cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuropharmacology of the nucleus accumbens: systemic morphine effects on single-unit responses evoked by ventral pallidum stimulation.

Abstract Extracellular recordings of neurons in the nucleus accumbens septi of anesthetized rats have previously shown systemic opiates to have mixed effects on rates of unit activity. However, these effects become more predictable as nucleus accumbens septi neurons are functionally categorized by their responses to afferent stimulation. In the present study, the effects of systemic opiates on individual nucleus accumbens septi neurons categorized by their response patterns to ventral pallidum stimulation were examined. Across all nucleus accumbens septi units tested, these experiments showed that morphine either inhibited (42%, n = 91), excited (15%, n = 32) or had no effect (43%, n = 93) on these unit responses. Further experiments were conducted in which nucleus accumbens septi neurons were categorized on the basis of their response patterns to concurrent fimbria and ventral pallidum stimulation. In these studies, if the neuron was orthodromically evoked to respond by both fimbria stimulation and ventral pallidum stimulation, the neurons' responses to ventral pallidum stimulation (but not their fimbria-evoked responses) were consistently inhibited by morphine. In contrast, nucleus accumbens septi unit responses that were orthodromically activated by ventral pallidum stimulation but unaffected by fimbria stimulation were consistently unaffected by morphine. The major observation of this work is that the effect of systemically administered morphine on individual nucleus accumbens septi neurons can be predicted by that neuron's evoked responses to stimulation of different efferent and afferent circuits. Since these studies involve systemic administration of morphine, the results do not elucidate site of action. However, these results do contribute to the understanding of net opiate effects at a systems level and therefore are relevant to the consequences of such drugs in self-administration paradigms.
Race, sex, and economic returns to education

Abstract This paper reviews the prevailing theories accounting for the pronounced differentials in economic attainment by race and sex, giving particular attention to the role of race and sex differences in educational attainments in explaining these differentials. It finds that discrimination in the labor market continues to be a major factor in generating race and sex differentials in economic attainment, and argues that continued government intervention in the labor market is necessary to insure equality of economic opportunity for blacks and women. A redoubling of government efforts in this area is urged since the early 1980s, like the late 1970s, looks to be a period where further economic advances by blacks and women will be difficult to achieve.
The Molecular Basis for Selenate Reduction in Citrobacter freundii

The redox cycling of selenium in aquatic environments is strongly affected by microbial activity. Citrobacter freudii is a facultative anaerobic bacterium found in marine and freshwater settings that is known to reduce selenate. In this study, we conducted selenate reduction experiments with C. freundii to investigate the mechanisms involved the selenate reduction process. The results indicate that C. freundii catalyzes the reduction of selenate to elemental selenium in the absence of oxygen. We detected the functional selenate reductase gene ynfE, which is predicted to encode for a molybdenum-binding Tat-secreted protein. A FNR binding site was located immediately upstream of the ynfE gene suggesting the expression of the selenate reductase occurs under anaerobic conditions and is regulated by oxygen-sensing transcription factors. To gain a more complete understanding of the selenate reduction process, we sequenced the genome of C. freundii. The genome analysis revealed the complete selenate reductase op...
Effect of Microbial Phytase and 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol on Dietary Copper Utilization in Chicks

Abstract Bile Cu accumulation in Cu-depleted chicks fed Cu concentrations between .56 and 1.56 mg Cu/kg (0, .5, or 1 mg supplemental Cu/kg) was used to investigate the effect of microbial phytase at 600 U/kg and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [l,25-(OH)2 D3] at 10 μg/kg on Cu bioavailability from dehulled soybean meal (SBM) and cottonseed meal (CSM). The bioavailability of Cu (relative to CuSO4·5H2 O, which was set at 100%) in SBM and CSM was 43 and 39%, respectively. Phytase addition (600 U/kg diet) decreased Cu bioavailability in SBM to 21%, but did not affect that in CSM (34%). Copper bioavailability in SBM was not affected by addition of l,25-(OH)2 D3 (10 μg/kg diet), but that in CSM was nearly doubled by l,25-(OH)2 D3 supplementation.
Measurement of gold surface self-diffusion by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract Measurement of gold surface self-diffusion by the method of surface profile decay, using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) have been done on a polycrystalline gold film deposited on a glass substrate. The peak-to-peak surface roughness was measured as a function of annealing time after annealing at 170 °C with a special pan-cake furnace in the STM. The gold surface diffusion coefficient at 170 °C can then be extracted from these measurements.
The relationship between weight reduction and force distribution for thin wall structures

Abstract Due to distortion, the stresses in thin-walled curved beams are no longer evenly distributed along the flanges. The stress distribution becomes more uneven as the walls become thinner. Because aluminum, magnesium and other light materials have thicker walls, the stress is more evenly distributed along the flanges. A more efficient utilization of the material gives them a weight advantage over steel for such structures. The concept of micro-lambda, which is an indicator for force distribution, is introduced and used for the analysis of curved beam in in-plane bending and out-of-plane bending. It is also used for the analysis of B pillar to rocker joint of a car cab.
What Is Critical Globalization Studies

