cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deoxygenation in modern synthesis

Abstract From the early observation by Kizhner that heteroatom substituents at the α position of a ketone were lost during the reaction to give an olefinic product, the reduction of such compounds has been the focus of research into the reaction, especially after the advent of the Huang-Minlon modification made the reaction experimentally simple. From these researches, Nelson Leonard at Illinois played a leading early role in defining the scope and limitations of the reaction. Later, the hyrazinolysis of α-epoxyketones under acid catalysis was shown by Wharton at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to provide a valuable method for the 1,3-transposition of oxygen functionality. The reaction, which proceeds with predictable stereochemistry, now bears his name. More recently, the aza analog of the reaction, using 2-acylaziridines in place of the epoxyketones, has attracted interest due to its ability to give allylic amines with known stereochemistry. The reaction of the α, b-epoxyketones with tosylhydrazine leads to fragmentation to give an acetylenic ketone in a reaction now known as the Eschenmoser fragmentation.
Triamidoamine-Supported Zirconium Compounds in Main Group Bond-Formation Catalysis.

ConspectusThe rationale to pursue long-term study of any system must be sound. Quick discoveries and emergent fields are more than temptations. They remind us to ask what are we gaining through con...
D-578, an orally active triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor, displays antidepressant and anti-PTSD like effects in rats.

Abstract Significant unmet needs exist for development of better pharmacotherapeutic agents for major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the current drugs are inadequate. Our goal in this study is to investigate behavioral pharmacological characterization of a novel triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI) D-578 which exhibits nanomolar potency at all three monoamine transporters (Ki; 16.2. 16.2, 3.23 nM, and 29.6, 20.6, 6.10 nM for the rat brain and cloned human dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine transporters, respectively) and exhibited little to no affinity for other off-target CNS receptors. In a rat forced swim test, compound D-578 upon oral administration displayed high efficacy and not stimulating in locomotor behavior. The effects of D-578 and paroxetine were next evaluated in a rat model for traumatic stress exposure - the single prolonged stress (SPS) model - which has been shown to have construct, predictive, and behavioral validity in modeling aspects of PTSD. Our results show that SPS had no effect on the acquisition of conditioned fear, but impaired extinction learning and extinction retention of fear behavior compared to sham treatment. D-578, but not paroxetine, attenuated the extinction and extinction-retention deficit induced by SPS. These findings suggest that D-578 has greater efficacy in normalizing traumatic stress-induced extinction-retention learning in a model for PTSD compared to paroxetine. Overall these results suggest that D-578, in addition to producing a robust and efficacious antidepressant effect, may attenuate maladaptive retention of fearful memories and support further testing of this agent for the pharmacotherapy of depression and PTSD.
Are patients afraid to go home? Disposition preferences after transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke.

Background Recent evidence suggests clinical equipoise for managing transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke (TIAMS) either via discharge from the emergency department (ED) with rapid outpatient follow-up or inpatient admission. Understanding patient preferences may guide decision-making around disposition after TIAMS that can lead to higher patient satisfaction and adherence. Psychological distress, particularly a sense of vulnerability (eg, ‘threat perception’) is associated with adverse psychological outcomes following TIAMS and may influence patient disposition preference. We hypothesised patients with higher threat perceptions in the ED would prefer inpatient admission versus early discharge with rapid outpatient follow-up. Methods This was a planned secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort study of ED patients with suspected TIAMS (defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ≤5). Patients reported disposition preferences and completed a validated scale of threat perception while in the ED (score range: 1–4). Results 147 TIAMS patients were evaluated (mean age: 59.7±15.4, 45.6% female, 39.5% Hispanic, median NIHSS=1, IQR: 0, 3). A majority of patients (98, 66.7%) preferred inpatient admission compared with discharge from the ED. Overall threat scores were median 1.0 (IQR: 0.43, 1.68). Those preferring admission had similar threat scores compared with those who preferred early disposition (median: 1.00, IQR: 0.43, 1.57) versus 1.00, (IQR: 0.49, 1.68); p=0.40). In a model adjusted for demographic characteristics, threat perceptions remained unassociated with disposition preference. Conclusion Overall, two-thirds of TIAMS patients preferred inpatient admission over discharge. Disposition preference was not associated with higher threat perception in the ED. Further research examining potential drivers of patient disposition preferences may inform patient discussions and optimise patient satisfaction.
Effects of Maternal Depression and Mother–Child Relationship Quality in Early Childhood on Neural Reactivity to Rejection and Peer Stress in Adolescence: A 9-Year Longitudinal Study:

