cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased caspase 3 and Bax immunoreactivity accompany nuclear GAPDH translocation and neuronal apoptosis in Parkinson's disease.

In situ end labeling combined with YOYO staining was used to mark apoptotic DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation respectively in human postmortem brain sections. Increased numbers of apoptotic neuronal nuclei were identified in the Parkinson's disease (PD) nigra compared with age-matched controls. Caspase 3 and Bax showed increased immunoreactivity in melanized neurons of the PD nigra compared with controls. Importantly, GAPDH nuclear accumulation was also observed in the PD nigra, suggesting apoptotic rather than necrotic cell death. Interestingly, both Lewy bodies and the intranuclear Marinesco's bodies were GAPDH immunoreactive in the PD brain.
Uses and Biases of Volunteer Water Quality Data

State water quality monitoring has been augmented by volunteer monitoring programs throughout the United States. Although a significant effort has been put forth by volunteers, questions remain as to whether volunteer data are accurate and can be used by regulators. In this study, typical volunteer water quality measurements from laboratory and environmental samples in Iowa were analyzed for error and bias. Volunteer measurements of nitrate+nitrite were significantly lower (about 2-fold) than concentrations determined via standard methods in both laboratory-prepared and environmental samples. Total reactive phosphorus concentrations analyzed by volunteers were similar to measurements determined via standard methods in laboratory-prepared samples and environmental samples, but were statistically lower than the actual concentration in four of the five laboratory-prepared samples. Volunteer water quality measurements were successful in identifying and classifying most of the waters which violate United States Environmental Protection Agency recommended water quality criteria for total nitrogen (66%) and for total phosphorus (52%) with the accuracy improving when accounting for error and biases in the volunteer data. An understanding of the error and bias in volunteer water quality measurements can allow regulators to incorporate volunteer water quality data into total maximum daily load planning or state water quality reporting.
On the non-random nature of amylopectin branching

The cluster model of amylopectin (AP) provides a useful conceptual basis for understanding of the structure of the molecule, and this model guides current thinking related to AP biosynthesis and physical behavior. The chain length profile of constituent linear regions of the molecule is commonly determined, and the cluster model guides the interpretation of results with an emphasis on the clustering of the linear regions of these chains. Less attention has been given to the related but distinct question of the clustering of the branch points in AP, perhaps because this work is methodologically more difficult than for determination of the chain length profile and interpretation of the results is less straightforward. However, the unique aspect of AP is that its branching is non-random, and the physical properties of AP may be considered to result from this unique structure. This review addresses the available information on the distribution of branch points in AP. Emphasis on this aspect of the cluster model has ramifications for future research on AP biosynthesis and AP physical behavior.
Growth of Bronze Turkeys

Abstract TURKEY males normally grow faster than females from the time they hatch until about 30 weeks of age (Funk, 1930Funk, 1943; Kodinetz, 1940; Asmundson and Lerner, 1940). This difference in growth apparently continues until the birds cease to grow and the difference is shown by either weight increments (gain in weight) or percentage rate of growth. Differences between groups of birds in early rate of growth are known to be compensated for by differences in later growth in turkeys (Asmundson and Lloyd, 1936; Asmundson and Lerner, 1940) as well as in chickens (Kempster and Parker, 1936; Kempster, 1941). The investigators cited found that differences between strains, in temperature or in the rations fed during the growing period apparently adequately accounted for the differences in the rate of growth observed. Since rate of growth is of importance in turkey meat production it seemed desirable to obtain further information about the relationships …
Photoconductive detectors for infrared systems

The important electrical properties of lead sulphide detectors are given, emphasizing resistance, noise, signal, and sensitivity. The functional dependence of these properties upon bias current, frequency, temperature, humidity, size, shape, background radiation, and wavelength of the incident radiation is included where possible.
New three-dimensional strain-rate potentials for isotropic porous metals: Role of the plastic flow of the matrix

Abstract At present, modeling of the plastic response of porous solids is done using stress-based plastic potentials. To gain understanding of the combined effects of all invariants for general three-dimensional loadings, a strain-rate based approach appears more appropriate. In this paper, for the first time strain rate-based potentials for porous solids with Tresca and von Mises, matrices are obtained. The dilatational response is investigated for general 3-D conditions for both compressive and tensile states using rigorous upscaling methods. It is demonstrated that the presence of voids induces dependence on all invariants, the noteworthy result being the key role played by the plastic flow of the matrix on the dilatational response. If the matrix obeys the von Mises criterion, the shape of the cross-sections of the porous solid with the octahedral plane deviates slightly from a circle, and changes very little as the absolute value of the mean strain rate increases. However, if the matrix behavior is described by Tresca’s criterion, the shape of the cross-sections evolves from a regular hexagon to a smooth triangle with rounded corners. Furthermore, it is revealed that the couplings between invariants are very specific and depend strongly on the particularities of the plastic flow of the matrix.
In situ atomic force microscopy studies of surface morphology, growth kinetics, defect structure and dissolution in macromolecular crystallization

