cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
E2F4 regulates transcriptional activation in mouse embryonic stem cells independently of the RB family

E2F transcription factors are central regulators of cell division and cell fate decisions. E2F4 often represents the predominant E2F activity in cells. E2F4 is a transcriptional repressor implicated in cell cycle arrest and whose repressive activity depends on its interaction with members of the RB family. Here we show that E2F4 is important for the proliferation and the survival of mouse embryonic stem cells. In these cells, E2F4 acts in part as a transcriptional activator that promotes the expression of cell cycle genes. This role for E2F4 is independent of the RB family. Furthermore, E2F4 functionally interacts with chromatin regulators associated with gene activation and we observed decreased histone acetylation at the promoters of cell cycle genes and E2F targets upon loss of E2F4 in RB family-mutant cells. Taken together, our findings uncover a non-canonical role for E2F4 that provide insights into the biology of rapidly dividing cells.
Beyond Misrepresentations: Defining Primary and Secondary Liability Under Subsections (a) and (c) of Rule 10b-5

S, Oct. 4, 2005, at D2; Marcy Gordon, Defrauded Investors Have Gotten Only 1 Percent of Money Collected for Them from the SEC, AP DATASTREAM, Oct. 3, 2005, at 20:14:58. 950 [Vol. 67
Private religion/spirituality, self-rated health, and mental health among US South Asians

Connections between private religion/spirituality and health have not been assessed among US South Asians. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between private religion/spirituality and self-rated and mental health in a community-based sample of US South Asians. Data from the Mediators of atherosclerosis in South Asians living in America (MASALA) study (collected 2010–2013 and 2015–2018) and the attendant study on stress, spirituality, and health (n = 881) were analyzed using OLS regression. Self-rated health measured overall self-assessed health. Emotional functioning was measured using the mental health inventory-3 index (MHI-3) and Spielberger scales assessed trait anxiety and trait anger. Private religion/spirituality variables included prayer, yoga, belief in God, gratitude, theistic and non-theistic spiritual experiences, closeness to God, positive and negative religious coping, divine hope, and religious/spiritual struggles. Yoga, gratitude, non-theistic spiritual experiences, closeness to God, and positive coping were positively associated with self-rated health. Gratitude, non-theistic and theistic spiritual experiences, closeness to God, and positive coping were associated with better emotional functioning; negative coping was associated with poor emotional functioning. Gratitude and non-theistic spiritual experiences were associated with less anxiety; negative coping and religious/spiritual struggles were associated with greater anxiety. Non-theistic spiritual experiences and gratitude were associated with less anger; negative coping and religious/spiritual struggles were associated with greater anger. Private religion/spirituality is associated with self-rated and mental health. Opportunities may exist for public health and religious care professionals to leverage existing religion/spirituality for well-being among US South Asians.
Computational Study of Ortho-Substituent Effects on Antioxidant Activities of Phenolic Dendritic Antioxidants.

Antioxidants are an important component of our ability to combat free radicals, an excess of which leads to oxidative stress that is related to aging and numerous human diseases. Oxidative damage also shortens the shelf-life of foods and other commodities. Understanding the structure–activity relationship of antioxidants and their mechanisms of action is important for designing more potent antioxidants for potential use as therapeutic agents as well as preservatives. We report the first computational study on the electronic effects of ortho-substituents in dendritic tri-phenolic antioxidants, comprising a common phenol moiety and two other phenol units with electron-donating or electron-withdrawing substituents. Among the three proposed antioxidant mechanisms, sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) was found to be the preferred mechanism in methanol for the dendritic antioxidants based on calculations using Gaussian 16. We then computed the total enthalpy values by cumulatively running SPLET for all three rings to estimate electronic effects of substituents on overall antioxidant activity of each dendritic antioxidant and establish their structure–activity relationships. Our results show that the electron-donating o-OCH3 group has a beneficial effect while the electron-withdrawing o-NO2 group has a negative effect on the antioxidant activity of the dendritic antioxidant. The o-Br and o-Cl groups did not show any appreciable effects. These results indicate that electron-donating groups such as o-methoxy are useful for designing potent dendritic antioxidants while the nitro and halogens do not add value to the radical scavenging antioxidant activity. We also found that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) better correlate with the second step (electron transfer enthalpy, ETE) than the first step (proton affinity, PA) of the SPLET mechanism, implying that ETE is the better measure for estimating overall radical scavenging antioxidant activities.
FOXO regulates neuromuscular junction homeostasis during Drosophila aging

