cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive functional characterization of murine infantile Batten disease including Parkinson-like behavior and dopaminergic markers

Infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL, Infantile Batten disease) is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency in palmitoyl protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1). The PPT1-deficient mouse (Cln1−/−) is a useful phenocopy of human INCL. Cln1−/− mice display retinal dysfunction, seizures, motor deficits, and die at ~8 months of age. However, little is known about the cognitive and behavioral functions of Cln1−/− mice during disease progression. In the present study, younger (~1–2 months of age) Cln1−/− mice showed minor deficits in motor/sensorimotor functions while older (~5–6 months of age) Cln1−/− mice exhibited more severe impairments, including decreased locomotor activity, inferior cued water maze performance, decreased running wheel ability, and altered auditory cue conditioning. Unexpectedly, certain cognitive functions such as some learning and memory capabilities seemed intact in older Cln1−/− mice. Younger and older Cln1−/− mice presented with walking initiation defects, gait abnormalities, and slowed movements, which are analogous to some symptoms reported in INCL and parkinsonism. However, there was no evidence of alterations in dopaminergic markers in Cln1−/− mice. Results from this study demonstrate quantifiable changes in behavioral functions during progression of murine INCL and suggest that Parkinson-like motor/sensorimotor deficits in Cln1−/− mice are not mediated by dopamine deficiency.
Title IX Cheerleading Case

A high school cheerleader claimed she was a victim of sexual harassment, which created extreme stress for her, placed her at an unfair disadvantage by undermining her performance at the tryouts, and ultimately prevented her from being selected for the cheerleading squad in her senior year.
Bordetella pertussis Fimbriae proteins Fim2 and 3 are Immunodominant in T cell responses to Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (LB509)

Objective: To map the response of T cells to the Bordetella pertussis acellular vaccine (aP). Methods: PBMCs from boosted (within three years) and control volunteers were stimulated in vitro with B...
Large time behavior of elementary waves of burgers' equation under white noise perturbation

(1995). Large time behavior of elementary waves of burgers' equation under white noise perturbation. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 20, No. 9-10, pp. 1699-1723.
Spectroscopic studies of water and water/regolith mixtures on planetary surfaces at low temperatures

New reflectance spectra of Ganymede, Europe, Callisto, Io, Saturn's rings, and Mars were obtained. The new data is combined with data covering other spectral regions for compositional interpretation. The spectral properties of water and mixtures of water plus other minerals were studied in the laboratory at the low temperatures typical of Mars, the Galilean satellites, and Saturn's rings. High precision reflectance spectra of water ice were studied.
Effects of dicyclohexylamine sulfate, a spermidine synthase inhibitor, in 9L rat brain tumor cells

Abstract Growth characteristics, polyamine levels, and distribution of cells in the cell cycle were determined for 9L rat brain tumor cells treated for various periods with 1 mm dicyclohexylamine sulfate (DOHA). Continuous treatment of cells with DCHA caused growth inhibition at 2 days of treatment. After 2 days of treatment the growth rate of cells increased to approximately the same rate as control cells, even though treatment was continuous. Levels of spermidine were depleted to less than 10% of control levels, spermine levels were essentially unchanged, and putrescine levels were elevated to more than 350% of control levels after 9L cells were treated with DCHA for 2 days. In contrast to results found for the polyamine biosynthesis inhibitor α-difluoromethylomithine, treatment of 9L cells with DCHA did not potentiate the cytotoxicity of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea. To mimic the effects on polyamine levels caused by treatment with DCHA, 9L cells were treated with 5 mm putrescine alone or with 5 mm putrescine and 1 mm DCHA after treatment with 1 mm α-difluoromethylomithine. Results of these experiments suggest that treatment with DCHA alone does not potentiate the cytotoxicity of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea because elevated levels of putrescine caused by treatment counteract the effects of decreased spermidine levels.
Managerial stock holdings and firm performance : Empirical evidence from the restaurant industry

Abstract Agency theory proposes that increasing managerial ownership in a firm can help align owner/management interests and motivate managers for better performance. This paper examines the relationship between managerial stock holdings and firm performance in the restaurant industry. Using the financial data of restaurant companies during 1995-1996, this study found that managerial ownership was positively and significantly associated with most of the performance measures, particularly in firms with 0%-15% managerial ownership. Firm size, a control variable, was also found to have a positive impact on performance. The results suggest that large restaurant firms with relatively low managerial ownership may raise managerial holdings to enhance their profitability and Stock returns.
Wave Equations for Discrete Quantum Gravity

This article is based on the covariant causal set ($c$-causet) approach to discrete quantum gravity. A $c$-causet $x$ is a finite partially ordered set that has a unique labeling of its vertices. A rate of change on $x$ is described by a covariant difference operator and this operator acting on a wave function forms the left side of the wave equation. The right side is given by an energy term acting on the wave function. Solutions to the wave equation corresponding to certain pairs of paths in $x$ are added and normalized to form a unique state. The modulus squared of the state gives probabilities that a pair of interacting particles is at various locations given by pairs of vertices in $x$. We illustrate this model for a few of the simplest nontrivial examples of $c$-causets. Three forces are considered, the attractive and repulsive electric forces and the strong nuclear force. Large models get much more complicated and will probably require a computer to analyze.
Systematic review of the evidence of a relationship between chronic psychosocial stress and C-reactive protein.

