.
From Tank to Treatment: Modeling Melanoma in Zebrafish.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of few cancers with a growing incidence. A thorough understanding of its pathogenesis is fundamental to developing new strategies to combat mortality and morbidity. Zebrafish—due in large part to their tractable genetics, conserved pathways, and optical properties—have emerged as an excellent system to model melanoma. Zebrafish have been used to study melanoma from a single tumor initiating cell, through metastasis, remission, and finally into relapse. In this review, we examine seminal zebrafish studies that have advanced our understanding of melanoma.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes: A Political Battle

[ ]public health may be able to engage a broader coalition in fighting other preventable but deadly diseases, perhaps even obesity and diabetes [ ]sales taxes on soft drinks in Maine and Ohio, where 5 5% and 5 0% taxes, respectively, were added at the register, had no effect on sales 4 By contrast, a similarly sized excise tax in Washington State, which led to a 6% increase in shelf prices, was associated with a 5% decline in soft drink sales 5 Although Chriqui et al explain that Cook County used a sales tax because of existing restrictions, the tax size (equivalent to a 26% price increase) was five times larger than those in Maine and Ohio and led to a 21% net decline in sales while it was in place 2 FOCUS ON HEALTH Although excise taxes increase the cost of doing business for SSB manufacturers, and thereby lead to higher SSB prices and reduced consumption,1 it remains important to frame SSB taxes as a remedy to SSB-related disease and the tax revenues as a source of funding for health promotion By contrast, highlighting taxes as a means of reducing SSB consumption plays into the beverage industry's faulty but repeated claims that excise taxes restrict personal choice 3 Further, focusing on individual behaviors aligns with industry's talking points about personal responsibility;such talking points minimize the role inequitable environments across economic strata, including SSB advertising, play in shaping individual behaviors 1 NEXT STEPS Although Cook County's tax failed, it does pose an elegant natural experiment that could augment the science on SSB taxes, if the repeal's effect is consistent with evidence from Washington State and Denmark
Entry Trajectory Optimization for Mars Science Laboratory Class Missions Using Indirect Uniform Trigonometrization Method.

Application of traditional indirect optimization methods to optimal control problems (OCPs) with control and state path constraints is not a straightforward task. However, recent advances in regularization techniques and numerical continuation methods have enabled application of indirect methods to very complex OCPs. This study demonstrates the utility and application of an advanced indirect method, the Uniform Trigonometrization Method (UTM), to a Mars Science Laboratory type entry problem. The objective is to maximize the parachute deployment altitude for a free-time, fixed-final-velocity entry trajectory. For entry vehicles, in addition to the bank angle that is characterized by bang-bang control profiles, there are typically three state path constraints that have to be considered, namely, the dynamic pressure, heat-rate, and g-load. This study shows that the UTM enables simultaneous regularization of the bang-bang control and satisfaction of the state path constraints. Two scenarios with and without state path constraints are considered. The results obtained using the UTM for both of these cases are found to be in excellent agreement with a direct optimization method. Furthermore, an interesting feature emerges in the optimal control profile of the UTM during the initial high-altitude part of the resulting optimal trajectory for the scenario with state path constraints, which has an appealing practical implication.
brt: An R package for integrating biological relevance with p value in omics data

Summaryp-value as an indicator of statistical significance is commonly used in biological data. However, considering p-value alone neglects the importance of effect size (i.e., the mean difference between groups) in determining the biological relevance of a "significant" difference. Here, we present a novel algorithm for computing a new statistic, the biological relevance testing (BRT) index, in the frequentist hypothesis testing framework to address this problem. We also show that the results from the BRT procedure provided a promising way to select biologically relevant features by applying it to microarray-type data. Availability and ImplementationFreely available on the web at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=brt. Contactpengyu.bio@gmail.com
Digital Transformation Among Family Businesses in Pakistan

