cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RNA Polymerase in Mumps Virion

Mumps virions of the Enders' strain were examined for polymerase activity in vitro. An RNA-dependent RNA polymerase was found to be associated with the virion. The general properties of the reaction appear to be similar to those described for other paramyxoviruses.
The effect of hypocalcemia in early childhood on autism-related social and communication skills in patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome

22q11 deletion syndrome (22qDS), also known as DiGeorge syndrome, is a copy number variant disorder that has a diverse clinical presentation including hypocalcaemia, learning disabilities, and psychiatric disorders. Many patients with 22q11DS present with signs that overlap with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet the possible physiological mechanisms that link 22q11DS with ASD are unknown. We hypothesized that early childhood hypocalcemia influences the neurobehavioral phenotype of 22q11DS. Drawing on a longitudinal cohort of 22q11DS patients, we abstracted albumin-adjusted serum calcium levels from 151 participants ranging in age from newborn to 19.5 years (mean 2.5 years). We then examined a subset of 20 infants and toddlers from this group for the association between the lowest calcium level on record and scores on the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist (CSBS-DP ITC). The mean (SD) age at calcium testing was 6.2 (8.5) months, whereas the mean (SD) age at the CSBS-DP ITC assessment was 14.7 (3.8) months. Lower calcium was associated with significantly greater impairment in the CSBS-DP ITC Social (p < 0.05), Speech (p < 0.01), and Symbolic domains (p < 0.05), in regression models adjusted for sex, age at blood draw, and age at the psychological assessment. Nevertheless, these findings are limited by the small sample size of children with combined data on calcium and CSBS-DP ITC, and hence will require replication in a larger cohort with longitudinal assessments. Considering the role of calcium regulation in neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity, low calcium during early brain development could be a risk factor for adverse neurobehavioral outcomes.
International Intellectual Property Rights in a Web of Social Relations

Intellectual property—copyrights, patents, trademarks, and related forms of intangible property—are playing an increasingly important role in international relations, especially in the context of technological innovations that facilitate the dissemination and exchange of innovative and creative works. The contributors to this special issue, while addressing various aspects of the international relations of intellectual property, share a theme: the creation and protection of intellectual property involves a complex web of social relations, one in which the participants have duties as well as rights, privileges and liabilities as well as powers. After surveying the historical development of intellectual property, this introductory essay explores areas of consensus and areas of disagreement about these social norms and the international actors (states, firms and individuals, and society) to which they apply.
One Thing Leads to Another: GBS Complicated by PRES and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Background To describe a patient with Guillane–Barre ´ syndrome (GBS), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and in doing so, to postulate a new mechanism for hypotension in the setting of dysautonomia in GBS. Methods Case report. Results We report an 82-year-old woman who presented with bilateral lower extremity weakness and back pain following an upper respiratory viral illness. Within 4 days she became markedly hypertensive and developed status epilepticus. Brain MRI revealed patchy bilateral occipital lesions with T2 signal hyperintensity consistent with PRES. Her clinical exam, CSF, and electrophysiologic findings were consistent with GBS. She became relatively hypotensive and transthoracic echocardiogram showed severe apical akinesis. The patient clinically improved, and echocardiogram and MRI abnormalities resolved within 2 weeks. Conclusions The autonomic effects of GBS may cause a variety of reversible clinical syndromes associated with sympathetic dysfunction including PRES and takotsubo cardiomyopathy; both of which are self-limited. Relative hypotension in GBS may be caused in part by neurogenic stunned myocardium.
Chemical synthesis and characterization of chemokine RANTES and its analogues.

RANTES, a polypeptide of 68 amino acid residues, is a member of the C-C chemokine subfamily including other monocyte chemoattractants such as MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, MCP-1, MCP-2 and MCP-3. To provide a chemically defined RANTES in quantity suitable for structure-function studies, RANTES and its analogues were synthesized, using a modified solid-phase chemistry approach. The fully protected RANTES and RANTES(3-68) were assembled by automated solid-phase methodology using Fmoc chemistry. Deprotection and cleavage of the resin bound peptides yielded crude peptides, which were then folded and further purified by reverse-phase HPLC. The chemically synthesized RANTES with its identity and purity established, was found to be immunochemically and functionally indistinguishable from the recombinant human RANTES. RANTES and its analog, RANTES(3-68), have recently been used as the substrate in the study of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26)-mediated processing of RANTES and its effect on receptor specificity.
Municipal sludge metal contamination of old‐field ecosystems: Do liming and tilling affect remediation?