Introduction C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant with an increasing number of clinical functions. Studies in recent years have identified several social, economic, demographic, and psychological factors that contribute to baseline inflammation. Psychosocial stress represents a significant contributor to baseline inflammation. Given the importance of understanding background drivers of CRP levels, we conducted this review to assess the impact of chronic psychosocial stress on CRP levels.
Mechanistic Kinetic Modeling of the Hydrocracking of Complex Feedstocks, such as Vacuum Gas Oils

A mechanistic kinetic model has been developed for the hydrocracking of complex feedstocks such as vacuum gas oil (VGO), based on an exhaustive computer-generated reaction network of elementary steps. The model utilizes a detailed composition of VGO, characterized by 16 different molecular classes up to C40. These classes are divided into 45 subclasses by distinguishing the isomers of a class according to the number of methyl branches, leading to 1266 groups of isomers/pure components. The frequency factors of the rate coefficients for the acid site steps are modeled using the single-event concept, and the activation energies are modeled based on the nature of the reactant and product carbenium ions. The saturation of polyaromatics is modeled according to the sequential hydrogenation of aromatic rings on the metal sites. The competitive chemisorption of aromatics and naphthenes is taken into account, based on the number of aromatic/naphthenic rings on the metal sites, and based on the corresponding gas-ph...
Hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylphosphorylcholine by alkaline phosphatase and phospholipase C from rabbit sperm-acrosome

Abstract p-Nitrophenylphosphorylcholine, used as an artificial substrate for phospholipase C, is readily hydrolyzed by alkaline phosphatases also, despite the reported requirement of alkaline phosphatases for a terminal phosphate for activity. p-Nitrophenylphosphorylcholine hydrolyzing activity in rabbit semen is concentrated in Hyamine-Triton extracts of sperm acrosomes or cytoplasmic droplets rather than seminal plasma. Disc electrophoresis of these extracts shows well separated zones of phosphatase and phospholipase C-like activity. Only phosphatase activity is observed in seminal plasma. It is suggested that phospholipase C is located in the sperm acrosome.
A 24-year-old woman with abdominal pain.

*Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, †Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, ‡Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, and §CarePoint PC, Rose Medical Center, Denver, Colorado Reprint Address: Adam Z. Barkin, MD, MPH, CarePoint PC, Rose Medical Center, 4567 E. 9 Avenue, Denver, CO 80220
Significance of cardiac weight in patients having coronary artery bypass grafting for angina pectoris

Abstract Cardiac weight at necropsy in 211 patients who had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for angina pectoris, and its relation to early ( 60 days) death after CABG was sought. The 121 patients dying early had a lower mean heart weight than did the 90 patients dying late (444 ± 94 vs 498 ± 107 g; p :0.001). The mean heart weight of the 85 men dying early was less than that of the 75 men dying late (472 vs 506 g; p
Shadowboxing: A Review of Loïc Wacquant's Body & Soul

Body & Soul , in its own right, is a bold ethnography of the sport of boxing. Wacquant places himself squarely in the world of the “sweet science” of pugilism, while gracefully taking the reader from the ghetto streets on the South Side of Chicago to the physical, mental, and social sphere of the fight game. But Body & Soul is not a book on an island unto itself. Specifically, it is an ethnography written within the context of Wacquant’s previous inflammatory critique leveled against some American urban ethnography for, among other things, its purported theoretical shortcomings and failure to consider broader structural relationships (Wacquant 2002). Thus, in Body & Soul , Wacquant is shadowboxing his own critique of urban ethnography. For reasons discussed later, this is a bout he does not win. Yet, Body & Soul prevails. Wacquant beautifully narrates Body & Soul from field notes and interviews that he garnered over three-and-a-half years (1988 to 1992) of research at the Woodlawn Boys and Girls Club. He deftly describes the desolate and dangerous community conditions out of which some of the African American men in Woodlawn come to boxing. “Brother Louie” (one of several nicknames of affection used by the participants for the Frenchman) takes us into the gym as a starting point for learning more about ghetto life. What gives this ethnography its profundities is Wacquant’s creative approach to writing it. He divides the book into three texts. The first text is a rich sociological description of Woodlawn and the people who frequent the gym. The second text is a narrative, first written in 1993, that captures an entire fight day of one of the gym’s pugilists. The third text is Wacquant’s narration of his own step-by-step preparation for participation in his first bout at the 1990 Chicago Golden Gloves tournament. These texts fit well together.
Intraoperative MR-guided DBS implantation for treating PD and ET

