cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of palmitoyl-CoA inhibition of mitochondrial adenine nucleotide transport by cytosolic fatty acid binding protein.

Abstract Defatted liver fatty acid binding protein (FABP) reverses the inhibitory effect of palmitoyl-CoA on adenine nucleotide transport in rat liver mitochondria; addition of titrating amounts of FABP to mitochondria pretreated with palmitoyl-CoA stimulates nucleotide transport and that activation parallels the removal of the inhibitor from mitochondria. This effect is specific only for FABP; all other cytosolic proteins which do not bind fatty acids do not influence nucleotide transport activity. Addition of free fatty acids (which can compete for ligand binding sites on FABP) to mitochondria pretreated with palmitoyl-CoA interferes with the reversal activity of FABP. Adding FABP alone to freshly isolated mitochondria also activates nucleotide transport activity suggesting that the originally submaximal activity is probably due to the presence of endogenous long-chain acyl-CoA esters in the mitochondrial preparation. Because FABP is present in relatively high concentration in most mammalian cells, these observations offer a likely explanation of why the potent inhibitory effects of long-chain acyl-CoA esters on adenine nucleotide transport in isolated mitochondria are not seen in the intact cell.
Mercury and other air toxics in the Adirondack region of New York

Abstract The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 identified nearly 200 air toxics, or hazardous air pollutants. These include pesticides, industrial chemicals, metals, chlorinated and hydrocarbon solvents, PCBs, and combustion by-products. Although the Adirondack region of New York is remote from most sources of air toxics, the region has been impacted as a result of atmospheric deposition of certain chemicals. Mercury is the primary air toxic of concern for the Adirondack region. Acidification of the Adirondacks has made mercury and other metals more mobile, and mercury in particular has bioaccumulated in fish from acidic waters. Large, older age, piscivorous fish such as bass, walleye, large yellow perch and northern pike accumulate the highest mercury concentrations. Low concentrations of mercury are generally observed in trout species, sunfish and bullhead. Common loons are at risk due to the mercury levels in the fish they consume. Loons which nest on acidic waters in Wisconsin have reduced fledging rates compared with loons nesting on neutral lakes. Mink and otter accumulate higher levels of mercury than the fish which they eat. Emissions of air toxics are being reduced as a result of recent control programs, and it is hoped that these reductions will lead to lower concentrations of toxic chemicals in Adirondack biota.
Justice and Economic Democracy

This paper explores the relationship between justice and democracy with special reference to economic democracy. Those who favor greater economic democracy sometimes equate justice with democracy, seeing in greater democracy the key to a more just society. The author presents a critique of this idea, arguing that greater democracy does not mean greater justice, but can easily lead in the opposite direction. The equation of justice with democracy is often linked to communitarian ideals that subordinate the individual to the group, and to concepts of politics that blur the distinction between private and public, political and economic. The paper explores the significance of group life for economic justice, the concept of politics appropriate to normative theory in political economy, and the problematic ideal of government that derives from equating justice, democracy and government. The paper considers both workplace democracy and the democratization of economic policy making.
Acoustic startle reflex and pre-pulse inhibition in tinnitus patients

Abstract Gap induced pre-pulse inhibition (Gap-PPI) of acoustic startle reflex has been used as a measurement of tinnitus in animal models. However, whether this test is sensitive to detect tinnitus in humans is still unclear. Based on the testing procedure used in animal studies, a human subject testing method was formulated and conducted to investigate if a similar result could be found in tinnitus patients. Audiologic and tinnitus assessments and acoustic startle reflex measurements were performed on seven tinnitus subjects and nine age matched subjects without tinnitus. There was no significant difference found between the control and tinnitus group on the Gap-PPI across the frequencies evaluated. The amplitude of the startle response in the tinnitus group with normal hearing thresholds was significantly higher than the control group and those with tinnitus and hearing loss. This preliminary result suggests that hyperexcitability in the central auditory system may be involved in tinnitus. There was no correlation between hearing thresholds and the increased amplitude of startle response.
Vaporization of refractory oxides during pulverized coal combustion

A laboratory coal combustor was used to study the vaporization behavior of ash duringpulverized coal combustion. The variation in the amount and composition of the ash vaporized with coal type was investigated. The effect of coal size and combustion temperature on the vaporization rate of Si, Mg and Ca was also investigated. At a moderate combustion temperature of 2000° K, the amount of ash vaporized was onthe order of a few percent of the total ash content of the coals tested. The ash vaporized from combustion of subbituminous coals and lignites is composed primarily of MgO or of Na2O if the coal contains high concentrations of sodium. The ash vaporized from combustion or bituminous coals is composed primarily of SiO2 and iron oxide. This effect of rank is a result of the appreciable vaporization of the organically bound magnesium present in the low rank coals. The vaporization rates of Si and Mg are dependent on the coal size and vary by over four orders of magnitude in the combustion temperature range of 1600–3000° K. A model presented to interpret the experimental results considers the degree of dispersion of mineral matter in coal, chemical reduction of refractory oxides (SiO2, MgO, CaO) to the corresponding volatile suboxide or metal vapor, and the internal and boundary layer transport processes. The model adequately describes the vaporization rate of both metals associated with mineral inclusions and those organically bound in the parent coal, and the changes in vaporization rates with changes in temperature and in coal particle size.
Modulation of CTNS gene expression by intracellular thiols.