Abstract The transcription factor FOXO is a known regulator of lifespan extension and tissue homeostasis. It has been linked to the maintenance of neuronal processes across many species, and has been shown to promote youthful characteristics by regulating cytoskeletal flexibility and synaptic plasticity at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). However, the role of FOXO in aging neuromuscular junction function has yet to be determined. We profiled adult Drosophila FOXO-null mutant abdominal ventral longitudinal muscles and found that young mutants exhibited morphological profiles similar to those of aged wild-type flies, such as larger bouton areas and shorter terminal branches. We also observed changes to the axonal cytoskeleton and an accumulation of late endosomes in FOXO null mutants and motor neuron-specific FOXO knockdown flies, similar to those of aged wild-types. Motor neuron-specific overexpression of FOXO can delay age-dependent changes to NMJ morphology, suggesting FOXO is responsible for maintaining NMJ integrity during aging. Through genetic screening, we identify several downstream factors mediated through FOXO-regulated NMJ homeostasis, including genes involved in the p38-MAPK pathway. Interestingly, the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK were increased in the motor neuron-specific FOXO knockdown flies, suggesting FOXO acts as a suppressor of MAPK activation. Our work reveals that FOXO is a key regulator for NMJ homeostasis, and it maintains NMJ integrity by repressing MAPK signaling during aging.
The More Things Change, the More Things Remain the Same: A Reflection on My Career in Education HR

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how my career in human resources management in diverse districts reflects the discouraging status of school reform in American education. After leading m...
Ethics in the Time of Injustice.

At a time of national protests following the tragic death of George Floyd, and a pandemic that disproportionately affects people of color, it is time to revisit the values that best guide us and our medical specialty. As a profession that works closely with the criminal justice system (and is
Analysis of the Sonopet Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator to Traditional Instrumentation for Endoscopic Suturectomy for Craniosynostosis.

Objective The goal of endoscopic treatment for craniosynostosis is to remove the fused suture and achieve calvarial remodeling with external orthosis. To reduce the need for secondary surgery and to minimize blood loss, instruments that maximize bone removal while minimizing blood loss and risk of dural injury are evolving. The authors therefore assess the safety and efficacy of the Sonopet Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator (UBA) (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) for endoscopic suturectomy compared to traditional instrumentation at our institution. Methods Retrospective chart review of consecutive endoscopic suturectomies performed from 2011 to 2019 at Weill Cornell Medical Center was conducted, including demographics, cephalic index, surgical indications, operative time, cosmetic and functional results, complications, estimated blood loss (EBL), re-operation rate, length of stay, and length of helmet therapy. These variables were then compared between the Sonopet and non-Sonopet cohorts. Results Of the 60 patients who underwent endoscopic suturectomy, 16 cases (26.7%) utilized the Sonopet. Mean operative time was 2.8 ± 0.4 hours in the Sonopet group, compared to 3.2 ± 1.2 hours (P = 0.05) without the Sonopet. EBL was 17.8 ± 23.9 cc versus 34.7 ± 75.5 cc (P = 0.20) with versus without the Sonopet respectively. Length of stay and duration of helmet therapy were similar in both groups, ranging from 1 to 3 days (P = 0.68) and 7.25 to 12 months (P = 0.30) respectively. There were no reoperations in the Sonopet group with a mean follow up of 9.18 months. There were 3 reoperations in the non-Sonopet group with a mean follow up of 11.3 months. Among the cases utilizing the Sonopet, 13 (81%) were metopic and three (19%) were coronal synostoses. Of the non-Sonopet cases, 27 (61%) were sagittal, 8 (18%) were metopic, 7 (16%) were coronal, and 2 (5%) were lambdoid synostoses. Conclusions The use of the Sonopet resulted in a mean decrease in operative time at our institution (P = 0.18). Lower EBL and reoperation rates with comparable LOS and helmet therapy duration were also seen. This modality should be considered a safe and effective adjunct in appropriate endoscopic craniosynostosis cases.
A Review of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in dairy cattle

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged globally as a significant public health/antimicrobial resistance nosocomial problem, both in human and veterinary medicine. In recent years, the so-called livestock-associated MRSA has become an additional focus. A literature review indicates few reports of MRSA in dairy cattle. Work from our laboratory supports previous studies indicating that MRSA is rare in milk of dairy cattle in the United States. Recent and sporadic isolation of MRSA and related staphylococci from cattle in countries other than the United States, and the similarity between some of the human and animal isolates found, provide rationale for monitoring MRSA occurrence in cattle. Considering the importance of S. aureus in human infectious disease, its highly contagious behavior among dairy cows, and the current gaps in knowledge about potential human-bovine connections, the epidemiology of MRSA (and other staphylococci) should represent an area of attention by the scientific community.
The Effects of Exercise on Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations over a 36-h Fast: A Randomized Crossover Study