From a critical perspective, precisely what kind of knowledge about globalization is meaningful? The distinctive province of a critical orientation to globalization is coming to be defined by a complex of five interacting components: reflexivity, historicism, decentering, crossovers between social inquiry and other streams of knowledge, and an emphasis on strategic transformations. Critical globalization studies may be employed to identify diverse tendencies in world order, parts of a contradictory whole that coexist, with different logics colliding with one another. These are elements of the old configuration, multilateral globalization ; the contemporary structure, militarized globalization ; and the potential constellation, democratic globalization . The motor of transformation is not only countervailing power but also alternative knowledge, which should be demystifying and enabling.
Nonexistence of a triple of orthogonal latin squares of order 10 with group of order 25—A search made short

There does not exist a set of four 5-cycles with marks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, with and without primes, such that each difference (mod 5) in the four patterns with respect to primes occurs once in adjacent and nonadjacent positions.
Comparisons of the Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectra of Some Solid Cis- and Trans-Poly(Isoprene)S

Abstract Fourier transforms have been obtained of the 1H and 2H simultaneously noise-decoupled, natural-abundance, 22.6-MHz 13C free-induction decays of solid cis- and trans-poly (isoprene), cis-poly(isoprene-з-d1), and carbon-black-filled cis-poly (isoprene). Carbon-13 line widths and Overhauser enhancements have been measured from the phase-corrected normal and selectively saturated absorption spectra, and spin-lattice relaxation times measured from partially relaxed Fourier transform absorption spectra. The spin-lattice relaxation times and Overhauser enhancements of the individual carbons of the amorphous part of trans-poly (isoprene) are all greater than those of the corresponding carbons of cis-poly (isoprene), and, excluding the deuterated carbon, of cis-poly (isoprene-з-d1). These spin-lattice relaxation times are interpreted in terms of a dipolar relaxation mechanism modulated by the segmental motion of the chain. The greater relative segmental flexibility of the trans-poly (isoprene) chain leads...
Characterization of novel chromophores, fluorophores and cross-links from glyceraldehyde, lysine and arginine

Abstract Compared to long-chain carbohydrates, short-chain sugar aldehydes and dicarbonyls are known to be much more reactive with lysine and arginine. In order to elucidate the potential chemical nature of extracellular matrix cross-links induced by glyceraldehydes (GA), we incubated it with α-amino-protected lysine with or without α-amino-protected arginine at physiological pH and temperature. In this paper, we describe the isolation and the chemical identification of four new advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). Two acid stable, fluorescent adducts, named lys-hydroxy-triosidine and arg-hydroxy-triosidine were found to be lys–lys and arg–lys cross-links, respectively. The remaining two are nonfluorescent, noncross-linking AGEs formed from one lysine and two GA. Among these latter two adducts, named trihydroxy-triosidine and triosidine-carbaldehyde, only the first one is acid resistant.
Deformation Studies of Polymers by Time-Resolved Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy III: A New Approach

A new time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique has been developed for commercial fast scanning interferometers. In contrast to the methods developed previously, this one has greater flexibility in the time resolution achievable (100 microseconds to seconds) and can be easily adapted to measure a variety of external experiments. Experiments are given demonstrating the correct operation of this technique and its applicability in following the deformation behavior in polymers.
ON THE STATUS OF CATALYTIC REACTION ENGINEERING

Abstract With the advent of Catalysis Reviews-Science and Engineering, it would seem appropriate that a status report on catalytic reaction engineering be fashioned at this time. Rather than present a comprehensive review of the diverse aspects of the general subject, we choose to set forth a more modest and manageable commentary on key areas of the subject to indicate the level of progress, or the lack of it, in areas complementing the catalytic sciences. As such, literature citations are merely illustrative, not comprehensive. Hopefully our limited comments will inspire experts in each of the various subdisciplines of catalytic reaction engineering to create more profound commentaries for this Journal.
Neurogenesis in the adult brain: Implications for Alzheimer's disease

