cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enantioseparation of underivatized amino acids by capillary electrophoresis using copper(II)-(S)-3-aminopyrrolidine-L-histidine ternary complex as the chiral selector

The enantiomeric ternary complex formed by Cu(II), (S)-3-aminopyrrolydine, and l-histidine is shown to be an effective chiral selector for separation of underivatized amino acid enantiomers by capillary electrophoresis (CE). None of the constituent binary complexes, i.e. Cu(II)-(S)-3-aminopyrrolidine and Cu(II)-l-histidine, exhibit the same stereoselectivity. Further, the chiral separation is significantly enhanced in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a linear polymer, in the CE running buffer.
In vitro and in vivo activities of the hydroxynaphthoquinone 566C80 against the cyst form of Toxoplasma gondii.

The in vitro and in vivo activities of the hydroxynaphthoquinone 566C80 against the cyst form of Toxoplasma gondii were evaluated. In vitro treatment (100 micrograms of 566C80 per ml for 3 days) of cysts isolated from brains of mice infected for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 9 months resulted in loss of viability of the cysts and did not reveal any influence of the duration of in vivo infection on sensitivity to the drug. In vivo experiments to determine the effect of prolonged treatment with 200 mg of 566C80 per kg of body weight per day on cysts in brains of CBA/Ca mice infected with strain ME49 revealed a steady and significant decline in the numbers of cysts compared with the numbers in untreated controls. Histopathology of brains from control mice revealed inflammatory infiltrates around capillaries and in the parenchymas and meninges which were consistently less evident in the brains of treated mice. In addition, cysts were rarely observed in treated mice, whereas extensive inflammation and large numbers of cysts were found throughout the entire brain in control mice infected for the same period. The reduction in the numbers of cysts was evident as early as day 5 of treatment but was more marked at 8 weeks of treatment. The numbers of cysts in the brains of Swiss Webster mice infected for 3 or 6 months also significantly decreased following treatment for 15 or 30 days with the same dose of 566C80. Our results indicate that 566C80 has excellent activity against cysts of T. gondii both in vivo and in vitro and that sensitivity of the cysts to 566C80 is not affected by the duration of the infection in vivo. Images
POSTULATED CHEMICAL BASIS FOR OBSERVED DIFFERENCES IN THE ENZYMATIC BEHAVIOUR OF CHYMOTRYPSIN AND TRYPSIN

Abstract : The following differences between chymotrypsin and trypsin have been found: (a) Hydroxylamine can completely reactivate DEP-trypsin but not DEP-chymotrypsin. Reaction with the latter leads to the formation of some MEP-chymotrypsin which cannot be converted to active enzyme; (b) MEP-trypsin apparently can result from the reaction of DEP-trypsin with hydroxylamine only if ethylamine or cyclopropylamine is present; (c) ethylamine and cyclopropylamine can accelerate the tryptic hydrolysis of AGEE but have no effect on its chymotryptic hydrolysis; (d) the tryptic hydrolysis of specific substrates is subject to substrate activation. The hydrolysis of specific substrates by chymotrypsin is not activated by substrates, nor is it affected by ethyl or cyclopropylamine; (e) the curve relating pH to the rate of reaction of alpha-chymotrypsin with diphenylcarbamyl chloride has a maximum at pH 7.8. That of trypsin with diphenylcarbamyl chloride is essentially 'S'-shaped up to pH 9.0-9.5. The foregoing findings agree with the hypothesis that chymotrypsin has an additional general acid at its active centre. (Author)
High-temperature metallurgy of advanced borated stainless steels

The high-temperature metallurgy of advanced borated stainless steels has been evaluated through differential thermal analysis, aging studies, quantitative metallography, and impact toughness measurements. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was conducted on alloys containing a range of boron concentrations and was used to determine the temperatures associated with melting/ solidification reactions. Aging studies, conducted at temperatures near the solidus, were used to determine the effects of elevated temperature exposures on impact properties and micro-structure. Differential thermal analysis quantified the solidus and liquidus temperatures as a function of boron concentration. Impact testing of samples aged at temperatures near the solidus indicated only moderate reductions in toughness. Particle shape measurements indicated that the boride particles were initially nearly spherical and remained so during elevated temperature exposure, although some faceting and agglomeration of the borides did occur. Measurements of boride particle size distributions were used to define the time, temperature, and composition dependence of the boride coarsening. Coarsening data were analyzed in terms of current coars-ening models. These analyses indicated that the boride particle coarsening followed the theo-retically predictedt1/3 time dependence and that the coarsening rate increased with increasing volume fraction of the boride phase. Analysis of the particle size data for aging at various temperatures indicated that the boride coarsening was consistent with the activation energy for Cr diffusion in austenite. Scanning electron microscopy of the impact fracture surfaces showed that the failure mode in isothermally heat-treated samples was ductile and essentially identical to the failure mode for as-received material.
Decision processes during sentence comprehension: Effects of surface structure reconsidered

