cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Withdrawal from the Triazolobenzodiazepine Alprazolam Increases Cortical Corticotropin-Releasing Factor mRNA Expression

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is the major physiologic regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and plays a key role in coordinating the mammalian stress response. Substantial data implicates hyperactivity of CRF neuronal systems in the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety disorders. Enhanced CRF expression, release, and function have also been demonstrated during acute withdrawal from several drugs of abuse. Previous studies revealed that chronic administration of the anxiolytic alprazolam reduced indices of CRF and CRF1 receptor function. Conversely, measures of urocortin I and CRF2 receptor function were increased. To further scrutinize these findings, we sought to determine whether CRF neuronal systems are activated during spontaneous withdrawal from the triazolobenzodiazepine alprazolam in dependent rats and to characterize the time course, extent, and regional specificity of the patterns of activation. After 14 d of alprazolam administration (90 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), spontaneous withdrawal produced activation of the HPA axis, as well as suppression of food intake and weight loss that peaked 24-48 hr after withdrawal. Remarkably, CRF mRNA expression in the cerebral cortex was markedly (>300%) increased over the same time period. Other indices of CRF-CRF1 and urocortin I-CRF2A function, altered by chronic alprazolam treatment as previously described, returned to pretreatment levels over 96 hr. The physiologic significance of this dramatic induction of cortical CRF mRNA expression, as well as whether this occurs during withdrawal from other drugs of abuse is yet to be determined. The marked increase in CRFergic neurotransmission is hypothesized to play a major role in benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Crystal engineering: towards artificial enzymes.

Despite knowing that the active centres of many metalloprotein enzymes are iron porphyrin 'haem' complexes, chemists find them difficult to imitate. Now, the assembly of haem-like centres into a crystalline, stable, nanoporous array shows promise for biomimetic catalysis.
MODULATION OF ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN KB CELLS BY HYPEROSMOLALITY AND PREDNISOLONE: EFFECT ON ENZYME INHIBITION BY PHOSPHATE

A striking reduction in alkaline phosphatase activity occurs when KB cells (originally derived from a human nasopharyngeal carcinoma) are grown in hyperosmolar media and/or with prednisolone. This reduction is accompanied by the transition of the activity from predominantly heat-labile to heat-stable and by changes in susceptibility to inhibition by inorganic phosphate. Cell multiplication is required for these effects. The alkaline phosphatase of control cultures is significantly less sensitive to inhibition than the enzyme of KB cells with reduced activity. This quantitative difference is correlated with enzyme thermostability. To obtain the same degree of inhibition, greater amounts of phosphate are required for the heat-stable activity than for the heat-labile activity.
Tchebycheff polynomials on a triangular region

A bivariable polynomial of total degreen that has minimal uniform norm on a triangular region is given explictly.
Social contextual links to emotion regulation in an adolescent psychiatric inpatient population: do gender and symptomatology matter?

Background: The regulation of emotion is essential for adaptive functioning. However, delineating the pathways of emotion regulation (ER) processes that lead to psychological adaptation remains under-studied, with mixed evidence for the specificity vs. generality of ER deficits in relation to specific forms of psychopathology. To examine this issue, this study investigated links among ER, social-contextual factors (family, peer), and psychological adjustment (internalizing, externalizing). Method: Participants were 140 adolescents (71% female, 83.3% Caucasian, M age = 16.03 years) who were consecutive psychiatric admissions over a one-year period. Adolescents completed measures on family environment and peer relationship experiences. Both adolescents and parents reported on adolescents’ characteristic patterns of ER and psychopathology. Results: Discriminant analyses revealed that two functions, ER skills and impulsivity/lability, differentiated among adolescents who were elevated in internalizing symptoms only, in externalizing symptoms only, in both domains, or in neither domain. Regarding social contextual variables, family cohesion was associated with adaptive ER behaviors for girls along the internalizing dimension and all adolescents reporting externalizing behaviors. Relational victimization predicted difficulties with ER in both symptom domains for all adolescents. Within the internalizing domain, friendship support was related to adaptive ER. Conclusion: Facets of ER do differentiate between global indices of internalizing and externalizing behaviors and suggest that both general and specific factors contribute to adolescents’ unique learning history with emotions and characteristic patterns for managing emotions.
Homogenous Modeling of VARTM Processes with Hybrid Layered Media

Numerical methods have been widely used to simulate vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) processes to obtain optimum process parameters. Many VARTM parts have very large in-plane dimensions compared to the thickness. However, the incorporation of a highly permeable distribution media on the surface of a fibrous preform results in significant through thickness flow particularly at the flow front where large gradients can exist. In general, flow simulations that can model the distribution media as a discrete layer are needed, which, however, significantly increases the number of elements and thus computational costs in the numerical analyses. The present study introduces a homogenous preform system using equivalent porosity and permeability over the out-of-plane direction that retains the through-thickness flow characteristics in order to reduce complexity in modeling the distribution media in VARTM processes. First, a mass-average approach was developed to reduce the number of dimensions that nee...
Future Directions in Exercise and Recreation Technology for People with Spinal Cord Injury and Other Disabilities: Perspectives from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Recreational Technologies and Exercise Physiology for People with Disabilities