The function of neurogenesis in the adult brain is still unknown. Interventions such as environmental enrichment and exercise impinge on neurogenesis, suggesting that the process is regulated by experience. Conversely, a role for neurogenesis in learning has been proposed through 'cellular plasticity', a process akin to synaptic plasticity but operating at the network level. Although neurogenesis is stimulated by acute injury, and possibly by neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), it does not suffice to restore function. While the role and direction of change in the neurogenic response at different stages of AD is still a matter of debate, it is possible that a deficit in neurogenesis may contribute to AD pathogenesis since at least one of the two regions ostensibly neurogenic in the adult human brain (the subgranular zone of the dentage gyrus and the ventriculo-olfactory neurogenic system) support high-level functions affected in early AD (associative memory and olfaction respectively). The age of onset and the rate of progression of sporadic forms of AD are highly variable. Sporadic AD may have a component of insufficient neurogenic replacement or insufficient neurogenic stimulation that is correlated with traits of personal history; the rate of neurogenesis and the survival of replicating progenitors is strongly modified by behavioral interventions known to impinge on the rate of neurogenesis and the probability of survival of newly born neurons--exercise, enriched experience, and learning. This view is consistent with epidemiological data suggesting that higher education and increased participation in intellectual, social and physical aspects of daily life are associated with slower cognitive decline in healthy elderly ("cognitive reserve") and may reduce the risk of AD. Although neurogenesis can be modulated exogenously by growth factors, stimulation of neurogenesis as a mean to treat neurodegeneration is still for the most part speculative. Moreover, it is possible that different roles of neurogenesis during the course of AD are dictated by the degree of permissibility of the environment in which the process is taking place. A unique opportunity may exist in which the therapeutic stimulation of neurogenesis might contribute to functional 'repair' of the adult diseased brain, before damage to whole neuronal networks has ensued. In spite of the considerable gaps in our knowledge of neurogenesis, and of the considerable limitations that will need to be overcome before we can intervene in the process, that new neurons are added continuously to the adult mammalian brain is a discovery that has already changed the way we think about neurobiology, and may soon change the way we understand and approach neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
Understanding referential expressions in context: use of common ground by children and adolescents with mental retardation.

Listeners interpret utterances against the common ground, or network of presuppositions shared with the speaker. The first purpose of the study was to determine whether individuals with mental retardation use the major sources of common ground (i.e., physical copresence, linguistic copresence, and community member-ship) to resolve referential ambiguity. The second purpose was to determine whether they seek confirmation of their referent choices in accordance with the certainty of interpretation afforded by the common ground. The third purpose was to determine whether they signal noncomprehension when faced with ambiguity and common ground that is not informative. The final purpose was to evaluate the relationship between within-group variability in common ground use and measures of nonverbal cognition, receptive and expressive language, and social cognition. Participants were school-age individuals with mental retardation and typically developing children matched to them on nonverbal MA. Common ground use...
Identification of a novel Y branch structure as an intermediate in trypanosome mRNA processing: evidence for trans splicing.

Abstract We present evidence that addition of the 35 nucleotide spliced leader (SL) to the 5′ end of T. brucei mRNAs occurs via trans RNA splicing. A 100 nucleotide fragment of the 135 base SL RNA (100-mer) is revealed by S1 nuclease analysis of total and poly(A) + RNA. This 100-mer is not detected by Northern hybridization analysis, indicating that it does not exist free in the cell. The 5′ end of the 100-mer maps precisely to the conserved splice junction sequence of the SL RNA. Purified debranching enzyme releases this 100-mer RNA as a free, 100 nucleotide species. This indicates that the 100-mer is covalently linked to poly(A) + RNA by a 2′–5′ phosphodiester bond, that the branched intermediate has a discontinuous intron or Y structure (rather than a lariat), which is expected of a transspliced mRNA, and that the SL RNA is indeed the donor of the SL sequence to trypanosome mRNAs.
Electron-stimulated bond rearrangements on the H/Si(100)-3×1 surface

Rearrangements of the Si(100)-3×1:H surface induced by an STM tip at a positive sample bias are examined. Emphasis is placed on local 3×1→2×1 restructuring of the surface following the loss of two H atoms. The H-atom desorption yield from monohydride sites of the 3×1 surface and the 3×1→2×1 transition yield induced by electronic excitation are presented. Based on electronic structure calculations, it is estimated that the 3×1→2×1 rearrangement process has overall barriers ranging from 0.1 to 1.6 eV, depending on the sites from which the H atoms are lost. It is proposed that STM-induced vibrational excitation of surface bonds provides the energy for surmounting the rearrangement barriers.
Comparison of nominal recall (standard) and multiple-choice methods for administration of WISC-R information subtest: a preliminary study indicating a learning effect of multiple-choice testing.

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised (WISC—R) Information subtest was administered to learning disabled children using two methods of administration, the standard (recall) method and a multiple-choice format. Those children who were tested first with the multiple-choice format and subsequently with the standard format did better on the standard format than expected. This preliminary study suggests a learning effect of such multiple-choice testing and the desirability of further research being undertaken.
Solution-based n-type doping in Cu 2 O and its implications for 3 rd -generation cells

Cu 2 O is naturally p-type, which has prevented an efficient Cu 2 O solar cell. N-type doping of Cu 2 O is demonstrated during electrodeposition of Cu 2 O by adding a Cl precursor to the aqueous solution. Current-voltage characterization reveals that the resistivity of undoped Cu 2 O by electrodeposition is ∼40 MΩ-cm, while that of Cl-doped Cu 2 O is significantly reduced to as low as ∼7Ω-cm. X-ray diffraction confirms that the films are pure Cu 2 O. Photocurrent measurements verify that Cl-doped Cu 2 O is n-type. The solution-based doping method is particularly suitable for low-cost, large-area and high-throughput fabrication of solar cells. In addition, since the doping method substitutes chalcogen with halogen by co-precipitation of halide with chalcogenide, it is in principle universal for n-type doping in other solution-prepared chalcogenides. Several 3rd-generation concepts are enabled by the doping method through solution-prepared chalcogenide nanowires, including radial p-n junctions for enhanced charge separation in organic/inorganic hybrid cells and 3-dimensional p-n junctions for decoupling of photon absorption and charge separation in solar cells.
Mitotic Spindle Assembly around RCC1-Coated Beads in Xenopus Egg Extracts