Previous experiments have yielded conflicting results concerning the utility of relative pronouns as cues to the deep structure underlying self-embedded (SE) sentences. The present study investigated the usefulness of this cue. At the same time, it compared the relative sensitivity of two measures of sentence-comprehension difficulty: paraphrasing and phoneme monitoring. Forty Ss heard SE sentences, one-half of which had the relative pronouns deleted. The presence or absence of the relative pronouns in a particular sentence was counterbalanced across groups. The Ss also heard right-branching sentences. It was found that presence of the relative pronouns led to significantly faster phoneme monitoring times and to marginally better paraphrasing (i.e., to better comprehension) in the SE sentences. It was concluded that relative pronouns are effective cues and, further, that the phoneme monitoring technique is a better index of comprehension difficulty than the paraphrasing technique. Reasons for the previous experimental discrepancies were discussed.
The roles of the GA receptors GID1a, GID1b, and GID1c in sly1-independent GA signaling

Gibberellin (GA) hormone signaling occurs through proteolytic and non-proteolytic mechanisms. GA binding to the GA receptor GID1 (GA-INSENSITIVE DWARF1) enables GID1 to bind negative regulators of GA responses called DELLA proteins. In proteolytic GA signaling, the SLEEPY1 (SLY1) F-box protein targets DELLA proteins in the GID1-GA-DELLA complex for destruction through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Non-proteolytic GA signaling in sly1 mutants where GA cannot target DELLA proteins for destruction, requires GA and GID1 gene function. Based on comparison of gid1 multiple mutants to sly1 gid1 mutants, GID1a is the primary GA receptor stimulating stem elongation in proteolytic and non-proteolytic signaling, and stimulating fertility in proteolytic GA signaling. GID1b plays the primary role in fertility, and a secondary role in elongation during non-proteolytic GA signaling. The stronger role of GID1b in non-proteolytic GA signaling may result from the fact that GID1b has higher affinity for DELLA protein than GID1a and GID1c.
Magnetization switching through giant spin–orbit torque in a magnetically doped topological insulator heterostructure

Heterostructures consisting of ferromagnets and heavy metals have become a focus of interest because their strong spin–orbit coupling allows for efficient current-induced magnetization switching phenomena. Now, a magnetically doped topological insulator bilayer is shown to display a range of appealing characteristics for current-induced magnetization switching, including a significantly enhanced efficiency.
Clinical course in Parkinson's disease with elevated homocysteine.

Abstract Elevated homocysteine (Hcy), prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD), is potentially a modifiable risk factor for neurologic deterioration. We measured cognitive, affective and motor changes over 2 years in a cohort of people with early PD. Subjects whose Hcy had been elevated (>14 μmol/L, n =31) at baseline were compared with the rest ( n =66). Overall progression in 2 years did not significantly differ ( p =0.20). Four subjects with elevated and one with normal Hcy had died ( p =0.03). We conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia does not predict significantly worse progression over 2 years in early PD. The data raised the possibility of higher mortality, but the number of deaths was small.
SURFACE PROTEIN OF BROILER MEAT CHUNKS AS OBTAINED BY WASHING

Surface proteins, both soluble and insoluble, extracted from chicken breast and thigh meat chunks with water or 3% NaCl solution were studied. Soluble proteins were separated by an ammonium sulfate gradient precipitation method, quantified, and characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The quantities of both soluble and insoluble proteins from chicken breast meat chunk surfaces were higher than those of the thigh meat. The 3% NaCl solution extracted more soluble proteins, particularly those of molecular weight greater than 66,000 daltons, than that extracted by plain water. Most of these higher molecular weight proteins were satisfactorily precipitated by the addition of 20% ammonium sulfate. The amount of extracted water and salt soluble proteins from blended meat chunks were 3.00 and 4.75 times higher than those from washed suspensions, respectively. An increase in mixing time also enhanced the exudation of proteins to the meat surfaces.
Blood pressure variation in healthy humans: A possible interaction with β-2 adrenergic receptor genotype and renal epithelial sodium channels

Renal control of Na(+) regulation is a critical component to blood pressure regulation. It has recently been suggested that the beta-2 adrenergic receptor plays a role in blood pressure regulation possibly via renal epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). In the kidneys, gain of function mutations of the ENaC leads to increased salt-sensitivity and hypertension (Liddle's syndrome). In contrast, loss of function mutations of the ENaC leads to pseudohypoaldosteronism and is characterized by hypotension. Polymorphic variation of the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (beta2AR, the Arg16Gly polymorphism) leads to differences in physiologic function, in vivo. Specifically, subjects homozygous for Glycine at amino acid 16 have been shown to have enhanced forearm blood flow in response to isoproterenol and better airway function at baseline and during exercise when compared to subjects homozygous for Arginine at amino acid 16. We hypothesize, therefore, that subjects that are homozygous for Gly at amino acid 16 of the beta2AR have higher baseline blood pressure than Arg16 homozygotes due to beta2AR-mediated increases in ENaC activity in the kidney, caused, at least in part, by greater beta2AR density or enhanced beta2AR function of the Gly16 group.
Action Research: personal renewal and social reconstruction [1]