Opportunities to participate in regular exercise and recreational activities are especially important for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). They are less physically active than the general population, and secondary conditions associated with their disability (e.g., pain, deconditioning, fatigue), in combination with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and depression, severely compromise their overall health status. One way to alter this downward spiral of health is for engineers, exercise physiologists, and other scientists to provide more opportunities for people with SCI and other disabilities to engage in healthful exercise and recreation. This article proposes a conceptual framework for addressing the many barriers that people with SCI and other disabilities face when attempting to engage in these important areas of community living. The framework identifies four key areas necessary for an enriching and healthful experience in exercise and recreation: access, participation, adhere...
Impaired firing and sodium channel function in CA1 hippocampal interneurons after transient cerebral ischemia

Although interneurons in area CA1 of the hippocampus are less vulnerable to cerebral ischemia than CA1 pyramidal cells, it is not clear whether their relatively intact cellular morphology implies preservation of normal function. As maintenance of cellular excitability and firing properties is essential for interneurons to regulate neural networks, we investigated these aspects of interneuronal function after transient cerebral ischemia in rats. Cerebral ischemia in rats was induced for 8 mins by a combination of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and hypovolemic hypotension, and whole cell patch clamp recordings were made in hippocampal slices prepared 24 h after reperfusion. Interneurons located within stratum pyramidale of area CA1 exhibited normal membrane properties and action potentials under these conditions. However, their excitability had declined, as evidenced by an increased action potential threshold and a rightward shift in the relationship between injected depolarizing current and firing rate. Voltage-clamp experiments revealed that transient cerebral ischemia reduced the peak Na(+) current and shifted Na(+) channel activation to more depolarized values, but did not alter steady-state inactivation of the channel. Double immunofluorescence cytochemistry showed that transient cerebral ischemia also reduced Na(v)1.1 subunit immunoreactivity in interneurons that coexpressed parvalbumin. We conclude that transient cerebral ischemia renders CA1 interneurons less excitable, that depressed excitability involves impaired Na(+) channel activation and that Na(+) channel dysfunction is explained, at least in part, by reduced expression of the Na(v)1.1 subunit. These changes may promote interneuron survival, but might also contribute to pyramidal cell death.
Huguenots, Jesuits and Tyrants: Notes on the Vindiciae contra Tyrannos in Early Modern England

The first edition of the Vindiciae contra Tyrannos was published in 1579. In 1690 a pamphlet entitled Political Aphorisms was printed: this work, constructed by mixing entire passages from the Huguenot text and John Locke's first and second Treatise of government , presented a radical and secular theory of government as a contract between governors and governed. In this essay I want to explain the genesis of Political Aphorisms , or, in other words, I seek to elucidate part of the story of the Vindiciae contra Tyrannos in early modern England. More specifically, I argue that in order to understand the complexity and the problematic character of the French text in the English context scholars need to take into account the role of Catholic political thought. Catholic political theorists, in fact, appropriated for themselves many of the arguments put forward by the Huguenot author, and used them to undermine, in theory as well as in practice, the authority of the English sovereign. Understanding the role of English and European Catholic political thought can offer important insight into the current historiographical debate over the secular character of the theory of contract expressed in the Huguenot pamphlet.
Sensitivity of fish eggs to acid stress

Abstract Craig & Baksi ( Water Res. 11 , 621–626, 1977) may have exaggerated the effect of acid stress on oogenesis by comparing the low viability of eggs laid and incubated at pH 4.5 and 5.0 with the higher survival of eggs laid at pH 6.7 and transferred after 12 h to pH 4.5 and 5.0. On the basis of our findings, a lower survival would have been observed in the latter group if the eggs had been transferred immediately to the acid conditions. The egg changes its character rapidly after being laid. Permeability decreases and the chorion hardens during the first few hours after release, allowing the egg to become more resistant with time. The results of two experiments are reported to demonstrate this effect.
Systemic Chemotherapy For Psoriasis: A National Survey

• A questionnaire that was mailed to 510 randomly selected dermatologists in the United States surveyed their use of three systemic chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of psoriasis during the two-year period of 1973 to 1974. Methotrexate was used by 52% of the surveyed dermatologists, while hydroxyurea and azaribine were used by 10% and 2%, respectively. Seventy-five percent of the dermatologists who used methotrexate treated ten or fewer psoriatic patients with this drug. Multiple dose therapy with methotrexate divided over a period of 36 hours each week was the preferred schedule of 66% of the dermatologists. Liver biopsy specimens and creatinine clearance tests were obtained for only 17% and 35% of patients, respectively, prior to initiating methotrexate therapy. The estimated number of dermatologisttreated psoriatics nationwide receiving methotrexate is 25,000. ( Arch Dermatol 112:977-981, 1976)
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition does not affect somatosensory evoked potentials in the rat

