cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo time-course changes in ethanol levels sampled with subcutaneous microdialysis.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine time-course changes in in vivo ethanol (EtOH) concentrations using a novel subcutaneous (s.c.) microdialysis sampling technique. The hypothesis to be tested was that EtOH concentrations in the s.c. fluid would reflect blood EtOH concentrations. If this is the case, then s.c. microdialysis could allow a more detailed analysis of changes in in vivo levels of EtOH under different drinking paradigms. Methods: Adult male and female Wistar rats and male alcohol-preferring (P) rats were used in this study. A loop-style microdialysis probe was designed for s.c. applications. After initial in vitro characterization, probes were implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. Animals were allowed to recover 4 to 24 hours prior to microdialysis collection (2.0 μl/min flow rate with isotonic saline). In vivo microdialysis experiments were then conducted to determine (i) the extraction fraction (or clearance) using EtOH no-net-flux (NNF) coupled with the alcohol clamp method, (ii) the dose–response and time-course effects after systemic EtOH administration and to compare with blood EtOH levels, and (iii) the time-course changes in EtOH levels during and after an EtOH drinking episode. Results: In vivo probe recovery (extraction fraction) obtained using the alcohol clamp method was 69 ± 3%, and was comparable to the in vitro recovery of 73 ± 2%. For the EtOH dose–response experiment, rats injected i.p. with 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg EtOH showed a clear dose–response effect in the s.c. dialysate samples. Peak concentrations (70, 123, and 203 mg%, respectively) were reached by 15 minutes after injection. In an experiment comparing levels of EtOH in s.c. dialysis and arterial blood samples in rats administered 1.0 g/kg EtOH, similar time-course changes in in vivo EtOH concentrations were observed with both i.g. and i.p. EtOH administration. In P rats drinking 15% EtOH during a 1-hour scheduled access period, EtOH levels in s.c. microdialysates rose rapidly over the session and peaked at approximately 50 mg% at 60 to 80 minutes. Conclusions: Overall, these experiments indicate that s.c. EtOH and blood EtOH concentrations follow a similar time course. Moreover, s.c. microdialysis can be useful as an experimental approach for determining detailed time-course changes in in vivo EtOH concentrations associated with alcohol drinking episodes.
Closing the it Gap for Race and Gender

Highly-skilled technology jobs like database administrators, systems analysts, and computer programmers are the fastest growing occupation in the United States. The demand for these jobs exceeds the available workforce. A potential source for additional Information Technology (IT) workers is in the populations of women and some minorities like African Americans and people of Hispanic origin which are underrepresented in highly-skilled IT jobs. There is evidence of cultural differences which contribute to the lower representation of some populations. Census data on computer use and ownership provide quantitative indications of differences. Perceptions of African-American college students provide other evidence of differences in values for spending money, gaining technology skills, lack of role models, and inequities in resources. The bridges needed to close the gap in representation in technology jobs include: positive role models, access, skills, encouragement, perceptions, and self-confidence. Increasing...
The effects of rate of exposure upon simultaneous intentional and incidental verbal-discrimination learning

The constant learning-time hypothesis and predictions from frequency theory regarding intentional and incidental verbal-discrimination learning were tested under three exposure rates. Mean trials and errors were higher under the 1:1 sec rate, but total time was greater with the 4:4 sec rate. Incidental associative recall was greatest within the 4:4 sec rate and was symmetrical under the 2:2 and 4:4 sec rates, but asymmetrical in the 1:1 sec condition. The results were explained from an analysis assuming a differential distribution of frequency mechanisms to wrong and right items associated with exposure rate.
Statistical Considerations for the Number of Participants in Human Factors Scaling Studies

Scaling is widely used in human factors and other psychological research as the primary method to assess mental states. While scaling biases and ways to mitigate such biases are well documented, there remains little discussion of the appropriate number of participants for scaling-based research studies. This paper reviews evidence suggesting that for most scaling research, the discoverability of findings asymptotes when using five participants. This paper includes a discussion of the use of descriptive vs. inferential statistics for scaling research, a review of the parallels between scaling and usability research with regard to the number of participants, and a discussion of statistical power for scaling research.
Brain mast cells lack the c-kit receptor: immunocytochemical evidence

Mast cells are reported to differ from other cells of the hematopoietic lineage in that as mature cells, they retain the c-kit receptor, and are thus capable of responding to the stem cell factor (SCF) ligand. SCF is important for development and survival of mast cells. In this study, c-kit expression was examined immunocytochemically in the brains of mice, rats and doves. The results indicate that brain mast cells lack the c-kit receptor; those of the leptomeninges and other connective tissues are a mixed population of c-kit positive and negative cells. The mechanisms whereby brain mast cells might survive in the absence of SCF-c-kit signaling are discussed.
A weighted cooperative spectrum sensing framework for infrastructure-based cognitive radio networks