Abstract Surface morphologies of thaumatin, catalase, lysozyme and xylanase crystals were investigated using in situ atomic force microscopy. For thaumatin, lysozyme and xylanase crystals, growth steps having a height equal to the unit cell parameter were produced both by screw dislocations and two-dimensional nuclei. Growth of catalase crystals proceeded in alternating patterns exclusively by two-dimensional nucleation and the successive deposition of distinctive growth layers, each having a step height equal to half the unit cell parameter. The shapes of islands on successive layers were related by 2-fold rotation axes along the 〈0 0 1〉 direction. Experiments revealed that step bunching on crystalline surfaces occurred either due to two- or three-dimensional nucleation on the terraces of vicinal slopes or as a result of uneven step generation by complex dislocation sources. Growth kinetics for thaumatin and catalase crystals were investigated over wide supersaturation ranges. Strong directional kinetic anisotropy in the tangential step growth rates in different directions was seen. From the supersaturation dependencies of tangential step rates and the rates of two-dimensional nucleation, the kinetic coefficients of the steps and the surface free energy of the step edge were calculated. Adsorption of impurities which formed filaments on the surfaces of catalase and thaumatin crystals was recorded. Cessation of growth of xylanase and lysozyme crystals was also observed and appeared to be a consequence of the formation of dense impurity adsorption layers. Crystal growth resumed upon scarring of the impurity adsorption layer and clearing of the crystal surface with the AFM tip. Adsorption of three-dimensional clusters, which consequently developed into either properly aligned multilayer stacks or misaligned microcrystals was recorded. For catalase crystals, incorporation of misoriented microcrystals as large as 50×3×0.1 μm 3 produced elastic deformations in growth layers of ≈0.6%, but did not result in the defect formation. Etching experiments on catalase crystals revealed high defect densities.
Wheat Cultivar Performance on Certified Organic Fields in Minnesota and North Dakota

Synthetic agrichemicals are used to minimize nutrient deficiencies and pests when developing and selecting modern small-grain cultivars. Some farmers believe that modern cultivars are not adapted to environments without these inputs, and old cultivars should be grown. Our objective was to determine the adaptability of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars for production in certified organic environments. A single seed lot for 15 cultivars and two seed lots each for two others were used to establish 19 treatments evaluated for grain yield, protein content, kernel and volume weight, along with phenotypical growth traits on four certified organic fields in Minnesota and North Dakota in 2003 and 2004. The cultivars represented different development eras, but 11 were released since 1995. Interactions between environments and cultivars existed for the four grain parameters (P < 0.05), but some modern cultivars ranked high consistently for yield, protein content, and volume weight. For example, the modem cultivar Walworth produced an average of 500 kg ha -1 more grain than the highest yielding cultivar developed before 1970. Seedling vigor and other phenotypical growth traits did not explain consistent yield differences between cultivars. These results suggest that modern spring wheat cultivars are adapted to certified organic environments. The phenotypical growth traits considered in this study are not suited as primary selection criterion for cultivars in certified organic environments.
Location of intrahypothalamic estrogen-responsive sites influencing LH secretion in the female Rhesus monkey.

Eighteen ovariectomized rhesus mon-keys were stereotaxically implanted with multiple intracranial cannulae, four on each side of the midline, spaced 1.5–2.0 mm apart. The pulsatile pattern of LH release, characteristic of the castrated state, was not altered by such implantation or phencyclidine sedation. Systemic injections of 800 ng of estradiol reduced LH levels and attenuated the pulsatile type of LH secretion. Single injections of l/1000th the peripheral dose of estradiol at specific intrahypothalamic sites also depressed LH levels, mimicking the effects of iv administration. Most of the responsive sites were situated in the mediobasal hypothalamus and included the supra-chiasmatic, infundibular, ventromedial and mam-millary complex nuclei. Injections in other hypothalamic sites generally did not produce a response. Saline injections in estrogen responsive areas were ineffective in 10 out of 12 instances. Injections into adjacent extra-hypothalamic sites were usually ineffective, except for sites loc...
Putin's Moscow approach to Iran: between pragmatism and fear

Since the beginning of the post-Soviet era, Russia has engaged in various relationships with Iran. Similar to the US elite, Russian pundits see Iran as an essentially strong authoritarian/totalitar...
Why sociology doesn't make progress

Stephen Cole's claim regarding certain differences between sociology and physics, and the conclusions he draws regarding the future of sociology, are discussed here. A brief comment on Randall Collins' view is also included.
Pastoral care and the people of god

Various attempts in the last twenty years have sought to understand pastoral care as a function of the congregation, yet even ardent supporters have lost sight of their own vision. This article proposes that we define pastoral care as the work of the church, tie it more closely to the suffering associated with carrying out the church's mission, and develop a model of pastoral care that will differentiate everyday “untrained” lay pastoral care, care by clergy and “trained” laypersons, and pastoral psychotherapy. It offers theological rationales and draws implications for pastoral theory.
Modelling OH⋯O hydrogen bonds in carbohydrates

