cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of methanogenesis by C1‐ and C2‐polychlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons

Inhibition of methanogenesis in an anaerobic wastewater digester sample by four common polychlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (dichloromethane, chloroform, trichloroethylene, and perchloroethylene) was investigated. Chloroform was shown to be the most inhibitory, and an aqueous concentration of chloroform as low as 0.09 mg/L completely inhibited methanogenesis. Dichloromethane inhibited methanogenesis at 3.9 mg/L, trichloroethylene at 18 mg/L, but 14.5 mg/L of perchloroethylene did not inhibit methanogenesis. The following order of inhibition was determined (in descending potencies): chloroform >> dichloromethane > trichloroethylene > perchloroethylene. The wastewater consortium dechlorinated chloroform, trichloroethylene, and perchloroethylene but not dichloromethane. Our results suggest that inhibition of methanogenesis and dechlorination is determined by both the extent of chlorination and the molecular structure of polychlorinated hydrocarbons. A model is presented, proposing that polychlorinated hydrocarbons inhibit methanogenesis directly and/or indirectly by binding to corrinoid/porphinoid enzymes and free corrinoids/porphinoids in the cell, respectively. Polychlorinated methanes would lead to both direct and indirect inhibition, whereas polychlorinated ethylenes would only inhibit methanogenesis indirectly. The model predicts that direct inhibition of methanogenesis is more potent than indirect inhibition.
Mechanical strain increases SPARC levels in podocytes: implications for glomerulosclerosis

Glomerular capillary hypertension is a final common pathway to glomerulosclerosis. Because podocyte loss is an early event in the development of glomerulosclerosis, it is logical that the deleterious effects of glomerular capillary hypertension involve podocyte injury. Yet, the mechanisms by which elevated intraglomerular pressure is translated into a maladaptive podocyte response remain poorly understood. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein activated in various disease states of the podocyte and accelerates renal injury, as evidenced by the milder course of experimental diabetic nephropathy in SPARC-null mice compared with diabetic SPARC wild-type mice. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that mechanical strain activates SPARC in podocytes and thus is a putative mediator of podocyte injury in states of intraglomerular capillary hypertension. Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were subjected to 10% cyclical stretch while nonstretched cells served as controls. SPARC levels were measured in whole cell lysate and cell media. Immunostaining was performed for SPARC in an experimental model of glomerular capillary hypertension. Our results demonstrate cyclical stretch of podocytes markedly increased SPARC levels in cell lysate, through activation of p38, as well as secreted SPARC. Relevance was shown by demonstrating increased podocyte staining for SPARC in the uninephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rat. In conclusion, we have made the novel observation that mechanical forces characteristic of states of glomerular capillary hypertension lead to increased levels of SPARC in podocytes. We speculate that the increase in SPARC may be maladaptive and lead to a progressive reduction in podocyte number, thus fueling the future development of glomerulosclerosis.
IDA-like gene expression in soybean and tomato leaf abscission and requirement for a diffusible stelar abscission signal

Background and aims The stimulatory and inhibitory role of ethylene and auxin, respectively, in leaf abscission (leaf drop) is well documented. More recently, IDA (INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION) peptides and their putative interacting receptor-like-kinase partners, HAESA and HAESA-like2, were shown to be essential components in Arabidopsis floral organ abscission. Prior to research on IDA, it was reported that bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) leaf abscission required a diffusible signal that emanated from the vascular tissue. We were interested in determining whether the IDA signalling path might regulate abscission in plants other than Arabidopsis and whether IDA might act as a diffusible signal in abscission. Methodology Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to monitor gene expression and a GUS reporter gene construct used to determine the need for a diffusible signal in tomato. Principal results We identified 12 IDA-like and 11 HAESA-like genes in soybean (Glycine max) and monitored their gene expression in abscission in relation to the expression of several cell-wall-modifying proteins and aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthases. Ethylene evoked the expression of several IDA-like genes in abscission zones (AZ), but also to a lesser degree in the adjacent petiole tissue. Surprisingly, IDA-like gene expression was very high in senescent soybean leaves. We identified five IDA-like genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Only one IDA-like gene was expressed in the tomato AZ and its expression was approximately equal in the AZ and petioles, but no IDA-like gene showed significant expression in leaves at up to 96 h of exposure to ethylene. Conclusions IDA-like gene expression is up-regulated during soybean and tomato abscission but up-regulation was not limited to the AZ. Cell separation in the AZ cortex of tomato does not require a diffusible signal emanating from the stele. A role for IDA in soybean and tomato leaf abscission is discussed.
Predicting intolerance: The impact of parents’ own tolerance vs. social class and religious fundamentalism

The impact of parental intolerance, social class, and religious fundamentalism on the level of tolerance of post‐adolescent children is assessed on a sample of 205 mother‐father‐child triads. Social class plays an indirect role, and religious fundamentalism is shown to be the primary mechanism for the intergenerational transmission of intolerance. The concept of intolerance is extended so as to focus on reactions to deviant behavior. There is little evidence of specific sex linkage contrasts.
Mineral Induction by Matrix from Mineralized Biological Tissues