Deep brain stimulator (DBS) implantation is a promising treatment alternative for suppressing the motor tremor symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD) patient. The main objective is to develop a minimally invasive approach using high spatial resolution and soft-tissue contrast MR imaging techniques to guide the surgical placement of DBS. In the MR-guided procedure, the high spatial resolution MR images were obtained intra-operatively and used to target stereotactically a specific deep brain location. The neurosurgery for craniotomy was performed in the front of the magnet outside of the 10 Gauss line. Aided with positional registration assembly for the stereotactic head frame, the target location (VIM or GPi or STN) in deep brain areas was identified and measured from the MR images in reference to the markers in the calibration assembly of the head frame before the burrhole prep. In 20 patients, MR- guided DBS implantations have been performed according to the new methodology. MR-guided DBS implantation at high magnetic field strength has been shown to be feasible and desirable. In addition to the improved outcome, this offers a new surgical approach in which intra-operative visualization is possible during intervention, and any complications such as bleeding can be assessed in situ immediately prior to dural closure.
Adoptive transfer of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) in guinea pigs: Requirement for Ia-positive antigen-presenting cells for in vitro activation of effector T cells☆

Abstract Lymph node T cells from guinea pigs sensitized in vivo with guinea pig thyroglobulin (GPTG) could transfer experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) to normal syngeneic recipients after in vitro culture with GPTG or GPTG-pulsed peritoneal exudate cells (PEC). Although EAT effector T cells have been shown previously to be Ia negative at the time of transfer, the addition of specific anti-Ia serum to the cultures inhibited effector cell activation. The inhibitory effect of anti-Ia on effector-T-cell activation was shown to be due to inhibition of the function of antigen-presenting PEC rather than to an effect on the sensitized T cell. Moreover, only lapositive PEC could present antigen in this system and Ia matching between the PEC and the T cell was required for effective T-cell activation. GPTG-pulsed Strain 2 (EAT susceptible) and Strain 13 (EAT resistant) PEC could both present antigen to T cells from 2 × 13 F 1 guinea pigs although Strain 2 PEC were more effective, suggesting that defective antigen presentation by macrophages may at least partially explain the relative resistance to EAT of Strain 13 guinea pigs. These results indicate that interaction between Ia-positive PEC and sensitized T cells in vitro is necessary for the development of active effector T cells that can transfer EAT.
Watershed vulnerability to herbicide transport in northern Missouri and southern Iowa streams.

Herbicide contamination of streams has been well documented, but little is currently known about the specific factors affecting watershed vulnerability to herbicide transport. The primary objectives of this study were (1) to document herbicide occurrence and transport from watersheds in the northern Missouri/ southern Iowa region; (2) to quantify watershed vulnerability to herbicide transport and relate vulnerability to soil properties; and (3) to compute the contribution of this region to the herbicide load of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Grab samples were collected under baseflow and runoff conditions at 21 hydrologic monitoring stations between April 15 and July 15 from 1996 to 1999. Samples were analyzed for commonly used soil-applied herbicides (atrazine, cyanazine, acetochlor, alachlor, metolachlor, and metribuzin) and four triazine metabolites (deisopropylatrazine, deethylatrazine, hydroxyatrazine, and cyanazine amide). Estimates of herbicide load and relative losses were computed for each ...
A mucosal subunit vaccine protects against lethal respiratory infection with Francisella tularensis LVS.

Francisella tularensis (FT) is a highly virulent pathogen for humans and other mammals. Severe morbidity and mortality is associated with respiratory FT infection and there are concerns about intentional dissemination of this organism. Therefore, FT has been designated a category A biothreat agent and there is a growing interest in the development of a protective vaccine. In the present study, we determine the protective potential of a subunit vaccine comprised of the FT heat shock protein DnaK and surface lipoprotein Tul4 against respiratory infection with the live vaccine strain (LVS) of FT in mice. First, we establish an optimal intranasal immunization regimen in C57BL/6 mice using recombinant DnaK or Tul4 together with the adjuvant GPI-0100. The individual immunization regimens induced robust salivary IgA, and vaginal and bronchoalveolar IgA and IgG antigen-specific antibodies. Serum IgG1 and IgG2c antibody responses were also induced, indicative of a mixed type 2 and type 1 response, respectively. Next, we show that immunization with DnaK and Tul4 induces mucosal and systemic antibody responses that are comparable to that seen following immunization with each antigen alone. This immunization regimen also induced IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-17A production by splenic CD4+ T cells in an antigen-specific manner. Importantly, over 80% of the mice immunized with DnaK and Tul4, but not with each antigen alone, were protected against a lethal respiratory challenge with FT LVS. Protection correlated with reduced bacterial burden in the lung, liver and spleen of mice. This study demonstrates the potential of DnaK and Tul4 as protective antigens and lends support to the notion of combining distinct, immunodominant antigens into an effective multivalent tularemia vaccine.
Hybrid Nanorod-Polymer Solar Cell: Final Report; 19 July 1999--19 September 2002