Problems in mother-child relationships are thought to be key to intergenerational transmission of depression. To evaluate neural and behavioral processes involved in these pathways, we tested effects of maternal depression and maternal-child relationship quality in early childhood on neural and interviewer-based indicators of social processes in adolescence. At age 3, children and mothers (N=332) completed an observational parenting measure and diagnostic interviews with mothers. At age 12, adolescents completed a task in which event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded to peer acceptance and rejection feedback and interviews to assess peer stress. Lower mother-child relationship quality at age 3 was associated with enhanced reactivity to rejection, as measured by N1, and greater peer stress at age 12. Indirect effects of maternal depression through mother-child relationship quality were observed for N1 and peer stress. Findings inform understanding of disruptions in social functioning that are likely relevant to the intergenerational transmission of depression.
Ed Brubaker: conversations: edited by Terrence R. Wandtke, Jackson, MS, University Press of Mississippi, 2016, 172 pp., US$40.00 (hardcover), ISBN 978-1-4968-0550-8

Ed Brubaker: Conversations presents a graphic novel auteur’s portrait by way of a series of interviews, collected from 2001 to 2013. As editor Terrence R. Wandtke notes, Brubaker is known for stori...
An Examination of an Enhanced Remote Sensing Method for Agent Attribution of Forest Disturbance

Abstract Patterns of disturbance in Sierra Nevada forests are shifting as a result of changing climate and land uses. These changes have underscored the need for a monitoring system that both detects disturbances and attributes them to different agents. Addressing this need will aid forest management and conservation decision-making, potentially enhancing forests’ resilience to changing climatic conditions. In addition, it will advance understanding of the patterns, drivers, and consequences of forest disturbance in space and time. This study proposed and evaluated an enhanced method for disturbance agent attribution. Specifically, it tested the extent to which textural information could improve the performance of an ensemble learning method in predicting the agents of disturbance from remote sensing observations. Random Forest (RF) models were developed to attribute disturbance to three primary agents (fire, harvest, and drought) in Stanislaus National Forest, California, U.S.A., between 1999 and 2015. To account for spectral behavior and topographical characteristics that regulate vegetation and disturbance dynamics, the models were trained on predictors derived from both the Landsat record and from a digital elevation model. The predictors included measurements of spectral change acquired through temporal segmentation of Landsat data; measurements of patch geometry; and a series of landscape texture metrics. The texture metrics were generated using the Grey-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM). Two models were produced: one with GLCM texture metrics and one without. The per-class and overall accuracies of each model were evaluated with out-of-bag (OOB) observations and compared statistically to quantify the contribution of texture metrics to classification skill. Overall OOB accuracy was 72.0% for the texture-free model and 72.2% for the texture-dependent model, with no significant accuracy difference between them. Spatial patterns in prediction maps cohered with expectations, with most harvest concentrated in mid-elevation forests and fire and stress co-occurring at lower elevations. Altogether, the method yielded adequate identification of disturbance and moderate attribution accuracy for multiple disturbance agents. While textures did not contribute meaningfully to model skill, the study offers a strong foundation for future development, which should focus on improving the efficacy of the model and generalizing it for systems beyond the Central Sierra Nevada.
Body stories in and out and with and through fat: edited by Jill Andrew and May Freidman, Bradford, Ontario, Demeter Press, 2020

Fat women in Western society are confronted daily with discrimination, stigma, and oppression due to their size. Theoretical perspectives and academic jargon can be prohibitive to learning the comp...
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Small Intestinal Ischemia: Proof of Concept.

Background Small intestinal ischemia is a challenging diagnosis to make, even with the combination of imaging, laboratory analysis, and physical exam. This pilot study investigated the role of CEUS in evaluating small bowel wall vascularity in participants with suspected ischemia. Methods In this IRB-approved pilot study, CEUS using perflutren lipid microspheres (DEFINITY®; Lantheus Medical Imaging Inc., N. Billerica, MA) was performed on participants determined by the clinical surgical team to have concerns for small intestinal ischemia. CEUS interpretations were performed at both the bedside and later by a blinded radiologist and compared to clinical imaging, surgical findings, or long-term clinical outcomes. Results Fifteen CEUS examinations were performed on 14 participants. Five of the participants underwent exploratory laparotomy. Of these, one had small intestinal ischemia (without necrosis). Point of care CEUS demonstrated no evidence of bowel necrosis in any case, and delayed enhancement (indicative of intestinal ischemia) in three cases, resulting in a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 2.5-100%) and specificity of 85.7% (95% CI 57.2-98.2%). CEUS correctly ruled out ischemia in 91.7% of cases with CT suspicion of small bowel obstruction and 60% of cases that underwent surgical intervention. Additionally, the rate of agreement between bedside interpretation and later radiologist read was high (93%). Conclusions CEUS is uniquely positioned for evaluating the small intestine, because of its high temporal resolution and immediacy of results. Combined with multi-sectional imaging for focal areas of ischemia and/or clinical suspicion for pan ischemia, CEUS may be a useful rule out test for small intestinal ischemia.
Information Provision and Preparatory Interventions: Shaping the Lens for Children's Understanding and Response to Painful Contexts.