The polymeric matrix of mineralized tissues controls the form and structure of the mineral that is deposited. This matrix has an insoluble fraction which provides a structural framework for the mineralized tissue, and a soluble fraction which is rich in polyanionic macromolecules. One hypothesis envisages mineral being nucleated by an atomic dimensional matching between crystal lattice and anionic spacing in the polyanionic macromolecules. An alternate hypothesis considers that fixed polyanions provide a surface for an adsorbed layer, enriched in lattice ions by ionotropy, to induce mineral formation from the metastable body fluids. We found that soluble matrix polyanions, immobilized by attachment to insoluble substrates, would induce mineral from metastable solutions. The insoluble substrates included natural and synthetic hydrogels not derived from mineralized tissues. Whether the polyanions were prepared from apatitic or CaCO3 tissues, the mineral induced was independent of the source and was determined by the composition of the solution. Other immobilized, calcium-binding, polyanionic macromolecules, obtained from non-mineralizing tissues, also induced mineral. These and other data indicate that mineral induction by biological matrices is less specific than implied in the atomic dimensional matching extension of the epitaxial hypothesis.
Pharmacological characterization of ionic currents that regulate high-frequency spontaneous activity of electromotor neurons in the weakly electric fish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus.

The neural circuit that controls the electric organ discharge (EOD) of the brown ghost knifefish (Apteronotus leptorhynchus) contains two spontaneous oscillators. Both pacemaker neurons in the medulla and electromotor neurons (EMNs) in the spinal cord fire spontaneously at frequencies of 500–1000 Hz to control the EOD. These neurons continue to fire in vitro at frequencies that are highly correlated with in vivo EOD frequency. Previous studies used channel blocking drugs to pharmacologically characterize ionic currents that control high-frequency firing in pacemaker neurons. The goal of the present study was to use similar techniques to investigate ionic currents in EMNs, the other type of spontaneously active neuron in the electromotor circuit. As in pacemaker neurons, high-frequency firing of EMNs was regulated primarily by tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium currents and by potassium currents that were sensitive to 4-aminopyridine and κA-conotoxin SIVA, but resistant to tetraethylammonium. EMNs, however, differed from pacemaker neurons in their sensitivity to some channel blocking drugs. Alpha-dendrotoxin, which blocks a subset of Kv1 potassium channels, increased firing rates in EMNs, but not pacemaker neurons; and the sodium channel blocker μO-conotoxin MrVIA, which reduced firing rates of pacemaker neurons, had no effect on EMNs. These results suggest that similar, but not identical, ionic currents regulate high-frequency firing in EMNs and pacemaker neurons. The differences in the ionic currents expressed in pacemaker neurons and EMNs might be related to differences in the morphology, connectivity, or function of these two cell types. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Blood-brain barrier flux of aluminum, manganese, iron and other metals suspected to contribute to metal-induced neurodegeneration

The etiology of many neurodegenerative diseases has been only partly attributed to acquired traits, suggesting envi- ronmental factors may also contribute. Metal dyshomeostasis causes or has been implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. Metal flux across the blood-brain barrier (the primary route of brain metal uptake) and the choroid plexuses as well as sensory nerve metal uptake from the nasal cavity are reviewed. Transporters that have been described at the blood-brain barrier are listed to illustrate the extensive possibilities for moving substances into and out of the brain. The controversial role of aluminum in Alzheimer's disease, evidence suggesting brain aluminum uptake by transferrin-receptor mediated endocytosis and of aluminum citrate by system Xc − and an organic anion transporter, and results suggesting transporter-mediated aluminum brain efflux are reviewed. The ability of manganese to produce a parkinsonism-like syndrome, evidence suggesting manganese uptake by transferrin- and non-transferrin-dependent mechanisms which may include store-operated calcium channels, and the lack of transporter-mediated manganese brain efflux, are discussed. The evidence for transferrin-dependent and independent mechanisms of brain iron uptake is presented. The copper transporters, ATP7A and ATP7B, and their roles in Menkes and Wilson's diseases, are summarized. Brain zinc uptake is facilitated by L- and D-histidine, but a transporter, if involved, has not been identified. Brain lead uptake may involve a non-energy-dependent process, store-operated calcium channels, and/or an ATP-dependent calcium pump. Methyl mercury can form a complex with L-cysteine that mimics methionine, enabling its transport by the L system. The putative roles of zinc transporters, ZnT and Zip, in regulating brain zinc are discussed. Although brain uptake mechanisms for some metals have been identified, metal efflux from the brain has received little attention, preventing integration of all processes that contribute to brain metal concentrations.
Deformations of Conformal Field Theories and Symmetries of the String