Family businesses over recent years have invested heavily in digital transformation to strategize their platform for gaining a competitive advantage in the industry and setting up their business for success. In Pakistan, there are several family businesses that altogether run a major share of the country’s economy, many of which have also embraced digital transformation in order to achieve financial gain. This paper will seek to analyze the impact of digital transformation in family businesses in Pakistan. It will make use of the various factors within the country such as economic, cultural, and demographic in order to synthesize a conceptual model that will shape the impact of digital transformation on Pakistani family businesses and how it may vary from the impact on family businesses among developed countries across the globe.
Bisperoxovanadium promotes motor neuron survival and neuromuscular innervation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron (MN) disease, with no present cure. The progressive loss of MNs is the hallmark of ALS. We have previously shown the therapeutic effects of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) inhibitor, potassium bisperoxo (picolinato) vanadium (bpV[pic]), in models of neurological injury and demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects on MN survival. However, accumulating evidence suggests PTEN is detrimental for MN survival in ALS. Therefore, we hypothesized that treating the mutant superoxide dismutase 1 G93A (mSOD1G93A) mouse model of ALS during motor neuron degeneration and an in vitro model of mSOD1G93A motor neuron injury with bpV(pic) would prevent motor neuron loss. To test our hypothesis, we treated mSOD1G93A mice intraperitoneally daily with 400 μg/kg bpV(pic) from 70 to 90 days of age. Immunolabeled MNs and microglial reactivity were analyzed in lumbar spinal cord tissue, and bpV(pic) treatment significantly ameliorated ventral horn motor neuron loss in mSOD1G93A mice (p = 0.003) while not significantly altering microglial reactivity (p = 0.701). Treatment with bpV(pic) also significantly increased neuromuscular innervation (p = 0.018) but did not affect muscle atrophy. We also cultured motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells transfected with a plasmid to overexpress mutant SOD1G93A and starved them in serum-free medium for 24 h with and without bpV(pic) and downstream inhibitor of Akt signaling, LY294002. In vitro, bpV(pic) improved neuronal viability, and Akt inhibition reversed this protective effect (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study indicates systemic bpV(pic) treatment could be a valuable neuroprotective therapy for ALS.
Concept Selection Matrix

The concept selection matrix (also known as the Pugh concept selection matrix) is a variation of the performance measures to features solutions (or the second) matrix of quality function deployment. Product concepts (design solutions) are evaluated against some benchmark, industry standard, or product. The goal is to arrive at a better, or even ideal, product concept/design solution. The process of concept screening is depicted. Finally, the concept scoring process, which is more involved than concept screening, is discussed. Keywords: concept screening; concept scoring; quality function deployment; Pugh concept selection matrix; Voice of the Customer; design solutions
Urinary Tract Infection in the Infant: The Unsuspected Diagnosis

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in childhood is surpassed only by the usual fevers and upper respiratory tract infections in its frequency of occurrence,1 yet a high index of suspicion, aggsiveesive treatment, and conscientious follow-up is not common.2 Although most infants with UTI have few residua, others require urinary tract diversion and still others develop end-stage renal disease.1 Perhaps the reason that UTIs are often overlooked in children is because of the emphasis that is put on flank pain, dysuria, or frequency as signs of UTI, with little regard to the age variables associated with these symptoms. However, nonspecific symptoms such as jaundice, anorexia, vomiting, failure to thrive, enuresis, and abdominal pain may signal UTI in a young child.1
Reinventing “Towel City, USA”: Textiles, Tourism, and the Future of the Southeastern Mill Town

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the loss of textile product manufacturing has impacted two rural towns in the southeastern U.S. In-depth interviews were conducted with 33 residents in the two towns. Participants represented a variety of stakeholders, including local elected officials, business leaders and government representatives along with displaced workers, former textile firm executives, local community college administrators, and small business owners. Key issues within three thematic areas point to the need for both towns to reinvent themselves after the loss of textile product manufacturing. Both communities are focusing on the future through economic development strategies that include tourism to draw on the textile industry heritage of the area. Findings point to the impact of declining manufacturing employment on rural communities and the people that live within them, while highlighting how the industry can remain an important part of a textile town's identity.
Influence of crater dimensions on laser induced plasma properties

When a pulsed, high-powered laser beam is focused onto the surface of a target (solid or liquid sample), a portion of the illuminated mass is ablated into vapor-phase constituents. In many cases, the energy and irradiance of the laser beam is significant to convert this vapor into a luminous plasma above the sample surface. Spectroscopic interrogation of the plasma is a powerful technology for direct multi-elemental chemical analysis; a technology termed laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS is attractive for the chemical analysis because any material can be ablated without sample preparation, data are measured in real time, and the plasma provides a complete chemical signature of the sample constituents.
Near field modeling of the Moiré interferometer for nanoscale strain measurement

