cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding of cocaine-like radioligands to the dopamine transporter at 37 °C: effect of Na+ and substrates

Although dopamine (DA) translocation by the DA transporter (DAT) requires Na+, a role for Na+ in the DA recognition step in the translocation cycle has been questioned. Thus, when binding techniques were used to indirectly measure the affinity of DA for DAT via its potency in inhibiting cocaine analog binding, no stimulation of DA binding was observed when assay temperature was at or below room temperature. The present work describes the use of 3H-labeled cocaine analogs for assays at 37 degrees C. When there is sufficient Na+ in the medium (> or =25 mM), [3H]2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane ([3H]CIT) is an excellent radioligand to label human DAT with high affinity in membrane preparations of HEK-293 cells expressing the transporter. However, at 0 and 5 mM of Na+, appreciable binding of [3H]CIT occurs to proteins other than DAT, hampering accurate assessment of DAT-associated binding. No such problems occur with the binding of the 4-fluoro homolog of [3H]CIT, [3H]CFT at 37 degrees C, and this radioligand can be used at low [Na+], provided enough protein is present in the assay. The application of these assays show that, in contrast to the strong Na+ dependency of the binding of CFT, the substrates DA, D-amphetamine, p-tyramine, and DL-octopamine are not stimulated by Na+. This demonstrates that lack of Na+ stimulation of binding of substrates, including DA to DAT, in membrane preparations at room temperature is not caused by the reduced fluidity of the frozen state of the hydrocarbon membrane interior at this temperature as compared with the liquid-expanded state at 37 degrees C.
Potential effects of climate change on the growth of fishes from different thermal guilds in Lakes Michigan and Huron

Abstract We used a bioenergetics modeling approach to investigate potential effects of climate change on the growth of two economically important native fishes: yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ), a cool-water fish, and lake whitefish ( Coregonus clupeaformis ), a cold-water fish, in deep and oligotrophic Lakes Michigan and Huron. For assessing potential changes in fish growth, we contrasted simulated fish growth in the projected future climate regime during the period 2043–2070 under different prey availability scenarios with the simulated growth during the baseline (historical reference) period 1964–1993. Results showed that effects of climate change on the growth of these two fishes are jointly controlled by behavioral thermoregulation and prey availability. With the ability of behavioral thermoregulation, temperatures experienced by yellow perch in the projected future climate regime increased more than those experienced by lake whitefish. Thus simulated future growth decreased more for yellow perch than for lake whitefish under scenarios where prey availability remains constant into the future. Under high prey availability scenarios, simulated future growth of these two fishes both increased but yellow perch could not maintain the baseline efficiency of converting prey consumption into body weight. We contended that thermal guild should not be the only factor used to predict effects of climate change on the growth of a fish, and that ecosystem responses to climate change should be also taken into account.
914 USE OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES TO DIAGNOSE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM LEUKEMIA

The early identification of small numbers of leukemic cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) presents a diagnostic problem in the treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We used a latex sphere rosetting technique to identify monoclonal markers on CSF lymphocytes in 201 samples from 112 children with ALL. Spinal fluid samples were incubated with mouse monoclonal antibodies against CALLA (J5), Ia, Bl, or OKT 11. Presence of monoclonal antibodies on cells was determined by their ability to rosette 3 or more latex spheres bound with goat anti-mouse antibody. Cells were then cytocentrifuged and Wright stained for sumultaneous examination of cell morphology and immune markers. In children without leukemic meningitis only 3% of CSF lymphoid cells were J5 (CALLA) positive, 8% were positive for Ia, 16% were positive for Bl and 69% were positive for OKT 11. Similar percentages were found in 15 adults having myelograms done. In contrast, in 5 children with CSF lymphoblasts seen, larger numbers of J5 or Ia positive cells were seen (24%-92%), sometimes with decreased numbers of OKT 11 positive cells (3-23%). In two children with small numbers of blast-like cells but with normal monoclonal markers subsequent CSF examinations were normal. We conclude that the use of this methodology provides valuable information complimentary to that obtained by examination of CSF samples for morphology alone.
MUPRED: a tool for bridging the gap between template based methods and sequence profile based methods for protein secondary structure prediction.

Predicting secondary structures from a protein sequence is an important step for characterizing the structural properties of a protein. Existing methods for protein secondary structure prediction can be broadly classified into template based or sequence profile based methods. We propose a novel framework that bridges the gap between the two fundamentally different approaches. Our framework integrates the information from the fuzzy k-nearest neighbor algorithm and position-specific scoring matrices using a neural network. It combines the strengths of the two methods and has a better potential to use the information in both the sequence and structure databases than existing methods. We implemented the framework into a software system MUPRED. MUPRED has achieved three-state prediction accuracy (Q(3)) ranging from 79.2 to 80.14%, depending on which benchmark dataset is used. A higher Q(3) can be achieved if a query protein has a significant sequence identity (> 25%) to a template in PDB. MUPRED also estimates the prediction accuracy at the individual residue level more quantitatively than existing methods. The MUPRED web server and executables are freely available at http://digbio.missouri.edu/mupred. Proteins 2007; 66:664-670. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Calcium currents of embryonic and adult neurons in serum-free culture.