With the support of this grant, we successfully demonstrated that semiconductor nanorods can be used to fabricate readily processed and efficient hybrid solar cells together with polymers. By controlling nanorod length, we changed the distance over which electrons are transported directly through the thin-film device. Tuning the bandgap by altering the nanorod radius enabled us to optimize the overlap between the absorption spectrum of the cell and the solar emission spectrum. A photovoltaic device consisting of 7-nm by 60-nm CdSe nanorods and the conjugated polymer poly-3(hexylthiophene) was assembled from solution with an external quantum efficiency of over 54% and a monochromatic power conversion efficiency of 6.9% under 0.1 mW/cm2 illumination at 515 nm. Under AM 1.5 Global solar conditions, we obtained a power conversion efficiency of 1.7%.
The dilemma of scientific knowledge versus clinical management of temporomandibular disorders

The dilemma of scientific knowledge versus clinical management of TMD is discussed by focus on five questions; (1) What is scientific evidence and how is it transmitted? (2) What important evidence is lacking in the field of TMD? (3) What clinical concepts have been challenged by the scientific evidence? (4) Why is there adherence to concepts that appear to conflict with the evidence? (5) How does the clinician provide patient care in the face of uncertainty while retaining scientific integrity? It is concluded that no fundamental reason for a dilemma between scientific evidence and clinical practice need exist provided that (1) clinical investigators use appropriate research protocols and report results in refereed scientific journals and (2) dentists are familiar with the requirements of sound scientific evidence, interpret this evidence and its clinical implications, and apply it to the care of TMD patients.
Survival and growth of konara oak (Quercus serrata Thunb.) seedlings in an abandoned coppice forest

Survival and growth of konara oak (Quercus serrata) seedlings were examined on the forest floor of a konara oak coppice stand in Mitaka, Tokyo, for 5 yr (1976–1980) after exclusion of human management. Attention was mainly focused on a large cohort derived from a bumper acorn crop in 1975. Seedlings began to branch in the second year, although some did not branch during the whole 5-yr period. Branched seedling showed higher survival and greater weight in 1980 than unbranched seedlings. Many of the branched seedlings had lost an orthotropic leader shoot and spread their branches laterally, suggesting a response for efficient light-capture. As for unbranched seedlings, a size relationship between leaf area and stem length developing every year was dependent on the shoot size. A small shoot gave priority to enlargement of leaf area, whereas a large shoot gave priority to stem elongation. Yearly variations in seedling mortality and stem elongation were related to the amount of precipitation. Both the initial height and leaf area of germinated seedlings were positively correlated with their survival and weight after five years. Five-year survival of seedlings showed a positive correlation with light intensity at the growth site but a negative correlation with the extent of leaf predation. Sprouts of shrub species grew vigorously and became much taller than the oak seedlings in the 5-yr observation period. The characteristics of forest-floor seedlings were discussed in relation to the regeneration of konara oak forests in general.
Endosonographic Imaging of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions

Due to the widespread use of high-quality cross-sectional imaging, pancreatic cysts are coming to attention at an incidental stage and with increased frequency. More than half of these cysts represent premalignant or malignant lesions (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms). Accurately identifying these premalignant cysts and risk stratifying them for the presence or risk of malignant degeneration is critical to direct management. The role of endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration in this context is discussed. Although endoscopic ultrasound provides high-quality imaging, differentiating between the various types of pancreatic cysts is frequently impossible. Cyst fluid aspirate cytology evaluation is often sparse and diagnostic in about 50% of cases. Aspirate CEA level is most accurate in identifying mucinous tumors, and DNA analysis shows promise in the detection of malignancy. Chemical (amylase, lipase) analysis and other tumor markers (CA 19-9, etc.) lack the diagnostic accuracy to guide management. Despite improved imaging abilities and cyst fluid analyses, a significant number of these lesions elude accurate preoperative diagnosis. However, the recent strides made in a number of fields, especially imaging (cross-sectional and EUS), our ability to safely sample small lesions in the pancreas, and molecular genetics/proteomics, suggest that improved pancreatic cyst diagnosis may become available in the near future.
Choral Lyric as "Ritualization": Poetic Sacrifice and Poetic Ego in Pindar's Sixth Paian

Abstract The ego or speaking subject of Pindar's Sixth Paian is anomalous, as has been acknowledged by many scholars. In a genre whose ego is predominantly choral, the speaking subject at the beginning of Paian 6 differentiates himself from the chorus and confidently analogizes his poetic authority to the prophetic power of Delphi by his self-description as ααοοίίδδιιμμοονν ΠΠιιeeρρίίδδωωνν ππρροοfάάτταανν. I would like to correlate Pindar's exceptional ego in this poem with what has recently emerged as the poem's exceptional performance context. Following Ian Rutherford's 1997 discovery of a second marginal title for the third triad (““For the Aiginetans, a prosodion to Aiakos””), we might postulate performance by two choruses: the first two triads sung by a Delphian chorus stationary at the altar, the last triad sung by an Aiginetan chorus as they process to the altar. The need to reconcile within the poem and the space of performance two choruses, two communities, and two local mythic traditions generates the strikingly prominent speaking subject of Paian 6 as a mediating figure.
Interactions of detrital particulates and plankton