Abstract The cysteine/cystine (Cys/CySS) couple represents one of the major cell thiol/disulfide systems and is involved in the regulation of several metabolic pathways and the cell redox state. Nephropathic cystinosis (NC) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by renal cellular dysfunction due to mutations in the CTNS gene, which encodes cystinosin, a CySS lysosomal transporter. To analyze the mechanisms involved in cell damage in NC, we have investigated the effects of CTNS gene overexpression or inhibition on cell thiol/disulfide systems and vice versa. Overexpression of the CTNS gene had no remarkable effect on intracellular Cys/CySS and GSH/GSSG redox state. Silencing the CTNS gene increased cell CySS and Cys and decreased cell GSH and GSSG and increased mildly the redox state of the Cys/CySS-couple. Extracellular CySS and Cys deprivation for 48 h caused an oxidation of the Cys/CySS (73 mV) and GSH/GSSG (100 mV) redox couples and increased CTNS mRNA levels by 1.9 ± 0.2-fold (p
Reduplication revisited: Functions, constraints, repairs, and clinical implications

This case study considers the phonological forms of early lexical items produced by 1 normally developing boy, from 19 to 22 months of age, who began to produce all monosyllabic words as bisyllabic. In order to link this empirical data (the apparent creation of increased complexity) with universal tendencies (motivated by the reduction of complexity), the functions of reduplication were revisited. Phonological processes (i.e., reduplication and final consonant deletion) are viewed as repairs motivated by 2 interacting constraints (i.e., constraints on monosyllabic words and on word-final consonants). These longitudinal case study data provide further evidence for a relationship between final consonant deletion and reduplication. A possible treatment approach for similar patterns demonstrated clinically is recommended.
Discovery of trypanocidal compounds by whole cell HTS of Trypanosoma brucei.

Chemotherapy against human African trypanosomiasis relies on four drugs that cause frequent and occasionally severe side-effects. Because human African trypanosomiasis is a disease of poor people in Africa, the traditional market-driven pathways to drug development are not available. One potentially rapid and cost-effective approach to identifying and developing new trypanocidal drugs would be high throughput-screening of existing drugs already approved for other uses, as well as clinical candidates in late development. We have developed an ATP-bioluminescence assay that could be used to rapidly and efficiently screen compound libraries against trypanosomes in a high throughput-screening format to validate this notion. We screened a collection of 2160 FDA-approved drugs, bioactive compounds and natural products to identify hits that were cytotoxic to cultured Trypanosoma brucei at a concentration of 1 μm or less. This meant that any hit identified would be effective at a concentration readily achievable by standard drug dosing in humans. From the screen, 35 hits from seven different drug categories were identified. These included the two approved trypanocidal drugs, suramin and pentamidine, several other drugs suspected but never validated as trypanocidal, and 17 novel trypanocidal drugs.
Ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM): four-dimensional imaging and diffraction of nanostructures during phase transitions.

Four-dimensional (4D) imaging during structural changes are reported here using ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM). For nanostructures, the phase transition in the strongly correlated material vanadium dioxide is our case study. The transition is initiated and probed in situ, in the microscope, by a femtosecond near-infrared and electron pulses (at 120 keV). Real-space imaging and Fourier-space diffraction patterns show that the transition from the monoclinic (P2_1/c) to tetragonal (P4_2/mnm) structure is induced in 3 ± 1 ps, but there exists a nonequilibrium (metastable) structure whose nature is determined by electronic, carrier-induced, structural changes. For the particles studied, the subsequent recovery occurs in about 1 ns. Because of the selectivity of excitation from the 3d_∥-band, and the relatively low fluence used, these results show the critical role of carriers in weakening the V^(4+)−V^(4+) bonding in the monoclinic phase and the origin of the nonequilibrium phase. A theoretical two-dimensional (2D) diffusion model for nanoscale materials is presented, and its results account for the observed behavior.
Mitochondrial pathology in human schizophrenic striatum: a postmortem ultrastructural study.