PURPOSE This study assessed β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration during a short-term fast and the degree to which an initial bout of exercise influences the rate of ketogenesis. METHODS Twenty subjects (11 male, 9 female) completed two 36-h fasts, with one protocol requiring the subject to complete a treadmill exercise session at the beginning of the fast. BHB levels were assessed via portable meter every 2 h, along with mood and hunger ratings. Venipuncture was performed every 12 h. RESULTS The mean (SD) areas under the curve for BHB concentration were 19.19 (2.59) mmol·L-1 (nonexercised) and 27.49 (2.59) mmol·L-1 (exercised), yielding a difference of 8.30 mmol·L-1 between conditions (95% posterior probability interval (PPI), 1.94 to 14.82 mmol·L-1; posterior probability (PP) = 0.99). The mean (SD) times to BHB concentration of 0.5 mmol·L-1 were 21.07 (2.95) h (nonexercised) and 17.5 (1.69) h (exercised), a 3.57-h difference (95% PPI, -2.11 to 10.87 h; PP = 0.89). The differences in area under the curve between conditions were 5.07 μU·mL-1 (95% PPI, -21.64 to 36.18 μU·mL-1; PP = 0.67) for insulin, 97.13 pg·mL-1 (95% PPI, 34.08 to 354.21 pg·mL-1; PP = 0.98) for glucagon, and 20.83 (95% PPI, 4.70 to 24.22; PP = 0.99) for the insulin/glucagon ratio. CONCLUSIONS Completing aerobic exercise at the beginning of a fast accelerates the production of BHB throughout the fast without altering subjective feelings of hunger, thirst, stomach discomfort, or mood. Insulin and the insulin/glucagon ratio experience a marked reduction within the first 12 h of fasting and was not altered with exercise. Thus, exercising at the beginning of a fast may improve the metabolic outcomes of fasting.
Utility of intraoperative frozen sections of thyroid tissue in the age of molecular testing.

OBJECTIVES Our study aims to examine the correlation between preoperative ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and intraoperative frozen section and examine the clinical benefit of frozen section in the context of the latest national guidelines on the management of differentiated thyroid cancer. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of thyroid frozen section from 2012 to2017 at one institution. SETTING Tertiary care centre. PARTICIPANTS/MAIN OUTCOME Patient demographics, fine-needle aspiration results, molecular testing results, frozen section diagnosis (classified as benign, indeterminate, or malignant), final pathologic diagnosis, initial planned surgery, actual surgery performed, need for additional surgery and complications were recorded. Complications included hematoma formation, hypocalcaemia (requiring readmission, symptomatic, or >24-hour stay post op) and recurrent or superior laryngeal nerve damage. RESULTS 728 total patients had an intraoperative frozen section performed. A Thy 4/Bethesda V USGFNA diagnosis (n = 55) significantly correlated with a clinically important intraoperative frozen section (n = 17, P < .01). Intraoperative management was changed by the frozen section 53 times (7.2%). Molecular testing was sent on 92 USGFNA specimens, 80 of which were deemed "suspicious." Of the 49 patients whose management was upstaged intraoperatively, 29 (59%) would not necessitate a completion thyroidectomy under the latest UK and ATA guidelines based on final pathology. CONCLUSION Intraoperative frozen sections rarely alter the pre-surgical plan and indeed may result in expanded surgery that could have been avoided based on latest UK and US guidelines. Molecular testing of indeterminate fine-needle aspiration results does not appear to predict meaningful intraoperative frozen section results.
The gut microbiota of bumblebees

Bumblebees (Bombus) are charismatic and important pollinators. They are one of the best-studied insect groups, especially in terms of ecology, behavior, and social structure. As many species are declining, there is a clear need to understand more about them. Microbial symbionts, which can influence many dimensions of animal life, likely have an outsized role in bumblebee biology. Recent research has shown that a conserved set of beneficial gut bacterial symbionts is ubiquitous across bumblebees. These bacteria are related to gut symbionts of honeybees, but have not been studied as intensively. Here, we synthesize studies of bumblebee gut microbiota, highlight major knowledge gaps, and suggest future directions. Several patterns emerge, such as symbiont-host specificity maintained by sociality, frequent symbiont loss from individual bees, symbiont-conferred protection from trypanosomatid parasites, and divergence between bumblebee and honeybee microbiota in several key traits. For many facets of bumblebee–microbe interactions, however, underlying mechanisms and ecological functions remain unclear. Such information is important if we are to understand how bumblebees shape, and are shaped by, their gut microbiota. Bumblebees may prove a useful system for microbiome scientists, providing insights into general principles of host–microbe interactions. We also note how microbiota could influence bumblebee traits and responses to stressors. Finally, we propose that tinkering with the microbiota could be one way to aid bumblebee resilience in the face of global change.
Evaluation of Landsat image registration accuracy

The Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment (LACIE) is an attempt to demonstrate the capability to forecast the annual production of major crops such as wheat and corn. Good image registration of data acquired on different dates is one of the key assumptions made in LACIE. This paper describes an algorithm to measure the accuracy of the current registration procedure. This algorithm employs a modified version of sequential similarity detection algorithm (SSDA). Based on over 264 registration checks, it was found that the root-mean-square of registration errors was 1.0 pixel. The failure rate of our registration checking algorithm was less than 10 per cent and the standard deviation of the accuracy of this algorithm was less than 0.2 picture element.
A New Age of Naturalists