Detrital particulates, i.e. inorganic and non-living organic material of colloidal size and larger, span ten orders of magnitude in size and are ubiquitous in inland waters. Interactions between plankton and detrital particulates are reciprocal. Release of dissolved organics by living organisms enter the particulate size fraction by flocculation on bubbles or adsorption to inorganic particles. Bacteria benefit from attachment to particles and are agents in the aggregation of particulates. Nutrients released by decaying plankton can support phytoplankton growth. Potentially toxic compounds adsorb to particulates and then can enter pelagic food webs or sediment. Material egested by zooplankton contributes to the detrital pool which in turn is a food source for zooplankton.
Endocrine and Neural Control of Estrus in Dairy Cows

During proestrus, gonadotropins induce final follicular maturation, resulting in increased secretion of estradiol. Estradiol, in the relative absence of progesterone, acts on the hypothalamus to induce estrous behavior. The mean duration of estrus is 12 to 16 h and ranges from 3 to 28 h. The effects of estradiol appear to be "all or none". That is, once a threshold of estradiol is achieved, estrus is induced, and additional amounts of estradiol above threshold do not further enhance the estrous response (duration and intensity of estrus). Also, progesterone can block the estrus-inducing actions of estradiol. In addition, prior exposure to progesterone does not potentiate the estrus-inducing actions of estradiol except in the early postpartum period. In dairy cows, the first postpartum ovulation is often "silent". In other words, ovulation is not preceded by estrous behavior. High levels of estradiol during late gestation apparently induce a refractory state such that the brain cannot respond to the estrus-inducing actions of estradiol at the first postpartum ovulation. Progesterone can "reset" the brain, allowing it to respond to subsequent estradiol exposure. In the case of the postpartum cow, the corpus luteum formed after the first ovulation provides the progesterone that resets the brain. As a consequence, the second postpartum ovulation is preceded by estrous behavior. Finally, stress (or injection of ACTH) has been shown to delay, shorten, or inhibit completely the expression of estrus in the presence of estrus-inducing concentrations of estradiol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Civil disobedience and legal responsibility

In Section One the automatic ratification of existing law as immediately self-validating is shown to undermine the very purpose of law - the surpassing of arbitrariness and of Czar-like ukases. In Sections Two and Three there is an attempt to explore the justification or grounding that can be given for the existing laws and civil disobedience, respectively. In both cases, the justification has been given in terms of fundamental human dignity which should never be violated by empirical laws. Only when such a violation does occur can civil disobedience be justified. Therefore, the rationale for, and motivation of, both a legal system and civil disobedience are the same.
Lack of functionally active sweet taste receptors in the jejunum in vivo in the rat

Abstract Background When studied in enterocyte-like cell lines (Caco-2 and RIE cells), agonists and antagonists of the sweet taste receptor (STR) augment and decrease glucose uptake, respectively. We hypothesize that exposure to STR agonists and antagonists in vivo will augment glucose absorption in the rat. Materials and methods About 30-cm segments of jejunum in anesthetized rats were perfused with iso-osmolar solutions containing 10, 35, and 100 mM glucose solutions (n = 6 rats, each group) with and without the STR agonist 2 mM acesulfame potassium and the STR inhibitor 10 μM U-73122 (inhibitor of the phospholipase C pathway). Carrier-mediated absorption of glucose was calculated by using stereospecific and nonstereospecific 14C- d -glucose and 3H- l -glucose, respectively. Results Addition of the STR agonist acesulfame potassium to the 10, 35, and 100 mM glucose solutions had no substantive effects on glucose absorption from 2.1 ± 0.2 to 2.0 ± 0.3, 5.8 ± 0.2 to 4.8 ± 0.2, and 15.5 ± 2.3 to 15.7 ± 2.7 μmoL/min/30-cm intestinal segment (P > 0.05), respectively. Addition of the STR inhibitor (U-73122) also had no effect on absorption in the 10, 35, and 100 mM solutions from 2.3 ± 0.1 to 2.1 ± 0.2, 7.7 ± 0.5 to 7.2 ± 0.5, and 15.7 ± 0.9 to 15.2 ± 1.1 μmoL/min/30-cm intestinal segment, respectively. Conclusions Provision of glucose directly into rat jejunum does not augment glucose absorption via STR-mediated mechanisms within the jejunum in the rat. Our experiments show either no major role of STRs in mediating postprandial augmentation of glucose absorption or that proximal gastrointestinal tract stimulation of STR or other luminal factors may be required for absorption of glucose to be augmented by STR.
Art is History, No?