Abstract Calcium channels affect many neuronal functions, including membrane electrical excitability, synaptic transmission, cellular homeostasis, gene transcription, growth, and development. We used recently developed methods for serum-free culture of adult and embryonic rat neurons to study the development of voltage-sensitive calcium currents. We compared characteristics of voltage-sensitive calcium currents in neurons taken from juvenile adult (2–4 months of age) and embryonic (day 18) rats. Mean total calcium currents were 67% larger in embryonic compared to adult neurons. At both ages, calcium currents contained only high-voltage–activated components, and lacked low-voltage–activated components. High-voltage–activated currents were significantly greater in embryonic than in adult neurons, but the voltage-sensitivity was similar. Our adult cultures, but not embryonic cultures, contain basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), which enhances survival. We tested the effect of FGF2 and found that growth in its presence caused increased calcium currents in both embryonic and adult neurons. We conclude that in neurons cultured in serum-free medium, neuronal development from embryonic to juvenile adult ages is associated with a significant reduction in voltage-sensitive calcium currents.
Dimethylsulfide production in Sargasso Sea eddies

Abstract Lagrangian time series of dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentrations from a cyclonic and an anticyclonic eddy in the Sargasso Sea were used in conjunction with measured DMS loss rates and a model of vertical mixing to estimate gross DMS production in the upper 60 m during summer 2004. Loss terms included biological consumption, photolysis, and ventilation to the atmosphere. The time- and depth (0–60 m)-averaged gross DMS production was estimated to be 0.73±0.09 nM d −1 in the cyclonic eddy and 0.90±0.15 nM d −1 in the anticyclonic eddy, with respective DMS replacement times of 5±1 and 6±1 d. The higher estimated rate of gross production and lower measured loss rate constants in the anticyclonic eddy were equally responsible for this eddy's 50% higher DMS inventory (0–60 m). When normalized to chlorophyll and total dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), estimated gross production in the anticyclonic eddy was about twice that in the cyclonic eddy, consistent with the greater fraction of phytoplankton that were DMSP producers in the anticyclonic eddy. Higher rates of gross production were estimated below the mixed layer, contributing to the subsurface DMS maximum found in both eddies. In both eddies, gas exchange, microbial consumption, and photolysis were roughly equal DMS loss terms in the surface mixed layer (0.2–0.4 nM d −1 ). Vertical mixing was a substantial source of DMS to the surface mixed layer in both eddies (0.2–0.3 nM d −1 ) owing to the relatively high DMS concentrations below the mixed layer. Estimated net biological DMS production rates (gross production minus microbial consumption) in the mixed layer were substantially lower (by almost a factor of 3) than those estimated in a previous study of the Sargasso Sea, which may explain the relatively low mixed-layer DMS concentrations found here during July 2004 (∼3 nM) compared to previous summers (∼4–6 nM).
Effect of sodium chloride concentration on pH, water-holding capacity and extractable protein of prerigor and postrigor ground beef

Fifteen beef cattle of similar age and management history were randomly allotted by slaughter days into three groups. Paired sternomandibularis were removed immediately following bleeding and trimmed of visible fat and connective tissue. They were randomly labelled as prerigor and postrigor and assigned to a 0, 0·5, 1·0, 2·0 or 4·0% NcCl treatment. Water-holding capacity (WHC), pH, the ratio of absorbance at 250 nm over the absorbance at 260 nm (R-values), and 1·0m NaCl extractable protein (EP) were monitored over treatment times. The 0 h samples were defined as when the NaCl was incorporated with the muscle. R-values verified that 0 h samples were in the prerigor or postrigor state. Ultimate pH remained higher (P < 0·05) in prerigor homogenates with increasing NaCl concentration. EP and WHC were higher (P < 0·05) in prerigor than in postrigor homogenates with 2 and 4% NaCl at all time periods. Prerigor homogenates containing 0·5 and 1·0% NaCl had higher (P < 0·05) WHC at 12, 24, 24, 48 and 96h than similarly treated postrigor homogenates and as high or higher WHC than any postrigor treatment. Results of this study indicate an advantage to using low NaCl concentrations in prerigor salted beef.
Chloroplast development: energy transfer and structure.