During cell division the genetic material on chromosomes is distributed to daughter cells by a dynamic microtubule structure called the mitotic spindle. Here we establish a reconstitution system to assess the contribution of individual chromosome proteins to mitotic spindle formation around single 10 µm diameter porous glass beads in Xenopus egg extracts. We find that Regulator of Chromosome Condensation 1 (RCC1), the Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor (GEF) for the small GTPase Ran, can induce bipolar spindle formation. Remarkably, RCC1 beads oscillate within spindles from pole to pole, a behavior that could be converted to a more typical, stable association by the addition of a kinesin together with RCC1. These results identify two activities sufficient to mimic chromatin-mediated spindle assembly, and establish a foundation for future experiments to reconstitute spindle assembly entirely from purified components.
Proteolytic Activity Attenuates the Response of Endothelial Cells to Fluid Shear Stress

Recent evidence indicates that several experimental pathophysiological conditions are associated with elevated protease activity in plasma, which impacts endothelial function. We hypothesize that extracellular structures bound to the endothelial cell (EC) membrane may be degraded by proteolytic activity reducing the cell’s response to physiological shear stress and glucose metabolism efficiency. To test this hypothesis, cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were exposed to low serine protease activity. Extracellular mechanosensor densities of the glycocalyx and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) were determined. Metabolic dysfunction was tested by examining insulin receptor and glucose uptake levels. Protease treatment impaired the cells’ ability to align in the direction of fluid flow after 12 h of shear stress (12 dyn/cm2); however, cells realigned after an additional 12 h of shear stress with protease inhibition. Proteases caused reduction in the densities of glycocalyx, VEGFR-2, and insulin receptor in static and shear conditions, except for static VEGFR-2 cells. Under static conditions, protease-treated ECs had reduced glucose uptake compared to untreated controls. Under shear, glucose uptake for protease treated BAECs was greater than untreated controls. In conclusion, protease activity in plasma alters the exofacial membrane components of ECs and may interfere with mechanotransduction.
Computational Modelling of Optogenetics in Cardiac Cells

Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) is a light-activated ion channel that can allow scientists to electrically activate cells via optical stimulation. Using a combination of existing computational electrophysiological and mechanical cardiac cell models with a novel ChR2 ion channel model, we created a model for ChR2-transduced cardiac myocytes. We implemented this model into a commonly available finite element platform and simulated both the single cell and the tissue electromechanical response. Our simulations show that it is possible to stimulate cardiac tissue optically with ChR2-transduced cells.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Trace element speciation using solid phase microextraction

An initial review of research targeting applications of solid phase microextraction for organometallic speciation, published in 2001, encompassed literature from the early days of solid phase microextraction up to June 2000. In this article, the reader will find a compilation and discussion of relevant literature published from June 2000 to December 2004. Because of the maturity of the technique, only a brief overview of the measurement principles is presented. The major thrust of the article highlights applications of solid phase microextraction to the fields of elemental and organometallic analyses. In contrast to the earlier review, applications related to the determination of phosphorus-, sulfur-, bromine-, chlorine- and iodine-containing compounds have also been included for those cases where the target of the determination is the element or a specific molecule containing the element for which atomic spectroscopy has been advocated as a detection technique. Additionally, other microextraction techniques are also considered, including stirbar sorptive extraction and single droplet microextraction.
A perspective on planning and crises in the public sector

SUMMARY Five diagrams indicate how crises open up five different kinds of 'opportunity space'. Expanded opportunity spaces involve, in effect, a relaxation of the 'normal' constraints around decisionmaking in governmental systems. This perspective may allow for better prediction of crises, better choices during crises, and greater stability in solutions to crises.
KAP1 promotes proliferation and metastatic progression of breast cancer cells

KAP1 (TRIM28) is a transcriptional regulator in embryonic development that controls stem cell self-renewal, chromatin organization and the DNA damage response, acting as an essential co-repressor for KRAB family zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZNF). To gain insight into the function of this large gene family, we developed an antibody that recognizes the conserved zinc fingers linker region (ZnFL) in multiple KRAB-ZNF. Here we report that the expression of many KRAB-ZNF along with active SUMOlyated KAP1 is elevated widely in human breast cancers. KAP1 silencing in breast cancer cells reduced proliferation and inhibited the growth and metastasis of tumor xenografts. Conversely, KAP1 overexpression stimulated cell proliferation and tumor growth. In cells where KAP1 was silenced, we identified multiple downregulated genes linked to tumor progression and metastasis, including EREG/epiregulin, PTGS2/COX2, MMP1, MMP2 and CD44, along with downregulation of multiple KRAB-ZNF proteins. KAP1-dependent stabilization of KRAB-ZNF required direct interactions with KAP1. Together, our results show that KAP1-mediated stimulation of multiple KRAB-ZNF contributes to the growth and metastasis of breast cancer.
Generation of Venus' nightside ionospheric structure by particle streams from cosmoids