Mechanisms of ecosystem recovery following 11 years of sewage sludge disposal were addressed by examining the effects of tilling and/or liming on soil chemistry and the heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) concentrations in soil, earthworms, vegetation, spiders, and crickets. In 1989 and 1990, subplots in each of three former 0.1-ha, long-term treatments (sludge, fertilizer, and control) were either unmanipulated or manipulated via tilling and/or liming. Liming significantly increased the pH of soil from the long-term sludge and fertilizer plots, and the combination of tilling and liming affected the heavy metal concentrations in earthworms, as lower concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were found in earthworms collected from subplots that had been both tilled and limed. However, most observed significant differences in heavy metal concentrations reflected the long-term treatments, as heavy metal concentrations tended to be greater in the soil and biota collected from sludge-treated plots. Thus, heavy metals remained in the soil in forms available to the biota, regardless of the cessation of sludge application or subplot manipulations (liming and/or tilling) for two years following cessation of sludge application.
Medicalization, Medical Necessity, and Feminist Medicine

New and proposed medical technologies continually challenge our vision of what constitutes appropriate medical treatment. As scholars and consumers grapple with the meaning of innovation, one common critical theme to surface is that it constitutes undesirable medicalization. But we are embodied creatures who can often benefit from medical knowledge; in addition, rejection of medicalization may be in some cases based on an untenable appeal to nature. Harnessing the power of medicine for women's welfare requires us to rethink the goals of medicine as well as implement fundamental reforms.
New highways and land use change: Results from a quasi-experimental research design

Understanding links from new highway construction or capacity expansion to regional growth patterns is crucial for transportation planners and policy makers. In this paper, we incorporate a lagged adjustment regional growth model into a quasi-experimental research design to examine the association between new highway investments and land use change in three California counties. Our study areas provide a mix of urban, small town, and exurban highway projects in order to explore the different effects across project types and geographic contexts. The central finding of this research is that while improvements in surface transportation infrastructure can have large impacts on growth patterns, the nature of the effect depends on the context of the highway investment.
Intermediate-sized deuterium effect on T1 → S0 intersystem crossing in acetaldehyde

Reciprocal lifetimes, extrapolated to zero pressure, and rate constants for self-quenching have been measured for flash-excited T/sub 1/-state acetaldehyde and its deuterated analogues. Both reciprocal lifetimes and rate constants decrease with increasing deuteration and the ranges of values for these two are 3400-29,000 s/sup -1/ and 0.52 x 10/sup 7/-1.8 x 10/sup 7/ M/sup -1/ s/sup -1/. Reductions in reciprocal lifetimes and rate constants are very specific with respect to which hydrogens are deuterated, and the largest deuterium effect is found for the aldehyde hydrogen. The deuterium effect for acetaldehyde is intermediate in value between those for formaldehyde and larger ketones and aldehydes. Experimental evidence is presented in support of the activity of the out-of-plane deformation mode, nu/sub 14/, as the dominant accepting mode for T/sub 1/ ..-->.. S/sub 0/ intersystem crossing.
Apoptosis and expression of the bcl-2 proto-oncogene in the fetal and adult human kidney: Evidence for the contribution of bcl-2 expression to renal carcinogenesis

bcl-2 was identified as a transcript associated with the t(14;18) and imparts resistance to apoptotic cell death. bcl-2 is normally expressed in many tissues and exhibits remarkable structural and functional conservation. Using immunohistochemical and in situ DNA labeling techniques we examined the localization of bcl-2 in the developing human kidney. bcl-2 expression was rapidly upregulated in the induced metanephrogenic mesenchymal cells that differentiate into renal vesicles and nephrons. bcl-2 expression was undetectable in uninduced mesenchyme and in the renal ampullae and associated collecting system. The distribution of apoptotic cells within the developing kidney was inversely correlated with expression of bcl-2. The localization of bcl-2 protein in the adult human kidney also was examined. bcl-2 was expressed at high levels in all renal neoplasms examined providing a potential basis for the deregulation of apoptosis in the development and progression of these tumors.
An Evaluation Of Common Didactic Teaching Methods In The Development Of Clinical Reasoning Skills Of Dietetic Students

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To evaluate six common didactic teaching methods for effectiveness in teaching clinical reasoning skills of dietetic students for preparation of the clinical rotation of the supervised practice A primary purpose of didactic education is to prepare students for supervised practice. Clinical reasoning is an essential component of dietetic practice, and interns must utilize this skill in their supervised practice. Consequently, the teaching practices which effectively promote clinical reasoning should be determined. This research was conducted in two stages. The first state identified common teaching methods experienced in food & nutrition classes. A sample of convenience from AP4 alumni was used which reflected undergraduate didactic education at 16 different universities. The most frequently selected teaching methods were used to develop a survey to evaluate effectiveness in developing clinical reasoning skills for the clinical rotation (stage two): lecture, case study, reading assignment, class discussion, report/research paper. & clinical experience. This survey was mailed to one hundred randomly selected RD-eligible graduates from ADA's Membership Label Rental Service. Sixty-five usable responses were received. The survey asked participants to select the effectiveness of each teaching method from a Likert-type scale. "Highly Effective" to "Not Effective", with a coded weight of 5 assigned to "Highly Effective" down to I for "Not Effective". for 14 clinical reasoning skills that comprise the 4 elements of the nutrition care plan (assessment, planning, implementation, & evaluation). The differences between effectiveness ratings for the teaching methods were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA, repeated measures design. Significant differences between the effectiveness ratings of the teaching methods were found for all skills, except one. The effectiveness rating of clinical experience was the highest for all skills. For most skills, report/research paper rated lower than other methods. When the effectiveness of report research paper was not the lowest, reading assignment received the lowest rating. The ranking of effectiveness ratings to teaching methods in teaching clinical reasoning was: clinical experience, case study, class discussion, lecture, reading assignment, & report/research paper.
Explaining Differences in Public Sector Efficiency: Evidence from Russia’s Regions