Spectrum sensing plays a critical role in cognitive radio networks. A good sensing scheme can reduce the false alarm probability and the miss detection probability, and thus improves spectrum utilization. This paper presents a weighted cooperative spectrum sensing framework for infrastructure-based cognitive radio networks, to increase the spectrum sensing accuracy. The framework contains two modules. In the first module, each cognitive radio performs local spectrum sensing and computes the total error probability, which combines the false alarm probability and the miss detection probability. The total error probability and the energy signal from the primary user are then sent to the base station. In the second module, the base station makes a final decision after combining the weighted energy signals from all cognitive radios. The final decision is then broadcasted back to all cognitive radios. To reduce the computation complexity and communication overhead, the base station also instructs the cognitive radios that have large total error probabilities not to report their local sensing results. We have developed a theoretical model for the proposed framework, and derived the optimal detection threshold, as well as the minimum number of cognitive radios required to participate in cooperative sensing, subject to a given total error probability. Numerical results verify that the proposed weighted cooperative spectrum sensing framework significantly improves the sensing accuracy.
Ischemic preconditioning attenuates postischemic coronary artery endothelial dysfunction in a model of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objective: Unmodified reperfusion without cardioplegia in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting procedures causes endothelial dysfunction that may predispose to polymorphonuclear neutrophil-mediated myocardial injury. This study tested the hypothesis that ischemic preconditioning in a minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting model attenuates postischemic endothelial dysfunction in coronary vessels. Methods: In anesthetized dogs, the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 30 minutes and reperfused for 3 hours without ischemic preconditioning (no-ischemic preconditioning; n=7); in 7 dogs, the left anterior descending occlusion was preceded by 5 minutes occlusion followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion. Relaxation responses to stimulators of nitric oxide synthase were used to evaluate endothelial function in arteries from the ischemic-reperfused (left anterior descending) and nonischemic (left circumflex coronary artery) zones. Results: Stimulated endothelial-dependent relaxation of epicardial left anterior descending artery to incremental concentrations of acetylcholine in the no-ischemic preconditioning animals was shifted to the right, and maximal relaxation was attenuated compared with the nonischemic left circumflex coronary artery (117% ± 4% vs 138% ± 5%). In contrast, acetylcholine-induced maximal relaxation was comparable in the left anterior descending artery versus left circumflex coronary artery in the ischemic preconditioning group (130% ± 6% vs 135% ± 5%). In 150- to 200-μm left anterior descending microvessels, 50% relaxation occurred with a lower concentration (log[M]) of acetylcholine in ischemic preconditioning versus no-ischemic preconditioning (–8.0 ± 0.4 vs –7.0 ± 0.1) with no group differences in smooth muscle relaxation to sodium nitroprusside, suggesting endothelial-specific damage. Adherence of fluorescent labeled polymorphonuclear neutrophils to epicardial coronary artery endothelium, used as an index of basal (unstimulated) anti–polymorphonuclear neutrophil function, was significantly attenuated by ischemic preconditioning versus no-ischemic preconditioning (293 ± 25 polymorphonuclear neutrophils/mm 2 vs 528 ± 29 polymorphonuclear neutrophils/mm 2 ). Conclusion: In this minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting model, both agonist-stimulated and basal postischemic endothelial dysfunction were attenuated by ischemic preconditioning. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;117:383-9)
COOPERATIVE LEARNING: A BRIEF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of cooperative learning. This discussion includes a description of the essential components of cooperative learning activities and a review of the research regarding its effectiveness. The research review investigates the effect of cooperative learning on academic achievement, peer relationships, and social development. Notable cooperative learning programs are described.
The biomechanics of prevention and treatment for low back pain: 2nd international workshop.

Abstract The goal of this workshop was to discuss the role of biomechanics in developing strategies for the prevention and treatment of low back pain. In this context, the discussions were meant to highlight areas in which future research should be focused. Some main points which resulted from the discussions were: 1) disc degeneration is predominately a problem of middleaged males and is adversely influenced by excessive physical activity; 2) excessive physical activity may negatively influence the disc through both excessive forces and excessive motion; 3) clinical back pain is multifactoral, and confounded by psychosocial factors — consequently, direct biomechanical prediction of pain may be unrealistic. Rather, bioengineers should focus on methods to understand and predict tissue injury and degeneration; and 4) a significant component of disc degeneration is the ongoing cellular response to fluctuations in tissue stress. Based on these premises, suggestions for future research were: • • Develop improved non-invasive methods for quantifying the progression of disc degeneration. • • Conduct prospective studies to investigate how both spinal forces and spinal motion are associated with the rate of disc degeneration. • • Develop a mechanical failure criteria for disc tissues. • • Concentrate on improved validation of engineering models of the disc and development of quantitative failure criteria for the various disc tissues. • • Develop a biologic failure criteria for disc tissues. • • Conduct in vitro experimentation to elucidate how the activity of disc cells is influenced by mechanical factors. • • Integrate both mechanical and biologic failure criteria into engineering models of the disc. The hope is that future workshop will focus on fostering research and collaborations in these priority areas.
Rapid and simple analysis of DOPA and 5-HTP using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A rapid and simple assay using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC) has been developed for the concurrent measurement of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) extracted from brain tissue. With a one-step process using strong cationic exchange resin this method circumvented conventional solvent extraction and other preparative separations. Extraction efficiencies from tissue were 95.7 +/- 3.5% (n = 12) for DOPA and 96.0 +/- 7.0% (N = 6) for 5-HTP (numbers indicate the mean R/- S.E.M.). The limit of detection following injection of 30 microliter of standard solution was 500 pg for DOPA and 50 pg for 5-HTP. Additionally, the effects of apomorphine and parachlorophenylalanine on DOPA and 5-HTP accumulation were measured following inhibition of DA neuronal firing and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. This method has been proven to be sensitive and selective enough to estimate changes of DA and 5-HT synthesis in discrete brain regions such as caudate nucleus and olfactory tubercle of rat brain.
Retinoic acid-related orphan receptors α and γ: key regulators of lipid/glucose metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity

