cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Double SET Point: G9a Makes Its Mark in Adipogenesis

EMBO J (2013) 32 1, 45–59 doi:10.1038/emboj.2012.306; published online November232012 Sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors (TFs) bind throughout the genome to orchestrate the process of adipocyte differentiation in an exquisitely timed and precise manner. TF binding recruits histone-modifying enzymes, resulting in dynamic epigenomic modifications that correlate with extensive gene expression changes. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Wang et al (2012) demonstrate a critical role for the SET-containing histone methyltransferase G9a in generating repressive chromatin marks that are lost in the process of adipogenesis.
An unusually high thermal stability within a novel lanthanide 1,3,5-cyclohexanetricarboxylate framework: synthesis, structure, and thermal data

A novel three-dimensional lanthanide–organic framework has been synthesized; this material has an exceptionally high thermal stability (600 °C) and an unusually low coordination number for a lanthanide ion (CN = 6).
Adaptive singularity method for Stokes flow past particles

Abstract We implement the method of fundamental solutions to compute Stokes flow past or due to the motion of solid particles. The flow is represented in terms of a collection of vectorial fundamental solutions to the governing equations including the point force, the potential dipole, and the couplet. The locations and strengths of the fundamental solutions are computed by minimizing a functional so as to satisfy the required boundary conditions with highest accuracy. The method is applied to compute flow past or due to the motion of spherical and spheroidal particles in an infinite fluid and in a semi-infinite fluid bounded by a plane wall. The computed locations and strengths of the singularities are compared with those corresponding to exact discrete and continuous singularity representations, and the computed force and torque exerted on the particles are compared with exact values available from analytical solutions. It is found that the method yields excellent accuracy with a moderate number of singularities in an extended range of particle aspect ratios up to ten, and for ratios of the particle center to wall separation h and particle radius a as low as h/a = 1.05. The computed singularity solutions are used to establish generalized Faxen laws for the force and torque.
Bacterial endospore inactivation caused by outgassing of vapourous hydrogen peroxide from polymethyl methacrylate (Plexiglas).

Aims: To investigate the cause and to eliminate the inactivation of Bacillus anthracis strain Sterne spores settled onto agar and stainless steel surfaces in plastic holders. Methods and Results: In an experimental chamber in which spores settled onto sampling surfaces, vapourous hydrogen peroxide (VHP) was used for decontamination between experiments. It was demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) absorbed into plastic (Plexiglas®) surfaces and could outgas in the sample holders. Further experiments demonstrated that H2O2 was released from Plexiglas® sample holders in sufficient quantity to inactivate spores. High temperature degassing (30–35°C) for several days or aluminum coating of the surfaces were two remedies found to be effective in preventing inadvertent spore inactivation. Conclusions: H2O2 can be absorbed into plastic and released after an extended period of time (weeks), allowing a sufficient concentration to accumulate in small volumes to inactivate spores. Outgassing the plastic or coating the surface with an impermeable layer are potential solutions to reduce spore inactivation. Significance and Impact of the Study: Many studies with bacilli and other organisms are carried out using small plastic containers that may have been sterilized using H2O2 or other agents. This study presents a cautionary note to ensure elimination of H2O2 or other sterilizing agents to prevent spurious results.
Cellular Mechanisms of Estradiol-Mediated Sexual Differentiation of the Brain

Gonadal steroids organize the developing brain during a perinatal sensitive period and have enduring consequences for adult behavior. In male rodents testicular androgens are aromatized in neurons to estrogens and initiate multiple distinct cellular processes that ultimately determine the masculine phenotype. Within specific brain regions, overall cell number and dendritic morphology are the principal targets for hormonal organization. Recent advances have been made in elucidating the cellular mechanisms by which the neurological underpinnings of sexually dimorphic physiology and behavior are determined. These include estradiol-mediated prostaglandin synthesis, presynaptic release of glutamate, postsynaptic changes in glutamate receptors and changes in cell adhesion molecules. Sex differences in cell death are mediated by hormonal modulation of survival and death factors such as TNFα and Bcl-2/BAX.
Collectivism, Individualism, and Cohesion in a Team-Based Occupation

Abstract Cultural individualism, collectivism, and cohesion have been researched primarily on a national level. This exploratory study used a grounded theory research design and ethnographic interview methodology to investigate these concepts on an occupational level. Integrating social influence and social identity theories, research questions were generated and examined empirically. Different groups of computer programmers were observed to display individualism or collectivism, indicating the possibility that individualism and collectivism might exist on an occupational level as well as on a national level. In addition, cultural cohesion was identified as a separate construct from collectivism. This research suggests a framework for further empirical study, along with a set of research propositions about individualism, collectivism, and cultural cohesion on an occupational level.
Rapid induction of nuclear transcripts and inhibition of intron decay in response to the polymerase II inhibitor DRB.