[1] I would like to thank Susan Noffke and Bob Tabachnick for their helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.
Boulder-gravel hummocks and wavy basal till contacts: products of subglacial meltwater flow beneath the Saginaw Lobe, south-central Michigan, USA

Hummocky terrain composed of boulder gravel and a wavy contact between stratified till and sand are described and explained as products of subglacial meltwater activity beneath the Saginaw Lobe of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in south-central Michigan. Exposures and geophysical investigations of hummocky terrain in a tunnel channel reveal that hummocks (˜100m diameter) are glaciofluvial bedforms with a supraglacial melt-out till or till flow veneer. The hummocky terrain is interpreted as a subglacial glaciofluvial landscape rather than one of stagnant ice processes commonly assumed for hummocky landscapes. Sandy bedforms at another site are in-phase with a wavy contact at the base of a stratified till exposed for 50m along the margin of a tunnel channel. The 0.4m thick stratified till is overlain by up to 5m of compact, pebble-rich, sandy subglacial melt-out till. The contact between the till and sand has a wave form with a 0.5m amplitude and 3-5m wavelength. Bedding within the stratified till, sandy bedforms and melt-out till are mostly in-phase with each other. Clasts from the overlying stratified till penetrate and deform the underlying sand recording recoupling of the ice to its bed. Ice ripples cut into the base of river ice have a similar morphology and are considered analogs for cavities cut into the base of the glacier and subsequently filled with sand. Subglacial meltwater activity was not coeval at each study site, indicating that subglacial meltwater played important roles in the evolution of the subglacial environment beneath the Saginaw Lobe at different times.
Atomoxetine reverses attentional deficits produced by noradrenergic deafferentation of medial prefrontal cortex

The majority of studies assessing executive function in attention deficit disorder (ADD) have shown deficits in attentional set shifting using either the Wisconsin card sorting task or the intra-dimensional/extra-dimensional set-shifting task (ID/ED). Damage to the prefrontal cortex in humans, primates, and rodents impairs extra-dimensional (ED) shifts. Noradrenergic depletion of the medial prefrontal cortex in rats is sufficient to impair attentional set shifting. Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine (NE) re-uptake inhibitor, is hypothesized to produce beneficial effects in patient with ADD by augmenting NE release in prefrontal cortex. We assessed the effects of systemic administration of atomoxetine (0.0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.9 mg/kg/ml) in normal and noradrenergically lesioned (NE-LX) rats on attentional-set shifts. We replicated findings showing NE-LX rats are selectively impaired on the ED shifts but not reversals or other discriminations. Atomoxetine remediated the attentional set-shifting impairments in NE-LX rats but impaired ED performance of non-lesioned rats. Though atomoxetine is neurochemically selective, it is not wholly specific at doses >0.3 mg/kg. All doses of the drug were similar in their efficacy in reversing the ED deficit, but the effectiveness of the 0.1 mg/kg dose supports the hypothesis that increases in prefrontal NE alone are sufficient to improve attention in NE-LX rats. Moreover, the detrimental effects of the drug in non-lesioned rats support the hypothesis that optimal levels of NE in prefrontal cortex are critical to attentional set shifting with both supra- and sub-optimal levels producing attentional impairments.
Servant or Patron? Jacob Tonson and the Language of Deference and Respect.

The Kit Cat Club founded in 1700 by Jacob Tonson brought together young men of the new professions, including poets, architects and journalists, with some of the most important and influential men of the day. The latter were Whig politicians, many of them of noble birth and considerable fortunes. Jacob Tonson, club secretary and bookseller, advised his writer clients about whom to choose as dedicatees that might take more than a passing interest in their careers beyond the life of the pen. As such, he was a key broker of patronage between the ambitious young Whigs and patrons like Charles Montagu, Lord Halifax. The difference in rank and fortune between the Whig grandees and Tonson might be expected to be reflected in the language of those writers in search of patronage. This essay demonstrates that despite the fact that forms of address very clearly distinguished between the ranks of the patrons and the broker, poets like Addison, Stepney and Congreve nevertheless accorded to Tonson the same linguistic terms of politeness (in their modal language) that they employed to address their patrons. Pragmatic analysis of their modal language reveals their linguistic acknowledgment of the very real position of power occupied by Tonson.
Does childhood obesity track into adulthood