A newly discovered source of energetic particle streams directed at Venus' nightside may cause several exosphere phenomena. The streams evolve from dispersed cosmoids, a surreptitious population of meteoroids in nearly hyperbolic orbits, measured with three dust experiments on Pioneer 10/11. Loose fragile comet-like ensembles of frozen volatile material, they are orders of magnitude more populous than short-period meteoroids. Dispersion is forced near a planet masking the meteor signature at Earth, but recently terrestrial exosphere interactions have been detected principally from VLF radar returns and as suddenly formed layers of neutral sodium and iron probed by lidar. Venus influx is estimated greater than 10(exp -14)(g)/((sq cm)(s)) with nightside directed kinetic power of greater than 0.3 (erg)/((sq cm)s)). Compared to Earth, Venus, lacking a dipole field with almost no rotation, has a readily recognized set of nightside interaction signatures of these downward energetic particle streams: i.e., density depressions of the neutral thermosphere, hydrogen and helium bulges, a non-disappearing ionosphere, electron holes, nightglows, VLF bursty signals, and local magnetic fields. From Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) measurements, the cosmoid population, its temporal and solar azimuthal variation may be determined.
Migration and Dispersal Patterns of Fe59-Labeled Lone Star Ticks

Fe59Iabeled lone star ticks, Amblyomma americanum (L.), were released 25 feet from shaded areas at 4 sites at Camp Bullis, Texas. The predominant direction of migration was toward and into the shaded areas. The ticks migrated as much as 75 feet in 72 hours and a total of 95 feet in 11-12 weeks. A vacuum apparatus was used to handle the radioactive ticks.
Experience Counts: Career Stage and Teachers’ Responses to Mathematics Education Reform

This article explores the relationships between elementary teachers’ career stages and their interpretation and implementation of mathematics education reform. This is done using (a) secondary anal...
Climate, Weather, and Tourism: Issues and Opportunities

What: approximately 100 scientists, academics, public policy officials, nonprofit leaders, and business owners addressed the shortand long-term impacts of weather and climate fluctuations on the economic vitality of the tourism industry. When: 14–15 november 2008 Where: Greenville, north Carolina i ncreasingly, tourists are taking into consideration the weather of the day or week as well as other climate-related factors when determining vacation destinations, activities, and ultimately the extent to which they enjoy their travel experience. Wind, humidity, temperature, drought, storminess, snow conditions, water temperature, and degree of sunshine are a few of the variables that affect visitors’ decisions, satisfaction, and the extent of spending— that important economic “bottom line” for tourism businesses and tourism destinations. To help bridge the divide between atmospheric science expertise and data and business practices, the Center for Sustainable Tourism (CST) at East Carolina University hosted a timely workshop to i) provide a forum to explore the interchange of scientific information with decisionmaking needs of tourism businesses; ii) identify the questions that need to be answered to make this interchange effective; and iii) create an organizational structure that serves as the policy-making framework for the long-term management of a climate, weather, and tourism initiative. The workshop was organized into three main themes related to weather and climate: current trends in tourism, information needs and communication, and vulnerabilities and adaptive management capacities for the future.
iNIU A Services Portal for NIU Students

iNIU is a centralized online portal aiming for Northern Illinois University (NIU) students to access various services, from the university as well as the Internet, in one Web portal using a single login id. The portal exploits the Web 2.0 technology to mash-up a variety of existing Web services that NIU students frequently use, including blog, weather, clock, calendar, news, facebook profile viewer, and search. This paper reports our design and implement of the iNIU services portal.
Radiation Conductance of Axial and Transverse Slots in Cylinders of Elliptical Cross Section

Expressions for the radiation field of axial and transverse slots in cylinders of elliptical cross-section are derived by a method based on diffraction theory and the principle of reciprocity. Radiation patterns of transverse slots and curves of radiation conductance are presented. It is shown that the radiation conductance is influenced considerably by the degree of curvature of the surface on which the slot is located.
Discovery of SCH446211 (SCH6): A New Ketoamide Inhibitor of the HCV NS3 Serine Protease and HCV Subgenomic RNA Replication

Introduction of various modified prolines at P2 and optimization of the P1 side chain led to the discovery of SCH6 (24, Table 2), a potent ketoamide inhibitor of the HCV NS3 serine protease. In addition to excellent enzyme potency (Ki*= 3.8 nM), 24 was also found to be a potent inhibitor of HCV subgenomic RNA replication with IC50 and IC90 of 40 and 100 nM, respectively. Recently, antiviral activity of 24 was demonstrated with inhibition of the full-length genotype 2a HCV genome. In addition, 24 was found to restore the responsiveness of the interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) in cells containing HCV RNA replicons.
Alcohol Use Among Arab Americans: What is the Prevalence?

