cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reseña del libro "Un resumen completo de El Capital de Marx", de Diego Guerrero

En momentos en los cuales la crisis socio-economica que arropa al mundo es innegable, aun cuando se siguen ofreciendo cifras tratando de demostrar lo contrario, el resurgimiento y actualidad del pensamiento de Karl Marx no es nada sorprendente. Datos como el divorcio entre el salario real y la productividad del trabajo, y el aumento en las ganancias –que en varios paises es explicado en parte por este desacople–, han hecho que en algunos casos se retome el discurso de la explotacion, opresion y enajenacion, que muchos asocian con el arsenal teorico y politico de Marx.
Metabolic Functions of Myo-inositol IX. ROLE OF INTRACELLULAR K+ AND OF Na+- AND K+-ACTIVATED ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE IN THE TRANSPORT OF α-AMINOISOBUTYRIC ACID

Abstract The roles of K+ and the Na+- and K+-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na+-K+ pump) in the transport of α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) in KB cells were evaluated. It was shown that 0.33 µm ouabain causes half-maximal inhibition of the Na+-K+ pump. Similar sensitivity to the inhibitor was shown earlier for AIB transport. However, whereas the pump is inhibited maximally within 90 sec, inhibition of AIB transport is time-dependent and is maximal after 30 min of the cells' exposure to the inhibitor. Selective inactivation of the Na+-K+ pump by ouabain or by omission of extracellular K+ is without effect on the rate of AIB influx, provided that the concentration of intracellular K+ remains above 30 mm. Depletion of intracellular K+ leads to a loss of concentrative AIB transport. This inactivation is not immediate; rather, it is time-dependent. Subsequent addition of KCl fails to reverse this inactivation, even though the cells can concentrate K+ 11-fold to a level greater than 55 mm. The intracellular K+ concentration which protects against inactivation of the AIB transport system is above 30 mm. Extracellular K+, other than being the source of intracellular K+, is not required for active AIB transport. It is concluded that the role of the Na+-K+ pump in AIB transport is to maintain the necessary concentration of intracellular K+ for maintaining the functional integrity of the AIB transport system.
Scope of the Uniform Commerical Code; Survey of Computer Contracting Cases

The Ad Hoc Subcommittee on the Scope of the Uniform Commercial Code ("Ad Hoc Subcommittee"), the youngest subcommittee of the Uniform Commercial Code Committee, was formed only three years ago, and the following article represents its first contribution to the annual survey. For this reason, the article is divided into two parts. The first is a foreword containing a general description of the Ad Hoc Subcommittee, its formation, organization, and achievements. The second is a review of the law governing computer contracting.
Hydrogen Ion Equilibria of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B

Abstract Potentiometric and spectrophotometric titrations of staphylococcal enterotoxin B have been carried out in 0.16 m KCl at 25°. Potentiometric titration results indicate that the titration curves are essentially reversible between pH 1.50 and 11.0. All of the ionizable groups in enterotoxin B found from the titration curves are consistent with the amino acid composition which has been reported in the literature. The intrinsic pK values of individual ionizable groups and the electrostatic interaction factor, w, have been calculated. Spectrophotometric titration of enterotoxin B reveals that approximately 6 tyrosyl residues which have a pKint of 10.3 are titrated normally, while 8 tyrosyl groups are titrated between pH 11 and 12, and 7 tyrosyl residues are titrated between pH 12.0 and 13.5. Acetylation of enterotoxin B with acetylimidazole indicates that 5 to 6 "free" tyrosyl residues are present in enterotoxin B. Urea (8 m) had only a slight effect on the spectrophotometric titration and renders 10 tyrosyl groups available for acetylation. The tyrosyl groups are available for titration in 5 m guanidine-hydrochloride, however, only 14 tyrosyl residues are acetylated when 100-fold molar excess of acetylimidazole is used. All of the tyrosyl residues are available for acetylation with acetylimidazole in the presence of 5 m guanidine-hydrochloride when 300-fold molar excess of the reagent is used. Nitration of enterotoxin B with tetranitromethane revealed that 6 tyrosyl residues are available for the reaction. Essentially no loss of biological activity is observed when 6 free tyrosyl residues are chemically modified. However, antigen-antibody reaction was diminished when the abnormal tyrosyl residues were acetylated. Since conformational change has been observed after exposure of the abnormal tyrosine groups, the role of hydrophobic interactions for maintaining the rigid structure of enterotoxin B is discussed.
Investigating the Foreign Language Needs of Professional School Students in International Affairs: A Case Study