Summary Using the case of Russia’s regions, this paper extends the literature on public sector efficiency in three directions: an attempt to better understand differences in public sector efficiency through the study of subnational governments in one country; the first examination of public sector efficiency of subnational governments in emerging markets; and the first study of public sector efficiency in Russia. Three types of scores of public sector performance and efficiency indicate substantial differences across regions. An econometric examination suggests that they are largely explained by per capita income, the share of federal transfers in subnational government revenue, quality of governance and democratic control, and the level of spending.
Isomerization of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene over aluminum and chromium orthophosphates

The skeletal isomerization of 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene over AlPO4 (Al/P=1), CrPO4 (Cr/P=1), and CrPO4−AlPO4 (CrAlP, 5–10 wt.% AlPO4) catalysts is a first order reaction. Catalytic performance is affected by the precipitation agent. CrPO4 catalysts obtained in propylene oxide-aqueous ammonia showed the highest activity. Moreover, the incorporation of AlPO4 to CrPO4 developed CrAlP catalysts that exhibited increased activity, irrespective of the precipitation method, as compared with both AlPO4 and CrPO4 catalysts. Besides, CrAlP catalysts prepared in propylene oxide-aqueous ammonia were the more active ones.
An enhanced model-based checkpointing protocol for preventing useless checkpoints

Checkpointing and rollback recovery are widely used techniques to handle failures in distributed computing systems. If there is no coordination among processes during checkpointing, processes may take useless checkpoints. Useless checkpoints are checkpoints that cannot be part of any consistent global checkpoint. In this paper, we propose a Communication-Induced checkpointing algorithm that prevents useless checkpoints by directing processes to take forced checkpoints more efficiently whenever a communication pattern that may lead to a Z-Cycle (ZC) is observed. Existence of ZC among checkpoints is known to be necessary and sufficient for making a checkpoint useless. The basic idea behind our algorithm can be extended to existing model-based checkpointing algorithms to reduce the number of forced checkpoints. We also compare the performance of our algorithm with an existing well-known algorithm.
Sharing data and experience: using the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) "moral community" to improve research ethics consultation.

We face significant challenges in the translation of basic biomedical research into meaningful improvements in patients' health, moving research from “bench to bedside.” The federal government's ne...
Predicting discrete outcomes with the maximum score estimator: the case of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament

Abstract Seedings as a predictor of winning in the men’s NCAA basketball tournament have recently been examined by Boulier and Stekler [Int. J. Forecast. 15 (1999) 83]. BS estimate a probit model to establish a relationship between seedings and the probability of winning. This study discusses the merits of a maximum score estimator for the prediction of discrete outcomes. Unlike the probit model, the maximum score estimator maximizes the number of correct predictions. The maximum score estimator is applied to updated data on the men’s NCAA basketball tournament. The score estimator has better in-sample performance than the probit model used by BS. When out-of-sample predictions are examined using a series of rolling or recursive regressions, the maximum score estimator performs slightly better than the probit/maximum likelihood models. These results illustrate the potential advantages of using the maximum score estimator when predicting discrete outcomes.
Evidence that 4S RNA is axonally transported in normal and regenerating rat sciatic nerves.

