cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ESCRT-III recognition by VPS4 ATPases

The ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) pathway is required for terminal membrane fission events in several important biological processes, including endosomal intraluminal vesicle formation, HIV budding and cytokinesis. VPS4 ATPases perform a key function in this pathway by recognizing membrane-associated ESCRT-III assemblies and catalysing their disassembly, possibly in conjunction with membrane fission. Here we show that the microtubule interacting and transport (MIT) domains of human VPS4A and VPS4B bind conserved sequence motifs located at the carboxy termini of the CHMP1-3 class of ESCRT-III proteins. Structures of VPS4A MIT-CHMP1A and VPS4B MIT-CHMP2B complexes reveal that the C-terminal CHMP motif forms an amphipathic helix that binds in a groove between the last two helices of the tetratricopeptide-like repeat (TPR) of the VPS4 MIT domain, but in the opposite orientation to that of a canonical TPR interaction. Distinct pockets in the MIT domain bind three conserved leucine residues of the CHMP motif, and mutations that inhibit these interactions block VPS4 recruitment, impair endosomal protein sorting and relieve dominant-negative VPS4 inhibition of HIV budding. Thus, our studies reveal how the VPS4 ATPases recognize their CHMP substrates to facilitate the membrane fission events required for the release of viruses, endosomal vesicles and daughter cells.
Imagining the End of Life: On the Psychology of Advance Medical Decision Making

Near the end of life, individuals often become too ill to express their wishes about the use of life-sustaining medical treatment. Instructional advance directives (i.e., livings wills) are widely advocated as a solution to this problem based on the assumption that healthy people can predict the types of medical treatment they will want to receive if they become seriously ill. In this paper, we review a large body of research from the psychological and medical literatures that challenges this assumption. This research demonstrates that across a wide variety of decision contexts people show limited ability to predict their affective and behavioral reactions to future situations. We outline several ways that policy and law regarding the use of advance directives could be informed by this research, and suggest a number of issues involved in advance medical decision making that could benefit from additional empirical and conceptual attention.
Small Steps Are Easier Together: a goal-based ecological intervention to increase walking by women in rural worksites

Abstract Objective Small Steps Are Easier Together (SmStep) was a locally-instituted, ecologically based intervention to increase walking by women. Methods Participants were recruited from 10 worksites in rural New York State in collaboration with worksite leaders and Cooperative Extension educators. Worksite leaders were oriented and chose site specific strategies. Participants used pedometers and personalized daily and weekly step goals. Participants reported steps on web logs and received weekly e-mail reports over 10 weeks in the spring of 2008. Results Of 188 enrollees, 114 (61%) reported steps. Weekly goals were met by 53% of reporters. Intention to treat analysis revealed a mean increase of 1503 daily steps. Movement to a higher step zone over their baseline zone was found for: 52% of the sedentary (n = 80); 29% of the low active (n = 65); 13% of the somewhat active (n = 28); and 18% of the active participants (n = 10). This placed 36% of enrollees at the somewhat active or higher zones (23% at baseline, p Conclusion Workers increased walking steps through a goal-based intervention in rural worksites. The SmStep intervention provides a model for a group-based, locally determined, ecological strategy to increase worksite walking supported by local community educators and remote messaging using email and a web site.
Precision Farming and Spatial Economic Analysis: Research Challenges and Opportunities

One of the defining features of agriculture is that agricultural production occurs over space. Yet, cropland is not spatially homogeneous. Yield and nutrient levels, soil characteristics, landscape configurations, pest populations, and a myriad of other factors exhibit significant spatial variability, even at the subfield level. While the ubiquity of this variability has long been understood (Harris), only recently has its systematic exploitation become feasible. Precision farming is the sampling, mapping, analysis, and management of production areas in recognition of this spatial variability. The tools employed rely heavily on state-of-the-art technology. They include satellite-based sensors and global positioning systems, lasers for spatial measurement, real-time, computer-linked yield and nutrient monitors, variable rate planters and chemical applicators, and geographic information systems. The potential benefits of precision farming are several: increased crop yields; more appropriate and cost-efficient application of seed, water, and chemicals; and reduced transport of chemicals into the environment. The means, however, by which this new technology achieves these benefits can be abstracted into a
Spinal evoked response: peripheral nerve stimulation in man.