Abstract Excitation energy absorbed by carotenoid pigments is not transferred to newly formed chlorophyll a in etiolated leaves. The capacity for energy transfer develops during a dark period following the photoconversion of protochlorophyll. This presumably is the time required for the formation of lamellae which incorporate both the carotenoid and chlorophyll into the same structure. A sequence of events occurring in the formation of lamellae is proposed.
Effects of the Nootropic Drug Nefiracetam on the GABAA Receptor-channel Complex in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

The effects of nefiracetam on GABA-induced chloride currents were studied with rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in primary culture using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The dose-response curve for GABA-induced currents was shifted by 16 microM to lower concentrations by 10 microM nefiracetam while the maximal response was reduced by 22.84 +/- 0.68%. Thus at a low concentration (10 microM) of GABA, the chloride currents were potentiated by nefiracetam in a concentration-dependent manner. With 10 microM nefiracetam, the potentiation occurred slowly and the recovery after washout was also slow. The desensitization of the GABAA receptor at high concentration (100 microM) of GABA was accelerated by nefiracetam. The recovery process of chloride currents from desensitization was not affected by nefiracetam. KT 5720 (0.56 microm), a specific protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, blocked the transient potentiation of GABA-activated currents by nefiracetam, but did not affect the acceleration of desensitization. Nefiracetam suppression of GABA-induced currents was also abolished by KT 5720 or the pertussis toxin. Thus, nefiracetam may inhibit Gi/G(o) proteins leading to a cascade of events that increase the intracellular cAMP level, activate the PKA system, and suppress GABA-induced currents. Nefiracetam-induced transient potentiation and acceleration of desensitization of GABA-induced currents may involve other pathways. The nefiracetam modulation of the GABAA receptor function will result in a nootropic effect on the central nervous system through modification of synaptic transmission.
Denial in alcohol and other drug use disorders: A critique of theory

Despite the centrality of the construct in the field of alcohol and other drug (AOD) addiction, denial remains poorly conceptualized. One reason for this narrow conceptualization is the recent unilateral devotion to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). In an effort to demonstrate denial's theoretical complexity, the TTM and five additional intuitively appealing theories of denial will be summarized. The strengths and weaknesses of each theory and possible treatment implications based on each theory will also be presented. The article concludes with a recommendation for future research to evaluate multiple theories of denial using consistent and rigorous research methodology in order to develop a comprehensive theory of denial. This will promote evolution of the deductive research process, and eventually lead to the development of empirically generated interventions which address the complex nature and etiology of denial.
Role of Cation Size on the Structural Behavior of the Alkali-Metal Dodecahydro-closo-Dodecaborates

The last unknown crystal structure among the alkali-metal dodecahydro-closo-dodecaborates (A2B12H12), that of Na2B12H12, was determined by powder X-ray diffraction. Compared to the structural symmetries of its neighboring, cubic, alkali-metal analogs, i.e., the lighter Li2B12H12 (Pa3) and the heavier K2B12H12 (Fm3), Na2B12H12 displays an intermediate monoclinic (P21/n) structural arrangement. This result allows us to understand more thoroughly the effect of cation size on the observed structural behavior of this technologically relevant series of compounds.
Survival after gastrointestinal perforation from esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

Management of premature infants with esophageal atresia (EA), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) can be one of the most challenging aspects in the surgical care of the newborn. Although not common, there have been reports of EA, TEF, and RDS with gastric perforation, but an associated duodenal perforation has not been reported. Two premature infants weighing less than 1,200 g with EA, TEF, and perforation are described. One baby developed a gastric perforation and the other a duodenal perforation. Emergency thoracotomy and fistula ligation were necessary after gastrostomy placement. These patients are the smallest infants reported to survive gastrointestinal perforation complicated by EA, TEF, and RDS.
Hydroxyldaunomycin (adriamycin) combination chemotherapy in malignant lymphoma

Combination chemotherapy with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, vin-cristine, and prednisone) and HOP (Adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone) was used as treatment for patients with pathologically staged, advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Among 204 evaluable patients treated on CHOP there were 71% complete remissions with 92% overall responses. Among the 216 evaluable patients on HOP there were 61% complete remissions and 88% responses. Complete remission rates among patients with histiocytic lymphoma were comparable to those of patients with lymphocytic disease. Patients with nodular lymphoma had higher rates of complete remission than their counterparts with diffuse lymphoma. This was noted with both CHOP (78% vs. 67%) and HOP (67% vs. 60%) induction therapy. Rapid responses were common, as more than 14% of complete remissions and 66% of overall responses were achieved with the first course of treatment. Patients in complete remission have been maintained with either cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) or arabinosyl cytosine, vincristine, and prednisone (OAP). After 1 year, 86% of patients on COP and 80% on OAP are projected to be free of disease.
The Formation of Clusters with Reactive Species Precursors to Aerosol Formation in the Ammonia—Sulfur Dioxide System