Gauge symmetries in closed-string theory, and their relationship to world-sheet conformal invariance, are investigated. By studying the deformations of conformal field theories in the operator formalism, it is proved that to every primary field of dimension one there corresponds a gauge transformation. An infinite class of such gauge transformations is constructed, most of which relate string states of differing mass. It is argued that these symmetries are spontaneously broken by the space-time metric, but that this breaking becomes unimportant for high-energy scattering, thus shedding light on the results of Gross and Mende.
White Collars and Black Ties: Interlocking Social Circles of Elite Corporate Offenders

Focusing on business leaders in control of Fortune 500 companies, this study examines corporate interlock among CEOs with security exchange commission (SEC) violations and CEOs without. Using affiliation networks built from publicly available information, we analyzed rates of participation (outdegree centrality), organizational influence (indegree centrality), and brokerage (betweenness centrality). The findings suggest that a single, integrated network exists. However, within these interlocking directorates, subsets of executives exhibit substantial cohesion suggesting the presence of distinct social circles. Only a few organizations and individuals were found to link the subset of offending CEOs to their law-abiding counterparts. Moreover, SEC violators were more socially isolated, thereby increasing the influence of weak ties to active executives playing a controlling role within the network.
EXPERIMENTAL and THEORETICAL STUDIES OF SCHIFF BASE CHLOROPHYLLS

— A protonated Schiff base of Ni (II)-pyrochlorophyll a has been synthesized which exhibits a reversible bathochromic shift of 504 cm-1 relative to Ni (II)-pyrochlorophyll a. The magnitude of this shift lies between those observed for P700 and P680, the photoactive pigments of photosystems I and II in plants. Cyclic voltammetric measurements show that the protonated Schiff base is about 0.2 V more difficult to oxidize than its unprotonated form. These results suggest that a protonated Schiff base may be a better model for P680 than, as was originally assumed, for P700. In addition, the results of solvent and counterion effect studies show that microenvironmental perturbations in the neighborhood of the protonated Schiff base moiety are unlikely to induce further spectral shifts. Ab initio quantum mechanical calculations show a small hypsochromic shift rather than the observed bathochromic one, and the reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.
Nutrient-limited growth rates: quantitative benefits of stress responses and some aspects of regulation

Young sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.) under stress of low nitrate or phosphate availability exhibited increases in root: shoot ratio and in kinetic parameters for uptake. They showed no significant changes in photosynthetic utilization of either nutrient. Increases in root: shoot ratio were achieved by early and persistent suppression of shoot growth, but not root growth. Affinity for phosphate uptake, 1/K m (P), increased with phosphate stress, as did affinity for nitrate uptake, 1/K m (N), with nitrate stress. Maximal uptake rate, V maX , for phosphate uptake increased with phosphorus stress; V maX for nitrate did not increase with nitrogen stress. Phosphate V maX was related strongly to root nutrient status. Decreases in V maX with plant age were not well explained by changes in age structure of roots. Estimated benefits of acclimatory changes in root: shoot ratio and uptake kinetics ranged up to 2-fold increases in relative growth rate, RGR. The relation of RGR to uptake physiology followed predictions of functional balance moderately well, with some systematic deviations. Analyses of RGR using growth models imply no significant growth benefit from regulating V maX , specifically, not from down-regulating it at high nutrient availability. Quantitative benefits of increases in root:shoot ratio and uptake parameters are predicted to be quite small under common conditions wherein nutrient concentrations are significantly depleted by uptake. The root: shoot response is estimated to confer the smallest benefit under non-depleting conditions and the largest benefit under depleting conditions. Even then, the absolute benefit is predicted to be small, possibly excepting the case of heterogeneous soils. Depleting and non-depleting conditions are addressed with very different experimental techniques. We note that a theoretical framework is lacking that spans both these cases, other than purely numerical formulations that are not readily interpreted.
From Status to Power: New Models at the Intersection of Two Theories

The study of group processes has benefited from longstanding programs of theory-driven research on status and power. The present work constructs a bridge between two formal theories of status and power: Status Characteristics Theory and Network Exchange Theory. Two theoretical models, one for "status value" and one for "status influence," illuminate the underlying mechanisms whereby status differences between individuals lead to power differences in negotiated exchange. The two models generate precise hypotheses that are tested against new and previously published data. The results generally support both models, indicating that status characteristics create power in negotiated exchange relations in contrasting ways. We conclude with a discussion of the broader theoretical and empirical implications.
Superdormant Spores of Bacillus Species Have Elevated Wet-Heat Resistance and Temperature Requirements for Heat Activation