Abstract Summated evoked responses to median and peroneal nerve stimulation were recorded from surface electrodes placed over the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine of 16 normal adults. The response consisted of triphasic potentials (initially positive) which progressively increased in latency at more rostral recording sites. The conduction velocity of the response to peroneal nerve stimulation was about 65 m/sec from lumbar to cervical recording locations. However, the speed of conduction up the spine was non-linear. It was slower over caudal cord segments than over the cauda equina or rostral spinal cord. The response was greatest in amplitude and duration and sometimes complex in configuration over the lower thoracic spine overlying the area in which peroneal nerve roots enter and begin to ascend the spinal cord. In 3 patients with spinal cord lesions clinically judged to be complete, responses caudal to the lesion were similar to those recorded in normal subjects. Leads rostral to the lesion yielded no response. These findings are consistent with the interpretation that these potentials arise in the dorsal roots of the cauda equina and in spinal cord afferent pathways.
Gender Differences in Strength

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in upper and lower body strength as a function of lean body weight and the distribution of muscle and subcutaneous fat in the upper and lower limbs. The subjects were 103 physically active men (n = 48) and women (n = 55). The peak torques produced during shoulder flexion (SF) and knee extension (KE) were used as measures of upper body and lower body strength, respectively. Flexed arm girth, thigh girth, triceps skinfold, and thigh skinfold were used to estimate the distribution of muscle and subcutaneous fat in the limbs. Results of the MANOVA revealed that the overall strength of men was significantly greater than that of women. Results of MANCOVA indicated that the SF and KE strength of women and men did not differ significantly when differences in lean body weight, arm girth, thigh girth, triceps skinfold and thigh skinfold were statistically controlled. High levels of SF and KE strength were associated with a high lean body weight and a large...
Neophobias and conditioned taste aversions in rats following exposure to novel flavors

Rats were successively exposed to three solutions with distinctively different flavors and then tested for both neophobia and propensity to form conditioned taste aversions to a fourth distinctively flavored solution. All permutations between the four solutions (salty, bitter, sweet, and sour) were examined. The prior exposures resulted in attenuation of neophobia to novel salty and sour solutions, but not to equally novel bitter or sweet solutions. These effects were found to depend upon thediversity of the prior ingestive events rather than upon either a single specific flavor experience or a summation of the reductions in generalized neophobia accrued by each substance separately; both of the latter findings are inconsistent with stimulus generalization being responsible for the observed attenuation of neophobia to salty and sour solutions following exposure to diverse different solutions. A further test of generalization between the salty and bitter solutions, consisting of associating one flavor with poison and extinguishing the avoidance response in half the animals prior to testing for generalization of conditioned taste aversion to the other flavor, also proved negative. Although these effects of exposure to flavors distinctly different from the test solution may be dependent upon solution concentrations, further research found that the same pretest exposures and same test concentrations failed to inhibit formation of conditioned taste aversions. A demonstration of “latent inhibition” attested to the sensitivity of our procedure to potential interference with acquisition of conditioned taste aversions. The results are considered in light of the relationship between neophobia and conditioned tasted aversions, the differential biological relevancy of specific tastes, and abstraction as a cognitive capability of rats. The possibility is raised that the defense against toxins is not the primary function of neophobia.
A ten-year study of meroplankton in North Carolina estuaries: Juvenile and adultOgyrides (Caridea: Ogyrididae)

Two species of alpheid-like burrowing shrimp,Ogyrides limicola andO. alphaerostris, occurring in estuaries of North Carolina were taken frequently in nocturnal surface plankton samples.Ogyrides limicola is fairly widespread in meso-polyhaline reaches of the estuarine system butO. alphaerostris appears to be confined to immediate vicinity of inlets. Samples from this study and museum collections provide evidence that the animals have a one-year life cycle with a spawning season in summer. Females greatly outnumber males in most collections studied.
The Effects of Child-Centered Group Play Sessions on Social-Emotional Growth of Three- to Six-Year-Old Bilingual Puerto Rican Children.

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the effects of child-centered group play sessions (using the play therapy interaction approach) and sex differences on self-control, free play, and sociometric ratings in young bilingual Puerto Rican children. Analyses made of pre-test scores for the dependent measures yielded no significant differences among groups. The main analyses consisted of three 2 (treatment) × 2 (sex) analyses of variance with repeated measures (ANOVA) using pre- and post-measures on self-control behaviors, free play ratings, and sociometric scores. Separate post hoc Tukey tests were run on each of the three main dependent measures. The results showed that children who received group play sessions outperformed those in the control group on the self-control and free play rating scales; boys in the experimental treatment outperformed both girls in the experimental treatment and all children in the control group on the sociometric measure. The results were interpreted and discussed in ...
Bradykinin and capsaicin stimulate cyclic GMP production in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons via a nitrosyl intermediate

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express receptors for bradykinin and capsaicin, both algesic substances. Administration of bradykinin or capsaicin to neurons cultured from embryonic rat DRG stimulated the production of cyclic GMP but did not affect the production of cyclic GMP in nonneuronal DRG cultures. Bradykinin-evoked cyclic GMP production was mediated by B2 receptors and was unaltered by indomethacin. Both bradykinin- and capsaicin-stimulated cyclic GMP production required Ca2+ and was inhibited by methylene blue. Furthermore, methylene blue attenuated basal cyclic GMP production in DRG neurons, suggesting tonic cyclic GMP production in these cells. L-NG-monomethyl arginine inhibited both bradykinin- and capsaicin-stimulated cyclic GMP production as well as basal cyclic GMP production. These findings suggest the involvement of a nitrosyl compound in bradykinin- and capsaicin-stimulated cyclic GMP production and in tonic cyclic GMP production in DRG neurons.
The effects of family occupational type, sex, and appeal style on helping behavior