Abstract Hydrogen-bonding is particularly significant in the molecular modelling of the molecules of glycobiology because of the large number of OH⋯O functional groups for each carbohydrate monomer in these oligo- and macromolecules. This requires appropriate parameterization of the electrostatic interactions, which is considered to be the least well-developed component of molecular mechanics and dynamics formulations. Oligo- and polysaccharides are more difficult to model, in this respect, than oligo- and polypeptides and nucleotides because of the orientational freedom of the hydroxyl groups. The extension of present methods to carbohydrates is discussed.
CT and PET lung image registration and fusion in radiotherapy treatment planning using the chamfer-matching method.

Abstract Purpose: We present a validation study of CT and PET lung image registration and fusion based on the chamfer-matching method. Methods and Materials: The contours of the lung surfaces from CT and PET transmission images were automatically segmented by the thresholding technique. The chamfer-matching technique was then used to register the extracted lung surfaces. Arithmetic means of distance between the two data sets of the pleural surfaces were used as the cost function. Matching was then achieved by iteratively minimizing the cost function through three-dimensional (3D) translation and rotation with an optimization method. Results: Both anatomic thoracic phantom images and clinical patient images were used to evaluate the performance of our registration system. Quantitative analysis from five patients indicates that the registration error in translation was 2–3 mm in the transverse plane, 3–4 mm in the longitudinal direction, and about 1.5 degree in rotation. Typical computing time for chamfer matching is about 1 min. The total time required to register a set of CT and PET lung images, including contour extraction, was generally less than 30 min. Conclusion: We have implemented and validated the chamfer-matching method for CT and PET lung image registration and fusion. Our preliminary results show that the chamfer-matching method for CT and PET images in the lung area is feasible. The described registration system has been used to facilitate target definition and treatment planning in radiotherapy.
Tn7 transposition: Target DNA recognition is mediated by multiple Tn7-encoded proteins in a purified in vitro system

We have reconstituted the transposition of the bacterial transposon Tn7 into its specific insertion site attTn7 with four purified Tn7-encoded proteins, TnsA+TnsB+TnsC+TnsD, and ATP. TnsA+TnsB+TnsC form a "core" recombination machine that recognizes the transposon ends and executes DNA breakage and joining; TnsD specifically recognizes attTn7. TnsA+TnsB+TnsC are specifically targeted to attTn7 through the TnsD-dependent interaction of TnsC, a nonspecific DNA-binding protein, with attTn7. Recombination appears to be activated by the assembly of a nucleoprotein complex containing the DNA substrates and Tns proteins. We suggest that TnsC plays a central role in communication between the transposon and the target DNA, particularly in directing insertion away from DNAs already containing a copy of Tn7.
Reconsidering Hispanic Gang Membership and Acculturation in a Multivariate Context

Previous qualitative research has suggested that Hispanic gang membership is linked to the process of acculturation. Specifically, studies have indicated that those who are less assimilated into mainstream American or “Anglo” society are at greater risk for joining gangs. Building on these observations, this study examines the relationship between acculturation and gang membership within a theoretically and empirically informed multivariate framework. Based on a sample of Hispanic adolescents residing in the American Southwest, results largely supported previous qualitative studies that have suggested that a number of factors, including acculturation, are necessary to an understanding of gang membership within this demographic. Findings from logistic regression analyses indicated that respondents’ grade in school, neighborhood drug availability, level of ethnic marginalization, and level of acculturation were all significantly associated with self-reported gang membership. Results also suggested that marg...
2-Dimensional Directed Type Theory

Recent work on higher-dimensional type theory has explored connections between Martin-Lof type theory, higher-dimensional category theory, and homotopy theory. These connections suggest a generalization of dependent type theory to account for computationally relevant proofs of propositional equality-for example, taking Id"S"e"tA B to be the isomorphisms between A and B. The crucial observation is that all of the familiar type and term constructors can be equipped with a functorial action that describes how they preserve such proofs. The key benefit of higher-dimensional type theory is that programmers and mathematicians may work up to isomorphism and higher equivalence, such as equivalence of categories. In this paper, we consider a further generalization of higher-dimensional type theory, which associates each type with a directed notion of transformation between its elements. Directed type theory accounts for phenomena not expressible in symmetric higher-dimensional type theory, such as a universe set of sets and functions, and a type Ctx used in functorial abstract syntax. Our formulation requires two main ingredients: First, the types themselves must be reinterpreted to take account of variance; for example, a @P type is contravariant in its domain, but covariant in its range. Second, whereas in symmetric type theory proofs of equivalence can be internalized using the Martin-Lof identity type, in directed type theory the two-dimensional structure must be made explicit at the judgemental level. We describe a 2-dimensional directed type theory, or 2DTT, which is validated by an interpretation into the strict 2-category Cat of categories, functors, and natural transformations. We also discuss applications of 2DTT for programming with abstract syntax, generalizing the functorial approach to syntax to the dependently typed and mixed-variance case.
Molecular Simulations of Benzene and PAH Interactions with Soot