Any painful or medical experience that we face is viewed from the lens with which we understand and view the experience [...]
Binding Characterization of Cyclic Peptide Ligands to Target Proteins and Chemical Epitopes Using ELISA and Fluorescence Polarization Assays.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a plate-based immunological assay designed to detect and quantify peptides, proteins, antibodies, and hormones. Fluorescence polarization (FP) is a solution-phase technique that can be used to determine equilibrium dissociation constant of ligand for the protein of interest. Here we describe the protocols for different ELISAs and for Fluorescence Polarization, and how they can be used to determine relative or absolute binding of macrocyclic peptides to the target proteins. In ELISA, the target protein is used as the antigen, and the binding of antigen is quantified using cyclic peptides and enzyme-linked antibodies. In Fluorescence Polarization assays, a cyclic ligand is fluorescent dye-labeled and titrated with serial concentrations of the non-labeled target protein to determine the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of ligand for protein. Detailed descriptions of sample preparation and the ELISA and FP experiments are provided in this chapter.
Location and measurement of enzymes in single cells by isotopic methods. I. Principles and light microscope applications.

Publisher Summary The labeled inhibitor method has the advantage of quantitative capability. Isotopic disintegration is a nuclear event, entirely uninfluenced by the conditions and the molecular environment. Unlike the measurement of light absorption, it is independent of the packing of the labeled molecules, their polar or nonpolar milieu, and the distribution of the sites across the field measured. The inhibitor is attached to the enzyme active center in a 1:1 stoichiometry, and the errors attributable to the rate of deposition of the marker and to adsorption to various sites are absent. The basis of measurement is physically simple, and has been validated by independent measurements. A limitation of the method is the range of inhibitors available for it. These compounds must be specific or capable of high specificity by the use of associated reactions and must be available in highly radioactive form. Thus, the labeled inhibitor method is not regarded as a replacement for color reaction enzyme cytochemistry. It is, rather, a complementary method for the quantitative localization of enzymes that may often be localized sharply, and more spectacularly, by a color method.
Improved Peak Detection and Deconvolution of Native Electrospray Mass Spectra from Large Protein Complexes

Native electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (native MS) measures biomolecules under conditions that preserve most aspects of protein tertiary and quaternary structure, enabling direct characterization of large intact protein assemblies. However, native spectra derived from these assemblies are often partially obscured by low signal-to-noise as well as broad peak shapes because of residual solvation and adduction after the electrospray process. The wide peak widths together with the fact that sequential charge state series from highly charged ions are closely spaced means that native spectra containing multiple species often suffer from high degrees of peak overlap or else contain highly interleaved charge envelopes. This situation presents a challenge for peak detection, correct charge state and charge envelope assignment, and ultimately extraction of the relevant underlying mass values of the noncovalent assemblages being investigated. In this report, we describe a comprehensive algorithm developed for addressing peak detection, peak overlap, and charge state assignment in native mass spectra, called PeakSeeker. Overlapped peaks are detected by examination of the second derivative of the raw mass spectrum. Charge state distributions of the molecular species are determined by fitting linear combinations of charge envelopes to the overall experimental mass spectrum. This software is capable of deconvoluting heterogeneous, complex, and noisy native mass spectra of large protein assemblies as demonstrated by analysis of (1) synthetic mononucleosomes containing severely overlapping peaks, (2) an RNA polymerase II/α-amanitin complex with many closely interleaved ion signals, and (3) human TriC complex containing high levels of background noise. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
Geometry and billiards

Motivation: Mechanics and optics Billiard in the circle and the square Billiard ball map and integral geometry Billiards inside conics and quadrics Existence and non-existence of caustics Periodic trajectories Billiards in polygons Chaotic billiards Dual billiards Bibliography Index.
Trust management in Delay Tolerant Networks utilizing erasure coding

There is a need for robust networks in all environments including austere ones. The prime example is Delay Tolerant Networks (DTN) that are subject to a growing body of research. These networks support applications used by the military and first responders, especially in emergency situations. Securing a DTN is not a trivial undertaking due to node mobility and the ADHOC method in which nodes communicate. Here, we propose a distributed trust management scheme to secure this class of networks with many of the underlying principles applicable to the larger class of Mobile ADHOC Networks (MANET). The scheme employs erasure coding not only to increase delivery rate in a DTN but also to infer the trustworthiness of the nodes along all paths that deliver a message segments to the destination. The proposed approach enables us to decide when the destination node should stop waiting for additional segments and instead request message retransmission. Moreover, even after the message is recreated successfully, additional segments received enable the destination to collect precious trust information about the nodes involved in delivery of these segments. We show how distributing this trust information identifies compromised nodes.
A generalized reconstruction framework for unconventional PET systems.