Abstract Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition reduces the regional cerebral blood floww (rCBF) responses to somatosensory stimulations. It is controversial whether this is caused by a signalling role of nitric oxide (NO) between neurons and vascular smooth muscle, or by effects of NOS inhibition on neuronal activity. We here report that more than 85% inhibition of NOS activity by topical application of the NOS inhibitor Nω-nitro- l -arginine ( l -NNA) for 2 h does not affect somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) elicited by vibrissal deflection or electrical forepaw stimulation in chloralose anaesthetised rats equipped with a closed cranial window, whereas cerebral blood flow (CBF) responses due to these stimulation paradigms are reduced by approximately 60%. We conclude that the decrease of the regional vascular response to increased neuronal activity during NOS inhibition is not caused by a suppression of neuronal activity.
SU‐E‐T‐327: Tracking Palladium Seeds Implanted in Prostate Using Shape Analysis Approach

Purpose: To develop and test a shape‐based image registration algorithm to register and analyze serial CTimage datasets of a given patient, and then to track the motions of the implanted seeds for a quantitative characterization of prostate deformation and edema. Methods: Sequential 3D CTimage datasets for a prostate cancer patient, acquired before palladium source implantation and after implantation, were used to perform deformable image registrations with shape‐based algorithm to track the sources motions. The seed centers were detected in a group‐wise fashion after extracting the seed surfaces, i.e. using consistency across the sequence of images acquired from the same subject as an extra constraint, to maximize the reliability of seed detections. Results: The shape analysis approach was applied to the series of CT scans at day 0, 1, and 30 for one prostate cancer patient. The motion of seeds was visualized in plots, from which the non‐rigid deformation of prostate was interpolated. It was observed that the prostate volume was shrinking from Day 0 to Day 30, while it expanded from Day 0 to Day 1. Our data also showed that the prostate deformation caused by the resolution of prostate edema was anisotropic. Conclusions: A shape analysis approach was developed for quantitative characterization of post‐implant seed tracking and the prostate deformation. The advantage over other methods is that the constraints of consistency among different images made our method more reliable than other seed localization methods that estimate the seed centers for each image individually. The precise localization of implanted seeds as function of time would enable a more accurate calculation and proper summation of radiation dose delivered to each tumor sub‐volume in post‐implant dosimetry. This research project is currently funded by the NIH grant R01CA134627‐01 â€œProstate Edema in Permanent Interstitial Brachytherapyâ€.
The incorporation of intrastriatally injected [3H]fucose into electrophoretically separated synaptosomal glycoproteins. II. The influence of passive avoidance training

Summary Following intrastriatal injections of [ 3 H] l -fucose, male albino rats served as (a) trained subjects in a step-down passive avoidance task, (b) stress controls receiving inescapable shock or (c) handled controls. At a series of time points after treatment the animals were sacrified and the P 2 fraction of the injected neostriatum was isolated. This tissue was electrophoresed on SDS-polyacrylamide gels and radioactivity profiles were constructed from 1 mm gel slices. The profiles of trained subjects were compared to shocked and handled control subjects from the same time point group. No differences in total [ 3 H]fucose incorporation into neostriatal glycoproteins were detected as a result of the behavioral treatment used, nor was an incorporation into the majority of electrophoresed peaks altered. Three radioactive gel peaks were significantly altered as a function of experience. At the one day time point, trained subjects exhibited a significant increase in the tritium content of a 70,000 dalton fucosylglycoprotein peak. At the 5 day time point, increased label was detected in a 180,000 dalton peak in both trained and shocked subjects, while a significant increase in a 140,000 dalton peak was observed only in trained animals. The relation of the present findings to previously reported training related differences in glycoprotein metabolism are discussed.
Numerical simulation of coupled‐stress case II diffusion in one dimension

This article is concerned with the robust and efficient numerical simulation of case II diffusion, which constitutes an important regime of solvent diffusion into glassy polymers. Even in the one-dimensional case considered here, the numerical simulation of case II diffusion is made difficult by the extreme nonlinearities and coupling in the governing model equations due to a nonlinear flux law needed to produce sharp solvent fronts, a concentration-dependent relaxation time of the polymer used to model the glass-rubber transition, and coupling between the diffusion and deformation phenomena. Having an efficient and accurate solution to such equations is central to advancing a clear understanding of the meaning of such models. The difficulties due to coupling and nonlinearities are highlighted by the consideration of a specific, normalized, one-dimensional case II diffusion model laid out in a general framework of balance laws. Issues such as the stiffness of the spatially discrete differential algebraic equations obtained from the finite element discretization of the governing equations and their bearing on the choice of time-stepping schemes are discussed. The key requirements of numerical schemes, namely, robustness and efficiency, are addressed by the use of an implicit, adaptive, second-order backward differentiation formula with error control for time discretization. Error control is used to maximize the step size to satisfy a target error and the radius of convergence requirements while nonlinear algebraic equations are solved at each time step. An example of an initial boundary value problem is solved numerically to show that the chosen model reproduces case II behavior and to validate that the stated objectives for the numerical simulation are met. Finally, the features and numerical implementation of this model are compared with those of a closely related case II diffusion model due to Wu and Peppas. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2091–2108, 2003
Plant pigment identification: a classroom and outreach activity