Information is limited on alcohol use among Arab Americans. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the alcohol use pattern among Arab Americans by reviewing existing surveys using an acculturation model. Secondary data analysis. Nationally, English-speaking immigrant Arab Americans reported lower rates of lifetime alcohol use (50.8%), past month use (26.4%) and binge drinking (10%) than the White majority group. In a state survey, self-identified English-speaking Arab Americans were less likely to report past month use (45.6%) than the White majority group but reported similar rate of binge drinking (17.0%). Locally, lifetime drinking was reported by 46.2% of the immigrants but only 13.4% of refugees fleeing war. Few databases are available to estimate alcohol use pattern among Arab Americans; the limited data suggest a drinking pattern consistent with acculturation. However, the potential influence of other factors is unknown and needs to be investigated.
Whose Responsibility Is Meaningful Work

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the conditions for meaningful work as a moral responsibility. Meaningful work is important in an increasingly globalized world in which greater wealth does not necessarily contribute to greater happiness and workers' well‐being is often not within their own control. Often, meaningful work is considered to be desirable but not morally obligatory despite the continuing need for work that improves social and environmental welfare.Design/methodology/approach – This paper utilizes literary examples to explore objective (Melville's Bartleby) and subjective (Proust's Marcel and Joyce's Stephen) conceptions of meaningful work.Findings – How we define what meaningful work is – who has control over it and whose interests are at stake – makes a difference as to whose responsibility it is. An objective conception of meaningful work, focusing on the tendency for industrial production to exploit the worker, entails a weak (though nonetheless important) claim about moral responsibili...
Addition of a 29 Residue Carboxyl-terminal Tail Converts a Simple HMG Box-containing Protein into a Transcriptional Activator

Human mitochondrial transcription factor A (h-mtTFA) is essential for initiation of transcription from the two promoters located in the displacement-loop region of human mitochondrial DNA. This 25 kDa protein contains two tandem, HMG box DNA-binding domains separated by a 27 amino acid residue linker region and followed by a 25 residue carboxyl-terminal tail; both the linker and tail are rich in basic amino acid residues. Mutational analysis of h-mtTFA revealed that the tail region is important for specific DNA recognition and essential for transcriptional activation. The critical role of the human tail in transcription was confirmed by constructing chimeric proteins that exchanged similar regions between h-mtTFA and its Saccharomyces cerevisiae homolog, sc-mtTFA. Wild-type sc-mtTFA is unable to activate transcription from the human mitochondrial light-strand promoter (LSP). Addition of the human tail region to sc-mtTFA conferred LSP-specific promoter activation. In all of the different h-mtTFA mutations tested, transcriptional activation was correlated with specific DNA-binding activity, suggesting that these two functions may be inseparable, a situation entirely consistent with previous mutational analyses of human mitochondrial promoters.
Cocaethylene: A neuropharmacologically active metabolite assciated with concurrent cocaine-ethanol ingestion

Abstract High concentrations of cocaethylene (EC), the ethyl ester of benzoylecgonine, were measured in the blood of individuals who had concurrently used cocaine and ethanol. Since the powerful reinforcing effects of cocaine appear to be dependent on inhibition of dopamine reuptake in brain, we compared the effects of EC on the dopamine uptake system and its behavioral effects with those of cocaine. EC was equipotent to cocaine with respect to inhibition of binding of [3H]GBR 12395 to the dopamine reuptake complex, inhibition of [3H]dopamine uptake into synaptosomes and in its ability to increase extracellular dopamine concentration in the nucleus accumbens following its systemic administration to rats. Moreover, in rats, EC and cocaine each increased locomotor activity and rearing to the same extent following i.p. administration. In self-administration studies in primates, EC was approximately equipotent to cocaine in maintaining responding. The in vivo formation of this active, transesterified ethyl homolog of cocaine may contribute to the effects and consequences of combined cocaine and ethanol abuse.
Bales's Interpersonal Rating Forms: Reliability and Dimensionality.

Le modele spatial de la structure des petits groupes elabore par Bales est teste ici. Il consiste en trois echelles paralleles de 26 items, qui sont soumises a 266 etudiants ayant recemment satisfait aux epreuves d'une «unite de valeur» en matiere de «prise de decision en groupe». Les trois echelles permettent une autoevaluation ainsi que l'evaluation des membres du groupe de decision (rapports affectifs, ascendant, comportements conformistes ou deviants, leadership)
A Spatial Model for Integrin Clustering as a Result of Feedback between Integrin Activation and Integrin Binding