Purified superdormant spores of Bacillus cereus, B. megaterium, and B. subtilis isolated after optimal heat activation of dormant spores and subsequent germination with inosine, d-glucose, or l-valine, respectively, germinate very poorly with the original germinants used to remove dormant spores from spore populations, thus allowing isolation of the superdormant spores, and even with alternate germinants. However, these superdormant spores exhibited significant germination with the original or alternate germinants if the spores were heat activated at temperatures 8 to 15 degrees C higher than the optimal temperatures for the original dormant spores, although the levels of superdormant spore germination were not as great as those of dormant spores. Use of mixtures of original and alternate germinants lowered the heat activation temperature optima for both dormant and superdormant spores. The superdormant spores had higher wet-heat resistance and lower core water content than the original dormant spore populations, and the environment of dipicolinic acid in the core of superdormant spores as determined by Raman spectroscopy of individual spores differed from that in dormant spores. These results provide new information about the germination, heat activation optima, and wet-heat resistance of superdormant spores and the heterogeneity in these properties between individual members of dormant spore populations.
Mountain communities and climate change adaptation: barriers to planning and hurdles to implementation in the Southern Rocky Mountain Region of North America

Geographic factors make mountain communities around the world vulnerable to the direct effects of climate change, and reliance on recreation and tourism can increase vulnerability to the secondary economic impacts.The goal of this research was to investigate the current state of community adaptation planning in the Southern Rocky Mountain region of North America. Using original survey data this paper discusses the challenges that community and county officials currently face, the perceived effects of future climate change in this region, and the perceived barriers to adaptation planning and hurdles to adaptation implementation. Results show lack of resources, information and political will are the most commonly reported barriers to adaptation. This paper also examines the connectivity between mountain communities and the surrounding federal public lands. Fifty one percent of respondents report that decisions made on nearby public lands frequently or always affect planning and decision making in their community. Collaborative efforts between these entities are proposed as a way to reduce the resource burden of adaptation planning for both entities. Finally, this paper discusses how attitudes and beliefs about climate change affect responses to questions about adaptation planning. On average, respondents who report higher levels of concern about and belief in climate change and those who are better informed about climate change report higher levels of adaptation planning. Elected officials in this sample have, on average, lower concern about and belief in climate change than bureaucratic respondents. Thus changes in elected official composition or improved leadership on climate change planning by incumbent officials could facilitate progress on adaptation
Improved visual cognition through stroboscopic training

Humans have a remarkable capacity to learn and adapt, but surprisingly little research has demonstrated generalized learning in which new skills and strategies can be used flexibly across a range of tasks and contexts. In the present work we examined whether generalized learning could result from visual-motor training under stroboscopic visual conditions. Individuals were assigned to either an experimental condition that trained with stroboscopic eyewear or to a control condition that underwent identical training with non-stroboscopic eyewear. The training consisted of multiple sessions of athletic activities during which participants performed simple drills such as throwing and catching. To determine if training led to generalized cognitive benefits, we used computerized measures to assess perceptual and cognitive abilities on a variety of tasks before and after training. Computer-based assessments included measures of visual sensitivity (central and peripheral motion coherence thresholds), transient spatial attention (a useful field of view – dual task paradigm), and sustained attention (multiple-object tracking). Results revealed that stroboscopic training led to significantly greater re-test improvement in central visual field motion sensitivity and transient attention abilities. No training benefits were observed for peripheral motion sensitivity or peripheral transient attention abilities, nor were benefits seen for sustained multiple-object tracking suggesting that stroboscopic training can effectively improve some, but not all aspects of visual perception and attention.
Cannabis withdrawal predicts severity of cannabis involvement at 1-year follow-up among treated adolescents

Aims Controversy exists regarding the inclusion of cannabis withdrawal as an indicator of dependence in the next revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This study contrasted the concurrent and predictive validity of three operational definitions of cannabis withdrawal in a sample of treated adolescents. Design Prospective study of treated adolescents with 1-year follow-up. Setting and participants Adolescents (n = 214) were recruited from intensive out-patient treatment programs for substance abuse, and followed at 1 year (92% retention). Youth who were included in the analyses reported regular cannabis use. Measurements The number of DSM-IV cannabis abuse and dependence symptoms at baseline and 1-year follow-up, past year frequency of cannabis use at baseline and follow-up, and periods of abstinence at 1-year follow-up. Cannabis withdrawal was defined based on (i) the presence of two or more cannabis withdrawal symptoms; (ii) a definition proposed by Budney and colleagues (2006) that requires four or more withdrawal symptoms (foursymptom definition); and (iii) the use of latent class analysis to identify subgroups with similar cannabis withdrawal symptom profiles. Findings and conclusions All three definitions of cannabis withdrawal demonstrated some concurrent validity. Only the four-symptom and latent class-derived definitions of withdrawal predicted severity of cannabis-relatedproblemsat1-yearfollow-up.Nocannabiswithdrawaldefinitionpredictedfrequencyof useatfollowup. Further research is needed to determine the clinical utility and validity of the four-symptom definition, as well as alternative definitions of cannabis withdrawal, to inform revisions leading to DSM-V and ICD-11.
Non-productive DNA damage binding by DNA glycosylase-like protein Mag2 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