On-going demographic changes and increasing globalization have challenged professional schools to prepare students for the plurilinguistic and pluricultural realities of the workplace both within and across national boundaries. Given these evolving workplace realities, professional schools may need to re-assess the degree to which their students’ career needs are being met by existing language programs, so that policy and resources can be adjusted accordingly. The current inquiry reports on a large-scale assessment designed to investigate the foreign language needs of students in the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University and to evaluate the degree to which these needs are being addressed. Recognizing that different stakeholders may have opposing perceptions of foreign language needs, this study utilized a conceptual model of needs assessment that surveyed multiple sources of data within and across a variety of stakeholder groups. These perceived needs were then examined and compared. The findings showed a disparity among the needs of the professional school students, foreign language instruction, and SIPA’s language policy. The model of needs assessment used in this study served as an invaluable framework for examining the different dimensions of foreign language needs.
Multiple potassium conductances and their functions in neurons from cat sensorimotor cortex in vitro

1. Potassium conductances were studied in large layer V neurons using an in vitro slice preparation of cat sensorimotor cortex. The kinetics and pharmacological sensitivity of K+ currents were stud...
New method for the reductive ozonolysis of double bonds in monoenoic fatty acid methyl esters

Unsaturated methyl esters were cleaved to aldehydes and aldehydo-esters by ozonolysis followed by reduction with dimethyl sulfide after conversion to hydroperoxides. Cleavage products were identified by thin-layer chromatography and quantified by temperature programmed gas-liquid chromatography.
An alternative source code analysis

All aspects of software engineering strive toward guaranteeing that an implemented algorithm performs the intended tasks. The paper describes results in investigating the relationship between specifications and re-engineered code for data processing programs in COBOL, and develops strategies for assigning significance to identified differences. A modified F(p) notation representation of the program will be manipulated into a standard form, from which features called program points will be used to guide complexity reduction. Finally, backbone elements called threads will be identified to explore the equivalence between the specifications and the program, where each thread will represent a different behavior mode of the program.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF NORMAL IMPACT OF OCCUPANT HEAD ON LAMINATED GLASS

The paper discusses a study that applied a dynamic, nonlinear finite element method to investigate the mechanical behavior of a human head normally impacting on laminated glass plate. The head used is modeled as a solid aluminum sphere covered with a viscoelastic skin; both the aluminum sphere and the viscoelastic are deformable. The study computes the resultant accelerations in the head and maximum principal stresses in laminated glass plates under various impact speeds and laminated glass configurations. Also examined is the effect of impact speed and laminated glass configuration on the maximum resultant head acceleration before the failure of the laminated glass plate.
Role of Local Radiation Therapy in Cancer Immunotherapy

The recent success of cancer immunotherapy has demonstrated the power of the immune system to clear tumors, generating renewed enthusiasm for identifying ways to induce antitumor immune responses in patients. Natural antitumor immune responses are detectable in a fraction of patients across multiple malignant neoplasms and can be reactivated by targeting rate-limiting immunosuppressive mechanisms. In most patients, however, interventions to induce a de novo antitumor immune response are necessary. We review growing evidence that radiation therapy targeted to the tumor can convert it into an in situ tumor vaccine by inducing release of antigens during cancer cell death in association with proinflammatory signals that trigger the innate immune system to activate tumor-specific T cells. In addition, radiation’s effects on the tumor microenvironment enhance infiltration of activated T cells and can overcome some of the barriers to tumor rejection. Thus, the complementary effects of radiation on priming and effector phases of antitumor immunity make it an appealing strategy to generate immunity against a patient’s own individual tumor, that through immunological memory, can result in long-lasting systemic responses. Several anecdotal cases have demonstrated the efficacy of combining radiation with available immunotherapies, and results of prospective trials are forthcoming.
Preparations of duck hepatitis B virions contain multiple DNA polymerase activities.

Abstract The hepadnaviral DNA genome is synthesized by a viral-encoded reverse transcriptase, but the nature of this protein(s)in vivoremains obscure. We have previously described studies in which activity gel assays identified multiple DNA polymerase (DNAp) activities associated with highly purified duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) core particles. We now report that virions isolated from viremic sera are associated with DNA-dependent DNAp activities which are nearly identical to major DNAp activities detected with highly purified DHBV core particles. These results suggest that the virion-associated polymerases are the same as those which are detected with core particles and are likely to represent DHBVpolgene products involved in replication of the genome.
Failure of oocyte activation after intracytoplasmic sperm injection using round-headed sperm

Objective: To examine the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with round-headed sperm (globozoospermia). Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: In vitro fertilization laboratory with extensive ICSI experience. Patient(s): A patient couple with infertility because of globozoospermia seeking ICSI treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fertilization, cleavage, and pregnancy rates. Intervention(s): Intracytoplasmic sperm injection and calcium ionophore. Result(s): This couple experienced only 7% fertilization after ICSI in their first cycle. Treatment of the unfertilized oocytes with calcium ionophore 20 hours after ICSI-induced fertilization and cleavage of 79% of the oocytes. Embryo quality was fair to good. On the second cycle, 8 of the injected oocytes were treated with ionophore immediately after ICSI and the remaining 20 oocytes were untreated. Normal fertilization was achieved in 75% of the treated and 10% of the untreated oocytes. Treatment of these unfertilized oocytes with ionophore 20 hours after ICSI resulted in fertilization in 73%. Pregnancy was not achieved after either ICSI cycle. Ultrastructural analysis indicated multiple structural abnormalities in the sperm. Conclusion(s): These results indicate that the round-headed sperm from this patient were incapable of oocyte activation after ICSI. This may be the reason for the frequent ICSI fertilization failure seen with this condition. Current ICSI procedures may not always overcome the infertility associated with globozoospermia, and further study of the etiology of this condition is needed.
Structural and biochemical changes underlying a keratoderma-like phenotype in mice lacking suprabasal AP1 transcription factor function