Abstract The transcriptional inhibitor 5,6-dichloro-1-β- d -ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) is an adenosine analog that has been shown to cause premature transcriptional termination and thus has been a useful tool to identify factors important for transcriptional elongation. Here, we establish an efficient system for studying DRB-sensitive steps of transcriptional elongation. In addition, we establish two novel effects of DRB not previously reported: intron stabilization and the induction of long transcripts by a mechanism other than premature termination. We found that DRB had a biphasic effect on T-cell receptor-β (TCRβ) transcripts driven by a tetracycline (tet)-responsive promoter in transfected HeLa cells. In the first phase, DRB caused a rapid decrease (within five minutes) of pre-mRNA and its spliced intron (IVS1Cβ1), consistent with the known ability of DRB to inhibit transcription. In the second phase (which began ten minutes to two hours after treatment, depending on the dose), DRB dramatically increased the levels of IVS1Cβ1-containing transcripts by a mechanism requiring de novo RNA synthesis. DRB induced the appearance of short 0.4 to 0.8 kb TCRβ transcripts in vivo, indicating DRB enhances premature transcriptional termination. A ∼475 nt prematurely terminated transcript (PT) was characterized that terminated at an internal poly(A) tract in the intron IVS1Cβ1. We identified three other effects of DRB. First, we observed that DRB induced the appearance of heterodisperse TCRβ transcripts that were too long (∼1 kb to >8 kb) to result from the type of premature termination events previously described. Their production was not promoter-specific, as we found that long transcripts were induced by DRB from both the tet-responsive and β-actin promoters. Second, DRB upregulated full-length normal-sized c-myc mRNA, which provided further evidence that DRB has effects besides regulation of premature termination. Third, DRB stabilized lariat forms of the intron IVS1Cβ1, indicating that DRB exerts post-transcriptional actions. We propose that our model system will be useful for elucidating the factors that regulate RNA decay and transcriptional elongation in vivo.
Cophasing segmented mirrors with large surface errors using physical and geometrical ray-based techniques

Phasing an array with steep slopes and large surface errors, such as in NASA's Precision Segmented Reflector (PSR) Program for submillimeter astrophysics, is difficult using conventional optical techniques because the surface errors on the panels are large as compared with optical wavelengths. This paper extrapolates a procedure proposed by the Keck Observatory whereby physical optical techniques phase the edges of the panels, but with this technique they are phased with respect to a reference surface obtained from a high-quality central panel. A full-surface height-map is thereby obtained by integrating slope measurements, and full-surface phasing can be achieved using the modified and conventional Shack-Hartmann camera.
Object Trajectory-Based Activity Classification and Recognition Using Hidden Markov Models

Motion trajectories provide rich spatiotemporal information about an object's activity. This paper presents novel classification algorithms for recognizing object activity using object motion trajectory. In the proposed classification system, trajectories are segmented at points of change in curvature, and the subtrajectories are represented by their principal component analysis (PCA) coefficients. We first present a framework to robustly estimate the multivariate probability density function based on PCA coefficients of the subtrajectories using Gaussian mixture models (GMMs). We show that GMM-based modeling alone cannot capture the temporal relations and ordering between underlying entities. To address this issue, we use hidden Markov models (HMMs) with a data-driven design in terms of number of states and topology (e.g., left-right versus ergodic). Experiments using a database of over 5700 complex trajectories (obtained from UCI-KDD data archives and Columbia University Multimedia Group) subdivided into 85 different classes demonstrate the superiority of our proposed HMM-based scheme using PCA coefficients of subtrajectories in comparison with other techniques in the literature.
β-Agonist Tocolytic Therapy

With the advent of preterm birth prevention programs, increasing numbers of patients are now considered candidates for tocolytic management. Tocolysis' chief benefit is significantly prolonging pregnancy in the hope of avoiding or ameliorating the sequelae of preterm delivery. Three principal indications dominate the use of tocolysis in the treatment of preterm labor: (1) prophylaxis, (2) acute therapy, and (3) maintenance.
tagging, communities, vocabulary, evolution

A tagging community's vocabulary of tags forms the basis for social navigation and shared expression.We present a user-centric model of vocabulary evolution in tagging communities based on community influence and personal tendency. We evaluate our model in an emergent tagging system by introducing tagging features into the MovieLens recommender system.We explore four tag selection algorithms for displaying tags applied by other community members. We analyze the algorithms 'effect on vocabulary evolution, tag utility, tag adoption, and user satisfaction.
Hydrogen Ingress in Titanium