A campus blood donation drive provided an opportunity to examine the variables of family occupational type as a milieu for the socialization of altruism, appeal style stressing equity or dependency, and sex-role attitude (traditional and nontraditional) in influencing helping behavior. No effects are found for family occupational type dichotomized as bureaucratic and entrepreneurial. Males but not females respond to an appeal based on equity more than to an appeal based on the dependency of others. Among subjects of both sexes with nontraditional sex-role orientation, response to both appeals is similar, while among those of traditional sex-role orientation, response to the appeal of equity is much greater than to the appeal of dependency. Implications of the current restructuring of sex roles for altruism are indicated.
Expansion of GAA trinucleotide repeats in mammals.

Abstract We have previously shown that GAA trinucleotide repeats have undergone significant expansion in the human genome. Here we present the analysis of the length distribution of all 10 nonredundant trinucleotide repeat motifs in 20 complete eukaryotic genomes (6 mammalian, 2 nonmammalian vertebrates, 4 arthropods, 4 fungi, and 1 each of nematode, amoebozoa, alveolate, and plant), which showed that the abundance of large expansions of GAA trinucleotide repeats is specific to mammals. Analysis of human–chimpanzee–gorilla orthologs revealed that loci with large expansions are species-specific and have occurred after divergence from the common ancestor. PCR analysis of human controls revealed large expansions at multiple human (GAA) 30+ loci; nine loci showed expanded alleles containing >65 triplets, analogous to disease-causing expansions in Friedreich ataxia, including two that are in introns of genes of unknown function. The abundance of long GAA trinucleotide repeat tracts in mammalian genomes represents a significant mutation potential and source of interindividual variability.
A study of hydrogel thermal-dynamics using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer

Abstract A rapid and reliable method was presented for studying hydrogel dynamics/kinetics. Two temperature-sensitive hydrogels, poly- N -isopropylacrylamide (poly(NIPAAm)) and the copolymer of N , N -diethylacrylamide and sodium methacrylate (molar ratio=97:3, poly(NDEAAm- co -MAA)) were synthesized. The thermal-behaviors of the gels were studied through the absorbance intensities of both swollen water and gel frame components, and the peak positions of amide band along heating/cooling pathways under dynamic Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) probing. The results showed that the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of poly(NIPAAm) is about 33–35 °C, which is consistent with reported value of ∼34 °C. Compared to poly(NIPAAm), poly(NDEAAm- co -MAA) has relatively continuous volume phase transition, starting at ∼35 °C and a better thermal-reversibility with similar swelling and deswelling profiles over a larger temperature range (10–80 °C for poly(NDEAAm- co -MAA) vs. 10–33 °C for poly(NIPAAm)). The H-bonding water along phase transition was also studied, showing a less reversibility of poly(NIPAAm) compared to poly(NDEAAm- co -MAA). In addition, FTIR spectrometer was also used to study the volume changes of poly(NDEAAm- co -MAA) under variations in environmental salinity.
Hydrogenolysis and Isomerization ofn-Butane on Low-Index PtSingle Crystals and Polycrystalline Pt Foil

The hydrogenolysis and isomerization ofn-butane over Pt(100)and Pt(111) single crystals and a polycrystalline Pt foil havebeen studied over a wide range of reaction temperatures(510–610 K) and hydrogen partial pressures (7.5–250Torr). The activity and selectivity have both been determinedas a function of temperature and hydrogen partial pressure. Themore open Pt(100) surface was an order of magnitude more activethan the close-packed Pt(111) surface. Hydrogenolysisselectivities were invariant with reaction temperature over therange studied. Hydrogen partial pressure affected both theactivity and product distribution. Both single-crystal surfacesexhibit a decrease in the activity as the H2pressure isdecreased below a critical amount and this decrease is directlyattributable to the formation of a carbonaceous surface residue.The amount of isomerization was always less than the amount ofhydrogenolysis regardless of then-butane to hydrogen ratio orthe reaction temperature.
Effect of norethandrolone on 17-ketosteroid excretion in prostatic cancer patients.