Art Has No History! The Making and Unmaking of Modern Art edited by John Roberts, London: Verso, 1994, 303 pp., 8 col. plates, 17 b. & w. illus., £33.95 hdbk, £13.95 pbk
High-Energy Emission from Relativistic Particles in Sagittarius A*

EGRET onboard the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory has recently detected a high-energy source at the Galactic center. However, it is not yet clear whether the γ-rays are produced by the hypothesized massive black hole, Sgr A*, or whether the emitter is diffuse. The lack of variability in the γ-ray flux, up to an amplitude of about 20%, seems to suggest the latter. But hydrodynamical simulations of the accretion process point to a fluctuation amplitude in the inflowing mass rate below this level on a timescale comparable to the current observation time line. Thus, if the γ-ray flux is directly tied to the dissipation of gravitational energy, e.g., if it is produced by relativistic particles energized by a shock within the infalling plasma, we cannot rule Sgr A* out as the source of the γ-rays on this basis alone. In earlier work, we demonstrated that the γ-ray spectrum from the Galactic center may be consistent with the radiative decay of pions produced via proton-proton interactions in this shock acceleration scenario. However, this study was incomplete for several reasons. In this paper, we extend this work significantly by making several improvements to our treatment of the particle physics. We also make use of the new EGRET data published since our last paper. Our analysis now indicates that the hypothesized massive black hole is probably not the source of the γ-rays. Understanding the nature of the Galactic center γ-ray source may ultimately depend on whether or not future γ-ray detectors will have the capability of resolving it. In this paper we consider a point source, but if the γ-rays are in fact associated with diffuse emission, GLAST may be able to image the source with a spatial resolution of ~30'' to 5'.
Evidence of strong phonon-assisted resonant intervalley up-transfer for electroncs in type-II GaAs/AIAs superlattices

We demonstrate that longitudinal-optical (LO) phonons efficiently pump electrons from the quasi-X states to the quasi-Γ states in short-period type-II GaAs/AlAs superlattices. At a very low temperature, the phonon-assisted electron up-transfer can occur if the energy difference between the lowest quasi-Γ states and quasi-X states is equal to or less than the LO phonon energies. As the temperature increases, however, kinetic energies of the electrons can facilitate the electron up-transfer. As a result, we have observed peculiar behaviors on these superlattices. First, photoluminescence intensity for the quasi-direct transition drastically increases as the temperature or pump power increases. Second, the dependence of the integrated photoluminescence intensity on the pump power exhibits a square power law.
Structural characterization of bis(pyrazolyl)hydroborato thallium complexes: monomeric “two-coordinate” thallium derivatives supplemented by [Tl…H-B] interactions

Abstract The syntheses and structural characterization of a series of mononuclear bis(pyrazolyl)hydroborato thallium complexes Tl[BpButR] (R = Me, Prii, But) are described. In each case, the two-coorinate Tl(I) centers of Tl[BpBut,R] are supplemented by secondary [Tl…H-B] interactions.
The effects of biaxial loading on the fracture characteristics of several engineering materials

Using the George Washington University biaxial test system, a static fracture toughness study of two polymers (PMMA and PVC) and three aluminum alloys was performed for several variations in specimen geometry. Photoelastic experiments indicate that the applied load biaxiality has a very strong influence on the size and shape of the crack-tip stress field, and fracture toughness values for both polymers were seen to decrease with increasing load biaxiality. The load biaxiality was also found to have a strong influence on the crack growth direction in PMMA and a negligible influence on the PVC. The 7075-T6 aluminum toughness values increased with biaxiality, while intermediate peak toughness values were noted at a 0.5 biaxiality ratio for the more ductile 2024-T3 and 6061-T4 alloys. Fracture toughnesses at the highest biaxiality ratios were found to be equal to the uniaxial results.
Ferroelectric and structural properties of the tungsten bronze system K2Ln3+Nb5O15, Ln = La to Lu

The K2Ln3+Nb5O15 system has been investigated for a range of rare-earth ions (La3+ to Ho3+, Y3+). The temperature-dependent dielectric properties indicate that all but the La3+-containing materials have a tungsten bronze orthorhombic structure. Two phase transitions occur above room temperature, one paraelectric:ferroelectric and the other ferroelectric:ferroelastic. These transitions shift toward higher temperatures as the size of the rare-earth ion decreases. The lattice constant determination for this system indicates that the larger ions (La3+ to Gd3+) predominantly prefer the 12-fold coordinated site, Tb3+ to Ho3+ are distributed over both the 12- and 9-fold coordinated sites, and the smaller rare-earths (Er3+ to Lu3+) do not yield the tungsten bronze phase. Because of their low dielectric constants, these bronzes appear to be promising for some optical and pyroelectric detector applications.
Molecular dynamics simulation of ice growth from supercooled pure water and from salt solution

The kinetics of ice growth on the prismatic and basal planes is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The time evolution of two systems has been investigated. In one a slab of ice is initially in contact with supercooled water, while in the second the ice is in contact with a supercooled salt solution. The simulations were done at a temperature below the eutectic temperature, and complete solidification is observed. The total freezing time is longer in the systems with ions than in the systems with pure water. The final state for the salt systems always shows the formation of ion clusters. For the ionic system growing on the prismatic plane, an intermediate metastable state is observed before total solidification. The duration of this metastable state depends on the ability of the system to get all the ions participating in cluster formation. The simulations enable understanding of the mechanisms for ice formation under different solution conditions.
Strong Colloidal and Dissolved Organic Ligands Binding Copper and Zinc in Rivers