a b s t r a c t Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains two paralogous proteins, Mag1 and Mag2, related to the helixhairpin-helix (HhH) superfamily of alkylpurine DNA glycosylases from yeast and bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis of related proteins from four Schizosaccharomyces and other fungal species shows that the Mag1/Mag2 duplication is unique to the genus Schizosaccharomyces and most likely occurred in its ancestor. Mag1 excises N3- and N7-alkylguanines and 1,N6-ethenoadenine from DNA, whereas Mag2 has been reported to have no detectible alkylpurine base excision activity despite high sequence and active site similarity to Mag1. To understand this discrepancy we determined the crystal structure of Mag2 bound to abasic DNA and compared it to our previously determined Mag1–DNA structure. In contrast to Mag1, Mag2 does not flip the abasic moiety into the active site or stabilize the DNA strand 5� to the lesion, suggesting that it is incapable of forming a catalytically competent protein–DNA complex. Subtle differences in Mag1 and Mag2 interactions with the DNA duplex illustrate how Mag2 can stall at damage sites without fully engaging the lesion. We tested our structural predictions by mutational analysis of base excision and found a single amino acid responsible at least in part for Mag2’s lack of activity. Substitution of Mag2 Asp56, which caps the helix at the base of the DNA intercalation loop, with the corresponding serine residue in Mag1 endows Mag2 with A excision activity comparable to Mag1. This work provides novel insight into the chemical and physical determinants by which the HhH glycosylases engage DNA in a catalytically productive manner.
Respiratory failure produced by severe procainamide intoxication in a patient with preexisting peripheral neuropathy caused by amiodarone.

We describe a patient in whom respiratory failure, due to extreme neuromuscular weakness, was produced by procainamide intoxication superimposed on a peripheral neuropathy secondary to long-term amiodarone therapy. Respiratory failure reversed rapidly after procainamide was discontinued, and the serum level fell to a therapeutic range. (Chest 1988; 94:663-65)
Congenital Paraesophageal Hernia in a Cat

A 3 mo old male domestic shorthair weighing 2 kg was presented for acute onset of anorexia, lethargy, paradoxical breathing, and a palpable mass effect in the cranial abdomen. Initial diagnostics and imaging suggested a pleuroperitoneal or hiatal hernia. Emergency abdominal exploration was performed, and a complex type II paraesophageal hiatal hernia was identified. The entire stomach, greater and lesser omenta, spleen, left limb of the pancreas, and the proximal segment of the descending duodenum were herniated through a discrete defect in the phrenicoesophageal ligament. After reduction of the herniated organs back into the abdomen, a phrenicoplasty, esophagopexy, and left-sided fundic gastropexy were performed. The cat recovered uneventfully from the procedure and was free of any signs of disease for at least 30 mo postoperatively. This is the first detailed report of the findings and successful surgical treatment of a complex congenital, type II paraesophageal hiatal hernia with complete herniation of the stomach, omenta, and spleen in a cat.
Lifting the Blindfold from Lady Justice: Allowing Judges to See the Structure in the Judicial Code

Two centuries ago, Chief Justice John Marshall wrote that "[w]here the mind labours to discover the design of the legislature, it seizes every thing from which aid can be derived." Yet for more than half-a-century, Congress has forbidden judges to use the evidence of their own eyes when interpreting the federal Judicial Code. In what will come as a surprise to most readers, Congress has directed judges to ignore the plainly visible structure of logically organized parts and chapters with identifying headings into which statutory sections have been placed since the 1948 enactment of Title 28 of the United States Code.In an uncodified provision, Congress instructed that "[n]o inference of a legislative construction is to be drawn" by the location of a section in a particular chapter in Title 28 nor by the "catchlines" for parts, chapters, and sections. By this little-known and half-hidden section, the brightly-lit profile of the Judicial Code is withdrawn into jurisprudential darkness.In the sculptures and statues that ornament our courthouses, the Roman goddess Justicia often is portrayed with the sword of justice in one hand, the scales for weighing just desserts in the other hand, and a blindfold across her eyes symbolizing her lack of preferential favor for any person. While blindfolded to ward against the corruption of personal partiality, the assumption remains that Lady Justice can still see the law clearly with the eyes of the mind. But when the legal mind has been clouded by abstruse legislation, the blindfold must be raised so that the visible contours of the law come into sharper relief.Half-a-century of legislatively-imposed blindness on the federal judiciary is more than enough. The time has long since passed to retire this mischievous provision, to introduce transparency in interpretation of the provisions collected in Title 28, and to let the light shine upon the carefully designed structure of the federal Judicial Code.
TSV integration with 20nm CMOS technology for 3D-IC enablement

This paper describes the process development of TSV integration with 20nm CMOS technology and device performance characterization for 3D integrated circuit (3DIC) enablement. 6×55um Through-silicon-via (TSV) on 20nm CMOS technology has been developed and demonstrated. Key module process issues, such as V0 high resistance, M1 high leakage and Cu pumping which prevent TSV to be integrated with BEOL through via-middle approach for mobile applications, have been addressed through design of experiments (DOEs) study and process optimization. TSV electrical characterization, TSV's impact on transistor, analog/digital circuits & BEOL performance considering TSV Keep-out-zone (KOZ) & Cu pumping impact have been intensively investigated and presented in this paper. Cu diffusion & contamination during TSV back side integration, i.e. MEOL process, has also been analyzed and monitored with time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMs) evaluation. Electrical test results confirm that the optimized process is robust and minimizes the impact of TSV KOZ and Cu pumping on device and BEOL interconnects.
Metal and ligand effects on bonding in group 6 complexes of redox-active amidodiphenoxides.