Between 1971 and 1981 the Muscatine Coronary Risk Factor Project measured, in six biennial school surveys, 2631 schoolchildren 9 to 18 years of age. Beginning in 1981, these individuals were measured near their 23rd, 28th, and 33rd birthday. This article examines the tracking from childhood into young adult years of the heights, weights, body mass indices (BMI), and triceps skinfold thicknesses (TSF) of these individuals. Depending on age and gender, tracking correlations for height ranged from 0.41 to 0.97; for weight they ranged from 0.51 to 0.88; for BMI they ranged from 0.58 to 0.91; and for TSF they ranged from 0.26 to 0.58. From 49 to 70% of children in the upper quintile of weight were found in the upper quintile of weight as adults, from 48 to 75% of children in the upper quintile of BMI were again in the upper quintile as adults, and from 25 to 56% of children in the upper quintile of TSF were again in the upper quintile as adults. These measures track from childhood into young adult life, and the majority of obese children become obese adults. However, about 31% of children from the upper quintile of BMI became adults with substantially lower levels, while a similar number of lean children become obese adults. Why some obese children become obese adults and others do not remains an unanswered question. The data presented herein indicate that obesity is often acquired during childhood and adolescence when preventive measures could be applied.
PREDICTION OF SUBSIDENCE USING COMPLEMENTARY INFLUENCE FUNCTIONS

Abstract Surface subsidence caused by high-extraction underground mining is described through complementary influence functions. The concept of complementary functions was introduced recently by Sutherland and Munson [6]. This concept differs from other proposed concepts in that the surface displacement is the result of the combined contributions of mined and unmined zones. The approach eliminates computational difficulties experienced with the conventional influence functions in determining the deflections above the rib side, and in the application of influence functions to complex room-and-pillar configurations. The general analytical framework for complementary influence functions is reported here. The technique is illustrated with analyses of several case histories which include both longwall and room-and-pillar mine plans.
Mapping quantum yield for (Fe-Zn-Sn-Ti)Ox photoabsorbers using a high throughput photoelectrochemical screening system.

Combinatorial synthesis and screening of light absorbers are critical to material discoveries for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical applications. One of the most effective ways to evaluate the energy-conversion properties of a semiconducting light absorber is to form an asymmetric junction and investigate the photogeneration, transport and recombination processes at the semiconductor interface. This standard photoelectrochemical measurement is readily made on a semiconductor sample with a back-side metallic contact (working electrode) and front-side solution contact. In a typical combinatorial material library, each sample shares a common back contact, requiring novel instrumentation to provide spatially resolved and thus sample-resolved measurements. We developed a multiplexing counter electrode with a thin layer assembly, in which a rectifying semiconductor/liquid junction was formed and the short-circuit photocurrent was measured under chopped illumination for each sample in a material library. The multiplexing counter electrode assembly demonstrated a photocurrent sensitivity of sub-10 μA cm^(–2) with an external quantum yield sensitivity of 0.5% for each semiconductor sample under a monochromatic ultraviolet illumination source. The combination of cell architecture and multiplexing allows high-throughput modes of operation, including both fast-serial and parallel measurements. To demonstrate the performance of the instrument, the external quantum yields of 1819 different compositions from a pseudoquaternary metal oxide library, (Fe–Zn–Sn–Ti)O_x, at 385 nm were collected in scanning serial mode with a throughput of as fast as 1 s per sample. Preliminary screening results identified a promising ternary composition region centered at Fe_(0.894)Sn_(0.103)Ti_(0.0034)O_x, with an external quantum yield of 6.7% at 385 nm.
Basic fibroblast growth factor is a testicular germ cell product which may regulate Sertoli cell function.

Previously, a proteinacious factor secreted by a mixture of rat testicular spermatocytes and round spermatids was shown to stimulate transferrin mRNA and protein levels in Sertoli cells. To identify the germ cell-secreted proteins which affect Sertoli cell functions, concentrated germ cell-conditioned medium was fractionated by reverse-phase HPLC. The fraction which eluted at 35% acetonitrile increased transferrin secretion in Sertoli cell cultures 2.4-fold above the basal level. Both the active fraction and a protein extract from cultured germ cells were positive for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as determined by Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation. The apparent molecular sizes of the immunoreactive proteins were 30, 27, and 24 kilodaltons (kDa). By immunohistochemistry, bFGF was shown to be present in pachytene spermatocytes and Leydig cells. The bFGF receptor was also examined by immunohistochemistry and found to be present in Leydig cells, round and elongated spermatids, and Sertoli ...
Molecular Mechanisms in Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis and Recycling

We thank Rudi Bauerfeind, Amy Hudson, Michele Solimena, Olaf Mundigl, and Laurie Daniell for critical comments and discussions on the manuscript. The research carried out in the laboratory of the authors was supported in part by grants from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Donaghue Foundation, and National Institutes of Health (CA46128, DK43078) to P. D. C.
Effect of Androgen on Metabolism of Subcutaneous Corn-oil.