Studies using in vivo imaging or microscopic analysis of autopsy specimens indicate abnormalities in the striatum of schizophrenics including lower striatal metabolism, a change which can be normalized by antipsychotic medication. To investigate the possibility that abnormalities in schizophrenia brain may be due, in part, to pathology in mitochondria, organelles which generate energy, postmortem brain tissue from schizophrenic and control cases was obtained from the Maryland Brain Collection. Mitochondria in electron micrographs of striatal neuropil were counted and digitized. The caudate and the putamen of the schizophrenic subjects contained significantly (P < 0.05) fewer (a decrease of approximately 20%) mitochondrial profiles throughout the neuropil than did normal controls. The numbers of mitochondrial profiles per axon terminal appeared lower in the subset of schizophrenics off-drug as compared to either the subset of schizophrenics on-drug or to controls, suggesting that neuroleptic treatment may normalize this measure. The structural integrity of mitochondrial profiles in the schizophrenic striata was not obviously different from that of controls. Fewer mitochondrial profiles suggest decreased energy demands or diminished capacity to respond to energy requirements in the structures that contain them. These data are consistent with other studies showing decreased metabolism in the striatum of schizophrenics and may identify, in part, the anatomical basis of this deficit. Synapse 31:67–75, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On similarity classes of well-rounded sublattices of Z2

Abstract Text A lattice is called well-rounded if its minimal vectors span the corresponding Euclidean space. In this paper we study the similarity classes of well-rounded sublattices of Z 2 . We relate the set of all such similarity classes to a subset of primitive Pythagorean triples, and prove that it has the structure of a non-commutative infinitely generated monoid. We discuss the structure of a given similarity class, and define a zeta function corresponding to each similarity class. We relate it to Dedekind zeta of Z [ i ] , and investigate the growth of some related Dirichlet series, which reflect on the distribution of well-rounded lattices. We also construct a sequence of similarity classes of well-rounded sublattices of Z 2 , which gives good circle packing density and converges to the hexagonal lattice as fast as possible with respect to a natural metric we define. Finally, we discuss distribution of similarity classes of well-rounded sublattices of Z 2 in the set of similarity classes of all well-rounded lattices in R 2 . Video For a video summary of this paper, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3LJV4lv0PA .
Newly Detected Atrial Fibrillation and Compliance With Antithrombotic Guidelines

Background Guidelines recommend the use of antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but compliance with such guidelines has not been widely studied among patients with newly detected AF. Our objective was to assess compliance with antithrombotic guidelines and to identify patient characteristics associated with warfarin use. Methods A population-based study of newly detected AF (patient age, 30-84 years) was conducted within a large health plan. Cardiovascular disease risk factors, comorbid conditions, medication use, and international normalized ratios were abstracted from the medical record. Patients were stratified by embolic risk according to American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) criteria. We analyzed the proportion of patients with AF receiving warfarin or aspirin (≥325 mg/d) during the 6 months following AF. Relative risk regression estimated the association of risk factors and patient characteristics with warfarin use. Results Overall, 73% of patients (418/572) with newly detected AF had evidence of antithrombotic use after AF onset. Among the 76% (437/572) of patients with AF at high risk for stroke, 59% (257/437) used warfarin, 28% (123/437) used aspirin, and 24% (104/437) used neither. The major predictor of warfarin use was AF classification; intermittent or sustained AF had relative risks for warfarin use of 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.6) and 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.7), respectively, compared with transitory AF. Conclusions Three quarters of the patients with newly detected AF received antithrombotic therapy, yet many at high risk of stroke did not receive warfarin. Atrial fibrillation classification, rather than stroke risk factors, was strongly associated with warfarin use.
The Changing Epidemiologic Spectrum of Single-suture Synostoses

Purpose Classic literature indicates an infrequency of metopic craniosynostosis (3 to 10 percent) compared to other single-suture craniosynostosis. Recent observation challenges these conceptions, warranting long-term demographic analysis. Methods Syndromic craniofacial dysostoses and multiple suture involvement were exclusion criteria, leaving only single suture synostoses treated between 1975 and 2004. A chart review was performed and patient information recorded. Chi square analysis and Fisher's exact were used to determine differences in patient characteristics. A Moran's I statistic was used to determine differences in spatial means and whether changes in incidence of single-suture synostoses over time are a function of regional phenomena. Results Over 800 patients presented to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with a diagnosis of single-suture synostosis. There was an outpacing of sagittal suture involvement over other sutures. Data demonstrate a decrease in unicoronal synostosis and an increase in metopic synostosis (p = 0.011). Geostatistical analysis reveals increasing separation between populations over the study period: 9.8 miles in the first 5 years to 20.8 miles in the last 5 years. Metopic maternal age increased between 1975-1989 and 1990-2004 (p = 0.002, 0.0002), while unicoronal maternal age did not. The proportion of male patients increased considerably in the metopic group compared to unicoronals from 1990-2004 (p = 0.0001), as did the proportion of syndromic metopic patients (p = 0.02). Plausible etiologies for these epidemiological shifts are discussed. Conclusions Metopic synostosis is on the rise. Changing demographic bases and increasing proportions of syndromic patients may be clues to the etiology of this epidemiologic event.
Novel ‘soft’ β-blockers as potential safe antiglaucoma agents