Abstract Studies in regenerating goldfish optic nerves indicate that RNA may be axonally transported during optic nerve regeneration 14, 18, 19 . The present study was performed to determine if the axonal migration of RNA could be demonstrated during regeneration of the rat sciatic nerve. Rats, which had only the left sciatic nerve crushed 10 days earlier, were injected bilaterally with [ 3 H]uridine into the spinal cord at segmental levels L 5 and L 6 , thus labeling ventral horn cells giving rise to the sciatic nerve. Six, 14 and 20 days later rats were sacrificed by cardiac perfusion of saline followed by 10% formaldehyde. Formaldehyde-precipitable radioactivity, identified as [ 3 H]RNA, was 4–5 times greater in the regenerating sciatic nerve compared to the normal nerve and moved without impediment beyond the point of the crush into the regenerating portion of the nerve. The axonal migration of free unincorporated labeled RNA precursors was also demonstrated, raising the possibility that the distribution of [ 3 H]RNA along the sciatic nerve might be entirely extra-axonal; i.e., free [ 3 H]uridine is taken up by Schwann cells from the axon where it is incorporated into [ 3 H]RNA. This interpretation of the data would also result in the appearance of a proximodistal distribution of RNA associated radioactivity. To determine whether any sciatic nerve [ 3 H]RNA was due to axonal transport, rats which had only the left sciatic nerve crushed 10 days earlier were injected bilaterally with [ 3 H]uridine into the spinal cord. Fourteen days after injection, rats were sacrificed and radioactivity present in the nerve was confirmed as RNA by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Radioactivity in the various RNA species 14 days after intraspinal injection showed the following distribution: 28 + 18S RNA — normal39.3%±2.1; regenerating45.4%±1.6; 4S RNA — normal43.0%±1.3; regenerating46.8%±2.7. Similar characterization of sciatic nerve RNA 1 or 3 days following the intravenous administration of [ 3 H]uridine gave the following distribution: 28 + 18S RNA — normal72.4%±3.0; regenerating75.0%±3.6; 4S RNA — normal7.7%±1.3; regenerating10.7%±0.8. The intraspinal injection of [ 3 H]uridine would label Schwann cell RNA and, in addition, any species of intra-axonal RNA, while intravenous injections would label Schwann cell RNA and not axonal RNA. If 4S RNA is in the axon, one would predict relatively more labeled 4S RNA following intraspinal injections than following intravenous injections. The data demonstrate an enrichment of 4S RNA in both normal and regenerating rat sciatic nerve following the intraspinal but not following the intravenous injection of labeled precursor. Therefore, we suggest that 4S RNA migrates axonally in both normal and regenerating sciatic nerves of rats.
Fabrication of back-gated SWNT field-effect transistor by laser chemical vapor deposition

Recent prominent progresses in synthesizing and manipulating single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) stimulated extensive interests in developing SWNT-based devices for nanoelectronics and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is one of the most widely accepted technique for growing SWNTs by heating the whole chamber and substrate to required reaction temperatures. In this study, we demonstrated a process for position-controllable synthesis of SWNT-FET by bridging the SWNT across pre-defined electrodes using the laser chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) technique. The SWNT-FET was back-gate modulated, showing p-type semiconducting characteristics. The process is very fast and can be conducted using both far-infrared CO 2 laser (10.6 mm) and near-infrared Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm). We have also demonstrated localized synthesis of SWNTs by a focused laser beam. Due to the unique advantages of LCVD process, such as fast and local heating, as well as its potential to select chiralities during the growing process, it may provide new features and versatilities in the device fabrication.
Learning Not to Drink: Adolescents and Abstinence.

Adolescents surveyed 100 nondrinking peers directly in their communities utilizing a 13-item, structured, behavior analysis questionnaire designed to assess the influence of models, self-control, and reinforcement on learning not to drink. Results suggest that parents and other adults who did not drink had a strong influence on these youth. Several effective modes of self-control were discovered and these 100 teenagers revealed assertiveness skills in saying “no” to peer pressures to drink. In addition, self-reinforcement (being proud) seemed to play a role. Results are compared to those in two previous studies of adolescents who were drinkers. The possible utilization of nondrinking, non-drug taking adolescents as “teachers” in drug education and prevention programs is discussed.
Cutting a Polytope

We investigate whether it is the case that for every convex d-polytope P and pair of distinct vertices x and g of P, there exists a hyperplane passing through x and y which cuts P into two smaller d-polytopes, one of which has fewer facets than P. Such a result would lead to inductive proofs of Conjectures 1 and 2 below. However, for d > 4, our answer is in the negative.
On Asterisk Inflation

in recent years, many political science articles have changed the traditional and correct method for flagging statistically significant coefficients in tables. They now add extra asterisks at each significance level. This article describes the shift and why it should be reversed. All scientific communities depend on the common use of symbols in published research. Research results from diverse locations, theoretical schools, and time periods must share a common language in order for knowledge cumulation to occur. In the social sciences, statistical-significance testing has played such a prominent role in theory development that the rigorous report ing of statistical results has become a core value in maintaining the integrity of the research process. Over decades, in social science journals, a convention devel oped to flag significant coefficients in large statistical tables, usually of regression results, for the reader's convenience in inter preting those results. The convention uses asterisks after the results, with more asterisks showing higher significance levels, and a foot note at the end of the table explaining them. Although the Amer ican Psychological Association (APA) now recommends another method (see below), political scientists and other social science dis ciplines still rely on the asterisks as the standard. For example, in the October 2008 issue of the American Journal of Political Science (AJPS), all 15 articles reported statistical results in tables and 12 of these used asterisks after coefficients to indicate significance.
High-pressure structural studies of dysprosium using angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction

We present structural results under pressure for elemental dysprosium (Dy) up to $87\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$ using in situ angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction measurements with synchrotron x rays and a diamond-anvil cell. Dy exhibits the structural transition sequence, $\mathrm{hP}2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{hR}9\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{hP}4\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\text{distorted}$ cF4, from Rietveld full-profile refinements. Clear evidence is documented for the high-pressure distorted cF4 phase observed above $45\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$ to be an orthorhombic oS8 $(Cmmm)$ structure for Dy in the lanthanide phase diagram.
Heat transfer and flow in a shallow rectangular cavity with subsonic turbulent air flow

Abstract Pressure coefficients, heat-transfer coefficients, and recovery factors have been measured on the surface of shallow cavities of rectangular form, with length to depth ratios of 2 to 5, for air flow over the cavity at speeds from 160 to 590 ft/s. The flow over the surfaces of the cavity is indicated to be two dimensional over a fraction of the cavity surface and, for this region, partial rationalization of the heat-transfer coefficient is achieved from the indication of temperature and mean speed profiles obtained at various points downstream of separation. The importance of the free shear layer across the top of the cavity is emphasized and a number of its features are shown to correspond to those of the free jet boundary.
Children's eyewitness memory: effects of participation and forensic context.

Abstract We examined effects of participation and forensic context on 4-year-old children's testimony. Children in “participant” and “police” conditions actively participated in games with a “babysitter”; each child in the “observer” condition watched a videotape of a child and the babysitter playing. Eleven days later, children were individually questioned about the event. Before the interview began, children in the police condition talked to a police officer who said the babysitter might have done something bad. Comparison of participant- and observer-condition performance indicated that participation increased free-recall accuracy concerning actions that took place and lowered suggestibility. Comparison of participant- and police-condition performance indicated that forensic context led to increased error in free recall and additional comments to misleading questions. However, forensic context also resulted in higher accuracy on an age-identification task and did not affect children's accuracy in answering abuse-related questions.
Self-transform operators

The concept of self-Fourier functions, functions that equal their Fourier transform, is considered using differential operators. The goal is to analyse these functions and determine their properties without evaluating any Fourier, or any other type, transform integrals. Certain known results are generalized and the theory is extended to include integral and fractional-differential operators. Moreover, it is shown that the problem of defining these functions, in its original formulation, is equivalent to this method and in doing so, the concept of a Fourier eigenoperator is introduced. We also describe a procedure for applying this approach to general cyclic transforms.
On the Consecutive-k-of-n:F System

The linear (circular) k-of-n:F system has n linearly (circularly) ordered components. Each component either functions or fails. The system fails i.f.f.k consecutive components fail. This paper provides, in the i.i.d. case, recursive formulas and bounds for computing system reliability. It considers properties of system life distributions and, in the non i.i.d. case, questions of optimal system design.
Global warming as a detectable thermodynamic marker of Earth-like extrasolar civilizations: the case for a telescope like Colossus.

Earth-like civilizations generate heat from the energy that they utilize. The thermal radiation from this heat can be a thermodynamic marker for civilizations. Here we model such planetary radiation on Earth-like planets and propose a strategy for detecting such an alien unintentional thermodynamic electromagnetic biomarker. We show that astronomical infrared (IR) civilization biomarkers may be detected within an interestingly large cosmic volume using a 70 m-class or larger telescope. In particular, the Colossus telescope with achievable coronagraphic and adaptive optics performance may reveal Earth-like civilizations from visible and IR photometry timeseries’ taken during an exoplanetary orbit period. The detection of an alien heat signature will have far-ranging implications, but even a null result, given 70 m aperture sensitivity, could also have broad social implications.
Glomerular distribution of type IV collagen in diabetes by high resolution quantitative immunochemistry

We examined type IV collagen distribution and density in human diabetic kidneys by quantitative immunogold electron microscopy. We studied normal kidney transplant donors and "slow-track" and "fast-track" insulin dependent diabetic (IDDM) patients. The "slow-track" patients had IDDM for > or = 20 years and mesangial volume fraction (VvMes/glom) of or = 0.37. Renal biopsies were embedded in Lowicryl, reacted with polyclonal anti-type IV collagen (in the distribution of the classical alpha 1(IV) and alpha 2(IV) collagen chains) and monoclonal anti-alpha 4(IV) collagen chain antibody followed by gold conjugated secondary antibody. We found, by morphometric techniques, a decrease in the immunogold densities of anti-type IV collagen in the subendothelial zone of the GBM in the "fast-track" IDDM patients. There was a trend towards a decrease in mesangial matrix (MM) particle density in the "fast-track" (P = 0.07) but not in the "slow-track" patients. However, because of the marked increase in MM in the "fast-track" patients, the per glomerulus estimated quantity of these antigens in MM was increased. In contrast, the density of alpha 4(IV) collagen chain was increased in the epithelial zone of the GBM in the "fast-track" IDDM patients. It is not known whether these changes in glomerular type IV collagen represent markers of advanced diabetic lesions or whether these changes might be detected earlier in diabetic patients destined for the later development of serious lesions.
PHOELIX: a package for semi-automated helical reconstruction

We describe a set of procedures and algorithms which have been developed to provide an efficient and reliable method for reconstructing a three-dimensional density map from specimens with helical symmetry. These procedures build on the original MRC helical processing suite, with extensions principally developed using the SUPRIM image processing package. Actomyosin is used as a model specimen to demonstrate the utility of this repackaged and expanded set of routines. The time required to complete a three-dimensional map has been reduced from several weeks using traditional manual techniques to a few days. The increased signal/noise provided has allowed for the extraction of additional layer lines not previously identified by manual techniques.
Effects of methadone on activity and on brain monoamines in two strains of mice.