Summary1. The administration of testosterone propionate accelerates the rate of disappearance of corn-oil injected subcutaneously in castrate male mice. 2. It is suggested that this relationship is best explained by the hypothesis that androgen specifically increases the rate of utilization of depot fat.
Genotype-guided vs clinical dosing of warfarin and its analogues: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Importance Significant variations in dose requirements of warfarin and its analogues (acenocoumarol and phenprocoumon) make selecting the appropriate dose for an individual patient difficult. Genetic factors account for approximately one-third of the variation in dose requirement. The clinical usefulness of genotype-guided dosing of warfarin has been previously assessed in randomized clinical trials that were limited by lack of power and inconsistent results. Objective To compare genotype-guided initial dosing of warfarin and its analogues with clinical dosing protocols. Data Sources and Study Selection MEDLINE (inception to December 31, 2013), EMBASE (inception to December 31, 2013), and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials (inception to December 31, 2013) were searched for randomized clinical trials comparing genotype-guided warfarin dosing vs clinical dosing for adults with indications for anticoagulation. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two investigators extracted data independently on trial design, baseline characteristics, and outcomes. High-quality studies were considered those that described an appropriate method of randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, and completeness of follow-up. Main Outcomes and Measures The outcomes analyzed included the percentage of time that the international normalized ratio (INR) was within the therapeutic range, the percentage of patients with an INR greater than 4, and the incidence of major bleeding and thromboembolic events. Summary standardized differences in means (or Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios) were obtained using a random-effects model. Results In 9 trials, 2812 patients were randomized to receive warfarin, acenocoumarol, or phenprocoumon according to a genotype-guided algorithm or a clinical dosing algorithm. Follow-up ranged from 4 weeks to 6 months (median, 12 weeks). The standardized difference in means of the percentage of time that the INR was within the therapeutic range was 0.14 (95% CI, −0.10 to 0.39) in the genotype-guided dosing cohort ( P = .25). The risk ratio for an INR greater than 4 was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.82 to 1.05) for genotype-guided dosing vs clinical dosing. The risk ratios for major bleeding and thromboembolic events were 0.60 (95% CI, 0.29 to 1.22) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.46 to 2.05), respectively, for genotype-guided vs clinical dosing. Conclusions and Relevance In this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, a genotype-guided dosing strategy did not result in a greater percentage of time that the INR was within the therapeutic range, fewer patients with an INR greater than 4, or a reduction in major bleeding or thromboembolic events compared with clinical dosing algorithms.
Hypogammaglobulinemia following cardiac transplantation: a link between rejection and infection.

Abstract Background: Hypogammaglobulinemia (HGG) has been reported after solid organ transplantation and is noted to confer an increased risk of opportunistic infections. Objectives In this study, we sought to assess the relationship between severe HGG to infection and acute cellular rejection following heart transplantation. Methods Between February 1997 and January 1999, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcome of 111 consecutive heart transplant recipients who had immunoglobulin G (IgG) level monitoring at 3 and 6 months post-transplant and when clinically indicated. Results Eighty-one percent of patients were males, mean age 54 ± 13 years, and the mean follow-up period was 13.8 ± 5.7 months. Patients had normal IgG levels prior to transplant (mean 1137 ± 353 mg/dl). Ten percent (11 of 111) of patients developed severe HGG (IgG 350 mg/dl (55% [6 of 11] vs 5% [5 of 100], odds ratio=22.8, p p = 0.05), and increased incidence of severe HGG (33% [7 of 21] vs 2.8% [1 of 35], p = 0.001). The incidence of rejection episodes per patient at 1 year was higher in patients with severe HGG compared to patients with IgG >350 (2.82 ± 1.66 vs 1.36 ± 1.45 episodes/patient, p = 0.02). The use of parenteral steroid pulse therapy was associated with an increased risk of severe HGG (odds ratio=15.28, p Conclusions Severe HGG after cardiac transplantation may develop as a consequence of intensification of immunosuppressive therapy for rejection and hence, confers an increased risk of opportunistic infections. IgG level may be a useful marker for identifying patients at high risk.
Influence of different therapeutic strategies on exhaled NO and lung inflammation in asthma and COPD

Nitric oxide (NO), a simple free radical gas, elicits a diverse range of physiological and pathophysiological effects, and plays an important role in pulmonary diseases. Nitrosative stress and nitration of proteins in airway epithelium maybe responsible for steroid resistance in asthma and their ineffectiveness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), supporting the potential role of future therapeutic strategies aimed at regulating NO synthesis in asthma and COPD. Here, we have reviewed the potential role of NO modulators (NO synthase inhibitors and NO donors), which if given on a regular basis may have clinical benefit in asthma and COPD.
The role of submarine groundwater discharge in coastal biogeochemistry

Abstract The advection of fluids from sediments into the coastal ocean provides a source of nutrients, metals, carbon, and chemical tracers. Of these tracers radium isotopes have proved to be useful in quantifying fluxes of the other components and evaluating sources. Models that use radium must evaluate assumptions that are inherent in the models. The results of these studies demonstrate that submarine groundwater discharge must be considered as a significant source of nutrients, carbon, and metals to the coastal ocean.
Performance of dedicated emission mammotomography for various breast shapes and sizes