Retinoic acid-related orphan receptors RORα and RORγ play a regulatory role in lipid/glucose homeostasis and various immune functions, and have been implicated in metabolic syndrome and several inflammatory diseases. RORα-deficient mice are protected against age- and diet-induced obesity, hepatosteatosis, and insulin resistance. The resistance to hepatosteatosis in RORα-deficient mice is related to the reduced expression of several genes regulating lipid synthesis, transport, and storage. Adipose tissue-associated inflammation, which plays a critical role in the development of insulin resistance, is considerably diminished in RORα-deficient mice as indicated by the reduced infiltration of M1 macrophages and decreased expression of many proinflammatory genes. Deficiency in RORγ also protects against diet-induced insulin resistance by a mechanism that appears different from that in RORα deficiency. Recent studies indicated that RORs provide an important link between the circadian clock machinery and its regulation of metabolic genes and metabolic syndrome. As ligand-dependent transcription factors, RORs may provide novel therapeutic targets in the management of obesity and associated metabolic diseases, including hepatosteatosis, adipose tissue-associated inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Associations of beta nerve growth factor with bovine serum albumin as well as with the alpha and gamma subunits of the 7S macromolecule.

— The association of 125 I-diiodo-Beta nerve growth factor with bovine serum albumin (BSA), as well as with the Gamma and Alpha subunits of the 7S nerve-growth factor (NGF) macromolecule are described. In the absence of added protein, the stable thermodynamic state for Beta (pH 7.4) at concentrations below 10−7 M is absorbed to the walls of the reaction vessel. Above 10−7 M the sites on the wall of the reaction vessel begin to saturate, and Beta is found free in solution. Addition of other soluble proteins to the system (i.e. BSA, Alpha and Gamma) causes a displacement of the Beta from the walls of the reaction vessel. This displacement is the result of the binding of the Beta to the added soluble protein. The binding of Beta to BSA is a complex function of BSA concentration, suggesting multiple sets of sites and/or cooperative interactions. In contrast, the characteristics of the association of Beta with Gamma and Alpha indicate an interaction between discrete sets of sites on the respective polypeptide chains. The Beta-Gama association is a bimolecular association with an apparent first thermodynamic association constant of 6.25 × 105M−1. The association between Beta and Alpha is also bimolecular and has an apparent first thermodynamic association constant of 2.0 × 105M−1. In addition, dissociation studies suggest that the Gamma-Beta complex binds Alpha with a substantially higher affinity than does Beta or Gamma alone. These data strongly support the conclusion that there is a unique biologically determined relationship among these polypeptides. The data are discussed with respect to the experimental use of Beta NGF. A new operational paradigm for the controlled use of the Beta NGF is presented. This approach is based on the use of a thermodynamically stabilized 7S complex and the analysis of relative apparent affinities.
The Service/Politics Split: Rethinking Service To Teach Political Engagement.

Over the past few years, I have experimented with a classroom exercise that encourages students to think about how they perceive service and politics. I ask the students to create lists of service activities and political activities in which they and their friends and families engage. The service list typically includes such activities as working in a soup kitchen, delivering meals to the homebound, tutoring in the school system, and cleaning up parks. The list of political activities usually includes things like voting, protesting, raising money, lobbying, letter writing, and running for office.Turning students' attention to the list of community service activities, I ask them to give some adjectives that people might use to describe the listed projects. The students usually offer such descriptors as altruistic, caring, helping, selfless, and giving, as well as individualistic and one-on-one. Often, the students will also add the words selfish or insincere to describe those students who engage in community service to enhance their resume or earn academic credit.Asked for adjectives that describe politics, the words come fast and furious—dirty, corrupt, ambitious, crooked, dishonest, compromising, slow. After the initial rush of negative descriptors and with little prompting on my part, students will also talk about politics as a means to affect social change and make a difference for groups of people.I have used this exercise with audiences ranging from young women uninterested in politics, to young people planning careers in politics and policy making, to foundation officials.
The quantization of the atom in three acts