Abstract A potentiostatic pulse technique was used to study the ingress of hydrogen in titanium (pure and grade 2) in an acetate buffer. Hydrogen ingress did not occur with pure titanium, indicating that the surface oxide is an effective barrier to hydrogen entry. In contrast, the data for Ti grade 2 (UNS R50400) were shown to fit a model for hydrogen diffusion and trapping, allowing values to be determined for the irreversible trapping constant (k) and the flux of hydrogen into the metal. Two values of k were obtained, depending on the level of hydrogen present in the metal. The density of irreversible traps calculated from k for low hydrogen levels suggests that the principal irreversible traps may be interstitial nitrogen, but grain boundaries are another possibility. The additional trapping constant obtained for high hydrogen levels is thought to be associated with hydride formation. The irreversible trapping constants for Ti grade 2 are consistent with its susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement rel...
Detection of differentially regulated subsarcolemmal calcium signals activated by vasoactive agonists in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) plays pivotal roles in distinct cellular functions through global and local signaling in various subcellular compartments, and subcellular Ca2+ signal is the key factor...
Importance, implementation, and impact of the adolescent medicine components of the report of the task force on pediatric education

The recently published Report of the Task Force on Pediatric Education has had a substantial impact on the growth of the field of adolescent medicine in three areas. First, the report continually emphasized the special needs for improved health services for teenagers and the training of their physicians. Secondly, it intentionally did not suggest a specific method by which to render care or offer training in adolescent medicine. Thus, a wide array of individualized services and training options became immediately available. Finally, the report has had a significant influence on a variety of organizations, in both the private and public sectors. New monies, legislation, and approaches to the delivery of adolescent health care and for those in training to provide that care therefore emerged as a direct consequence of the report.
Phospholipid synthesis during flight muscle development in the American silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia.

Abstract 1. 1. The major phospholipid fractions of the flight muscle and sarcosomes are phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. 2. 2. The cardiolipin fraction increases from 1·3 to 11·8 per cent of the lipid phosphorus of the flight muscle during muscle maturation. 3. 3. Unsaturated fatty acids predominate in the various flight muscle phospholipids with linolenic acid comprising about 70 per cent of the total fatty acids in the cardiolipin fraction. 4. 4. The phospholipid composition of the moth sarcosomes more closely approximates that of beef heart mitochondria than that of housefly flight muscle sarcosomes. 5. 5. Radioisotope and chemical studies indicate the synthesis of phospholipids during adult development of Hyalophora cecropia .
A nationwide study of conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.

Abstract Purpose To determine the national incidence and risk factors for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. Background Most series reporting the rates at which laparoscopic cholecystectomies are performed, relative to the open procedure, have come from centers specializing in laparoscopic surgery. The rates at which conversions occur from these centers may not reflect those in community practice. We sought to determine the actual, and therefore acceptable, conversion rate by examining nationally representative discharge data. Methods The National Hospital Discharge database for 1998 to 2001 was acquired from the Centers for Disease Control. All gallbladder disease related admissions were extracted, and the cholecystectomies (ICD-9-CM codes 51.2X) were analyzed using the SAS package. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine what factors were associated with the risk of conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. Results Approximately 25% of all cholecystectomies are performed by the open technique. Of the remaining 75%, there is an approximately 5% to 10% conversion rate. The major risk factors for conversion included male sex, obesity, and cholecystitis. Concurrent choledocholithiasis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis were associated with a conversion rate of 25%. Length of stay (LOS) was reduced for laparoscopic operations and although conversion added 2 to 3 days to the LOS, for most cases the LOS was still less than for primary open operations. Conclusions Three quarters of all cholecystectomies are performed laparoscopically, and the national conversion rate is 5% to 10%. Cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, male sex, and obesity are major predictors for conversion. The data presented in terms of conversion rates and LOS were derived from population-adjusted hospital discharge data and represent the current U.S. experience for cholecystectomy. From these data the community experience for conversion rates, risk factors, and LOS can be derived.
Design and synthesis of polytripeptide (leuglnpro)n based upon the matrix protein amelogenin

A linear neutral repetitive peptide, (Leu-Gln-Pro)n (n = 1-100), an analog of the Ca2+ ion-binding domain of the matrix protein, amelogenin, has been synthesized. The polypeptide is mostly unordered in trifluoroethanol (TFE) at 25°C and its circular dichroism (CD) spectrum resembles that of the protein itself. In TFE the CD spectrum of (Leu-Gln-Pro)n reveals that the polypeptide interacts strongly with divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+ accompanied by conformational rearrangement from a random to a more-ordered one. In the presence of Li+, Na+ and K+ ions no such conformational change has been observed. The CD curves of the complexes suggest the presence of type I β-turns and reinforce the hypothesis that the region Gln112-Leu138 in amelogenin is the Ca2+-binding domain. In the solid state, powder X-ray diffraction suggests that the polymeric (LQP)n may exist as isolated “rigid rods”.
The tumor microenvironment as a determinant of drug response and resistance.