We evaluate the effect of breast shape and size and lesion location on a dedicated emission mammotomography system developed in our lab. The hemispherical positioning gantry allows ample flexibility in sampling a pendant, uncompressed breast. Realistic anthropomorphic torso (which includes the upper portion of the arm) and breast phantoms draw attention to the necessity of using unique camera trajectories (orbits) rather than simple circular camera trajectories. We have implemented several novel three-dimensional (3D) orbits with fully contoured radius-of-rotation capability for compensating for the positioning demands that emerge from different breast shapes and sizes. While a general orbit design may remain the same between two different breasts, the absolute polar tilt range and radius-of-rotation range may vary. We have demonstrated that using 3D orbits with increased polar camera tilt, lesions near the chest wall can be visualized for both large and small sized breasts (325 ml to 1060 ml), for a range of intrinsic contrasts (three to ten times higher activity concentration in the lesion than breast background). Overall, nearly complete 3D acquisition schemes yield image data with relatively high lesion SNRs and contrasts and with minimal distortion of the uncompressed breast shape.
Hulot vs. the 1950s: Tati, Technology and Mediation

Jacques Tati a realise cinq comedies en long-metrage dont les trois succes populaires que furent Jour de fete, Les vacances de Monsieur Hulot et Mon oncle sont etudies ici. Ces films montrent le rapport de J. Tati a la modernite et en particulier a la technologie. Les effets de la production de masse sur le comportement individuel dans la societe francaise des annees 1950 sont l'objet d'un traitement humoristique mordant, sous un angle local, individuel et tranquille, et c'est pourquoi la resonance de ces films a certainement ete sous-estimee
Behavioral Indicators of Temperament and Personality in the Inactive Learner

Temperament, self-concept, and locus of control were compared for 38 children with learning disabilities and a comparsion group of matched peers in order to validate the “inactive learner“ characterization of disabled students. A multivariate difference was demonstrated with specific univariate effects in task orientation and social flexibility—two temperament factors and two self-concept subscales. Results were interpreted as partially supporting the characterization of disabled students as uninvolved and inactive in the learning situation. Recommendations for additional research are included.
Effective use of the web: Digital literacy in Qatar

Background/Objectives: The digital divide, which separates those with and without access to web resources, is a significant concern, given the explosion of resources available via the web. However research carried out in the US demonstrates that access alone does not eliminate the digital divide; rather, users must have a relatively high level of digital literacy to effectively use web resources. The need to understand, measure, and potentially improve local levels of digital literacy is crucial for countries like Qatar that have already spent a great deal of effort to expand access to the internet and have as a goal to "universalize access to social services and to create a knowledge-based online society" (Al-Jaber & Dutta, citing ictQATAR's goals, 2008). Accordingly the objective of this study is to provide an initial assessment of internet digital literacy in monolingual and bilingual native speakers of Arabic and English in Qatar. Methods: The research utilizes observational methods established in Hargittai's digital literacy research. Data collection consisted of a 90 minute session of a pre-questionnaire, an observational session where the respondents perform internet searching tasks and finally a post-questionnaire. We will analyze the level of digital literacy by measuring both the ability of the searchers to successfully complete the tasks as well their efficiency in doing so. We will correlate the results with demographic variables to determine if there are differences in digital literacy levels in Qatari/non-Qatari, Arabic vs. English and bilingual vs. monolinguals etc. Results: We are in the process of data collection. We expect our results will be particularly useful to ictQATAR in their policy decision-making. Knowing what levels of digital literacy exist in the Arabic subpopulations in Doha, especially Qataris, will help them design effective web-based tools. Conclusions:
New links between mRNA polyadenylation and diverse nuclear pathways.

The 3′ ends of most eukaryotic messenger RNAs must undergo a maturation step that includes an endonuc-leolytic cleavage followed by addition of a polyadenylate tail. While this reaction is catalyzed by the action of only two enzymes it is supported by an unexpectedly large number of proteins. This complexity reflects the necessity of coordinating this process with other nuclear events, and growing evidence indicates that even more factors than previously thought are necessary to connect 3′ processing to additional cellular pathways. In this review we summarize the current understanding of the molecular machinery involved in this step of mRNA maturation, focusing on new core and auxiliary proteins that connect polyadenylation to splicing, DNA damage, transcription and cancer.
IEEE VSSC/1622: Voting System Standards

The IEEE Voting System Standards Committee is developing standards and guidelines for voting systems to create a common data format for election systems. Voting system data will be easier to export and utilize in election processes and by the general public.
The effect of experience and rearing environment on the behaviour of crab spiderlings during their first weeks of life