Group 6 complexes M(ONO)2 (M = Cr, Mo, W; ONO = bis(2-oxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)amide) are prepared by the reaction of divalent metal halide precursors with Pb(ONOQ)2. Analogous complexes containing the 2,4,6,8-tetra-tert-butyl-1,9-dioxophenoxazinate ligand (DOPO) are prepared by protonolysis of chromocene with H(DOPOQ) or by reaction of Pb(DOPOQ)2 with M2Br4(CO)8 (M = Mo, W). The molybdenum and tungsten complexes are symmetrical, octahedral compounds for which spectroscopic data are consistent with M(VI) complexes with fully reduced [LCat]3– ligands. Quantitative analysis of the intraligand bond lengths, by comparison with literature standards, allows calculation of metrical oxidation states (MOS) for the ONO ligands. The MOS values of the tungsten and molybdenum complexes indicate that π donation from the ligand is weak and that differences between the ONO and DOPO ligands are small. In both the solid state and in solution, Cr(DOPO)2 is paramagnetic with localized quinone and semiquinone ligands bound...
Hydrocephalus: Ventricular Shunts and Endoscopy

Hydrocephalus is a pathological accumulation of CSF in the ventricles which can result from multiple conditions such as injury, hemorrhage, tumor, infection or congenital malformations. In some children, operative shunting of the fluid is required to control intracerebral hypertension and prevent death.
Growth factors and growth modulators in human uterine endometrium: their potential relevance to reproductive medicine

Objective To provide an up-to-date, comprehensive review on the presence and regulation of growth factors (GFs), GF receptors, and GF regulatory proteins in human endometrium in an effort to understand the potential roles of these proteins in endometrial cell mitosis and differentiation and in endometrial-trophoblast interactions. Design Relevant studies were identified through a computerized bibliographic search (MEDLINE; BRS Information Technologies, a division of Maxwell Online, Inc., McLean, VA) and through manual scanning of recent relevant journals. Results Several GFs, their receptors, and regulatory proteins have been identified in endometrium, and cellular localization and steroid-dependence of these proteins as well as action of several growth modulators on endometrial cell function have been studied. Epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)- α , platelet-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), TGF- β , colony-stimulating factor (CSF)-1, and interferon- γ regulate mitosis of endometrial cellular components in vitro. Endothelin-1 may participate in vasoconstriction and FGF may participate in angiogenesis in this tissue in vivo. Interleukins-1 and -6 are believed to be involved in endometrial T-cell activation, and TGF- β , CSF-1, the interleukins, and the IGFs likely mediate endometrial-trophoblast interactions. The role of tumor necrosis factor in endometrium remains uncertain. Conclusions Current evidence supports the thesis that GFs play a central role in cyclic mitosis and differentiation of endometrial cellular components, recruitment of macrophages in decidualizing endometrium, endometrial-trophoblast interactions, early pregnancy maintenance, tissue shedding in the absence of implantation, and endometrial functionalis regeneration.
Interaction of human biliverdin reductase with Akt/protein kinase B and phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase 1 regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity: a novel mechanism of Akt activation

Biliverdin reductase A (BVR) and Akt isozymes have overlapping pleiotropic functions in the insulin/PI3K/MAPK pathway. Human BVR (hBVR) also reduces the hemeoxygenase activity product biliverdin to bilirubin and is directly activated by insulin receptor kinase (IRK). Akt isoenzymes (Akt1-3) are downstream of IRK and are activated by phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) phosphorylating T(308) before S(473) autophosphorylation. Akt (RxRxxSF) and PDK1 (RFxFPxFS) binding motifs are present in hBVR. Phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) isoforms α/β by Akts inhibits their activity; nonphosphorylated GSK3β inhibits activation of various genes. We examined the role of hBVR in PDK1/Akt1/GSK3 signaling and Akt1 in hBVR phosphorylation. hBVR activates phosphorylation of Akt1 at S(473) independent of hBVR's kinase competency. hBVR and Akt1 coimmunoprecipitated, and in-cell Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and glutathione S-transferase pulldown analyses identified Akt1 pleckstrin homology domain as the interactive domain. hBVR activates phosphorylation of Akt1 at S(473) independent of hBVR's kinase competency. Site-directed mutagenesis, mass spectrometry, and kinetic analyses identified S(230) in hBVR (225)RNRYLSF sequence as the Akt1 target. Underlined amino acids are the essential residues of the signaling motifs. In cells, hBVR-activated Akt1 increased both GSK3α/β and forkhead box of the O class transcription class 3 (FoxO3) phosphorylation and inhibited total GSK3 activity; depletion of hBVR released inhibition and stimulated glucose uptake. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that PDK1 and hBVR interact through hBVR's PDK1 binding (161)RFGFPAFS motif and formation of the PDK1/hBVR/Akt1 complex. sihBVR blocked complex formation. Findings identify hBVR as a previously unknown coactivator of Akt1 and as a key mediator of Akt1/GSK3 pathway, as well as define a key role for hBVR in Akt1 activation by PDK1.-Miralem, T., Lerner-Marmarosh, N., Gibbs, P. E. M., Jenkins, J. L., Heimiller, C., Maines, M. D. Interaction of human biliverdin reductase with Akt/protein kinase B and phosphatidylinositol-dependent kinase 1 regulates glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity: a novel mechanism of Akt activation.
Investigating the Impacts of Saharan Dust on Tropical Deep Convection Using Spectral Bin Microphysics, Part 1: Ice Formation and Cloud Properties