A series of novel “soft” β-blockers was designed and synthesized based on the “inactive metabolite approach”. Accordingly, the acidic metabolite of metoprolol was converted into various lipophilic esters. The new compounds were tested for their effect on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of rabbits using the ultra-short acting B-adrenergic antagonist “Esmolol®” as a reference compound. Most of the tested compounds displayed a higher and a more prolonged ocular hypotensive activity than the reference methyl ester. The adamantaneethyl ester 2 emerged as the best potential candidate for ophthalmic use as an antiglaucoma agent. This compound exhibited an effective and long lasting ocular hypotensive activity without local irritation to the eye. At the same time, it showed a very fast rate of hydrolysis in human blood (t1/2= 7.0 minutes) to the inactive acid metabolite. This makes possible effective separation of the desired ocular activity from unwanted systemic 3-blocking action. Unilateral treatment with 2 pro...
Effects of mean depth and grammaticality on children's imitations of sentences

This study investigated whether children's tendency to delete function words and inflections of nouns and verbs (telegraphic speech) in an imitation task can be attributed solely to such factors as relative lack of stress and low-information value. The results indicated that the telegraphic nature of children's (mean age, 4 years, 4 months) imitations is a result not of their inability to perceive and process articles and inflections, but rather of their tendency to delete these at the time of sentence production. In addition, an application of Yngve's sentence mean-depth measure failed to account for relative difficulty of sentence imitations.
The response of a parametrically excited hanging string in fluid

The straight and vertical configuration of a hanging string in fluid may become unstable if the support point undergoes an up-and-down motion with its frequency and amplitude satisfying certain conditions. When this occurs a certain mode is parametrically excited. In this paper a study is presented of the role played by the velocity square damping of the fluid in limiting the amplitude growth of such an unstable mode. A simple formula is derived which allows one to compute, to the first order of approximation, the steady-state response amplitude. It is found that the amplitude, in its dimensionless form, may be expressed in terms of a frequency parameter, Ω, an excitation strength parameter, Γ, a drag coefficient, CD, a displaced mass ratio parameter, rM, and the mode number.
Glomerular filtration of proteins: Clearance of anionic, neutral, and cationic horseradish peroxidase in the rat

Glomerular filtration of proteins: Clearance of anionic, neutral, and cationic horseradish peroxidase in the rat. Glomerular permeability to horseradish peroxidase, a protein slightly smaller than rat albumin but similar in shape, was studied in Wistar-Furth rats by using a purified neutral isozyme (HRP; molecular radius, a e =29.8 Å) as well as an anionic succinyl-derivative (sHRP a e =31.8 Å) and a cationized enzyme (cHRP, a e =30 Å). The clearance rate of the proteins was determined over a 20-min period using the amounts of enzyme actually filtered (i.e., protein in the urine and protein reabsorbed by tubules). Fractional clearance of cationic HRP (0.338 ± 0.019) exceeded that of neutral HRP (0.061 ± 0.005) by a factor of 5.5 and that of anionic HRP (0.007 ± 0.000) by a factor of 48. Tubular reabsorption was less than 10% of the filtered load. The experimental results indicate marked charge dependency of the filtration of proteins across the glomerulus. Fractional clearances for these proteins are significantly lower than those reported in the literature for dextrans of similar molecular radii. Other molecular properties such as shape and deformability may explain these differences. Filtration glomerulaire des proteines: Clearance de la peroxydase de raifort anionique, neutre ou cationique chez le rat. La permeabilite glomerulaire a la peroxydase de raifort, une proteine un peu plus petite que l'albumine de rat mais semblable par sa forme, a ete etudiee chez des rats Wistar-Furth au moyen d'un isoenzyme neutre purifie (HRP; rayon moleculaire, a e = 29,8 Å), d'un derive succinyle anionique (sHRP, a e = 31,8 Å) et d'un enzyme cationique (cHRP, a e = 30 Å). La clearance des proteines a ete determinee sur une periode de 20min en utilisant les quantites de proteines reellement filtrees (c'est-a-dire les proteines de l'urine et les proteines reabsorbees par les tubes). La clearance fractionnelle de HRP cationique (0,338 ± 0,019) est superieure a celle de HRP neutre (0,061 ± 0,059 d'un facteur 5,5 et a celle de HRP anionique (0,007 ± 0,000) d'un facteur 48. La reabsorption tubulaire est inferieure a 10% de la charge filtree. Les resultats experimentaux indiquent que la filtration glomerulaire des proteines depend de facon importante de leur charge. Les clearances fractionnelles de ces proteines sont significativement inferieures a celles rapportees dans la litterature pour les dextrans de memes rayons moleculaires. D'autres proprietes des molecules, telles que leur forme et leur deformabilite, peuvent expliquer ces differences.
Synthesis of Well-Defined Copper N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes and Their Use as Catalysts for a “Click Reaction”: A Multistep Experiment That Emphasizes the Role of Catalysis in Green Chemistry