Epidermal keratinocyte differentiation on the body surface is a carefully choreographed process that leads to assembly of a barrier that is essential for life. Perturbation of keratinocyte differentiation leads to disease. Activator protein 1 (AP1) transcription factors are key controllers of this process. We have shown that inhibiting AP1 transcription factor activity in the suprabasal murine epidermis, by expression of dominant-negative c-jun (TAM67), produces a phenotype type that resembles human keratoderma. However, little is understood regarding the structural and molecular changes that drive this phenotype. In the present study we show that TAM67-positive epidermis displays altered cornified envelope, filaggrin-type keratohyalin granule, keratin filament, desmosome formation and lamellar body secretion leading to reduced barrier integrity. To understand the molecular changes underlying this process, we performed proteomic and RNA array analysis. Proteomic study of the corneocyte cross-linked proteome reveals a reduction in incorporation of cutaneous keratins, filaggrin, filaggrin2, late cornified envelope precursor proteins, hair keratins and hair keratin-associated proteins. This is coupled with increased incorporation of desmosome linker, small proline-rich, S100, transglutaminase and inflammation-associated proteins. Incorporation of most cutaneous keratins (Krt1, Krt5 and Krt10) is reduced, but incorporation of hyperproliferation-associated epidermal keratins (Krt6a, Krt6b and Krt16) is increased. RNA array analysis reveals reduced expression of mRNA encoding differentiation-associated cutaneous keratins, hair keratins and associated proteins, late cornified envelope precursors and filaggrin-related proteins; and increased expression of mRNA encoding small proline-rich proteins, protease inhibitors (serpins), S100 proteins, defensins and hyperproliferation-associated keratins. These findings suggest that AP1 factor inactivation in the suprabasal epidermal layers reduces expression of AP1 factor-responsive genes expressed in late differentiation and is associated with a compensatory increase in expression of early differentiation genes.
Calling the Screens: Self-Reported Developmental Outcomes in Competitive Basketball

The purpose of this study was to examine female players’ motives for participation in competitive sports, how they felt involvement has aided in their development, and explore negative experiences that had served as detractors to enjoyment. Focus groups were conducted with 31 players who currently participate on a competitive youth basketball team. Player responses revealed that participation in youth sport is motivated by two main themes: enjoyment and serving a purpose. Players also felt that participation in sport aided their development in six areas: social competency, self-confidence, self-discipline and respect, conflict resolution and anger management, decision making, and work ethic. Finally, players identified three key constructs that served as detractors to their enjoyment: parental involvement, intra-team cliques, and previous coach experiences.
Crystal Structure of "(Li(Et2O))4(FePh4)": Corrigendum and Reformulation. A Remarkable Example of a False Solution in a Wrong Space Group

The crystal structure of the supposed tetraphenylferrate(0) salt “[Li(Et2O)]4[FePh4]” reported by Shilov et al. has been reinterpreted, and the unprecedented “flat rectangular” coordination geometry is proposed to be an artifact of a false solution in an incorrect space group. In the correct space group, the phenyl groups actually describe a regular square-planar geometry with cis C−Fe−C angles that are exactly 90°. In addition, the formulation of the compound as a derivative of zerovalent iron is almost certainly incorrect: we propose that the compound actually is an iron(II) dihydride of stoichiometry [Li(Et2O)]4[trans-FeH2Ph4].
Transfection with keratinocyte growth factor 1 cDNA with electroporation improves wound healing in an aged mouse model