Abstract Classically, studies of drug resistance in cancer have focused on the molecular biology of single cancer cells. These types of studies have provided important information regarding certain drug resistance mechanisms, including mechanisms that reduce intracellular drug accumulation, alter or repair drug-induced damage, and reduce drug-induced apoptosis. While these cellular mechanisms undoubtedly contribute to the overall phenomenon of drug resistance, it is now evident that the tumor cell microenvironment also influences how a tumor cell behaves and responds to cytotoxic drugs or radiation. Two different forms of tumor cell-environmental interaction may explain how some tumor cells survive initial drug exposure and eventually express classical mechanisms of drug resistance. The first form involves soluble mediators, such as interleukins, that are secreted by non-tumor, stromal cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a classical example of how a soluble mediator secreted by the tumor microenvironment is capable of enhancing tumor cell survival and perhaps blocking apoptosis. The second form of tumor cell-environment interaction requires direct cell contact and has been given the term cell-adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR). In this case, binding extracellular matrix ligands in the tumor microenvironment may activate cell adhesion molecules, such as the integrins, and these interactions result in the activation of signal transduction pathways that block drug-induced apoptosis. Interrupting the tumor cell-environment interactions or the associated signal transduction pathways may represent a new approach for the treatment of cancer.
Reduction of zif268 messenger RNA expression during prolonged withdrawal following "binge" cocaine self-administration in rats.

Abstract Cocaine self-administration increases dopamine efflux and neuronal activity in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system compared with experimenter-administered cocaine. Following a prolonged cocaine self-administration binge, dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens is attenuated and behaviors emerge that are indicative of anhedonia and anxiety. The neuronal correlates of these behavioral and neurochemical effects of a cocaine binge were assessed using in situ hybridization histochemistry to detect changes in zif268 messenger RNA expression. Rats were fitted with intravenous catheters; one group was trained to self-administer cocaine (0.5 mg/injection), then allowed continuous access to cocaine during a 16 h binge, while yoked animals received either saline or cocaine according to the same schedule. Measurement of tactile startle responses and ultrasonic distress calls either immediately after termination of cocaine access or one or 14 days later confirmed peak withdrawal at 24 h after the binge. The level of zif268 messenger RNA was lower upon termination of cocaine self-administration than in both yoked treatment groups in the ventral tegmental area and hippocampus. In contrast, zif268 messenger RNA expression increased in the periaqueductal gray matter one day after termination of passive cocaine treatment, coincident with enhanced expression of ultrasonic vocalizations. Zif268 messenger RNA expression decreased over time in the nucleus accumbens core and infralimbic cortex, with reduced expression observed in the nucleus accumbens core, caudatoputamen, hippocampus and amygdala 14 days after termination of cocaine self-administration. The results suggest that withdrawal following a cocaine self-administration binge produces a long-lasting reduction of constitutive zif268 messenger RNA expression in mesocorticolimbic brain regions related to the nucleus accumbens. The relatively greater effect in animals that self-administered cocaine implies a relationship of certain regional responses to behavioral conditioning.
Voluntary alcohol and cocaine consumption in "low" and "high" stress plasma catecholamine responding rats

Alcohol (ethanol) and cocaine preference in a free-choice, two-bottle situation was measured in two groups of male and female "low" and "high" plasma catecholamine stress responding rats. Alcohol intake of a 5% solution (percent or mg/kg) showed markedly different but individually consistent intake among animals. "High" plasma catecholamine stress responders consumed more ethanol than did "low" responders. A similar finding was made when animals consumed a 10% solution; fluid intake fell but total ethanol intake remained the same. "High" responders drank more than did "low" responders. After a period of 4 weeks of water only, animals were reexposed to 5% ethanol and a significant positive correlation was seen in the drinking habits of the animals. Afterwards, exposure to a 0.02% cocaine solution resulted in cocaine intake which varied among animals, but was consistent for an individual rat and did not correlate with alcohol consumption. In general, ethanol and cocaine consumption correlated positively with the plasma catecholamine stress response. No significant differences in drinking habits were observed between the sexes. Thus, alcohol preference is a relatively stable characteristic of an animal, is higher in "high" as compared to "low" plasma catecholamine stress responders and does not correlate with voluntary cocaine consumption.
The frequency of total colonoscopy and terminal ileal intubation in the 1990s

We examined the frequency of total colonoscopy and terminal ileal intubation in a training setting using modern videoendoscopic equipment and techniques with examinations supervised or done by the two authors. The cecum was considered reached if the endoscopic report included a description of the cecal landmarks visualized and if electronic images documenting these landmarks were obtained. One of us also routinely attempted terminal ileal intubation for documentation purposes, allotting a minute or two for the purpose. In cases of chronic diarrhea and possible inflammatory bowel disease, a more prolonged attempt was made to visualize the terminal ileum. Among 418 consecutive colonoscopies, the cecum was reached in 96% of cases. If cases of malignant obstruction were excluded, the success rate improved to 97%. When routinely attempted, the terminal ileum was intubated and inspected in 74% of cases (excluding cases of malignant obstruction). In cases in which terminal ileai intubation and inspection was deemed necessary, the success rate was 91%. We conclude that total colonoscopy can be accomplished in the 1990s in excess of 90% of cases and can be documented by high-quality photographs that can be attached to the procedure report. High rates of successful total colonoscopy should be attainable even in training programs. Routine intubation of the terminal ileum can be performed to provide further objective proof of the extent of colonoscopy and to allow the endoscopist to develop and maintain the skill. A skilled, practiced endoscopist can inspect the terminal ileum in about 90% of cases in which such examination is needed.
Heat Island Convergence in St. Louis during Calm Periods