Charles Darwin and other naturalists of his time traversed the globe to survey the diversity of plants, animals, and insects and their distributions around the world. They combined these surveys with their contemporary understanding about the history of Earth to develop an evolutionary model for the origins of species through natural selection. One hundred fifty years later, microbial naturalists are uncovering a whole new world of diversity that will lead to a sea change in our understanding of evolution. Initial surveys of microbial diversity suggested that microbes did not fit this conventional model of evolution. Microbial naturalists were unable to identify mechanisms that would disconnect microbial populations from one another. Our initial analyses suggest that primary differences come not from natural selection by abiotic environmental variables between locations, but from interactions between microbes in each location, specifically between Sulfolobus and its viruses and other microbial parasites. The study of microbial evolution lags behind that of macroorganisms, and it seems that there are relatively few microbiologists choosing microbial naturalism. It is clear that the new generation of microbial naturalists who set out to explore the distribution of natural diversity now wields not only the strong lens of genomics but also the power of molecular biology and genetics, which will enable them to discover the fundamental laws of evolution that apply to all of life on Earth.
Sub-ångström-resolution diffractive imaging of single nanocrystals

Techniques for reconstructing an object’s microstructure from its diffraction pattern have substantially improved the future imaging potential of next-generation X-ray sources. Yet the same techniques can already be applied to conventional electron microscopes, to extend their resolution to below an angstrom.
The essential virulence protein VirB8 localizes to the inner membrane of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Abstract Agrobacterium tumefaciens genetically transforms plant cells by transferring a specific DNA fragment from the bacterium through several biological membranes to the plant nucleus where the DNA is integrated. This complex DNA transport process likely involves membrane-localized proteins in both the plant and the bacterium. The 11 hydrophobic or membrane-localized proteins of the virB operon are excellent candidates to have a role in DNA export from agrobacteria. Here, we show by TnphoA mutagenesis and immunogold electron microscopy that one of the VirB proteins, VirB8, is located at the inner membrane. The observation that a virB8::TnphoA fusion restores export of alkaline phosphatase to the periplasm suggests that VirB8 spans the inner membrane. Immunogold labeling of VirB8 was detected on the inner membrane of vir-induced A. tumefaciens by transmission electron microscopy. Compared with that of the controls, VirB8 labeling was significantly greater on the inner membrane than on the other cell compartments. These results confirm the inner membrane localization of VirB8 and strengthen the hypothesis that VirB proteins help form a transfer DNA export channel or gate.
Time-Dependent Density Functional Response Theory for Electronic Chiroptical Properties of Chiral Molecules

Methodology to calculate electronic chiroptical properties from time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) is outlined. Applications of TDDFT to computations of electronic circular dichroism, optical rotation, and optical rotatory dispersion are reviewed. Emphasis is put on publications from 2005 to 2010, but much of the older literature is also cited and discussed. The determination of the absolute configuration of chiral molecules by combined measurements and computations is an important application of TDDFT chiroptical methods and discussed in some detail. Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra are obtained from normal-mode derivatives of the optical rotation tensor and other linear response tensors. A few selected (ROA) benchmarks are reviewed.
UML Support for Designing Software Systems as a Composition of Design Patterns

Much of the research work on design patterns has primarily focused on discovering and documenting patterns. Design patterns promise early reuse benefits at the design stage. To reap the benefits of deploying these proven design solutions, we need to develop techniques to construct applications using patterns. These techniques should define a composition mechanism by which patterns can be integrated and deployed in the design of software applications. Versatile design models should be used to model the patterns themselves as well as their composition. In this paper, we describe an approach called Pattern-Oriented Analysis and Design (POAD) that utilizes UML modeling capabilities to compose design patterns at various levels of abstractions. In POAD, the internal details of the pattern structure are hidden at high design levels (pattern views) and are revealed at lower design levels (class views). We define three hierarchical traceable logical views based on UML models for developing pattern-oriented designs; namely the Pattern-Level view, the Pattern Interfaces view, and the Detailed Pattern-Level view. The discussion is illustrated by a case study of building a framework for feedback control systems.
Promoting HPV Vaccination in Safety-Net Clinics: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate effects of a multicomponent intervention (human papillomavirus [HPV] vaccine-specific brochure and recalls) on HPV vaccination and secondarily examine if race/ethnicity moderates effects. METHODS: Unvaccinated girls aged 11 to 18 years attending 4 safety-net pediatric clinics and their parent/guardian (n = 814 dyads) were randomized to (1) active comparison (general adolescent vaccine brochure), or (2) intervention consisting of a HPV vaccine-specific brochure, telephone recalls to parents who declined, and recalls to patients overdue for doses 2 and 3. HPV 1-dose and 3-dose coverages were assessed via electronic health records 12 months after randomization. Multivariate logistic regressions estimated adjusted odds and marginal predicted vaccine coverage by study arm and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Intent-to-treat analyses found no main effect of the HPV vaccine-specific brochure on 1-dose coverage (42.0% vs 40.6%); however, secondary analyses found race/ethnicity was a significant moderator such that the intervention was effective only for Hispanic individuals (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–2.02), and not effective for black individuals (AOR 0.64; 95% CI 0.41–1.13). Recalls to parents who declined the vaccine during the index visit were not effective, but recalls to patients overdue for doses 2 and 3 were effective at increasing 3-dose coverage regardless of race/ethnicity (AOR 1.99; 95% CI 1.16–3.45). CONCLUSIONS: Educational materials describing only the HPV vaccine were effective for Hispanic but not black individuals. Future research should test mechanisms that may mediate intervention effects for different racial/ethnic groups, such as different informational needs or vaccine schemas (experiences, beliefs, norms).
Studies into factors contributing to substrate specificity of membrane‐bound 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA synthases