Purpose: Quantitative estimation of the radionuclide activity concentration in positron emission tomography (PET) requires precise modeling of PET physics. The authors are focused on designing unconventional PET geometries for specific applications. This work reports the creation of a generalized reconstruction framework, capable of reconstructing tomographic PET data for systems that use right cuboidal detector elements positioned at arbitrary geometry using a regular Cartesian grid of image voxels. Methods: The authors report on a variety of design choices and optimization for the creation of the generalized framework. The image reconstruction algorithm is maximum likelihood-expectation–maximization. System geometry can be specified using a simple script. Given the geometry, a symmetry seeking algorithm finds existing symmetry in the geometry with respect to the image grid to improve the memory usage/speed. Normalization is approached from a geometry independent perspective. The system matrix is computed using the Siddon’s algorithm and subcrystal approach. The program is parallelized through open multiprocessing and message passing interface libraries. A wide variety of systems can be modeled using the framework. This is made possible by modeling the underlying physics and data correction, while generalizing the geometry dependent features. Results: Application of the framework for three novel PET systems, each designed for a specific application, is presented to demonstrate the robustness of the framework in modeling PET systems of unconventional geometry. Three PET systems of unconventional geometry are studied. (1) Virtual-pinhole half-ring insert integrated into Biograph-40: although the insert device improves image quality over conventional whole-body scanner, the image quality varies depending on the position of the insert and the object. (2) Virtual-pinhole flat-panel insert integrated into Biograph-40: preliminary results from an investigation into a modular flat-panel insert are presented. (3) Plant PET system: a reconfigurable PET system for imaging plants, with resolution of greater than 3.3 mm, is shown. Using the automated symmetry seeking algorithm, the authors achieved a compression ratio of the storage and memory requirement by a factor of approximately 50 for the half-ring and flat-panel systems. For plant PET system, the compression ratio is approximately five. The ratio depends on the level of symmetry that exists in different geometries. Conclusions: This work brings the field closer to arbitrary geometry reconstruction. A generalized reconstruction framework can be used to validate multiple hypotheses and the effort required to investigate each system is reduced. Memory usage/speed can be improved with certain optimizations.
A Review of “Solution Building in Couples Therapy”

Elliott Connie provides readers with a clear and concise way of applying solution-focused therapy (SFT) to couple therapy. Particularly, the language and the presentation of information make this b...
Deoxycytidine kinase: properties of the enzyme from human leukemic granulocytes

Deoxycytidine kinase, which phosphorylates deoxycytidine (CdR) and its analog, cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), has been purified 71-fold from human leukemic cells. Biochemical properties of the partially purified enzyme included a molecular weight of 68,000, Kms of 7.8 muM for CdR and 25.6 muM for ara-C, and optimal activity with ATP and GTP as phosphate donors. Ara-C phosphorylation was strongly inhibited by CdR (Ki = 0.17 muM) and dCTP (Ki = 7.3 muM) and was weakly inhibited by ara- CTP (Ki = 0.13 mM). Purification by calcium phosphate gel elution and DEAE chromatography effectively separated this enzyme from cytidine deaminase, which deaminates both CdR and ara-C, and from uridine- cytidine kinase, the enzyme which phosphorylates 5-azacytidine. CdR kinase activity was found to decrease and cytidine deaminase to increase with maturation of normal and leukemic granulocytes. Myeloblasts purified by Ficoll sedimentation revealed an average kinase activity of 15.4 U/mg protein in acute myelocytic leukemia and 12.3 U/mg protein in blastic crisis of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). The average ratio of CdR kinase to deaminase activity in crude cell extracts varied from 0.197 in AML and 0.089 in blastic crisis to 0.0004 in normal granulocytes, reflecting the changes which take place with cellular maturation. The absolute levels of kinase and deaminase and the ratio of these two enzymes varied considerably among patients with AML, indicating that quantitative differences may be found in the metabolism of CdR and its analogs in leukemic cells.
Computational Substrates of Social Value in Interpersonal Collaboration

Decisions to engage in collaborative interactions require enduring considerable risk, yet provide the foundation for building and maintaining relationships. Here, we investigate the mechanisms underlying this process and test a computational model of social value to predict collaborative decision making. Twenty-six participants played an iterated trust game and chose to invest more frequently with their friends compared with a confederate or computer despite equal reinforcement rates. This behavior was predicted by our model, which posits that people receive a social value reward signal from reciprocation of collaborative decisions conditional on the closeness of the relationship. This social value signal was associated with increased activity in the ventral striatum and medial prefrontal cortex, which significantly predicted the reward parameters from the social value model. Therefore, we demonstrate that the computation of social value drives collaborative behavior in repeated interactions and provide a mechanistic account of reward circuit function instantiating this process.
Evolution of Killer Cell Ig-Like Receptor (KIR) Genes: Definition of an Orangutan KIR Haplotype Reveals Expansion of Lineage III KIR Associated with the Emergence of MHC-C