A multistep experiment for an advanced synthesis lab course that incorporates topics in organic–inorganic synthesis and catalysis and highlights green chemistry principles was developed. Students synthesized two N-heterocyclic carbene ligands, used them to prepare two well-defined copper(I) complexes and subsequently utilized the complexes as catalysts in the Huisgen 1-3 dipolar cycloaddition of benzyl azide and phenylacetylene. The catalytic reaction exhibits high atom economy, is performed without a solvent at room temperature, and is high yielding. Thus, students were able to practice and apply concepts of green chemistry through catalysis. In the process of preparing ligands and complexes, several techniques were utilized that were aimed at performing reactions more efficiently (microwave experiments) or performing reactions in benign solvents (H2O). Another major component of this experiment is emphasis on technical writing through student preparation of formal communications and full paper using the...
THE PREDICTION OF AQUATIC SEDIMENT-ASSOCIATED TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS USING SELECTED GEOCHEMICAL FACTORS

ABSTRACT Multiple linear regression models calculated from readily obtainable chemical and physical parameters can explain a high percentage (70 per cent or greater) of observed sediment-trace element variance for Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Co, As, Sb, Se, and Hg in a widely divergent suite of 61 sediment samples. The independent variables used in the models may be single parameters, principal component scores, or principal component scores combined with their cross-products. The most useful type of variable must be determined on a case-by-case basis. The independent variables (geochemical parameters) incorporated in the models calculated during this study probably are applicable to many aquatic sediments; albeit, use of a larger data set (>61) could alter the magnitude of the calculated coefficients. The geochemical parameters included in the models were of a physical (e.g. grain size, surface area) and a chemical (e.g. organic matter, amorphous iron oxides) nature. Comparison between actual and predicted trace element concentrations obtained from the models may provide a means of defining ‘average’ sediment-trace element concentrations. In this context, the models may also help identify either naturally or anthropogenically impacted sites for additional study.
Increased risk for lethal forms of liver disease among HBsAg-positive blood donors in the United States.

Abstract We have used a death-record search to define the frequency of lethal outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection among a population of more than 15000 overtly healthy blood donors found positive in routine HBsAg testing. We have compared the study population with a control group of some 18000 donors selected on the basis of a negative test result. The index and control groups were observed for periods reflecting a total of 55 and 59 thousand person-years, respectively. Twenty percent of the 134 deaths identified among HBsAg positive donors were in some way liver related, including seven deaths due to hepatitis, seven to cirrhosis and six to hepatoma. In contrast, only one of the 95 deaths in the control population was liver related, and was due to fatty degeneration of the liver. The majority (four) of the hepatoma deaths occurred among blacks, three of whom were less than 35 at the time of death. In contrast, deaths from cirrhosis were all among whites. We conclude that there is significant mortality associated with the HBsAg positive state, even though the affected individuals may be a symptomatic and well enough to give blood at some stage. We estimate the standardised mortality ratio for hepatoma among HBsAg-positive persons in the United States is at least 27, confirming the association observed in other populations. The risk for hepatoma among young, HBsAg positive black males appears to approach that reported for HBsAg positive males in Taiwan. Data on the feasibility of AFP testing for early detection of hepatoma are included and discussed.
Detoxification and Fermentation of Pyrolytic Sugar for Ethanol Production

The sugars present in bio-oil produced by fast pyrolysis can potentially be fermented by microbial organisms to produce cellulosic ethanol. This study shows the potential for microbial digestion of the aqueous fraction of bio-oil in an enrichment medium to consume glucose and produce ethanol. In addition to glucose, inhibitors such as furans and phenols are present in the bio-oil. A pure glucose enrichment medium of 20 g/l was used as a standard to compare with glucose and aqueous fraction mixtures for digestion. Thirty percent by volume of aqueous fraction in media was the maximum additive amount that could be consumed and converted to ethanol. Inhibitors were removed by extraction, activated carbon, air stripping, and microbial methods. After economic analysis, the cost of ethanol using an inexpensive fermentation medium in a large scale plant is approximately $14 per gallon.
Structure and reactivity of thin-film oxides and metals

The structure and reactivity of thin-film oxides of molybdenum and Co metal supported on oxidized Mo(110) is discussed. Reactions of interest in heterogeneous oxidation catalysis, in particular hydrocarbon oxidation is the focus of the work. A combination of electron energy loss, infrared, and X-ray photoelectron is used to characterize the structures of the oxides and Co films. Oxidation conditions are used to control the nature of the oxygen coordination sites available as well as the thickness and morphology of the oxide. Accordingly, the reactivity of specific types of oxygen coordination sites was investigated. In the case of the Co overlayers, thermal treatment was used as a means of varying the structure and morphology of the metal supported on the oxidized Mo. Oxygen bound to Mo(110) in low-symmetry, high-coordination sites was found to play an important role in the hydrocarbon oxidation process. For example, gaseous methyl radicals selectively add to oxygen in these sites, but not to terminal oxygen. In the microscopic reverse of methyl radical oxidation, vacancies at high-coordination sites are necessary for methanol reaction to methoxy to occur. The site-specific oxidation chemistry is modeled in selected cases using first-principles electronic structure calculations. The reactions of alcohols on various Co thin films were also investigated. The selectivity for alcohol reaction is altered by electronic and structural modification of the film. The reactions of ethanol and methanol were used to illustrate these principles.
SOX2 and CHD7 cooperatively regulate human disease genes