ABSTRACT Norethandrolone (19-nortestosterone, 17α-ethyl) was administered to 5 men with histologically proven, actively progressing, disseminated prostatic cancer, after individual daily levels of urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion had been established. Each patient received 100 mg. of norethandrolone daily for periods varying from one to three months. The 17-ketosteroid determinations were repeated at intervals of three to four weeks. Norethandrolone provided palliation in 4 of the 5 patients, consisting chiefly of relief of pain, improved appetite, and significant gain in weight. No objective changes were noted in prostatic size and induration, in the number and size of osseous metastases, or in the levels of serum acid and alkaline phosphatase. As contrasted with the usual effect of testosterone, the administration of norethandrolone was consistently followed by significant reductions in urinary total neutral 17-ketosteroids. This response was observed in the 3 patients who hadpreviously been castrated a...
Effects of Normal, Pre-Hypertensive, and Hypertensive Blood Pressure Levels on Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of normal blood pressure (BP), pre-hypertension, and hypertension on progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Background The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) classifies BP as normal, pre-hypertension, and hypertension. The effects of these categories on progression of coronary atherosclerosis are unknown. Methods The 274 patients who completed the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) substudy of the CAMELOT (Comparison of Amlodipine Versus Enalapril to Limit Occurrences of Thrombosis) trial were included. The entry criteria were ≥1 angiographic coronary stenosis >20% and diastolic BP Results Mean BP throughout the study was 127.0 ± 12.0/75.5 ± 6.8 mm Hg. In multivariable analysis, significant determinants of progression included systolic BP (r = 0.16; p = 0.006) and pulse pressure (r = 0.14; p = 0.02). Patients with “hypertensive” average BP had a 12.0 ± 3.6 mm 3 (least-square mean ± SE) increase in atheroma volume, those with “pre-hypertensive” BP had no major change (0.9 ± 1.8 mm 3 ), and those with “normal” BP had a decrease of 4.6 ± 2.6 mm 3 (p Conclusions The most favorable rate of progression of coronary atherosclerosis is observed in patients whose BP falls within the “normal” JNC-7 category (i.e., systolic BP
The AlO bond interaction in four-coordinate aluminum aryloxide compounds

Abstract What is a normal AlO bond? The nature of this common chemical bond is discussed with respect to the observed structural and spectroscopic parameters for monomeric aluminum aryloxide compounds, e.g. AlRx(OAr)3−x(L)n (x = 0, 1, 2 and n = 0, 1). Experimental evidence for the presence of short AlO bond distances, the low reactivity of residual aluminum-alkyl groups, the electron rich nature of the aluminum center, and the weakening of AlX bonding by the aryloxide ligand are presented. Based upon the experimental observations and theoretical studies, models for the AlO bond are presented and discussed: steric effects, highly ionic bonding, dπ—pπ interactions and π-bonding via donation into AlX σ* orbitals.
The Essential Role of the Death Domain Kinase Receptor-interacting Protein in Insulin Growth Factor-I-induced c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Activation

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) plays an important role in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Diverse kinases, including AKT/protein kinase B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), can be activated by IGF-I. Here, we show that the receptor-interacting protein (RIP), a key mediator of tumor necrosis factor-induced NF-κB and JNK activation, plays a key role in IGF-I receptor signaling. IGF-I induced a robust JNK activation in wild type but not RIP null (RIP–/–) mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Reconstitution of RIP expression in the RIP–/– cells restored the induction of JNK by IGF-I, suggesting that RIP is essential in IGF-I-induced JNK activation. Reconstitution experiments with different RIP mutants further revealed that the death domain and the kinase activity of RIP are not required for IGF-I-induced JNK activation. Interestingly, the AKT and ERK activation by IGF-I was normal in RIP–/– cells. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, did not affect IGF-I-induced JNK activation. These results agree with previous studies showing that the IGF-I-induced JNK activation pathway is distinct from that of ERK and AKT activation. Additionally, physical interaction of ectopically expressed RIP and IGF-IRβ was detected by co-immunoprecipitation assays. More importantly, RIP was recruited to the IGF-I receptor complex during IGF-I-induced signaling. Furthermore, we found that IGF-I-induced cell proliferation was impaired in RIP–/– cells. Taken together, our results indicate that RIP, a key factor in tumor necrosis factor signaling, also plays a pivotal role in IGF-I-induced JNK activation and cell proliferation.
Fixation and cryopreservation of whole blood and isolated mononuclear cells: Influence of different procedures on lymphocyte subset analysis by flow cytometry.