Orangutan ( Pongo pygmaeus ) MHC-C appears less evolved than human HLA-C: Popy-C is not fixed and its alleles encode only one (C1) of the two motifs for killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) ligands. To assess the structure and complexity of the orangutan KIR locus, the complete nucleotide sequence of an orangutan KIR haplotype was determined. The PopyKIR locus is flanked by LILR and FCAR and consists of seven genes and pseudogenes, two novel and five corresponding to known cDNA. Distinguishing all KIRs in this rapidly evolving KIR locus from the KIR3DX1 gene is an LTR33A/MLT1D element in intron 3. These two forms of KIR represent lineages that originated by duplication of a common ancestor. The conserved, framework regions of primate KIR loci comprise the 5′ part of a lineage V KIR , the 3′ part of a pseudogene, the complete 2DL4 gene, and the 3′ part of a lineage II KIR . Although previously defined PopyKIR2DL4 alleles contain premature termination codons, the sequenced haplotype’s PopyKIR2DL4 allele encodes a full-length protein. A model for KIR evolution is proposed. Distinguishing the orangutan KIR haplotype from the proposed common ancestor of primate KIR haplotypes is an increased number to give three lineage III KIR genes in the centromeric part of the locus, the site for most human lineage III genes encoding HLA-C specific KIR. Thus, expansion of lineage III KIR is associated with emergence of MHC-C .
Evaluation of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills group for female inmates who voluntarily seek treatment: A pilot study

EVALUATION OF A DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY SKILLS GROUP FOR FEMALE INMATES WHO VOLUNTARILY SEEK TREATMENT: A PILOT STUDY by Clare Thompson Wahl March 29,2011 This dissertation examines the effectiveness of a partial skills group component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in female prison inmates. DBT is an evidencebased comprehensive treatment which addresses emotional reactivity, impulsivity and distress tolerance. The psychology staff at the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women (KCIW) had noted that many of the behaviors leading to disruptive and dangerous situations within their female inmate population are related to inmates reacting to extreme emotionality. In response KCIW staffhad implemented DBT on a limited basis. Although the treatment was in place, its effectiveness in promoting safety and security at KCIW had yet to be evaluated. This study used a non-randomized pre-test, post-test control group design to evaluate the effectiveness of this psychoeducational group therapy treatment as offered to volunteering female inmates at KCIW. The evaluation was implemented in order to determine whether the participants developed the adaptive coping skills purported to be taught by the treatment, evidenced a decrease in
Conflict with Friends, Relationship Blindness, and the Pathway to Adult Disagreeableness.

Abstract The ability to form and maintain relationships with friends and romantic partners is a major developmental task for adolescents. Disagreeable youth are likely to struggle with this task, yet little is known about how they maintain their oppositional style from adolescence to adulthood. The current study examines the long-term implications of disagreeableness in a diverse sample of 164 adolescents assessed repeatedly across a 10-year period along with their friends and romantic partners. Disagreeableness at age 14 and 15 was assessed in observation with friends. Disagreeableness was then examined as a predictor of both future relationship quality with friends at age 16 and romantic relationships at age 21. The results indicate that although disagreeable youth do not report any relationship struggles, both their friends and romantic partners see their relationships as being low in quality. Findings suggest a developmental process by which disagreeable adolescents maintain their oppositional style through a mechanism of relationship blindness, as they simply are unable to see the relationship issues that their friends and partners clearly perceive.
Maritime Settlement and Subsistence along the Southern New England Coast: Evidence from Block Island, Rhode Island:

The nature of prehistoric settlement and subsistence practices in coastal New England has been intensively discussed by archaeologists over the last twenty years. Archaeologists have attempted to determine when and how maize horticulture was adopted in the coastal zone and how maritime resources fit into the aboriginal diet throughout the Woodland period. Analyses of an Early to Middle Woodland period shell midden on Block Island, Rhode Island, is consistent with a number of other regional studies that suggest that the use of maritime resources was relatively early and intensive. On Block Island, intensive use of a wide variety of flora and fauna was taking place on a year-round basis as early as 3000 years ago, some 1000 years earlier than on the adjacent mainland coast.
Development of nanosecond time-resolved infrared detection at the LEAF pulse radiolysis facility.

When coupled with transient absorption spectroscopy, pulse radiolysis, which utilizes high-energy electron pulses from an accelerator, is a powerful tool for investigating the kinetics and thermodynamics of a wide range of radiation-induced redox and electron transfer processes. The majority of these investigations detect transient species in the UV, visible, or near-IR spectral regions. Unfortunately, the often-broad and featureless absorption bands in these regions can make the definitive identification of intermediates difficult. Time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy would offer much improved structural characterization, but has received only limited application in pulse radiolysis. In this paper, we describe in detail the development of a unique nanosecond time-resolved infrared (TRIR) detection capability for condensed-phase pulse radiolysis on a new beam line at the LEAF facility of Brookhaven National Laboratory. The system makes use of a suite of high-power, continuous wave external-cavity quantum cascade lasers as the IR probe source, with coverage from 2330 to 1051 cm−1. The response time of the TRIR detection setup is ∼40 ns, with a typical sensitivity of ∼100 μOD after 4-8 signal averages using a dual-beam probe/reference normalization detection scheme. This new detection method has enabled mechanistic investigations of a range of radiation-induced chemical processes, some of which are highlighted here.
Sport, Parental Autonomy, and Children’s Right to an Open Future