Abstract In this study, we propose a new method to validate the basic assumptions used in Moire Interferometry (MI) measurement using exact electromagnetic (EM) theory; and simulate the EM fields in a few microns region above the surface of the diffraction grating. Proving that spatial frequency of EM field matches the spatial frequency of strain field is critical to ensure accuracy of MI measurement at nanoscale resolution. The EM simulations for a deformed diffraction grating structure were performed by introducing a single defect that acts as a variation on the periodic diffraction grating. The spatial frequency of simulated EM field was quantified using Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) algorithm. The results were compared with the strain field to show the correlations between the two. The study shows that there is a strong correlation (correlation factor R=0.869) of spatial frequency response between EM field and strain field at the nanoscale. The study shows that using the traditional MI assumptions for nanoscale strain measurement introduces an error in the order of 2.7%. We demonstrate that MI measurement can be used for nanoscale strain measurement within acceptable measurement errors using the proposed method. The proposed method can help to evaluate the MI instrument design to enhance the measurement performance.
Contribution of Dimers containing Cytosine to Ultra-violet Inactivation of Transforming DNA

BEUKERS1 has shown that dimers containing thymine in DNA irradiated at 2537 A can be eliminated by further irradiation at 2537 A in the presence of proflavine, and later work2 has confirmed his hypothesis that the elimination represents splitting of the dimers. We have shown that the biological inactivation of ultra-violet-irradiated transforming DNA from Haemophilus influenzae may similarly be reversed by irradiation in solutions containing proflavine. An investigation of the wavelength dependence of this reactivation in the presence of proflavine, together with information on the reversal of different types of pyrimidine dimers2, has made it possible to evaluate the role of dimers containing cytosine in inactivation.
Chemical Force Microscopy on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Paper

Topographical and adhesive force measurements were acquired simultaneously on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) paper using chemically modified atomic force microscopy probe tips. Gold-coated cantilever probe tips were chemically modified with a series of ω-substituted alkanethiols or para-substituted arylthiols. The observed adhesion forces were highly dependent on the contact area between the tip and paper, the type of thiol (alkane versus aryl), and the identity of the terminal group. The adhesion force per molecule interacting with the sidewall of single-walled carbon nanotubes was elucidated after correcting for variations in tip shape and sample topology.
The Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS): A Study of Middle School Students

Abstract Objective Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are known to occur in children although prevalence studies are lacking. Method Using a newly developed self-report instrument, the Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS), 3,175 students (1,610 females, 1,565 males) enrolled in grades 5 to 8 were surveyed. Results More than 40% of respondents reported feeling fat and/or the wish to lose weight. These frequencies of weight control behaviors were reported, many of which were significantly greater in girls than boys (p Conclusions Findings demonstrate that development of prevention programs aimed at recognizing problem eating behavior in children is indicated.
The propagation and arrest of an edge crack in anti-plane shear

The motion of an edge crack extending non-uniformly in an elastic half-space under conditions of anti-plane shear is investigated, taking the first reflected stress wave into account. An expression for the stress intensity factor at the crack tip is obtained, and an energy-balance crack propagation criterion is used to find the equation of motion of the tip. On solving this equation numerically, it is found that crack arrest occurs before the second reflected wave reaches the tip.
Supershear rupture in a Mw 6.7 aftershock of the 2013 Sea of Okhotsk earthquake

Earthquake rupture speeds exceeding the shear-wave velocity have been reported for several shallow strike-slip events. Whether supershear rupture also can occur in deep earthquakes is unclear, because of their enigmatic faulting mechanism. Using empirical Green's functions in both regional and teleseismic waveforms, we observed supershear rupture during the 2013 moment magnitude (M_w) 6.7 deep earthquake beneath the Sea of Okhotsk, an aftershock of the large deep earthquake (Mw 8.3). The M_w 6.7 event ruptured downward along a steeply dipping fault plane at an average speed of 8 kilometers per second, suggesting efficient seismic energy generation. Comparing it to the highly dissipative 1994 M_w 8.3 Bolivia earthquake, the two events represent end members of deep earthquakes in terms of energy partitioning and imply that there is more than one rupture mechanism for deep earthquakes.
Evidence that 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI)-induced hyperthermia in rats is mediated by stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors.