A new study reveals that the HMG-box transcription factor SOX2 coupled with the chromatin remodeling helicase CHD7 cooperatively regulate target genes that are essential during neural stem cell development. Notably, this complex controls the expression of several disease-associated genes, suggesting a possible mechanistic connection between five seemingly unrelated human genetic disorders.
The Hartree-Fock dissociation of F2

We examine the stability of the restricted Hartree-Fock (RHF) wave function for F2 in the vicinity of the equilibrium internuclear distance (R=R e ) and the shape of the unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) potential energy curve for the same system. The results depend on the basis set: With a split valence plus polarization basis, 6-31G(d), the RHF wave function is unstable at R e , and the UHF potential curve is purely dissociative. When the basis is extended to 6-311+G(3d) or 6-311+G(3df), the RHF wave function becomes stable, and the UHF potential curve acquires a local maximum for R slightly (∼0.02 a) greater than R e . The local maximum, however, is only 0.1 kcal/mol higher than the local minimum at R=R e .
Information broker: a useless overhead or a necessity

The richness and diversity of information available over the Internet, its size, convenience of access, and its dynamic growth will create new ways to offer better education opportunities in medicine. The Internet will especially benefit medical training process that is expensive and requires continuous updating. The use of the Internet will lower the delivery cost and make medical information available to all potential users. On the other hand, since medical information must be trusted and new policies must be developed to support these capabilities, technologies alone are not enough. In general, we must deal with issues of liability, remuneration for educational and professional services, and general issues of ethics associated with patient-physician relationship in a complicated environment created by a mix of managed and private care combined with modern information technology. In this paper we will focus only on the need to create, to manage and to operate open system over the Internet, or similar low-cost and easy access networks, for the purpose of medical education process. Finally, using business analysis, we argue why the medical education infrastructure needs an information broker, a third party organization that will help the users to access the information and the publishers to display their titles. The first section outlines recent trends in medical education. In the second section, we discuss transfusion medicine requirements. In the third section we provide a summary of the American Red Cross (ARC) transfusion audit system; we discuss the relevance of the assumptions used in this system to other areas of medicine. In the fourth section we describe the overall system architecture and discuss key components. The fifth section covers business issues associated with medical education systems and with the potential role of ARC in particular. The last section provides a summary of findings.
Electronic Health Records and Ambulatory Quality

The Authors’ Reply—We appreciate Dr. Berger’s comments related to our article on electronic health records (EHRs)1 and ambulatory quality of care.2 We agree that health care quality is much broader than adherence to recommended processes of care. We have previously noted that many of today’s quality measures represent only the subset of measures that can be feasibly captured from administrative claims or manual review of paper medical records.3 We have also written about how EHRs can potentially expand what is feasible to measure, by enabling clinically nuanced measurements of care for large numbers of patients.3 EHRs and other types of health information technology (such as health information exchange and mobile devices) can advance quality measurement by: 1) allowing more consistent assessment of patient outcomes (such as functional status), in addition to health care processes; 2) enabling quality measures that more directly take into account patients’ comorbidities, medications and laboratory results, and how those may affect appropriateness of care; 3) facilitating risk adjustment that is more clinically detailed; and 4) explicitly incorporating patients’ preferences. Our view is consistent with recent calls to develop novel measures of ambulatory care quality, including measures that would be generated from EHRs.4 However, we have also found that automated reporting of quality from EHRs is not always accurate and needs to be improved.5 Measuring quality is challenging, and opinions about what constitutes high-quality care continue to evolve, particularly in this emerging era of electronic data. Despite the challenges, EHRs are likely to generate a more complete picture of quality than claims data for a larger number of patients than is feasible on paper.
MANAGING DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY — INTERNET BANKING VENTURES FOR TRADITIONAL BANKS

This study examines the perception of the nature of technological change for Internet Banking by proposing and testing a model of the strategic management of online banking by traditional banks. Specifically, this empirical study uses a stratified sample of the FDIC database to address how perception of the technology and the environmental context (knowledge of cause-effect relations and crystallized outcome standards) impact internal and external constituency relationships (including social norms, staffing, and technology) and therefore the type of strategic control systems employed (input, output, and behavioral control systems). From a survey of 103 banking unit managers (both Internet and traditional branches) from 65 different banks, the study revealed that Internet banking showed a greater connection to external norms and values and a reduced connection to internal (corporate) technology compared to traditional banking. Further, degree and speed of disruptiveness had the opposite effect on crystallized standards, while both were associated with a greater utilization of input control systems. Clearly, uncertainty and rapidness of technological change have different impacts upon environmental perception and strategic management decisions. The study has important implications for bank managers pursuing the development of Internet Banking.
The Structural Organization of a Language Interview: A Conversation Analytic Perspective.