Body. Reduced proliferative capacity and response to growth factors have been found in aged animal models. Our aim was to compare cutaneous wound closure in old versus young animals and to see if delivery of KGF-1 could increase healing in the elderly mice. Methods. Four age groups of BALBc mice were used: 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. We assessed closure of 5-mm full-thickness wounds on the backs of 41 mice by calculating wound areas (pixels) using image analysis software based on NIH image (Scion Image, Frederick, MD). We earlier set electroporation (EP) parameters to six 100-s pulses of 1750 V/cm (ECM830, BTX Genetronics, San Diego, CA). We utilized electroporation to increase transfection efficiency of a DNA expression vector for KGF (KGF-1, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) using the gWIZ vector controlled by the CMV promoter. Results were presented as means ± SEM. For significance between groups we used Student’s t-test or ANOVA as appropriate. Results. Aging delays wound healing in our animal model. Wound sizes were statistically different without treatment between mice 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year (P < 0.001) as shown by the average wound size calculated in pixels at day 12 (6 weeks: 49.93 ± 26, 6 months: 195.25 ± 52, 1 year: 500.60 ± 140). After treatment with KGF-1+EP the wound sizes between the groups were not statistically different anymore (P = 0.604). In addition, the wounds of the aged mice treated with KGF-1 + EP closed significantly faster than the untreated wounds (44.23 versus 82.69% of closed wounds at day 12, P < 0.001). Conclusion. Our aged animal model demonstrated delayed wound closure and electroporation assisted delivery of KGF-1 expression vector restored healing at a rate close to that of young animals. Download full-size image
A tabu-search heuristic for the flexible-resource flow shop scheduling problem

This paper presents a tabu-search heuristic for the flexible-resource flow shop scheduling (FRFS) problem [7]. The FRFS problem generalizes the classic flow shop scheduling problem by allowing job-operation processing times to depend on the amount of resource assigned to an operation; the objective is to determine simultaneously the job sequence, resource-allocation policy, and operation start times that optimize system performance. The tabu-search heuristic (TSH) employs a nested-search strategy based on a decomposition of the FRFS problem into these three components. We discuss computational experience with the THS procedure on more than 1600 test problems. The results show that TSH is effective in obtaining near-optimal solutions to the FRFS test problems. In particular, TSH generates optimal solutions for more than 70% of the test problems for which optimal solutions are known; overall, these solutions are within 0.3% of optimality on the average, and within 2.5% of optimality in the worst case.
Non-Proliferation and Counter‐Proliferation: What is the Difference?∗

∗ An earlier version of this paper was presented at an April 26, 2007 international NATO advanced research workshop on “Priorities in Nuclear Arms Control and Non-Proliferation: Comparing and Tuning Approaches of Russia and the West” held at the International Federation for Peace and Conciliation, Moscow.
Fine structure study on the association of the caulerpalean plastid with microtubule bundles in the siphonalean green alga Chlorodesmis fastigiata (Ducker, Udoteaceae )

In the dichotomously branched caulerpalean green algaChlorodesmis fastigiata long range cytoplasmic streams run through the siphon and form a network of shorter strands in the region of the bulbous enlargement of the dichotomies. Continuous transport of organelles occurs along these streams, which are contructed of a central bundle of microtubules, around which the organelles are grouped. Both chloroplasts and amyloplasts exhibit a unique dorso-ventral symmetry: their flattened ventral side is closely apposed to the surface of the microtubule bundles. The concentric lamellar system (CLS) at the tip of the plastids invariably points in the direction of movement. These findings are discussed in relation to microtubule based motility. It is suggested that the unique plastid architecture serves as an efficient differentiation facilitating long range transport along the microtubule bundles.
Simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation for end-stage renal disease patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and detectable C-peptide.

Abstract Introduction There is controversy regarding the place of simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and detectable c-peptide. We sought to compare outcomes of recipients with and without pretransplantation c-peptide. Methods This retrospective single-center review included consecutive primary SPK transplantations performed between September 2007 and May 2010. Demographic characteristics and outcomes were compared between recipients with and without pretransplantation c-peptide. Results Seven of 25 (28%) consecutive SPK transplant recipients with a diagnosis of IDDM and ESRD had detectable c-peptide prior to transplantation. The mean c-peptide level was 6.3 ± 6.1 ng/mL. For those recipients with and without c-peptide, mean age at diagnosis of IDDM (12.4 ± 7.8 vs 17.1 ± 6.6 years; P = not significant [NS]), duration of IDDM prior to transplantation (30 ± 10 vs 23 ± 9 years; P = NS), and body mass index (25.9 ± 4.5 vs 26.7 ± 4.5 kg/m 2 ; P = NS) were equivalent between the groups. With a median follow-up of 17 months (range, 3–35 months) there was 1 graft loss (due to cardiovascular death) among the 25 patients. At the most recent follow-up, for recipients with and without c-peptide, both the mean serum creatinine (1.3 ± 0.6 vs 1.0 ± 0.2 ng/mL; P = NS) and the mean HbA1c level (5.3 ± 0.4 vs 5.3 ± 0.5; P = NS) were equivalent between the groups. Conclusion For nonobese ESRD patients diagnosed with IDDM at a young age, the presence of detectable c-peptide should not influence the decision to proceed with SPK transplantation.
Acute stressors and chronic stress at Three Mile Island

The relationship between acute and chronic stress was examined by studying the effects of an acute stressor on ongoing stress response. A group of people living near Three Mile Island were compared with a group of control subjects living 80 miles away on measures of stress 2 months before and 1 month after restart of the undamaged nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island. Consistent with earlier findings, people living near Three Mile Island, as a group, exhibited more evidence of stress before the restart than did controls, including greater symptom reporting, poorer task performances, and higher blood pressure and urinary catecholamine levels. The restart did not heighten stress responding in the Three Mile Island group; after the restart, symptom reporting decreased slightly but blood pressure, catecholamine levels, and task performance were comparable to prerestart levels. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Retrogradation Behavior of Wheat Starch Gels with Differing Molecular Profiles