We are interested in constructing a model for the substrate-binding site of fatty acid elongase-1 3-ketoacyl CoA synthase (FAE1 KCS), the enzyme responsible for production of very long chain fatty acids of plant seed oils. Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus FAE1 KCS enzymes are highly homologous but the seed oil content of these plants suggests that their substrate specificities differ with respect to acyl chain length. We used in vivo and in vitro assays of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-expressed FAE1 KCSs to demonstrate that the B. napus FAE1 KCS enzyme favors longer chain acyl substrates than the A. thaliana enzyme. Domains/residues responsible for substrate specificity were investigated by determining catalytic activity and substrate specificity of chimeric enzymes of A. thaliana and B. napus FAE1 KCS. The N-terminal region, excluding the transmembrane domain, was shown to be involved in substrate specificity. One chimeric enzyme that included A. thaliana sequence from the N terminus to residue 114 and B. napus sequence from residue 115 to the C terminus had substrate specificity similar to that of A. thaliana FAE1 KCS. However, a K92R substitution in this chimeric enzyme changed the specificity to that of the B. napus enzyme without loss of catalytic activity. Thus, this study was successful in identifying a domain involved in determining substrate specificity in FAE1 KCS and in engineering an enzyme with novel activity.
Solution-Processed Organic Thin-Film Transistor Array for Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode

We developed a 3-in. organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) array with an ink-jetted organic semiconductor. All layers except electrodes were fabricated by solution processes. The OTFT performed well without hysteresis, and the field-effect mobility in the saturation region was 0.45 cm2 V-1 s-1, the threshold voltage was 3.3 V, and the on/off current ratio was more than 106. We demonstrated a 3-in. active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display driven by the OTFT array. The display could provide clear moving images. The peak luminance of the display was 170 cd/m2.
Obstetric Ultrasound: Application in a Clinic Setting

A brief review of the medical literature indicates areas of concern related to the safety of obstetric ultrasound usage. Questions raised in the medical literature dictate the need for conservative and appropriate use of ultrasound until long-term follow-up studies have been completed. The current use of diagnostic ultrasound in a prenatal clinic setting is explored. In the meantime, health-care providers should follow guidelines for obstetric ultrasound use to prevent indiscriminate patient exposure.
Influence of temperature, carbon precursor/copolymer ratio and acid concentration on adsorption and structural properties of mesoporous carbons prepared by soft-templating

Abstract A series of mesoporous carbons has been synthesized by polymerization of phloroglucinol and formaldehyde in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer (EO106PO70EO106; Pluronic F127) under acidic conditions. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of temperature and the block copolymer/carbon precursor ratio on the adsorption and structural properties of soft-templated mesoporous carbons. This study shows that an increase in the temperature of the initial self-assembly process causes a decrease in the total pore volume and pore width. Interestingly, an increase in the copolymer/carbon precursor ratio results in a change of the structure from channel-like to cage-like. This change is especially visible for the samples prepared at higher temperatures. The copolymer/carbon precursor ratio affects also the pore volume, which decreases with increasing value of this ratio.
Behavioral dilemmas in mixed-motive decision making.

The authors discuss the dilemmas in mixed-motive decision situations, analyzing them at the level of implementing tactics. A basic distinction is drawn between two types of decision making—problem solving, which exploits the cooperative potential, and bargaining, which seeks advantage within the competitive aspects of the decision situation. For the decision maker, these two functions are complementary.
Kinds of activities correlated with singing patterns of the yellow-throated vireo

Abstract Each of eight male yellow-throated vireos used a consistent selection of up to eight different song forms that were constructed from a limited number of components and uttered in patterned sequences. Males observed in more than one kind of activity, e.g. patrolling boundaries, foraging away from the nest, approaching the nest, or remaining in its vicinity had consistent singing patterns peculiar to each. Most song forms of each male were shared with other males; there were numerous similarities among the males in the singing patterns correlated with different activities. Differences in their selections of song forms may have resulted largely from differences in their individual circumstances, and did not correlate with behaviour in ways that were contradictory among the males.
The potential of pharmacogenomics to treat drug addiction