Reactions between ammonia and sulfur dioxide are known to form aerosols, but no information on the precursors to particle formation are available in the literature. Herein, the first results on the formation of clusters containing both ammonia and sulfur dioxide are presented. Clusters produced by expansion through a dual nozzle into vacuum have been investigated using a molecular beam mass spectrometer technique. Interestingly, under similar expansion conditions, NH3 incorporation into SO2 clusters is more extensive than SO2 into NH3 clusters. In contrast to findings from the stoichiometry of the solid precipitate of the aerosol, the cluster distributions fail to reveal clusters of any stoichiometry as particularly abundant or stable, except for NH+ 4·NH3·SO2.
Vasopressin mRNA and neurophysin-related cell-surface antigen (NRSA) in small-cell carcinoma

Abstract Production by small-cell carcinoma (SCCL) of neurophysins (HNPs) and neurophysin-related cell-surface antigen (NRSA) was examined for two cell lines, for mouse senografts, and for a resected human tumor, using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to vasopressin-associated human neurophysin (VP-HNP) and polyclonal antibodies to vasopressin (VP). The nature of the mRNA responsible for giving rise to these neurophysin-related products was investigated by performing Northern analysis on preparations of poly A+ RNA with cDNA probes complimentary to portions of the exon A, exon B, and exon C regions of the human VP gene. SDS-electrophoresis and Western analysis revealed two prominent proteins of 42,000 and 20,000 Da in acid extracts from all SCCL sources when the monoclonal anti-HNP or one of the two polyclonal anti-HNP preparations were used. These antibodies also disclosed the presence of a minor component of 10,000 Da. A second polyclonal anti-HNP preparation reacted with one prominent protein of 30,000 Da and, for one cell line and mouse senografts, another protein of 32,000 Da. Both of two anti-VP preparations reacted with proteins of 42,000, 30,000, 25,000, and 20,000 Da in extracts from all SCCL source material. The immunoreactive proteins of 42,000, 30,000, and 20,000 Da were all components of a membrane fraction from SCCL cells and tissues. In Northern analysis, a single RNA of about 900 bases hybridized with exon A and exon B probes, but not with the cDNA probe complimentary to exon C of the VP gene. These data demonstrate that large and heterogeneous forms of neurophysin are a common feature of SCCL production, and that at least three of these proteins contain a sequence for VP and may constitute NRSA. An abnormal VP mRNA of 900 bases seems to be responsible for the generation of these proteins. This tumor VP mRNA appears to differ from the neuronal form at its 3′ end and could be the product of abnormal splicing.
On the presence of aluminum in thermally grown oxides on 6H-silicon carbide [power MOSFETs]

N-type and P-type 6H-Silicon carbide wafers, along with P-type silicon control wafers were oxidized in dry oxygen at 1275/spl deg/C for 45 min. Capacitance-voltage measurements on the SiO/sub 2/ films formed on the N-type 6H-SiC and the silicon control wafers yielded near ideal characteristics while the SiO/sub 2/ films on P-type 6H-SiC revealed high effective charge and interface state densities. Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy performed on the oxides showed significant levels of aluminum and sodium in SiO/sub 2/ on both N-type and P-type 6H-SiC but not on the silicon control wafers indicating that neither element was introduced during processing. The presence of aluminum in oxides on both types suggests that it is not solely responsible for the increased effective oxide charge and interface state densities commonly observed in oxides formed on P-type 6H-SiC.
cJ: enhancing java with safe type conditions

cJ is an extension of Java that allows supertypes, fields, and methods of a class or interface to be provided only under some static subtyping condition. For instance, a cJ generic class, C, may provide a member method m only when the type provided for parameter P is a subtype of a specific type Q.From a practical standpoint, cJ adds to generic Java classes and interfaces the ability to express case-specific code. Unlike conditional compilation techniques (e.g., the C/C++ "#ifdef" construct) cJ is statically type safe and maintains the modular type-checking properties of Java generic classes: a cJ generic class can be checked independently of the code that uses it. Just like regular Java, checking a cJ class implies that all uses are safe, under the contract for type parameters specified in the class's signature.As a specific application, cJ addresses the well-known shortcomings of the Java Collections Framework (JCF). JCF data structures often throw run-time errors when an "optional" method is called upon an object that does not support it. Within the constraints of standard Java, the authors of the JCF had to either sacrifice static type safety or suffer a combinatorial explosion of the number of types involved. cJ avoids both problems, maintaining both static safety and conciseness.
ADVANCEMENTS IN GERIATRIC ONCOLOGY: UPDATE IN PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY

Frailty is a crucial issue in geriatric medicine defining a medical syndrome predisposing to morbidity, disability and death. An international consensus was held in 2013 providing guidelines as a call to action. Incidence of stroke in the elderly has dropped by 40% over the last 20 years. This decline is greater than anticipated considering this population's risk factors for stroke. These important data shed light on the variations of risk factors for strokes and policies to settle in the next years for the surviving disabled patients. Delirium is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome which diagnosis is not easy and which prevention needs to control a great number of risk factors which is not always feasible. Moreover the treatment of anxious agitation and psychotic symptoms is limited to anxiolytic or antipsychotic drugs with a variable efficiency. A new instrument for rapid delirium screening has been validated in a population of hospitalised older people and a Japanese randomised-controlled-trial has shown a preventive effect of ramelteon, an agonist of melatonin, on delirium in hospitalised patients. In a population-based observational study in England the place and causes of death in centenarians was studied from 2001 to 2010 leading to projections for new health services necessity. Finally a Death with Dignity program at a comprehensive Cancer Center will be commented as well as the medical doctors wishes for their end of life. Disclosure of interest: None declared
Ablative therapy for atrioventricular nodal reentry arrhythmias