Abstract. To better understand the impacts of dust aerosols on deep convective cloud (DCC) systems revealed by previous observational studies, a case study in the tropical eastern Atlantic was investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with a Spectral Bin Microphysics (SBM) model as a two-part study. A detailed set of ice nucleation parameterizations linking ice formation with aerosol particles have been implemented in the SBM for this study. It is found that, dust, transported from the Sahara desert and acting as ice nuclei (IN), increases heterogeneous formation of ice particles at temperatures above −38 °C by approximately a factor of four per IN magnitude increase from 0.12 cm−3. Homogeneous ice formation is reduced below −38 °C by up to 79 %, due to greater conversion of liquid drops to ice at warmer temperatures. The ice particle size distribution (PSD) is shifted towards smaller sizes at heterogeneous temperatures and median sizes at colder temperatures due to increased vapor competition and crystal aggregation. Graupel sizes are reduced due to increased riming of more numerous, but smaller, ice particles. Liquid mass is reduced by up to 85 % at midlevels due to increased riming, drop freezing and Bergeron process evaporation. Despite the enhanced vertical motion in the dust cases (up to 30 %), average cloud top height was found to be lowered by up to 3.29 km in comparison with the background aerosol (Clean) case, which is consistent with observations. This is due to increased sedimentation rates resulting from earlier formation of precipitation sized particles.
Imperfect Union: What's Special about Special-Purpose Governments?

While virtually every U.S. citizen pays taxes to one or more special-purpose jurisdictions, these institutions remain obscure even to many specialists in local government. In this chapter, I will provide an overview of the recent history, functions, governance, and finances of special districts. Several excellent scholars have provided thorough treatments of these issues, and I do not intend the present discussion to be comprehensive. I focus on those aspects of special-purpose government that will be central in the remainder of the book, namely, representation and taxation. WHAT IS A SPECIAL DISTRICT? According to the Census of Governments , “Special district governments are independent, special-purpose governmental units … that exist as separate entities with substantial administrative and fiscal independence from general-purpose local governments” (1994 p. vii). Most special districts perform a single function, although some provide a few related services. Almost any service provided by a municipality can be provided by a special district government. The special district familiar to most Americans is the school district. Although school districts are the most numerous, they represent less than one-third of all special districts. Among the 35,000 nonschool special districts in existence as of 2002, some of the most common functions included providing fire protection, water, sanitation, parks, and libraries, although this list hardly begins to convey the variety of special district functions (more on this later).
Specifying Architecture Behavior with SysADL

SysADL is a SysML profile for describing architectures using the well-known and consolidated abstractions from the software architecture community. It defines a systematic use of SysML specifically supporting architecture descriptions. For this purpose, it encompasses three integrated viewpoints: structural, behavioral, and executable. This paper focuses on the behavioral viewpoint that relies on the SysML activity and parametric diagrams to capture the behavior of atomic and composite architectural elements. We use an air-conditioning systems as a case study to illustrate SysADL behavioral views and investigate the applicability of SysADL through a controlled experiment.
Expression of dermcidin in human sinonasal secretions.

Background Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by the epithelium are important for innate immune defense. In 2001, a novel AMP dermcidin (DCD) was described with no homology to other AMPs and an expression pattern restricted to eccrine sweat glands. In contrast to other AMPs, DCD expression has not been shown to be induced under inflammatory conditions in the skin. After identifying DCD by mass spectrometry in a protein sample isolated from human nasal secretions, we sought to determine the role of DCD in innate defense of the sinonasal airway. Methods After institutional review board approval, sinonasal mucosal tissue specimens were acquired from residual clinical material obtained during sinonasal surgery and used to grow cultures in an air-liquid interface environment. After stimulation of the cultures with various bitter compounds and phosphate-buffered saline, airway surface liquid was collected, and a DCD-specific enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to quantify DCD in each sample. To localize DCD expression, ALI cultures were fixed and immunofluorescence performed against DCD, β-tubulin IV, and Muc-5A. Results Enzyme-linked immunoassay showed DCD in air-surface liquid and in clinical nasal secretion samples at concentrations comparable to eccrine sweat. There was no evidence of inducible expression with any of the tested stimulants. Confocal microscopy revealed DCD expression in sinonasal mucosal goblet cells. Conclusion This is the first report of the presence of DCD in nasal mucosa and demonstration of DCD in clinical samples of human nasal secretions at clinically relevant concentrations, which may represent a novel arm of sinonasal airway innate defense..
Anabasine Is a Poor Marker for Determining Smoking Status of Transplant Patients.