Anthocyanins are a class of pigments responsible for the bright colors of many flowers, fruits, and vegetables typically resulting in shades of red, blue, and purple. Students were asked to perform an activity to enable them to identify which anthocyanin was present in one of several possible plant materials through a hands-on activity. Students extracted the pigments from the biological sources and obtained color profiles by altering the pH of the biological extracts. These extracts were compared to standards of anthocyanin pigments so that students could deduce which pigment was present in the plant material that they had selected. This activity interrelates several chemical concepts and provides a link between chemical and biological sciences.
Diversity trends within a model taxonomic hierarchy

Abstract Most processes of diversification and extinction operate at the level of species, yet the fossil record of species is so poor that long-term species diversity trends cannot be recovered. Instead, higher taxonomic levels, usually families, are studied, and a kinetics of diversity had been proposed for some higher levels. A computer simulation of the behavior of diversity at four levels within a model of a taxonomic hierarchy is used to attempt to understand the relation of species-level to family-level diversity. Under conditions which approximate those found in nature, including episodic small extinction peaks and occasional mass extinctions, species diversity is volatile and the ratio of species to higher-level taxa is highly variable. Plateaus in diversity of higher taxa do not reflect constant species diversities and such taxa should not be modeled as equilibrium systems, although they are useful in interpreting ancient biosphere conditions; the Paleozoic marine family plateau certainly suggests that biosphere structure remained broadly similar and that no marked reorganization of the marine fauna occurred for around 200 million years.
Intersection of two fractal objects: Useful method of estimating the fractal dimension

We consider the ``overlap pattern'' formed by the intersection of two diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) clusters. The fractal dimension of the disconnected set of points belonging to the intersection is given by ${d}_{f}^{\ensuremath{\cap}}$=2${d}_{f}$-d, where ${d}_{f}$ is the fractal dimension of the original DLA, and d is the space dimension. We measure ${d}_{f}^{\ensuremath{\cap}}$ from simulations in d=2,3 based on two DLA clusters, and then calculate the corresponding value of ${d}_{f}$. Also, we use the more general equation ${d}_{f}^{\ensuremath{\cap}}$=${d}_{f}$+${d}_{f}^{\mathcal{'}}$-d to analyze overlap patterns obtained by slicing a d=3 DLA cluster with a ${d}_{f}^{\mathcal{'}}$=2 plane. We find good agreement with independent estimates of ${d}_{f}$ for DLA.
DECONTAMINATION OF A MULTILAMINATED ASEPTIC FOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL AND STAINLESS STEEL BY OZONE

A multilaminated aseptic food packaging material and stainless steel were treated with ozone to inactivate natural contaminants, bacterial biofilms and dried films of Bacillus subtilis spores and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Sterility of the multilaminated packaging material was achieved when 1.0 x 2.0 cm-pieces of the naturally-contaminated material were treated with ozone in water (5.9 μg/mL) for 1 min. Dried films of spores (108/6.3–cm2 surface) were eliminated by 13 μg/mL of ozone in water for the multilaminated packaging material and 8 μg/mL in case of the stainless steel. Ozone inactivated Pseudomonas fluorescens in biofilms more effectively on stainless steel than on the multilaminated packaging material. Repeated exposure to ozone ofPseudomonas fluorescens in biofilms on the multilaminated packaging material eliminated up to ∼108 cfu/12.5 cm2. In conclusion, ozone is an effective sanitizer with potential applications in the decontamination of packaging materials and equipment food-contact surfaces.
Testosterone enanthate a possible reversible male contraceptive.

Abstract The effect of chronic treatment with testosterone enanthate (TE) on sperm production and plasma testosterone levels was evaluated in 16 healthy male volunteers. During the induction of azoospermia each subject received 200 mg TE twice a week for 2 weeks once a week for 2 weeks, and once every other week for a month. Subsequently an attempt was made to maintain azoospermia by administration of 200 mg TE every 3 weeks. The induction phase resulted in suppression of sperm production to azoospermia or oligospermia of less than 100,000/ml. However, the schedule of injections during the maintenance phase did not maintain the azoospermic state. Consequently, the frequency of injections for maintenance was increased to 200 mg TE every 2 weeks. This maintained sperm counts below 3 million/ml in all subjects. Thereafter the maintenance schedule was changed to 200 mg TE every 10–12 days; on this regimen, azoospermia or oligospermia of less than 100,000/ml was maintained in all subjects. Blood testosterone levels rose approximately 100% over the baseline level during the induction phase but returned to pretreatment range during maintenance phase. This study demonstrates that testosterone enanthate can induce azoospermia and maintain the azoospermic state without elevation of circulating testosterone levels outside the pretreatment range. These findings suggest the feasibility of using a testosterone preparation as an effective male contraceptive. A larger number of subjects must be evaluated to determine the exact dose requirements and the possibility of side effects subsequent to chronic administration of this steroid.
NMDA receptor activation requires remodelling of intersubunit contacts within ligand-binding heterodimers.