Abstract Recent studies in the clinical electrophysiology laboratory have advanced our understanding of the physiologic anatomy of the atrioventricular (AV) junction and have helped direct new curative techniques for the treatment of AV nodal (junctional) reentry. In most patients, it appears that the AV node or the inputs to the AV node that constitute the "slow" pathway are located caudal to the compact AV node and His bundle region near the os of the coronary sinus. In contrast, conduction over the "fast" pathway appears to be located along the anterior tricuspid annulus proximal to the traditional His bundle recording position. This physiologic heterogeneity has allowed the development of curative techniques for AV nodal reentry. The current preferred technique involves ablation of the slow pathway by delivering radiofrequency lesions in the region of the coronary sinus ostium. Although several different localization techniques have been developed, the overall success rate for the procedure includes a primary success rate that should be over 95%, a 5% to 10% late recurrence rate, and a complication rate of under 2%. Complete heart block as a complication of slow AV nodal pathway ablation is rare but can occur. The improvements in the results of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of AV nodal reentry have resulted in the increased use of this procedure clinically. It is now reasonable to offer young patients AV nodal modification as primary therapy for AV nodal reentry and to apply the technique in all age groups to drug-resistant patients.
Antitumor Activity of Liposomal Cis-Bis N-Decyl-lminodiacetato-1, 2-Diaminocyclohexane-Platinum (II) Against L1210 Leukemia and Metastases of M5076 Murine Reticulosarcoma

AbstractWe have studied the antitumor effect of liposome-entrapped cis-bis-N-decyl-iminodiacetato-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-platinum(II)(L-N-decyl-IDP)in mouse models of experimental tumor metastases. the liposomal preparation was compared with the free drug in suspension (F-N-decyl-IDP). In the intraperitoneal (ip) L1210 leukemia model, a single ip injection at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of both the free drug and the liposomal drug was equally effective (%T/C 175). However, the free drug was more effective in a triple ip injection schedule at the MTD (%T/C 500 for F-N-decyl-IDP vs. 300 for L-N-decyl-IDP), with twoofsix animals cured by the free drug. In the intravenous (iv) L1210 leukemia model, a single iv injection at the MTD was ineffective for the free drug and only marginally effective for the liposomal preparation (%T/C 112 for F-N-decly-IDP vs. 125 for L-N-decyl-IDP). In a triple iv injection at the MTD, F-N-decyl-IDP was only marginally effective (%T/C 125-128), while L-N-decyl-IDP was clearly...
Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Early-onset sepsis remains a common and serious problem for neonates, especially preterm infants. Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the most common etiologic agent, while Escherichia coli is the most common cause of mortality. Current efforts toward maternal intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis have significantly reduced the rates of GBS disease but have been associated with increased rates of Gram-negative infections, especially among very-low-birth-weight infants. The diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is based on a combination of clinical presentation; the use of nonspecific markers, including C-reactive protein and procalcitonin (where available); blood cultures; and the use of molecular methods, including PCR. Cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and cell surface antigens, including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) and CD64, are also being increasingly examined for use as nonspecific screening measures for neonatal sepsis. Viruses, in particular enteroviruses, parechoviruses, and herpes simplex virus (HSV), should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Empirical treatment should be based on local patterns of antimicrobial resistance but typically consists of the use of ampicillin and gentamicin, or ampicillin and cefotaxime if meningitis is suspected, until the etiologic agent has been identified. Current research is focused primarily on development of vaccines against GBS.
Developmentally stable sex-dependent modulation of turning asymmetry by neonatal novelty exposure.

In rats, early life stimulation can enhance learning and memory and induce parallel changes in brain asymmetry. Despite persistent interest in human brain asymmetry, relatively little is known in animal models about developmental stability of early-experience effects on asymmetry and how early-experience may affect males and females differently in asymmetry measures across developmental stages. We exposed male and female neonatal rats to a novel cage for 3 min per day during the first 3 weeks of life and measured spontaneous turning behavior at juvenility (7 weeks of age) and adulthood (7 months of age). We found that (1) the effects of such neonatal novelty exposure on turning bias are developmentally stable, and (2) neonatal novelty exposure differentially modulates turning bias in males and females. We briefly discuss implications of these findings in terms of the role of brain asymmetry in modulating cognitive and emotional development.
Time horizons of environmental versus non‐environmental costs: evidence from US tort lawsuits