Molecular mechanics simulations and ab initio calculations were performed to investigate the mechanism of PAH-soot adsorption. Partitioning of benzene, naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, fluoranthene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, and benzo[g,h,i]perylene between water and soot was modeled with classical and quantum mechanical calculations in order to determine a method for predicting log(K(d)) values. In both cases, the predicted mechanism of adsorption is interaction of the pi-electrons in the PAH and soot (i.e., pi-pi van der Waals forces). Solvation energies, the energy difference between the solute in the gas phase and in the model aqueous phase, calculated with molecular mechanics did not follow the observed solubilities of the PAHs. Molecular dynamics simulations overestimate the favorability of PAHs in the aqueous phase. Hence, the partitioning between the aqueous phase and soot does not accurately correlate with observed log(K(d)) values. Models of PAH adsorption using structures from molecular mechanics and energies from ab initio calculations do produce water-soot partitioning energies that correlate well with observed log(K(d)) values. The log(K(d)) values for benzene, anthracene, fluorene, and benzo[a]pyrene were predicted based on the correlation between calculated partitioning energies and observed log(K(d)) values. Results presented here suggest that partitioning of PAHs onto soot should depend on the size of the PAH, the planarity of PAH molecule, and the aromaticity of the compound. The methodology developed bythis research can be used to predict PAH K(d) values that have not yet been measured.
Pet Ownership and the Importance of Pets Among Adolescents

ABSTRACTPet ownership and the importance of one's pet were examined in a community-based, multi-ethnic sample of adolescents, age 12 to 17 years. Half of the adolescents lived in households with pets where ownership was more common among Whites, teens living in detached single family homes, and among teens in households with annual incomes above $40,000. Ratings of importance of one's pet varied as a function of racial/ethnic group and income. Additionally, the absence of siblings in the household, having sole responsibility for one's pet, and owning a cat or dog were associated with higher levels of pet importance. The considerable variability as a function of race/ethnicity in the likelihood of owning a pet, and the nature of the adolescent's relationship to his/her pet, indicates that future research would benefit by utilizing diverse samples and by attempting to determine why the role of pets in the family is a culturally bound phenomenon.
Exploring Preschool Children's Science Content Knowledge

Research Findings: The purpose of this study was to describe children's science content knowledge and examine the early predictors of science content knowledge in a sample of 194 typically developing preschool children. Children's science content knowledge was assessed in the fall (Time 1) and spring (Time 2) of the preschool year. Results showed that children exhibited significant gains in science content knowledge over the course of the preschool year. Hierarchical linear modeling results indicated that the level of maternal education (i.e., holding at least a bachelor's degree) significantly predicted children's Time 1 science content knowledge. Children's cognitive, math, and language skills at Time 1 were all significant concurrent predictors of Time 1 science content knowledge. However, only Time 1 math skills significantly predicted residualized gains in science content knowledge (i.e., Time 2 scores with Time 1 scores as covariates). Practice or Policy: Factors related to individual differences in...
Age-related effect on the concentration of collagen crosslinks in human osteonal and interstitial bone tissue.

Collagen crosslinks are important to the quality of bone and may be contributors to the age-related increase in bone fracture. This study was performed to investigate whether age and gender effects on collagen crosslinks are similar in osteonal and interstitial bone tissues. Forty human cadaveric femurs were collected and divided into two age groups: Middle aged (42–63 years of age) and Elderly (69–90 years of age) with ten males and ten females in each group (n = 10). Micro-cores of bone tissue from both secondary osteons (newly formed) and interstitial regions (biologically old) in the medial quadrant of the diaphysis were extracted using a custom-modified, computer numerical controlled machine. The bone specimens were then analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography to determine the effects of age and gender on the concentration of mature, enzymatic crosslinks (hydroxylysyl-pyridinoline – HP and lysylpyridinoline – LP) and a non-enzymatic crosslink (pentosidine – PE) at these two bony sites. The results indicate that age has a significant effect on the concentration of LP and PE, while gender has a significant effect on HP and LP. In addition, the concentration of the crosslinks in the secondary osteons is significantly different from that in the interstitial bone regions. These results suggest that the rate of non-enzymatic crosslinking may increase while the formation of maturate enzymatic crosslinks may decrease with age. Such changes could potentially reduce the inherent quality of the bone tissue in the elderly skeleton.
Promoting Change through Professional Development: The Place of Teacher Intentionality in Reading Instruction.