Abstract From Regional Air Monitoring System (RAMS) tower data recorded in St. Louis during 1976, time series of convergence, heat island intensity and solar radiation are presented for five calm periods each exceeding 12 h. The records demonstrate that heat-island-induced convergence is markedly stronger during the day than at night. There are indications of a periodicity of 1.5-2 h in the nighttime convergence, while the daytime convergence is more variable and cannot be characterized as periodic. An event recorded by one series is interpreted as storm cell development associated with the daytime convergence.
An introduction to computing for engineers: new approaches to content and pedagogy

The descriptive and analytical powers of computation must be exploited in engineering education. Unfortunately, the introductory programming classes that are taken by engineering majors often suffer from two failings. First, they frequently ignore the context in which programming is actually done. Second, they are most often designed for students planning to major in computer science. We have developed a new introductory programming course designed expressly for engineering majors. It is supported by the recently-published textbook Introduction to Scientific Programming and by a Web site containing interactive online material.
On grounding God's knowledge of the probable

A common objection to the Molinist account of divine providence states that counterfactuals of creaturely freedom (CCFs) lack grounds. Some Molinists appeal to brute counterfactual facts about the subject of the CCF in order to ground CCFs. Others argue that CCFs are grounded by the subject's actions in nearby worlds. In this article, I argue that Open Theism's account of divine providence employs would-probably conditionals that are most plausibly grounded by either brute facts about the subject of these conditionals or non-actual entities. As a result, Open Theism's revision of the traditional notion of divine providence is unmotivated. The Molinist can ground CCFs just as easily as the Openist can ground would-probably conditionals but the Molinist has the advantage of maintaining a robust account of divine providence.
How the Media Affect What People Think: An Information Processing Approach

The political messages of newspapers are significantly associated with the substantive political attitudes of a national sample of their readers. Diversity of news perspectives and editorial liberalism show significant relationships to readers' support of interest groups, public policies, and politicians. The relationships vary among self-identified liberals, conservatives, and moderates in accordance with the predictions of information-processing theory. The standard assertion in most recent empirical studies is that "media affect what people think about, not what they think." The findings here indicate the media make a significant contribution to what people think--to their political preferences and evaluations--precisely by affecting what they think about.
Smallpox Vaccination: The End of an Era

Summary. In 1971 it wasrecommended that routine immunization against smallpox be discontinued in the United States. While smallpox vaccine has had a venerable record of disease control, deliberations which led to the reversal of the longstanding public health plicy reflect a reconsideration of smallpox status in the world. Smallpox was introduced into the western hemishere almost 450 yeas ago. Immunoprophylaxis was initiated in the United States more than 250 years ago. The record of smalpox vaccine is impressive. It may bbe credited with the reduction of cases in the United States from more than 110,000 in 1920 to an absence of cases since 1949. However, we cannot credit the continued maintenance of a smallpox-free country to the routine use of vaccine and cannot credit the level of immunity of our population for the prevention of importations. The fact is that our “herd immunity” has not been challenged for 25 years. As the incidence of smallpox in the world has fallen, and with the disappearance of the disease altogether in the developed countries, the substantial toxicity of the vaccine began to stand out in bold relief. In the United States, 7–8 deaths attributable to complicatins of the smallpox vaccine occurred each year. In addition, significant nerrologic and dermal complications of the smallpox vaccine occurred each year. In addition, significant neurologic and dermal complications have occurred at the rate of 8,000 per year. These complications occurred among 5–6 million primary and 7–8 million revaccinees each year. The risk of importation of cases of smallpox in a given country is proportionate to the incidence of endemic smallpox in the world and the number of tramellers from endemic areas. World incidence of smallpox has fallen dramatically. As late as 1962, 61 countries reported smallpox. The current list includes only 4 countries where smallpox is endemic-India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. Exportations in the first portion of 1974 have been confined almost exclusively to adjacent land areas. Recently, the Americas, having gone without endemic cases for 2 years were declared disease free; Indonesia has recently received similar status. The success of recent control and eradication programs on a world-wide basis is based upon a new understanding of smallpox epidemiology and a new and vigorous approach to its containment. Emphasis upon epidemiologic investigation of all suspected cases and systematic vaccination of contacts ha proved very effective. However, importations into non-epidemic areas can theoretically occur as long as small-pox exists anywhere in the world. Expericnce has shown that selective “ring vaccination” of contacts of such imported cases can effectively control spread. This policy plus continued vaccination of high risk individuals, i.e., health personnel and travellers to and from endemic areas, provides the least toll in morbidity and mortality. Continued active support is required for smallpox surveillance and eradication programs around the world.
Achievement Goals, Task Performance, and Interest: Why Perceived Goal Difficulty Matters