One explanation for a positive correlation between environmental and financial performance at the firm level is a bias in firms' investment evaluation processes caused by systematic differences between environmental and other investment opportunities. One of these systematic differences, often hypothesized but still unverified, is that environmental costs occur farther in the future than other costs. We empirically test this hypothesis, and find statistically significant support for it. In our data set the mean time lag for environmental costs was more than ten years, compared with five years for the control set costs. Such a difference could induce managers to accept too much environmental liability if they evaluate investments using discounted cash flow methods with a discount rate based on the firm-wide cost of capital. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Did financial deregulation help consumers? Access to market-yield instruments

US financial deregulation was theoretically supposed to help consumers by making it possible for a larger number of households to earn a market (unregulated) rate of interest on their savings. Empirical evidence is presented which shows that by 1983 only one quarter of US households had gained access to market-yield instruments. Three quarters of all US households had not been able or willing to open any type of market-yield account. This analysis suggests that minimum-balance requirements were the biggest obstacle (other than poverty) preventing households from gaining access to market-yield accounts
Mixed-lineage kinase 3 phosphorylates prolyl-isomerase Pin1 to regulate its nuclear translocation and cellular function

Nuclear protein peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1-mediated prolyl isomerization is an essential and novel regulatory mechanism for protein phosphorylation. Therefore, tight regulation of Pin1 localization and catalytic activity is crucial for its normal nuclear functions. Pin1 is commonly dysregulated during oncogenesis and likely contributes to these pathologies; however, the mechanism(s) by which Pin1 catalytic activity and nuclear localization are increased is unknown. Here we demonstrate that mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), a MAP3K family member, phosphorylates Pin1 on a Ser138 site to increase its catalytic activity and nuclear translocation. This phosphorylation event drives the cell cycle and promotes cyclin D1 stability and centrosome amplification. Notably, Pin1 pSer138 is significantly up-regulated in breast tumors and is localized in the nucleus. These findings collectively suggest that the MLK3-Pin1 signaling cascade plays a critical role in regulating the cell cycle, centrosome numbers, and oncogenesis.
Counselors and women: finding each other

“We are learning that we can walk into a room filled with women and feel proud to be there.“
A frequency domain time-dependent adaptive filter for interference rejection

The authors examine a type of adaptive filter called a time-dependent adaptive filter (TDAF). A TDAF can effectively deal with the cyclostationary nature of communication signals by changing periodically. It achieves a smaller mean-square error than conventional filter for cyclostationary signals. A frequency-domain TDAF is investigated, and it is shown that it is especially effective for interference rejection applications. Simulation results are presented, showing how cochannel QPSK signals can be separated. >
Luteinizing Hormone and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Decrease Type 2 5α-Reductase and Androgen Receptor Protein Levels in Women’s Skin

The present study tested the hypothesis that LH/hCG may regulate the type 2 5α-reductase and androgen receptor protein levels in skin. The skin samples obtained from women undergoing abdominal laparotomy or abdominoplasty were incubated in the presence or absence of hCG. Western blotting was then performed to determine the response of type 2 5α-reductase and androgen receptors. The results demonstrated that treatment with hCG resulted in a significant time- and dose-dependent, although modest, decrease in 5α-reductase and androgen receptor levels compared to the controls. These effects were mimicked by LH, but not by other hormones in the glycoprotein hormone family, includingα - and β-subunits of hCG. Although the biological and clinical importance of this regulation remains to be determined, these findings reaffirm that human skin is among the nongonadal tissues that respond to LH and hCG treatment.
Reengineering Ribosome Export

Large cargoes require multiple receptors for efficient transport through the nuclear pore complex. The 60S ribosomal subunit is one of the bulkiest transport cargoes, and in yeast three different receptors, Crm1, Mex67/Mtr2, and Arx1, collaborate in its export. However, only Crm1, recruited by the adapter Nmd3, appears to be conserved for 60S export in higher eukaryotes. We asked if export of the large subunit requires specific receptors. We made protein fusions between mutant Nmd3 and various export receptors. Surprisingly, fusions of Mex67, the tRNA exportin Los1, Mtr2, Cse1, or Msn5 to Nmd3, lacking its Crm1-dependent nuclear export signal (NES), all functioned in export. Furthermore, these chimeric proteins supported 60S export even in the presence of the Crm1 inhibitor leptomycin B, indicating that export was now independent of Crm1. These results suggest that there is not a requirement for a specific export receptor for the large subunit, as recruitment of any receptor will suffice. Finally we show that the addition of an NES directly to the 60S ribosomal subunit protein Rpl3 promotes export. These results imply remarkable flexibility in the export pathway for the 60S subunit and help explain how different export receptors could have evolved in different eukaryotic lineages.
Fast Convolution with Laplacian-of-Gaussian Masks