Differing molecular profiles of starches were developed by acid treatment of native wheat starch. Molecular weight distribution, branching, and linear chain length distribution was characterized. Starches with fewer large size amylopectin fragments, increased smaller size amylopectin fragments, decreased branch points, decreased overall sizes, and narrower linear chain length distributions, had higher initial retrogradation rates. However, all aged starch gels had similar final crystalline enthalpy levels. Different retrogradation behaviors were due to smaller size amylopectin fragments, narrowed linear chain length distribution, and decreased branching. Retrogradation behavior was modeled using classical Avrami kinetics to allow comparison with other retrogradation studies.
Chemical doping the XYB14 complex borides

Abstract In this paper we demonstrate the possibility of chemically doping the orthorhombic XYB14 crystal by controlling the metal atoms that occupy the X and Y sites. It is found that the B atoms create a network of covalent bonds in the crystal and create states near the band gap and Fermi level. The metal atoms are ionically bonded to the crystal and donate their valence electrons to the B-network. By carefully controlling the composition of the metal atom sites it may be possible to create a semiconducting medium with AlLiB14 given as an example.
Cerium Substitution in Yttrium Iron Garnet: Valence State, Structure, and Energetics

The garnet structure is a promising nuclear waste form because it can accommodate various actinide elements. Yttrium iron garnet, Y3Fe5O12 (YIG), is a model composition for such substitutions. Since cerium (Ce) can be considered an analogue of actinide elements such as thorium (Th), plutonium (Pu), and uranium (U), studying the local structure and thermodynamic stability of Ce-substituted YIG (Ce:YIG) can provide insights into the structural and energetic aspects of large ion substitution in garnets. Single phases of YIG with Ce substitution up to 20 mol % (Y3–xCexFe5O12 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) were synthesized through a citrate–nitrate combustion method. The oxidation state of Ce was examined by X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES); the oxidation state and site occupancy of iron (Fe) as a function of Ce loading also was monitored by 57Fe–Mossbauer spectroscopy. These measurements establish that Ce is predominantly in the trivalent state at low substitution levels, while a mixture of trival...
Multiscale Constitutive Modeling of Polymer Materials

A nonlinear multiscale constitutive modeling framework is used to predict the elastic modulus of a glassy polymer. A set of seven molecular models with different molecular configurations is utilized to study the effect of the minimized potential energy level on the predicted elastic moduli. It is found that the average modulus from the seven models considered in the current study is seen to be in reasonable agreement with the experimentally observed value, given the statistical uncertainly in the data.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Treatment of parasitic infestation in children with malignant neoplasms.

Summary Parasitic infestation was found in 9 of 32 children with malignant neoplasms who were investigated because of findings suggesting parasitic disease. Parasitism was confirmed in 3 by stool examination and in 5 by spontaneous elimination; in a patient with 2 parasites, the presence of one organism was confirmed each way. All patients were successfully treated with no recurrences or toxicity. No histologic evidence of parasitism was found in the 5 patients who eventually came to autopsy. In contrast to bacterial, viral, and mycotic infections, it is suggested that patients with neoplasms who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy handle intestinal parasitic infestations as well as children without malignant disease.
Useful C8 and T1 function seen immediately after a complete cervical spinal cord injury: report of 2 cases

Abstract Background Because of the rarity of cervicothoracic spine injuries, detailed reports on the neurologic examination after complete cord injuries are scarce. A few retrospective case series scantily documented the intrinsic hand function after C7-T1 complete cord injuries. A complete cervical cord injury with useful C8 and T1 motor function present immediately after the injury has not been reported to date. Case Description Functional C8 and T1 motor strength at the time of the initial neurologic examination was seen in 2 cases in which a complete C7-T1 injury resulted in paraplegia. Serial neurologic examinations were performed to document useful C8 and T1 motor function and maintenance of the neurologic status after surgical treatment. Conclusions Patients can present with useful lower cervical root function (C8 and T1) when first seen at admission after a complete cervical cord injury. Careful neurologic examination must be performed at admission in patients with lower cervical spine injuries because useful intrinsic hand function can be present and must not be overlooked.
Specific thiazolidinediones inhibit ovarian cancer cell line proliferation and cause cell cycle arrest in a PPARγ independent manner.

Background Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists, such as the thiazolinediones (TZDs), have been studied for their potential use as cancer therapeutic agents. We investigated the effect of four TZDs—Rosiglitazone (Rosi), Ciglitazone (CGZ), Troglitazone (TGZ), and Pioglitazone (Pio)—on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, PPARγ expression and PPAR luciferase reporter activity. We explored whether TZDs act in a PPARγ dependent or independent manner by utilizing molecular approaches to inhibit or overexpress PPARγ activity.
Two roads diverged: young children's ability to judge distance.