Pharmacogenetics & personalized prescribing Tailoring pharmacotherapy to an individual’s genetic makeup to optimize treatment efficacy, while decreasing toxicity and adverse reactions seemed like science fiction only a few years ago. Genomic technology has advanced to allow personalized prescribing for many medications. Indeed, the US FDA’s list of valid genomic biomarkers has expanded to include many SNPs and other gene variants that affect drug efficacy through altered pharmaco kinetics and pharmaco dynamics [1]. Incorporation of gene-array assay technology into mainstream clinical medicine is enhancing patient care. Pharmacogenomic biomarkers include cytochrome P450 hepatic enzyme variants that affect drug metabolism for most psychiatric medications [2,3]. Drugs that target serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopamine systems in psychiatric illness all have pharmaco dynamic-associated gene variants that can predict therapeutic response and serious adverse drug reactions [4–8]. We previously reviewed evidence suggesting pharmacogenetics may be used to individualize drug dependence treatments [9,10]. Here are a few examples of medications for drug dependence disorders for which pharmacogenetic know-how may be useful to increase efficacy.
Pharmacological treatment of central nervous system trauma.

Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord cause tissue damage, in part by initiating reactive biochemical changes. Pharmacological approaches aim to modify this delayed injury response by blocking one or more components of the reactive biochemical/metabolic cascade. This minireview summarizes both historical and recent developments in experimental and clinical treatment of CNS trauma. Potential treatments include : corticosteroids ; antioxidants or free radical scavengers ; drugs that modify arachidonic acid metabolism, platelet-activating factor antagonists : gangliosides ; modulators of monoamine actions ; opioid receptor antagonists ; thyrotropin-releasing hormone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone analogues ; glutamate receptor antagonists ; calcium channel blockers ; agents that modify the inflammatory/immune response ; and trophic factors. Understanding the mechanisms of action for these compounds can permit rational drug development/application, delineation of the therapeutic window, and laying of the ground-work for evaluating potential synergistic effects of combination treatment strategies.
Preparation and electrochemical properties of nanoporous transparent antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) coatings

Nanoporous antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) coatings with high surface area, optical transparency and electron transfer properties have been prepared using an interpenetrating inorganic–organic hybrid sol–gel approach. UV-Vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies were carried out on the prepared materials in addition to the characterization of their microstructures with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen sorption experiments. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and impedance spectroscopy were employed to characterize the electrochemical and electron transfer properties of the coatings in both acidic and neutral media with an Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couple. The material had a specific surface area of over 90 m2 g−1 with a bimodal pore distribution with two distinctive peaks at ca. 8 and 40 nm. The electrochemical capacitance of the material was about 100 times as high as the value obtained for a commercially available nonporous fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode. The estimated electron transfer rate of the former was three times larger than that of the FTO. The optical transparency, high surface area and high electron transfer rate of the nanoporous ATO coatings make the material well suited for diverse photoelectrochemical applications.
Shuffling ammonia between mitochondria and plastids during photorespiration.

Surprisingly, glutamine synthetase was recently shown to be dual targeted to chloroplasts and mitochondria in Arabidopsis leaves. It is likely that mitochondrial glutamine synthetase assimilates ammonia, which is generated in large amounts in mitochondria during photorespiration. However, ammonia assimilation is a two-step process and the second step, catalyzed by glutamate synthase, is exclusively located in plastids. Hence, a shuttle for ammonia, possibly in the form of amino acids, is required between mitochondria and plastids. We discuss two alternative shuttles, an ornithine–citrulline shuttle and a glutamine–glutamate shuttle. Both shuttles allow the safe transport of the toxic metabolite ammonium in the form of amino acids. The ornithine–citrulline shuttle also provides a means for the transport of carbon dioxide from mitochondria to plastids, but this shuttle requires more energy than the alternative glutamate–glutamine shuttle.
Decreasing Excessive Media Usage While Increasing Physical Activity A Single-Subject Research Study

The Kaiser Family Foundation released a report entitled Kids and Media Use in the United States that concluded that children's use of media--including television, computers, Internet, video games, and phones--may be one of the primary contributor's to the poor fitness and obesity of many of today's adolescents. The present study examines the potential of increasing physical activity and decreasing media usage in a 14-year-old adolescent female by making time spent on the Internet and/or cell phone contingent on physical activity. Results of this investigation indicate that requiring the participant to earn her media-usage time did correspond with an increase in physical activity and a decrease in media-usage time relative to baseline measures. Five weeks after cessation of the intervention, the participant's new level of physical activity was still being maintained. One year after the study, the participant's level of physical activity continued to increase.
Protective effect of ground flaxseed or ethyl linolenate in a vitamin E-deficient diet against murine malaria

Abstract Vitamin E-deficient diets containing 5 to 20% ground flaxseed or 2.75% ethyl linolenate protected mice against the malarial parasite Plasmodium yoelii as shown by decreased parasitemia and enhanced survival. Although the biochemical mechanism of these dietary effects is not established, the high intake of linolenic acid coupled with the oxidant stress generated by the parasite presumably destabilize the red blood cell of the vitamin E-deficient host leading to premature erythrocyte lysis and destruction of the parasite. Continued investigation into the response of the malarial parasite to dietary pro-oxidant stress may provide leads to new approaches in the control of this disease.
Language in pediatric epilepsy