To the Editor: Current clinical practice guidelines in the transplant setting necessitate the complete cessation of smoking to be considered a candidate for listing on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).1 The negative health consequences of smoking are well documented, as are the adverse outcomes in donors and recipients of solid organs who smoke, particularly in cases involving the lungs (1). Transplantation programs therefore rely heavily upon the laboratory to carry out the analysis and interpretation of tobacco screening assays to ensure abstinence in patients as part of the evaluation for listing in UNOS. Nicotine and its primary metabolite cotinine are the two most commonly monitored compounds to determine smoking status in patients. Nicotine is rapidly metabolized in vivo to cotinine, which has a much longer half-life (20 h vs 2 h), and therefore substantially extends the detection window (2). Ambiguity can arise however if a patient is using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; nicotine-containing gums or patches as well as the vapor pens). These products contain nicotine and therefore produce positive nicotine and cotinine results, which can potentially prohibit patients from receiving a life-saving organ. To address this issue several reference laboratories have developed mass spectrometry–based assays for detection …
Cognitive factors that lead people to comply with spam email

ABSTRACTBecause of the annoyance and productivity loss associated with spam email, significant resources are devoted to detect and block it. Despite these deterrents, people receive and respond to spam email in sufficient numbers to support the continuing efforts of spammers. It is surprising given this situation that little is known about the cognitive processes that message receivers apply to evaluate spam email, although such knowledge could be useful in mitigating some of its worst aspects. We address this research gap by investigating three cognitive factors that are hypothesized to motivate individuals to comply with message requests. We find receivers’ perceptions of social presence and trust regarding the message sender and, to a lesser extent, receivers’ benefit goals explain over half of the variance in their intention to comply with a message request. In addition, receivers’ identification of the message sender as having strong interpersonal ties predicts their perception of trust and benefit g...
Differential Expression of Adenylyl Cyclase mRNAs in Lacrimal Glands of NZB/NZW and NOD Pre-Autoimmune Mice

Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands. The disease is most prevalent in postmenopausal women who exhibit salivary and lacrimal insufficiencies resulting in dry mouth and dry eye. Diagnosis of SS is variously dependent upon the detection of anti-Ro (SS-A), anti-La (SS-B) and antinuclear (ANA) autoantibodies, as well as rheumatoid factor. Biopsies of the salivary and lacrimal glands of SS patients typically reveal periductal and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates that are predominated by CD4+ T and B lymphocytes1–6. Emerging theories of the pathogenesis of SS postulate the disease proceeds in stages with the first stage characterized by an intrinsic failure of the secretory epithelial cells7–12. Successive stages include the autoimmune response in the lacrimal and salivary glands initiated by the target cells themselves. The final stage is seen as one in which immune-mediated destruction of the secretory architecture of the cell, as well as of the nerve fibers innervating the gland, occurs.
Measurement of Neurobehavioral Responses to Renal Failure, Dialysis, and Transplantation

The psychological factors to be considered in this chapter are likely to have two general orientations: (1) inward, toward self, and (2) outward, toward interactions with persons and things in the world—with components of thought and fantasy embracing both. There would be enough psychological factors for us to consider even if our patients were “simply” confronted with the coping stresses of a catastrophic illness. But in this presentation, your attention is invited to the fact that in patients with renal failure the problem is more complicated: the brain, the instrument of coping, of thought, fantasy, and interaction, is itself poisoned. And the treatment which relieves the poisoning itself creates both internal and external coping stresses at both physical and psychological levels.
Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Publisher Summary The upper gastrointestinal tract is composed of the oral cavity and salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). In both species, the basic mural structure of the tract is maintained. The tract is essentially a smooth muscle–enveloped tube with innermost mucosa (barrier epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae), submucosa, muscularis propria, and variable serosa or adventitia. The functions of the upper gastrointestinal tract include transport of the swallowed food bolus, enzymatic digestion, and absorption of nutrients, in addition to protective barrier function against the external environment. The morphologic appearance of the different sections of the upper digestive tract reflects the primary function of each segment and is variable between the species.
“Who are you?”: representation, identification, and self-definition in Black Panther

Well in advance of its premiere, the online fan community was already celebrating Black Panther’s inclusivity of production (written and directed by black auteurs), positive representation of black...