In the present studies, we investigated 4- and 5- to 6-year-old's ability to compare the distances covered by a direct route to a location and an indirect route to the same location. The distances ranged between 16 and 22 feet. The routes were visible from a single vantage point, and objects serving as landmarks were sometimes located along the routes. We found clear demonstrations of the two classic Piagetian distance errors--the direct-indirect error, in which children judge that a direct route and an indirect route cover the same distance, and the interposed object error, in which children judge that a route is shorter when it is segmented by an object located somewhere along the route. The interposed object error occurred because children focused on only one segment of the route, which was consistent with Piaget's explanation of the error. However, in contrast to Piaget, we found that about 40% of 4-year-olds could successfully avoid the direct-indirect error, and in addition, when the routes were visually displayed, they could also avoid the interposed object error. It is important that they also gave correct explanations for why the indirect route was longer, by referring to the fact that it was not straight. For these children at least, the interposed object error was due to difficulty they had representing routes, rather than to a misconception of distance. We suggest that future research should examine whether that may also be true for younger children. Language: en
A timely characterization of vasopressin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase isoforms in the mouse inner medullary collecting duct

second messenger signaling in the kidney mediates several of the organ's basic physiological functions including the regulation of blood pressure, control of fluid volume, and maintenance of the body's water homeostasis in times of duress. Tight regulation of the second messenger cAMP is critical
Where do classifications come from? The DSM-III, the transformation of American psychiatry, and the problem of origins in the sociology of knowledge

When something serves a function, it is easy to overlook its origins. The tendency is to proceed directly to function and retroactively construct a story about origin based on the function it fills. In this article, I address this problem of origins as it appears in the sociology of knowledge, using a case study of the publication of the 3rd edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) in 1980. The manual revolutionized American psychiatry and the treatment of mental illness, because it served the function of classification that had become critical to the field of mental health by this time. But this function must be bracketed in order to reveal the “extra-functional” origins of the DSM-III. Using field theory, I argue that the manual was necessary for reasons other than the function it filled as a classification. Specifically, its origin lies in a series of conflicts among psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, and clinical psychologists within the field of mental health, which followed in the wake of the collapse of psychoanalysis as the dominant treatment type for mental illness. I reveal the generative formula behind the production of the DSM-III, capturing a variety of social processes that influenced the format of the manual and made it a useful classification, but which are not reducible to function. In this way, I reproduce its raison d’etre in a manner similar to how the DSM-III appeared for the people who produced it. This focus on generative formulas offers the sociology of knowledge a way to capture the epistemic importance of a range of different social processes. Most importantly, it avoids the functional fallacy of reducing origin to function, and ignoring the idea that innovations might appear necessary even without clear recognition of their functional consequences.
Nosocomial Infections in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Units in the United States

Abstract BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections (NIs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients result in increased mortality, morbidity, and cost. However, little is known about the epidemiology of NIs in neurosurgical ICU (NSU) patients. METHODS: Data on NIs in NSU patients in hospitals participating in the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system from 1995 to 2001 were analyzed. A NSU is a patient-care area with neurosurgery as primary reason for admission or care by a neurosurgeon after head or spinal trauma. The pooled mean NI rate was calculated per patient and patient days spent in the NSU. Device utilization is the days each device was used (device days) divided by patient days. Device-associated infection rates were calculated for pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), and bloodstream infection (BSI) and compared to those of surgical ICUs. RESULTS: Among 93,327 patients monitored for 334,217 patient days, 5,484 (5.9%) developed 7231 NIs. The most common NIs were pneumonia (30.8%) and UTI (30.4%). BSI (11.9%), lower respiratory infections (6.6%), surgical site infections (4.4%), and central nervous system infections (4.3%) also occurred. Meningitis or ventriculitis occurred in 43.8% of surgical site infections. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen in pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections, whereas Escherichia coli was most common for UTI and coagulase-negative staphylococci was for BSI. Of 2225 pneumonias, 83.6% were ventilator-associated. Of 2,198 UTIs, 95.7% were catheter-associated. Of 860 BSI, 81.1% were central line–associated. In comparison with use in surgical ICUs, device utilization per patient day was lower for all three devices: central lines (0.46 for NSU, 0.65 for surgical), urinary catheters (0.80 for NSU, 0.84 for surgical), and ventilators (0.37 for NSU, 0.46 for surgical). Pooled mean device-associated infection rates per 1,000 device days were 4.6 for BSI (5.2 for surgical), 7.3 for UTI (5.1 for surgical), and 13.6 for pneumonias (9.9 for surgical). CONCLUSIONS: Nosocomial infections are relatively common in neurosurgical patients. Most of these infections were device-associated UTI and pneumonia.
Are information centers responsive to end user needs