Summary Purpose: This study examined the severity and range of linguistic impairments in young, intermediate, and adolescent youth with epilepsy and how these deficits were associated with illness effects, nonverbal intelligence, psychopathology, and reading. Methods: Tests of language, intelligence, achievement, and structured psychiatric interviews were administered to 182 epilepsy youth, aged 6.3–8.1, 9.1–11.7, and 13.0–15.2 years, as well as to 102 age- and gender-matched normal children. Parents provided demographic, seizure-related, and behavioral information on their children. Results: Significantly more epilepsy subjects had language scores 1 standard deviation (SD) below average than the age-matched control groups did. The intermediate and adolescent epilepsy groups also had significantly lower mean language scores compared to their matched controls. The older compared to the younger epilepsy groups had more language impairment and a wider range of linguistic deficits. Longer duration of illness, childhood absence epilepsy, psychiatric diagnosis, and socioeconomic status were associated with linguistic deficits in the young group. Prolonged seizures, lower Performance IQ, and minority status predicted low language scores in the intermediate epilepsy group. In the adolescent group, language impairment was associated with poor seizure control, decreased Performance IQ, and lower socioeconomic status. Linguistic and reading deficits were significantly related in each epilepsy group. Conclusions: The age-related increase in linguistic impairment, different profiles of predictors in each age group, and the relationship of linguistic deficits with poor reading skills have important clinical, developmental, theoretical, and academic implications.
Direct immunofluorescence in oral mucosal disease: a diagnostic analysis of 130 cases

We retrospectively analyzed direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings from 130 cases of oral mucosal disease. The diagnosis of each case was based on history, clinical features, histopathology, and clinical follow-up. To avoid circular reasoning, we did not use the DIF results in forming the diagnoses. Our results indicate that the presence of characteristic fluorescent patterns produced by several DIF reagents can establish the diagnosis of the oral lesions of pemphigus and pemphigoid and strongly indicate the diagnoses of lichen planus and lupus erythematosus. The absence of these fluorescent patterns can help to rule out these conditions, thereby strengthening the diagnoses of other oral mucosal diseases. The results of DIF are sufficiently distinguishing to be routinely helpful as diagnostic criteria for chronic ulcerative diseases of the oral mucosa.
Manifestation of quantum chaos in electronic band structures.

We use semiconductors as an example to show that quantum chaos manifests itself in the energy spectrum of crystals. We analyze the ab initio band structure of silicon and the tight-binding spectrum of the alloy ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As and show that some of their statistical properties obey the universal predictions of quantum chaos derived from the theory of random matrices. Also, the Bloch momenta are interpreted as external, tunable, parameters, acting on the reduced (unit cell) Hamiltonian, in close analogy to Aharonov-Bohm fluxes threading a torus. They are used in the investigation of the parametric autocorrelator of crystal velocities. We find that our results are in good agreement with the universal curves recently proposed by Simons and co-workers.
AlGaN/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistors by ammonia molecular beam epitaxy

We demonstrate AlGaN/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) by ammonia molecular beam epitaxy (NH3 MBE). The several benefits offered by NH3 MBE for the growth of GaN based vertical electronic devices are discussed. To obtain good ohmic contacts to the base layer, devices were fabricated with two different processes involving regrowths – regrown base contact (Wafer A) and regrown emitter (Wafer B). Devices on Wafers A and B had similar DC performance. Common emitter (CE) operation with a peak collector current density, JC > 1 kA/cm2 was obtained from devices on both wafers. In CE operation, a current gain (β) of 1.5–3 is observed in devices on both wafers. High base resistance is found to limit the current gain in CE operation, by limiting the base-emitter bias voltage in the active region of the device. Maximum β values observed from Gummel plots at a fixed base-collector (BC) bias of zero volts, are β ∼ 15 at JC = 0.88 kA/cm2 for Wafer A and β ∼13.5 at JC = 3 kA/cm2 for Wafer B. In devices on both wafers, variation is observed in the plots of β versus IC (collector current) for devices with the same emitter dimensions and geometry but with different lateral spacing between emitter mesa and base contacts (WEB). Peak β obtained is also observed to vary with WEB. An explanation is provided for the observed behaviour. This work demonstrates the potential of NH3 MBE for the growth of GaN HBTs.
Sharpening our Understanding of the Consequences of Insomnia: The Relationship Between Insomnia and Everyday Cognitive Failures

Previous research examining the link between insomnia and cognitive functioning is limited and mixed. The current study investigated this relationship using self-report in a large sample of college undergraduate students (N = 941; 65% female, mean age of 20 years). Regression analyses revealed that insomnia severity predicted cognitive failures overall, as well as on each of four subscales of cognitive failures: memory, distractibility, blunder, and memory for names. Hierarchical regression further showed that the relationship between insomnia severity and cognitive failures was significant even after controlling for possible confounding variables of depression, negative affect, stress, and anxiety. Additionally, it was found that insomnia partially mediated the relationship between cognitive failures and depression, negative affect, and trait anxiety. Future work in this area would benefit from adding a measure such as ecological momentary assessment to expand on these findings. Possible limitations, explanations, and implications of the present study and future direction are discussed.
FLP-mediated site-specific recombination in microinjected murine zygotes.