Background Immunophenotyping of whole blood (WB) and isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a common tool used to evaluate immune system changes in clinical studies. The development of methods that would allow preservation of samples for flow cytometric analysis is important for the extension of this technology to field testing in settings where the equipment might be not readily accessible. Methods Three-color flow cytometric analysis was used to determine percentages of T cells and their subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+), B cells (CD19+), and natural killer cells (CD16+/56+) in WB and PBMCs using variations of a standard stain/fix WB staining procedure (Optilyse) that included staining following fixation and freezing of fixed samples before or after staining. Results Comparable lymphocyte subset percentages in WB or PBMCs were observed regardless of Optliyse method used (all Ps ≥ 0.8). However, differences in fluorescence intensity for several markers were observed across procedures. Compared with the standard stain/fix procedures, fix/stain decreased the mean fluorescence intensities for CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD16/56 in WB and PBMCs (P ≤ 0.03 for these markers P = 0.105 for CD8 in PBMCs). Further decreases in mean fluorescence intensity were seen with the fix/stain/freeze procedure. The stain/fix/freeze yielded intensities largely comparable to those seen with standard stain/fix procedure (P ≥ 0.13), suggesting that, when the markers of interest are known at the time of field collection, implementation of this procedure might be desirable. Fix/freeze/stain resulted in diminution of intensity in general, but they tended to be more modest than those seen for fix/stain/freeze and therefore might be applicable to field studies in instances when the specific markers of interest cannot be defined upfront. Conclusions Freezing of fixed WB and PBMCs before or after cell surface staining is a reliable method for preserving specimens in field sites for later determination of lymphocyte subset percentages, which are commonly assessed in immunodeficient and cancer patients. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An Investigation of Factors Affecting Gender Differences in Standardized Math Performance: Results from U.S. and Hong Kong 15 Year Olds.

Learning strategies and affective factors could have a profound impact on student standardized mathematics performance. This study investigated gender differences in affective factors, learning strategies, and preferred learning situations, and how these variables affect math achievement of 15 year olds in the United States and Hong Kong on the PISA 2003 assessment. Math self-efficacy was found to be the best predictor of math performance in both countries. A striking mismatch was identified between Hong Kong students' superior math performance and extremely low math self-concept and between U.S. students' high confidence and weak performance. In addition, U.S. students' interest in math was significantly negatively related to their math performance. Contrary to a widely reported finding that East Asian students emphasize memorization, U.S. students were found to heavily rely on memorization strategies, which was also a negative predictor of math achievement.
A TESTOSTERONE-SECRETING TUMOUR OF THE ADRENAL PRODUCING VIRILISATION IN A FEMALE INFANT

Abstract A 20-month-old girl presented with signs of virilisation. Her endocrine function was essentially normal except for the peripheral testosterone levels which were equivalent to those found in early puberty in males. Selective venous sampling revealed that testosterone concentration was highest in the left renal vein. Subsequently a tumour was removed from the left adrenal. Histologically this tumour contained areas with features similar to the primitive sex cord. Postoperative follow-up over 15 months has been uneventful.
Time-limited psychotherapy with children: central theme and time as major tools.

While there has been a dramatic expansion in both interest and application of various models of brief psychotherapy with adults, limited attention has been paid to the use of this treatment modality with children. This paper sets forth a suggested framework for shortterm psychotherapy with latency-aged children that extends James Mann's time-limited approach, with special emphasis on selection and presentation of the central theme and its relationship to the child's experience of time. Development and formulation of a thematic focus in time-limited therapy is critical since it serves as an organizational tool for both the therapist and the child. Because children's conceptualization of time is variable and in a state of flux, specific technical modifications in contract-making and concretization of time are required to adapt the adult model to work with children.
Direct determination of range extension due to phase conjugation in a soliton-based DPSK transmission system

We determine the range extension gained by the use of phase conjugation in a soliton-based optical differential phase-shift-keyed transmission system by comparing bit error ratios computed with importance sampling.
Integrated water management: emerging issues and challenges

Abstract Most of the projected global population increases will take place in Third World Countries that already suffer from water, food, and health problems. Increasingly, agricultural water management must be coordinated with, and integrated into, the overall water management of the region. Sustainability, public health, and environmental protection are key factors. More storage of water behind dams and especially in aquifers via artificial recharge is necessary to save water in times of water surplus for use in times of water shortage. Municipal wastewater can be an important water resource but its use must be carefully planned and regulated to prevent adverse health effects and, in the case of irrigation, undue contamination of groundwater. While almost all liquid fresh water of the planet occurs underground, its long-term suitability as a source of water is threatened by non-point source pollution from agriculture and by aquifer depletion due to groundwater withdrawals in excess of groundwater recharge. Water short countries can save water by importing most of their food and electric power from other countries with more water, so that in essence they also get the water that was necessary to produce these commodities and, hence, is virtually embedded in the commodities. This ‘virtual’ water tends to be a lot cheaper for the receiving country than developing its own water resources. Local water can then be used for purposes with higher social or economic returns or saved for the future.
Measures of the Consumer Food Store Environment: A Systematic Review of the Evidence 2000–2011

Description of the consumer food environment has proliferated in publication. However, there has been a lack of systematic reviews focusing on how the consumer food environment is associated with the following: (1) neighborhood characteristics; (2) food prices; (3) dietary patterns; and (4) weight status. We conducted a systematic review of primary, quantitative, observational studies, published in English that conducted an audit of the consumer food environment. The literature search included electronic, hand searches, and peer-reviewed from 2000 to 2011. Fifty six papers met the inclusion criteria. Six studies reported stores in low income neighborhoods or high minority neighborhoods had less availability of healthy food. While, four studies found there was no difference in availability between neighborhoods. The results were also inconsistent for differences in food prices, dietary patterns, and weight status. This systematic review uncovered several key findings. (1) Systematic measurement of determining availability of food within stores and store types is needed; (2) Context is relevant for understanding the complexities of the consumer food environment; (3) Interventions and longitudinal studies addressing purchasing habits, diet, and obesity outcomes are needed; and (4) Influences of price and marketing that may be linked with why people purchase certain items.
Discriminate gene lists derived from cDNA microarray profiles of limited samples permit distinguishing mesenchymal neoplasia ex vivo.