Abstract End user computing (EUC) has developed into a critical part of the information resource of the organization. The information center (IC), an essential support and control mechanism for EUC, has also become a critical component of the organization's information resource. ICs support the end users by providing services for them. Our study surveyed 126 ICs to determine which services they presently offer, which ones they do not offer, and which ones they previously offered but discontinued. In addition, the study collected data on services requested by the end users. This paper furnishes a definitive catalog of services offered by ICs and compares them with the services requested by end users. The findings illustrate the responsiveness of ICs to their end user communities. Even though ICs typically offer a broad variety of services, there are differences in the services most offered by ICs and services most requested by end users.
Antiretroviral effect of a gag-RNase HI fusion gene.

We have previously shown that a molecule consisting of a fusion of a Ca2+-dependent nuclease (from Staphylococcus aureus) to a retroviral coat protein specifies a potent antiviral specific for that retrovirus. Genes specifying such fusion proteins can be delivered to virus-susceptible cells, providing an antiviral gene therapy aimed at limiting virus spread. We report here the results of experiments to vary the nuclease moiety of such fusion proteins. We found that one nuclease, Serratia marcescens nuclease, was extremely toxic to host cells and hence not likely to be useful for therapeutic purposes. A second nuclease, Escherichia coli RNase HI was found to be nontoxic and highly effective against a murine leukemia virus when it was fused to the leukemia virus coat protein. The fusion protein was enzymatically active and stably expressed, without apparent toxicity to host cells. Reduction in infectious virus output was as high as 97–99%. These studies provide a model system for the development of gene therapeutic agents aimed at combating retroviral infections in vivo.
High electron mobility polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistors on steel foil substrates

Thin-film transistors have been fabricated in polycrystalline silicon films on steel foil. The polycrystalline silicon films were formed by the crystallization of hydrogenated amorphous silicon, which had been deposited on 200-μm-thick foils of stainless steel coated with ∼0.5-μm-thick layers of SiO2. We employed crystallization temperatures (and duration) of 600 °C (6 h), 650 °C (1 h), and 700 °C (10 min). Top-gate transistors made from films crystallized at 650 °C have an average electron field-effect mobility of 64 cm2/V s, with equal values in the linear and saturated regimes. Thus steel substrates permit a substantial reduction in crystallization time over glass substrates, and afford polysilicon with high electron mobility.
Spermiogenesis in the spider, Pisaurina Sp.: A fine structure study†‡

A fine structure study of spermatids and spermatozoa of the spider, Pisaurina sp. demonstrates that early spermiogenesis is similar to other flagellate spermatozoa. An acrosome forms from a Golgi-derived, acrosomal vesicle, a perforatorium indents acromosome and nucleus, a flagellum with a three-plus-nine tubule substructure is formed and nuclear chromatin condenses during spermiogenesis. Divergence from typical spermatozoa includes the presence of a three-tubule substructure of the central flagellar shaft, progressive rounding-up of late spermatids with concomitant incorporation of previously formed flagellum. This evidence is presented in terms of its possible functional significance in fertilization and gamete fusion in spiders.
Segmented assimilation: issues, controversies, and recent research on the new second generation.

The segmented assimilation theory offers a theoretical framework for understanding the process by which the new second generation – the children of contemporary immigrants – becomes incorporated in...
Triplet state properties of croconate dyes in homogeneous and polymer-containing solutions

Abstract The effect of polymer microencagement on the lowest triplet excited state of croconate violet and croconate blue, members of a family of oxocarbon condensation derivatives which possess excellent electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical dye sensitizing properties, has been investigated. These dyes, when surrounded by a poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) matrix, displayed red-shifted S 0 → S 1 and T 1 → T n absorption maxima. The triplet lifetimes for these dyes were 69 μs and 24 μs respectively in neat ethanol, and 134 μs and 36 μs respectively in ethanol containing 0.01 M PVP. The specific rates of triplet energy transfer from a triplet sensitizer to the dyes were lower in the polymer-containing solutions.
The impact of cancer on the physical function of the elderly and their utilization of health care

BACKGROUND Controversy about whether cancer has an independent impact on patient quality of life led the authors to evaluate the effects of cancer on a range of quality-of-life and health care utilization measures within an elderly population. METHODS The authors analyzed a nationally representative sample of 9745 elderly community-based Medicare beneficiaries sampled in the 1991 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. Of these, 1647 reported being diagnosed by a physician as having a malignancy that was not of the skin. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of functional limitation, poor health status, health care utilization, and patient satisfaction with medical care. RESULTS Cancer was reported by 17% of the elderly. Individuals with cancer reported poorer health, more limitations of the activities of daily living (ADLs) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and greater health care utilization than individuals without cancer. For individuals with cancer, difficulty walking (38%) and getting out of a chair (21%) were the most commonly reported ADL limitations, whereas difficulty completing heavy housework (34%) and shopping (17%) were the most common IADL limitations. Carcinomas of the lung, prostate, and colon independently predicted poorer health status. Lung carcinoma was independently associated with more ADL limitations. Lung, bladder, and prostate carcinomas predicted increased health care utilization. Overall, cancer patients were at least as satisfied with their medical care as those without cancer. CONCLUSIONS Cancer increased the use of health care resources and modestly reduced physical function. By identifying specific connections between cancer and physical function, these findings have implications for improving cancer care. [See editorial on pages 1883-6, this issue.] Cancer 1997; 80:1973-80. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
MECHANISM OF INHIBITION OF THE PLASMA MEMBRANE CA2+-ATPASE BY BARBITURATES