We present a technique for computing the convolution of an image with LoG (Laplacian-of-Gaussian) masks. It is well known that a LoG of variance a can be decomposed as a Gaussian mask and a LoG of variance ?1 < ?. We take advantage of the specific spectral characteristics of these filters in our computation: the LoG is a bandpass filter; we can therefore fold the spectrum of the image (after low pass filtering) without loss of information, which is equivalent to reducing the resolution. We present a complete evaluation of the parameters involved, together with a complexity analysis that leads to the paradoxical result that the computation time decreases when ? increases. We illustrate the method on two images.
Phase correction in two integrator loop filters using new variable-phase inverting amplifier

A novel variable-phase inverting amplifier is given. The proposed inverter has an adjustable phase which depends on the unity-gain bandwidth of only one of the two o.a.s employed in the circuit. Application of the inverter for phase correction in two-integrator loop filters is discussed.
Metabolic Predictors of 5-Year Change in Weight and Waist Circumference in a Triethnic Population The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study

Insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and glucose tolerance may predict weight change. A total of 1,194 adults aged 39-69 years at baseline (46% with normal glucose tolerance according to World Health Organization criteria, 23% with impaired glucose tolerance, and 31% with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were not taking insulin) were evaluated at baseline (1992-1994) and after 5 years. Baseline insulin sensitivity (S(I)) was measured by means of a 12-sample, insulin-enhanced, frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. Insulin secretion was assessed in terms of acute insulin response and disposition index, both obtained from the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. At follow-up, 25% of subjects had lost more than 2.27 kg (>5 pounds), 38% weighed within 2.27 kg of their baseline weight, and 37% had gained more than 2.27 kg. In separate models, greater weight loss occurred among those with type 2 diabetes than among those with either impaired glucose tolerance or normal glucose tolerance (p < 0.001); baseline acute insulin response and disposition index were positively associated and baseline fasting insulin level was inversely associated with 5-year weight change (p < 0.05 for each; data were adjusted for baseline body mass index and demographic and behavior change variables). Upon simultaneous inclusion of metabolic variables within glucose tolerance status groups, none was a significant predictor of weight loss. Apart from glucose tolerance status itself, measures of insulin metabolism appear to have little effect on weight change over 5 years.
Stable, distributed, real-time scheduling of flexible manufacturing/assembly/diassembly systems

The authors consider general flexible manufacturing/assembly/disassembly systems with the following features: (i) there are several types, each with given processing time requirements at a specified sequence of machines; (ii) each part type needs to be produced at a prespecified rate; (iii) parts may incur variable transportation delays when moving from one machine to another; (iv) set-up times are required whenever a machine changes from a production run of parts of one type to a run of another type; (v) some part types may also need assembly or disassembly; and (vi) a proportion of parts of a part type may require separate routing on exiting from a machine, for reasons including, but not limited to, poor quality. The authors exhibit a class of scheduling policies implementable in real time in a distributed way at the various machines, which ensure that the cumulative production of each part type trails the desired production by no more than a specific constant. The buffers of all the machines are guaranteed to be bounded, and the system can thus operate with finite buffer capacities. >
Conformational changes in the P site and mRNA entry channel evoked by AUG recognition in yeast translation preinitiation complexes

The translation preinitiation complex (PIC) is thought to assume an open conformation when scanning the mRNA leader, with AUG recognition evoking a closed conformation and more stable P site interaction of Met-tRNAi; however, physical evidence is lacking that AUG recognition constrains interaction of mRNA with the 40S binding cleft. We compared patterns of hydroxyl radical cleavage of rRNA by Fe(II)-BABE tethered to unique sites in eIF1A in yeast PICs reconstituted with mRNA harboring an AUG or near-cognate (AUC) start codon. rRNA residues in the P site display reduced cleavage in AUG versus AUC PICs; and enhanced cleavage in the AUC complexes was diminished by mutations of scanning enhancer elements of eIF1A that increase near-cognate recognition in vivo. This suggests that accessibility of these rRNA residues is reduced by accommodation of Met-tRNAi in the P site (PIN state) and by their interactions with the anticodon stem of Met-tRNAi. Our cleavage data also provide evidence that AUG recognition evokes dissociation of eIF1 from its 40S binding site, ejection of the eIF1A-CTT from the P-site and rearrangement to a closed conformation of the entry channel with reduced mobility of mRNA.
International Non-Governmental Organizations and Non-Profit Organizations

This Year-in-Review focuses on providing updates to certain issues covered by earlier years’ reports, including: developments in Ethiopia, new tax legislation in India, developments with regard to the definition of public benefit in England & Wales, the changes made in the Societies Law in Jordan, changes in China regarding possible new regulations on social organizations, changes in the “NGO” Law in Russia, etc. New developments with regard to Armenia, Cambodia, Canada, Ireland, Lao PDR, and Zambia, where a very restrictive law was enacted, are also reported. There is an analysis of recent case law affecting NGOs and NPOs, including an important freedom of religion case from the European Court of Human Rights, a French case holding Scientology to be a fraud, and a European Court of Justice case regarding the deductibility of cross-border donations to charity. Further matters are discussed in a section dealing with “miscellaneous issues.”
New Concepts in Atrial Fibrillation: Neural Mechanisms and Calcium Dynamics