Mesenchymal neoplasia comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors with over 200 benign neoplasms and 100 sarcomas. Currently, tumors are classified using histologic and immunocytologic characteristics, with diagnostic error rates reported as high as 40% of cases. As a feasibility study, our goal was to generate a preliminary discriminatory gene list for selected mesenchymal tumors, including sarcomas. This technique may enable an eventual molecular classification schema based on expression profiles that can complement current clinical and pathologic diagnostic procedures in mesenchymal tumors. cDNA microarray analyses were preformed on connective tissue tumors obtained at time of surgical resection or biopsy. Messenger RNA (mRNA) from four general tumor classes was competitively hybridized against a human dermal fibroblast cell line comparator and the resulting gene expression profiles processed by ANOVA and linear discriminate analysis. The tissue classification involved 18 patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, giant cell containing tumors, benign spindle cell lesions, or Ewing’s family of tumors. Lymph nodes from two patients served comparative purposes. Twenty-five differentially regulated genes considered most variable among the five tissue classes were identified. The tissues were segregated into five classes by linear discriminate analysis. Linear discriminate analysis of cDNA gene expression profiles partitioned mesenchymal tumor classes, even when constrained by limited sample sizes.
BBookX: An Automatic Book Creation Framework

As more educational resources become available online, it is possible to acquire more up-to-date knowledge and information. We propose BBookX, a novel computer facilitated system that automatically and collaboratively builds free open online books using publicly available educational resources such as Wikipedia. BBookX has two separate components: one creates an open version of existing books by linking different book chapters to Wikipedia articles, while another with an interactive user interface supports interactive real-time book creation where users are allowed to modify a generated book from explicit feedback.
Lightest neutralino in extensions of the MSSM

Abstract We study neutralino sectors in extensions of the MSSM that dynamically generate the μ-term. The extra neutralino states are superpartners of the Higgs singlets and/or additional gauge bosons. The extended models may have distinct lightest neutralino properties which can have important influences on their phenomenology. We consider constraints on the lightest neutralino from LEP, Tevatron, and ( g − 2 ) μ measurements and the relic density of the dark matter. The lightest neutralino can be extremely light and/or dominated by its singlino component which does not couple directly to SM particles except Higgs doublets.
Mental Illness and Psychotropic Medication Use in the Nursing Home

The authors examined mental illness and psychotropic medications use among nursing home residents. Data were drawn from the Texas Long-Term Care Reimbursement Project, a 1986 study of nearly 2,000 residents in 49 nursing homes. The study measured the use of antipsychotics and other psychotropic medications, physical health conditions, mental illness diagnoses, behavior, and nursing and other direct-care time for sampled residents. The findings indicated that 45% of the sample was receiving an antipsychotic or other psychotropic medication. Although psychotropics were prescribed more extensively for those with a psychiatric diagnosis, nearly one half of persons without a psychiatric diagnosis were receiving psychotropic medications at the time of the survey. Moreover, psychotropics were quite prevalent among those with unstable medical conditions and/or severe activities of daily living impairment. Neither a mental illness diagnosis, evidence of a behavioral problem, nor use of psychotropics was significantly correlated with the amount of nursing or other direct-care time received by residents. The findings raise concerns about the widespread prescribing of these medications, especially among residents who have no supporting psychiatric diagnosis and/or who have physical health conditions making them vulnerable to adverse drug effects.
Images of the Cross in Early Modern Korea: The Geomantic Prophecy of the Chŏnggam-nok and the Protestant Flag of the Red Cross

The symbolic power of the cross is one of the reasons Protestant Christianity attracted so many adherents in its first few decades in Korea. The simple Protestant cross had an advantage over the Catholic crucifix, which includes a three-dimensional image of the crucified Jesus. The unadorned cross of Protestant Christianity reminded many Koreans of the Sino-Korean character for 10 (十), which some read as a reference to the ten auspicious places mentioned in the popular prophetic text Chŏnggam-nok . The cross also was used on flagpoles flying the flag of St. George’s cross, which Koreans interpreted as a sign of both the spiritual power of the Christian message and of the protective power of the extraterritoriality of Western missionaries. In addition, the use of the cross as a symbol of the Japanese Red Cross during the Russo-Japanese War strengthened its association with modern civilization. When Japanese military forces captured members of the Righteous Armies and tied them to crosses before executing them, the cross also gained a nationalistic aura. These multiple associations for the cross made it a powerful symbol drawing Koreans into the Protestant churches.
Depressive symptoms and adolescent eating and health behaviors: a multifaceted view in a population-based sample.