Integrins are transmembrane adhesion receptors that bind extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and signal bidirectionally to regulate cell adhesion and migration. In many cell types, integrins cluster at cell-ECM contacts to create the foundation for adhesion complexes that transfer force between the cell and the ECM. Even though the temporal and spatial regulation of these integrin clusters is essential for cell migration, how cells regulate their formation is currently unknown. It has been shown that integrin cluster formation is independent of actin stress fiber formation, but requires active (high-affinity) integrins, phosphoinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), talin, and immobile ECM ligand. Based on these observations, we propose a minimal model for initial formation of integrin clusters, facilitated by localized activation and binding of integrins to ECM ligands as a result of biochemical feedback between integrin binding and integrin activation. By employing a diffusion-reaction framework for modeling these reactions, we show how spatial organization of bound integrins into clusters may be achieved by a local source of active integrins, namely protein complexes formed on the cytoplasmic tails of bound integrins. Further, we show how such a mechanism can turn small local increases in the concentration of active talin or active integrin into integrin clusters via positive feedback. Our results suggest that the formation of integrin clusters by the proposed mechanism depends on the relationships between production and diffusion of integrin-activating species, and that changes to the relative rates of these processes may affect the resulting properties of integrin clusters.
Prevalence of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease among asthmatic patients: A meta-analysis of the literature

Background Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is manifested by adult-onset asthma, nasal polyposis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and aspirin sensitivity. Previously reported prevalence rates have been widely variable based on the population studied, method of diagnosis, and definition of aspirin sensitivity. Objective We sought to determine the prevalence of AERD among asthmatic adults. Methods A systematic review of databases was performed to identify all clinical trials published on or before June 16, 2013, that evaluated the prevalence of AERD. The studies were clustered into 7 different groups based on underlying disease (asthma, nasal polyps or chronic rhinosinusitis, or both), as well as on the methodology of prevalence determination. Results A total of 1770 articles were identified, with 27 considered appropriate for inclusion. Prevalence rates of AERD ranged from 5.5% to 12.4% based on study type. Among all studies in asthmatic patients, regardless of method, the prevalence of AERD was 7.15% (95% CI, 5.26% to 9.03%). The prevalence of AERD was highest among patients with severe asthma (14.89% [95% CI, 6.48% to 23.29%]). Among patients with nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis, the prevalence was 9.69% (95% CI, 2.16% to 17.22%) and 8.7% (95% CI, −1.02% to 18.34%), respectively. Conclusion AERD is a distinct and important subtype of asthma and polypoid sinus disease. The prevalence of AERD is 7% in typical adult asthmatic patients and twice that number in patients with severe asthma, which underscores the importance of recognizing this disorder. Early identification of this syndrome is critical in view of the increased morbidity and costs associated with asthma exacerbations and the option to treat patients with AERD with long-term aspirin treatment after desensitization.
Photorefractivity in ferroelectric liquid crystals

The first observation of photorefractivity in ferroelectric liquid crystals (flcs) is reported. The flcs are doped with the easily oxidized chromophore perylene, which also functions as the sensitizer. The electron acceptor di-buty1-pyromellitimide is added to induce photoconductivity through an efficient intermolecular electron transfer reaction to produce mobile ions. A strong dependence on the orientation of the wavevector of the optical interference pattern and polarization of the writing beams relative to the orientation of the lfc molecules is observed. The results are interpreted as an orientational photorefractive effect in which the net polarization of the flc couples linearly to the space-charge field as opposed to nematic liquid crystals in which the dielectric anisotrophy couples to the square of the space charge field.
COMPARISON OF AVOIDANCE LEARNING IN TWO SPECIES OF LIZARDS, CROTAPHYTUS COLLARIS AND DIPSOSAURUS DORSALIS

The performance of high and low substrate temperature groups of two species of lizards, collared lizards and desert iguanas, were compared on a shock-avoidance problem. All Ss made escapes on all trials of the three days of escape training. During Phase 1, no group of either species attained the criterion for avoidance learning within 250 trials. Phase 2 was conducted to analyze the failure to demonstrate avoidance learning. Half of all Ss were provided with a tunnel, as a more “natural” escape route. Half of all Ss were administered Reserpine in an attempt to reduce a postulated “freezing” response. The possibilities of habituation to shock were considered. Only the tunnel groups of collared lizards attained the criterion for avoidance learning. The performance of the tunnel group of desert iguanas improved significantly, but a significant interaction between the effects of the drug and tunnel treatments makes these results difficult to interpret. Procedural differences between this study and those condu...
THz laser study of self-pressure and temperature broadening and shifts of water vapor lines for pressures up to 1.4kPa

Abstract The self-broadened linewidths of pure rotational lines of water vapor have been investigated in the temperature range 263– 340 K over a pressure range from 30– 1400 Pa using an optically pumped THz photomixer spectrometer having a relative precision of ≈10 −5 cm −1 . The lineshapes of several lines between 12 and 52 cm −1 were well fit by Lorentzian profiles over the spectral interval spanning ±5 FWHM. The Lorentzian FWHM linewidths varied between 6.6×10−6 and 1.06×10 −6 cm −1 Pa −1 (0.67 and 1.07 cm −1 atm −1 ) and were found to depend on the J, K a and Kc quantum numbers as well as temperature. The observed pressure-induced shifts, δν(P), ranged from 1.3×10−7– 4.5×10 −7 cm −1 Pa −1 (0.013– 0.046 cm −1 atm −1 ) . The measured linewidths also exhibited a (T0/T)n power law dependence on temperature. The best fit exponent n varied from 0.56 to 0.81, dependent on rotational line. A decrease in δν(T) with increasing temperature is also observed, varying between 2×10−8 and 5×10 −8 cm −1 Pa −1 (2×10−3 and 5×10 −3 cm −1 atm −1 ) over the 300– 340 K temperature range.
The First Crusade: The Call from the East. By Peter Frankopan. Cambridge, Mass.: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2012. xxiv + 264 pp. $29.95 cloth.