(2007). Sport, Parental Autonomy, and Children’s Right to an Open Future. Journal of the Philosophy of Sport: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 147-159.
The Ekman temperature and salt fluxes at 8°30′N in the Arabian Sea during the 1995 southwest monsoon

Abstract The Arabian Sea Ekman transport is an important component of the meridional overturning circulation of the Indian Ocean. Chereskin et al. (Geophys. Res. Lett. 24 (1997) 2541) presented direct estimates of the Ekman transport across latitude 8°30′N in the Arabian Sea for June and September during the 1995 southwest monsoon. In this paper, we use these measurements to determine the Ekman depth and the resultant heat and salt fluxes. In June, at the monsoon onset, the Ekman temperature and salt fluxes were estimated to be southward, 2.4±0.4 PW and 0.71±0.1×10 9 kg s −1 . The transport-weighted Ekman temperature and salinity were 29.0±0.5°C and 35.31±0.03 psu , not significantly different from surface values, 29.2°C and 35.28 psu , respectively. In September at the end of the monsoon, the Ekman temperature and salt fluxes had decreased in magnitude but were still southward, 0.77±0.4 PW and 0.27±0.1×10 9 kg s −1 . The transport-weighted temperature, 25.8±0.5°C, was 1.1°C colder than the surface value, and the transport-weighted salinity, 35.83±0.03 psu , was not significantly different from the surface value of 35.86 psu . For this pair of sections, the top of the pycnocline appeared to be a better approximation for the Ekman depth than either the mixed layer or a fixed depth, and our estimates of the Ekman heat and salt fluxes were integrated from the surface to the top of the pycnocline. Although uncertainty in the Ekman mass transport dominates the error in the Ekman heat and salt fluxes, determining the Ekman depth is also important in estimating the Ekman contribution to the heat budget of the tropical Indian Ocean. A decrease in Ekman temperature by 1.1°C resulted in a 5% decrease in the temperature transport estimated for September.
Glucose challenge test threshold values in screening for gestational diabetes among black women.

Objective The objective of the study was to assess the incidence of gestational diabetes among black women according to various cut-off values of the glucose challenge test. Study design We performed a retrospective chart review of black patients who had a 50-g, 1-hour glucose challenge test between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation of 130 mg/dL or higher followed by a 100-g, 3-hour glucose tolerance test. Results were categorized in 10-mg/dL increments. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed by 2 or more abnormal values using the Carpenter-Coustan criteria. Results The study included 387 patients. The incidence of gestational diabetes diagnosed overall in all patients with a glucose challenge test of 130 mg/dL or higher was 31.2%. The incidence of gestational diabetes in individuals with a challenge test in the range of 130 to 140 mg/dL was 10.7%. The incidence of gestational diabetes with a screening test of 180 mg/dL or higher was 72.0%. Conclusion Our data support the use of 130 mg/dL as the threshold for a positive glucose challenge test and suggest the use of a glucose tolerance test to confirm the diagnosis of gestational diabetes for screening values up to 200 mg/dL.
Convergence analysis of finite element methods for singularly perturbed problems

Abstract In this paper, a unified convergence analysis is presented for solving singularly perturbed problems by using the standard Galerkin finite element method on a nontraditional Shishkin-type mesh, which separates the boundary layers totally from other subregions. The results obtained show that the error estimates on such nontraditional Shishkin-type mesh are much easier to prove than on the traditional Shishkin-type mesh. However, both meshes give comparable error estimates, which justifies the conjecture of Roos [1]. The generality of our techniques is showed by investigations of high-order problems, steady and nonsteady semilinear problems.
Developmental regulation of Sertoli cell lactate production by hormones and the testicular paracrine factor, PModS

Abstract Testicular peritubular cells produce a paracrine factor termed PModS that mediates mesenchymal-epithelial interactions and modulates Sertoli cell functions essential for the process of spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells produce lactate as a preferred energy metabolite for developing spermatogenic cells. The current study was designed to examine the actions of PModS and hormones on Sertoli cell lactate production at various stages of pubertal development. Sertoli cells were isolated from pre-pubertal (10 day), midpubertal (20 day) and late pubertal (35 day) rat testes. Lactate accumulation in the conditioned-medium of cultured Sertoli cells was measured. Basal lactate production increased approximately fivefold during pubertal Sertoli cell development. Therefore, lactate production increases as the Sertoli cell differentiates during pubertal development. The ability of regulatory agents such as FSH or a combination of FSH, insulin, retinol and testosterone (FIRT) to stimulate lactate production decreased during pubertal development as Sertoli cell differentiation increased. Purified PModS stimulated lactate production in Sertoli cell preparations throughout pubertal development. PModS had a greater effect than FSH in stimulating late pubertal Sertoli cell lactate production. PModS in combination with FIRT resulted in an additive stimulation of lactate production suggesting a distinct mechanism of action for PModS. Observations support the proposal that the locally produced paracrine factor PModS mediates mesenchymal-epithelial cell interactions during pubertal development and that these interactions promote Sertoli cell differentiated functions (i.e. lactate production) required for the developing spermatogenic cells.
Price uncertainty and output concentration