In field studies, mastery goals, which focus on developing skill, often predict task interest but not actual performance. Performance-approach goals, which focus on outperforming others, instead often predict strong performance but not interest. Two experiments tested the hypothesis that these distinct goal effects trace to goal difficulty perceptions. In each study, participants assigned to a performance-approach goal perceived their goal to be harder, and therefore felt more performance pressure, than those assigned to a mastery goal. Among participants low in dispositional achievement orientation, this experience translated into lower task interest when pursuing the performance-approach goal. However, participants in both studies also performed the activity better when pursuing this goal instead of a standard mastery goal, although this was not mediated by self-reported goal difficulty perceptions. Finally, further demonstrating the role of goal difficulty, a mastery goal manipulated to appear more difficult than a standard mastery goal produced effects matching the performance-approach goal.
Dissecting Fission Yeast Shelterin Interactions via MICro-MS Links Disruption of Shelterin Bridge to Tumorigenesis

Shelterin, a six-member complex, protects telomeres from nucleolytic attack and regulates their elongation by telomerase. Here, we have developed a strategy, called MICro-MS (Mapping Interfaces via Crosslinking-Mass Spectrometry), that combines crosslinking-mass spectrometry and phylogenetic analysis to identify contact sites within the complex. This strategy allowed identification of separation-of-function mutants of fission yeast Ccq1, Poz1, and Pot1 that selectively disrupt their respective interactions with Tpz1. The various telomere dysregulation phenotypes observed in these mutants further emphasize the critical regulatory roles of Tpz1-centered shelterin interactions in telomere homeostasis. Furthermore, the conservation between fission yeast Tpz1-Pot1 and human TPP1-POT1 interactions led us to map a human melanoma-associated POT1 mutation (A532P) to the TPP1-POT1 interface. Diminished TPP1-POT1 interaction caused by hPOT1-A532P may enable unregulated telomere extension, which, in turn, helps cancer cells to achieve replicative immortality. Therefore, our study reveals a connection between shelterin connectivity and tumorigenicity.
Global Ischemia Activates Nuclear Factor-κB in Forebrain Neurons of Rats

Background and Purpose After global ischemia, brain levels of hydrogen peroxide, oxygen radicals, and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are increased. Oxygen radicals, TNF-α, and IL-1β are known to activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in vitro. The present study was performed to determine whether NF-κB was activated in vivo by global ischemia in hippocampal CA1 neurons. Methods Adult male rats were subjected to 30 minutes of four-vessel occlusion and killed 72 hours later. Levels of NF-κB p50 and p65 subunits in hippocampus were determined by immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and gel-shift analysis. Specific labeling of DNA strand breaks was demonstrated by means of an Apoptag apoptosis detection kit. Results Labeling of DNA strand breaks was present at 72 hours. Chromatin compaction and segregation, a characteristic of apoptosis, was observed in sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. NF-κB p50 and p65 immunoreactivity localized only to nuclei of CA1 neurons at ...
Ultrasonic absorption and dielectric loss in heterophase block copolymers

A styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) and a plasticized SBS were studied as a function of temperature by an ultrasonic wave propagation technique at 9 MHz. Two absorption maxima were found for each of these polymers, one being attributable to the primary glass transition of the polybutadiene blocks and the other to that of the polystyrene blocks. The SBS was cast from two different solvents, namely benzene and tetrahydrofuran–methyl ethyl ketone. Parallel dielectric loss measurements were also made of the SBS in the frequency range of 50–105 Hz. Relaxation temperatures determined from the ultrasonic and dielectric loss maxima over a range of measurement frequencies can be correlated by an Arrhenius-type equation. The polystyrene loss peak in the ultrasonic data was found to be much weaker than the polybutadiene loss peak. However, these two peaks were of comparable magnitude in dielectric data. This observation was interpreted as being due to the onset of structured–unstructured (heterophase to homogeneous) transitions at sufficiently high temperatures. Ultrasonic data were also compared with low-frequency dynamic mechanical data (11 Hz) and stress relaxation data (102–105 sec) through the use of simple time–temperature superposition principle. Considerable discrepancies were found by using this principle, indicating that the heterophase SBS block copolymer was thermorheologically complex.
Plasticity of social organization in a forest ant species

We manipulated availability of food and nesting sites in one population of the forest ant Myrmica punctiventris. The manipulations produced significant changes in relatedness structure, reproductive allocation, and response to hierarchical selection. Food availability appeared to have a consistently stronger influence on these aspects of social organization than did availability of nesting sites. We interpret our experimental results in light of observed differences between populations, and discuss implications for kin selection dynamics.
Per-capita productivity in a social wasp: no evidence for a negative effect of colony size