The challenge that faced physicists soon after the discovery of the quantum in 1900 was to determine the structure of the atom. Success came through the application of quantum ideas to this challenge. The focus of these efforts was the hydrogen atom. Three very different approaches led to the successful explanation of the Balmer series of hydrogen and, in the process, the foundation for atomic and molecular physics was established.
Th17 Cells Induce Ectopic Lymphoid Follicles in Central Nervous System Tissue Inflammation

Ectopic lymphoid follicles are hallmarks of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and myasthenia gravis. However, the effector cells and mechanisms that induce their development are unknown. Here we showed that in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS, Th17 cells specifically induced ectopic lymphoid follicles in the central nervous system (CNS). Development of ectopic lymphoid follicles was partly dependent on the cytokine interleukin 17 (IL-17) and on the cell surface molecule Podoplanin (Pdp), which was expressed on Th17 cells, but not on other effector T cell subsets. Pdp was also crucial for the development of secondary lymphoid structures: Pdp-deficient mice lacked peripheral lymph nodes and had a defect in forming normal lymphoid follicles and germinal centers in spleen and lymph node remnants. Thus, Th17 cells are uniquely endowed to induce tissue inflammation, characterized by ectopic lymphoid follicles within the target organ.
Implications of SU(2) symmetry on the dynamics of population difference in the two-component atomic vapor.

We present an exact many-body solution for the dynamics of the population difference ${N}_{2}{\ensuremath{-}N}_{1}$ induced by an rf field in the two-component atomic cloud characterized by equal scattering lengths. We show that no intrinsic decoherence occurs for ${N}_{2}{\ensuremath{-}N}_{1}$, provided that the exact intrinsic $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ symmetry holds. Decoherence for ${N}_{2}{\ensuremath{-}N}_{1}$ arises when deviations from the symmetry exist either in the scattering lengths or in the confining potentials. We suggest testing the evolution of ${N}_{2}{\ensuremath{-}N}_{1}$ by conducting echo-type experiments.
Information Seeking and Satisfaction With Physician–Patient Communication Among Prostate Cancer Survivors

Relatively little is known about prostate cancer patients' information seeking after diagnosis, how they use such information in making a treatment decision, or what role information plays in adjusting to quality-of-life issues posttreatment. This research sought to explore some of these issues by examining prostate cancer patients' information seeking and its relationship to assessments of feeling informed and satisfied with physician-patient communication about prostate cancer. Respondents felt reasonably informed about prostate cancer, although over one third of them reported being less then informed. Similarly, many respondents were generally satisfied with their communication with physicians, but nearly 40% of them reported being less than satisfied. However, there was no relationship between respondents' information seeking about prostate cancer and their assessments of being informed or satisfied with physician-patient communication. These and other results are discussed with respect to future research on prostate cancer patients' information needs and uses of such information.
Wasps' nests and wolf packs: A note on extending behavior setting theory to non-human social groups

Abstract The behavior setting theory of traditional ecological psychology has been applied extensively to human settings. This paper attempts to extend that theory to the behavior of non-human social groups in the natural environment. Such groups and their activities, particularly those that are hierarchical, do seem capable of being viewed as analogous to behavior settings, and bear some resemblance in other respects as well: ‘understaffing’, in which fewer than an optimal number inhabit and run a setting, and its converse ‘overstaffing’, occur in natural non-human social groups, and are responded to in ways that parallel responses in human behavior settings. Furthermore, the mechanisms acting to maintain human behavior settings and non-human social groups share some similarities. Sophisticated verbal behavior in humans, however, and the preponderance of phylogenic mechanisms in many non-humans, cause differences in the two categories of behavior settings and setting control mechanisms.
Social reality and the hole in determinism

Abstract To believe in free will is to believe that people really make choices, in which more than one outcome is possible. Instead of the outmoded dualism of mind and body, we need to understand the duality of physical and social reality. Social reality, composed of meaning, reveals the inadequacy of physical determinism. Social realities (e.g., money, justice, democracy, law, mathematics, culture) do not have the properties of physical matter (e.g., chemical composition, mass, velocity, molecular structure), but they can affect behavior and thereby enter into the stream of physical causation.
The battle over SCHIP.