To examine (1) the effect of experience and rearing environment on learning and behaviour over time, and (2) when (or if) newly-emerged young begin to incorporate experience into their choices, we compared the activity levels and hunting-site preferences of newly-emerged laboratory and field-reared crab spiders (Misumena vatia (Clerck, 1757)). We split spiderlings from eight broods into cohorts (1) released on goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) in the field and (2) retained individually in the laboratory, but provisioned with Drosophila melanogaster. We then tested both field-retrieved and laboratory-reared individuals at days 3, 7, 14 and 21 for their (1) rate of activity in cages over 15 min and (2) choice of either goldenrod or wild carrot (Daucus carota), two frequent hunting sites in the field. The rearing environment clearly influenced the spiderlings’ activity levels: field-reared spiderlings became more active than laboratory-reared spiders over time; however, their choice of flowers did not change, even though their experience differed. Thus, innate mechanisms dominated the spiders’ early hunting-site choices, and experience only informed their decisions at later stages in ontogeny. The spiders may, therefore, have multiple mechanisms for learning that begin to operate at different times, since spiderlings improve their locomotor performance through experience, while failing to use early experience in choosing hunting sites at this early point in ontogeny.
An Economic Democracy Reform Agenda

AbstractIn this article I summarize the basic features of Economic Democracy, a viable alternative to capitalism that is strongly preferable on ethical grounds, then explain in some detail a set of twelve reforms, suggested by the model, that could be implemented within the framework of capitalism, but would move us in the direction of a much better political and economic order.
Prejudice-Reduction Simulations: Social Cognition, Intergroup Theory, and Ethics:

Taking a social psychological perspective, the capacity for prejudice-reduction simulations to change prejudicial attitudes is examined using theoretical insights from social cognition and intergro...
The impact of class III (morbid) obesity on heterotopic ossification outcomes

Abstract Purpose Obesity is associated with a chronic low inflammatory process that may act as common soil for the pathogenesis of obesity-related comorbidities including heterotopic ossification (HO). The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of HO between patients with body mass index (BMI) Methods and Materials This is a single institution retrospective chart review of 419 patients. All patients with well-documented BMI underwent operative treatment followed by RT ± indomethacin. All patients received 700 cGy to the soft tissues around the proximal femur and acetabulum without bone shielding. All RT were given postoperatively within 72 hours. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group (A) BMI Results The incidence of HO among all patients is 21% (89 of 419), while among those in group A (BMI Conclusions There is a higher incidence of HO among the morbidly obese patients despite RT ± indomethacin. RT doses for HO prophylaxis in morbidly obese patients need to be reassessed; also, understanding the signaling pathways in target tissues in obese patients at which adipokines control metabolism may reveal novel therapies. Higher radiation doses ± indomethacin may need to be considered and optimally evaluated in the context of a prospective, randomized clinical trial.
Selective acquisition of plasma proteins by Trichomonas vaginalis and human lipoproteins as a growth requirement for this species

Trichomonas vaginalis avidly bound numerous host macromolecules which were not removed by repeated washing in phosphate buffered saline. The use of radioiodinated Cohn plasma fractions in binding studies allowed the identification of plasminogen, fibrinogen, immunoglobulin G, lipoproteins A and B, transferrin, α1-antitrypsin, and albumin on intact organisms. The binding of immunoglobulin G, albumin, transferrin, and lipoproteins to intact, motile trichomonads was further demonstrated using 125I-labeled plasma that was chromatographically depleted of these proteins. Kinetic studies indicated that 125I-labeled lipoproteins bind to T. vaginalis in a receptor-ligand-like manner. The surface localization and uptake of bound lipoproteins was shown by treatment of intact organisms with pronase at various times after incubation with lipoproteins. Purified lipoproteins could be substituted for plasma or serum as a growth supplement in a complex medium of trypticase/yeast extract/maltose and supported growth and multiplication rates equal to those in the same medium with plasma.
The revolving door? External debt and capital flight: A Philippine case study

Abstract In recent decades the private citizens of a number of Third World countries accumulated substantial external assets via “capital flight” at the same time their governments incurred large external debts. This paper proposes a classification of hypothetical linkages between capital flight and external debt disbursements, and examines the strength of these linkages in the Philippines during 1962-86. Econometric analysis and anecdotal evidence indicate that large sums of capital flowed into and out of the Philippines through a financial revolving door. On this basis I conclude that there is scope for political and legal challenges to the legitimacy of a substantial fraction of the country's external debt.
Rhinovirus (RV)-induced cell proliferation predicts response to experimental infection☆

Abstract Rationale Because some patients with asthma develop severe respiratory symptoms during RV infections, we sought to identify baseline immune characteristics that would influence the course of an experimental RV16 infection in seronegative individuals. Methods PBMCs from 13 atopic asthmatic subjects and 6 normal subjects were incubated with RV16 or RV1A. Cell proliferation was determined ( 3 H-thymidine), and IFNγ was measured in cell supernatants (ELISA). Subjects were then inoculated with RV16, symptoms assessed by daily questionnaire, and sputum and nasal lavage samples were collected at baseline and during infection. Results Baseline RV16-induced cell proliferation was closely correlated with RV1A-induced cell proliferation (r=0.83, p Conclusions Subjects with higher RV-induced cell proliferation, likely representing a protective anti-viral response, have less severe inflammation and symptoms during infection. This suggests that protected individuals may have memory T cells that recognize RV16 and contribute to the antiviral response, even in the absence of RV16 neutralizing antibodies.
Can undergraduate biology students learn to ask higher level questions