Optimal colony size in eusocial insects likely reflects a balance between ecological factors and factors intrinsic to the social group. In a seminal paper Michener (1964) showed for some species of social Hymenoptera that colony production of immature stages (productivity), when transformed to a per-female basis, was inversely related to colony size. He concluded that social patterns exist in the social insects that cause smaller groups to be more efficient than larger groups. This result has come to be known as “Michener’s paradox” because it suggests that selection on efficiency would oppose the evolution of the large and complex societies that are common in the social insects. Michener suggested that large colony size has other advantages, such as improved defense and homeostasis, that are favored by selection. For his analysis of swarm-founding wasps, Michener combined data from colonies of different species and different developmental stages in order to obtain adequate sample sizes; therefore, his study did not make a strong case that efficiency decreases with increasing colony size (across colonies) in these wasps. We tested Michener’s hypothesis on the Neotropical swarm-founding wasp Parachartergus fraternus, while controlling for stage of colony development. We found that small colonies were more variable in percapita productivity relative to larger colonies, but found no evidence for a negative relationship between efficiency and size across colonies.
A Note on Cadalso and Samuel Johnson

The theme of criticism is such a commonplace in eighteenth-century letters that it hardly needs elaboration. Right through the century, from such an archetypical work as Feijoo's Teatro critico universal in the first half of the century, through Forner and Cadalso to the satire of Don Hermogenes in La comedia nueva o el cafe at its close, the exercise of a critical sense, the application of reason, in life in general and in literature, is a constant concern.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone inhibits GH4 pituitary cell proliferation by blocking entry into S phase.

TRH inhibits the proliferation of GH4 rat pituitary cells. We have characterized TRH inhibition of cell proliferation by four approaches: cell number, [3H]thymidine incorporation per culture, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporation per cell, and cell cycle distribution. TRH decreases GH4 cell number within 18 h of treatment, and this inhibition is maintained for up to 96 h. TRH inhibits [3H]thymidine incorporation into GH4cell cultures as early as 12 h, and the inhibition of [3H] thymidine incorporation correlates, after a 6-h lag, with decreased GH4 cell number. TRH inhibition of [3H] thymidine incorporation is concentration dependent and saturable, with half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of 2 nM. TRH inhibition of [3H] thymidine incorporation is receptor number dependent up to 160,000 sites/cell, suggesting no spare receptors for TRH on GH4C1 cells. The precise action of TRH on GH4cell proliferation was examined by flow cytometry of fluorescein isothiocyanateanti-BrdUrd- and propidium iodide-DNA stained ce...
Do Water Parliaments and Fees Pay

In Frankreich haben flussgebietsbezogene Managementansatze eine lange Tra­dition. Die Umsetzung der Wasserrahmenrichtlinie war daher unproblematisch. Das neue Wassergesetz stellt im Kern eine Weiterentwicklung bewahrter Insti­tutionen und Instrumente dar. Von Bedeutung sind hier insbesondere die staat­lichen Flusseinzugsgebietsagenturen sowie die so genannten Wasserparla­mente, die die Stakeholder einbinden. Auf der Ebene der Instrumente wird das bereits eingefuhrte Instrument der Nutzungsgebuhren noch erheblich ausgewei­tet. Wahrend Partizipation und Selbstverwaltung sicher auf dem Habenkonto des franzosischen Beispiels verbucht werden konnen, bleibt fraglich, inwieweit dadurch tatsachlich Umweltverbesserungen erreicht werden.
Enhanced Chemical Bonding at the Fiber-Matrix Interphase in Microwave Processed Composites

The effect of microwave processing on the chemical interactions occurring between the carbon fiber surface and the epoxy matrix constituents was investigated using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Monofunctional model compounds of the matrix constituents were exposed to the carbon fibers at temperatures similar to those encountered during composite processing. The microwave treatment resulted in a substantial increase in the amount of chemical interaction between the fiber surface and the epoxy resin but little difference for the amine component of the matrix when compared to thermal processing. An epoxy resin/amine hardener adduct compound used to determine the hydroxyl group interaction with the carbon fiber surface indicated a low level of chemical interaction of the hydroxyl with the carbon fiber surface under the conditions used in this study.
Relative Balance of Serratus Anterior and Upper Trapezius Muscle Activity During Push-Up Exercises