This paper conducts an empirical investigation to assess the impact of price uncertainty on industry output concentration. Results show that greater price uncertainty leads to greater output concentration; the result is robust to controls for technological factors, barriers to entry effects and other industry controls. The empirical results are consistent with theory which shows that depending on firms attitudes towards risk, output concentration is likely to be endogenous to price uncertainty. Our empirical finding suggests that examining the magnitude of uncertainty could be a useful additional criteria in antitrust policymaking.
Clinical and laboratory features of neuropathies with serum IgM binding to TS-HDS

Introduction: In this investigation we studied clinical and laboratory features of polyneuropathies in patients with serum IgM binding to the trisulfated disaccharide IdoA2S-GlcNS-6S (TS-HDS). Methods: We retrospectively compared 58 patients with selective IgM binding to TS-HDS to 41 consecutive patients with polyneuropathies without TS-HDS binding. Results: Patients with IgM vs. TS-HDS commonly had distal, sensory, axonal neuropathies. Weakness was associated with IgM M-proteins. Hand pain and serum IgM M-proteins were more common than in control neuropathy patients. TS-HDS antibody binding was often selectively κ class. Biopsies showed capillary pathology with thickened basal lamina and C5b9 complement deposition. IgM in sera with TS-HDS antibodies often bound to capillaries. Conclusions: Serum IgM binding to TS-HDS is associated with painful, sensory > motor, polyneuropathies with an increased frequency of persistent hand discomfort, serum IgM M-proteins, and capillary pathology. Serum IgM binding to TS-HDS suggests a possible immune etiology underlying some otherwise idiopathic sensory polyneuropathies. Muscle Nerve 45: 866–872, 2012
On the Nature and Origin of Si Surface Segregation in Amorphous AuSi Alloys

We examined the surface segregation behavior of Si in amorphous AuSi alloys using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations within density functional theory. For a thin Au70Si30 film, our simulations predict Si surface enrichment that leads to a stoichiometry close to Au60Si40 in the surface layer. The surface structure exhibits a rather ordered Au3Si2 phase, which somewhat differs from the bulk Au60Si40 structure that exhibits a tendency of random hard-sphere packing. We also discuss the origin of the Si surface segregation based on analysis of segregation-induced changes in the atomic and electronic structure of the AuSi alloy surface.
Renal Cortical Basolateral Na+/HCO− 3 Cotransporter: IV Characterization and Localization with Polyclonal Antibodies

We have previously partially purified the basolateral Na+/HCO− 3 cotransporter from rabbit renal cortex and this resulted in a 400-fold purification, and an SDS-PAGE analysis showed an enhancement of a protein band with a MW of approximately 56 kDa. We developed polyclonal antibodies against the Na+/HCO− 3 cotransporter by immunizing Dutch-belted rabbits with a partially purified protein fraction enriched in cotransporter activity. Western blot analysis of renal cortical basolateral membranes and of solubilized basolateral membrane proteins showed that the antibodies recognized a protein with a MW of approximately 56 kDa. The specificity of the purified antibodies against the Na+/HCO− 3 cotransporter was tested by immunoprecipitation. Solubilized basolateral membrane proteins enriched in Na+/HCO− 3 cotransporter activity were incubated with the purified antibody or with the preimmune IgG and then reconstituted in proteoliposomes. The purified antibody fraction caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the Na+/HCO− 3 cotransporter activity, while the preimmune IgG failed to elicit any change. The inhibitory effect of the antibody was of the same magnitude whether it was added prior to (inside) or after (outside) reconstitution in proteoliposomes. In the presence of the substrates (NaHCO3 or Na2CO3) for the cotransporter, the inhibitory effect of the antibody on cotransporter activity was significantly blunted as compared with the inhibition observed in the absence of substrates. Western blot analysis of rabbit kidneys showed that the antibodies recognized strongly a 56 kDa protein band in microsomes of the inner stripe of outer medulla and inner medulla, but not in the outer stripe of outer medulla. A 56 kDa protein band was recognized in microsomes of the stomach, liver, esophagus, and small intestine but was not detected in red blood cell membranes. Localization of the Na+/HCO− 3 cotransporter protein by immunogold technique revealed specific labeling of the cotransporter on the basolateral membranes of the proximal tubules, but not in the brush border membranes. These results demonstrate that the polyclonal antibodies against the 56 kDa basolateral protein inhibit the activity of the Na+/HCO− 3 cotransporter suggesting that the 56 kDa protein represents the cotransporter or a component thereof. These antibodies interact at or near the substrate binding sites. The Na+/HCO cotransporter protein is expressed in different regions of the kidneys and in other tissues.
Nucleotide sequence analysis of in vivo recombinants between bacteriophage lambda DNA and pBR322.