The current educational spotlight on accountability has helped create a focus on teacher practices and their subsequent effects on student achievement. Professional development has been shown to be an effective vehicle to impact practices; however, research has only recently begun to provide an understanding of its impact in literacy instruction (Anders, Hoffman, & Duffy, 2000). The Intentional Teaching Model (INTENT) was created to provide a method of professional development aimed at promoting change in the instructional practices of reading teachers. This article outlines the phases of the model and provides research-validated evidence of its effectiveness in promoting teacher change and increasing student achievement. Implications for practices of several levels of educational stakeholders are presented as a context for using INTENT.
Mistrust and Self-Isolation: Barriers to Social Support for Older Adult Methadone Clients

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore barriers to the use, maintenance, and expansion of social supports in older adult methadone clients. Methods: The data for this analysis were derived from a qualitative study of the needs of aging methadone clients. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 24 methadone clients over the age of 50. Results: A lack of trust was identified as a principal barrier to the use, maintenance, and expansion of the social supports of older adult methadone clients. Causes of this mistrust include issues associated with aging, past traumatic experiences, and difficult personal relationships. Implications: These findings imply that addressing the issue of self isolation and recognizing the reason older adult methadone clients engage in this behavior is a key element in getting this specific population to use, maintain, and foster healthy social supports. A common phrase echoed throughout the interviews is that a person cannot trust anybody. Because of t...
A model for the thermal and chemical evolution of the Moon's interior: implications for the onset of mare volcanism

Crystallization of the lunar magma ocean creates a chemically stratified Moon consisting of an anorthositic crust and magma ocean cumulates overlying the primitive lunar interior. Within the magma ocean cumulates the last liquids to crystallize form dense, ilmenite-rich cumulates that contain high concentrations of incompatible radioactive elements. The underlying olivine-orthopyroxene cumulates are also stratified with later crystallized, denser, more Fe-rich compositions at the top. This paper explores the chemical and thermal consequences of an internal evolution model accounting for the possible role of these sources of chemical buoyancy. Rayleigh-Taylor instability causes the dense ilmenite-rich cumulate layer and underlying Fe-rich cumulates to sink toward the center of the Moon, forming a dense lunar core. After this overturn, radioactive heating within the ilmenite-rich cumulate core heats the overlying mantle, causing it to melt. In this model, the source region for high-TiO2 mare basalts is a convectively mixed layer above the core-mantle boundary which would contain small and variable amounts of admixed ilmenite and KREEP. This deep high-pressure melting, as required for mare basalts, occurs after a reasonable time interval to explain the onset of mare basalt volcanism if the content of radioactive elements in the core and the chemical density gradients above the core are sufficiently high but within a range of values that might have been present in the Moon. Regardless of details implied by particular model parameters, gravitational overturn driven by the high density of magma ocean Fe-rich cumulates should concentrate high-TiO2 mare basalt sources, and probably a significant fraction of radioactive heating, toward the center of the Moon. This will have important implications for both the thermal evolution of the Moon and for mare basalt genesis.
Effect of diazoxide in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations after acute glycemic stimulation and intravenous tolbutamide

Abstract Five healthy young subjects were subjected to glucose tolerance and tolbutamide tests before and after diazoxide administration. The glucose tolerance tests were made after two challenges with 100 g of glucose. A 5-day treatment with diazoxide (100 mg t.i.d.) lowered the plasma insulin response consistently throughout the second glucose challenge, but did not lower the plasma insulin in response to the tolbutamide challenge. Since tolbutamide stimulates a normal insulin release after diazoxide administration, it appears that the diazoxide did not impair the synthesis and storage of insulin, but that diazoxide interferes with the release of insulin during the glucose challenge. While diazoxide caused a decreased plasma insulin concentration during the glucose challenge, the plasma glucose concentration was not increased in four of the five subjects. The results with normal subjects are in contrast with our observations on an insulinoma patient in whom insulin release was enhanced by diazoxide treatment.
Palladium–copper electrocatalyst for the promotion of the electrochemical oxidation of polyalcohol fuels in the alkaline direct alcohol fuel cell

Abstract We demonstrate herein two important features of a Pd 87 Cu 13 /C electrocatalyst that indicate it is a more efficient catalyst in alkaline media than Pd/C for the electrochemical oxidation of three polyalcohols: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol. First, we have discovered more efficient behavior in a three electrode electrochemical cell, where the electrochemical oxidation rate of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol was 4 times faster on Pd 87 Cu 13 /C than Pd/C. In glycerol, the oxidation rate was 3 times faster in the electrochemical cell. This increase in oxidation rate is due to a combination of the electronic and bifunctional effects. Second, we have found that the Pd 87 Cu 13 /C catalyst is also more efficient than Pd/C in an operating alkaline direct liquid fuel cell, although the efficiency gains are smaller than the electrochemical cell. During fuel cell testing, we found that the maximum power density of a propylene glycol fuel cell was 86% greater when the anode catalyst was Pd–Cu/C compared with Pd/C. The maximum power densities of the glycerol and ethylene glycol fuel cells increased by 75% and 32%, respectively. These polyalcohol molecules are of significant interest because they can be made from renewable sources and used to produce power in alkaline direct liquid fuel cells.
Regulation of the Epithelial Na+ Channel by Membrane Tension