Abstract Two strains of mice (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) were used to determine the effects of single and multiple injections of methadone on open field activity and on brain monoamines. For the DBA strain, the initial injection of methadone produced an attenuation of locomotor activity. After 7 daily injections, activity increased to that of controls. For the C57 strain, the initial injection produced a slight increase in activity which become more pronounced after further daily injections. Norepinephrine concentration was elevated in brains of DBA mice chronically exposed to methadone. This effect was not observed in C57 mice nor in either strain injected only once with the drug. Serotonin concentration was not altered in animals of either strain whether or chronically exposed to methadone. The results of this study suggest: 1) that activity change following methadone injections is dependent upon genetic factors and previous experience with the drug; 2) that the tolerance develops to the drug produced decreases but not increases in activity; and 3) that chronic exposure to the drug can elevate noropinephrine concentration in brains of DBA mice.
Borders and the Utility of Violence: State Effects on the `Superexploitation' of West Bank Palestinians

■ The geopolitical border is a uniquely modern form of social and economic control. When marked and functional, one usually finds military or police personnel who stop, search, turn back, detain and sometimes beat or kill people trying to cross. This article describes how border enforcement on the Green Line, between the West Bank and Israel proper, contributes to the under-development of the West Bank and the intensified exploitation of Palestinians. Particular examples are provided from the construction industry and the textile industry. However, this article argues that the border is not simply a tactic to squeeze workers. Violence is rarely deployed in such a straightforward, utilitarian fashion, but is, instead, usually mediated by complicated patterns of fear. Like the US-Mexico border described by Heyman, the Israeli-Palestinian border is shaped by popular fears of criminal and racial invasion.
Influence of Stems, Petioles and Leaves on the Phenolic Content of Concord and Aurora Blanc Juice and Wine

Stems, petioles and leaves have historically caused operational problems at the processing plant and may alter juice and wine quality. Concord and Aurora Blanc grape samples, taken from the mechanical harvesters, were analyzed for total weight of material other than grape (MOG) and percent MOG. Hand-picked samples, with and without added stems, leaves, and petioles, were compared for phenolic content. Chemical analysis included total and phenolic fractions. Stems, petioles and leaves (i.e. MOG) have a definite affect on the chemical constituents. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of wine and juice increased as MOG content in the harvested grapes increased.
Mineralization in Organic Matrix Frameworks

The primordial earth surface exposed minerals comprised mainly of carbonates, silicates and smaller amounts of phosphates. Weathering eventually led to the dissolution of the surface rock and the leaching of their components into the rivers, lakes and oceans. There, complex chemistry depending upon the temperature, pH, pressure, and atmospheric carbon dioxide content led to the reprecipitation of the dissolved minerals into new forms as part of the sedimentary rock. The minerals themselves could be transformed by passive diagenesis to further structures. When primitive organisms emerged, they added a very significant component to the processing of the dissolved mineral constituents in the marine environment, where both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms have the ability to produce mineralized skeletal elements and mineralized fecal pellets that also accumulate in the marine sediments. The increasing diversity of plant and animal life has continually accelerated the dynamic relationship between the composition of the earths crust and the living world. The resulting minerals of biogenic origin comprise a surprisingly large portion of the earths crust, and represent a huge reservoir of sequestered carbonate, silicate and phosphate ions. The majority of the carbonates appear as calcite or aragonite, produced principally by plankton, invertebrates and so on, while the phosphates, as carbonated hydroxyapatite, are the products of vertebrates as well as the weathering of igneous rock. This chapter is focused on the mechanisms of formation of the vertebrate mineralized structures; bone, tooth enamel, tooth dentin and otoliths. Although other Chapters deal explicitly with the invertebrate and bacterial systems, we need to consider if there are any general considerations that apply to all biogenic mineralization systems. We shall begin from that perspective and inquire as to the way by which living organisms can organize their mineral phases into such complex and specific structures. The term “Biomineralization” implies that a mineral …
Effect of Rabbit Adenocarcinoma Material on Brown-Pearce Rabbit Epithelioma