Reauthorization of the State Children's Heath Insurance Program has become embroiled in a struggle over ideologies that divide the political parties, and President Bush has said he would veto the SCHIP bills approved by the House and Senate. John Iglehart reports. Professor Sara Rosenbaum discusses the battle between Congress and the Bush administration over SCHIP and the need to improve health care coverage for young adults. Professor Rosenbaum is chair of the Department of Health Policy at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services.
The Distribution between Plasma and Brain of Glutethimide and 4-Hydroxyglutethimide following Their Administration to Mice

SummaryFollowing administration of d,l-glutethimide or its active metabolite, d-4-hydroxyglutethimide, the presumed d-glutethimide metabolite, to mice, the relative partition between blood and brain as well as the rate of disappearance of each substance from these tissues was found to be similar. In addition, the degree of CNS depression produced by increasing doses of either substance was directly proportional to the blood or brain level attained, indicating that the twofold-greater potency of the active metabolite, relative to glutethimide, is mostly a function of its intrinsic pharmaco-logic activity and not dependent upon differences in drug disposition.
Annual wood production in a tropical rain forest in NE Costa Rica linked to climatic variation but not to increasing CO2

Increased atmospheric [CO 2 ] could theoretically lead to increased forest productivity ('CO 2 fertilization'). This mechanism was hypothesized as a possible explanation for biomass increases reported from tropical forests in the last 30 + years. We used unique long-term records of annually measured stands (eighteen 0.5 ha plots, 10 years) and focal tree species (six species, 24 years) to assess the effects of rainfall, temperature, and atmospheric [CO 2 ] on annual wood production in a neotropical rain forest. Our study area was a meso-scale section (600 ha) of old-growth Tropical Wet Forest in NE Costa Rica. Using the repeated remeasurements we directly assessed the relative effects of interannual climatic variation and increasing atmospheric [CO 2 ] on wood production. A remarkably simple two-factor model explained 91% of the interannual variance in stand-level tree growth; the statistically independent factors were total dry season rainfall (positive effect, r 2 = 0.85) and night-time temperature (negative effect, r 2 = 0.42). Stand-level tree mortality increased significantly with night-time temperature. After accounting for dry season rainfall and night-time temperature, there was no effect of annual [CO 2 ] on tree growth in either the stand or focal species data. Tree growth in this Tropical Wet Forest was surprisingly sensitive to the current range of dry season conditions and to variations in mean annual night-time temperature of 1-2°. Our results suggest that wood production in the lowland rainforests of NE Costa Rica (and by extension in other tropical regions) may be severely reduced in future climates that are only slightly drier and/or warmer.
General surgeon workforce in Tennessee in the era of the Affordable Care Act.

Abstract Background The Affordable Care Act of (ACA) 2010 may result in an increase in demand for surgery and may exacerbate any existing surgeon shortage. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with general surgeon workforce within counties in Tennessee in light of the ACA. Materials and methods The Area Resource File for 2011 was utilized for this study. Counties with less than 3 active surgeons/100,000 persons were classified as shortage counties (SC). Counties with more than 6 active surgeons/100,000 persons were considered over-supply counties (OC). Demographic factors for each county were determined. Univariate and multivariable analysis was used to determine factors associated with SC. Results There are 95 counties in the state and 45.3% were SC and 33.7% were OC. Sixty-nine (72.6%) of the counties had at least one hospital and 57 (60%) were in non-metro counties. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that increasing percent uninsured in a county was positively associated with a SC. No other factors were associated with SC. To meet the cutoff of three surgeons per 100,000 in SC 23 general surgeons would be required. There was an excess of 219 general surgeons in OCs. Conclusions There appears to be an adequate supply of general surgeons but a maldistribution exists, particularly if demand increases with the implementation of the ACA. If redistribution of surgeons does not occur through natural changes in supply and demand, careful policy changes may be considered to encourage redistribution of surgeon resources to meet demand in counties that are currently underserved.
Thermal acclimation and photoacclimation of photosynthesis in the brown alga Laminaria saccharina

Thermal acclimation and photoacclimation of photosynthesis were compared in Laminaria saccharina sporophytes grown at temperatures of 5 and 17 °C and irradiances of 15 and 150μmol photons m−2 s−1. When measured at a standard temperature (17°C), rates of light-saturated photosynthesis (Pmax) were higher in 5 °C-grown algae (c. 3.0 μmol O2 m−2 s−1) than in 17 °C-grown algae (c. 0.9 μmol O2 m-2 s-1). Concentrations of Rubisco were also 3-fold higher (per unit protein) in 5 °C-grown algae than in algae grown at 17 °C. Light-limited photosynthesis responded similarly to high temperature and low light Photon yields (α) were higher in algae grown at high temperature (regardless of light), and at 5 °C in low light, than in algae grown at 5 °C in high light Differences in a were correlated with light absorption; both groups of 17 °C algae and 5 °C low-light algae absorbed c. 75% of incident light, whereas 5 °C high-light algae absorbed c. 55%. Increased absorption was correlated with increases in pigment content PSII reaction centre densities and the fucoxanthin-Chl ale protein complex (FCP). Changes in a were also attributed, in part, to changes in the maximum photon yield of photosynthesis (0max). PSI reaction centre densities were unaffected by growth temperature, but the areal concentration of PSI in low-light-grown algae was twice that of high-light-grown algae (c. 160.0 versus 80.0 nmol m−2). We suggest that complex metabolic regulation allows L, saccharina to optimize photosynthesis over the wide range of temperatures and light levels encountered in nature.
Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate 5-Kinase Reduces Cell Surface Expression of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) in Cultured Collecting Duct Cells