The FLP recombinase of yeast catalyses site-specific recombination between repeated FLP recombinase target (FRT) elements in yeast and in heterologous system (Escherichia coli, Drosophila, mosquito and cultured mammalian cells). In this report, it is shown that transient FLP recombinase expression can recombine and activate an extrachromosomal silent reporter gene following coinjection into fertilized one-cell mouse eggs. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that introduction of a FLP-recombinase expression vector into transgenic one-cell fertilized mouse eggs induces a recombination event at a chromosomal FRT target locus. The resulting event occured at the one-cell stage and deleted a chromosomal tandem array of a FRT containinglacZ expression cassette down to one or two copies. These results demonstrate that the FLP recombinase can be utilized to manipulate the genome of transgenic animals and suggest that FLP recombinase-mediated plasmid-to-chromosome targeting is feasible in microinjected eggs.
Conditional Disruption of Calcineurin B1 in Osteoblasts Increases Bone Formation and Reduces Bone Resorption

We recently reported that the pharmacological inhibition of calcineurin (Cn) by low concentrations of cyclosporin A increases osteoblast differentiation in vitro and bone mass in vivo. To determine whether Cn exerts direct actions in osteoblasts, we generated mice lacking Cnb1 (Cn regulatory subunit) in osteoblasts (ΔCnb1OB) using Cre-mediated recombination methods. Transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase, driven by the human osteocalcin promoter, were crossed with homozygous mice that express loxP-flanked Cnb1 (Cnb1f/f). Microcomputed tomography analysis of tibiae at 3 months showed that ΔCnb1OB mice had dramatic increases in bone mass compared with controls. Histomorphometric analyses showed significant increases in mineral apposition rate (67%), bone volume (32%), trabecular thickness (29%), and osteoblast numbers (68%) as well as a 40% decrease in osteoclast numbers as compared with the values from control mice. To delete Cnb1 in vitro, primary calvarial osteoblasts, harvested from Cnb1f/f mice, were infected with adenovirus expressing the Cre recombinase. Cre-expressing osteoblasts had a complete inhibition of Cnb1 protein levels but differentiated and mineralized more rapidly than control, green fluorescent protein-expressing cells. Deletion of Cnb1 increased expression of osteoprotegerin and decreased expression of RANKL. Co-culturing Cnb1-deficient osteoblasts with wild type osteoclasts demonstrated that osteoblasts lacking Cnb1 failed to support osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the inhibition of Cnb1 in osteoblasts increases bone mass by directly increasing osteoblast differentiation and indirectly decreasing osteoclastogenesis.
Integrative sequence and tissue expression profiling of chicken and mammalian aquaporins

Proteins that selectively transport water across the membranes of cells are recognized as important in the normal functioning of the body systems of vertebrates. There are 13 known mammalian aquaporins (AQP0 to AQP12), some of which have been shown to have unexpected cellular roles beyond transmembrane water transport. The availability of non-mammalian vertebrate animal models has the potential to provide insight into the emergence of diverse function in the aquaporins. The domesticated chicken (Gallus gallus) is the premier avian model for biological research; however, only a limited number of studies have compared chicken and mammalian aquaporins. The identification of aquaporins that share functional motifs or are expressed in the same tissues in human and chicken could allow the further functional analyses of homologous aquaporins in both species. We hypothesize that integrative analyses of protein sequences and body site expression of human, mouse, rat and chicken aquaporins has the potential to yield novel biological hypotheses about the unexpected cellular roles of aquaporins beyond transmembrane water transport. A total of 76 aquaporin transcript models derived from 47 aquaporin genes were obtained for human, mouse, rat and chicken. Eleven body sites (brain, connective tissue, head, heart, liver, muscle, ovary, pancreas, small intestine, spleen and testis) were identified in which there is suggested expression of at least one mammalian and one chicken aquaporin. This study demonstrates that modern on-line analysis tools, a novel matrix integration technique, and the availability of the chicken genome for comparative genomics and expression analysis enables hypothesis generation in several important areas including: (i) alternative transcription and speciation effects on the conservation of functional motifs in vertebrate aquaporins; (ii) the emergence of basolateral targeting in mammalian species; (iii) the potential of the cysteine-rich AQP11 as a possible target in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders such as autism that involve Purkinje cells; and (iv) possible impairment of function of pancreas-expressed AQP12 during pancreatotropic necrosis in avian influenza virus infection. The investigation of aquaporin function in chicken and mammalian species has the potential to accelerate the discovery of novel knowledge of aquaporins in both avian and mammalian species.