The sensitivity of alphabetagamma rat epithelial Na+ channel (rENaC) to osmotically or mechanically induced changes of membrane tension was investigated in the Xenopus oocyte expression system, using both dual electrode voltage clamp and cell-attached patch clamp methodologies. ENaC whole-cell currents were insensitive to mechanical cell swelling caused by direct injection of 90 or 180 nl of 100-mM KCl. Similarly, ENaC whole-cell currents were insensitive to osmotic cell swelling caused by a 33% decrease of bathing solution osmolarity. The lack of an effect of cell swelling on ENaC was independent of the status of the actin cytoskeleton, as ENaC remained insensitive to osmotic and mechanical cell swelling in oocytes pretreated with cytochalasin B for 2-5 h. This apparent insensitivity of ENaC to increased cell volume and changes of membrane tension was also observed at the single channel level in membrane patches subjected to negative or positive pressures of 5 or 10 in. of water. However, and contrary to the lack of an effect of cell swelling, ENaC currents were inhibited by cell shrinking. A 45-min incubation in a 260-mosmol solution (a 25% increase of solution osmolarity) caused a decrease of ENaC currents (at -100 mV) from -3.42 +/- 0.34 to -2.02 +/- 0.23 microA (n = 6). This decrease of current with cell shrinking was completely blocked by pretreatment of oocytes with cytochalasin B, indicating that these changes of current are not likely related to a direct effect of cell shrinking. We conclude that alpha beta gamma rENaC is not directly mechanosensitive when expressed in a system that can produce a channel with identical properties to those found in native epithelia.
Nuclear waste solids

Glass and polycrystalline materials for high-level radioactive waste immobilization are discussed. Borosilicate glass has been selected as the waste form for defence high-level radwaste in the US. Since release of the radionuclides to the biosphere is the major concern, this paper focuses on the potential interactions between the waste form and its surroundings. In addition to laboratory data, results from field testing are also presented in order to provide a comprehensive overview of glass leaching under near repository-like conditions.
Flowsheets That Include MDHAQ Physical Function, Pain, Global, and RAPID3 Scores, Laboratory Tests, and Medications to Monitor Patients with all Rheumatic Diseases: An Electronic Database for an Electronic Medical Record

Electronic medical records (EMR) are used increasingly in contemporary medical care. Function, pain, global status, and RAPID3 scores remain important considerations in all rheumatic diseases. Inclusion of these scores in a flowsheet that also includes laboratory tests and medications could transform the EMR into a true medical database. Flowsheets are presented for patients with rheumatologic diagnoses other than rheumatoid arthritis to illustrate the value of the multidimensional health assessment questionnaire and RAPID3 scores in an electronic database for an EMR.
Differential effects of orthographic and phonological consistency in cortex for children with and without reading impairment.

One of the central challenges in mastering English is becoming sensitive to consistency from spelling to sound (i.e. phonological consistency) and from sound to spelling (i.e. orthographic consistency). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we examined the neural correlates of consistency in 9–15-year-old Normal and Impaired Readers during a rhyming task in the visual modality. In line with our previous study [Bolger, D. J., Hornickel, J., Cone, N. E., Burman, D. D., & Booth, J. R. (in press). Neural correlates of orthographic and phonological consistency effects in children. Human Brain Mapping], for Normal Readers, lower phonological and orthographic consistency were associated with greater activation in several regions including bilateral inferior/middle frontal gyri, bilateral anterior cingulate cortex as well as left fusiform gyrus. Impaired Readers activated only bilateral anterior cingulate cortex in response to decreasing consistency. Group comparisons revealed that, relative to Impaired Readers, Normal Readers exhibited a larger response in this network for lower phonological consistency whereas orthographic consistency differences were limited. Lastly, brain–behavior correlations revealed a significant relationship between skill (i.e. Phonological Awareness and non-word decoding) and cortical consistency effects for Impaired Readers in left inferior/middle frontal gyri and left fusiform gyrus. Impaired Readers with higher skill showed greater activation for higher consistency. This relationship was reliably different from that of Normal Readers in which higher skill was associated with greater activation for lower consistency. According to single-route or connectionist models, these results suggest that Impaired Readers with higher skill devote neural resources to representing the mapping between orthography and phonology for higher consistency words, and therefore do not robustly activate this network for lower consistency words.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: old problem, new presentation.