(ProQuest: ... denotes non-US-ASCII text omitted.)The First Crusade: The Call from the East . By Peter Frankopan . Cambridge, Mass. : The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press , 2012. xxiv + 264 pp. $29.95 cloth.Book Reviews and NotesPeter Frankopan successfully provides a fresh perspective on a topic that has attracted no shortage of popular and scholarly attention in the last few years. Challenging the notion that it was primarily the religious ideologies of the Latin West that impelled thousands of Christians to fight Muslims in the Holy Land at the turn of the twelfth century, he finds the "real origins" of the First Crusade in the deft, if sometimes desperate, policies that the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Comnenus formulated to save his empire from a myriad of external threats. Although scholars will find that this book follows a distinctly traditional narrative structure, it effectively draws the reader into the internal vicissitudes of Byzantine rule as well as the intricate and multifaceted geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean. As such, it follows in the tradition of historians who have sought to understand the Crusades as political and military expeditions rather than simply outlets for western religious enthusiasm.Frankopan acknowledges that Pope Urban II and the reforming traditions of the eleventh-century Latin Church shaped the way Christians understood the expedition that captured Jerusalem in 1099, but he argues that neither the pope nor the reform movement could have launched the Crusade without the initiative of Alexios. Even if he is not the first to make this point, it is important that he has done so in a well-written book that will appeal to undergraduates and general readers. The book is at its best in chapters 2-6, which follow the emperor as he outmaneuvers his domestic rivals while carefully making alliances with Muslims against his various foreign enemies. Much of the traditional scholarship, when considering the Byzantine origins of the First Crusade, has seen the call to the West as a delayed but inevitable reaction to the calamitous defeat of Romanos IV Diogenes by the Seljuk Alp Arslan at Manzikert in 1071. Frankopan instead shows us a Byzantium that, thanks to Alexius, had largely stabilized its position by 1091 only to see its position in Asia Minor collapse by 1094. As result, he can argue that the Crusade stemmed from Alexios's resolution in the face of a bewildering set of difficulties. Alexius did not make a reckless, frantic, plea for help; rather, he negotiated western military aid over a period of several years. Although Frankopan allows that Urban II was himself opportunistic in calling the Crusade, it was Alexios's machinations that truly precipitated it.Those machinations continued as Alexios bargained with the western princes who arrived in Constantinople in 1097. …
Modeling the Contact Stiffness Between a 2D Voronoi Honeycomb and a Flat Rigid Surface

Open-cell foam can be thought of as a network of interconnected struts. To study the contact stiffness behavior, one can imagine the foam boundary to be characterized by struts that are free at one end, while the base-end is connected to the interior of the foam. In previous studies, the base-end was assumed to be built into a rigid surface, i.e., the surface struts were constrained to have zero displacement where they would connect to the foam interior. In this study the assumption that the surface elements are built-in is relaxed by modeling the elastic behavior of the foam interior. The foam interior is modeled as a network of struts within a finite element formulation. The analysis is simplified by considering two-dimensional honeycomb structures. It is found that including the foam interior in the model results in a significant reduction in the predicted contact stiffness.
Placenta Accreta: Comparison of Cases Managed with and without Pelvic Artery Balloon Catheters

Objective: To describe our experience with the use of prophylactic pelvic artery balloon catheters in cases of placenta accreta diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound and to compare these cases with contemporary controls.Methods: In this prospective study, all patients seen at our institution between January 1994 and August 1997 with the antenatal sonographic diagnosis of placenta accreta were offered prophylactic preoperative pelvic artery balloon catheterization. Patients who were delivered by cesarean hysterectomy for unsuspected placenta accreta in our institution during the same time interval served as controls. Five patients with the sonographic diagnosis of placenta accreta underwent prophylactic pelvic artery balloon catheterization. Surgical outcomes in patients who received balloon catheters were compared with those managed without them. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.Results: Five patients with placenta accreta or one of its variants were correctly identified with a...
A Multilevel Investigation of Leadership and Turnover Behavior

This study extends the sparse research on the connection between leadership and follower turnover by investigating the effects of group-level transformational leadership on the withdrawal process. Through an examination of 375 Chinese employees from 96 work groups, we used hierarchical generalized linear modeling (HGLM) analyses to test our proposed model. Findings reveal that, even when we control for the effects of leader–member exchange and contingent reward leadership, transformational leadership predicts turnover through quit intentions. In addition, our test of cross-level moderation reveals that transformational leadership can weaken the effect of quit intentions on turnover. Thus, employees are less likely to carry out quit intentions when they have transformational leaders.