SummaryPreliminary treatment with a material derived from a uterine adenocarcinoma of the rabbit failed to render rabbits more susceptible to the subsequent transplantation of the Brown-Pearce tumor, and likewise failed to enhance its growth and spread. These results are in contrast to the marked enhancement in the incidence, growth and spread which constantly ensues when rabbits are treated with a material from the Brown-Pearce tumor 2 weeks before transplantation of that tumor.
A Clinical Trial of Probiotic Administration for Prevention of Salmonella Shedding in the Postoperative Period in Horses With Colic

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic administration on the prevalence of fecal shedding of Salmonella, the prevalence of postoperative diarrhea, the length of antimicrobial therapy, and the length of the hospitalization stay during the postoperative period in horses with colic. Two commercially available probiotics for horses were used in a double-blind prospective study of 200 horses undergoing surgery for colic. Probiotic or placebo was administered PO once a day for 7 days postoperatively, and fecal cultures for Salmonella were obtained daily for 10 days. After selection of 186 patients completing the treatment protocol, the results indicated that the commercial probiotic formulations had no effect on Salmonella shedding, prevalence of diarrhea, length of antimicrobial therapy, or length of hospitalization (P > .05). Twenty percent of the horses yielded 1 or more positive fecal cultures for Salmonella; of these horses, 74% were classified as asymptomatic shedders. Twenty-six percent of all horses had fluid diarrhea postoperatively, with only 12% of these horses having positive fecal cultures for Salmonella. The most common isolate was Salmonella krefeld (24 of 39 isolates). Among the different gastrointestinal disorders, horses with feed and sand impactions appeared to be more prone to shed Salmonella.
Application of reinforcement learning-based algorithms in CO 2 allowance and electricity markets

Climate change is one of the most important challenges faced by the world this century. In the U.S., the electric power industry is the largest emitter of CO 2 , contributing to the climate crisis. Federal emissions control bills in the form of cap-and-trade programs are currently idling in the U.S. Congress. In the mean time, ten states in the northeastern U.S. have adopted a regional cap-and-trade program to reduce CO 2 levels and also to increase investments in cleaner technologies. Many of the states in which the cap-and-trade programs are active operate under a restructured market paradigm, where generators compete to supply power. This research presents a bi-level game-theoretic model to capture competition between generators in cap-and-trade markets and restructured electricity markets. The solution to the game-theoretic model is obtained using a reinforcement learning based algorithm.
Caloric Densities of Selected Fish Prey Organisms in the Lower Mississippi River

ABSTRACT Estimates of caloric density and associated variation were generated for several common species of fish prey in the lower Mississippi River. Estimates were derived for eight common fishes including gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), threadfin shad (D. petenense), blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), brook silverside (Labidesthes sicculus), freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens), white bass (Morone chrysops), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and for two decapod species, the giant river prawn (Macrobrachium ohioni) and a Procambarus crayfish species. Generated values for gizzard shad and bluegill were comparable to literature values; values for the other fishes and the two decapods have not been reported previously. Seasonal trends in caloric density were evident for blue catfish and gizzard shad. Though caloric content peaked at different times of the year for each species, values were consistently most variable during spring for both species.
Loneliness and Depression or Depression-Related Factors Among Child Welfare-Involved Adolescent Females

While there are well-documented connections between loneliness and depression, it is unclear whether loneliness leads to depression, whether depression leads to loneliness, or whether the relationship is bidirectional. This study therefore sought to disentangle the relationship: (1) between loneliness and depression, and (2) between loneliness and factors that are potentially related to depression, including school disengagement (e.g., depression-related lack of motivation or energy for schoolwork) and low future expectations (e.g., depression-related lack of hope or optimism). Child welfare-involved adolescents were studied, for in relation to other adolescents, they can have higher rates of both loneliness and depression, and females were studied because they can be lonelier and more depressed than males. Utilizing the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II (N = 5,872 in Wave II: 2009–2011), adjusted logistic regression was used to predict depression in Wave II from loneliness in Wave I (18 months earlier), and then to predict loneliness in Wave II from depression in Wave I. Next, the same bidirectional analysis was repeated for loneliness and school disengagement, and for loneliness and low future expectations. Findings suggest that there are statistically significant and fairly substantial bidirectional relationships between loneliness and depression, between loneliness and school disengagement, and between loneliness and low future expectations. Interventions for child welfare-involved adolescent females are needed that screen for and treat depression (or depression-related factors of school disengagement or low future expectations) in order to help prevent loneliness, and that screen for and treat loneliness in order to prevent depression or depression-related factors.
Sodium transport by isolated bullfrog small intestine. Effect of prostaglandin E1.