This milder form of illness is the most commonly observedin extremely low birth weight infants today.Once lung damage has occurred, these infants mayrequire mechanical ventilation and increased oxygenconcentration for long periods of time with gradual weaningfrom ventilator and oxygen therapy after several weeks ormonths. Infants with more severe BPD may still evolveinto progressive respiratory failure, or even death, as aresult of more severe lung damage and pulmonaryhypertension that can result in cor pulmonale.The reported incidence of BPD varies widely and thisvariation is related to differences in patient susceptibilityand management, but inconsistencies in BPD definitionalso accounts for the variation. The diagnostic criteria forBPD are based on oxygen dependency and this can varydue to differences in altitude, the use of other methods ofrespiratory support such as continuous or intermittentpositive airway pressure and use of drugs that caninfluence gas exchange, such as diuretics, respiratorystimulants or corticosteroids. Perhaps the major problemof using oxygen requirement to define BPD is the variation
New Brand Worlds: College Student Consumer Attitudes toward Brand Placement in Films, Television Shows, Songs, and Video Games

No previous study has yet quantitatively examined attitudes toward brand placement in multiple media. A survey was conducted of 437 college students regarding their attitudes toward brand placements in films, television shows, songs, and video games. A previously unexamined element in the literature, genre, was incorporated. Our results suggest that attitudes toward brand placement are positive overall across media, but that brand placements in songs and video games are less acceptable than within films and television programs. In addition, specific genres are considered especially appropriate or inappropriate for the strategy.
A molecular corner: fac‐tricarbonylchloridobis[3‐(4‐pyridyl)pentane‐2,4‐dione‐κN]rhenium(I) chloroform solvate

The title compound, [ReCl(C10H11NO2)2(CO)3]·CHCl3, has Re—N distances of 2.202 (8) and 2.237 (7) A, an N—Re—N angle of 84.1 (3)° and 2-hydr­oxy-4-oxopent-2-en-3-yl (acacH) units which are uncoordinated. The acacH units are in the enol tautomeric form, with delocalized single and double bonds.
Colloidal pumping : Evidence for the coagulation process using natural colloids tagged with 203Hg

Colloids isolated from waters of the Trinity River (Texas) were tagged with high specific activity mercury ( 203 Hg) and re-equilibrated with ultrafiltered water and particles. The transfer of radioisotopic Hg from the colloidal pool to the particulate pool was monitored over a 5-day period. The experiment was repeated with a range of particle concentrations from 10 to 82 mg/L and at salinities of 13.6 and 24.5. Partitioning of 203 Hg to particles and colloids during the radiotracer experiments was comparable or slightly higher than that observed for stable Hg in Galveston Bay. In all cases, 203 Hg was transferred from the colloidal pool (1 kDa-0.4 μm), consisting mostly of macromolecular organic matter, to the particulate pool (>0.4 μm), indicating that colloids serve as an intermediary in the transfer and removal of Hg and perhaps other trace metals in natural systems. The rate of transfer was determined by applying an irreversible kinetic model to the data. The transfer appeared to occur by two processes, a fast (<1 h) initial process and a slower process that occurred over days. Both processes were proportional to particle concentration (C p ) expressed as a power function C p 0.3 , suggesting that Brownian coagulation is the mechanism responsible for slowtransfer. Measured rates were consistent with coagulation rates calculated from coagulation theory.
Complexation of mercury by dissolved organic matter in surface waters of Galveston Bay, Texas

Abstract The chemical speciation of dissolved mercury in surface waters of Galveston Bay was determined using the concentrations of mercury-complexing ligands and conditional stability constants of mercury-ligand complexes. Two classes of natural ligands associated with dissolved organic matter were determined by a competitive ligand exchange-solvent solvent extraction (CLE-SSE) method: a strong class ( L s ), ranging from 19 to 93 pM with an average conditional stability constant ( K Hg L s ) of 10 28 , and a weak class ( L w ) ranging from 1.4 to 9.8 nM with an average K Hg L s of 10 23 . The range of conditional stability constants between mercury and natural ligands suggested that sulfides and thiolates are important binding sites for dissolved mercury in estuarine waters. A positive correlation between the estuarine distribution of dissolved glutathione and that of mercury-complexing ligands supported this suggestion. Thermodynamic equilibrium modeling using stability constants for Hg L , HgCl x , Hg(OH) x , and HgCl(OH) and concentrations of each ligand demonstrated that almost all of the dissolved mercury (> 99%) in Galveston Bay was complexed by natural ligands associated with dissolved organic matter. The importance of low concentrations of high-affinity ligands that may originate in the biological system (i.e., glutathione and phytochelatin) suggests that the greater portion of bulk dissolved organic matter may not be important for mercury complexation in estuarine surface waters.
Depression and Drug Use Impact Health Status Among Marginally Housed HIV-Infected Individuals

A representative sample of HIV-positive homeless and marginally housed individuals completed SF-36 health surveys and responses were analyzed for associations with sociodemographic, health, health care, and drug use variables. Among 330 respondents, 83% were male, 43% were African American, and the median age was 39 years. Negative associations were found between female gender and vitality as well as physical functioning; older age and physical functioning; drug use or drug treatment and role-emotional, social functioning, body pain, as well as vitality; health care utilization and depression with all scales. It appeared that depression and drug-related variables were associated with multiple dimensions of health status in this population. Interventions to treat depression and addiction may improve the health status of HIV-infected HMH.
ISCHEMIA IN THE DEVELOPING RABBIT MYOCARDIUM