Abstract Background. Previous research has shown significant associations between depression and substance use and eating disordered behaviors. However, no research to date has described associations between depressive symptoms and nutritional intake or physical activity among adolescents in a nonclinical, population-based sample. Methods. Classroom surveys were completed by 4,734 ethnically diverse, middle- and high school students. Based on their depressive symptom scores, males and females were categorized with low-, moderate-, or high-depressive symptom status. Linear models were used to examine eating and health behavior variables by depressive symptom groups. Results. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with health-compromising attitudes such as perceived barriers to healthy eating and weight concerns, and health-compromising behaviors such as unhealthy weight-control behaviors and substance use, including caffeine. Depressive symptoms were negatively associated with health-promoting behaviors such as eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, most associations between depressive symptoms and dietary micronutrients were not statistically significant. Health-promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was negatively associated with depressive symptoms among males. Conclusions. Adolescents who report depressive symptoms are at risk for other health-compromising attitudes and behaviors and are also less likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors. Depressive symptoms may be an underlying trait in the expression of health behaviors among adolescents.
The importance of symptom assessment in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus

The "art" and science of symptom assessment in the evaluation of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease has been under emphasized. In fact, it is critical to judgements regarding surgical versus non-surgical therapy and is much more difficult than meets the eye. Many symptoms thought to be secondary to gastroesophageal reflux are not, and some, such as asthma cough and chest pain, which are commonly thought secondary to other causes, are indeed symptoms of reflux. Diagnostic studies are helpful but far from perfect, ultimately requiring the clinician's expert judgement as the key factor in determining a successful outcome. The following outlines both an approach to the assessment of symptoms and when possible, clinical studies shedding light on their cause and interpretation.
The default state of the membrane-localized histidine kinase PrrB of Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 is in the kinase-positive mode.

The PrrBA two-component activation system of Rhodobacter sphaeroides plays a major role in the induction of photosynthesis gene expression under oxygen-limiting or anaerobic conditions. The PrrB histidine kinase is composed of two structurally identifiable regions, the conserved C-terminal kinase/phosphatase domain and the N-terminal membrane-spanning domain with six transmembrane helices framing three periplasmic and two cytoplasmic loops. Using a set of PrrB mutants with lesions in the transmembrane domain, we demonstrate that the central portion of the PrrB transmembrane domain including the second periplasmic loop plays an important role in both sensing and signal transduction. Signal transduction via the transmembrane domain is ultimately manifested by controlling the activity of the C-terminal kinase/phosphatase domain. The extent of signal transduction is determined by the ability of the transmembrane domain to sense the strength of the inhibitory signal received from the cbb 3 terminal oxidase (J.-I Oh, and S. Kaplan, EMBO J. 19:4237–4247, 2000). Therefore, the intrinsic (“default”) state of PrrB is in the kinase-dominant mode. It is also demonstrated that the extent of prrB gene expression is subject to the negative autoregulation of the PrrBA system.
THE BUSH DOCTRINE: A NIEBUHRIAN ASSESSMENT

Abstract The Bush Administration shifted its foreign policy strategy after the attacks of 9/11 to focus on the importance of morality in politics, a standpoint known as the Bush Doctrine. Reinhold Niebuhr, an important theorist of Christian realism, followed the ideas of St. Augustine and stressed the essential integration of power and morality in international affairs. The views of Niebuhr and the Bush Doctrine share several similarities, including the management of force to maintain global order, and a reliance on a Christian view of human nature. The balance of these two perspectives allows policy makers to hold the need for power alongside the realization that self-interest often clouds political judgment.
Assembly in vitro of bacteriophage P22 procapsids from purified coat and scaffolding subunits

Abstract The coat and scaffolding proteins of bacteriophage P22 procapsids have been purified in soluble form. By incubating both purified proteins with a mutant-infected cell extract lacking procapsids, but competent for DNA packaging in vitro (Poteete et al., 1979), we were able to obtain assembly of biologically active procapsids in vitro. The active species for complementation in vitro in both protein preparations copurified with the soluble subunits, indicating that these subunits represent precursors in procapsid polymerization. When the purified coat and scaffolding subunits were mixed directly, they polymerized into double-shelled procapsid-like structures during dialysis from 1.5 m -guanidine hydrochloride to buffer. When dialyzed separately under the same conditions, the scaffolding subunits did not polymerize but remained as soluble subunits, as did most of the coat subunits. No evidence was found for self-assembly of the scaffolding protein in the absence of the coat protein. The unassembled coat subunits sedimented at 3.9 S and the unassembled scaffolding subunits sedimented at 2.4 S in sucrose gradients. The Stokes' radius, determined by gel filtration, was 25 A for the coat subunits and 34 A for the scaffolding subunits. These results indicate that the scaffolding subunits are relatively slender elongated molecules, whereas the coat subunits are more globular. The experiments suggest that the procapsid is built by copolymerization of the two protein species. Their interaction on the growing surface of the shell structure, and not in solution, appears to regulate successive binding interactions.
Photopigment gene expression and rhabdom formation in the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).