In non-NMDA glutamate receptors, intersubunit contacts within agonist binding domains affect functional desensitization. Now, NMDA receptor activation, but not desensitization, is shown to involve rearrangements at the heterodimer interface, suggesting that the intersubunit contacts of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors may have distinct functional roles.
Hymenolepis diminuta:Catalysis of Transmembrane Proton Translocation by Mitochondrial NADPH → NAD Transhydrogenase☆☆☆

Abstract Mercer, N. A., McKelvey, J. R., and Fioravanti, C. F. 1999.Hymenolepis diminuta:Catalysis of transmembrane proton translocation by mitochondrial NADPH → NAD transhydrogenase.Experimental Parasitology91,52–58. The mitochondrial, inner-membrane-associated, reversible NADPH → NAD transhydrogenase of adultHymenolepis diminutaphysiologically couples matrix-localized, NADP-specific “malic” enzyme with NADH-dependent anaerobic electron transport. Employing submitochondrial particles (SMP) as the source of enzyme activity and both spectrophotometric and fluorometric assessments, the present study made evident that in its catalysis of transhydrogenation between NADPH and NAD, the cestode enzyme engages in the concomitant transmembrane translocation of protons. As assessed spectrophotometrically, the catalysis of NADPH-dependent NAD reduction byH. diminutaSMP was stimulated significantly by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP), as well as by the protonophoric anthel mintic, niclosamide. In addition,N, N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) markedly diminished SMP-catalyzed hydride ion transfer between NADPH and NAD. The catalysis by SMP of concomitant, transhydrogenase-mediated proton translocation was evaluated more directly via fluorometric assays using 8-anilino-1-napthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) as the probe. These latter evaluations revealed a transhydrogenase-dependent enhancement of ANS fluorescence in accord with an intravesicular accumulation of protons. ANS fluorescence was quenched rapidly when the assay system was supplemented with CCCP, FCCP, or niclosamide. Consistent with the helminth transhydrogenase acting as a proton pump, transhydrogenase-mediated enhanced fluorescence also was inhibited by DCCD. Considered collectively, these data indicated, apparently for the first time for any invertebrate system, that the transhydrogenase, in catalyzing the NADPH → NAD reaction, acts in the translocation of protons from the matrix to the intermembrane space mitochondrial compartment.
Predicting prognosis in sick-listed low back pain patients: sneaking a peak inside the black box.

COMMENTARY ON: Jensen OK, Nielsen CV, Stengaard-Pedersen K. One-year prognosis in sick-listed low back pain patients with and without radiculopathy. Prognostic factors influencing pain and disability. Spine J 2010;10:659–75 ( in this issue ).
Mapping the near-field dynamics in plasmon-induced transparency

The photonic analog of atomic electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) introduces a sharp resonance in transmission within a broad absorption profile. The rapid dispersion of these structures leads to critical photonic applications such as integrated optical delay lines. To date, experimental demonstrations of such analogs have relied on the measurement of the far-field spectrum. Here we present a near-field optical study of plasmon-induced transparency (PIT), a photonic analog with subwavelength-sized plasmonic resonators mimicking the bright and dark elements in EIT. Supported by numerical analyses, the optical near-field distributions at various wavelengths reveal the interference dynamics between the coupled bright and dark plasmonic resonators.
Differences in lysine pKa values may be used to improve NMR signal dispersion in reductively methylated proteins

Reductive methylation of lysine residues in proteins offers a way to introduce 13C methyl groups into otherwise unlabeled molecules. The 13C methyl groups on lysines possess favorable relaxation properties that allow highly sensitive NMR signal detection. One of the major limitations in the use of reductive methylation in NMR is the signal overlap of 13C methyl groups in NMR spectra. Here we show that the uniform influence of the solvent on chemical shifts of exposed lysine methyl groups could be overcome by adjusting the pH of the buffering solution closer to the pKa of lysine side chains. Under these conditions, due to variable pKa values of individual lysine side chains in the protein of interest different levels of lysine protonation are observed. These differences are reflected in the chemical shift differences of methyl groups in reductively methylated lysines. We show that this approach is successful in four different proteins including Ca2+-bound Calmodulin, Lysozyme, Ca2+-bound Troponin C, and Glutathione S-Transferase. In all cases significant improvement in NMR spectral resolution of methyl signals in reductively methylated proteins was obtained. The increased spectral resolution helps with more precise characterization of protein structural rearrangements caused by ligand binding as shown by studying binding of Calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine to Calmodulin. Thus, this approach may be used to increase resolution in NMR spectra of 13C methyl groups on lysine residues in reductively methylated proteins that enhances the accuracy of protein structural assessment.
Knowing what engineering and technology teachers need to know: an analysis of pre-service teachers engineering design problems