The effects of various 5-HT receptor subtype-selective antagonists were studied on phenylisopropylamine hallucinogen1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI)-induced hyperthermia in Wistar rats, in an attempt to characterize the 5-HT receptor subtype mediating DOI-induced hyperthermia. Intraperitoneal administration of DOI to rats produced hyperthermia with a peak effect at 60 min. Pretreatment with propranolol (β-adrenoceptor antagonist that also has binding affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT2C sites), MDL-72222 or ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonists) did not attenuate DOI-induced hyperthermia. In contrast, pretreatment with metergoline (5-HT1/5-HT2 antagonist), ketanserin, LY53857, mesulergine, mianserin and ritanserin (5-HT2C/5-HT2A antagonists), as well as spiperone (5-HT1A/5-HT2A/D2 antagonist), significantly attenuated DOI-induced hyperthermia. Furthermore, daily administration of DOI (2.5 mg/kg per day) for 17 days did not produce either tolerance to its hyperthermic effect or modifym-CPP-induced hyperthermia in rats. These findings suggest that DOI-induced hyperthermia in rats is mediated by stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors.
Thionitroso or thiazyl? Density functional studies of relative stabilities between the two structural isomers

Abstract Density functional calculations (B3LYP/6-31G ∗ ) have been performed in order to determine the energies of a series of thionitroso molecules (R–NS), and their structural isomers, the thiazyl molecules (R–SN). Our computational results show that, in general, the thionitroso form is thermodynamically more stable than its thiazyl counterpart, except for compounds where the bonding atom in R is highly electron-withdrawing. However, in all cases, both forms are stationary points on the potential energy surface, regardless of the higher energies of the less stable isomers. A simple correlation between the electronegativity of the bonding atom in R, and the size of the relative stability between the two isomers is established, and presented. Frontier molecular orbital theory is used to successfully account for this correlation as well as predict the preferred connectivity.
Immunomodulatory effect of the antiasthma Chinese herbal formula MSSM-002 on TH2 cells.

Abstract Background T H 2 cytokines play a central role in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. We previously showed that the "antiasthma" Chinese herbal formula MSSM-002 exhibited therapeutic effects on established allergic airway responses in a murine model of allergic asthma. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are largely unknown. Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether and how MSSM-002 modulates an established T H 2 response and whether the actions of MSSM-002 on T H 2 cell differs from corticosteroids. Methods T H 2 polarized splenocytes (T H 2-SPCs) from mice with antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and T H 2 cloned cells, D10 G4.1 (D10), were cultured in the presence or absence of antigen with or without MSSM-002 and dexamethasone, and the proliferative responses and cytokine profiles were determined. Apoptosis and T H 2 transcription factor GATA-3 expression and binding to IL-4 gene promoter and V A enhancer in MSSM-002–treated D10 cells were also determined. Results MSSM-002 significantly decreased antigen-induced proliferation and IL-4 and IL-5 production but increased IFN-γ production by T H 2-SPCs, whereas dexamethasone suppressed IFN-γ as well as IL-4 and IL-5. Anti–IL-12 antibody, although abrogating MSSM-002 induction of IFN-γ, had no significant effect on MSSM-002 suppression of IL-4 and IL-5 secretion. MSSM-002 also suppressed T H 2 cytokine secretion by D10 cells, and in contrast to dexamethasone, MSSM-002 did not induce apoptosis of D10 cells. MSSM-002 markedly suppressed GATA-3 mRNA and protein expression and the binding to IL-4 gene promoter and V A enhancer in D10 cells. Conclusion MSSM-002, in contrast to the overall suppression of T cells by dexamethasone, exhibits immunomodulatory actions on T H 2 cells caused, at least partially, by downregulation of GATA-3.
Exposure of Tantalum Mesh Orbital Implants

This retrospective study of 195 enucleations with tantalum mesh implants reviews the role of demographic, preoperative, and operative factors in subsequent implant exposure or extrusion. Fourteen implants (7.2%) became exposed, two of which subsequently extruded. Significant associations were found between implant exposure and history of prior orbital infection, and suturing of the inferior oblique to the lateral rectus muscle. The average age at enucleation was 20.4 years for those whose implant became exposed, which was significantly less than the average age of 38.7 years for those without exposure of the implant. No association was found between implant exposure and gender, preoperative diagnosis, proptosis, chemosis, sharp trauma to the orbit, orbital fracture, previous orbital surgery, implant size, closing of posterior Tenon's capsule, or muscles sutured to the implant. Because of the high exposure rate, it is recommended that the use of tantalum mesh implants be discontinued.
Immobilization of multi-enzyme microreactors inside microfluidic devices