Abstract This paper examines the widely-held—but largely untested—assumption that a language interview is a “structured conversational exchange”. Specifically, the structural organization of twenty audio- and videotaped oral-skills course-placement interviews were analyzed for features of conversation and interviews by using conversation analysis techniques, in which talk-in-interaction is studied on a turn-by-turn, sequential basis from the perspective of the participants in the interaction. The results indicate that the interview encounters proceed through distinct phases and are composed of sequences that roughly parallel the organization of conversation. However, the responsibility for initiating the sequences and the form the initiations take differ, and thus lend to the characterization of the encounters as interviews, and interviews of a distinctive kind, for the participants. It is suggested that the analytic procedures illustrated in this paper be applied to more widely-used oral testing instruments in order to evaluate their utility in eliciting conversational interaction.
Administrative perceptions of existing evaluation systems

This research study focused on a number of issues related to the status and effectiveness of post-tenure evaluation practices within the two-year college sector.
The role of flow cytometry in medical mycology

The alarming increase in fungal diseases among hospitalized patients is a serious problem as these infections often have poor prognosis because of delayed diagnosis and lack of proper therapy. The rapid laboratory diagnosis of these diseases still remains problematic. The areas of concern include accurate identification of pathogenic fungi, rapid testing of their susceptibility to antifungals, and reliable determination of their interrelatedness to other clinical isolates. In the past few decades, flow cytometry has proven to be an adaptive technology platform for diagnostics. The applications encompass identification, serotyping, genotyping, susceptibility testing, and molecular pathogenesis studies. The recent revolution in the miniaturizing and customizing of instrumentation has now made this technology more accessible and affordable. In the near future, it is imperative to develop standardized protocols by means of interlaboratory comparisons and to share reagents for reproducibility studies. Flow cytometry remains highly attractive as an integrated application for myriad tasks in medical mycology laboratories.
Structural and Acoustic Noise Sources Due to Turbulent Flow Through an Elbow: Formulation of Analysis Methods

The low-frequency structure- and fluid-borne noise from elbows excited by fluctuating forces within turbulent fluid flow is investigated. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) analyses of the flow through a piping elbow with a radius to diameter ratio of 2.8 compare favorable to measurements made by previous investigators. The CFD RANS solutions are post-processed to estimate the spectra of the fluctuating wall pressures beneath the turbulent boundary layer (TBL) flow. The CFD RANS solutions are also used to identify regions within the core flow that might excite acoustic modes within the piping fluid. A finite element (FE) model of the piping walls is coupled with a boundary element (BE) model of the interior acoustic fluid and is excited by the fluctuating wall and fluid forces estimated from the CFD RANS solutions. The power transmission through the inlet and discharge ports of the elbow is computed and separated into its structure-borne and fluid-borne components. The influence of both structural and acoustic resonances on the power transmission is evident for both excitation mechanisms. The power transmission curves at the elbow ports may be used as source inputs to transfer matrix models of piping systems that contain elbows.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
New scheme of communication: an exploratory study of interactivity and multimedia use in Chinese j-blogs and the implications

This study examines the use of new technologies such as hyperlinks and multimedia features in Chinese journalists' blogs on newspaper websites, exploring the interactivity between readers and j-bloggers through readers' comments and j-bloggers' responses. The study shows that there is a positive correlation between the use of hyperlinks, videos and pictures with reader comments, indicating that the use of these features sparks a better dialogue with readers. The shift in the model of communication between journalists and readers through j-blogs in China changes the traditional concept of gatekeeping, providing broader implications for the flow of free information in China's controlled media environment.
Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Science Vocabulary: Knowledge and Application

Science vocabulary knowledge plays a role in understanding science concepts, and science knowledge is measured in part by correct use of science vocabulary (Lee et al. in J Res Sci Teach 32(8):797–816, 1995). Elementary school students have growing vocabularies and many are learning English as a secondary language or depend on schools to learn academic English. Teachers must have a clear understanding of science vocabulary in order to communicate and evaluate these understandings with students. The present study measured preservice teachers’ vocabulary knowledge during a science methods course and documented their use of science vocabulary during peer teaching. The data indicate that the course positively impacted the preservice teachers’ knowledge of select elementary science vocabulary; however, use of science terms was inconsistent in microteaching lessons. Recommendations include providing multiple vocabulary instruction strategies in teacher preparation.
The catalytic domain of the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene product stimulates ras GTPase and complements ira mutants of S. cerevisiae

Sequencing of the neurofibromatosis gene (NF1) revealed a striking similarity among NF1, yeast IRA proteins, and mammalian GAP (GTPase-activating protein). Using both genetic and biochemical assays, we demonstrate that this homology domain of the NF1 protein interacts with ras proteins. First, expression of this NF1 domain suppressed the heat shock-sensitive phenotype of yeast ira1 and ira2 mutants. Second, this NF1 domain, after purification as a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein, strongly stimulated the GTPase activity of yeast RAS2 and human H-ras proteins. The GST-NF1 protein, however, did not stimulate the GTPase activity of oncogenic mutant ras proteins, H-rasVal-12 and yeast RAS2Val-19 mutants, or a yeast RAS2 effector mutant. These results establish that this NF1 domain has ras GAP activity similar to that found with IRA2 protein and mammalian GAP, and therefore may also regulate ras function in vivo.
Vascular and nonvascular complications of liver transplants: sonographic evaluation and correlation with other imaging modalities and findings at surgery and pathology.