The speciation or physicochemical form of copper and zinc in freshwater plays an important role in reactivity, bioavailability, and toxicity. Strong metal-binding ligands, which determine speciation, were detected by voltammetric methods, both anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) and competitive ligand equilibration adsorptive stripping voltammetry (CLE-AdSV); the latter technique can detect nanomolar levels of extremely strong (log K' > 13) ligands. Through careful field site selection and the investigation of ultrafiltration permeate samples, natural organic ligands were measured with limited interferences of colloidal inorganic iron- and aluminum-based trace metal-binding phases. Furthermore, ultrafiltration allowed measurement of colloidal and dissolved ligands independently, and differences of ligand abundance and strength in different size classes are reported. For copper, ultrafilterable (<3 kDa) organic ligand site concentrations (expressed normalized to dissolved organic carbon) were on average 33% of the colloidal level, but ultrafilterable ligand log K' values were 0.5 log units stronger than those of the 0.4 microm filterable concentration. The ultrafilterable copper-binding ligand concentration showed a smaller variation across the rivers (25% rsd) than zinc-binding ligands (90% rsd). For all field sites and size fractions, strong ligand sites greatly exceeded metal concentrations; subsequently, equilibrium speciation modeling predict picomolar levels of free metal. Modeling also indicated that the very strong ligands (detected by CLE-AdSV) predominate, so modeling based solely on ASV data in freshwater may be inadequate. Competition experiments indicated that the very strong ligand sites are metal specific for copper and zinc.
Framing water, sanitation, and hygiene needs among female-headed households in Periurban Maputo, Mozambique.

Objectives. Water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in the global south require analyses that capture more than urban–rural differences. A new taxonomy is required to help systematize and respond to basic sanitary needs. My aim was to test a new framework for understanding these concerns in periurban spaces.Methods. I conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with a randomized sample, stratified by settlement density, of mostly female-headed households in KaTembe, the largest municipal district of Maputo, Mozambique. The survey included questions on the adequacy, accessibility, and affordability of water, sanitation facilities, and waste management as well as awareness of illnesses and safe hygiene practices.Results. Despite being part of a capital city, KaTembe residents face a diverse mixture of sanitary challenges, as revealed through an analysis of adequacy, accessibility, affordability, and awareness issues. The interaction of these 4 lenses provides insight into residents’ behaviors and the ...
Seismic resistance of precast concrete shear walls

The earthquake resistance of stacked precast concrete simple shear walls found typically in Large Panel buildings of the cross-wall type is studied. Physical model testing on a small shaking table facility and analytical techniques are compared. Results of the testing of four models to failure portrayed the non-linear effects of rocking and shear slip that were assumed in several analytical studies but were never before measured experimentally. The physical model studies are supplemented with an independent mathematical analysis using a modified version of the dynamic, non-linear computer code Drain 2–D. Correlation of the analytical and experimental results show that the computer study can be used to predict the overall shear wall response. Results of the small scale model and the mathematical model studies indicate that the simple shear wall behaves in a non-linear manner, even for low magnitudes of base acceleration. Non-linear effects, usually concentrated in only one or two joints, reduced force levels and increased displacements. The four small scale models that were tested withstood high magnitudes of base acceleration without collapse.
Hydrated Structure of Ag(I) Ion from Symmetry-Dependent, K- and L-Edge XAFS Multiple Scattering and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Details of the first-shell water structure about Ag+ are reported from a corefinement of the K- and L2-edge multiple scattering signal in the X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectra. Detailed fits of the Ag K-edge data that include the contributions from multiple scattering processes in the hydrated ion structure cannot distinguish between models containing tetrahedral symmetry versus those containing collinear O−Ag−O bonds. However, we show that the multiple scattering oscillations at the L2-edges have distinctly different phase and amplitude functions than at the K-edge. These phase and amplitude functions depend not only on the symmetry of the multiple scattering paths but also on the nature of the final state electronic wave function probed by the dipole-allowed transition. Hence the multiple scattering portions of K- and L2-edge spectra provide independent measurements of the local symmetry—not a redundant measurement as is commonly believed. On the basis of the enhanced information content ob...
Drug metabolism in malnutrition and obesity: clinical concerns

In general, patients who are malnourished tend to have prolonged effects from drugs metabolized by the MFOS. On the other hand, in obese patients, drugs that undergo phase II metabolism tend to be metabolized more rapidly, thus shortening their duration of action. Therefore, clinicians must remember that, in protein-calorie malnutrition, drugs metabolized in the liver may be more likely to cause toxic effects due to the decreased rate of hepatic metabolism. Dose reduction could eliminate these adverse effects. Alternatively, drugs that undergo phase II metabolism may need to be administered at higher doses in obese patients, since the desired clinical effect may not be seen at a normal dose due to the obesity-related increase in hepatic metabolism. This should be considered before discontinuing the drug as a result of its lack of effect.
Strain effects on highly elliptical core two-mode fibers