With the rapid advances in civilization, technological breakthroughs, and a globally growing workforce, there is a strong need for engineers capable of working in the 21st century environment (Galloway, The 21st century engineer: A proposal for engineering education reform. ASCE, Washington DC 2008). To help increase the quality and quantity of students choosing to pursue engineering, leaders have called on K-12 education to look for methods of inserting pre-engineering into the K-12 curriculum. Leaders in technology education have responded to the call to develop top quality candidates for engineers by infusing engineering into the technology education curriculum. Teacher preparation programs have used various methods to provide future technology teachers with the required content knowledge in order to effectively teach engineering design within the technology curriculum. One such program uses an ABET accredited engineering curriculum for the content and additional training to strengthen engineering education pedagogy for technology teachers. Students who graduate from this program possess both an engineering degree and technology teaching license. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain the differences between technology teachers from this program and traditionally trained technology teachers. In particular, how each group incorporates the engineering design process in classroom assignments. Design briefs were gathered from pre-service teachers who graduated from the aforementioned program and compared to design briefs of practicing technology teachers around the United States. The engineering design process was used to develop a rubric to compare the usage of engineering content between the two groups. It was found that students with 4 years of engineering training were more likely to use all steps of the engineering design process. Further examination illustrates that engineering trained technology teachers were significantly more likely to use mathematical and analytical methods to determine optimum solutions. In order for technology education teachers to effectively infuse engineering design into coursework, they need to be familiar and comfortable with the engineering sciences and the design process. With limited engineering design experience, technology teachers are not as likely to use optimization techniques involving mathematical and analytical reasoning. These concepts are critical for engineering students to be successful in college engineering programs and beyond.
Zidovudine inhibits thymidine phosphorylation in the isolated perfused rat heart.

Zidovudine (AZT; 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine), a thymidine analog, has been a staple of highly active antiretroviral therapy. It is phosphorylated in the host to the triphosphate and functions by inhibiting the viral reverse transcriptase. However, long-term use of AZT is linked to various tissue toxicities, including cardiomyopathy. These toxicities are associated with mitochondrial DNA depletion, which is hypothesized to be caused by AZT triphosphate inhibition of mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ. In previous work with isolated heart mitochondria, we demonstrated that AZT phosphorylation beyond the monophosphate was not detected and that AZT itself was a potent inhibitor of thymidine phosphorylation. This suggests an alternative hypothesis in which depletion of the TTP pool may limit mitochondrial DNA replication. The present work extends these studies to the whole cell by investigating the metabolism of thymidine and AZT in the intact isolated perfused rat heart. [3H]thymidine is converted to [3H]TTP in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The level of [3H]TMP is low, suggesting that the reaction catalyzed by thymidine kinase is the rate-limiting step in phosphorylation. [3H]AZT is converted in a time- and concentration-dependent manner to AZT monophosphate, the only phosphorylated product detected after 3 h of perfusion. Both compounds display negative cooperativity, similar to the observations with cloned and purified mitochondrial thymidine kinase 2. The presence of AZT in the perfusate inhibits the phosphorylation of [3H]thymidine with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 24 ± 4 μM. These data support the hypothesis that AZT-induced mitochondrial cardiotoxicity may be caused by a limiting pool of TTP that lowers mitochondrial DNA replication.
Evaluation of integrating the invasive species forecasting system to support national park service decisions on fire management activities and invasive plant species control.

The USGS and NASA, in conjunction with Colorado State University, George Mason University and other partners, have developed the Invasive Species Forecasting System (ISFS), a flexible tool that capitalizes on NASA's remote sensing resource to produce dynamic habitat maps of invasive terrestrial plant species across the United States. In 2006 ISFS was adopted to generate predictive invasive habitat maps to benefit noxious plant and fire management teams in three major National Park systems: The Greater Yellowstone Area (Yellowstone / Grand Tetons National Parks), Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, and interior Alaskan (between Denali, Gates of The Arctic and Yukon-Charley). One of the objectives of this study is to explore how the ISFS enhances decision support apparatus in use by National Park management teams. The first step with each park system was to work closely with park managers to select top-priority invasive species. Specific species were chosen for each study area based on management priorities, availability of observational data, and their potential for invasion after fire disturbances. Once focal species were selected, sources of presence/absence data were collected from previous surveys for each species in and around the Parks. Using logistic regression to couple presence/absence points with environmental data layers, the first round of ISFS habitat suitability maps were generated for each National Park system and presented during park visits over the summer of 2006. This first engagement provided a demonstration of what the park service can expect from ISFS and initiated the ongoing dialog on how the parks can best utilized the system to enhance their decisions related to invasive species control. During the park visits it was discovered that separate "expert opinion" maps would provide a valuable baseline to compare against the ISFS model output. Opinion maps are a means of spatially representing qualitative knowledge into a quantitative two-dimensional map. Furthermore, our approach combines the qualitative expert opinion habitat maps with the quantitative ISFS habitat maps in a difference map that shows where the two maps agree and disagree. The objective of the difference map is to help focus future field sampling and improve model results. This paper presents a demonstration of the habitat, expert opinion, and difference map for Yellowstone National Park.
Epoxy composites with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets – Dispersion and synergy effects