Abstract:Liver transplantation is performed in adults and children to treat patients with irreversible liver damage when medical or other surgical treatment has failed. The most common indications for transplantation are cirrhosis secondary to fulminant acute hepatitis or chronic active hepatitis, s
Intrinsic pollen NADPH oxidases induce genes by activating innate immune responses in human bronchial epithelial cells

Abstract Rationale We recently identified intrinsic NADPH-oxidase activity (NOA) in ragweed pollen extract (RWE) that induces oxidative stress in cultured bronchial epithelial cells and in vivo in the airway epithelial cells of mice. This NOA plays a key role in allergic inflammation (Boldogh et al). We hypothesized that NOA may directly modulate gene expression in airway epithelial cells via innate immune pathways. Methods A549 cells, a human bronchial epithelial cell line, were exposed to RWE for 1, 3, and 6 hours, and compared to an unexposed control. Cellular mRNA was analyzed for 15,000 genes by Affymetrix® HG-U133A GeneChip® microarray. Probe sets with an absolute fold change ≥2X from control were compared using a Venn analysis. Candidate genes were compared to three model time-course profiles and ranked by their correlation coefficient against the model trajectory: 1) progressively up/down with time, 2) up/down at 1 hour post-exposure, and 3) up/down at 3 hours post-exposure. Results Venn analysis showed that RWE with NOA had up-regulated 155 genes by 1 hour, 213 genes by 3 hours, and 193 genes by 6 hours more than 2 fold relative to the control. Likewise, RWE with NOA had down-regulated 100 genes by 1 hour, 118 genes by 3 hours, and 80 genes by 6 hours. Profile searches identified 68 genes that positively or negatively correlated at the 95% limit with profile 1, 63 with profile 2 and 82 with profile 3. Conclusions NOA modulates many genes in bronchial epithelial cells by activation of innate immune networks in epithelial cells.
Strengthening of Partially Denervated Knee Extensors Using Percutaneous Electric Stimulation in a Young Man With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Johnston TE, Smith BT, Betz RR. Strengthening of partially denervated knee extensors using percutaneous electric stimulation in a young man with spinal cord injury. Objective To evaluate the effects of percutaneous electric stimulation on knee extensor strength and muscle hypertrophy, gait, and energy cost of walking in a young man with partial denervation of the knee extensors. Design One-way repeated measures. Setting Pediatric orthopedic hospital. Participant A man in his early twenties, who had an L2 American Spinal Injury Association class D spinal cord injury, presented with strength deficits in his left knee extensors and reported falling frequently. When walking, his left knee remained locked in extension throughout stance. Electromyographic testing revealed chronic denervation and reinnervation changes. Intervention Because of sensory difficulties with surface stimulation, a percutaneous electrode was surgically implanted near the femoral nerve. The subject exercised isometrically with a research grade stimulator for 1 hour a day until his strength plateaued. Main outcome measures Quadriceps femoris strength and hypertrophy, gait, and energy cost of walking were recorded preintervention, every 2 months during the strengthening phase, and 2 months after withdrawal. Results Voluntary isometric torque improved from 7 to 14.8Nm (112%) and decreased to 8.5Nm after stimulation was withdrawn. Mean circumferential measures of the thigh improved from 12.3 to 13.5cm (9.8%) and then decreased to 13.1cm. Gait kinematics and kinetics were unchanged, although the subject reported greater stability in his left knee and fewer falls. Conclusions The study indicates that percutaneous electric stimulation could be used to strengthen partially denervated muscle and to affect function. However, gains in strength may not be maintained once treatment is withdrawn.
Monolithic integration of red, blue, and green lasers for smart projection displays

Novel device structures integrating multiple-output lasers emitting in red, green, and blue colors are proposed. Active layers emitting red (AlGaAs or InGaAIP), blue (Zn x cd 1-x se), and green (Zn y Cd 1-y Se) are shown to be integrated monolithically on GaAs substrates using conventional p-n tunnel junctions and asymmetric resonant tunneling structures. Both edge- and surface-emitting structures are described. Experimental characteristics of two red-emitting Al 0.16 Ga 0.84 As-Al 0.45 Ga 0.55 As-GaAs lasers, integrated in tandem via a low-voltage-drop tunnel junction are presented, demonstrating the feasibility of monolithic integration. Blue-green lasers are shown to operate at lower voltages using asymmetric resonant tunneling structures between p-GaAs/p-ZnSe layers. Integration of surface-emitting lasers including folded-cavity and Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) structures is also presented along with simulation of electrical and optical characteristics. An integrated pixel-addressing methodology is described for smart projection displays.