Abstract A simple method to fabricate enzyme-containing microscopic hydrogel structures in microfluidic devices for the potential use in micro total analysis systems (μ-TAS) is described. Poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel microstructures were prepared inside microchannels by photolithography and enzymes conjugated to a pH sensitive fluorophore (SNAFL-1) were incorporated into these hydrogel microstructures. Because of the ratiometric pH-dependent nature of SNAFL fluorescence, hydrogel microstructures exhibited a different emission intensity ratio with pH and this intensity ratio changed almost linearly between pH 7 and 12. When alkaline phosphatase-containing microreactors were exposed to p -nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) as a substrate, phosphoric acid was produced inside the microstructure by enzymatic-catalyzed hydrolysis of the substrate and subsequently decreased the microenvironment pH. Because of the relatively rapid mass transport of analyte through the hydrogel, enzyme-catalyzed reaction was easily detected by change in emission intensity ratio before and after exposure to substrates. Enzyme-catalyzed reactions were quite fast and reached 90% of maximum value within 10 min. Data were analyzed using a modified Michaelis–Menten equation and apparent Michaelis constants could be obtained. This system was also successfully applied to urea hydrolysis by urease.
Central muscle relaxant effects of diazepam

Abstract Motor depressant effects of diazepam were studied in the intact, decerebrate and high spinal cat. Diazepam (0·125–16 mg/kg i.v.) produced a depression of both the patellar and linguomandibular reflexes in the intact cat. In the high spinal (C1) cat only the linguomandibular reflex was depressed. Facilitation and inhibition of the patellar reflex elicited in both intact and high spinal (C1) cats were reduced by diazepam. No depression was observed in the in vivo neuromuscular preparation of the tibialis anticus muscle. Small doses of diazepam (0·125 mg/kg i.v.) abolished the rigidity of the mid-collicular decerebrate cat. Mean arterial blood pressure was initially depressed in all animals (0·125–2 mg/kg) with an intact medullary vasomotor outflow. Larger doses (4–16 mg/kg) tended to return the blood pressure toward control levels. The present study presents evidence for both a brain stem reticular and a spinal cord site of action of diazepam on motor systems. Possible mechanisms of action of diazepam on motor systems are discussed.
Gain spectroscopy of excitonic molecules and its dynamics in a ZnSe single quantum well.

We demonstrate spectroscopically how optical gain is formed in an interacting system of excitons and biexcitons in a single ZnSe quantum well. The dynamics of gain formation are studied on a subpicosecond time scale in pump-probe experiments, revealing the influence of coherent effects and the impact of exciton-exciton and exciton-biexciton interactions. Spectrally resolved, polarization-dependent degenerate four-wave-mixing experiments further demonstrate how the excitonic many-body phenomena profoundly influence the nonlinear optical response in this II-VI semiconductor heterostructure. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Chemical modification of mouse β-glucuronidase implicates lysyl, carboxyl and tyrosyl residues as catalytically essential and causes a reversible dissociation of the subunits

Abstract Maleic anhydride modification of tetrameric mouse β-glucuronidase, followed by a 70° incubation, dissociated the tetramer into inactive monomers. Deblocking of this derivative allowed 80% regeneration of activity and tetrameric structure. The enzyme was inactivated by reaction with N-ethyl-S-phenylisoxazolium-3′-sulfonate, tetranitromethane and succinic anhydride, but not when a competitive inhibitor was added to enzyme prior to modification. These data suggest that the active site residues of mouse β-glucuronidase include carboxyl, tyrosyl and lysyl residues. In comparison, it has been reported that rat β-glucuronidase is inactivated by chemical modification of carboxyl, tyrosyl and histidyl residues.
Microstructural evolution during the decomposition of Mg(OH)2

Abstract The microstructural evolution during the decomposition of Mg(OH) 2 is characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The reaction is pseudomorphic and topotactic with an orientation relationship of parallel close-packed planes and directions. High-resolution micrographs show directly the small size and nearly cubic shape of the resulting MgO crystallites and their oriented stacking. Optical diffraction reveals a relatively narrow size distribution of pores and crystallites. The microstructure is discussed in terms of alternative reaction mechanisms.
Lipid regulation of bovine cytochrome P45011β activity