We have demonstrated that sodium pentobarbital inhibited the activation of the human red blood cell plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase produced by dimerization of enzyme monomers or by calmodulin binding to enzyme monomers. The effects of the barbiturate were dose-dependent. Both Vmax and Ca2+ affinity were reduced. The Ca(2+)-ATPase activity of the dimeric enzyme was distinctly less sensitive with respect to the effective inhibitory concentrations of pentobarbital and to the rate of onset of inhibition than was the calmodulin-dependent activation of enzyme monomers. Temperature dependence of the inhibition was in agreement with direct, nonpolar interactions of pentobarbital with a water-exposed nonpolar patch on the surface of this transmembrane protein. The barbiturate prevented the increase of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence associated with substrate Ca2+ binding to the enzyme dimer. On the basis of the barbiturate effects we propose a model for the action of detergent-like compounds on the enzyme. They inhibit Ca(2+)-ATPase activity by binding to a nonpolar patch on the water-exposed dimerization surface of the enzyme monomer, part of which is also the binding site for calmodulin. The model assumes that their binding to the nonpolar patch on the monomer interferes with dimerization and weakens but does not prohibit calmodulin binding, whose activation of the enzyme is then submaximal. The model should be applicable to other proteins as the two activation pathways studied have been demonstrated for various enzymes.
Linear dependence on chain length for the thermodynamic properties of tangent hard-sphere chains

Equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation techniques are used to obtain accurate compressibility factors (⩽0·1% error) for tangent hard-sphere (THS) chains of lengths 2–8, 16, 32, 64, 96, and 192. Our simulation results show that, within simulation statistical errors, the dependence of compressibility factors on chain length approaches linearity very rapidly. At volume fractions of 0·4 or above the linearity starts at a chain length of 3, while at volume fractions of 0·1 or above the linearity starts at a chain length of 6. The thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) and the generalized Flory (GF) theory equations of state are extended to become a linear combination of the compressibility factors of any two reference THS chain fluids. It is found that extended GF theory is identical to extended TPT when the excluded volumes of chains and reference chains are assumed to be linearly dependent on the chain length. Our simulation data implies that a near exact THS chain equation of state can be obtained from ...
S-nitrosylation in the regulation of gene transcription.

Background Post-translational modification of proteins by S-nitrosylation serves as a major mode of signaling in mammalian cells and a growing body of evidence has shown that transcription factors and their activating pathways are primary targets. S-nitrosylation directly modifies a number of transcription factors, including NF-κB, HIF-1, and AP-1. In addition, S-nitrosylation can indirectly regulate gene transcription by modulating other cell signaling pathways, in particular JNK kinase and ras.
Real-time detection of lipid bilayer assembly and detergent-initiated solubilization using optical cavities

The cellular membrane governs numerous fundamental biological processes. Therefore, developing a comprehensive understanding of its structure and function is critical. However, its inherent biological complexity gives rise to numerous inter-dependent physical phenomena. In an attempt to develop a model, two different experimental approaches are being pursued in parallel: performing single cell experiments (top down) and using biomimetic structures (bottom up), such as lipid bilayers. One challenge in many of these experiments is the reliance on fluorescent probes for detection which can create confounds in this already complex system. In the present work, a label-free detection method based on an optical resonant cavity is used to detect one of the fundamental physical phenomena in the system: assembly and solubilization of the lipid bilayer. The evanescent field of the cavity strongly interacts with the lipid bilayer, enabling the detection of the bilayer behavior in real-time. Two independent detection mechanisms confirm the formation and detergent-assisted solubilization of the lipid bilayers: (1) a refractive index change and (2) a material loss change. Both mechanisms can be monitored in parallel, on the same device, thus allowing for cross-confirmation of the results. To verify the proposed method, we have detected the formation of self-assembled phosphatidylcholine lipid bilayers from small unilamellar vesicles on the device surface in real-time. Subsequently, we exposed the bilayers to two different detergents (non-ionic Triton X-100 and anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate) to initiate solubilization, and this process was also detected in real-time. After the bilayer solubilization, the device returned to its initial state, exhibiting minimal hysteresis. The experimental wash-off was also collected and analyzed using dynamic light scattering.