Our goals in this study were to explore the type of written questions students ask after reading one or more chapters from their textbook, and to investigate the ability of students to improve their questions during the course of a single semester. In order to classify student's questions we used a taxonomy that we have developed specifically for this purpose. Two comparable populations were examined: Undergraduate students in a large, introductory biology class who were taught in traditional lecture format, and students in a similar class who were taught in cooperative/active learning style. After the taxonomy was presented to the active learning class, more students were able to pose better, written questions. Their questions became more insightful, thoughtful, and content-related, and were not easily answered by consulting the textbook or another readily available source. The best questions could be recast as scientific research questions (i.e., hypotheses). In contrast, when the taxonomy was presented to students in the traditionally taught class, the quality of student-posed questions was largely unchanged. Various explanations for the difference in outcomes are discussed, and methods are suggested about how generally to encourage students' questions and to improve their question-asking skills regardless of overall teaching style. fl 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 37: 854 - 870, 2000
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Regulates E3 Ligases in Rodent Heart

Rationale: The degradation of proteins by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is required for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in the heart. An important regulator of metabolic homeostasis is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK activation inhibits protein synthesis and activates autophagy, but whether AMPK plays a role in regulating protein breakdown through the UPS in the heart is not known. Objective: To determine whether AMPK enhances UPS-mediated protein degradation by directly regulating the ubiquitin ligases Atrogin-1 and muscle RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1) in the heart. Methods and Results: Nutrient deprivation and pharmacological or genetic activation of AMPK increased mRNA expression and protein levels of Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 and consequently enhanced protein degradation in neonatal cardiomyocytes. Inhibition of AMPK abrogated these effects. Using gene reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we found that AMPK regulates MuRF1 expression by acting through the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2). We further validated these findings in vivo using MEF2-LacZ reporter mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated in adult cardiomyocytes that MuRF1 is necessary for AMPK-mediated proteolysis through the UPS in the heart. Consequently, MuRF1 knockout mice were protected from severe cardiac dysfunction during fasting. Conclusions: AMPK regulates the transcription of Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 and enhances UPS-mediated protein degradation in heart. Specifically, AMPK regulates MuRF1 through the transcription factor MEF2. The absence of MuRF1 in the heart preserves cardiac function during fasting. The results strengthen the hypothesis that AMPK serves as a modulator of intracellular protein degradation in the heart.
CMV in Moderately Active Colitis: Much Ado About Nothing?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is prevalent in *70% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but whether this virus contributes to disease severity or adverse outcomes has long been a matter of debate [1, 2]. After initial infection, CMV enters a latent phase that has no clinical consequences, unless the virus is re-activated in the colon during periods of physiological stress or immunosuppression. If CMV is re-activated, local cytopathic effects in the colon can lead to a symptomatic colitis (CMV disease) that is very similar to IBD. In patients with severe and/or steroid-refractory colitis, there is evidence that such colonic CMV re-activation occurs in approximately 30% of cases [3]. Clinical guidelines have recommended that we test for colonic CMV disease in patients with severe colitis, and treat CMV? patients with antiviral therapy [4, 5]. The key question that arises in these patients is whether the CMV re-activation has actually worsened the colitis, or is merely a by-product of escalating inflammation. It is known from laboratory studies that local re-activation of latent CMV can occur due to macrophage transformation, and the presence of TNF, IFN-c, and hydrocortisone; all consequences of severe colitis [6, 7]. If CMV re-activation adversely affects clinical outcomes, then antiviral treatment should induce remission, and prevent these patients from going to colectomy. While some studies have reported clinical improvement in patients with colitis and colonic CMV who were treated with ganciclovir, this was often in combination with immunosuppressive therapy for colitis [3, 8]. The small numbers reported makes definitive conclusions about the impact of antiviral therapy difficult to quantify. The existing literature has been dominated by a number of confounding issues that have maintained the uncertainties of this topic [9];
Study of powder density, Ag:superconductor ratio, and microhardness of BSCCO-2212 Ag-sheathed wires and tapes during wire drawing and rolling

Densification of Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub x/ (BSCCO-2212) powder cores in Ag-clad wires and tapes has been studied as a function of strain and initial packing density. Density was measured directly by etching away the silver and weighing the remaining core. A universal feature in both wires and tapes was the attainment of maximum densities (/spl sim/80%) at intermediate strains of /spl sim/4. The linear correlation between microhardness and density found for round wires breaks down for rolled tapes, apparently because the core separates into dense locks separated by cracks. >