Abstract Addition of 446 μM prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) to the serosal medium of isolated short-circuited bullfrog small intestine elicited small increases in transmural potential difference and short-circuit current while addition of PGE 1 to the mucosal medium caused no change in the electrical parameters. Addition of 100 μM indomethacin to the mucosal medium inhibited both potential difference and short-circuit current with a resultant increase in steady-state tissue resistance. In the presence of mucosal 100 μM indomethacin, serosal 60 μM PGE 1 markedly stimulated transmural potential difference and short-circuit current with a resultant decrease in steady-state tissue resistance. Serosal arachidonic acid (330μM) stimulated transmural potential difference and short-circuit current and this effect was abolished by the addition of 100 μM indomethacin to the mucosal medium. Serosal 60 μM PGE 1 only stimulated the M (mucosa) → S (serosa) unidirectional flux of sodium. These results strongly suggest that the PGE 1 action is mediated either via a series of metabolic reactions which possibly increase the permeability of the mucosal membrane to sodium or via direct stimulation of rheogenic sodium pump activity.
Effects of time and 8-azaguanine on the development of morphine tolerance☆

Abstract In mice 8-azaguanine was effective in antagonizing the development of tolerance to repeated injections or to a single injection of morphine. An increase in the protein content of the brain microsomal-soluble fraction of morphine tolerant animals and this antagonism to tolerance by 8-azaguanine, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, suggest that the induction of protein synthesis may be related to the development of morphine tolerance. The possible involvement of RNA in the mechanism of tolerance is also discussed. The importance of time to the development and antagonism of tolerance is demonstrated.
Beauty and the beasts: Significance of press coverage of the 1913 national suffrage parade

When five thousand suffragists marched down Pennsylvania Avenue on 3 March 1913, a drunken mob broke up their parade. This article discusses the cultural significance of widespread indignation disc...
STATISTICAL MODEL FOR SLURRY PHASE METHANOL SYNTHESIS PROCESS IN AN ENTRAINED REACTOR

ABSTRACT The process feasibility analysis on the liquid phase methanol synthesis (LPMeOH) process was performed in an entrained slurry reactor system. In this three phase mini-pilot plant system, finely powdered catalyst is slurried in the inert oil phase and this catalyst-oil slurry is continuously recirculated through the entrained reactor, where it is contacted with the cocurrent flow of syngas to form the product methanol The effect of various operating conditions which included the reactor temperature, the reactor pressure, the flow rate of catalyst-oil slurry, the flow rate of syngas, the slurry holdup tank pressure, the syngas composition, and the catalyst loadings in slurry, on the productivity of methanol in the reactor was studied. Using the operating conditions, a statistical reaction rate model not based on the kinetic mechanism, was developed to predict the productivity of methanol in an entrained reactor. The rate of production of methanol predicted by this model agreed well with the experim...
Water Vapor Sorption in Cementitious Materials-Measurement, Modeling and Interpretation

The rate and extent of uptake and release of moisture are critical in controlling the behavior of cementitious materials ranging from fluid transport to hygral deformations. While classically determined using an equilibrium (static) salt solution method (Baroghel-Bouny in Cem Concr Res 37:414–437, 2007), advanced capabilities offered by gravimetric dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analyzers, are now permitting acquisition of sorption spectra at microgram ( $$\upmu \hbox {g}$$ ) resolution on the order of a few weeks. This work highlights new multicycle determinations of adsorption/desorption isotherms, acquired using a custom-built DVS analyzer for well-hydrated alite and ordinary portland cement pastes over a range of water-to-solid ratios ( $$w/s$$ , mass basis). Special focus is paid to describe measurement aspects relevant to acquiring reliable spectra, and their interpretation. Sorption isotherms are used to assess transport properties, and sorption hysteresis and its irreversibility following first drying. Based on an optimization-based criterion, the Young-Nelson model is selected to simulate sorption evolutions, including the effects of hysteresis. Sensitivity analyses carried out using this model are used to understand the role of parameters, including porosity and $$w/s$$ , on the hysteresis that develops from the first to subsequent sorption cycles.
Geographic location of antiretroviral clinical trials in HIV infected pediatric patients

Background Some medicines regulatory authorities are encouraging research in pediatrics. However, children are a vulnerable population, and previous studies have suggested that research is increasingly being conducted outside of developed countries. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the location of trials in the pediatric population with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Setting Not applicable. Methods Clinical trials registered in the largest international clinical trials registry (clinicaltrials.gov) evaluating antiretrovirals in pediatric HIV infected patients were included. Data were collected on the location, funding, study purpose, design, initiation date, age of subjects, and medication classes tested. Main outcome measures We assessed frequencies of characteristics of pediatric HIV trials registered in the clinicaltrials.gov database. Results Overall, 288 studies were included in the analysis. Most trials were conducted in ages 12–17 years (83 %), followed by studies in those <6 years (25 %) and 6–11 years (21 %). The location of most trials included at least one site in developed countries (83 %). The number of trials completed exclusively in developing countries increased from 1989 to 2011. Conclusions The majority of pediatric antiretroviral trials registered in clinicaltrials.gov were conducted in adolescent subjects in developed countries. The number of pediatric HIV studies in developing countries increased while studies conducted in developed countries decreased similar to trends of HIV.