The nucleotide sequences involved in the illegitimate recombination of four recombinants between bacteriophage λ DNA and pBR322 in E. coli (λTA6, λKA3, λTA1R, and λKA7) were determined. Each resulted from recombination between regions of homology of 10 to 13 base pairs. The presence of a recA + allele was found to stimulate recombination between λ DNA and pBR322 approximately 10-fold. λTA6, λKA3, and λKA7 were isolated in the presence of a recA + allele and therefore, may have been generated by the recA recombination system. However, λTA1R was isolated in a recA mutant, and was presumably generated by a different recombination system. The possibility that it was generated by DNA gyrase is discussed. Two recombination events were required to form λKA7, which may indicate that it also was generated by DNA gyrase.
Electroencephalography (EEG)-based neurofeedback training for brain-computer interface (BCI).

Electroencephalography has become a popular tool in basic brain research, but in recent years, several practical limitations have been highlighted. Some of the drawbacks pertain to the offline analyses of the neural signal that prevent the subjects from engaging in real-time error correction during learning. Other limitations include the complex nature of the visual stimuli, often inducing fatigue and introducing considerable delays, possibly interfering with spontaneous performance. By replacing the complex external visual input with internally driven motor imagery, we can overcome some delay problems, at the expense of losing the ability to precisely parameterize features of the input stimulus. To address these issues, we here introduce a nontrivial modification to brain–computer Interfaces (BCI). We combine the fast signal processing of motor imagery with the ability to parameterize external visual feedback in the context of a very simple control task: attempting to intentionally control the direction of an external cursor on command. By engaging the subject in motor imagery while providing real-time visual feedback on their instantaneous performance, we can take advantage of positive features present in both externally- and internally driven learning. We further use a classifier that automatically selects the cortical activation features that most likely maximize the performance accuracy. Under this closed loop coadaptation system, we saw a progression of the cortical activation that started in sensorymotor areas, when at chance performance motor imagery was explicitly used, migrated to BA6 under deliberate control and ended in the more frontal regions of prefrontal cortex, when at maximal performance accuracy, the subjects reportedly developed spontaneous mental control of the instructed direction. We discuss our results in light of possible applications of this simple BCI paradigm to study various cognitive phenomena involving the deliberate control of a directional signal in decision making tasks performed with intent.
Superconductivity in yttrium-terbium-barium-copper oxide

Abstract The effect of terbium substitutions for yttrium in Y1Ba2Cu3O7−δ on the superconducting transition temperature, the resistivity, and the lattice constants are reported in this study. Samples of Y1−xTbxBa2Cu3O7−δ for ¢ = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16 were prepared by the nitrate-citrate gel method. The transition temperature did not change with ¢ in this composition range.
Death Toll One: An Ethnography of Hydropower and Human Rights Violations in Honduras

How does the resistance of local people to hydroelectric projects take shape in a country where globalization (in the guise of ‘regional integration’) seeks the rapid transformation of rural landscapes into industrial zones? Why do local people resist energy- and income-generating `modernization' projects that promise to help end poverty and save the rain forest, among other goals? During the course of their resistance, why are human violations committed by forces of globalization — and who or what is responsible for the beatings, threats, and murders that accompany Honduran hydro projects such as the one described below? The ethnographic details below suggest that the onus of guilt rests on local investment-hungry power elites whose repressive tactics are tolerated by development entities such as the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). My case in point is the CABEI-funded Babilonia Hydroelectric Project (Proyecto Hidroelectrico Babilonia, PHB), a 4-megawatt initiative of the private company Energisa in the Department of Olancho. I first describe the essence of the issue as a conflict between local land rights and globalization that gained national notoriety after the murder of an anti-project activist, at which point actors at the national and international scales became involved in mediation efforts. I then backtrack to an earlier local meeting in which are evident the tensions and delineations that point to the primary culpability of the provincial power elite in systematic human rights violations. I continue with an analysis of land rights groups on both sides (pro- and anti-project) and conclude by discussing the power and scope of heterogeneous coalitions in confronting the fast-moving advances and abuses of globalization.
Polymerization and Characterization of Distyrylbipyridines in Solution and Langmuir−Schaefer Films: Effect of Preorganization

We have synthesized and characterized 4,4‘-bis(4-O-methacrylstyryl)-2,2‘-bipyridine which forms stable, transferable Langmuir−Schaefer films at the air−water interface. The Langmuir film shows a liquid−solid phase transition with the respective extrapolated areas of 43 and 32 A2/molecule. These films were transferred to quartz, Au, and Ge substrates with transfer ratios of 1.0 ± 0.1. Characterization of the resulting multilayer films show that films transferred before the phase transition give relatively isotropic films and strongly anisotropic films from transfer after the phase transition. We have polymerized this material in CHCl3 solutions using both 60Co γ-rays and AIBN, a radical source, and characterized the resulting materials. We have also polymerized Langmuir−Schaefer multilayers using γ-rays. Under the conditions used, γ-irradiation only polymerizes oriented films, leaving isotropic films intact. Radical polymerization of aggregated solutions leads to aggregated polymeric material where γ-irrad...