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex arrhythmia with multiple possible mechanisms. It requires a trigger for initiation and a favorable substrate for maintenance. Pulmonary vein myocardial sleeves have the potential to generate spontaneous activity, and this arrhythmogenic activity is surfaced by modulation of intracellular calcium dynamics. Direct autonomic nerve recordings in canine models show that simultaneous sympathovagal discharges are the most common triggers of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and paroxysmal AF. Autonomic modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy has been targeted clinically and experimentally, but its effectiveness as an adjunctive therapeutic modality to catheter ablation of AF has been inconsistent. Further studies are warranted before application can be widely implied for therapies of clinical AF.
MRI measurement of the temporal evolution of relative CMRO2 during rat forepaw stimulation

This study reports the first measurement of the relative cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen utilization (rCMRO(2)) during functional brain activation with sufficient temporal resolution to address the dynamics of blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) MRI signal. During rat forepaw stimulation, rCMRO(2) was determined in somatosensory cortex at 3-sec intervals, using a model of BOLD signal and measurements of the change in BOLD transverse relaxation rate, the resting state BOLD transverse relaxation rate, relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV). Average percentage changes from 10 to 30 sec after onset of forepaw stimulation for rCBF, rCBV, rCMRO(2), and BOLD relaxation rate were 62 +/- 16, 17 +/- 2, 19 +/- 17, and -26 +/- 12, respectively. A poststimulus undershoot in BOLD signal was quantitatively attributed to the temporal mismatch between changes in blood flow and volume, and not to the role of oxygen metabolism. Magn Reson Med 42:944-951, 1999.
Numerical simulation of circular cylinders in free-fall

Abstract In this work, we combined the use of (i) overset meshes, (ii) a 6 degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) motion solver, and (iii) an eddy-resolving flow simulation approach to resolve the drag and secondary movement of large-sized cylinders settling in a quiescent fluid at moderate terminal Reynolds numbers ( 1500 Re 28 , 000 ) . These three strategies were implemented in a series of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions to describe the fluid-structure interactions and the resulting effects on the cylinder motion. Using the drag coefficient, oscillation period, and maximum angular displacement as baselines, the findings show good agreement between the present CFD results and corresponding data of published laboratory experiments. We discussed the computational expense incurred in using the present modeling approach. We also conducted a preceding simulation of flow past a fixed cylinder at Re=3900, which tested the influence of the turbulence approach (time-averaging vs. eddy-resolving) and the meshing strategy (continuous vs. overset) on the numerical results. The outputs indicated a strong effect of the former and an insignificant influence of the latter. The long-term motivation for the present study is the need to understand the motion of an autonomous sensor of cylindrical shape used to measure responses to the hydraulic conditions occurring in operating hydropower turbines.
Would You Impugn My Justice? A Nuanced Approach to the Hebrew Bible’s Theology of Divine Recompense

Recent scholarship has tended to see the book of Job as sweeping away an earlier, mechanistic theology of divine recompense. This essay argues that the widespread biblical notion that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked is more complex than generally recognized and that recovering its nuances not only helps one better understand the theological outlook of books like Deuteronomy, Proverbs, and Psalms, but also helps one better grasp the debates within Job. The essay is framed by some reflections on why our contemporary culture regularly misreads the Bible’s language of divine retribution in spite of the fact that many contemporary readers affirm analogous ideas of reward and punishment.
Effect of Training on Qualitative Mammographic Density Assessment.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of visual mammographic breast density assessment and determine if training can improve this assessment, to compare the accuracy of qualitative density assessment before and after training with a quantitative assessment tool, and to evaluate agreement between qualitative and quantitative density assessment methods. Methods Consecutive screening mammograms performed over a 4-month period were visually assessed by two study breast radiologists (the leads), who selected 200 cases equally distributed among the four BI-RADS density categories. These 200 cases were shown to 20 other breast radiologists (the readers) before and after viewing a training module on visual density assessment. Agreement between reader assessment and lead radiologist assessment was calculated for both reading sessions. Quantitative volumetric density of the 200 mammograms, determined using a commercially available tool, was compared with both sets of reader assessment and with lead radiologist assessment. Results Compared with lead radiologist assessment, reader accuracy of breast density assessment increased from 65% before training to 72% after training (odds ratio, 1.41; P P P P = .26). Substantial agreement between qualitative and quantitative breast density assessment was demonstrated (κ = 0.78). Conclusions Training may improve the accuracy of mammographic breast density assessment. Substantial agreement between qualitative and quantitative breast density assessment exists.