The relationship between maturation and response of the myocardium to ischemic injury remains controversial. Therefore, we studied isovolumic, buffer-perfused hearts(n=3-10/group) from 3 age groups of New Zealand white rabbits: 3 day(3d), 18 day (18d), and adult. Experiments (control (CON), 30 min no-flow ischemia(ISCH) and 30 min reflow(REF)) were performed at 37° C with performance measured as rate-pressure product (RPP). P31-NMR yielded ATP, creatine phosphate(CP), and inorganic phosphate(Pi) contents (μmol/gdw) and intracellular pH(pHi) at 4-6 min intervals. Na23-NMR with shift reagent (Dy(TTHA)3-) yielded intra-(Nai) and extracellular(Nao) sodium at 4 min intervals in 3d and 18d hearts. During ISCH the rate of change in ATP, CP, Pi and pHi did not differ among groups. [ATP] differed among groups only at END-REF and was lower in adults (41 vs 65%CON for 3d and 18d). [CP] increased 4-fold with development. Recovery of CP and Pi (%CON) was lower in adult than 18d hearts. pHi was = 7.1 during CON and (161) REF and =6 at END-ISCH in each group. Nai reversibly increased = 2.5-fold during ISCH for both 3d and 18d hearts. Nao increased 120% in 18d vs 103% in 3d during REF. Recovery of RPP was best in 18d hearts and worst adult hearts. Thus, tolerance to ischemia in the rabbit myocardium initially increases and then decreases during development. However, the results do not demonstrate a simple relationship between any metabolite or ion measured and developmental differences in functional recovery.
Reading Instruction for Talented Readers: Case Studies Documenting Few Opportunities for Continuous Progress.

In this study, a team of researchers conducted multiple observations in 12 third- and seventh-grade reading classrooms in both urban and suburban school districts over a 9-month period. These obser...
Two beads for Saint Jude

In a note of Rustagi and Doub [1], it was asserted that: "Whether it is a fighter airplane, a ship, or a tank, the basic structure of the optimal armor allocation decision process seems to be the same:. This statement was then followed by an excellent formulation of the optimal armor allocation problem as a dynamic program for a tank. It was strongly implied that the same formulation, or a similar one, using dynamic programming in any case could be extended to a ship or a plane. However, it should be considered that the optimal armoring of a fighter plane may introduce additional constraints to a level where dynamic programming may become computationally infeasible.
A study of carbon14 labeled acetate in Digitalis purpurea glycoside biosynthesis

A study has been made of the incorporation of acetate carboxyl carbon14 by Digitalis purpurea glycoside from labeled sodium acetate in hydroponic culture. A modified chromatographic method was employed for the isolation of the glycoside fractions. A major fraction, approximately 0.13 per cent yield, of amorphous glycoside was obtained, and this was found to be a glycoside of the gitoxin group. The chemical properties and radioactivity measurement of this glycoside fraction and its aglycone are reported.
Dilemma games: game parameters and matching protocols

Abstract This study examines the impact of changes in pecuniary payoffs and the linkages between players in the game environment on strategy choice in repeated PD games. Rates of cooperation are found to be correlated with variations in game parameters related to concepts of Fear, Greed, and Cooperators’ Gain. In addition, rates of cooperation are affected by the information that subjects have regarding the history of play of their counterparts, as well as the protocol used for matching subjects across decision rounds.
Impact of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on pneumococcal parapneumonic empyema.

Background:Pediatric pneumococcal parapneumonic empyema (PPE) has become increasingly common. In the last decade, Utah has had one of the highest rates of PPE in the United States, 14/100,000 children, attributed primarily to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1. Our objective was to describe the tem
On triangular subalgebras of groupoidC*-algebras

Let ℬ be an AFC*-algebra with Stratila-Voiculescu masaD and letU be a maximal triangular subalgebra of ℬ with diagonalD. Peters, Poon and Wagner showed thatU need not be aC*-subdiagonal subalgebra of ℬ in the sense of Kawamura and Tomiyama. We investigate and explain this phenomena here from the perspective of groupoidC*-algebras by representing257-7 as the “incidence algebra” associated with a topological partial order. A number of examples are given showing what can keep a maximal triangular algebra from beingC*-subdiagonal.
Identification and characterization of a novel fermented substance produced by edible Aspergillus oryzae AO-1 that inhibits DPP-IV activity.

Abstract We identified a novel fermented substance (FKA) produced by the edible Aspergillus oryzae strain AO-1 that inhibited dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) (IC 50 = 3.41 mg·mL − 1 ). HPLC analysis of FKA showed specific one metabolite (WYK-1), which inhibited DPP-IV (IC 50 = 6.98 μM). WYK-1 was identified as a tetrahydroxyisoquinoline derivative. Interestingly, we examined 60 strains of A. oryzae , AO-1 was the only A. oryzae strain that produces WYK-1. This is the first report that an edible A. oryzae strain produces a DPP-IV inhibitor such as WYK-1. This study also suggests that FKA has applications in the development of novel antihyperglycemic therapeutics or functional foods.