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at different mix ratios were dispersed by ultrasonication into an epoxy matrix and the effects of CNT:GNP ratios on the mechanical and electrical properties of the hybrid composites were investigated. The combination of CNT and GNP in a ratio 8:2 was observed to synergistically increase flexural properties and to reduce the electrical percolation threshold for the epoxy composites, indicating easier formation of a conductive network due to the improved state of CNT dispersion in the presence of GNPs. The state of dispersion was evaluated at different length scales by using optical microscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, rheological measurements, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and sedimentation tests. The Fourier transform infrared spectra for CNT and GNP indicate that the GNPs contain oxygen moieties responsible for better interactions with the epoxy matrix.
The effect of affirmative action on attributions about minority group members.

In the first study subjects were given information about an applicant to graduate school and asked to rate his qualifications. The information experimentally varied (a) whether the school had an affirmative action policy, (b) the ethnicity of the applicant, and (c) whether the applicant was accepted or rejected. Based on Kelley's discussion of the discounting and augmentation principles, it was predicted that the minority applicant would be rated as less qualified when the university was committed to an affirmative action program. The reverse pattern was predicted for the non-minority applicant. The results supported the first prediction but not the second. Experiment 2 was designed to eliminate alternative interpretations of the data and the same results were found. Possible interpretations for the failure of affirmative action in affecting the ratings of nonminority applicants are discussed.
Cognitive self-adaptive computing and communication systems: Test, control and adaptation

CMOS technology scaling along with the resulting large variability of circuit performance has made post-silicon circuit and algorithmic level built-in test and adaptation/tuning almost a necessity for deeply scaled technologies. Currently, circuits are designed to tolerate worst-case process corners. In addition, circuits as well as demodulation/signal processing algorithms must be designed for worst case operating conditions (e.g. environmental noise). This forces designers to excessively guard band their circuits while using “aggressive” back-end algorithms to support the end application, resulting in unacceptable power-performance-yield tradeoffs. One way to tackle this problem is to design circuits and relevant signal processing algorithms that are cognitive of their environmental operating conditions and manufacturing process conditions and use this cognition to perform self-adaptation that conserves power while maximizing yield and reliability. Such self-adaptation involves incorporation of built-in test, diagnosis and tuning/adaptation mechanisms into the circuits and systems concerned. A key issue is that of test, diagnosis and tuning of complex circuit and system-level parameters that must be evaluated and traded off against one another during the adaptation process without access to complex external test instrumentation. This talk summarizes recent results obtained in the design of such cognitive computing and communication systems and points to directions for future work in this area.
Detection Of Borrelia Burgdorferi Dna In Museum Specimens Of Peromyscus

To determine whether Borrelia burgdorferi was enzootic within the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, ear skin samples taken from museum specimens of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) were examined for evidence of spirochetal DNA. In total, 280 samples from mice collected between 1870 and 1919 were analyzed by a nested polymerase chain reaction protocol. Of these, 2 specimens from the vicinity of Dennis, Massachusetts, during 1894 were reproducibly positive for B. burgdorferi OspA sequences. The remaining 278, representing both currently endemic and nonendemic sites, were negative for spirochetal DNA. These studies suggest that the agent of Lyme disease was present in a suitable reservoir host in the United States before the turn of the century and provide evidence against a hypothesis of recent introduction of this zoonotic agent to North America.
A QUANTITATIVE GENETIC TEST OF ADAPTIVE DECOUPLING ACROSS METAMORPHOSIS FOR LOCOMOTOR AND LIFE‐HISTORY TRAITS IN THE PACIFIC TREE FROG, HYLA REGILLA