This study examines the expression of the photopigment gene in the developing retina of the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Crustacea, Malacostraca, Decapoda). Both sense and anti-sense RNA probes were used for in situ hybridization (ISH) of whole embryos collected at various stages during development. A characteristic of retinal development is the formation of screening pigment in the retinular cells of the retinal ommatidia. This pigmentation is seen as a band that begins at the lateral side of the retinal field and progresses medially. At hatching the retina is approximately 50% pigmented. ISH of whole embryos shows that expression of the photopigment gene by the retinular cells correlates with the extent of the screening pigment band in the retina and with the presence of rhabdoms within the ommatidia. Sections taken through embryos after being hybridized indicate that staining is localized in the cytoplasm of the retinular cells and in the axonal region below the basement membrane. No staining reaction was seen in the rhabdoms of older ommatidia. ISH staining was also seen at the anterior midline of the protocerebrum where extraretinal photoreceptors have been reported. The data presented here show a close correlation of opsin expression within the retinular cells of the ommatidia and the formation of the very early rhabdoms, similar to Drosophila. The results will be discussed in relation to recent studies in Drosophila that suggest rhodopsin plays a role in effecting the organization of the terminal web-like cytoskeleton at the base of the developing rhabdom microvilli.
From the Lab to the Clinic: Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety Disorders

A controversy exists over whether results of randomized controlled trials of psychological treatment methods generalize to routine clinical practice. To examine the generalizability of cognitive–behavioral interventions for anxiety disorders, a meta-analysis of 11 effectiveness studies was conducted. Only studies that closely approximated real-world clinical practice were included in the present meta-analysis (e.g., studies were conducted in a nonuniversity setting, practitioners had regular caseloads, clients were not excluded if they had comorbid conditions). Cognitive–behavioral interventions were associated with significant improvement in anxiety symptoms at the end of treatment (dw 1.35) and again at follow-up (dw 1.14). On the basis of these results, it seems that cognitive–behavioral interventions for anxiety disorders generalize to real-world clinical practice.
Communication and “the Mexican way”: Stability and trust as core symbols in maquiladoras

Core cultural symbols are clusters of symbolic systems with a central and unifying force which reveal the way people construct meaning and enact identity through communication processes. This study examined the core symbols of “stability” and “trust” in Mexican communication in U.S. American‐owned assembly plants in Mexico (maquiladoras) and found that while Mexicans perceive “stability” and “trust” as organizing constructs contributing to satisfying relationships, they evaluate U.S. American communicative behaviors as eroding these core ideals. This study reveals that analysis of core cultural symbols is a powerful framework for understanding the ways both structural conditions and dyadic behaviors influence satisfaction and effectiveness in organizational relationships.
Paper-based capacitive mass sensor

Paper-based MEMS is a new area in the field of micro-electro mechanical systems. We have developed a paper-based MEMS sensing device that is capable of measuring masses as small as 2mg (∼20µN) with a sensitivity of 0.5fF/mg. Using this device, we monitored changes in capacitance values, which can be related to mass changes. This capacitive-based mass sensor, which uses a cantilever beam design, promotes and advances the use of paper in the design of micro systems. The work presented in this paper on building a capacitive sensor is advantageous because the overall costs are considerably reduced and the methods used can serve as a building block to conduct initial tests and analyses for future MEMS sensors.
What's done here : Explaining behavior in terms of customs and norms

Terms like “norm,” “custom,” “convention,” “tradition,” and “culture” are used throughout social science, and throughout everyday conversation, to describe certain types of behaviors. Yet it is not very clear what people mean by them. In this paper, I try to make clearer what is meant by these terms and what makes the behavior they describe possible.
Observation of Supercurrent Drag between Normal Metal and Superconducting Films

We experimentally investigate the Coulomb interaction between normal metal (Au $/$Ti) and superconducting (AlO ${}_{x}$) 2D films separated by an insulating $({\mathrm{Al}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3})$ layer. We report here the observation of supercurrent drag predicted by Duan and Yip [Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 3647 (1993)]. The drag was observed at temperatures close to ${T}_{c}$, with the ratio of the drag current to the drive current as high as about $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Our results are discussed in terms of a model of Coulomb mutual scattering between the normal electrons in the drive wire and the superelectrons in the drag wire.