Purified bovine adrenocortical cytochrome P450(11) beta has been reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles using a detergent dialysis procedure. Using this reconstituted system, we have examined the effect of changes in the fatty acyl substituents of the lipids on the catalytic activity of the enzyme. The studies reported here show that cytochrome P450(11) beta exhibits a completely different response to changes in the fatty acyl groups from that shown by cytochrome P450scc. Cytochrome P450(11) beta displays maximal activity in lipid vesicles composed of saturated lipids, such as dipalmitoyl and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholines, with turnover numbers ranging from 35 to 60 min-1. Incremental increases of phospholipids such as diphytanoyl and dioleoyl phosphatidylcholines result in a progressive inhibition of 11 beta hydroxylase activity; most of this kinetic effect is attributable to a significant decrease in Vmax accompanied by modest changes in Km for the steroid substrate deoxycorticosterone. Diphosphatidyl glycerol (cardiolipin), which has been previously shown to activate cytochrome P450scc, is a potent inhibitor of the 11 beta hydroxylase activity of cytochrome P450(11) beta, with half maximum inhibition observed in vesicles containing 4-5 mol% diphosphatidyl glycerol. Kinetic analysis demonstrates that this inhibition by diphosphatidyl glycerol is reflected in both a decrease in Vmax and relatively large increases (up to sevenfold) in Km for the steroid substrate. These effects on the 11 beta hydroxylase activity may have important implications for the in vivo regulation of not only the 11 beta hydroxylase activity, but also the other catalytic activities of this enzyme, particularly 18- and 19-hydroxylase and oxidase activities.
A rare chloroplast-DNA structural mutation is shared by all conifers

Abstract We have examined the phylogenetic distribution of a rare structural mutation in the chloroplast genome of conifers. An exception to the otherwise highly conserved basic structure of land plant chloroplast-DNA (cpDNA) was reported previously in two species of the conifer family Pinacease, where one copy of the inverted repeat was shown to be absent. The present study examined a broad taxonomic representation of conifers, including at least one member of each family, plus representatives of each of the other major extant vascular plant lineages. Our results indicate only one copy of the “repeat” is present in all conifers, whereas two copies were found in those pteridophytes and non-coniferous seed plants surveyed. The evidence that the loss is shared throughout the conifers but with none of the extent outgroups strongly supports conifer monophyly.
Effects of spiroconjugation in the electronic band structure of glitter

A recent paper has described the structure of a hypothetical 3-, 4-connected net termed glitter. This is a model of a metallic form of carbon. That paper pointed to the importance of through-space pσ interactions of adjacent olefin units in the net in understanding the electronic structure at the Fermi level. The present communication elucidates the role of spiroconjugation in understanding features of the electronic band structure and density of states of glitter.
Dependence of the Thomas-Fermi energy on the nuclear coordinates

LetE(R), respectivelye(R), denote the total energy, respectively the electronic contribution to the energy, in the Thomas-Fermi theory for a system of two fixed nuclei a distanceR apart. We prove thate(R) and −E(R) increase asR does. For the case ofN fixed nuclei, we prove the monotonicity ofe andE under certain displacements of the coordinates of the nuclei. The analogous result for the electronic contribution to the Born-Oppenheimer energy is proved.
Retrieval analysis of PEEK rods for posterior fusion and motion preservation

The purpose of this study was to analyze explanted PEEK rod spinal systems in the context of their clinical indications. We evaluated damage to the implant and histological changes in explanted periprosthetic tissues. 12 patients implanted with 23 PEEK rods were revised between 2008 and 2012. PEEK rods were of the same design (CD Horizon Legacy, Medtronic, Memphis TN, USA). Retrieved components were assessed for surface damage mechanisms, including plastic deformation, scratching, burnishing, and fracture. Patient history and indications for PEEK rod implantation were obtained from analysis of the medical records. 11/12 PEEK rod systems were employed for fusion at one level, and motion preservation at the adjacent level. Surgical complications in the PEEK cohort included a small dural tear in one case that was immediately repaired. There were no cases of PEEK rod fracture or pedicle screw fracture. Retrieved PEEK rods exhibited scratching, as well as impressions from the set screws and pedicle screw saddles. PEEK debris was observed in two patient tissues, which were located adjacent to PEEK rods with evidence of scratching and burnishing. This study documents the surface changes and tissue reactions for retrieved PEEK rod stabilization systems. Permanent indentations by the set screws and pedicle screws were the most prevalent observations on the surface of explanted PEEK rods.
Qualities of Pickled Chicken Gizzards as Affected by Salt and Vinegar

Abstract Fresh chicken gizzards were pickled with two sets of solutions: one set had a constant level of 50% cider vinegar and 0, 7.7, 15.3, and 23.0% salt; the other set had a constant level of 11.5% salt and 0, 25, 50, and 75% cider vinegar. All the pickled products were heat processed and stored at 24 to 25 C. Qualities of these products were measured after one week and after three months of storage. No microorganisms were detected in any of the pickled products after one week and after three months storage. In a comparison of the different salt levels, pickled gizzards containing 23.0% salt had the highest shear values. There were no significant differences (P