Longitudinal strains in optical fibers have been found to produce a large differential phase shift between the first-and second-order spatial modes propagating in a two-mode fiber. This differential phase shift between the modes is both calculated and measured to be dispersive with respect to wavelength. For fibers with highly elliptical core geometries, which propagate only one lobe orientation of the second-order mode, the differential phase shift is also found to be polarization dependent.
Configurations of microtubules in artificially activated eggs of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus

Abstract Anti-tubulin immunofluorescence microscopy is used here to demonstrate that eggs of Lytechinus variegatus are induced to assemble cytoplasmic microtubules upon artificial activation. These microtubules progress through three distinct configurations followed by cycles of abortive division. The first of these is a configuration in which microtubules are found in a disordered network near the egg cortex; the progressive thickening of the microtubule-containing layer appears to be responsible for the centripetal movement of the egg nucleus that occurs shortly after activation. These microtubules are replaced at about 40 min by a population of long, radially arrayed microtubules, which are restructured by about 70 min to form the apolar mitotic apparatus. Each of the microtubule configurations characteristic of activated eggs becomes more prominent when eggs are treated at the appropriate times after activation with the microtubule-stabilizing drug taxol. Any microtubule organizing centers within the activated egg must have very limited authority, since aster-like structures are not seen, and microtubules are not observed to be closely associated with the nucleus or egg cortex. Activation of eggs with ammonia in Ca 2+ -free sea water (a treatment that bypasses the cortical reaction and the Ca 2+ transient) induces the appearance of microtubules as readily and in the same patterns as does treatment with ionophore A23187 or butyric acid, both of which activate by inducing an intracellular calcium release and the cortical reaction.
The Perennial Relevance of Saint Paul: Paul's Understanding of Christ and a Time of Radical Pluralism:

This article examines Pauline christology through a series of five theses and argues that Paul saw in Christ the fulness of the human rather than the fulness of the divine. Paul's christology inspired his openness as an apostle to the gentiles; it did not effect a “Christian particularism” as later exclusivist christologies would do. Paul's work of embracing pluralism was done under an inclusive symbol of salvation that could underwrite respect for difference and at the same time articulate a community within a common humanity. A return to Paul's christology today could provide for Christians a constructive and critical basis for the encounter with modern religious pluralism.
Low-pH association of proteins with the membranes of intact red blood cells. I. Exogenous glycophorin and the CD4 molecule.

Glycophorin and CD4 proteins are tightly associated with intact human erythrocyte membranes after a short-time incubation at low pH (1–2 min, pH lower than 5, 37°C). Flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscope observations showed that after incubation of red cells with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled glycophorin at pH values lower than 5, the erythrocyte membrane and subsequently formed ghost membranes were fluorescent. Unlabeled glycophorin was reacted with mouse erythrocytes using the same low-pH conditions. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed that anti-glycophorin monoclonal antibodies were able to recognize the epitopes of glycophorin associated with the mouse erythrocytes. Kinetic experiments showed that the interaction of FITC-glycophorin with red cell membranes can be monitored by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity. Erythrocyte associated glycophorin was not removed from the membranes after 24 h incubation in human plasma (in vitro, 39°C). A glycoprotein extract containing CD4 was isolated from a T4-lymphoma cell line (CEM). This protein extract was incubated with erythrocytes using the same low-pH conditions. Fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies against CD4 stained the red cells after association of CD4 with the membranes. Electron microscopy showed 10 nm immunoglobulin G-coated gold beads associated with CD4-bearing erythrocyte membranes after incubation with anti-CD4 antibodies and then with the gold beads. The potential use of the CD4-erythrocyte complex as a therapeutical agent against acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is suggested.
Small human islets comprised of more β-cells with higher insulin content than large islets

For the past 30 y, data have suggested that unique islet populations exist, based on morphology and glucose sensitivity. Yet little has been done to determine the mechanism of these functional differences. The purpose of this study was to determine whether human islets were comprised functionally unique populations, and to elucidate a possible mechanism. Islets or pancreatic sections from 29 human donors were analyzed. Islets were isolated and measured for insulin secretion, cell composition and organization, insulin and glucagon granule density and insulin content. Insulin secretion was significantly greater in small compared with large islets. In sectioned human pancreata, β-cells comprised a higher proportion of the total endocrine cells in small islets (63%) than large islets (39%). A higher percentage of β-cells in small islets contacted blood vessels (44%) compared with large islets (31%). Total insulin content of isolated human islets was significantly greater in the small (1323 ± 512 μIU/IE) compared with large islets (126 ± 48 μIU/IE). There was less immunostaining for insulin in the large islets from human pancreatic sections, especially in the core of the islet, compared with small islets. The results suggest that differences in insulin secretion between large and small islets may be due to a higher percentage of β-cells in small islets with more β-cells in contact with blood vessels and a higher concentration of insulin/β-cell in small islets.
So sexy it hurt:The influence of men’s concern about appearing biased in favor of attractive women

There is a popular belief that in organizational settings men’s decision-making and behaviors reflect bias for attractive women. While extant literature has investigated the occurrence of this bias...