Abstract Ubiquitination of ENaC subunits has been shown to negatively regulate the cell surface expression of ENaC channels. We have previously demonstrated that epsin links ubiquitinated ENaC to clathrin adaptors for clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Epsin is thought to directly modify the curvature of membranes upon binding to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) where it recruits clathrin and stimulates lattice assembly. Murine phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase α (PI5KIα) has been shown to enhance endocytosis in a PIP2-dependent manner. We tested the hypothesis that PI5KIα-mediated PIP2 production would negatively regulate ENaC current by enhancing epsin-mediated endocytosis of the channel. Expression of PI5KIα decreased ENaC currents in Xenopus oocytes by 80%, entirely because of a decrease in cell surface ENaC levels. Catalytically inactive mutants of PI5Kα had no effect on ENaC activity. Expression of the PIP2 binding region of epsin increased ENaC current in oocytes, an effect completely reversed by co-expression of PI5KIα. Overexpression of epsin reduced amiloride-sensitive current in CCD cells. Overexpression of PI5KIα enhanced membrane PIP2 levels and reduced apical surface expression of ENaC in CCD cells, down-regulating amiloride-sensitive current. Knockdown of PI5KIα with isoform-specific siRNA resulted in a 4-fold enhancement of ENaC activity. PI5KIα localized exclusively to the apical plasma membrane domain when overexpressed in mouse CCD cells, consistent for a role in regulating PIP2 production at the apical plasma membrane. We conclude that membrane turnover events regulating ENaC surface expression and activity in oocytes and CCD cells can be regulated by PI5KIα.
The Relationship between European Convertible Bond Issues and Corporate Governance: A Study of Electronics Companies in Taiwan

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between European convertible bond issues and corporate governance. After reviewing the regulation of Taiwan's ECB issues, we use the data from publicly traded electronics stocks from Taiwan to perform the empirical study. We found that the larger the company's ECB issue size, the higher the premium at the time of the ECB issue. In addition, we also found that the higher the company debt ratio, the lower the ECB issue premium. Finally, we found that the larger the company market value, the larger the size of the ECB issue.
Vihvelin on Frankfurt-Style Cases and the Actual-Sequence View

This is a critical discussion of Vihvelin's recent book Causes, Laws, and Free Will. I discuss Vihvelin's ideas on Frankfurt-style cases and the actual-sequence view of freedom that is inspired by them.
Trauma By Blunt Object: Ruptures

Rupture is the most severe type of injury; partially responsible for the poor prognosis is the instantaneous extrusion of tissues through the wound. Much of the damage occurs at the time of impact (Table 2.11.1) – this is the part of the damage the surgeon cannot influence; however, tissue incarceration and late scarring (Fig. 2.12.1) are significant threats, and here proper and timely intervention is able to positively impact the outcome. Eyes with posterior scleral extension fare much worse than eyes with only a limbal wound [1, 7], especially if primary or secondary retinal incarceration occurs (see Chap. 2.14).
Political Participation, Income Distribution, and Public Transfers in Developed Democracies

In the postwar era until recently, public-transfer shares of GDP have risen dramatically in every developed democracy. Much positive theory purports to explain this development as a direct consequence of differing distributions of political (votes) and economic (money) resources. This literature concludes, inter alia, that tax-and-transfer-system (T&T) sizes increase in the skew of the income distribution. This paper builds from that basis, suggesting theoretical additions and amendments deriving from further consideration of the democratic processes that transform resources into influence. It especially emphasizes that not everyone participates politically and that who participates is non-randomly selected. This implies that aggregate participation rates will mediate T&T responses to income inequality, and, conversely, that income inequality will mediate T&T responses to aggregate participation rates. Specifically, since the relatively wealthy have higher propensity to participate politically, higher aggregate participation rates will generally coincide with increased democratic representation of the relatively less well-off, suggesting that democratic governments will respond to greater inequality with larger T&T increases the higher the participation rate and, vice versa, higher participation induces larger T&T responses the more skewed the underlying income distribution. Regression analysis of the postwar T&T experiences of developed democracies support that hypothesis empirically.
The conditions for eliminating first order aggregation bias in input-output models when technical coefficients are estimated by a member of the k-class

Over the past twenty-five years, the problem of aggregation bias in input-output analysis has been investigated by many scholars.1 This interest has arisen largely because aggregation bias has important consequences for input-output forecasting: In particular, it may cause the estimates of total output to be inaccurate. However, judging from the current literature on this subject, there is little that can be done to remove these inaccuracies. As has been pointed out repeatedly, the conditions which have been established for zero aggregation bias are quite restrictive and unlikely to be satisfied in practical situations.
Throughput optimization in disk-based real-time application specific systems