BackgroundSerratus anterior strengthening is used in prevention and treatment programs for poor scapular control. In certain clinical cases, exercises substantially activating the serratus with minimal upper trapezius activation are preferred.HypothesisThe standard push-up plus would show both the highest serratus anterior activation and lowest upper trapezius/ serratus ratios for both groups and all phases.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsThirty subjects, grouped as healthy or with mild shoulder dysfunction, were evaluated performing standard push-up plus exercises and modifications on elbows, knees, and against a wall. Surface electromyography of the serratus anterior and upper trapezius was compared between exercises.ResultsBoth groups responded similarly across exercises. The standard push-up plus demonstrated the highest activation of the serratus (to 123%) and lowest trapezius/serratus ratios (< 0.2) during plus phases. The wall push-up plus and phases of other exercises demonstrated h...
Double antimicrobial prophylaxis in girls with breakthrough urinary tract infections

Abstract Objective. Some girls receiving antimicrobial prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) experience breakthrough infections. The clinical characteristics of girls experiencing a breakthrough UTI and the efficacy of an antimicrobial combination was studied. Methods. Girls were managed by frequent timed voiding, anticholinergic medication for bladder instability, and double antimicrobial prophylaxis consisting of nitrofurantoin (NFN) 2 mg/kg every morning and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) 2 10 mg/kg at bedtime. Results. A total of 31 girls had experienced sixty-four UTIs during three hundred sixty-seven months (17.4 UTIs/100 patient-months) while receiving TMP/SMZ and/or NFN as single-drug prophylaxis. Of the girls, 21 (68%) had reflux, 15 (49%) had detrusor instability/voiding dysfunction, 8 (26%) had both reflux and voiding dysfunction, and 3 (10%) had neither voiding dysfunction nor reflux. While receiving double antimicrobial prophylaxis, 8 girls (26%) experienced a UTI and only 3 (10%) showed a UTI resistant to both TMP/SMZ and NFN. There were only sixteen breakthrough UTIs during four hundred thirty-nine months of double prophylaxis (3.6 UTIs/100 patient-months) (P Conclusions. Girls with breakthrough UTIs usually have voiding dysfunction and/or reflux, and in these girls double antimicrobial prophylaxis and attention to voiding dynamics were effective in preventing further UTIs.
Properties and potential applications of natural cellulose fibers from cornhusks

For the first time, natural cellulose fibers having properties between cotton and linen and suitable for various industrial applications have been extracted from cornhusks. High quality cellulosic fibers from cornhusks mean food, clothing and other major industrial products from the same source without the need for any additional natural resources. Using cornhusks for fibrous applications would save the land and other natural resources required to grow fiber crops and will conserve the non-renewable petroleum sources required to produce synthetic fibers. More than 9 million tons of natural cellulose fibers with a potential sale value of $19 billion with a value addition of at least $12 billion can be produced from the cornhusks available every year. Utilizing cornhusks as a source for natural cellulose fibers will significantly benefit the agriculture, fiber, food and energy needs of the future and will also benefit the environment.
Wealth Evolution and Distorted Financial Forecasts

Evolutionary metaphors have been prominent in both economics and nance. They are often used as basic foundations for rational behavior and ecient markets. Theoretically, a mechanism which selects for rational investors actually requires many caveats, and is far from generic. This paper tests wealth based evolution in a simple, stylized agent-based nancial market. The setup borrows extensively from
Using Family-Focused Garden, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Programs To Reduce Childhood Obesity: The Texas! Go! Eat! Grow! Pilot Study.

Abstract Background: The TEXAS! GROW! EAT! GO! (TGEG) randomized, control trial is a 5-year study to measure the impact of a nutrition and gardening intervention and/or physical activity (PA) intervention on the weight status of third-grade students. This article describes the results of the pilot study to test the feasibility of two interventions and test the measures to be used in the main trial. Methods: The pilot study was conducted in one school with third-grade students and their parents or guardians. The Junior Master Gardner (JMG) and Walk Across Texas (WAT) interventions were implemented over a 5-month period in three third-grade classrooms during spring 2012. The respective interventions focused on improving healthy eating and PA behaviors of children and their families. Baseline and immediate post-test data were collected from students and parents/guardians to measure four child, four parent, and four parent-child interaction behaviors. Process data regarding implementation were also collected ...
Teaching the Fourth Amendment: Qualified Immunity & Tolan v. Cotton

The recent Supreme Court case of Tolan v. Cotton is used as a vehicle to teach the Fourth Amendment, Summary Judgment & Qualified Immunity.
Neuronal Plasticity Related to Cognition

Some research findings are presented that suggest that memory storage and even alterations of set may be mediated by changes in neuronal connections. Current evidence and theorizing on plastic neuronal changes is reviewed and it is concluded that storage of memories may be mediated by structural as well as functional changes in neurons.
Parallel Flow Between Corrugated Plates

The present paper investigates the parallel flow between two fixed corrugated plates. The question is given a constant pressure gradient, is the flow rate affected by the phase difference?
Inhibition of human gastric H+-K+-ATPase α-subunit gene expression by Helicobacter pylori

Clinical studies and in vitro data from isolated parietal cells suggest that acute Helicobacter pylori infection inhibits acid secretion. Gastric acidification is mediated by H+-K+-ATPase, an integ...