Metamorphosis is assumed to be beneficial because it can break developmental links between traits in the different phases of a complex life-cycle and thereby allow larval and adult phases to adapt independently. I tested the prediction that correlations between the larval and adult phases are smaller than within stages. I estimated phenotypic and additive genetic variances and correlations for tadpole swimming speed, frog jump distance, body size, and larval period in a single population of the Pacific tree frog, Hyla regilla. These traits are known or reasonably assumed to be important for survival in this and other anuran species from temporary ponds. Only the three size variables were affected by sire identity. Heritabilities for locomotor performance, larval period, and size-independent performance were low (0.00-0.23) and not significant. Body size measurements showed somewhat higher and statistically significant heritabilities (0.24-0.34). Most traits were phenotypically correlated. On average, phenotypic correlations were larger between phases than within phases (0.41 vs. 0.28). Genetic correlations involving body-size traits were positive and large, and average within- and between-phase genetic correlation coefficients were identical (0.81). These results do not support the adaptive decoupling hypothesis, and they indicate that a paucity of additive genetic variation is a likely constraint on the evolution of traits measured for this population.
CpsE from Type 2 Streptococcus pneumoniae Catalyzes the Reversible Addition of Glucose-1-Phosphate to a Polyprenyl Phosphate Acceptor, Initiating Type 2 Capsule Repeat Unit Formation

The majority of the 90 capsule types made by the gram-positive pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae are assembled by a block-type mechanism similar to that utilized by the Wzy-dependent O antigens and capsules of gram-negative bacteria. In this mechanism, initiation of repeat unit formation occurs by the transfer of a sugar to a lipid acceptor. In S. pneumoniae, this step is catalyzed by CpsE, a protein conserved among the majority of capsule types. Membranes from S. pneumoniae type 2 strain D39 and Escherichia coli containing recombinant Cps2E catalyzed incorporation of [14C]Glc from UDP-[14C]Glc into a lipid fraction in a Cps2E-dependent manner. The Cps2E-dependent glycolipid product from both membranes was sensitive to mild acid hydrolysis, suggesting that Cps2E was catalyzing the formation of a polyprenyl pyrophosphate Glc. Addition of exogenous polyprenyl phosphates ranging in size from 35 to 105 carbons to D39 and E. coli membranes stimulated Cps2E activity. The stimulation was due, in part, to utilization of the exogenous polyprenyl phosphates as an acceptor. The glycolipid product synthesized in the absence of exogenous polyprenyl phosphates comigrated with a 60-carbon polyprenyl pyrophosphate Glc. When 10 or 100 microM UMP was added to reaction mixtures containing D39 membranes, Cps2E activity was inhibited 40% and 80%, respectively. UMP, which acted as a competitive inhibitor of UDP-Glc, also stimulated Cps2E to catalyze the reverse reaction, with synthesis of UDP-Glc from the polyprenyl pyrophosphate Glc. These data indicated that Cps2E was catalyzing the addition of Glc-1-P to a polyprenyl phosphate acceptor, likely undecaprenyl phosphate.
Teacher-child relationships and the process of adjusting to school

Child-teacher relationships show wide-ranging patterns based on affective valence and engagement and are a unique part of school adjustment.
Conflict Resolution in Organizations

Two meta-theoretical traditions mark research on conflict resolution in organizations: the rationalist tradition, which portrays organizations as goal-directed collectivities and conflict resolution as a threat to efficiency and performance; and the cultural tradition, which portrays organizations as normative collectivities constituted by ongoing social interaction, interpretive dynamics, and institutional environments, and emphasizes the interplay of law and social inequalities in interpersonal and collective organizational conflict resolution. Within these traditions, we distinguish between structural and processual styles of research, noting the empirical methods favored in each tradition, research that blurs the boundaries between the traditions, and vanguard scholarship. Finally, we discuss several potential areas of research that could enhance meaningful intellectual exchange between the traditions.
Large‐scale terrestrial gastropod community composition patterns in the Great Lakes region of North America

Previous ordination studies of land snail community composition have been limited to four or fewer habitat types from sites sepa- rated by no more than 300 km. To investigate the nature of large-scale patterns, North American land snail assemblages at 421 sites, representing 26 habitat types and covering a 1400 〈 800 km area, were ordinated using global, nonmetric multi-dimensional scaling (NMDS). These data were then subjected to model-based cluster analysis and kmeans clustering to identify the main compositional groups and most important environmental covariables. Six primary com- positional groups were identified. Three of these largely represent upland forest and rock outcrop sites, while the remaining largely represent either lowland forest, lowland grassland or upland grassland habitats. The geographical location and moisture level of sites also influ- ences community composition. A strong compo- sitional difference exists between sites having duff vs. turf soil surface layers. Only 8% of sites were improperly classified when soil surface architecture was used as the sole predictor variable. Fully 43% of taxa exhibited significant preferences towards one of these surface types, while only 15% of relatively common (10 + occurrence) taxa showed no preferences. Twelve groups of closely related taxa within the same genus had members that favoured different sur- face types, indicating that differential selection pressures have existed over evolutionary time scales. While turf faunas appeared unaffected by anthropogenic disturbance, duff faunas were strongly impacted, suggesting that their conser- vation will require protection of soil surface architecture.