Traditionally, application specific computations have been focusing on numerically intensive data manipulation. Modern communications and DSP applications, such as WWW, and video-on-demand, however, are increasingly more data management oriented. At the same time, the technological trends indicate that magnetic disk system performance is rapidly becoming a principal component in overall system behavior. We initiate system level research in synthesis of disk-based application specific system by introducing cost and throughput optimization problems for synthesis of disk- based application specific systems. We formulate, establish computational complexity, and develop efficient optimization algorithms for data assignment on a single and multiple disks so that the seek time overhead is minimized. Extensive experimental results clearly indicate the importance of the synthesis problem and effectiveness of the proposed optimization algorithms.
Implications of Extracurricular Activity Participation During Adolescence on Positive Outcomes.

The present study was conducted to determine if participation in extracurricular activities predicts multiple positive outcomes such as attending college, voting in national and regional elections,...
Sensitivity of Convective Initiation Prediction to Near-Surface Moisture When Assimilating Radar Refractivity: Impact Tests Using OSSEs

AbstractThe Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) system is enhanced to include the analysis of radar-derived refractivity measurements. These refractivity data are most sensitive to atmospheric moisture content and provide high-resolution information on near-surface moisture that is important to convective initiation (CI) and precipitation forecasting. Observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) are performed using simulated refractivity data. The impacts of refractivity on CI and subsequent forecasts are investigated in the presence of varying observation error, radar location, data coverage, and different uncertainties in the background field. Cycled refractivity assimilation and forecasts are performed and the results compared to the truth. In addition to the perfect model experiments, imperfect model experiments are performed where the forecasts use the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model instead of the ARPS. A simulation for the 19 May 2010 cen...
Focused Beam and Atmospheric Coherence Measurements at 10.6 microm and 0.63 microm.

Measurements of focused spot characteristics and the atmospheric modulation transfer function (MTF) over a 5.4-km horizontal path with laser light at 10.6 μm and 0.63 μm are reported. The atmospheric coherence diameter has been shown to be proportional to λ6/5 in verification of theory. The atmospherically degraded long-exposure 10.6-μm spot shape was Gaussian, and the spot wander exhibited a stronger dependence on turbulence strength relative to spot blur than was theoretically predicted. The diurnal cycle of the 10.6-μm spot characteristics and of the 10.6- and 0.63-μm atmospheric MTF’s under clear-sky conditions were also observed.
Dynamic Viscoelastic Characterization of Solid Food Materials

SUMMARY—There currently exists a large demand for objective methods to be used in the evaluation of food texture. A very logical approach to the evaluation of some of the parameters of texture would appear to be the use of engineering parameters for the characterization of mechanical response of materials used in processing or direct consumption. Considering the changeability of living materials, dynamic tests in which information is derived in a relatively short time appear to be highly desirable. Dynamic methods currently available include direct stress-strain measurements, transducer methods, resonance methods and wave propagation. Results from any of these tests may be presented in the form of storage and loss moduli. Interpretation of results is dependent upon the final use of the product. In most cases, a relation between the structural mechanics of the food material and the observed mechanical behavior appears to be desirable both as an aid in quality control and as a guide to the development of synthetic foods.
Recommendations for accelerating global action to prevent folic acid-preventable birth defects and other folate-deficiency diseases: meeting of experts on preventing folic acid-preventable neural tube defects.

BACKGROUND: In April of 2003, The Micronutrient Initiative, in collaboration with several other organizations, convened a group of knowledgeable scientists and policy experts to discuss ways to accelerate the global pace at which countries implement effective and sustainable programs to prevent folic acid–preventable birth defects and other folate-deficiency diseases. Programs implemented to date by fewer than 40 countries have prevented only 10% of the estimated 240,000 annual cases of folic acid–preventable spina bifida and anencephaly. METHODS: Participants in this meeting summarized and presented scientific evidence showing that increased consumption of synthetic folic acid prevents a large proportion of spina bifida and anencephaly cases. They also reviewed related guidance and endorsements issued by national professional societies and advisory bodies as well as policies and programs implemented by some countries that have already demonstrated successful results in terms of reduced rates of neural tube defects and improved folate nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The group formulated and discussed recommendations and strategies for increasing the pace of neural tube defect prevention globally. The recommendations and strategies are published here. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 70:835–837, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THE EFFECTS OF FIXED VERSUS ESCALATING REINFORCEMENT SCHEDULES ON SMOKING ABSTINENCE

Studies indicate that when abstinence is initiated, escalating reinforcement schedules maintain continuous abstinence longer than fixed reinforcement schedules. However, these studies were conducted for shorter durations than most clinical trials and also resulted in larger reinforcer value for escalating participants during the 1st week of the experiment. We tested whether escalating reinforcement schedules maintained abstinence longer than fixed reinforcement schedules in a 12-week clinical trial. Smokers (146) were randomized to an escalating reinforcement schedule, a fixed reinforcement schedule, or a control condition. Escalating reinforcement participants received $5.00 for their first breath carbon monoxide (CO) sample <3 ppm, with a $0.50 increase for each consecutive sample. Fixed reinforcement participants received $19.75 for each breath CO sample <3 ppm. Control participants received payments only for delivering a breath CO sample. Similar proportions of escalating and fixed reinforcement participants met the breath CO criterion at least once. Escalating reinforcement participants maintained criterion breath CO levels longer than fixed reinforcement and control participants. Similar to previous short-term studies, escalating reinforcement schedules maintained longer durations of abstinence than fixed reinforcement schedules during a clinical trial.
Alcohol abuse and pulmonary disease.

Review on alcohol abuse increasing the risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome through alterations in pulmonary function, and implications to potential therapeutic targets.
An ex situ study of electrodeposited lead on platinum (111): I. Examination of the surface redox behavior of lead and dynamic emersion

Electrochemical deposition of lead onto a Pt(111) electrode was studied ex situ by means of a combined electrochemical and ultrahigh vacuum system. The Pb/Pt(111) system was examined with cyclic voltammetry in the electrochemical cell and Auger spectroscopy, high energy resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry, thermal desorp- tion spectroscopy, and low energy electron diffraction in the vacuum system. Electrodeposition of Pb from 0.1 M HClO4 involves both classical electrodeposition (i.e., underpotential deposition) and a surface redox reaction. X-ray photoelectron spectra show two distinct types of adsorbed lead, Pb0 and Pb2+, in amounts that vary with emersion potential. The standard reduction potential for the reaction Pb2+ab + 2 e− Pb0ab, as determined by XPS, is E0 = 0.65 ± 0.05 VRHE, in excellent agreement with reversible peaks at 0.63 V in the cyclic voltammogram. A consequence of the surface redox reaction is that emersion is a dynamic process; discharge of the double layer after emersion results in a final emersed potential close to E0, regardless of the emersion potential. XPS measurements of the shifts of adsorbate binding energies as a function of emersion potential show that the double layer fully collapses upon emersion at potentials of −0.3 to 0.55 VRHE whereas a partially intact double layer remains after emersion at other potentials. We propose a model of the Pb surface redox process in which the oxidized species Pb2+ab must be accompanied by some form of oxygen-containing species, such as Oad or OHad.
The effects of non-thermal radio frequency radiation on human lymphocytes in vitro.

Hypotonische Streuungen, die in radiobestrahlten Kulturen menschlicher Lymphozyten Chromosomenaberrationen erkennen liessen, traten dort siebenmal haufiger auf als in unbestrahlten Kulturen; offenbar das Ergebnis einer warmefreien Bestrahlung. Trotz des Fehlens bedeutender Unterschiede in der DNA-Synthese, der Zellvergrosserung und im mitotischen Index zwischen bestrahlten und unbestrahlten Kulturen kam es zu Aberrationen.
VIDEOLOGGER: A computerized multichannel event recorder for analyzing videotapes

A microcomputer-assisted system that permits multiple events to be coded from videotape to a common time base is described. The system allows an operator, by pressing a button, to record the onset and offset times of any number of events. It requires a video recorder, an Apple II microcomputer, a John Bell 6522 timing card, and a pair of switches. The software package consists of five programs: one to make timing signals on the videotape, one to record the onset time and duration of the operator’s buttonpresses, one to read and print the coding data from disk, one to operate the timer, and one to process the compiled code used in the software package. All necessary wiring diagrams are shown. Software is available gratis from the authors on request.
Dissociation of Eu +3 Charge-Transfer State in Y 2 O 2 S and La 2 O 2 S into Eu +2 and a Free Hole

In ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$S: Eu and ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$S: Eu, excitation into the charge-transfer states (CTS) of ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{+3}$ leads partially to the dissociation of the CTS into ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{+2}$ and a free hole which may subsequently be trapped. The extent of CTS dissociation is measured both by the storage induced by a known CTS excitation dosage and by the slow-rise transients of the $^{5}D$ emissions at the onset of CTS excitation. Both measurements give an activation energy for CTS dissociation of 900 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$S and 1300 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$S, and a rate constant of \ensuremath{\sim} ${10}^{13.5}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for both hosts. The steady-state emission intensity undergoes a gradual superlinear transition with excitation intensity. The time constant of the slow-rise transient decreases with excitation intensity. The phosphorescence intensity is smaller than that of the slow-rise transient and increases sublinearly with excitation intensity. These kinds of behavior are all explained with the model of the CTS dissociating into ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{+2}$ and a free hole, with subsequent hole trapping and ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{+2}$-trapped-hole nonradiative recombination. In this model, the ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{+2}$ concentration at steady state increases as the $\frac{1}{2}$ to $\frac{1}{3}$ power of the excitation intensity.